The European Yacht of the Year trophy is one of the most important, influential and widely distributed in the world. Every year, it rewards the best yachts in the European nautical industry. This "Sailing Oscar" was first awarded in 2004, at the initiative of the German magazine Yacht, and is now a benchmark in the world of sailing.
Choose the nominees of the year 2019
To select the 19 sailboats nominated in the five categories, an international jury of nautical journalists met four times during 2018 to test the entire selected fleet at sea for several consecutive days. Since the launch of this prestigious award, 40?000 miles have been covered to test and test the new boats.
The first five months of the year are reserved for the selection of the most promising boats. All the data necessary for the comparison are then collected: technical data, sail plan, plans, etc. In June, the choice is finalized and the site tests planned. Often before or after the major Autumn boat shows (all the nominees are present), in northern or southern Europe.
The winners - one per category - are announced on the evening of the opening of the Boot Düsseldorf, the world's largest boat show, which brings together nearly 2?000 exhibitors and 1?800 boats. All the actors of the nautical industry are present at this ceremony and the evening also gives rise to the revelation of the European Powerboat Awards.
The categories:
- Family Cruiser 5 sailboats for the family cruise
- Performance Cruiser 3 cruising yachts for performance
- Luxury Cruiser 3 luxury sailing boats
- multihulls in a dedicated marina, including 10 motor yachts 3 multihulls for cruising or regattas
- Special Yachts : Splendid daysailers, for a day under sail
