5 top new yachts crowned European Yacht of the Year 2015 winners from 25 tested
If
you want to know which are the best new production yachts out on the
market at the moment, the best indicator is to look at the winners of
the European Yacht of the Year (shown below).
image:
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Advanced Yachts 44 during European Yacht of the Year trials
The European Yacht of the Year is the most thorough competition
there is for production boats, the only one that comprises 11 different
magazines, from 11 different European nations, testing 25 yachts in five
different categories, over two weeks in two different seas.
Following the running of the seatrials in the autumn of 2014, and the
long jury discussions, the awards for the winners of the European Yacht
of the Year 2015 were announced tonight, Saturday 17 January, the
opening night of the Dusseldorf Boatshow.
The five categories comprise Performance Cruisers, Family Cruisers,
Luxury Cruisers, Special Yachts, and, for the first time to reflect the
growing interest in this sector, Bluewater cruisers. As usual, there
were some close decisions, particularly in the Family Cruiser and
Performance Cruiser divisions, where debates raged and voting was tight.
The winners, accompanied by our thoughts, plus some quotes from the
European judges further below, are as follows:
JPK 1080 [Performance Cruisers]
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JPK 1080 European Yacht of the Year 2014/5
As the appeal of racing shorthanded grows steadily there is a greater
incentive for owners to find boats that are suitable and competitive
for both shorthanded and fully crewed racing. In the 36ft range, two
boats in particular are attracting a great deal of interest: the Sun
Fast 3600 and the JPK 1080. Little surprise then that both boats made it
to the EYOTY shortlist.
When it came to the judging, the competition was very tight between
these two. There was little to choose between their accommodation and
layout, both are well thought out and easy to sail. When it came to
performance, both handle well and already have promising racing results.
But the JPK has the edge when it comes to configuration when fully
crewed and appears to be slightly more versatile. We also prefer the
construction of the JPK.
€159,532. www.jpk.fr
[Up against: Corsaire Cruze 970, Dehler 46, Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600, Mylius 15E25]
Wauquiez Centurion 57 [Luxury Cruisers]
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Wauquiex Centurion57 European Yacht of the Year 2014/5 winner
With the 57, Wauquiez is certainly sending out a clear message that
it is back in the business of producing quality cruisers for discerning
sailors. The Centurion 57 represents good build quality at a reasonable
price, a comfortable and well-finished yacht throughout. It was also one
of only a couple of yachts to venture out in the big seas and swells
when the wind was up to a Force 7, and cope commendably with the
conditions. It is not the most modern looking of the category, indeed
the Berret-Racoupeau hull is taken from the seven-year-old 55 Pilot
Saloon, but it is perhaps the most timeless, with the heart of a real
cruising yacht. More versatile than radical she feels robust, well
thought-out and finished with a warm and calm interior. [See Yachting
World February 2015 for more]. €659,000. www.wauquiez.com
[Up against: Euphoria 54, Italia Yachts 15.98, Moody 54DS, Xc35]
Bavaria Cruiser 46 [Family Cruisers]
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Bavaria 46 European Yacht of the Year 2014/5 winner
The Bavaria 46 is perhaps proof that you can get both a cheap yacht
that is value for money. The German production giants continue to
diligently improve build quality year after year. Many of the judges
spoke of this being the best Bavaria they had tested (see quotes further
down), and the most solidly built. Our Italian colleague Vanni Galgani,
editor of Fare Vela, perhaps summarises her the most eloquently
(including some Italian enthusiasm of course):
“Maybe the best Bavaria ever, for sure the best of this new
generation, she puts together excellent performance, both down and
upwind, with outstanding interior spaces that suit perfectly both owner
and charter versions. It may not be very pretty, but it is far better
than the 45, with a completely new deck. And these are only the things
you can see immediately, because the biggest improvements are done in
the hidden parts, with general quality the best of her class. All this,
not to forget, at a very, very good price.”
