The 2026 Dutch Boat of the Year Awards have been presented in Lelystad, with the Saffier SE 28 Leopard taking top honours in the sailing category and the Steeler Enigma 50 winning the motorboat award.
The ceremony took place on the eve of the 41st Hiswa te Water boat show, which runs from 2 to 6 September 2026 at Bataviahaven. Six prizes were awarded across four boat categories, plus lifetime achievement and startup honours.
In the Sailboat Award, the Saffier SE 28 Leopard was praised by the jury for making “pure sailing pleasure” its starting point. The jury noted that the design turns speed into feeling, and feeling into pleasure, with particular appreciation for its combination of sportiness, quality and ease of use. The Dragonfly 36 and Enksail Halcyon 50 were the other nominees.
The Motorboat Award went to the Steeler Enigma 50, which the jury described as a complete re-examination of the displacement motor yacht concept. The 15-metre design makes slow cruising attractive in a market where speed is often the selling point, with the jury calling the concept “100% sound”. The Passage Tender 42 and Rapsody R35 V-Foil were also nominated from a field of fourteen entries.
In the Open Motorboat category, the Highfield ADV 7 won for what the jury called “the most convincing step towards the next generation of open motorboats”. Judges cited its finish and everyday practicality, styling that stands out without sacrificing solid construction, and appeal they said extends well beyond the domestic market. The Bola Grand Ship 28 and Protagon 21 were the other nominees.
The Electric Boat Award went to the ESEA Open Day Boot 800, beating two other high-speed electric entries: the LASAI 22GL Flex and the Qrafter e-Qruiser 800S. The jury highlighted the ESEA’s ability to maintain speed while virtually eliminating propulsion noise, along with its elegant appearance that matches its underwater technology.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to brothers Dean and Dennis Hennevanger of Saffier Yachts. The jury recognised the pair for building the company from a small daysailer builder into an internationally recognised brand, crediting their sailing knowledge and business drive.
Boss Boating received the Startup Award for its “Electric Boating Without Charging” concept, which combines electric propulsion and energy storage with integrated solar cells, allowing the boat to function as both transport and energy generator.
