Out of the quiet room and into the big ballroom. After a two-year break due to the coronavirus pandemic, the "leading lights" of the international water sports industry came together for the Flagship Night, the award ceremony for the European Powerboat Award 2023, in the main hall of the Düsseldorf boat show. Around 500 invited guests accepted the invitation from Delius Klasing Verlag and boot boss Petros Michelidakis to celebrate the lucky winners of the coveted prizes. As is so often the case, it was a bit like Hollywood, with the only difference being that the presenter was not slapped in the face by any angry guests that evening.
There were more than 200 new models to choose from for Motorboat of the Year. It was no easy task to make a selection and ultimately choose a handful of winners. After many meetings and sometimes heated discussions, the jury of editors-in-chief and chief testers from Europe's biggest motorboat magazines agreed on the winners.
These magazines are included:
- Batmagasinet (Norway)
- BoatMag.it (Italy)
- BOOTE (Germany)
- Marina.ch (Switzerland)
- Nautica y Yates (Spain)
- Neptune (France)
- Motorboat (Netherlands)
- Yachtrevue (Austria)
These were the criteria for the European Powerboat Award
Only boats that had been tested by the jury before the vote were allowed to be chosen. As always, important factors included handling characteristics, workmanship, safety, room layout, value for money and the realisation of innovative ideas. Voting took place in five different categories. For the first time, the "Electricians", whose presence on the market has increased significantly, were also included.
All winners of the Powerboat Award 2023
Motorboats up to 8 m
Askeladden C 78 Cruiser / Parker 780 Escape
The two identical boats offer the perfect combination of fun, travel and family boat in the compact class up to 8 metres in length. Both the handling characteristics and workmanship are very good and with up to 350 hp, the boat is not only safe but also fast. In combination with the camper top and the lower deck cabin, it offers sufficient living and sleeping space.
The boat is robust and safe. Nevertheless, it is very sporty to drive." (Ole Henrik Nissen-Lie from "Batmagasinet")
Motorboats up to 10 metres
Jeanneau Cap Camarat 10.5 CC
As the largest boat in the Cap Camarat series, the 10.5 CC not only offers plenty of space on deck with its 9.3 metre hull length, but the cabin and four berths are also impressive below deck. The highlight: a side door in the side wall facilitates access to the water. With a maximum of two times 425 hp and joystick steering, the boat is also fast and easy to manoeuvre.
The Cap Camarat 10.5. is the perfect boat for beginners and intermediates" (Lori Schüpach from "Marina.ch")
Motorboats up to 14 m
De Antonio D 36
Straight lines and minimalist design are the hallmarks of the De Antonio D 36. The triple-stepped hull stands for an efficient hull shape and makes the boat fast up to 45 knots. The outboard engines are concealed under the stern sunbed and do not detract from the boat's appearance. Two cabins and a separate bathroom provide living comfort.
The 'invisible' outboards are a perfect visual solution" (Claudio Russo from "Boatmag.it")
Motorboats up to 20 metres
Prestige M 48
As the first boat in a new series, the Prestige M 48 is a catamaran with the familiar advantages of efficiency, space and seaworthiness. It offers the same living space as a 60-foot monohull on a boat length of 48 feet. The workmanship and handling characteristics are at the familiar high Prestige level.
The amount of space on the Prestige M 48 is unique for this boat class" (Michel Luizet from "Neptune")
Displacer class
Super Lauwersmeer SLX 54
With the SLX 54, the Dutch Super Lauwermeer shipyard is breaking new ground in steel boat construction. An underwater wing lifts the stern at high speed, making the boat fast and economical. The SLX 54 also impresses with many innovations, a generous space concept and a design language previously unknown in steel boat construction.
With a top speed of 16 knots, the Super Lauwersmeer SLX 54 is amazingly fast" (Yvonne Zwaan from "Motorboot")
Electric
Candela C 8
Candela combines the advantages of hydrofoils with all-electric drives. Sophisticated electronics ensure long ranges at high speeds. The C 8 still achieves ranges of around 50 nm at a gliding speed of 24 knots - a revolution for electric boats.
The combination of foils and electric drive solves the range problem" (Verena Diethelm from "Yachtrevue")
