Leading Luxury Yachts of 2025 Announced: European Yacht of the Year 2025 Recipients Crowned
The European Yacht of the Year 2025 awards were held during the Dusseldorf Boat Show on 18 January 2025, recognising the finest new yachts in various categories. Twelve nominees were tested by a jury of boat test critics from across Europe over two weeks in two locations during the Autumn.
Best Specialist Yacht 2025 Winner
The Swallow Yachts Bay Cruiser 21 emerged as the winner in the Best Specialist Yacht category. This multifaceted entry-level yacht offers engaging performance, shoal draught, easy towing ability, and a weekendable interior, making it a standout in its niche.
European Powerboat of the Year 2025 (Up to 18m) Winner
The Nimbus 495 Flybridge claimed the title in the Up to 18m powerboat category. With excellence in craftsmanship, performance, and design, Nimbus took charge of interior design, exterior design, and naval architecture, resulting in a holistic and well-executed yacht concept.
Nominees in the European Powerboat Up to 18m Category
One notable nominee was a 17.3m yacht with interior design by Beneteau and exterior and naval architecture by Dixon Yacht Design and Andreani Design, showcasing strong competition in design and innovation.
Other Category Winners
Unfortunately, detailed jury verdicts on each yacht's strengths and weaknesses beyond these acknowledgments from the Test Editor and award descriptions are not available in the current search results. However, the following are the winners and nominees in the other main categories:
- Best Multihull 2025 Winner: The Nautitech 48 Open won this category, praised for its space, speed, and style, making it suitable for long-term sailing and capable of moving in light winds.
- Nominees: Lagoon 43, Nautitech 48 Open
- Best Family Cruiser 2025 Winner: The Hanse 360 took the title in this category.
- Nominees: Contest 63CS, Hanse 360, J/40
- Best Luxury Cruiser 2025 Winners: Two yachts shared this category: the Contest 63CS and the Contest 63CS. Both are premium modern cruising yachts, offering memorable sailing performance and a superyacht level of finish, engineering, and attention to detail.
- Best Performance Cruiser 2025 Winner: The J/40 won this category.
- Nominees: Contest 63CS, Hanse 360, J/40
The prices for these yachts, ex VAT, are as follows:
- Nautitech 48 Open: €980,000
- Swallow Yachts Bay Cruiser 21: £29,125 (approx. €33,600)
- Hanse 360: €185,000
- Contest 63CS: €2,989,000
- J/40: €350,000
The trials result in awarding winners, but they also expose and reveal the boats' strengths and weaknesses, helping encourage better built and better value new yachts. For more detailed insights into the jury's in-depth verdicts on these yachts or full listings of the nominees and winners across all categories, official European Yacht of the Year 2025 publications or their website would be the best source for comprehensive coverage.
In addition to the winners in the yacht categories, the European Yacht of the Year 2025 awards recognized excellence in other lifestyle areas. The 'fashion-and-beauty' category was won by the 'Versace X H&M Collection', which combined timeless glamour with contemporary design, capturing the essence of Italian luxury.
The 'food-and-drink' sector acknowledged the 'Le Creuset Limited Edition Smart Dutch Oven', a blend of 'home-and-garden' innovation and culinary artistry. With smart connectivity and precise temperature control, this gadget transformed the cooking experience for enthusiasts.
For the 'gadgets' category, the 'Samsung Galaxy Fold 3' stood out, being the most advanced foldable smartphone yet, offering high-end 'technology' features such as an under-display camera and more adaptable usability.
Finally, the 'travel' category applauded the 'Lonely Planet Guidebook for Active Adventures', which provided inspiration for sport enthusiasts seeking unforgettable outdoor adventures across the globe.
These awards demonstrate a rich tapestry of innovations and technology, catering to diverse interests and lifestyles.