€164,900 www.bavaria-yachtbau.com
[Up against: Dufour 310GL, Jeanneau SO349, Nautitech 40, RM 890]
Boreal 52 [Bluewater Cruisers]
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Boreal 52 European Yacht of the Year 2014/5 winner
There cannot be many brochures that describe their boat’s
accommodation as having, ‘a desk in every cabin where bluewater children
can do their homework.’ But this is just one of many examples of what
this boat is all about – live aboard, go anywhere. Solidly built above
and below decks the Boreal 52 is the result of many miles at sea with a
family aboard. While her chined alloy hull won’t appeal to everyone, the
same rugged style will instil confidence for many.
When it came to her performance, at 18 tonnes she was surprisingly
nimble, even in the light winds during our test, and was a very easy
boat to handle with well thought out control line runs. All this for a
custom-built boat with a price tag that is still considerably less than
some popular alternatives even when you’ve added all of the listed
options. The Boreal 52 brings home what a real deepwater cruiser needs
to be like. A go-anywhere boat, with a lifting keel, that is full of
clever and innovative details, especially the doghouse/navstation that
is based on the experience of many hard-fought miles. [See Yachting
World February 2015 for more].
€685,000. www.boreal-yachts.com
[Up against: Broadblue Rapier 550, Garcia Exploration 45, Ovni 52 Evolution]
Advanced Yachts 44 [Special Yachts]
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Advanced Yachts 44 – European Yacht of the Year 2014/5 winner
Sometimes you have to reward the will to do something wild and
different. The Advanced 44 lives up to her name by being the most
contemporary monohull of 2014, and one that puts sailing pleasure above
any trivialities like practicality and cost. And what a sensation she
provides… the ride is stable, direct and super-responsive – this is a
true supercar of the sea.
The 44 is an innovative, flamboyant plaything, a high performance
race boat that has a luxury pad within for day cruising, and even a
sailing clinic arranged by the builder to help clients manage the boats
and help get the best from them. A great job by Nauta Design and Roberto
Biscontini, she has performance to match the style -and congratulations
to Advanced for having the balls to do such a project! [See Yachting
World January 2015 for more]
€650,000. www.advancedyachts.it
[Up against: Astus 24, Pogo 3, Pointer 25, Saffier Se 33]
JURY QUOTES ON THE WINNERS
JPK 1080
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JPK 1080 European Yacht of the Year 2014/5 winner
“A racer-cruiser designed by sailors for sailors. Deeply thought out
for short-handed racing, the boat is delivered with a close to perfect
deck layout and top-level deck gear. Speed is easy and its size makes it
a cool and roomy sailboat for those who love to have fun when cruising.
A great boat even if we might have say the same of the Sun Fast 3600.”
Voile Magazine, FRA
“The best ‘trimmable’ boat that ever entered this election and:
everything works perfectly. A twin rudder boat that steers like a yacht
with one, she sails incredibly high upwind and you can steer and tune
this machine with you fingertips. Good building quality for a fair
price.” Waterkampioen, NED
“The tireless and enthusiastic Frenchman Jean Pierre Kelbert has put
his initials on yet another very versatile performance cruiser. All trim
lines, deck hardware and other equipment is placed exactly where they
function in the smoothest way, either for hard single-handed racing or
for a fast cruise with some friends. The sailing feeling is amazing!”
BatNytt, SWE
“If you want to collect trophies, the JPK 1080 is your boat.
Optimized for IRC, light and stiff, she belongs to the few that can fly
downwind without huge punishment in rating, and still take you cruising
with your family for holidays. But it’s the kind of boat you will spend
your time on deck sailing, not down below. And nothing beats tiller
steering.” Seilas, NOR
“It has everything you need for winning long distance offshore races,
but in the first instance its easy handling makes sailing pure fun.”
