TOP YACHTS OF 2021
Which are the most interesting, innovative, practical, well built and best value for money new yachts on the market? These are typical questions and the reason we can answer them confidently is that, as well as conducting our own independent tests, Yachting World also sits on the 12-strong jury panel for the European Yacht of the Year awards.
The European Yacht of the Year is without a doubt the most thorough and impartial awards programme for new production yachts. It involves shortlisting the best annual prospects into categories before testing them all to elect the winners.
Designers are always finding ways to incorporate more volume, natural light, and, in many cases, performance into today’s yachts. Another current trend is for expedition-style cruising yachts, reflected in our Bluewater category.
During these COVID times there were understandably more drop-outs than in standard years, with four of the 19 yards shortlisted unable to present their yachts despite having confirmed they would do so. But in a concerted effort to support the industry, the trials went ahead and a minimum of six jury members were still able to sail all the presented nominees during tests in Kiel, Cannes and La Rochelle. All returned buoyed by the high standard of these new designs and the array of ideas incorporated.
FAMILY CRUISERS
NOMINEES:
Bavaria C42 // Beneteau Oceanis 40.1 //Bali Catspace // Elan GT6 // Excess 11
Always a category brimming with interesting new production yachts, this year was no exception and included a couple of popular new catamarans too. All proved worthy nominees and in the end it was a closerun decision between the Elan and the Bavaria.
The Elan is arguably more a luxury performance cruiser than a family cruiser. The involvement of Studio Porsche has really helped give this Humphreys design some top styling. I tested it over two days where it proved enjoyable and slippery in the light airs. The GT6 also boasts plenty of space, particularly in the cockpit and through its exterior
