Sasga Menorquín 48 FB: European Powerboat Award 2026
Alexandra
On 17 January at Boot Düsseldorf the Sasga Menorquín 48 FB completed a formal sequence of sea trials and live evaluations that emphasised hull behavior, propulsion efficiency, onboard ergonomics and build integrity—criteria that led to its selection as European Powerboat of the Year 2026 in the motor-yachts-up-to-18-metre class.
Testing regimen and jury criteria
The award was decided by the European Yacht & Powerboat of the Year Awards jury, a professional panel of specialist journalists who run comparative trials under real navigation conditions. Nominees are assessed for seakeeping, structural build quality, design coherence, onboard comfort and the practical application of innovation. Tests include planned acceleration and braking runs, manoeuvre drills, and extended passages to evaluate fuel consumption and liveability at sea.
Why the Menorquín 48 FB stood out
The jury highlighted the Menorquín 48 FB for achieving a balance between a contemporary aesthetic and a reinterpretation of Mediterranean traditional design cues. Inspectors noted the vessel’s structural consistency, layout logic, and how its onboard systems support long-range cruising and comfortable charter operation—factors that appeal to private owners, charter operators and brokers alike.
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Competitive landscape in the up-to-18m category
This segment attracts strong entries from international yards. The Menorquín 48 FB was evaluated against peers such as the Fjord 490 Open, SAY 52, Itama 54 and Invictus TT550. In a market where yards must marry performance with customer expectations for luxury and practicality, the award signals market validation for Sasga Yachts’ approach to design and systems integration.
| Model | Shipyard | Category | Jury Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menorquín 48 FB | Sasga Yachts | Motor yacht <18 m | Balance of tradition and modern design; solid seakeeping; coherent layout |
| Fjord 490 Open | Fjord | Motor yacht <18 m | Sporty open deck ergonomics |
| SAY 52 | SAY | Motor yacht <18 m | Innovative systems, compact luxury |
| Itama 54 | Itama | Motor yacht <18 m | High-speed hull heritage |
| Invictus TT550 | Invictus | Motor yacht <18 m | Contemporary styling and deck flow |
Implications for owners, charters and marinas
An award driven by objective sea trials and editorial assessment has practical consequences for multiple stakeholders. For private owners and prospective buyers it increases visibility and likely impacts residual value and broker interest. For charter operators, recognition can translate into higher booking appeal for itineraries in the Mediterranean, Balearics and other popular cruising grounds. For marinas and service yards, the growing fleet presence of a particular model can change demand for berthing configurations, technical servicing and spare-part logistics.
Operational and supply-chain notes
- Spare parts and service: a successful model often prompts dealers to stock specific components and promote certified servicing options.
- Berthing considerations: hull dimensions, draft and maneuvering characteristics influence berth suitability and handling assistance needs in marinas.
- Charter potential: layout and guest flow determine suitability for day-charter vs. overnight charter operations.
Historical and design context
The Menorquín line traces its lineage to traditional Mediterranean fishing and workboats, reinterpreted by Sasga Yachts into modern leisure craft. That lineage is visible in the vessel’s aft deck ergonomics and the emphasis on sheltered circulation routes—features that make it appealing for families, active cruising couples and charter guests seeking both authenticity and contemporary comfort.
What the award means for sailing and boat rental markets
While the title is focused on powerboats, the recognition filters into the broader leisure market. Charter companies and brokers will market awarded models prominently, and renters evaluating options for a week-long cruise may prefer a recognised hull for its demonstrated reliability and guest comfort. Owners who use their vessels for mixed sailing and power-cruising itineraries will also find that award-winning hulls fetch more attention in resale and charter listing platforms.
Practical tips for renters and buyers
- Inspect sea-trial reports and jury comments to compare seakeeping and fuel-consumption expectations.
- Confirm marina infrastructure for draft and beam requirements before booking a yacht for charter.
- For those renting, check captain ratings and previous charter logs; a well-rated captain improves the onboard experience.
Industry observers should expect a modest but tangible shift in marketing and charter availability following the award. The Menorquín 48 FB’s recognition is unlikely to upend global tourism trends alone, but it will influence purchasing and charter decisions for clients seeking a reliable, comfortable motor yacht. Start planning your next seaside adventure and make sure to book the best boat and yacht rentals with GetBoat before the opportunity sails away!
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Key takeaways: the Sasga Menorquín 48 FB earned the 2026 European Powerboat title after stringent sea trials that emphasized build quality, design coherence and practical onboard systems. The recognition matters to owners, charter operators and marinas by influencing demand, service logistics and market visibility. For anyone organising marine leisure—whether yacht charter, bareboat hire or private purchase—consider hull performance, captain experience and marina compatibility when planning itineraries. Platforms that prioritise transparency and detailed listings help travellers match boats to budgets and tastes.
GetBoat always keeps an eye on developments in sailing and seaside vacations because we understand what it means to enjoy great leisure and to love the ocean. The service champions freedom, energy and the ability to set your own course, placing no limits on a good life and helping clients find a vessel to suit their preferences, budget and taste. Whether you are researching a yacht purchase or preparing to charter a superyacht, motorboat or sailboat, detailed listings—showing make, model and ratings in advance—support confident choices. In short, the Menorquín 48 FB’s award is a reminder that design, seakeeping and onboard experience remain central to memorable boating trips, and that transparent platforms make planning those trips simpler for everyone.