YachtRevue, AUT
“A fantastic boat in terms of pure sailing: light but consistent,
fast and very, very reactive, a pure joy to steer and to sail.” Fare
Vela, ITA
“More on the racy side, but a dream to drive, easy to trim, fun to
push and comes ready for shorthanded sailing ex works. Though she lacks
wooden cozyness in the cabins and beauty in styling she does offer
proper cruising comfort. Great choice for owners who seek the extra edge
in terms of speed and fun.” YACHT, GER
“The cockpit layout is adapted for small crews, but the yacht can
also be sailed single-handedly. The double-rudder gives a perfect
feeling at the helm.” marina.ch, SUI
“The stiffness of the boat is remarkable as is the feeling on the
tiller. Also the cockpit layout is impeccable and will hopefully be of
inspiration to other designers and yards in their work to make
functionality, safety and comfort go hand in hand.” BadNyt, DEN
Wauquiez Centurion 57
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Wauquiez Centurion 57 – European Yacht of the Year 2014/5 winner
“A ‘safe’ choice maybe, but a just one, offering the best complete
package of all. Good build quality, good sailing, everything works and
is well thought out.” Waterkampioen, NED
“A sensible choice – a bit anonymous from the outside, but I fell in
love when I came aboard, strengthened after sailing her in 30 knots +
wind. A very good boat for sailing and living on board, she is as safe
as a typical cruising boat, but with a lot better performance.” Seilas,
NOR
“Luxury is not just about show-off and this very classical yacht just
proves it. As soon as you enter the saloon, you can feel you are in a
very chic atmosphère. The square proportion of the design, the warm
feeling of the leather, the neat work on the wood parts: everything you
see, everything you touch makes it clear. This is true luxury.” Voile
Magazine, FRA
“Good performance all round, very well built and with a good interior style, all at an interesting price”. Fare Vela, ITA
“In severe conditions the Wauquiez 57 proved to have just the right
combination of skills. Strong, safe and still quite quick on her heels
she was easy on the crew and refreshingly simple to sail. Her clever
layout and a positively rich and warm ambience down below put her first
on the jury’s list.” YACHT, GER
“The Wauquiez 57 comes in a classical style, no extravagant curlicue
and it convinces on the sea (sailing abilities, cockpit layout) as well
as in the harbour. A real luxury cruiser.” marina.ch, SUI
“A pure French luxury cruiser that is sailed with a smile on your
face, despite her 22 tons of weight. She offers an elegant and
attractive exterior as well as a very proper interior, including a
generous master forecabin.” BatNytt, SWE
Bavaria Cruiser 46
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Bavaria 46 European Yacht of the Year 2014/5 winner
“The most well-rounded Bavaria of them all. Based on the already
well-balanced 45 this thoroughly refined and reengineered family cruiser
scores in almost any respect, most notably in build quality and
rigidity. Not an easy benchmark to set in a market where price is a
major factor.” YACHT, GER
“Very well built and by far the best value for money in this
category. Building quality of Bavaria has improved enormously within a
few years, which only is enough for the prize, but it is also a very
nice sailing boat with a cockpit and deck that function very well, and a
classic nice, roomy interior. The Bavaria 46 is the best boat you can
buy in this section of the market.” Waterkampioen, NED
“Where yards save money on details you don’t see, Bavaria does the
opposite. The improvements lie in the details, like the steering. You
don’t feel it on a boat show, not before you go sailing. The Bavaria
Cruiser 46 sails well, is strongly built, and has a lot of space.”
Seilas, NOR
“Hats off to the Bavaria team. They have started from the Bavaria 45
and turned the ugly duckling into a wonderful swan. They did a much
better deck design and took some risks on the inner layout. There is no
more chart table, no more handrail at the helm and we all love it: times
they are a-changing.” Voile Magazine, FRA
“The solid workmanship reflects the shipyard’s efforts made in
production and quality improvements. At the same time the Bavaria still
offers reasonable value for money.” YachtRevue, AUT
“The boat sails remarkably well considering the high weight. More
importantly, the level of the craftsmanship will put pressure on the
rest of the builders and become a model for how to combine price and
quality.” BadNyt, DEN
“The best finish and highest quality seen so far from this still
developing south German budget boat builder. In combination with perfect
balance and excellent feeling while sailing, this is definitely the
boat that offers the most value for money in this category.” BatNytt,
SWE
Boreal 52
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Boreal 52 European Yacht of the Year 2014/5 winner
“Long-distance sailing has evolved from a dream of few to a reality
for thousands of owners. Hence this new category, which the Boreal 52
wins convincingly. For higher latitudes there can hardly be a better
boat.” YACHT, GER
“If you really want to enjoy the Boreal 52’s best side, you must
prepare yourself for some bad weather. This aluminium yacht is made for
sailing on planet Earth’s outer limits. It’s a tractor on the sea.
