The annual Boat of the Year awards are much-anticipated by the marine industry and consumers. An independent panel of experts puts new designs launched the previous year through rigorous inspection and sea trials before announcing an authoritative pick of overall and category winners. The J/70 from J/Boats and builder CCF Composites captured overall honors; the Sparkman & Stephens 30 from Bluenose Yacht Sales and CCF Composites won the best daysailer category.