News

The European Yacht of the Year Award is the most important, influential and most widely communicated boatbuilding prize worldwide. Which yacht will receive the prize in category will be known on the first day of Boot fair in Dusseldorf in January next year.

Next year we will have only three winners.

These are the nominees:

Family Cruiser:

Elan GT6

Length: 15.20 m ● Beam: 4.49 m ● Draft: 2.45 m ● Displacement: 12.45 t ● Sail area: 113.7 sqm

Oceanis 40.1

Length: 12.87 m ● Beam: 4.18 m ● Draft: 2.17 m ● Displacement: 7.9 t

Bavaria C42

Length: 12.38 m ● Width: 4.29 m ● Draft: 2.10 m (opt. 1.70 m) ● Displacement: 9.7 t ● Sail area: 100.6 sqm

Bali Catspace

Length: 12.31 m ● Beam: 6.56 m ● Draft, boards up: 1.10 m ● Displacement: 12.8 t ● Sail area: 101 sqm

Excess 11

Length: 11.33 m ● Beam: 6.59 m ● Draft: 1.15 m ● Displacement: 9 t ● Sail area: 77 sqm

Luxury Cruiser:

Contest 55CS

Hallberg-Rassy 40C

Moody 41 DS

Bluewater Cruiser:

Boreal 47.2

Garcia Explocat 52

Ovni 400

Pegasus 50

Viator Explorer 42 DS

Elan Yachts’ groundbreaking new flagship model, the 49ft Elan GT6 is the first ever sailing yacht designed and styled by Studio F. A. Porsche, with an elegant silhouette and iconic good looks that will turn heads in any marina. Key features include a next-generation ergonomic cockpit with gull-wing helm pedestals and a fully flush foredeck.

Designed to be easily handled by a couple, yet capable of exhilarating performance across a wide range of wind and sea conditions with a thoroughbred ‘feel’ at the helm, the GT6 is optimised for fast, medium-range offshore passage-making. Its hull, drawn by Humpreys Yacht Design, combines race-derived features with the ability to carry a full cruising payload. As its name implies, the GT6 is a seagoing Grand Tourer.

Exterior of the new Elan GT6 revealed!

Elan GT6 interior revealed!

Elan Yachts groundbreaking new flagship model, the 49ft Elan GT6, has been shortlisted for the international boating industry’s most prestigious awards – European Yacht Of The Year – in the Family Cruiser category.

Designed to be easily handled by a couple, yet capable of exhilarating performance across a wide range of wind and sea conditions with a thoroughbred ‘feel’ at the helm, the GT6 is optimised for fast, medium-range offshore passage-making. Its hull, drawn by Humphreys Yacht Design, combines race-derived features with the ability to carry a full cruising payload. As its name implies, the GT6 is a seagoing Grand Tourer.

Above the waterline, the GT6 is the first ever sailing yacht designed and styled by Studio F. A. Porsche, with an elegant silhouette and iconic good looks that will turn heads in any marina. Key features include a next-generation ergonomic cockpit with gull-wing helm pedestals and a fully flush foredeck.

Below decks, Studio F. A. Porsche’s interior design flair brings game-changing levels of comfort and luxury to Elan’s new flagship model, while preserving the practicality of the boat as a family cruiser. Premium materials are used throughout, showcasing the fine craftsmanship of Elan’s artisan shipwrights.

‘We’re delighted that our innovative new flagship model has been nominated for the European Yacht of The Year Awards,’ says Marko Škrbin, head of the Elan Yachts shipyard. ‘The Elan GT6 offers a unique combination of style, speed, comfort and easy handling that’s ideal for fast-paced yet relaxing family cruising.’

Elan GT6 exterior

Elan GT6 interior

The Gran Turismo 36 is the first boat in her category to combine really comfortable cruising with outstanding handling and sensations similar to those of a small outboard. Enjoy a wide variety of waterside pleasures in no time at all – start and play! 

EXTERIOR DESIGN

The Gran Turismo 36 sets the tone with an elegant and sporty hardtop. Her hull has zipwakes for improved stability when turning and her deck plan provides specific living spaces for use throughout the day. A large built-in sun mattress on the foredeck offers a unique sunbathing space. While the stern’s hardtop complete with sliding roof combines protection and the joy of the open air. The spacious cockpit lounge area has room for up to 8 guests. Aft, a large sunbathing area faces the sea, opposite an outdoor galley. The driving station has two bench seats facing the sea, so four people can enjoy the thrills of navigation.

