The Targa 27.2: An Award-Winning Standard in All-Weather Cruising
Some boats earn attention when they’re new. Others earn respect over time. The Targa 27.2 has done both—and its recognition as Motor Boat of the Year in the Wheelhouse & Cockpit Cruisers category is a defining moment in the model’s story.
In May 2019, the Targa 27.2 was awarded top honors at the Motor Boat Awards in London, one of the most respected and independent awards programs in the marine industry. Judged by seasoned professionals who test boats in real-world conditions, this recognition affirmed what experienced owners and operators had already discovered: the Targa 27.2 represents a rare balance of capability, manageability, and build quality in a sub-30-foot platform.
The award was presented to Botnia Marin, Targa’s Finnish builder, alongside representatives from Wessex Marine, Targa’s UK dealer at the time. For the team behind the boat, the recognition reflected years of careful development, testing, and refinement—hallmarks of the Targa approach to boatbuilding.
What stood out most was the jury’s assessment of where the 27.2 fits within the broader Targa range. They described it as a “sweet spot” model—compact enough to be manageable for single-handed operation and practical berthing, yet capable of handling conditions that would challenge far larger boats. That combination is central to the Targa identity and especially evident in the 27.2.
The judges also highlighted the boat’s dual nature: rugged and confidence-inspiring, yet agile and engaging to drive. It’s a vessel that rewards time at the helm, designed to be used year-round rather than reserved for ideal conditions. Even stylistically, the 27.2 strikes a balance—modernized in certain trims while retaining the timeless, purposeful look that defines a Targa.
Importantly, this recognition did not stand alone. Around the same period, the Targa 27.2 was also a finalist for Motorboat of the Show in Helsinki, Best of Boats Award in Berlin, and European Powerboat of the Year in Düsseldorf. Consistent nominations across multiple international venues reinforced that this wasn’t a regional success or a one-off accolade—it was broad acknowledgment of a well-executed design.
Today, the Targa 27.2 continues to resonate with owners who value real-world usability over marketing trends. Its award-winning pedigree isn’t about luxury for its own sake, but about thoughtful engineering, proven seaworthiness, and the confidence to go boating when others stay ashore.
That’s what makes the Targa 27.2 not just an award winner—but a lasting benchmark in all-weather cruising.
