The European Yacht of the Year award-winners have been announced at the Düsseldorf Boat Show.

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 409 (pictured) was named best family cruiser by the judging panel, which comprised yachting journalists from around Europe.

The SO409 defeated fellow nominees – the Bavaria Cruiser 45, the Beneteau Oceanis 58, the Comet 26 and the Hanse 445.

The Elan 350 was victorious in the performance cruiser category, beating the Azuree 40, Dehler 32, First 30 and JPK 1010.

X-Yacht’s XC38 beat the Contest 57 CS, Nordship 350 DS, Sirius 35 DS and Sunbeam 42.1 to the best luxury cruiser prize and the electric-motored Saffier 23 triumphed in the category for special yachts ahead of the Corsaire 750 DASH, J 95, Knierim P33 and M 34.

The panel assesses performance, comfort, construction quality, price-performance ratio, design and unique selling features.

In the past few years the focus has been on volume and comfort below decks, but this year’s finalists showed more emphasis on performance and control.

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