INTERIOR DESIGN

The lower deck is bathed in light from the long hull portholes. The level of comfort inside surpasses the standards usually found on a boat this size. The two double cabins, cosy lounge space, galley and shower space show attention to detail and a high trim level.

POWERFUL

No time to waste? The Gran Turismo 36 takes you where you want to go fast. She is really easy and great fun to drive, with space on board to relax, enjoy yourself and sleep comfortably.

EASY TO DRIVE

With inboard engine, diesel 2x300 HP, or with outboard engine 2x300 HP or 2x350 HP, she reaches top speeds that vary between 30 and 35 knots. With a joystick on top of a steering wheel, handling the fast Gran Turismo 36 cruiser is child’s play. Fitted with a bow drive and two Garmin 12” screens, she takes navigation assistance to new levels

INNOVATIVE SUNBATHS

In the cockpit, the large sun lounger extends to meet the swim platform, offering a true terrace over the sea. A large built-in sun mattress on the foredeck provides a safe and pleasant place to relax when the boat is underway. Protected by a sun awning (option) and equipped with modular head-rests, cup-holders and inner speakers,  it becomes a living space in its own right. 

TWO GALLEYS

An outdoor galley, protected by the hardtop, overlooks the swim platform and is key to social life on board. As for the main galley on the lower deck, its level of equipment is up to all kinds of culinary exploits.

TWO CABINS AND A SHOWER SPACE

The forward peak has generous space for a real owner cabin with a double bed and storage. An aft guest cabin provides two extra berths that can be brought together or separated depending on the crew on board. The shower space has a shower cubicle and washbasin, and the head is separate.

CHARACTERISTICS

• Length overall: 11.56 m
• Hull Length: 11.28 m
• Hull Beam: 3.48 m
• Light displacement: 7304 kg (inboard version)
• Fuel tank capacity: 2 x 408 L
• Fresh water capacity: 150 L
• Engine Power (Hp): 2 x 300 CV (inboard version)
• CE Certification : B8 / C10
• NAVAL ARCHITECT : BENETEAU Power Boats
• DESIGN : Style & Design / Andreani Design

A new record sized fleet will compete in the 2020 edition of the Vendée Globe as 33 competitors are now registered to be on the start line off Les Sables d’Olonne on November 8. The strong entry underlines the contnued growing interest in the solo, non-stop round the world race.

The field sees a notable return of women skippers as a record six female solo racers are set to take the line, while there is an almost equal balance between first time ‘bizuths’ or rookies and skippers returning for another crack at the ultimate solo ocean racing challenge. Clearly the Vendée Globe has matured to be an event which sailors do not only do once in a lifetime.

September 1st was the deadline nominated, by which time contenders had to have completed their application files, that is to say having fulfilled the administrative and medical formalities, to have completed validated a qualification course, but also being able to have produced a valid, up to date IMOCA class measurement certificate before October 15th. The additional time allowed for the presentation of the certificate is designed to allow teams to work on their late modifications before finally setting up the configuration of the boat for the race.

Last minute
A few competitors validated their qualification by finishing the Vendée - Arctique - Les Sables d'Olonne race, so completing their required solo course. Isabelle Joschke (MACSF), Kojiro Shiraishi (DMG Mori) did this when they crossed the finish line near the legendary Nouch Sud buoy.

They were joined by Clément Giraud who, following his participation in the Vendée Arctic Les Sables d'Olonne will be able to participate in the Vendée Globe on Erik Nigon's boat as he was unable to raise the necessary funds to be at the start.

Nicolas Troussel (Corum L’Épargne) and Louis Burton (Bureau Vallée 2), two sailors who already have the Transat Jacques Vabre to their credit qualified with their own Race Direction approved 2000 miles solo course, as did Didac Costa (One Planet One Ocean) recently from his native Catalonia.  Penalized by the breakage of one of his foils in the early hours of the Vendée - Arctique - Les Sables d'Olonne race, Sébastien Simon (Arkéa-Paprec) was able to rely on a replacement route (2,000 miles) to complete his required qualifying miles as a debuting skipper with a new build boat. Likewise, Armel Tripon (L’Occitane en Provence), who suffered a damage in July, completed his registration file by making a clean passage also on a substitution course.

