The winners of the European Yacht of the Year 2026 awards were officially announced on Saturday 17 January 2026 at boot Düsseldorf, capping off one of the most competitive judging cycles in the award’s history.
A total of 21 new yachts were shortlisted for the 2026 awards, all of which were trialled extensively during the European autumn. Judges were particularly enthusiastic about the unusually large shortlist, viewing it as a clear reflection of the strength in current yacht design and build. This depth of quality has emerged despite post Covid uncertainty and wider economic headwinds across the marine industry. Rather than pulling back, designers and builders have responded with confidence, innovation, and genuine breadth across every category.
Judging focused on real world performance and build quality. The panel assessed cockpit ergonomics, deck hardware, structural integrity, edge banding and veneer thickness, and overall sailing accessibility. Boats that scored highest consistently combined comfortable, well thought out cockpits, robust deck layouts, rigid structures, and solid interior finishing, while remaining easy and rewarding to sail.
Crucially, every winning yacht earned its title under sail, not alongside a pontoon. Whether cruising catamarans, blue water passagemakers, or performance focused designs, the decisive factor was how each yacht performed at sea. Even in categories where outright speed is not the primary measure, sailing enjoyment, balance, and control proved decisive.
European Yacht of the Year 2026 winners
Best Family Cruising Yacht 2026
Nominees: Beneteau Oceanis 52; Dufour 48; Excess 13; Fountaine Pajot 41; Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 415; Lagoon 38; Leopard 46
Winner: Excess 13
Best Luxury Cruiser 2026
Nominees: CNB 62; Saffier SL 46; Wauquiez 55; Vaan R5
Winner: Wauquiez 55
Best Bluewater Cruiser 2026
Nominees: Boreal 56; Kraken 58; Pure 42; Stem 50
Winner: Pure 42
Best Performance Cruiser 2026
Nominees: Beneteau First 30; Dragonfly 36; JPK 1050; XR 41
Winner (Performance Multihull): Dragonfly 36
Winner (Performance Monohull): First 30
Special Award, Newcomer of the Year 2026
Nominees: Tortue 147; WOY 26
Special mention: WOY 26
