It's that time again: the Flagship Night attracted around 450 invited guests from the water sports industry to the large hall of the CCD Süd. As every year, Delius Klasing Verlag and the Düsseldorf trade fair organisers celebrated the winners of the "Powerboat of the Year Award 2026". The splendidly lit hall was buzzing with anticipation as everyone wondered: who will take home the coveted "Oscars of Powerboats"?
Five boats from each category were nominated in advance. Although only one can win, the nomination itself is a great honour. It recognises the shipyards and the meticulous work invested in each boat.
The winners were announced one after the other by Martin Hager, editor-in-chief of the water sports department at Delius Klasing, and presenter Marcus Baur. Enthusiastic applause and cheers accompanied the moment when the winners took to the stage. This year there were the following categories: Sport boats up to 10 metres, motor yachts up to 14 metres, motor yachts up to 18 metres, motor yachts up to 24 metres and the catamaran category. Electric boats were not included, as only a few new models had come onto the market.
The selection criteria for the awards included design, innovation, build quality, driving performance, functionality and value for money. The award winners were selected by a jury of specialised journalists and experts working for leading European motorboat magazines. They include: "Båtmagasinet" (Norway), "Neptune" (France), "Náutica y Yates" (Spain), "marina.ch" (Switzerland), "Yachtrevue" (Austria) and BOOTE (Germany). The winners not only impressed with their technology, but also with their innovative ideas and exceptional design - a comprehensive insight into the world of top motorboats in 2026.
Sport boats up to 10 metres: Sea Ray SDX 270 Surf
The Sea Ray SDX 270 Surf is exactly the boat that many young water sports enthusiasts dream of: a versatile boat for day trips, relaxed evenings with music and a beer at the anchorage and at the same time perfect for water sports and fun activities. The SDX combines all these features in one boat. The seating areas in the stern and bow invite you to linger and offer enough space for a larger group. The integrated, modern surf system ensures a special sailing experience: ballast tanks with 862 kg, electric surf tabs and intelligent steering generate clean, surfable waves in a targeted manner. The SDX 270 Surf is powered by a 6.2-litre MerCruiser engine with DTS drive. Unlike conventional drives, this engine doesn't just push the boat, it pulls it through the water. This increases safety for water sports enthusiasts who want to get in or out of the water behind the boat. A folding step on the rear platform, which is below the surface of the water, also makes it easier to get in and out of the water. What makes this model so special and the reason why it won is its versatility: a real lifestyle boat.
- Length: 8,28 m
- Width: 2,59 m
- Weight: 3,164 kg
- Motorisation: 350 HP
- Price from: 200.000€
- Shipyard: searay.com
Jury statement
"Wakesurfing is becoming increasingly popular in our region. With the Surf Edition, the new Sea Ray 270 offers the ideal platform." - Roland Regnemer from "Yachtrevue"
Motor yachts up to 14 metres: Windy SR40
The initial ideas for the Windy SR40, designed by the well-known superyacht designer Espen Øino, began almost two years ago. The boat combines sporty elegance with high functionality and safety: among other things, the shipyard placed particular emphasis on the height of the freeboard, which increases the feeling of safety on board. The steering position is protected by a windscreen that is completely raised and a cabin that can be closed at the sides, which guarantees additional comfort and safety. And not just for the driver. Passengers are also protected from spray or wind. On deck, the SR40 offers flexible sun loungers with adjustable backrests at the front and a convertible sofa for three people at the rear. The spacious walkaround deck area allows unhindered movement. Inside, the boat impressed the jury with a complete cabin including a bathroom and a double bed that can be converted into a sofa. This allows the cabin to be used as a sleeping area for two or as an additional lounge. The Windy SR40 is available with both outboard and inboard engines. A true masterpiece from the Scandinavian shipyard.
