The class of 2025 is shaping up to be an intriguing mix, and while the push continues toward greater interior volume, maximum comfort, and easy sailhandling, there’s encouraging emphasis on performance characteristics making it easier for sailors to do more sailing and less motoring, especially in lighter air. This year’s nominees also reveal a steady trend offering electric propulsion options, although most stick with traditional diesel as the standard for now. We also appreciate how, even in what can at first glance seem like a somewhat homogenous set of choices when walking the docks, there’s always much more than meets the eye if you care to expand your view. Whether a design is an energizing combination of traditional lines and leading-edge composite build, is pushing the performance and energy autonomy envelope, or is using a clever new thought process to get more people on the water, there is plenty of diversity to go around. —SAIL Editors
Catalina 356, 6 Series
The new Catalina 356 is among five of the Florida builder’s models that are part of the 6 Series, a newly launched range that represents significant changes and upgrades to the popular 5 Series. In that earlier version, Catalina built 187 of the 356’s predecessor, the 355, says the company’s head of engineering, Jon Ames, so the new 356 is likely to be a similarly popular mid-size model.
Though the hull and deck have not changed, the new series benefits from more than 20 modifications, and arguably the most significant of these from a sailing standpoint are a new keel and rig. Ames says that the most popular keel shape had been the wing, but working with Mars Metal, the designers created a new shape—a cruising bulb—that lowers the boat’s center of gravity and reduces wetted surface by 22%. Both changes will enhance the boat’s performance, Ames says.
Up top, a new, double-spreader Seldén rig enables several beneficial changes, not least that all shrouds now lead to one attachment point that’s inboard and close to the cabintop, keeping the side decks completely clear as you move forward. The new LMP sections allow for weight savings aloft, and a Doyle code sail will complement the new rig for off the wind sailing.
“Our partners at Mars Metal and Seldén were instrumental in driving forward the 6 Series,” says Ames. “Our goal throughout was to focus on improved performance and technology, while also delivering Catalina’s legendary quality, craftsmanship, and value.”
The new in-mast furling main is sheeted double-ended—similar to a German sheeted system—taking the mainsheet through two blocks on either side of the cabintop just ahead of the dodger and then back to the cockpit winches, enabling easy trimming from both sides of the cockpit and eliminating a traveler. A new electric winch on the cabintop helps with halyard handling.
In the cockpit, a solid stainless steel railing completely encircles the space up to the gates on the side deck, adding to security. A new steering pedestal built by Edson for Catalina, called the Butler Explorer, is added for the helm. The transom, with its centerline walkthrough to the sugar scoop stern, and the matching stern cockpit seats are the same as on the 355.
Belowdecks, fans of the 355 will find much the same in terms of layout, and upgrades are throughout including new hull-side fixed ports and new cabin side opening ports for added light and a more contemporary look. New solid countertops are in the galley and head, and the head sink has been changed to the popular “vessel” style.
Mechanical upgrades include a larger Group 31 starting battery, the Sensar Marine Boat Monitor system as standard, a diesel heating system option for extending your sailing season, and new LED lighting and outlets throughout. In terms of construction, multiaxial fiberglass was used in the laminate, as well as carbon in certain locations, to help stiffen the structure.
In a media release, the company notes that, “The development of the 6 Series was heavily influenced by feedback from both direct calls with owners and the new owner survey app. This feedback helped identify the features and improvements that customers wanted to see in updated models. Catalina is proud to say that the 6 Series reflects the desires and expectations of these loyal sailors.”
“Catalina has always been committed to listening to our owners and our dealers,” says company President Sharon Day. “That was how Frank [Butler] built Catalina into a trusted brand and America’s largest sailboat builder, and I’m proud that we are carrying his vision forward with the new 6 Series.”
