2018 European Boat Awards

Last January, the recreational boating world cast a salty eye on Germany's boot Düsseldorf, Europe's largest boat show that heralds the start of the Northern Hemisphere boating season. As well as claiming the title as the world's biggest watersports trade fair, boot Düsseldorf also stages the lauded European Yacht/Powerboat of the Year Awards, long a reliable compass to the latest trends and styles of boats that shape future designs and some of which will make their way to Australia's shores.

Importantly, the nine-day boat show celebrated its fiftieth year, reporting a new record of almost 2000 exhibitors from 73 countries and displays covering 220,000m² of stand space. Show management said this year's attendance was 250,000, up 3000 from 2018, with visitors from more than 100 countries: confirmation, they said, of the position boot Düsseldorf holds internationally. 

“I have experienced numerous events here in Düsseldorf, but this boot was unique,” said Werner Matthias Dornscheidt, CEO of the boat show's organising company Messe Düsseldorf. “

A tremendous atmosphere in the halls, people in holiday mood on the stands and highly satisfied exhibitors.” 

As mentioned, the announcement of the Euro boat awards at boot Düsseldorf are highly regarded, and Trade-a-Boat presents the following detailed summary of the winners and judges' observations.

THE POWERBOATS:

1. WINNER: Displacement Powerboat 

Steeler NG 65 S Long Range

The Netherlands' Steeler Yachts took out this category with its 19.5m NG 65 S Long Range single-level motoryacht, the judges noting a high standard of seaworthiness and safety on board, without sacrificing luxury and comfort on and below decks. Flaunting modern lines and a linear design, the NG 65 S deck saloon version presented for the award, is said to have the dimensions for variants with a double deck or flybridge.

Low fuel consumption

Steeler's S-Design, named after the eye-catching bow shape, was developed to meet the requirements for low fuel consumption (said to be up to 40 per cent less than other boats  of this size), with minimal water spray but maintaining maximum interior volume. The steel-built NG 65 S has two engines of 305hp each for a cruising speed of 8kts and a WOT of 13kts. Steeler also offers an aluminium construction option for higher speeds from the same engine output.

Safety on deck

On deck, the new Steeler offers freedom of movement and a comfortable relaxation area. The wide side decks and tall hull sides provide safe access from foredeck to cockpit, the latter equipped with two spacious seating layouts, each with table and partly sheltered. From the cockpit, steps lead to a large swim platform with access to a spacious tender garage. The saloon has large windows and a curved windscreen, as well as room for larger groups to socialise.

Kitchen in the centre

A staircase next to the helm leads below an amidships portside galley and L-shaped dinette opposite, the domestic-size U-shaped galley boasting plentiful storage and bench tops. From the galley-dinette area is access to three cabins for'ard and to the owner's suite aft.

Luxurious cabins

The owner's stateroom has a double bed and a large wardrobe, plus a strikingly spacious en suite with large washbasin and a luxurious shower cubicle. The guest cabins are accessed from a hallway and comprise a two double-bunk cabin in the bow, double cabin on port and the no less voluminous single-berth cabin opposite, providing accommodation for seven guests. These cabins share a large bathroom with separate shower. As with all Steeler models, the customer is involved in the planning of the boat with the shipyard, and has the final say in the layout and design.

SPECS:

LENGTH (HULL) 19.5m

BEAM 5.95m

DRAFT 1.5m

WEIGHT 52,000kg

ENGINES 2 × 305hp

2. WINNER: Up to 45 Feet

Cranchi T 36 Crossover

The Cranchi XT 36 Crossover was designed for touring lakes and rivers, as well as  extended cruises at sea and coastal exploring, appealing to sport-oriented owners with twin 300hp inboard engines. The judges also noted the XT 36 as being an ideal family craft for those chasing on-water relaxation and comfort.

Spacious lounge area

On deck, the 11.7m Cranchi XT 36 offers a sunbathing area in the bow and a generously proportioned swim platform aft that's easily accessed via the cockpit with an L-shaped lounge arranged around a table. The cockpit is on the same level as the saloon, with a large, sliding glass door accessing the spacious lounge area, which includes a fully equipped kitchen and U-shaped seating arrangement.

Two layouts below deck

Below deck the shipyard offers two layouts for the XT 36, a two-cabin version for four people or a three-cabin model for six. Both layouts have an owner's cabin in the bow offering a double bed and plenty of stowage, and a double cabin with two single berths. In the three-cabin design, the omission of one of the two bathrooms creates space for a double cabin with bunk bed.

