Best Yachts Of The Year 2022

'European Powerboat of the Year' and 'European Yacht of the Year' awards were announced, divided into five categories each. Despite the circumstances arising from the Covid-19 pandemic that have forced various changes or cancellations to be made at boat shows, the event has finally been held virtually. Read this article to learn more about the best yachts of the year and what made them stand out.

European Yacht Of The Year

This is the 19th year of the European Yacht of the Year awards, which is without a doubt the most thorough and impartial awards programme – the winners here are widely considered the best yachts of the year. The awards now include 12 jury members from across Europe, each leading voice on boat testing in their respective countries. Normally the awards are presented at the Düsseldorf Boat Show, but for the second year running, this was cancelled because of Covid-19, hence there was a virtual presentation of boats. 

Family Cruiser: Hanse 460

One of the most significant awards is the “European Yacht of the Year 2022” in the “Family Cruiser” category, which honours the best sailboat built for family cruises that stands out for innovation, performance, comfort, aesthetics, and value for money. She is a 14-meter boat that manages to maintain both sailing fun and comfort in navigation. The 460 skilfully fulfils its task of providing a bulky hull that is still performing. It boasts an attractive exterior aesthetic, is pleasant to sail and gives the feel of a larger model.

Performance Cruiser: JPK 39 FC

Being the fastest and lightest in the category, the JPK 39 Fast Cruiser has been the number 1 in terms of high-performance cruisers. The boat satisfies all the features that a highly experienced sailor looks for in a cruise of these characteristics: the manoeuvring mechanisms require a higher level of knowledge than other yachts, although once the sailor gets used to it, he will no longer want to try another sailboat. The design of her offers fun navigation, as well as comfort to live on board.

Luxury Cruiser: Hallberg-Rassy 50

Hallberg-Rassy 50 is an extremely refined luxury yacht and arguably the best model of Rassy's modern hull generation. She harnesses every inch of the German Frers' cunning design and at the same time delivers impressive, button-controlled performance in all wind ranges. The perfection of the concept, the refined details and the flawless finishes show the pinnacle of luxury. The use of the optional high-tech rigging leads to maximum performance, without adding complexity in handling. Luxury sailing as it should be: enjoy high-quality sailing in comfort.

Bluewater Cruiser: Outremer 55

The Outremer 55 is the best deep-sea cruiser according to the European Yacht of the Year 2022. With this model, Outremer demonstrates why it dominates the multihull industry. The Outremer 55 is a powerful, well-built and finished vessel, equipped with a modern flat inside and capable of sustained speeds without compromising comfort. Despite her large storage capacity and large payload, the vessel is still relatively light. And with over 50 orders for a model in this price range, she is probably the most successful new production yacht on the market. The result of this conjunction is what one should expect from a boat destined to fulfil every sailor's dream: quality of life on board and the ability to go far while enjoying navigation along the way.  

Special Yacht: Saffier SE33 Life

The Saffier shipyard never ceases to surprise: just when you think you have found the perfect daysailor formula, it adds more and more refinement, from design to first-class finishes. It is really significant when a shipyard can win the same award in consecutive years for a similar product. The president of the jury, Jochen Rieker of Yacht explains: “After the previous year's winner, SE 27, the Saffier SE33 not only follows a tried and tested concept but also beats the high standards that the yard has set. In other words: it is not only bigger but also better in every aspect: Breathtaking performance, great stability, beautiful lines and an extremely neat interior.

European Powerboat Of The Year

The European Powerboat of the Year 2022 (EPBY) has had five categories classified by lengths for motorboats (lengths up to 8 meters, up to 10 meters, up to 14 meters, up to 20 meters and displacement lengths), as well as a mention for the best innovation of the year. We detail them below.

Up to 8 meters: Axopar 22 T-Top

The Axopar 22 T-Top has won the prize in the category of lengths up to 8 meters. It is an outboard greater than 7 meters that, according to the jury, stands out for its original appearance, for its value for money, as well as for its manoeuvring and navigation performance. With an unquestionable sporty character, the Axopar 22 combines the simplicity of a jet ski with the comfort of a compact boat. It's proof that affordable sailing doesn't mean compromising on quality, navigability, versatility, performance, and style. Its functional design offers configurable seats in the stern, adapting at all times to daily needs. As for the engine, it can be equipped with an outboard from 115 Hp to 200 Hp and can reach a maximum cruising speed of 45 knots.

Up to 10 meters: Galeon 325 GTO

The Galeon 325 GTO is awarded in the category of lengths up to 10 meters, an open bowrider equipped with an outboard and a huge cockpit, spacious and perfectly communicated between bow and stern. Ingenious layout, very well proportioned, both in the external area and in the small cabin, with four berths and a separate toilet, and an outdoor kitchen complemented by a dinette, a sofa for sunbathing and a second living area in the bow. It is equipped with Mercury outboards and the latest electronic solutions have been incorporated, with the most modern navigation and trimming systems.

Up to 14 meters: Marex 330 Scandinavia

The Marex 330 Scandinavia is the reduced and optimized version of the previous Marex 375 model. It has been classified in the category of lengths up to 14 meters. A boat that meets the best needs of a flatboat where every detail and every space has been thoroughly studied, obtaining a practically unrivalled length. It is a complete planning boat that combines the features of an open and closed design at the same time. To suit different markets and sailing programs, it can be equipped with one or two engines, with shafts, inboard or outboard.

Up to 20 meters: Absolute 48 Coupé

The Absolute 48 Coupé was awarded in the category of lengths up to 20 meters and stands out for its implementation of the latest technology. This model represents the comfort and versatility of an exclusive range that is distinguished by its great involvement in sustainability, incorporating the most avant-garde details to cause the least environmental impact. The boat's power source is sustained through the set of solar panels located on the roof of the deck, one of which is transparent to offer more light and not overheat the interior environment. The luminosity in this boat is of such importance that, in addition to having panoramic windows that embrace the entire deck area, details such as the large windshield and the transparencies of the stern have been included to give a more exterior sensation. 

Displacement: Beneteau Grand Trawler 62

The largest in the Beneteau range of trawlers, the Grand Trawler 62 is a long-range displacement cruiser, designed with environmental responsibility in mind and equipped with a hull that offers excellent performance. Maritime performance, space, and functionality are the three pillars on which it is built. A real floating villa, with all kinds of comforts, very suitable for the sea, with great autonomy and whose optimal cruising speed with two 750 Hp Man is between 12 and 15 knots with low consumption. A boat designed to enjoy long cruises and quiet anchorages must offer outdoor spaces that meet this goal. And the Grand Trawler 62 does it with flying colours, with a truly spacious flybridge that can be accessed from both the aft cockpit and a second internal staircase next to the internal helm station.