The winners were announced during the Dusseldorf Boat Show. Andrew Bray reports 24/1/06

The winners of the 2006 European Yacht of the Year were announced at a dinner on the opening day of the Dusseldorf Boat Show.

The Awards are judged by a panel of senior journalists drawn from top yachting magazines in 10 European countries. The UK is represented by Yachting World. The magazines nominate possible candidates over the course of the year – this can number as many as 100 yachts – before the panel produce a shortlist of around 25 yachts. These are then before the final judging in November.

The winners of the 2006 European Yacht of the Year are:

Under 10 m: Elan 344 Impression
10 m – 12 m: Hanse 400E
12 m – 14 m: Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45
Over 14 m: Shipman 63
Innovation award: Etap 46DS