Winners revealed for Oscars of yachting

As one of 12 jury members from across Europe who all tested the 12 shortlisted yachts, and the only British judge, Toby Hodges reveals the best yachts of 2025. Here’s his verdict on the winners and nominees.

Dubbed the ‘Oscars of yachting’, the European Yacht of the Year 2025 comprised 12 nominees, from which we elected five category winners. The 12-strong jury is formed of leading boat test critics from their individual countries panning Europe.

Each nominee is tested by all jury members over two weeks of trials in two locations during the Autumn. It’s an impartial, intense and comprehensive programme which results not simply in awarding winners, but by exposing and revealing the boats’ strengths and weaknesses it helps encourage better built and better value new yachts. – Full report