The European Yacht of the Year awards have been announced in full at the Düsseldorf International Boat Show in Germany. Yachting Monthly has already tested two of the winners, reporting favourably on both.

In previous years, the yachts have been classified by length but this year for the first time they were classified by purpose. The judging panel, comprising journalists from all over Europe looked at sailing performance, comfort, construction quality, value for money, design and outstanding technical features.

European Yacht of the Year

? Best Family Cruiser: Bénéteau’s Océanis 31 (YM July 2008)
? Best Performance Cruiser: Arcona 430 (left, YM January 2009)
? Best Luxury Cruiser: X-Yachts’ XC 45
? Best Special Yacht: Saffier 26