The winners of the 2025 European Yacht of the Year were revealed on the evening of Saturday, January 18, 2025, during the opening night of the Dusseldorf Boat Show. Often referred to as the "Oscars of Yachting," the awards featured 12 nominees this year, from which five category winners were selected.
The jury, consisting of 12 top boat test critics from across Europe, brought extensive expertise to the evaluation process. Each yacht underwent thorough testing by all jury members over two weeks of trials held at two separate locations during the autumn season. This level of scrutiny is particularly valuable for those considering sailing holidays in Croatia, where yacht quality and performance can greatly enhance the overall experience.
This rigorous and unbiased testing programme not only determined the winners but also highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of the yachts. In doing so, it played a vital role in promoting better quality and more cost-effective designs for new yachts in the market, ultimately benefiting charter companies and sailing enthusiasts exploring the stunning Adriatic coastline.
2025 Best Family Cruiser
Finalists: Dufour 44
Hanse 360
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 350
Champion: Hanse 360
The partnership between the German shipyard and the French design studio Berret-Racoupeau has brought the new Hanse 360 to life, distilling the standout qualities of its larger siblings into a compact package. Likely the most spacious 36-footer available, it feels more akin to a scaled-down 40-footer, offering impressive interior volume for its size. This makes it an excellent choice for sailing holidays in Croatia, where comfort and space are key factors for an enjoyable cruising experience along the Adriatic.
A true all-rounder, the Hanse 360 boasts a well-proportioned layout that hits the mark, both in design and performance. Under sail, it’s balanced, responsive, and enjoyable, delivering an effortless sailing experience—ideal for navigating Croatia’s island-hopping routes. Its interior is equally remarkable, with ample space and the option for a versatile 3+2 layout. While this level of quality comes at a premium, the Hanse 360 establishes a new standard for 35-foot production cruisers, making it a compelling option for chartering in one of Europe's most stunning sailing destinations.
It encapsulates everything a modern family cruiser should be: fun, easy to handle, and designed for comfort without compromising on sailing performance.
2025 Best Special Yacht
Finalists: Swallow Yachts Bay Cruiser 21
Sunbeam 29.1
Tofinou 7.9
Champion: Swallow Yachts Bay Cruiser 21
The selection of new entry-level yachts continues to shrink, but Swallow Yachts has delivered a versatile gem with the Bay Cruiser 21. This design balances elegance and seaworthiness, offering enough space to entertain friends or enjoy a weekend getaway for two. With its engaging sailing performance, shallow draught, and effortless towing capabilities, it ticks all the boxes for practicality and fun. This makes it a fantastic option for yacht holidays in Croatia, where flexibility and ease of handling are essential for exploring the country's countless islands and secluded coves.
The Bay Cruiser 21 is a true small cruiser that delivers exceptional value for its price. Its lightweight build, easy handling, classic design, spacious and protected cockpit, and comfortable weekend interior make it an ideal choice for those seeking an intimate yet adventurous sailing experience along the Adriatic coast. Plus, it’s easily towable and can be rigged in minutes, adding to its appeal—perfect for sailors looking to embark on a hassle-free holiday in Croatia’s stunning waters.
For anyone concerned about the future of sailing, look no further than this innovative Welsh yard. The Bay Cruiser 21 is undoubtedly one of the standout yachts of the year.
2025 Best Luxury Cruiser
Finalists: Heyman 42PPH
Contest 63CS
Champion: Contest 63CS
The Contest 63CS is a standout example of modern premium cruising, seamlessly combining decades of expertise from this family-run Dutch shipyard with a contemporary and impeccably crafted design. Its luxurious features and high-performance capabilities make it an excellent choice for yacht holidays in Croatia, where sailors can fully appreciate both the comfort and performance of such a high-calibre vessel while exploring the breathtaking Adriatic coastline.
The yacht delivered an unforgettable sailing experience, enhanced by a range of high-end optional upgrades, including a full suite of performance sails, a taller mast, and a deeper keel for improved handling and speed. Whether navigating the open waters or anchoring in a secluded bay, the Contest 63CS offers a perfect blend of excitement and relaxation.
Pushing the boundaries of owner-operated yachts, the Contest 63CS is as close to a superyacht as you can get in this size category. Despite its scale, it offers an engaging and rewarding sailing experience, complemented by an interior that boasts superyacht-level craftsmanship, engineering, and meticulous attention to detail. With its impressive design and high-end amenities, it’s no surprise that this yacht is a top-tier choice for those looking to experience the very best of Croatia’s world-renowned sailing destinations.
2025 Best Multihull
Finalist: Lagoon 43 L
Nautitech 48 Open
Champion: Nautitech 48 Open
The Nautitech 48 Open inspires dreams of extended voyages while fully embracing the joy of sailing. It’s one of the rare production catamarans that makes you want to stay at the helm, effortlessly gliding even in the lightest winds. This makes it an exceptional choice for those considering a catamaran charter, offering the perfect balance of performance and relaxation for exploring stunning coastal destinations.
By avoiding complex daggerboards, the design prioritises simplicity and maximises interior space, allowing for smart, practical layout options. Whether you're planning a week-long getaway or an extended adventure, this catamaran provides the ideal setup for a comfortable and spacious catamaran charter experience. With its long waterline, the Nautitech 48 Open delivers solid performance for distance cruising, all while offering ample comfort and storage for your gear and toys. It’s a true blend of style, functionality, and adventure-ready design, making it an excellent choice for those looking to set sail in both luxury and ease.
2025 Best Performance Cruiser
Finalists: ClubSwan 43
J/40
Champion: J/40
The J/40 stood out as one of the most enjoyable yachts to sail in light winds, earning the jury’s praise for its elegant design and exceptional handling. Eschewing the trend for voluminous hulls, this yacht embraces a timeless J/Boats aesthetic, delivering a sleek and fast cruising experience with refined evolution—an excellent option for those considering a Croatia sailing charter to explore the Adriatic with both performance and style.
Graceful and efficient, the J/40 glided effortlessly even across calm, glassy waters, making it a joy to helm. Despite its relatively narrow and low-profile hull, it still provides a comfortable cruising interior. However, in the three-cabin configuration, the single heads can feel a bit tight, though this is a minor trade-off for its superb sailing characteristics, perfect for island-hopping adventures in Croatia.
Blending the best qualities of a cruiser and a racer, the J/40 offers something distinct from the modern, bulky planing shapes. It carries much of the DNA of the J/45, incorporating many of the J/Boat's proven, time-tested concepts, making it a standout in its class.
For those looking to experience the magic of the Adriatic, Croatian sailing charter options provide the perfect way to enjoy the beauty of this stunning region. With NAVI Croatia Yacht Charter, you can choose from a wide range of premium yachts, including the J/40, ensuring a perfect fit for your dream sailing adventure—whether it's a leisurely cruise through hidden coves or an exhilarating offshore passage.
Photo: shutterstock, j40, swan, nautitech, lagoon, contest, heyman, swallow, tofinou, sunbeam, hanse, Sun Odyssey, jeanneau, dufour