One of the most prestigious awards ceremonies in the yachting calendar, the European Yacht of the Year returns in 2025 and will be picking the best yachts in a variety of categories once more.

Yachting World has been the British representative on the judging panel since the European Yacht of the Year awards began in 2004, and we’re proud to partner with them for this year’s awards, which will announce the winners at the annual awards ceremony on Saturday 18 January 2025 on the first night of the Dusseldorf Boat Show.

Dubbed the ‘oscars of yachting’ the awards this year comprised 12 nominees, from which we elected five category winners.

The 12-strong jury is formed of leading boat test critics from their individual countries panning Europe.

Each nominee is tested by all jury members over two weeks of trials in two locations during the Autumn. It’s an impartial, intense and comprehensive programme which results not simply in awarding winners, but by exposing and revealing the boats’ strengths and weaknesses it helps encourage better built and better value new yachts.

The Dufour 44 was one of the Nominees in 2025. Photo: Andreas Lindlahr / EYOTY

Best Family Cruiser 2025

Nominees: Dufour 44 | Hanse 360 | Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 350

The Club Swan 43 was one of the Nominees in 2025. Photo: Andreas Lindlahr / EYOTY

Best Performance Cruiser 2025

Nominees: ClubSwan 43 | J/40

The Lagoon 43 was one of the Nominees in 2025. Photo: Andreas Lindlahr / EYOTY

Best Multihull 2025

Nominees: Lagoon 43 | Nautitech 48 Open

The Heyman 42PH was one of the Nominees in 2025. Photo: Andreas Lindlahr / EYOTY

Best Luxury Cruiser 2025

Nominees: Heyman 42PPH | Contest 63CS

The Sunbeam 29.1 was one of the Nominees in 2025. Photo: Andreas Lindlahr / EYOTY

Best Special Yacht 2025

Nominees: Swallow Yachts Bay Cruiser 21 | Sunbeam 29.1 | Tofinou 7.9

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Best performance cruiser

Elan E6
Beneteau First 36
Grand Soleil 40
Italia Y 12.98
Solaris 50

Best luxury cruiser

Oceanis Yachts 60
Oyster 495
Ice 62 Targa

Best family cruiser

Bente 28
Dufour 37
Linjett 39

Best multihull

Excess 14
FP Aura 51
Lagoon 50
Nautitech 44 Open
Balance 482
Catana OC
C-Cat 48

Best special yacht

Astus 22.5
EcoRacer 25
Ace 30