Sébastien Destremau, Last In But Sorted
Given the fact that he had completed the 2016 Vendée Globe Sébastien Destremau (Merci) had to complete a solo course of 2,000 miles. He had done most of a required passage when a broken spreader base forced him to retire. As a common sense dispensation, the race director suggested that he complete an additional 1,000-mile course before September 15.  Sébastien who holds dual French and Australian nationalities and who completed the Vendée Globe 2016-2017 fulfilled his deal with the race direction on Thursday this week, and so he is 33rd and last registered in this Vendée Globe 2020!

Two major dates
The skippers have already entered two major dates on their calendar.

- On September 17, at the Palais Brongniart in Paris, there will be the press conference to present the event with all the sailors (subject to the rules imposed by sanitary conditions).

- On Friday October 16, the entire fleet must have reached Port Olona for the inauguration of the Vendée Globe village and the start of the gauge checks. There will be three weeks left before the big departure.

Participation history

1989-1990: 13 boats at the start
1992-1993: 15 boats
1996-1997: 15 boats
2000-2001: 24 boats
2004-2005: 20 boats
2008-2009: 30 boats
2012-2013: 20 boats
2016-2017: 29 boats
2020-2021: 33 boats

Sailors registered on the 1st of September

Fabrice AMEDEO : NEWREST – ART & FENÊTRES
Romain ATTANASIO : PURE – BEST WESTERN
Alexia BARRIER :   4MYPLANET
Yannick BESTAVEN : MAÎTRE COQ IV
Jérémie BEYOU : CHARAL
Arnaud BOISSIÈRES : LA MIE CÂLINE – ARTISANS PÔLE
Louis BURTON : BUREAU VALLEE 2
Didac COSTA : ONE PLANET ONE OCEAN
Manuel COUSIN : GROUPE SETIN
Clarisse CREMER : BANQUE POPULAIRE X
Charlie DALIN : APIVIA
Samantha DAVIES : INITIATIVES-CŒUR
Sébastien DESTREMAU : MERCI
Benjamin DUTREUX :  OMIA - WATER FAMILY
Kevin ESCOFFIER : PRB
Clément GIRAUD : 
Pip HARE : MEDALLIA
Boris HERRMANN : SEA EXPLORER – YACHT CLUB DE MONACO
Ari HUUSELA : STARK
Isabelle JOSCHKE : MACSF
Jean LE CAM : YES WE CAM !
Stéphane LE DIRAISON : TIME FOR OCEANS
Miranda MERRON : CAMPAGNE DE FRANCE
Giancarlo PEDOTE : PRYSMIAN GROUP
Alan ROURA : LA FABRIQUE
Thomas RUYANT : LINKEDOUT
Damien SEGUIN : GROUPE APICIL
Kojiro SHIRAISHI : DMG MORI
Sébastien SIMON : ARKEA – PAPREC
Maxime SOREL : V and B – MAYENNE
Alex THOMSON : HUGO BOSS
Armel TRIPON : L’OCCITANE EN PROVENCE
Nicolas TROUSSEL : CORUM L’EPARGNE

To showcase innovative new models, provide a risk-free alternative to boat shows and offer the best possible yacht buying experience, Elan Yachts has created a unique Elan Yachting Experience (EYE) Centre in the beautiful resort town of Portorož on Slovenia’s Adriatic coast.

From October onwards, buyers who visit the new EYE Centre will be able to sail and evaluate all three series of Elan yachts – the exhilarating performance of the sporty E Line, the easy handling of the cruising Impression Line and the exclusive luxury of the new GT Line – while enjoying an Elan experience that is tailored to their individual needs.

The first three Elan models on show at the EYE Centre will be the brand new GT6, the best-selling I45.1 and the performance-oriented E4. More models will be added to the EYE Centre fleet in due course.

Two first-class experience packages are available, with five-star hotel accommodation and fine dining included. The one-day Elan Yachting Experience enables buyers to sail the Elan yacht on their shortlist in one of the world’s best cruising grounds. The two-day Elan Yachting Experience also includes a bespoke guided tour of the Elan shipyard in Begunje where buyers can inspect the hi-tech production facility and meet the craftsmen and composite engineers who build Elan yachts.

The EYE Centre also offers yacht buyers a much higher degree of personal safety. Slovenia has battled the COVID-19 crisis very effectively and is on the current Green List of most other countries around the world. Buyers can rest assured that comprehensive safety measures will be in place throughout their trip.