European Powerboat of the Year 2027The nominees in the catamaran class

Ralf Marquard

 · 16.09.2026

European Powerboat of the Year 2027: The nominees in the catamaran classPhoto: KI-generiert
Catamarans are becoming increasingly popular. Their main advantage is that they offer significantly more space than monohulls, whilst also being efficient. These five contenders have been nominated for the title of “European Powerboat of the Year”.

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Aquila 45 Sport

Nominated in the Catamarans category: Aquila 45 Sport.Photo: WerftNominated in the Catamarans category: Aquila 45 Sport.

With the Aquila 45 Sport, the American brand Aquila presents a high-performance catamaran designed for speed, flexibility and connectivity. The design is inspired by modern luxury SUVs – with sharp, sleek lines.

The Aquila 45 Sport’s double-stepped hull enables top speeds of over 90 km/h (57 mph) and an efficient cruising speed of 60 to 65 km/h. The catamaran is powered by two Mercury Verado V12 engines, each delivering 600 PS.

The aft deck is the centrepiece of the 45 Sport: with its fold-out terraces, the width extends to 5.88 metres. A U-shaped seating area with a height-adjustable table can be flexibly configured. A compact cabin with a bathroom also makes longer trips or overnight stays on board possible.

According to the manufacturer, the Aquila 45 Sport offers state-of-the-art connectivity: underwater lighting, multi-coloured LED accents, C-Zone systems, Raymarine navigation, Mercury engines and the Fusion stereo system can all be controlled directly from a smartphone.

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  • Length: 14.17 m
  • Width: 4.57 m (extended: 5.88 m)
  • Weight: 9,965 kg
  • Engine: 2 × 441 kW (600 PS)

Pioneer Yachts

Nominated in the Catamarans category: Pioneer Yachts.Photo: WerftNominated in the Catamarans category: Pioneer Yachts.

Founded just two years ago, Pioneer Yachts has unveiled its first model: the PY60 – christened the Pioneer One – was launched in Stralsund and celebrated its world premiere at the 2026 Cannes Yachting Festival.

Rather than retrofitting a conventional platform with electric propulsion, the PY60 was designed from the outset as a solar-powered boat in every respect. At the heart of the PY60 lies the Integrated Energy Architecture: the solar roof, battery storage and diesel generators operate as a coordinated, integrated system. The result is a smooth sailing experience with virtually no reliance on onshore infrastructure. The top speed is 11 knots, and the cruising speed is 7.5 knots.

The hull geometry, weight distribution and hull proportions have been specifically tailored to the requirements of the solar-electric propulsion system. From a technical perspective, Pioneer Yachts utilises a 48-volt system – which is safe, low-maintenance and free from the complexity of high-voltage systems.

The exterior was designed by Cossutti & Ganz, whilst the interiors were designed by Micheletti + Partners. Despite its 60-foot length, the PY60 is designed as an owner-operated yacht without a professional crew.

  • Length: 18.30 m
  • Width: 8.98 m
  • Weight: 29,000 kg
  • Engine: 2 x 50 kW electric drives


Prestige M6

Nominated in the Catamarans category: Prestige M6.Photo: WerftNominated in the Catamarans category: Prestige M6.

The Prestige M6 embodies everything that sets the French shipyard’s M-Line apart: balance, serenity and a well-thought-out layout. The new motor catamaran is aimed at owners who want to enjoy life on the water to the full – without stress, without compromising on comfort and with the satisfying feeling that everything on board is just right.

Prestige’s M-Line comprises catamarans that make full use of the multihull design to provide more living space and stability. The M6 embodies this philosophy in a 14.79-metre-long vessel – compact enough for a variety of sailing areas, yet spacious enough for long family cruises.

The Prestige M6 is powered by two Volvo Penta D6 engines, each delivering 380 PS, with V-Drive. The propulsion system is designed for reliable, efficient operation – whether for leisurely coastal cruises or longer voyages. The boat can accommodate up to eight people on board, with the option of adding a crew member.

The M6 is designed for longer family getaways. The living spaces on board are designed so that every moment can be enjoyed together – whether over breakfast in the saloon, sunbathing on deck or having dinner in the cockpit. Prestige describes the concept as “Where life unfolds in balance”.

  • Length: 14.79 m
  • Width: 6.00 m
  • Weight: N/A
  • Engine: 2 × 279 kW (380 PS)

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Veya 53

Nominated in the Catamarans category: Veya 53Photo: WerftNominated in the Catamarans category: Veya 53

VEYA Yachts was founded as a result of a close partnership between two established French shipyards. Fountaine Pajot brings more than four decades of experience in catamaran design to the table. Couach boasts more than a century of shipbuilding expertise. The VEYA 53 was designed by the renowned firm Berret Racoupeau Yachts Design.

The VEYA 53 was designed with spacious living, plenty of room to move about and discreetly integrated technology in mind – key factors for a comfortable, relaxed life on board.

Other key features include the hydraulic swimming platform, which provides easy access to the water, and a large storage area in the stern for water sports equipment such as paddleboards and diving gear. The flybridge offers additional space to relax, with unobstructed views of the sea. The VEYA 53 is available in a three- or four-cabin version – depending on whether it is intended for use as a private yacht or for the charter market.

The standard propulsion system consists of two Yanmar 6LY engines, each producing 440 PS. Two more powerful Yanmar 6LF engines, each with 550 PS, are available as an option. The fuel tank has a capacity of 1,000 litres, which can be supplemented by two additional 400-litre tanks – for maximum range and autonomy.


YOT 53

Nominated in the catamaran category: YOT 53Photo: WerftNominated in the catamaran category: YOT 53

The French catamaran manufacturer Catana, known in the motorboat scene for its YOT-branded Powerkats, is expanding its range with the YOT 53. It is the brand’s first model to feature inboard engines and is launched with a fresh layout that is unusual for this type of boat.

The YOT 53’s layout comprises three decks: the lower deck houses the cabins, the main deck accommodates the saloon and cockpit, whilst the flybridge serves as a multifunctional rooftop terrace.

Whilst at anchor, the rear sections of the side walls can be folded down, significantly increasing the outdoor space. The boat is steered either from the flybridge or, in bad weather, from the helm in the saloon, which features two single seats side by side.

In the standard version, the YOT 53 has three cabins. A four-cabin version is also available as an option, in which the large owner’s cabin is replaced by two separate cabins in the bow. A crew cabin in the fore section is standard.

The YOT 53 is powered by two Yanmar diesel engines (LY 440 or LY 550), which are available with either 440 PS (324 kW) or 550 PS (405 kW). This is expected to enable the catamaran to achieve cruising speeds of between 15 and 18 knots, with a top speed stated as approximately 23 knots.

  • Length: 15.78 m
  • Width: 7.70 m (9.95 m with side panels extended)
  • Weight: N/A
  • Engine: max. 2 x 405 kW (550 PS)

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Ralf Marquard

Ralf Marquard

Deputy Editor in Chief BOOTE

Ralf Marquard discovered his enthusiasm for boating on the tranquil Aller, first with inflatable boats and later with a 6-meter cabin cruiser. His electrical engineering studies at HAW Hamburg took him from the southern Heidekreis (Lower Saxony) to the Hanseatic city. Ralf Marquard has been working for the BOOTE editorial team since 1997, where he trained as a test editor. He tests both small inflatable boats and larger yachts. His personal boat is a 4.50 meter long, self-built wooden boat with a 50 hp outboard motor. In 2007, he was appointed deputy editor-in-chief at BOOTE.

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