Düsseldorf, January 18, 2026.
The 12 jury members of the EYOTY committee, representing the major European sailing magazines, have finally revealed the conclusion of their votes: among the 5 nominees in the over 16m category, as known as “luxury cruisers”, they have elected the WAUQUIEZ 55 as winner.
“Today, I’m the happiest CEO and yacht designer” says Cyril BALLU, Head of EXEL Yachting*, owner of the Wauquiez brand. “This is fantastic news for the shipyard and our teams: this award shows that hard work and audacity still mean something in this fabulous yachting industry. Not only for us, but also for our proud customers! We hope this award will turn more blue water cruising enthusiasts into happy Wauquiez “Haute Plaisance” sailors”.
This award does not only reward years of hard work for the French shipyard, celebrating his 60th anniversary in 2025, and historically well-known for its iconic models: Centurion, Pilot Saloon, etc.
It also underlines the audacity of the new owner, EXEL Yachting, taking control of the company 4 years ago, with the ambition of pushing the brand forward with a clearly disruptive mindset.
With innovation as underlaying philosophy for this project, the output shows a concentrate of technologies, combined with head-turning design, under Marc Lombard Yacht Design sharpened pencil.
According to jury members, this 55-footer has been particularly remarked for:
- Her incomparable silhouette, her reverse sheerline, raised knuckle, portholes all along the planking. Inside volumes are just a premiere on a yacht of this size.
- Her seaworthiness and aptitude to reach double-digit speeds, thanks to her fantastic hull design and powerful sailplan, yet remaining easy to sail solo or by a short-handed crew, focus on safety being paramount since inception.
- Her unprecedent layout, featuring massive living space, multiple lounging areas, and, of course, her full-beam aft owners suite, giving direct access to the bath platform.
WAUQUIEZ 55 hull#2 is currently showcased at the BOOT.
Until Sunday 25, visitors can book a private tour to be shown all these details and explained the twin-engine hybrid propulsion system available on this version.
https://meetings-eu1.hubspot.com/ppoulain/rdv-boot-2026
*(EXEL Yachting, a subsidiary of EXEL Industries Group, also includes Rhéa Marine motorboats and Tofinou dayboats)