Boreal is not for everyone, it’s for the special kind of people – the
real sailors.” Seilas, NOR
“Designed to sail as far away as the polar circle or the remote
channels of Patagonia, the Boreal gives it’s crew a really great
protection from the wind and the cold. The good point is to know that
the quality of insulation, the ease of maintenance and the stability of
route are still very much appreciated when sailing under the sun.” Voile
Magazine, FRA
“Every detail of the Boreal 52 is well-thought-out and based on the
first-hand experience of the shipyard’s owners, experienced
circumnavigators.” YachtRevue, AUT
“The ultimate go-your-own-way-cruiser, with an ideal separation
between ‘sailing’ and ‘living’. Very good technical systems and a
surprisingly nice sailing boat – also in light weather.” Waterkampioen,
NED
“Not fast but very soft and not nervous, easy to steer and very
gentle with the autopilot, entirely designed for real extreme
navigations as well as for tropical cruising. And she is not too ugly, a
rare quality for this kind of boat.” Fare Vela, ITA
“She offers comfort and safety, the doghouse is sheltered place that
shows perfectly the concept. In every detail, one can feel
bluewater-experience of the designers. And even though she weighs more
than 15 tons, the sailing abilities are quite surprising.” marina.ch,
SUI
“Boreal 52 is the kind of boat you would want to be on board for an
expedition to … anywhere on the blue planet. It’s aluminium structure,
the protected cockpit and the attention to functionality and details
that will improve the safety level, is impressive.” BadNyt, DEN
“She is certainly not the most elegant yacht seen, but nevertheless a
more than appropriate boat for any excursion, well equipped, safe and
with outstanding sailing abilities.” BatNytt, SWE
Advanced Yachts 44
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Advanced Yachts 44 – European Yacht of the Year 2014/5 winner
“An extreme and expensive weekend fast sailer, which shows one of the
best open-style hulls ever tested. We sailed the Advanced 44 in extreme
conditions, not exactly her field, but she moved softly and powerfully
in big and confused waves, as well as surfing for long periods in a very
stable way, even when underpowered. Plus she has a very interesting
interior concept.” Fare Vela, ITA
“If a boat deserves this nomination, it is the A44. Yes it is much
too big for a day cruiser, much too expensive for the average sailor and
much too powerful for a crew of two. But its sailing ability upwind is
nothing short of fantastic – a characteristic that overruled the awkward
sides of this beast.” Voile Magazine, FRA
“This disturbingly new yacht, which refuses to fit in any known
market segment, elevates performance sailing to a new level. In
cross-seas and fresh breeze she keeps her groove almost by herself,
allowing fingertip steering and offering the finest feedback. Simply the
best serial production big boat I have sailed to date. Its a Ferrari
Enzo on the water: expensive, unreasonable, impractical – but oh so
great.” YACHT, GER
“Italianità at its best! With the Advanced 44, an experienced crew
will win regattas. But thuis it is also a luxury daycruiser and
weekender.” marina.ch, SUI
“A small big yacht – The Advanced 44 has a cockpit of a 60 footer,
and can keep a 60 footer’s pace through the water. We did 15 knots
downwind with a gennaker in 18 knots wind! The upwind performance was
like a racer. The interior is open, modern and stylish. This is Italian
craft at its best.” Seilas, NOR
“The Advanced 44 is an individual design with extraordinary
performance, smart styling, sophisticated deck-layout and a special
atmosphere below deck.” YachtRevue, AUT
“A statement of what is to come to the keelboat market in the near
future. It goes with the trend that weight is becoming essential for
both the performance and in particular for the sensation of sailing.”
BadNyt, DEN
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Advanced Yachts 44 – European Yacht of the Year 2014/5 winner
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