The shortlist for the European Yacht of the Year awards 2016 has been announced. Here is an introduction to each of the 25 yachts nominated, before we set about testing them this autumn
LUXURY CRUISERS
This is a contemporary, go-anywhere aluminium cruiser from Sweden. Seilas editor Axel NIssen-Lie, our Norwegian European Yacht of the Year jury member comments that she is fast and comfortable to sail. Her modern hull has double rudders, a lifting T-keel and water ballast. And he particularly appreciated the protected cockpit while sailing in the cold and wet.
This is first long range cruiser from the 40-year old Cantiere Del Pardo shipyard. Her clean, stylish lines by Marco Lostuzzi are matched by her interior design by Nauta Yachts. She has a cockpit arch for the mainsheet traveller and a bimini. The matt oak interior and floor panels are clean and elegant. The owner’s cabin is forward, with a twin cabin aft, which features clever sliding bunks that can pull together to form a double.
See a video walkthrough from her Dusseldorf launch HERE. Price ex VAT €349,000.
This latest launch is another good example of why this brand continues to turn heads.
Designed by Olympic medalist and Swedish sailing legend Pelle Petersen, (who at 82 claims this will be his last design), the Maxi 1200 is the latest and unquestionably the prettiest boat that Maxi Yachts has produced to date. But this boat is about much more than good looks. Just as with her previous sisterships it is her subtle and practical layout above and below decks that makes her stand out. €178,000 ex VAT.
SEE OUR FULL TEST REPORT OF THE MAXI 1200 HERE
This new baby of the Oyster range is based on the proven Oyster 46, but with a lengthened hull to give a larger aft deck. Matt Sheahan’s report on her will feature in the October issue of YW. He says that she is a “great cruising boat for two,” and that her “longer hull improves her performance and handling, while she has been updated below decks.” The Rob Humphrey’s designed 475 is a good couples/family long distance cruiser, with generous deck space and stowage. She has a three-cabin layout with aft master cabin with ensuite that can double as a dayheads.
SEE OUR FULL TEST OF THE OYSTER 475 AND 545 HERE
If you are looking for a cruiser that will perform and is a cut above the standard mass production yachts, consider the Austrian built Sunbeams. This new 40.1 is a particularly smart looking yacht, arguably the best yet from the family run yard. It is intelligently designed by Slovenians J&J, especially on deck, where I personally appreciate features like the chunky bulwarks, deep cockpit, beam-wide aft locker, swim platform and decks that are easy to walk around. Below is more traditional, in a teak interior that’s smart rather than fancy. €269,000 ex VAT.
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