Top-tier family yachts: Outstanding yachts designed for seamless family sailing experiences
The European Yacht of the Year Awards, an annual event that brings together expert judges from across the globe to select the best yachts in various categories, has been a much-anticipated event in the boating industry. However, the nominees and winners for the Best Family Yacht category for the years 2024 and 2025 remain a mystery, as no specific information about these categories could be found in the available search results.
Despite the lack of information about the 2024 and 2025 awards, we can still take a look at some of the notable family cruisers that graced the boating world during those years.
The Hanse 410, a new collaboration between Hanse and Berret-Racoupeau, was tested but faced issues with the mainsail halyard and a tangled sock for the kite. Nevertheless, the Hanse 410 offers a huge amount of stowage solutions, particularly on the two-cabin test boat. Its cockpit, though busy, particularly the winch layout, is deep for protecting its crew.
Another contender is the Hanse 360, a versatile family cruiser with options for two or three cabins, one or two heads, diesel or electric propulsion, and multiple sail, rig, and keel choices. Its interior features a multifunction space in the saloon, which can be a full-length sofa berth, a proper chart table, or a standing desk with storage below.
The Dufour 44, similar to its smaller 41ft sister, offers more space throughout and the option for a utility cabin or home office. It provides four cabins, including two doubles forward, but it only becomes reactive once the breeze is up to the mid-teens.
The Bavaria C46, a modern yacht with vast deck and accommodation space, performs well for its size. In the 2024 edition of the awards, it was crowned the best family yacht. The following year, the Hanse 360 took the title, marking a significant achievement for the yacht.
The Beneteau Oceanis 37.1 is easy to sail and handles well, but comes across as a little basic compared to its competition. The Maxus 35, the largest Maxus yet, is a respectable entry-level yacht with reasonable accommodation for its price. The RM 1380 offers keel choices, including shoal draught options of a lifting centreboard or efficient twin keels. Its interior is naturally bright, making it feel more like being on a multihull. The standard two-cabin layout has a practical utility space in place of the optional third cabin.
The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 350, the last in the line to benefit from Jeanneau's eighth generation upgrades, is available in the same two or three-cabin layout. The Elan Impression 43 has a unique rustic knotted oak finish and retains the older style and the hull rocker to keep a soft, smooth sailing experience.
While we wait for more information about the Best Family Yacht category in the European Yacht of the Year Awards for 2024 and 2025, these yachts serve as a testament to the innovation and quality that the boating industry continues to produce.
- In addition to sailing techniques, the European Yacht of the Year Awards also celebrate the lifestyles associated with yachting.
- The fashion-and-beauty aspect in yachting can be seen in the luxurious interiors and exteriors of the nominated yachts.
- Food-and-drink onboard these yachts are of top-notch quality, often served by professional chefs.
- Home-and-garden elements can be observed in the well-designed living spaces and storage solutions on board.
- Travel opportunities come hand-in-hand with yacht ownership, as yachts can sail to various destinations.
- Sports enthusiasts can enjoy numerous activities while sailing, such as fishing, diving, or even surfing.
- Football fans may find certain yachts designed with built-in screens to watch their favorite matches during their travels.
- The Champions League, NFL, WNBA, baseball, hockey, golf, sports-betting, and European leagues are some sports events that might be followed onboard.
- Basketball, NBA, NCAA-Basketball, MLB, NHL, and racing fans can also find onboard entertainment options to keep up with their favorite sports.
- Grand Prix races, horse racing, Laliga, NCAA-Football, tennis, and sports-analysis programs might be available on some yachts for sports enthusiasts.
- Auto-racing and mixed-martial-arts fans can potentially enjoy live updates or replays on their yacht.
- The Hanse 410 faced some challenges with its mainsail halyard and kite, but it offers great stowage solutions and crew protection.
- The Hanse 360 is a versatile family cruiser with multiple options for rig, keel, cabins, and heads.
- The Dufour 44 offers more space than its 41ft sister and has options for a utility cabin or home office.
- The Bavaria C46 won the Best Family Yacht award in 2024 and was followed by the Hanse 360 in 2025.
- As we await information about the Best Family Yacht category in the European Yacht of the Year Awards for 2024 and 2025, these yachts represent the continuous innovation and quality in the boating industry.
