Recently, the European Yacht of the Year Awards took place, where yachts were awarded in various categories. The category “Specialized yachts” stood out in particular!
Primus inter pares
One of the most interesting nominations at the European Yacht of the Year Awards is “Specialized Yachts”. Why? The answer is simple: a variety of boats, their form factors and technologies.
When it comes to cruisers, ocean crossing yachts or luxury boats, reviewers usually have to choose from approximately the same yachts. Some shipyards are better at spacious interiors, while others are more about driving performance.

The situation is different in the category “Specialized yachts”. It is among the boats of this category that very interesting specimens are often found. New hull technologies, truly eco-friendly yachts, strange hybrids - all this can be found among the contenders for the nomination.
Journalist and yachtsman Toby Hodges from Yachting World has identified three of the most interesting boats, in his opinion.
Ecology first: Ecoracer 25
The uniqueness of this sports boat is that it is recyclable. After the yacht has served its time, it will be sent for processing and made something new - probably another yacht, who knows?

Initially, the project started out as just a hobby. As a result, the creators of the boat were able to achieve an amazing result. They made a fully recyclable boat with their own hands! During construction, materials such as thermoplastic resins, flax fibre, basalt and recyclable carbon were used.
By and large, enthusiasts challenged large shipyards - if a small team could do it on their own, then why shouldn't the market giants follow their example? The boat is made up of composites and resins that hold it together. Once the resins are separated from the composites by heat treatment and the use of a solvent, they can be reused.

Matteo Polli, one of the creators and ideological inspirers of the project, first tested the technology and materials, creating an Optimist class yacht. A year later, Matteo and his team have already presented their boat at the Genoa Boat Show.
Ecoracer 25 weighs 1.1 tons, is 7.6 meters long and 2.7 meters wide. At the moment, the boat is a prototype. In the near future, it is planned to create a full-fledged product - a 30-foot version of the boat.
Plywood and Speed: Racing Ace 30
Rigid hull, straight sharp lines, innovative technologies - what more do you need for a racing yacht? That's right, plywood!

The Ace 30 is the first short rudder IRC racing yacht. However, this is not her only achievement. The Ace 30 is made from plywood, which not only helps to reduce weight and increase speed, but also reduces the negative impact on the environment.
Light and rigid are the main characteristics of a plywood case. Ideal for small sailboats. For the manufacture of such a yacht does not need a mold. In addition, special plates are used to reinforce the already rigid structure.

The entire body is impregnated with bioresin. Thanks to its properties, the body will not only become stronger, but also more durable. The Ace 30 superstructure is made of fiberglass using bio-epoxy resins. As the creators of the boat say, most of the work on shaping the hull can be completed in one or two days. Sections of the hull with strong curves will take a little longer.
Flutter like a butterfly: Astus 22.5 trimaran
Lightweight, durable, reliable - this is all about the Astus 22.5 trimaran. Small and economical, this trimaran is probably one of the most affordable on the market. The Astus 22.5 could be your entry ticket to the world of multi-hulls.

The length of the trimaran is only 7 meters. However, this does not prevent him from having up to 4 berths on board. The trimaran can be carried with you on a trailer, and there is no need to talk about the relative ease of maintenance at all. Astus 22.5 weighs only 800 kg including engines (!). Only two people can launch the trimaran into the water.
It is noteworthy that the VPLP company, which is famous for its concepts of huge superyachts (many of which, by the way, have already been implemented), worked on the project.

Astus 22.5 can act as a daysailer of sorts. There is also a camping stove for cooking and even a toilet on board.
Don't forget to rate the content! You can find other interesting articles on the links below or in the "News" section!
25.03.2023
News and articles

On Sunday December 10th, the Volvo Ocean Race fleet left Cape Town and plunged into the mysterious Southern Ocean, the most remote ocean on the planet! It is more real than ever before. Since 1973, the Southern Ocean has been the ultimate testing ground for the world's best yachtsmen. In an incredibly fast race to the limit, it can be both exciting and dangerous. It will be an epic 6,500 miles, with huge waves, freezing storms, biblical winds and crazy storms.
Read more…
A unique ocean race for non-professional sailors No matter how well you know yachting or not at all, you can take part in the Clipper Round the World Race and experience the extremes of the world sailing, shoulder to shoulder, fighting against the elements and competitors.
Read more…
The COVID-19 economic crisis has forced the world's # 2 yachting company Bénéteau Group to reorganize
Read more…