Cruising World 2019 Boat of the Year Awards

Newport, RI (December 11, 2018) – Cruising World magazine today announced the winners of its 2019 Boat of the Year competition with the top prizes awarded to the Island Packet 349, conceived and built in Florida, which was named the Domestic Boat of the Year, and the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490, designed and manufactured in France, which earned the title of Import Boat of the Year.

“The Island Packet 349 and the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 are very different yachts but ones that will serve their respective target markets very well,” said Herb McCormick, Cruising World Boat of the Year director.

“The Island Packet is the first new model introduced since the company underwent a change of ownership, and is intended for long-term cruising and living aboard for a couple. The judges were impressed by the overall quality of workmanship.

“The Jeanneau was one of the best sailing yachts in this year’s contest, and is the very definition of an outstanding performance cruiser. The panelists gave the boat top marks for innovation and versatility.”

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 – Import Boat of the Year

Island Packet 349 – Domestic Boat of the Year

In addition, Cruising World presented awards to eight more winners in specific categories related to size and purpose.

The 2019 Boat of the Year competition drew 22 nominees: 15 monohulls, 6 catamarans and a trimaran. Dockside testing and sea trials were conducted by an independent panel of three marine-industry professionals last October during and after the U.S. Sailboat Show in Annapolis, Maryland, and on Chesapeake Bay.

Along with its overall award, the Island Packet 349 was also honored as the Best Midsize Cruiser Under 38 Feet. Jeanneau also took home two trophies – in addition to the Sun Odyssey 490’s Import prize, the company’s Sun Odyssey 410 was announced as the Best Midsize Cruiser Over 38 Feet.

The other winners were the Hylas 48 (Best Full-Size Cruiser Under 48 Feet); the X-Yachts X49
(Best Full-Size Cruiser); the Seawind 1260 (Best Cruising Catamaran Under 50 Feet); the Catana 53 (Best Cruising Multihull Over 50 Feet); the Leopard 50/Moorings 5000 (Best Charter Boat); and the Hanse 348 (Best Value).

Additional details: https://www.cruisingworld.com/boat-of-the-year-2019

2019 Cruising World Boat of the Year Nominees:
Bali 4.1
Beneteau Oceanis 46.1
Catana 53
Dufour Grand Large 360
Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42
Hanse 348
Hanse 418
Hanse 548
Hylas 48
Island Packet 349
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 319
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490
Lagoon 40
Lagoon 50
Leopard 50
Neel 51
Seawind 1260
Tartan 395
Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 42
X-Yachts Xp 55
X-Yachts X 4.9

Source: Rushton Gregory Communications