Each year, the European Yacht of the Year awards the best yachts - divided into five categories - launched between January and December. The five winners are announced on the opening night of the Düsseldorf boat show, in this case on January 18, 2020.
This is the first time in the history of the European Yachts of the Year that the category of racing/cruising yachts has been introduced. While in previous years they were presented in the "Performance Cruiser" or "Special Yacht" categories, this year they are nominated separately. The reason? The number of newcomers in this market and their potential proved too great to be left out.
Another criterion that caught the jury's attention was that their size is rather modest compared to the other categories, as they are designed for short-handed sailing, a developing trend.
Performance and ergonomics play an even more important role in this category. Onboard comfort is irrelevant, or optional.
Dehler 30 OD (10.30 m)
The famous German brand, owned by Hanse Yachts, is known for its high-performance sailing boats. But it also has some experience with racing sailboats. The 30 OD is in line with the Sprinta Sport, db1 and db 2, but with a different approach. Oriented towards ocean racing, it can be considered as the most "French" boat built outside of France, a sort of small Class40.
It could be used in short-handed races such as the Northern European Silver rudder Challenge or the Vegvisir Race, where no rating is applied. But Dehler hopes to establish a one-design class - hence the suffix "od" in the model's name.
This Judel/Vrolijk design is quite light, with hull lines designed not only for downwind sailing, but also for upwind sailing.
The Dehler 30 has an innovative interior design that doesn't look as spartan as usual in this class of boat, while keeping a low center of gravity.
Read the test of the Dehler 30 OD
J/99 (9.94 m)
Before it was even unveiled, J-Boats' new fast offshore sailboat was selling by the dozen. And from the moment it was launched, the J/99 was a success, not only from a commercial point of view, but also by solid results on the circuit. Available in single or double ribs, with an asymmetric or symmetric spinnaker, the J/99 adapts itself to the desires of its owner.
Although it may seem rather modest compared to newer, flashier models and weighs more than some of its direct competitors, it is nevertheless at the top of the rankings, especially in terms of price compared to J-Boats.
JPK 1030 (10.34 m)
JPK, although one of the smallest European shipyards has been a pioneer in many ways. Their extremely successful IRC racing yachts have outperformed many classifications. And the new JPK 10.30 in the hands of its founder, Jean-Pierre Kelberts, has just added a victory in the Rolex Fastnet to the yard's long list of wins.
JPK's influence on the market has been equally impressive, thanks in part to a well-optimized IRC rating. The fact that the European Yacht of The Year has dedicated a category to these racing/cruising yachts has helped this success.
The 10.30 fits the French term "polyvalent" and can be used solo, double or crewed, but also allows fast cruising.
Learn more about the Sun Fast 3300
Sun Fast 3300 (9.99 m)
Eleven years ago, Jeanneau won the European Yacht of the Year award with the Sun Fast 3200, a short-handed sailing yacht destined to evolve. It is now done with the Sun Fast 3300 which Daniel Andrieu and Guillaume Verdier collaborated on for the hull design.
Below the waterline, the Sun Fast 3300 has two concave sections designed to minimize drag. The hull has unusual sections, with a double concavity at the bow and stern, a thick bow, a recessed centerline, sloping walls and a straight keel as well as an ergonomic cockpit are the characteristics of this very modern racing boat. Optional ballast tanks (2x200 L) make it easier to sail with a small crew.
Daniel Andrieu deciphers the Sun Fast 3300
ClubSwan 36 (11 m)
This top of the line sports yacht has been updated by Nautor, but has nothing to envy to its previous version. The Juan Kouyoumdjian design is as light as it looks powerful with an incredible displacement to weight ratio. The ClubSwan 36 was designed to sail with 6 crew members. Rather wide (3.60 m for 11 m length), well ballasted (1,400 kg at 2.75 m under the surface for a total displacement of 2,500 kg), this one-design has nothing of an unmanageable steed from 15 knots of wind. With its two rudders, it will even be easy to control.
A movable C-foil sits in a box so that it comes out completely on one edge or half on both edges. And because the foil is curved, you can play with its angle to the surface of the water.
