The winners of the European Powerboat of the Year 2026 awards have been officially announced during the prestigious Flagship Night at boot Düsseldorf, recognising the very best in motorboat design, innovation, and performance across five categories.
Often described as the “Oscars of the powerboat world”, the European Powerboat of the Year (EPOTY) awards are among the most respected honours in the global marine industry. Unlike the Motor Boat Awards, which are based heavily on expert sea trials, EPOTY winners are selected by an independent jury of senior editors from eight leading European motorboat publications. Judging criteria include innovation, design, safety, performance, build quality, functionality, and value for money.
The 2026 ceremony welcomed around 450 invited guests from across the international marine sector to the CCD Süd venue in Düsseldorf. With five finalists nominated in each category, simply being shortlisted was considered a major industry achievement.
The European Powerboat of the Year 2026 winners are:
- Sport boats up to 10 metres: Sea Ray SDX 270 Surf
- Motor yachts up to 14 metres: Windy SR40
- Motor yachts up to 18 metres: Sasga Menorquín 48
- Motor yachts up to 24 metres: De Antonio Yachts D60
- Catamarans: Bluegame BGF45
This year’s winning boats reflect the breadth and diversity of the modern powerboat market, from lifestyle focused sport boats and refined Scandinavian weekenders to traditionally inspired Mediterranean cruisers, bold design led flagships, and cutting edge foil assisted multihulls.
The jury praised the Sea Ray SDX 270 Surf for its versatility and integrated surf technology, calling it an ideal platform for the growing popularity of wakesurfing. The Windy SR40 was recognised for blending sporty elegance with safety and comfort, while the Sasga Menorquín 48 was celebrated for pairing traditional craftsmanship with modern boatbuilding. The De Antonio D60 impressed with its hidden outboard propulsion and innovative layout, and the Bluegame BGF45 stood out for successfully transferring America’s Cup derived foiling technology into a production leisure catamaran.
Together, the 2026 winners offer a snapshot of where powerboat design is heading, combining performance, innovation, and usability across every major segment of the market.
