The 2026 Motor Boat Awards were unveiled last night during a gala ceremony celebrating the standout performers in modern powerboat design, engineering and ownership experience. After months of sea trials, detailed analysis and robust debate, the judging panel confirmed winners across ten categories, each assessed not only on on water performance, but also on how well each boat meets the expectations of its intended market.
Judges praised the overall standard of entries, noting strong gains in usability, refinement and innovation across every size bracket. Several categories were decided by narrow margins, prompting a number of Highly Commended awards for boats that pushed boundaries or delivered exceptional value.
Category winners and finalists
Best Sportsboats up to 30ft
Finalists: Arksen Discovery 8, De Antonio D29, Ockelbo B25 Cabin
Highly Commended: Aquaspirit 700, Windy 29 Huracán
Winner: Nordkapp Enduro 830
Best Weekender up to 40ft
Finalists: Aiata Wayfinder 38, Beneteau Antares 9 S2, Delta 33 Coupé, Duchy 25, Fjord 39XL, Navan S30
Highly Commended: Fjord 39XL
Winner: Navan S30
Best Family Cruiser up to 45ft
Finalists: Aquador 400HT, Rustler 41, Windy SR40
Highly Commended: Marex 390
Winner: Viknes 10
Best Passagemaker
Finalists: Prestige M7, Silent 62 Open, Sirena 48 Coupé
Highly Commended: Hardy 45 European
Winner: Absolute Navetta 62
Best Sportscruiser over 45ft
Finalists: De Antonio D60, SAY 52, Wallywhy100
Highly Commended: Bluegame BGF45
Winner: Pardo GT75
Best Flybridge up to 55ft
Finalists: Greenline 45 Fly, Prestige F4.3
Highly Commended: Merry Fisher 1095 Fly
Winner: Beneteau Swift Trawler 37
Best Flybridge over 55ft
Finalists: Pardo Endurance 72, Pearl 63
Highly Commended: Pershing GTX70
Winner: Princess F58
Best Custom Yacht over 80ft
Finalists: Ferretti Infynito 80, Sanlorenzo SL96A, Zeelander 8
Highly Commended: Arksen 85, Sunseeker Ocean 82 Enclosed
Winner: Azimut Fly 82
Customer Service Award
Finalists: Approved Boats, Boats.co.uk, Mallorca Marine Group, Tingdene Marinas and Boat Sales, Ventura Yachts
Winner: Wessex Marine
Best Technical Development
Finalists: Fathom and Integrel E Power 15, Garmin OnBoard MOB system, Simrad Autocaptain
Highly Commended: SEA.AI Watchkeeper
Winner: Volvo Penta Electric IPS
Judges’ Special Award
Winner: Sakari Mattila, founder and chief designer of Saxdor Yachts, recognised for nearly five decades of innovation in the global motorboat industry.
Together, the 2026 winners reflect a market moving decisively toward smarter layouts, cleaner propulsion, and boats that genuinely deliver on their promises at sea.
