The contestants in the category "Performance Cruiser" for the 2019 European Yacht of the Year Award are set:
● Arcona 435
● Grand Soleil 48 Performance
● X 4.6
One word says it all: Performance. This is by far the most important criteria here. So for a boat to succeed in this category it first and foremost needs to sail fast. Speed is not the only differentiator, though. Equally important is how easily a candidate can be operated at maximum pressure, how ergonomically the cockpit is organized, how sensitive and responsive the rudder works, how well the sailplan can be adapted to changing conditions. As in all markets the scope has widened in previous years: it ranges from one-design racer-cruisers capable of full-planing-mode to more moderate performance boats with full cruising interiors.
The announcement of this year’s winners, will take place during the Flagship-Night on the first evening of the Boot Düsseldorf (19.-27.01.2018).
Arcona 435
Her predecessor, the Arcona 430, has won the European Yacht of the Year Award at her debut in 2009. Can the all new 435 repeat the success? She does, in some ways, resemble her fore-runner, following the typical Scandinavian concept of a Performance Cruiser – stiff, stable, solidly built and with a cosy interior. On the other hand the 435 has modern, more beamy hull lines with a wide, powerful stern section and a state-of-the art sailplan, thus promising the best of both worlds: comfort and speed.
For further information, please feel free to visit the webpage of the manufacturer.
Technical information:
Length (LOA): 13.20 m ● Beam: 3.98 m ● Draught: 2.30 (optional: 2.00 or 2.60m) ● Displacement: 9.0 to ● Sail area: 110,5 sqm
Grand Soleil 48 Performance
Following the success of the Grand Soleil 58 Performance Cantiere del Pardo has conceived a yacht which is widely adaptable to the owner's likings. You can configure the 48 Performance as a fast cruiser or a racer – and anywhere in between – thanks to different build and rig options. Hull lines and styling look clean, efficient and not least pretty which similarly goes for her Nauta Design influenced interior.
For further information, please feel free to visit the webpage of the yard.
Technical information:
Length: 14.90 m ● Beam: 4.50 m ● Draft: 2.80 m (opt. 2.80 m) ● Displacement: 11.500 kg ● Sail area: 131 sqm
X 4.6
Between their XC cruising range and their XP performance boats X-Yachts still found room and requests for a product line mixing those talents. Starting out with the X 4.3 two years ago and ranging all the way up to the X 6.5 the 4.6 is the latest addition. She promises to balance well the pleasure being at sea and at anchor or on the dock. X-founder and designer Niels Jeppesen believes her to be more agile as her bigger sisters and came up with a sensible cockpit layout, incorporating traditional halyard winches at the companionway and primaries at the pedestals.
For further information, please feel free to visit the webpage of the manufacturer.
Technical information:
Length: 14.08 m ● Beam: 4.27 m ● Draft: 2.30 (optional 2.50m) ● Displacement: 10.9 t ● Sail area: tba