- Length: 13,05 m
- Width: 4,00 m
- Weight: 10,200 kg
- Motorisation: 1,200 HP
- Price from: 824.866 €
- Shipyard: windyboats.com
Jury statement
"The Windy SR40 is aimed at anyone looking for a sporty, elegant weekend cruiser." - Ole Henrik Nissen-Lie from "Båtmagasinet"
Motor yachts up to 18 metres: Sasga Menorquín 48
As the name suggests, the Menorquín 48 FB is manufactured in Menorca. The shipyard has been building boats there for over 50 years, consciously remaining true to its traditional forms and its idea of what a boat should be. The Menorquín FB is not a floating ostentatious palace full of extras, but an understated, authentic boat with character. Nevertheless, it is not without modern technology. For example, the bathing platform is hydraulic. The exterior design of the hull is clearly modelled on traditional boats from the Mediterranean. At the stern, for example, there is a mount for a rudder that used to be attached. Today it is purely decorative, but a charming detail that reflects the boat's origins. The wooden stem on the bow is also a faithful reproduction of the original. "Charming" is the appropriate keyword here: lots of wood, light-coloured upholstery and loving craftsmanship characterise the appearance. Lovers of wood and craftsmanship will get their money's worth here and the driving behaviour of the hull is also impressive. The stylish and harmonious impression continues below deck. The jury quickly realised that tradition paired with perfect craftsmanship had to be honoured.
- Length: 15,20 m
- Width: 4,85 m
- Weight: 14,200 kg
- Motorisation: 880 HP
- Price from: 952.000 €
- Shipyard: sasgayachts.com
Jury statement
"The Menorquín 48 from Menorca combines Mediterranean llaüt tradition with modern boatbuilding technology." - Diego Yriarte from "Nautica Y Yates"
Motor yachts up to 24 metres: De Antonio Yachts D60
When the De Antonio D60 turns the corner, it is immediately clear which shipyard is involved. Visually, the 60 remains true to its smaller sister ships and consistently carries on the brand's typical design language. The Spaniards have also retained a special shipyard feature in their new flagship: The propulsion is provided by outboard engines, which are concealed under the sunbathing area in the stern. Specifically, four Mercurys with 600 hp each are used. It almost goes without saying that there is no need to talk about space at 60 feet. Both in the bow and stern, the Mediterranean-style layout offers spacious places to relax and sunbathe. The roof is a particular highlight: instead of a classic flybridge, there is a sunbathing area. Those who want to enjoy the sun at the very top will find their favourite place on board here. The access is as unusual as it is clever - a bookshelf in the saloon, which serves as a staircase, leads to the top. An idea that is not only innovative, but should also delight children in particular. After all, when do you ever get to climb up a bookshelf? For the jury, this mixture of innovation, design and the courage to find unconventional solutions was one of the main reasons why the De Antonio D60 won the prize in its category.
- Length: 18,5 m
- Width: 5,20 m
- Weight: 5,300 kg
- Motorisation: 2400 HP
- Price from: 2.320.500€
- Shipyard: deantonioyachts.com
Jury statement
"The De Antonio D 60 combines luxury, space and up to 4 × 600 hp with hidden outboards - a new benchmark for motor yachts." - Lori Schüpbach from "Marina.ch"
Catamarans: Bluegeame BGF45
The BGF45 is the first representative of a completely new range of multihulls with foil-assisted technology that have their direct forerunners in high-speed racing. The idea began with an unusual project: a hydrogen-powered foiling chase boat for the America's Cup for Team American Magic. And it worked: the boat flew across the water at 50 knots; completely emission-free. This experience gave rise to a vision: to transfer technology, efficiency and sustainability to a leisure boat. After the Cup, the time had come: Bluegame presented the BGF45 to the open market for the first time. Despite the rather sporty, slim lines for a catamaran, the boat offers a surprising amount of space on deck. Access below deck is via the respective hulls, with the owner's hull occupying the bow section with the framed bed. The jury was particularly impressed by the history of the boat: how an innovative cup project became a series boat that combines the DNA and materials of racing with the comfort and idea of a modern leisure boat - truly exceptional.
- Length: 14,15 m
- Width: 5,12 m
- Weight: 16,000 kg
- Motorisation: 870 HP
- Price from: 2.142.000 €
- Shipyard: bluegame.it
Jury statement
"With this catamaran, it's not just the boat itself that inspires, but above all the story behind it." - Ole Puls from "BOOTE"