LOA 36’6″ LWL 30’2″ Beam 12′ Draft 4’6″ (shoal) 6’8″ (fin) Air Draft 54.9” Displacement 16,800 lbs (half load) Ballast 6,200 lbs (shoal) 5,200 lbs (fin) Sail Area 1,222 sq ft (main and 135% genoa) Power Yanmar 30hp (Catalina Yachts)
Dufour 44
The latest from Dufour continues the French builder’s move toward refining its performance cruising chops under the guidance of naval architect Umberto Felci. The big sister to the Dufour 41, a SAIL Top 10 Best Boats winner for 2024, this boat adopts the same design philosophy of bringing the beam far forward for maximum interior space yet keeping the hull relatively narrow below the waterline, with a pronounced flare above, for improved performance. The sailplan offers multiple gears with a self-tacking jib, overlapping furling genoa, and a tack point on the sprit for an asymmetrical headsail. The large cockpit has cleaner access to the side decks than the 41 and a massive lazarette. The interior is enormous for a 44-footer and comes in four layouts with three or four cabins, a C-shaped galley forward or a linear fore-and-aft arrangement, and a hexagonal salon table that seats up to 10 people. (Dufour Yachts)
LOA 45’7” LWL 40’1” Beam 14’7” Draft 7’2” (std) or 5’10” Air Draft 66’8” Displacement 22,487 lbs (light) Ballast 6,283 lbs Sail Area 1,076 sq ft (main, genoa) 366 sq ft (self-tacking jib) Power Yanmar or Volvo 50-60hp options (option for hybrid electric)
HH52
Like the HH44 (a SAIL Top 10 Best Boats winner for 2024), the new HH52 is designed around its EcoDrive Parallel Hybrid Electric/Diesel propulsion system. A new cabintop holds a substantial solar array that supports the 48-volt electrical system with a 43.2kWh house bank. Small wings have been added to the keels to reduce leeway, improving upwind performance. Much of the boat is customizable, with two or three cabins, an option for a workshop with pullman berths, and a U-shaped or an island galley. Helm position can be dual aft helms or an interior forward helm. Both come in an Ocean Cruising (50/50 e-glass/carbon) or Sport Cruising (100% carbon fiber) version. In any configuration, it will be a lux, comfortable ride. (HH Catamarans)
SC LOA 55’11” LWL 49’6” Beam 24’4” Draft 5’5” (up) 11’7” (down) Air Draft 79’7” Displacement 24,500 lbs (light) Sail Area 1,742 sq ft (main and solent) Power 2x Beta 38hp
Hanse 360
With the new 360, Hanse Yachts continues its design partnership with Berret-Racoupeau, extending the line that began with the 460 and 510 (SAIL Top 10 Best Boats winners in 2023 and 2024, respectively). Many of the same features you’ll find on this boat’s big sisters are integrated into this 36-footer—that means quick, sporty sailing and rather jaw-dropping accommodations for a boat of this size. A mix of hard and soft chines brings the beam forward above the waterline but maintains a relatively narrower hull shape below. In profile, the boat’s nearly reverse sheer, plumb bow, and low cabintop give her the same lean, fast look as her big sisters. The 55-foot rig carries a 366-square-foot standard mainsail (there are three mainsail options, including square top and in-mast furling) and self-tacking jib with a reacher tacked to the short bowsprit. The cockpit is big-boat size in a 36-footer, with all the amenities including wet bar, grill, liferaft storage, and swim platform. Below, multiple layouts include an owner’s cabin forward with a head opposite the galley, a large aft cabin, and large storage area opposite. Options include an en-suite head in the owner’s cabin plus two aft cabins sharing an aft head; and a salon layout that offers a nav station as well. Standard with a 29-hp Yanmar diesel, fully electric propulsion is an option.
