European Yacht of the Year 2018

Winner: Sun Odyssey 440

Like the bigger Sun Odyssey 490, the Sun Odyssey 440 marks a design evolution toward dynamism and it is clearly assumed by Jeanneau. In addition to the hard chine, which we are getting used to, the Sun Odyssey 440 adopts a second hard chine close to the sheer line showing a chamfer to streamline the hull. The fixed bowsprit (optional) is integrated in the edge to emphasize it again. The hull portholes also use lengthening to underline the dynamic line. The comfort is not forgotten and cockpit becomes modular to fully enjoy the sun at anchorage.

Winner: Club Swan 50

With this Club Swan 50, Nautor Swan breaks with the traditional codes. Worthy descendant of the very successful Swan 45, she clearly stand out from her classicism. This regatta Swan is indeed resolutely modern and this modernity is visible: inverted bow, double rudder "humpback whale", modern and clear accomodations where the absence of pillar for the mat can be noted. The invisible is also on the cutting edge of technology: full carbon sandwich construction for the hull, the rudders and even the fin of the keel. The result is a very light and fast sailboat.

Winner: Amel 50

First sloop produced by Amel for more than 20 years, the Amel 50 does not betray the values of the shipyard, sea worthiness and practical spirit, without compromising with comfort. We can find for example the helm station in the fore part of the central cockpit and always protected by an enveloping hard top. But the evolution does not stop at the rigging, the hull shapes are also much more modern, wider in the aft part for better performance downwind. This wide transom pushed the designers to equip this newcomer with 2 rudders.

Winner: Neel 51

The Neel 51 is an interesting alternative to classical cruising catamarans, she has the same excellent livability but the trimaran brings more sensations to the helmsman and better performances. The third hull allows a beautiful technical area and brings a certain simplification, for example: a single engine and a single rudder. The layout is also innovative, a nice owner cabin on the main deck and a “cockloon” hybrid between cockpit and saloon to live as well outside or inside.

Winner: Bénéteau Figaro 3

With her foils, the new Figaro 3 clearly stands out from the Figaro 2 yet appreciated by sailors. Bénéteau has not skimped on resources by relauching the former Jeanneau Advanced Techniques workshop, real performance pole of the group located next to Nantes. Subcontractors are also up to the ambitions, foils are, for example, produced by Multiplast. Last but not the least; the development has been treated with care using the experience and feedbacks of talented sailors. Verdict in 2019 during the first edition of "La Solitaire" sailed on this new foiler.