The European Yacht of the Year 2020 award recognizes the yachts that have made their mark in 2019 in various categories: performance, cruising, catamarans or luxuryeuros The winners are announced on the opening night of the German Boot boat show in Düsseldorf, in this case on January 18, 2020.
In the Performance category, there are 4 yachts that must meet this characteristic: to sail fast. But speed is not the only characteristic of these models. The behavior pushed to their maximum, the cockpit ergonomics, the sensitivity and response of the steering and the adaptability of the sail plan to the conditions are the other criteria of notation. And since these are also cruising boats, comfort on board is also important.
First Yacht 53
The First Yacht 53 is the new model inherited from the sporty First range, once a reference in high-performance cruising yachts. Finally withdrawn from the market, the acquisition of Seascape by Bénéteau has allowed the relaunch of the range with entry-level models. This 53-foot model was designed by Italian designers Lorenzo Argento and Roberto Biscontini who imagined a luxurious, sporty and modern boat. With a standard carbon rig and a large sail plan, it presents many assets.
With a spacious layout that will be appreciated both at anchor and in port, the First Yacht seems to meet all the criteria expected by the jury.
Italia 11.98
The manufacturer Italia Yachts has specialized in building luxurious performance yachts. But now, the brand has launched a second, sportier range. After two ORC World Championship titles for the 9.98, the builder has launched the 11.98 with an even more striking design.
Available in both racing and cruising versions, it can also be fitted with ballast tanks for short-handed sailing. While the interior of its predecessor seemed rather spartan, the interior of this larger model has been slightly expanded.
RM 1180
RM Yachts has been constantly working on the performance of its boats in recent years. Originally designed as ocean cruisers, this new model follows this trend. Signed Marc Lombard, this new model benefits from a new construction method. Until now, the models were built with a plywood hull and a polyester deck, but the RM 1180 has epoxy infusion sandwich edges.
X 4.0
X-Yachts is regularly nominated for European Yacht of the Year. This summer, the Danish shipyard celebrated its 40th anniversary and presented a new 40-footer at its Gold Cup. This model belongs to the "Pure-X" range, a cross between the Xc (for cruising) and Xp (for performance) models.
With a large hull volume, the X 4.0 offers all the space a family needs to spend a weekend on board or longer cruises. The boat is available in 2 or 3 cabin versions and can accommodate between 4 and 6 people. During sea trials, the boat proved to be a true "X" with two steering wheels offering a very precise steering feel.
See the X-Yacht 4.0