(Hanse Yachts)
LOA 37’2” LWL 33’9” Beam 13’1” Draft 5’ 5” (shoal) 6’9” (L-keel, medium) Air Draft 54’11” Displacement 17,659 lbs (shoal) 17,196 lbs (L-keel) Ballast 4,343 lbs (shoal) 3,975 lbs Sail Area 645 sq ft (std mainsail and self-tacking jib) Power Yanmar 29hp (std) electric 25kW (option)
Hanse 410
Following on its success last year with the 510 (a SAIL Top 10 Best Boats winner for 2024), Hanse Yachts brings many of the same big-boat features into a 41-footer that’s even handier under sail than her big sister. During a test sail off Annapolis in April, with the in-mast furling main on a double-spreader Z-Spar rig and the standard self-tacking jib, the 410 showed solid ability on all points of sail, easily making 6-7 knots at an AWA of about 36-38 and true wind of about 15 knots. Downwind, the boat proved slippery even with the relatively small self-tacking jib (the spinnaker package will up this game), making a comfortable 7-plus knots of speed at 150 AWA in about 12 knots of true wind. Visibility is great from the twin helms. The cockpit settees have matching tables that lower to make lounges while also leaving the cockpit clear fore and aft, all the way back to the swim platform, easily lowered with a block system. The salon is spacious, bright, and well ventilated. Our test version had twin aft cabins with double bunks sharing a head with shower and owner’s cabin forward with a head. Another version has a single aft cabin with a huge storage space to port aft of the galley, and there are options for more pantry space, storage areas, and refrigerator arrangements. The standard boat comes with a 39-hp Yanmar diesel (upgradable to 56 hp) but an electric option is a 25-kW electric motor and a reported 55 nautical mile range.
(Hanse Yachts)
LOA/LWL 41’2”/37’9” Beam 14’1” Draft 6’9” (medium keel), 5’6” (shallow keel) Air Draft 65’6” Displacement 21,341 lbs Ballast 5,236 lbs Sail Area 871 sq ft upwind (furling main, self-tacking jib) Power Yanmar 39hp diesel (elec option)
HopYacht 30
The HopYacht 30, an all-electric 30-foot catamaran from South Africa, speaks to the concept of “hopping aboard” and taking off with a thoughtful simplicity in its approach. HopYacht collaborated with Du Toit Yacht Design—the naval architects who drew the Balance 442, 482, and 526—to create this boat that’s intended for primarily protected waters. The boat is 100% electric with twin ePropulsion Evo 6.0 pod drives that provide a 40-mile range at 4.5 knots over 10 hours, or a 16-mile range at 7 knots over about two-and-a-half hours. Sixteen-hundred watts of solar on the coachroof feed two Balancell 14.4 kWh lithium iron phosphate batteries. The African Dhow-inspired sailplan, which HopYacht developed with Geoff Meek, design director of North Sails in Cape Town, flies a 317-square-foot genoa from a 33-foot spar. This can be easily lowered by two people for traveling in waterways with low bridges. There’s no mainsail—hence, no boom. With a beam of just under 12 feet, this boat can fit into any standard slip, yet it provides a ridiculous amount of space and storage. The salon has a rather linear caravan or RV feel but is brightly lit and ventilated, with features including a head with a large, separate shower and owner’s cabin with walkaround queen-sized bed, massive windows, and two hatches. (Hop Yacht)
LOA 30’8” Beam 11’3” Draft 2’10” Air Draft 32’9” Displacement 8,135 lbs Sail Area 317 sq ft (optional 496 sq ft asymmetrical spinnaker) Power E-Propulsion Evo 6.0 Pod Drives (2x)
J/40
With its new J/40, J/Boats continues the design philosophy and execution that found immediate success with the J/45 (a SAIL Top 10 Best Boats Winner for 2023), which SAIL Cruising Editor Charles Doane says, “superbly balances modern design trends against the builder’s longstanding emphasis on performance and evolutionary moderation.” Optimizable for offshore events like Newport-Bermuda or Chicago-Mac, the J/40 puts equal emphasis on cruising comfort and fun sailing for the family. Both goals are achievable thanks to a hull that tracks easily across wind speeds, a simple but powerful mainsail-driven sail plan on a tapered, fractional spar, dual helms with maximum visibility for all-sized sailors controlling a single, deep rudder, and a cockpit designed to easily accommodate friends and family or a racing crew. Isabelle Racoupeau collaborated with J/Composites on interior design, which features two layouts—a standard three-cabin, one-head arrangement, or two cabins and two heads. J/Composites in France builds this boat, which the company says is “the only 40-footer on the market with a fully infused hull, deck, structural grid, and main bulkhead,” providing “exceptional hull stiffness and optimal strength-to-weight, without sacrificing the comfort of the living spaces.” (J/Boats)