SPECS:

LENGTH (LOA) 11.7m

BEAM 3.53m 

DRAFT 1m

WEIGHT 8500kg

MAX HP 2 × 300

3. WINNER: Up to 35-foot 

Nimbus Weekender 9 OB

The new Weekender 9 from the Swedish shipyard Nimbus is a 9m open top runabout with  accommodation for up to four people for day trips, overnight stays and socialising.

World premiere in Düsseldorf

The groundbreaking Nimbus W9 had its world premiere in Düsseldorf, and is built on a chined hull design with increased efficiency, promising improved performance and handling. The W9 features side decks design, a twin-berth in the front cabin, an L-shaped sofa in the cockpit which converts to a sunbed or double berth. 

The W9 is a good choice

Additional features include a wetbar with a 65lt fridge in the cockpit, separate head, large foredeck sunbed and optional bimini or canopy top. The Weekend 9 can be powered by either an outboard up to 350hp or a Volvo Penta inboard engine between 220 and 350hp.

SPECS:

LENGTH (HULL) 9.35m

BEAM 2.95m

FUEL 260lt

WEIGHT 2800kg

MAX HP 350

4. WINNER: Up to 25 feet

Nordkapp Noblesse 660

In the small class up to 25 feet, the Nordkapp Noblesse 660 came out on top. The Noblesse 660 represents a new concept in the day cruiser segment, offering many well-thought-out features, a protected cockpit and excellent handling characteristics. The 6.5m Nordkapp also scored points for its innovative design.

SPECS:

LENGTH (LOA) 6.5m

BEAM 2.5m

FUEL 195lt

WEIGHT 1200kg (sans engine)

REC. HP 200

5. WINNER: Over 45 feet

D46 Open

The flagship D46 Open by Spain's De Antonio Yachts, according to the judges, combines high-performance and sportiness with a distinctive and unique style. The 13.9m D46 Open has a distinctive, edgy design, with a maximum outboard power rating of 1600hp. Outboards? You may ask. They're hiding under the rear sun loungers.

High-performance potential

By concealing the outboards, De Antonio Yachts has achieved a high-performance potential with relatively low noise levels and low maintenance requirements for the D46 Open. A total of six engine configurations are available, each with 300, 350 or 400hp Mercury Verado outboards in three- or four-engine configurations. 

Relaxation on deck

On deck, the D46 Open provides plenty of space. From the large sunlounge on the foredeck, side decks lead to a sizeable cockpit with a starboardside helm settee opposite a forward-facing chaise lounge. Behind, a centre aisle to swim platform divides opposing L- and U-shaped lounges, each with a table, ahead of the transom sunpads. An integrated Fusion sound system, wetbar with grill and refrigerator, deck shower and an optional bimini add to on-water entertainment. 

Versatile below

The D46 Open has three layout options, and common to all are two bathrooms with shower stalls. All three plans have the owner's cabin aft, with double bed, en suite bathroom and plenty of stowage. In the midships is a choice between a spacious saloon with U-shaped lounge area and galley, or an additional double cabin with kitchenete sans saloon. Both floorplans include a double-bed cabin in the forepeak, while the third option deletes this room extending amidships saloon to the bow with V-shaped seating that converts to a double berth with infills.

SPECS:

LENGTH (HULL) 13.9m

BEAM 4.4m 

DRAFT 0.7m

WEIGHT 10,000kg

ENGINES 4 × 400

THE YACHTS:

1. WINNER: Family-Cruiser 

Oceanis 46.1

An elegant and safe family cruiser, the judges' described Beneteau's Oceanis 46.1 as offering a balanced blend of style, large volume and good sailing performance. Equipped with a wide and voluminous hull, the new 46.1 has stable sailing characteristics and provides a comfortable and generous ambience below deck. The technical equipment is state-of-the-art and guarantees easy navigation, while the refined fittings below deck can be individually customised for extra comfort. The Oceanis 46.1 will be available in two three-cabin versions, as well as four- and a five-cabin variants for charterers.

Designed for safety

The renowned Finot-Conq design office was in charge of the design of the Oceanis 46.1, adopting the hull lines of the O51.1 and inheriting its sailing characteristics and wide cockpit. On deck, the O46.1 is designed for safety and ease of use. The mast furling system, self-tacking jib, and halyards and sheets, are all guided to individual winches accessible from each of the two steering positions, enabling shorthanded sailing. The cockpit can accommodate up to eight people and sun loungers are located on the sundeck each side of the companionway.

