Just seeing the Axopar 28 Cabin at the boat launch opens your eyes to a new type of recreational boat. It looks long and lean, like a carving knife. Every detail on the boat—from the plumb stem to the narrow beam to the reverse raked windshield—is well-thought-out and implemented for an explicit reason. There is nothing on the Axopar that is there just because. The narrow twin-stepped hull and double-chine design allow this boat to take on heavy seas without pounding, and its design and lightweight construction help it achieve incredible economy for its size. Built modularly so you can readily choose different layouts, it’s not just a category-buster, it’s in a category unto itself.

Each year Europe’s best in the boating industry are rewarded with the “Oscars of boating”: The international “European Powerboat of the Year” Awards. The title is highly acknowledged, and is awarded to the best five boats sold in Europe, in five different size categories.

2020 WINNER – PARDO 38

New factors are added in the category up to 14 m – seaworthiness as well as range. Boats in this category have to be suited for longer distances, navigating across open water or travelling near the coast. The particular features needed to do so, like driving behaviour, safety and range, have a big impact on the valuation of the judges.  

Being nominated alone means that the yacht is one of the most promising new innovations for the upcoming boating season 2021. The European Powerboat of the Year is the most thorough competition there is for production yachts. The criteria that the jury bases their evaluation on space between value for money, performance and innovation. The spirit is to award the models that carry on valuable features, regardless of the brand or the market diffusion.