LOA 40’10” LWL 37’ Beam 12’8” Draft 7’2” (std) Air Draft 63’ 0” Displacement 16,900 lbs Ballast 6,400 lbs Sail Area 918 sq ft (upwind) Power Volvo 50hp
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 350
Designed by Lombard Yacht Design and Piaton Yacht Design, the Sun Odyssey 350 is a successor to 2013’s Sun Odyssey 349 and aims to bring the line’s notable performance elements to a more cruiser-friendly model. The redesigned hull features chines and an inverted bow for sporty sailing, while twin rudders offer stability to balance it out. Walkaround side decks make movement from the companionway to the transom and up to the bow all possible without a step up. The rig has a square-topped main and no backstay, which accommodates new seating options for the helmsperson at either of the twin helms. Depending on the kind of sailing owners are planning, the keel is deep, shoal, or swing-keel. There’s also an option for electric propulsion. Belowdecks, layouts include three cabins, or two cabins and a workshop. Forward of the L-shaped galley is a dining area that takes up the salon, with the option to add a chart table to port or leave the settee full-sized and have the option to use it as a day bed. All told, it looks to be a successful reinvention of a proven popular model. (Jeanneau Yachts)
LOA 34’1” LWL 30’9” Beam 11’9” Draft 6‘6” (std) 4’9” (shoal) 4’2” – 8’4’’ (lifting) Air Draft 52’ Displacement 12,470 lbs Ballast 3,483 lbs Sail Area 592 sq ft Power Yanmar 29hp
Lagoon 43
This mid-sized cat from Lagoon is designed with adaptability at the forefront, and as successor to the Lagoon 42, the 43 is likely to be just as popular. The rig has been moved forward, allowing a reimagined, larger sailplan. Aft, the hulls have an unusual cutaway in the side, permitting easy boarding when docked side-to. It’s in a low traffic area, so it doesn’t make any of the active zones on the boat feel less secure; the design makes so much sense, we’re surprised it doesn’t already exist on half the cats in the marina. The helm is to port on a split level between the main deck and flybridge. The latter features a spacious C-shaped seating area as well as sun lounge pad. The dining area transforms from a six-seater table to up to 12 with an indoor-outdoor arrangement, which makes the space functional for entertaining or cozy and closed off when weather blows through. Options include of a full owner’s suite in the starboard hull and twin cabins to port, or four equal cabins with two in each hull. The full starboard owner’s cabin makes room for a massive head aft, and the double berth is all the way forward, a nice arrangement that gets the owners away from the engine and living areas that are likely to be noisy. (Lagoon Catamarans)
LOA 45’5” LWL 42’1” Beam 25’3” Draft 4’5” Air Draft 65’4” Displacement 29,365 lbs (light) Sail Area 1,130sq ft Power Yanmar 57hp 2x
Leopard 46
The new Leopard 46 replaces and builds on the success of its predecessor, the popular Leopard 45 launched in 2017 (380 boats built). While certain aspects of the Leopard DNA are still in evidence in this model—the forward cockpit for entertaining accessed from the salon, the helm position relatively high and to one side with sail controls led here, and a large flybridge lounge next to the helm—new features include an integrated salon and cockpit layout with a sliding door to create a larger indoor/outdoor living and entertainment space. The boat is available with three, four, or five cabins and heads. And, a new electric propulsion option is being offered with the 46, which is set to make its debut at the Annapolis Sailboat Show in October. (Leopard Catamarans)