SPECS:

LENGTH (HULL) 14.6m

BEAM 4.5m

FUEL 1.75m / 2.65m

WEIGHT 10,597kg

MAX HP 57hp

2. WINNER: Luxuary Cruiser (Yachts)

Sunbeam 46.1

The 14.75m Sunbeam 46.1 blue-water cruiser is the new flagship of the Sunbeam Yachts shipyard. Designed as a luxurious long-distance cruiser, the 46.1 is also capable of being  sailed shorthanded. The 46.1 adopts the design cues of the 40.1, both penned by the J&J Design engineering office of the Slovenian brothers Japec and Jernej Jakopin. The jury noted the classic stern, laminated foot rail, positive sheer and a vertical stern-post giving a classic look.

Good sailing performance

Contemporary features include double steering system, fold-out swim platform and a spacious aft cockpit with large table. New for a Sunbeam is the mainsail targa arch with integrated sprayhood and fixed windscreen over which the mainsheet is guided and to which a cockpit tent can be attached. The narrow stern and carefully designed hull section offer high efficiency in all weather conditions and good sailing performance.

Singlehanded sailability

The slim waterline of the Sunbeam 46.1 additionally increases performance in light winds and the high ballast content of the L-keel (35 per cent) provides extreme stability and a high righting moment. All sails can be operated from the cockpit, the mainsheet guided via two mounting brackets on the targa arch below deck via stainless steel tubes on both sides into the cockpit. The mainsheet winches and jammers are mounted on both sides of the cockpit and are easy operate for singlehanded sailing.

SPECS:

LENGTH (LOA) 14.75m 

BEAM 4.45m

DRAFT 2.2m

WEIGHT 13,000kg 

ENGINE 75hp

3. WINNER: Performance-Cruiser

Arcona 435

With the new Arcona 435, Sweden's Arcona Yachts has built on the success of the Arcona 430, which won the European Yacht of the Year title in 2009. The Arcona 435 is a fast and easy-to-sail cruiser/racer that came out on top after being put through her paces by the EYOY judges. According to the builder, it was a tough battle between the three nominated boats in the category, and one of the hardest to select according to the jury. 

Performance and comfort

The yacht's designer Stefan Oviberg was asked to design a yacht that would appeal to owners who don't want to compromise on sailing performance and comfort. The new Arcona 435 was the result, featuring an efficient sail design and low weight with high stability equating to good performance without sacrificing comfort below deck.

Arcona Yachts founder Torgny Jansson said: “We are thrilled to win this award as the Arcona 435 was Stefan Qviberg’s last design before he sadly passed away last year, it is a fantastic legacy of his great work ... a well-deserved accolade and fitting tribute.”

4. WINNER: MULTIHULL (YACHTS)

Astréa 42

The Astréa 42 preserves the classic identity of Fountaine Pajot's sailing catamarans, incorporating all the innovations that have contributed to the Saona 47 becoming an international success. The judges noted the sailcat's inverted bow, the new trademark of the series, gives the Astréa 42 an elegant and dynamic look and allows an incomparable interior for a boat of this size.

Open kitchen

The covered cockpit and saloon are on one level, the lounge area equipped with panoramic windows and a large, comfortable seating area facing the bow with a separate navigation area. The U-shaped kitchen with four-burner gas stove, double sink, oven and refrigerator can be opened to the dining area in the cockpit via a sliding window on the counter.

Space for relaxation

In addition to the dining area, the cockpit offers additional space for relaxation and an outside grill. Two stairs at the stern of the hulls lead to the large swim platform inbetween, which can be lowered. Two steps lead to the open steering position with double seat on starboard side, from where a ladder leads to a sunbed on the cockpit roof. On the foredeck there is another U-shaped sunbed which converts into a seating area with folding tbackrests.

Two layouts below deck

Below deck, the Astréa 42 features plenty of natural light courtesy of several flush-mounted skylights in the deck and two layout options. The Maestro version offers a spacious master cabin in the starboard hull, with a large double bed in the stern area and a bathroom with separate shower and toilet in the front part. In this version, there are two more double cabins with large double beds and en suite port hull bathrooms. The Quator version offers four double cabins, each with its own bathroom. 

SPECS:

LENGTH (LOA) 12.58m 

BEAM 7.2m

DRAFT 1.25m

WEIGHT 11,500kg 

ENGINE  2 × 30hp

5. WINNER: Special Yachts

Lite XP

The 6m long, 1.8m wide and 180kg Lite XP is from France's smallboat builder Liteboat and offers a small slip cabin for 2 persons to sleep on the boat. The fittings and the freestanding carbon mast are simple but well thought-out and functional design. As an option, the Lite XP can be equipped with a carbon rudder and a canopy, allowing it to be used for smaller expeditions in coastal waters, rivers or lakes.

SPECS:

LENGTH (LOA) 6m 

BEAM 1.8m 

DRAFT  0.15m / 1.2m

WEIGHT 180kg.