The Boot Dusseldorf is Europe's largest boat show, and its opening night brings together the major shipyards of the international boat industry each year for the famous "Flagship Night" to present the European Yacht of the Year and European Powerboat of the Year awards. In the sailing category, France swept the trophies with four out of five awards ( How are the European Motorboats of the Year 2018 elected? )
It was the editors and journalists of nine European motorboat magazines who had selected the 25 nominees at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2017. And it was the same jury that chose the 5 European powerboats of the year. More than 200 models arrive on the market each year, and are divided through size criteria (-25 feet/25-35 feet/35 - 45 feet/over 45 feet/displacement). The selection criteria are manufacturing and performance, but also layout, quality/price ratio and overall concept.
Boats up to 25 feet
In this category of small "entry-level" models, the Bella 620 Cabin wins the title. Here is the explanation of the jury: "Bella 620 Cabin has a new design in which the emphasis is on practicality. It has everything you would expect from a boat of this size. The deck design is well thought out, with maximum safety when moving around on board."
Boats from 25 to 35 feet
The 35-foot boats must combine practicality, careful construction and safe handling in all seas. The Apreamare Gozzo 33 receives the Powerboat of the Year award in its category for " classic lines combined with modern features. Despite a very low roof, Apreamare has managed to create a comfortable living space for up to four people. The Gozzo 33 moves quickly and safely at a maximum speed of 31 knots."
Boats from 35 to 45 feet
Foutaine Pajot and its MY44 win the 2018 European Powerboat of the Year in the 35 to 45 foot boat category. "With this model, the French shipyard has succeeded in creating a fast motor catamaran specifically designed for powerboat enthusiasts. In addition to a large living space - it can accommodate up to 8 cabins - the MY44 has a great range, is easy to drive and can reach a maximum speed of 25 knots."
Vessels over 45 feet
The jury chose the Azimut S7, which brings carbon construction into mass production. "The new structure makes the S7 considerably lighter than its competitors and allows the boat's center of gravity to be lower. This results in lower fuel consumption while maintaining high performance. The innovative "Auto Balance Systeme" ensures optimal weight distribution while sailing, which increases safety performance."
Moving
In the category of displacement boats (trawlers without size limits), the prize goes to the Linssen Grand Sturdy 40.0 Sedan. All jury members were unanimous: "A modern interior combined with the qualities of steel construction are its main features. Ultimately, it is the combination of all these practical details that distinguishes the so-called "Dot Zero Series" from its predecessors. With a range of 500 miles, safe and reliable performance and excellent finish, the GS 40.0 is the quintessential comfortable powerboat."
