January 19, 2019. Opening of the Boot Düsseldorf, a German boat show that in a few years has become THE reference in the industry. As proof, its 220?000 m2 of exhibitions, its 16 halls, its 2000 exhibitors or its 1?500 sailboats and motor boats. For 10 days - from 19 to 27 January - the Boot celebrates boating and its enthusiasts.
As has been the case every year since 2004, the opening night of the German boat show is the opening night of the European Yacht of The Year. The five winning yachts - one per category - are revealed to the entire boating industry at a major gala event.
Family Cruiser: Oceanis 46.1
Read the full article -Ris1: 220m2 Oceanis Technical Data Sheet 46.1
In the family yacht category, the Bénéteau Oceanis 46.1 won the trophy. Designed on the same lines as 51.1, the jury appreciated:" the balance and evolution of the previous model. The hull and rigging were balanced and convincing. Under the deck there are up to 5 cabins with 10 berths. The boat is largely customizable, with a modern and attractive design."
Performance Cruiser : Arcona 435
In the performance yacht category, the Arcona 435 was elected:" In a way, it is a typically Scandinavian design of a high-performance cruise ship: rigid, solid, with a comfortable and well-equipped interior, which gives it a cosy look. However, there are modern lines with a relatively wide open cockpit. It impresses with its sensations and bar reactivity."
Luxury Cruiser: Sunbeam 46.1
The Sunbeam 46.1 won the jury's approval in the luxury cruiser category. "It's the flagship of the Austrian shipyard. Its versatility in coastal or offshore cruising has caught our attention as well as its careful design and construction. It contains all the equipment expected in this category of sailboat: bathing platform, large cockpit with table, a roll bar integrating a roof top up to the rigid windshield."
Multihulls: Astrea 42
Read the full article -Ris1: 220m2 Technical data sheet of the Astrea 42
Fountaine Pajot's Astrea 42 won the Multihull category. "This boat is the latest from the rochelais shipyard. Front cockpit, electric davits, reclining seats on the roof, external cargo compartment, the Astrea 42 is in line with the current trend in terms of quality design and comfort."
Special Yachts: Lite XP
In this category, the Lite XP has stood out from its competitors, particularly thanks to its sandwich construction, which gives it a weight of 150 kg. It revisits with modernity the concept of the rowing sail by going so far as to propose an asymmetrical spinnaker and also has a small cabin. It is suitable for inland and coastal navigation. He also distinguished himself on the 2018 Race to Alaska, proving his performance.