LOA 45’6” Beam 24’1 Draft 4’11 Air Draft 70’ Displacement 31,596 lbs Sail Area 1,554 sq ft (upwind, std) Power Yanmar 45hp 2X (std) optional electric
Moody DS48
Moody has launched a new version of their “monomoran” concept—a 48-footer that brings the flow and spaciousness of a cat to a monohull. The boat can be sailed from twin helms aft or from the optional interior steering position. At the bow, a seating area with a removable table will be the most romantic seat in the harbor; assuming it’s not too wet or in the way of the headsail, it could be a favorite spot underway as well. High bulwarks and a stainless steel railing encircle the deck, giving peace of mind to parents with young children, folks who aren’t so surefooted, or really anyone when the wave state is acting up. Tender storage is in a neat garage aft, and the door drops down to be a swim platform with ladder access on one side. The deck salon (the DS in DS48) is raised to be on the same level as the recessed cockpit, so that the interior has the light and panoramic windows you’d expect on a cat. The main cabin is forward, and there are several options for the other two cabins including a storage area, one single berth, two single berths, or a double berth. (MoodyYachts)
LOA 50’7” LWL 45’4” Beam 15’11” Draft 7‘1” Air Draft 79’ Displacement 46,650 lbs Ballast NA Sail Area 1,409sq ft (main and jib) Power Yanmar 110hp or 150hp
Nautitech 48 Open
This new flagship of the French builder’s line was last design of the late naval architect Marc Lombard. She’s relatively light for her size with just over 13 tons of displacement, and her long, slim keels—no daggerboards—keep her tracking well. Overall, she has a low profile with sleeker lines than previous Nautitech models and more like those of the high-performance uber cats. During a test sail off Miami in gusty winds of 18 to 22 knots and lumpy seas, she pointed up to 40 degrees and surfed down the bigger waves like a Cadillac, never feeling overpowered or squirrely. Inside, an L-shaped dinette is to port, and the forward-facing nav desk in the front port corner is the roomy nerve center of the boat. The galley is to starboard, and in the middle is the trademark stand-up bar. The owner’s suite spreads across the port hull with a large double bed aft, a desk and generous closet space, and a head with a shower stall and twin sinks forward. On starboard, you can spec two cabins and two heads, one cabin and one head with an office, or a cabin and head with the “SmartRoom” that serves as workshop, stowage space, or laundry. (Nautitech Catamarans)
LOA 47’9” Beam 26’2” Draft 5’1” Air Draft 75’4” Displacement 29,768 lbs Sail Area 1,370 sq ft upwind Power Volvo Penta 2x 75-hp
Nautor ClubSwan 43
Designed by Juan Kouyoumdjian, the ClubSwan 43 is slick racer-cruiser, with a heavy emphasis on the racer part. The standard version is optimized to race in the Swan One Design Circuit or an ORC fleet, but comfortable cruising features are also available. Rig and boom are high modulus carbon fiber, and the hull and deck are a vinylester infusion with carbon reinforcements. Styling belowdecks is an unusual but handsome mix of modern and classic that we want to call “luxury spaceship.” To convert from cruising to racing mode, 80% of the interior structures and furnishings can be removed for a race and re-installed after. There’s no bulkhead forward of the familiar settee-fold-out table arrangement, just a divider frame that visually sections off the next area, which has hanging storage and beyond it a V-berth. It’s specced for six “long distance sport sailors,” which includes two aft cabins plus the V-berth. (Nautor ClubSwan)
LOA 47’9” LWL 43’ Beam 14’ Draft 7’9” Air Draft 64’ Displacement 15,542 lbs Ballast NA Sail Area 1,272 sq ft Power Yanmar 3JH40 40 hp
NEEL 52
The flagship NEEL 52 is sleeker than her predecessor, the 43 (a SAIL Top 10 Best Boats Winner in 2023) with more modern lines, more interior light, and an improved cockpit layout—but none of these come at the expense of performance, as we found out on our test sail. In 14 knots true in a 2- to 3-foot chop, we settled into a comfortable reach at 11 knots with the code zero; pinching to to 40 degrees AWA, we still held onto 9 knots.
