#bootdaily – Irish Beneteau dealers Bernard Gallagher and James Kirwan of BJ Marine are smiling at BOOT Dusseldorf this morning following the European Power Boat of the Year and European Sailing Boat of the Year awards announcements for the MC5 and the Oceanis 38 respectively. The French marques, from the world's largest builder of recreational boats, celebrated a double win at the massive German show.
Beneteau, Dehler, Saphire, and Contest were the big winners on the evening of the first day at the Düsseldorf boat show – BOOT Düsseldorf – when several hundred industry executives gathered to learn the winners of the 2014 European Yacht of the Year Awards. (On the same evening, the Powerboat Awards were also distributed; see "European PowerBoat of the Year Awards 2014".) The "Flagship Night" event, hosted by German publisher Delius Klasing as well as BOOT Düsseldorf, also included presentation of the Seamaster award for outstanding achievement in the sport of sailing to Jimmy Spithill, America's Cup-winning skipper.
From among 20 nominated models, European Yacht of the Year awards were handed out to winners in four categories.
In the family cruisers category the Beneteau Oceanis 38, presented in three different configurations, as a daysailer, a weekender and cruising boat was a clear winner. Afloat.ie reported on her debut last July and again last September here. Good sailing performance and innovative interior styling with plenty of natural light favoured the Oceanis over the other candidates, according to judges from 11 international boating magazines. The other nominees were the Allures 39.9, Bavaria Cruiser 37, Dufour 410 Grand'Large, Winner 900.
In the motor cruiser category, the top spot in the largest class above 45–feet went to the innovative Beneteau MC 5, (photo here) which showcases the results of the latest development work by the Frecnh builder. The other nominees were the Astondoa 63 Top, Deck, Contest 52 MC, Cranchi Eco Trawler 53, and Princess V 48 Open.
