The winners of the prestigious European Yacht of the Year and European Powerboat of the Year have been revealed, highlighting the best new boats on the market. Dubbed the “Oscars of the boating world,” these awards recognise top-performing yachts and powerboats after rigorous testing by leading European marine journalists.
With fewer new models hitting the market this year, the competition was intense. But for Kiwi boaties eyeing the latest innovations in sailing and powerboating, these award-winning vessels are worth a closer look.
Top sailing yachts of 2025
After extensive sea trials in Germany’s Kiel Fjord and Mallorca, the best sailing yachts of 2025 have been named:
Family Cruiser: Hanse 360
The Hanse 360 is a versatile sailing yacht designed for comfort, performance, and ease of handling. Its “Easy Sailing” concept features self-tacking jibs and an intuitive deck layout for effortless manoeuvring, even solo. A spacious, modern interior offers flexible layout options, including an optional second bathroom. Customisation options include a cockpit BBQ, fridge, and varied sail configurations. With a sleek, streamlined hull, integrated bowsprit, and sustainability-focused features like electric propulsion, the Hanse 360 is a top choice for both seasoned sailors and newcomers looking for innovation and performance.
Performance Cruiser: J/40
The J/40 refines J/Boats’ proven design with enhanced stability, volume, and performance. Offering 10% more stability than the J/133 while being lighter, it delivers fast, responsive sailing, even in light winds. The expanded saloon, improved galley, and larger aft cabin bunks enhance comfort, while the sleek, low-freeboard design ensures timeless appeal. Sailing performance is exceptional, with speeds near wind speed in light airs and up to 7.4 knots at a 26° apparent wind angle. A hydraulic backstay and German mainsheet system make depowering and trimming effortless.
Luxury Cruiser: Contest 63 CS
A premium bluewater yacht offering luxury and offshore reliability, the Contest 63CS blends semi-custom luxury with high-performance sailing. Designed by Judel Vrolijk, this yacht features a deeper keel, carbon mast, and in-boom furling, making it ideal for both cruising and occasional regattas. A versatile headsail setup includes a genoa, self-tacking jib, and inner staysail, while powered furling systems ensure effortless handling. The spacious aft deck transforms into a lounge with swiveling twin helm seats and a collapsible table. Below deck, a Wetzels Brown Partners interior offers teak or oak finishes and flexible layouts. With four or five cabins, superyacht-level craftsmanship, it’s owner-operator friendly yet luxurious.
Multihuills: Nautitech 48 Open
The Nautitech 48 Open is the final design from the legendary Marc Lombard, evolving the ‘Open’ concept he pioneered. This lightweight, performance-focused catamaran features vacuum-infused construction and slim hulls for excellent speed and efficiency. Unlike daggerboard designs, it retains fixed keels with a modest 1.55m draught, ensuring reliability and solid upwind performance. The open-plan layout blends the saloon and cockpit, maximising space and reducing weight. With up to four cabins and an optional SmartRoom for storage or an office, it’s a versatile bluewater cruiser.
Special Yacht: Bay Cruiser 21
The BayCruiser 21 is a versatile, performance-driven cruiser that blends stability, ease of handling, and comfort. Its water ballast system ensures self-righting stability, while the lightweight carbon rig and fat-head mainsail provide responsive sailing. A swing keel and lifting rudder allow access to shallow waters and beaching. The self-draining cockpit seats six, with added lounging space and an open transom for water access. Below deck, the cozy cabin sleeps two, with smart storage solutions. An optional spray hood creates an outdoor cooking area for extended cruising. Easy to tow and launch, the BayCruiser 21 is built for adventure.
Top Powerboats of 2025
The European Powerboat of the Year awards recognise standout motorboats across multiple size categories, including a growing focus on catamarans and electric propulsion. The winners are:
Motorboats up to 10m: Axopar 29 Cross Cabin
The all-new Axopar 29 range is a refined evolution of the highly successful Axopar 28, designed with customer feedback in mind. This range offers improved functionality, usability, and comfort, while maintaining its exceptional value for money. With enhanced 360-degree sightlines and an uncluttered helm, the Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin delivers an exceptional driving experience. Its purposeful design prioritises usability without sacrificing style, blending innovative upgrades with the brand’s legacy. Built to redefine the adventure boat genre, the Axopar 29 is versatile and set to make waves in the sub-30-foot category.
Motorboats up to 14m: Wellcraft 38 T-Top
A powerful sport boat built for performance, the Wellcraft 38 T-Top revolutionises centre console design, offering exceptional performance and expansive social spaces. At 38′ 4″ (11.69m), it delivers unmatched entertainment features, including a vast aft cockpit lounge, versatile seating, and a spacious swim platform for easy water access. With a top-mounted tow point, ample storage, and dedicated fishing features like rod holders and a livewell, it’s perfect for watersports and anglers. Powered by twin or triple outboard engines, it reaches speeds of 57mph (50 knots). A fully equipped cabin, high-performance JL Audio system, and innovative helm design ensure a dynamic, comfortable boating experience.
Motor Yachts up to 18m: Nimbus 495 Fly
The Nimbus 495 Concept is a luxurious “voyager” vessel designed for long-distance exploration and extended stays on the water. This floating home combines adventure with comfort, offering ample fuel and water capacity for extended journeys. Its design makes it equally suited for Nordic archipelagos or Mediterranean adventures. The spacious salon serves as the heart of the boat, integrating the galley, dining, and lounge areas with large windows for an open, inviting atmosphere. With customisable options and a Dynamic Positioning System for ease of handling, the 495 Concept is perfect for those seeking a safe, comfortable, and independent floating getaway.
Motor Yachts up to 24m: Cranchi Sessantadue 62
The Sessantadue 62 by Cranchi Yachts blends striking design with unparalleled craftsmanship. Its vertical bow creates a seamless connection between sea and sky, enhancing its muscular yet harmonious lines. The yacht’s spacious cockpit and saloon are designed to merge indoors and outdoors effortlessly, creating a unified, elegant space. Inside, light lacquer finishes and teak surfaces exude relaxed sophistication, while the contemporary flybridge design showcases clean lines and nautical influences. With advanced Volvo Penta engines and luxurious amenities, the Sessantadue 62 is the epitome of a refined, free-spirited maritime experience, perfect for those seeking both performance and elegance on the water.
Powercats: YOT 41
The YOT 41, part of YOT Power Catamarans from the Catana Group, debuted at the 2025 boot Düsseldorf boat show. Unveiled in September 2024 at the Cannes Yachting Festival, the YOT 41 impressed with its combination of comfort, functionality, and space efficiency. It features two ensuite cabins, a spacious lounge, a wet bar, and a well-designed helm station. With a cruising speed of 23 knots and a top speed of 37 knots, it offers a smooth, stable ride, with options for powerful Mercury engines.
Electric Motorboats: Frauscher x Porsche Fantom 850 Air
Porsche and Frauscher Shipyard have teamed up to create the Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom, a luxurious electric sports boat. This 8.67-metre runabout combines Porsche’s automotive technology with Frauscher’s craftsmanship, featuring a 400 kW electric motor and a 100 kWh battery for smooth, powerful performance. With a top speed of 90 km/h (49 knots) and a cruising range of 45 km, the 850 Fantom blends thrilling performance with sustainability. The boat offers high-end features like Porsche-inspired seating, a swimming platform, and customisation options. Of note, only 25 units will be available in the First Edition.
For New Zealand boaters, these award-winning yachts and powerboats set the benchmark for innovation and performance in 2025.