Had the wind been stronger, we’d probably have reached 11 knots at 30 degrees the owner reported on an earlier passage. Inside, the owner’s cabin to starboard—on the same level as the salon—steps down into the starboard ama where there’s an office space aft and a full head with shower forward. The bright, airy main salon has the galley to starboard and large nav station to port, with full visibility forward from both. A small cabin is forward in the main hull, with two more cabins in the port hull sharing a midships head. Most remarkable is the boat’s technical space running nearly the length of entire main hull beneath the salon. With full headroom throughout, everything—batteries, washer-dryer, the 110-hp Yanmar on a saildrive, watermaker, electrical and plumbing panels, workshop surfaces, rudder quadrant, etc.—is completely accessible without even so much as a need to bend over. (NEEL Trimarans)
LOA 52’0” Beam 28’10” Draft 6’3” Air Draft 79’0” (aluminum) 81’ (carbon) Displacement 29,762 lbs Sail Area 1,786 sq ft (aluminum mast) Power 110-hp Yanmar diesel
Outremer 52
Taking cues from its award-winning big sister the Outremer 55, the new VPLP-designed Outremer 52 has been optimized for performance and long-distance bluewater sailing. On its best day during a transatlantic passage, our test boat (hull No. 4) logged 254 miles with a top speed of 21.3 knots. Daggerboards draw 6’8” inches when down, enhancing upwind performance. The main helm to starboard is at cabintop level for good visibility with ample space here for one person to be standing at the helm and the other to be linehandling. The wheel can also be lowered to a position under the cockpit hardtopfor helming with protection from the elements. In the salon, a terrific nav desk with full visibility forward has a dedicated, robust chair that articulates to face the galley or dining space to starboard. Below in the port hull, a modular “free space” forward can be configured in multiple ways, from an office and workshop with convertible bunk, to a double cabin or child’s cabin. Aft is another cabin with head and shower, separated. The owner’s cabin to starboard includes piles of storage midships and a full shower and head forward. (Outremer Catamarans)
LOA 51’7” Beam 25’11” Draft 3’6” (boards up), 6’8” (boards down) Air Draft (w/out antenna) 75’6” Displacement 28,219 lbs (34,000 loaded) Sail Area 1,507 sq ft upwind, Genoa 646 sq ft; Gennaker (optional) 1,507 sq ft; Spinnaker (optional) 2,271 sq ft Power 2x Nanni 50hp
Seawind 1370
The new Seawind 1370 is a collaboration between Seawind and The Yacht Design Collective. At 24,000 pounds displacement and with wave-piercing, reverse bows, the boat remains light and nimble without resorting to more expensive materials, such as carbon, to achieve the same goal of quick sailing. The boat can carry a heavy cruising payload yet still perform well without daggerboards, using instead fully integrated mini keels and spade rudders. These same characteristics were on display last year when we tested the 1170 (a SAIL Top 10 Best Boats winner for 2024) with fully 18 people onboard; in 10-12 knots of true wind, that 39-footer was able to point up to 38 degrees AWA, maintain good speed, and tack easily. The 1370 features a cockpit trifold door, twin helms fully protected in the cockpit under the hardtop with all sailhandling gear led aft, and big, opening windows forward for maximum ventilation. The galley in the salon has great visibility and immediate communication with the helms, as well as a nifty new “breakfast bar” feature extending from the galley into the cockpit. The owner’s version features three cabins and two heads, with the owner’s cabin and en suite head occupying the entire port hull for nice privacy. The starboard hull includes a double cabin aft and a unique layout forward with a small bunk in the V-berth area and larger berth just aft. (Seawind Catamarans)
LOA 45’ LWL 45’ Beam 24’11” Draft 4’3” Air Draft 70’10” Displacement 24,250 lbs Sail Area 1,248 (main and jib) Power Yanmar 40hp (2X)
Tartan 335
Tartan’s new 335 is 33 feet of traditionally informed elegance and seakeeping ability that makes for a luxurious daysailer or a sensibly sized cruiser for two. This Tim Jackett design has sweeping lines, a classic transom, and slight spring in the sheer. And, thanks to Tartan’s sister company AMP Spars being in house, the 335 comes standard with a carbon spar, meaning massive weight savings aloft. Coupled with the boat’s cast lead keel, that means the ability to carry a bigger sailplan for greater performance. A self-tacking jib makes for easy upwind work and a 155% reacher gives you plenty of horsepower off the wind. New features in the 335’s cockpit include a molded well in the center for storage of large stuff like folding bikes, roll-up dinghies, and other cruising gear. Belowdecks, the owner’s cabin forward has a commodious V-berth with hanging lockers and storage all around. The salon settees can double as guest bunks or, with lee cloths, sea berths. The head includes a semi-stall shower, and just aft of the head is a true wet locker for foulies. Storage abounds in Tartan’s beautifully built cabinetry, and forward of the stove a deep, pull-out pantry runs on stainless steel drawer slides. Throughout, Tartan’s attention to detail and craftsmanship are in evidence, and coupled with performance, this a seriously big “little” boat.
