European Yachts of the Year- Beneteau, Oyster, Pogo and Esse
by Des Ryan on 25 Jan 2012
Pogo 12.5 Performance category winner in action SW
The four categories of 'European Boat of the Year', announced at BOOT yacht show in Dusseldorf, have been taken out by two French manufacturers, one British and one Swiss.
Famed racing sailor Jimmy Spithill was chosen to present the prestigious awards at the biggest yacht show in the world, held annually in Dusseldorf.
Known as the 'Oscars' of the sailing and powerboat worlds, the winners in the Sailing (and Powerboat) categories are judged by the Editors and Boat Testers representing the 18 leading marine titles in Europe. One hundred new boats come to the European market each year and winners chosen after on-the-water evaluation.
Here are the winners:
Category: Family Cruiser
Winner: Oceanis 45 (French company Bénéteau)
Category: Luxury Cruiser
Winner: Oyster 625 (British company Oyster Marine)
Category: Performance Cruiser
Winner: Pogo 12.5 (French company Pogo Structures)
Category: Special Yachts
Winner: Esse 750 (Swiss company Josef Schuchters Sportboot AG)
During the presentation, Spithill spoke of the necessity to encourage the racing sport of sailing. Spithill was both the youngest ever skipper in the America’s Cup in 2000 and the youngest ever winning skipper in the America’s Cup in 2010 at age 31.
In the coming weeks Sail-World Cruising will feature each of the winning yachts.
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