Beneteau has announced that two of its latest sailing yachts, the Oceanis 52 and the First 30, have been officially nominated for the 2026 European Yacht of the Year award, one of the most prestigious recognitions in the global yachting industry.
The nominations highlight Beneteau’s continued commitment to innovation across both cruising and performance sailing segments, reinforcing the brand’s strong presence in the European and international markets.
Oceanis 52: A New Chapter in Comfortable Cruising
The Oceanis 52 represents the newest evolution of Beneteau’s iconic Oceanis cruising range. Designed to balance elegance, innovation and proven heritage, the model sets new standards for onboard comfort, handling precision and long-range usability.
With a clear focus on safe and serene passagemaking, the Oceanis 52 is conceived for owners who value refined living spaces, intuitive sailing systems and confidence at sea. Her design philosophy reflects Beneteau’s long-standing expertise in creating cruising yachts capable of exploring the world’s oceans without compromising comfort or ease of use.
First 30: Performance with Everyday Usability
In contrast, the First 30 brings a performance-driven mindset to the nomination. Blending speed, innovation and comfort, she has quickly gained attention since her launch, particularly for her lively sailing characteristics.
Positioned as a true planing cruiser, the First 30 is designed to deliver exhilarating performance while remaining accessible to a wide range of sailors. Her success reflects growing demand for modern performance yachts that combine excitement on the water with practical cruising features.
Recognition by an Independent Jury
The European Yacht of the Year awards are judged by a panel of specialist journalists representing twelve leading European sailing magazines. Each nominated yacht undergoes extensive on-the-water testing before the final winners are selected.
For Beneteau, the double nomination is a testament to the work of its architects, designers and technical teams, whose combined expertise continues to shape yachts that meet the evolving expectations of today’s sailors.
Results to Be Announced at Boot Düsseldorf 2026
The winners of the 2026 European Yacht of the Year awards will be announced during Boot Düsseldorf in January 2026, one of the world’s most influential boat shows.
Beneteau now looks ahead to the awards ceremony, where the Oceanis 52 and First 30 will compete alongside the industry’s most notable new sailing yachts of the year.