(Tartan Yachts)
LOA 33’6” LWL 29’2” Beam 10’11” Draft 6’ (deep fin) 4’6” (shoal beavertail) Air Draft 52’2” Displacement 9,000 lbs (fin) 9,200 lbs (shoal) Ballast 3,350 lbs (fin) 3,550 lbs (shoal) Sail Area 601 sq ft (main and self-tacking jib) 845 sq ft (main and reacher) Power Nanni N3.21 21hp diesel w/saildrive
Windelo 50
The new Windelo 50 is an updated version of an earlier launch (2021) that is working to maximize the environmentally sustainable focus of its propulsion and power generating systems, build materials, and performance. Windelo uses basalt fiber rather than traditional fiberglass and recycled PET for a core material. Power comes from two 20kW shaft-driven Bellmarine electric motors and an 18kW diesel genset. The update incorporates a coachroof 110 centimeters longer, which, along with solar on the foredecks, means the boat can now accommodate up to 5,680 watts of solar (a 27% increase from the previous version). In terms of sailhandling, what sets this boat apart from other multihulls is its fully enclosed forward cockpit, offering excellent forward visibility and security. The boat comes in three types: Adventure, which has lifting daggerboards or high-performance fixed fin keels, Yachting, maxed out for luxury, and Sport (performance, 1,100 pounds lighter). (Windelo Catamarans)
LOA 50’1” Beam 26’0” Draft 3’5” Air Draft 76’ Displacement 26,692 lbs (34,000 loaded) Sail Area 1,453 sq ft (upwind) Power 2x 20 kW Bellmarine electric
X-Yachts Xc47
It’s not easy to smile when it’s 39°F outside and blowing 20-30 knots, but the X-Yachts Xc 47 had no problem making that happen during our test sail in the Baltic Sea. Hull No. 1 performed like a racing yacht, on and off the wind, yet carried all the comforts desired for extended cruising. X-Yachts focused on simplicity, natural light, open space, and ventilation below, using a full-scale, heeling interior mock-up to refine every aspect of the layout. The recessed floor in the main salon creates an open feel, while the raised floor in the galley allows for lovely views as well as immediate, easy access to batteries, tanks, pumps, and filters beneath the panels. The Xc 47 is the first boat in the world to be outfitted with Oceanvolt’s brand new and overall DAME Design Award-winning HighPower ServoProp 25, thanks to X-Yachts’ development partnership with Oceanvolt. Electric propulsion is logged as an option, with a Yanmar diesel as standard. (X-yachts)
LOA/LWL 49’11”/43’ 2” Beam 15’ 0” Draft 7’7” (std), 6’7” (shallow) Air Draft 75’6” (not including Windex) Displacement 32,849 lbs (light) Ballast 12,103 lbs Sail Area 1,328 sq ft upwind Power Yanmar 80 HP diesel or 25kW electric
Xquisite 60 Solar Sail
The new flagship in the Xquisite Yachts sailing line is the 60 Solar Sail, a no-luxury-left-behind bluewater cat that that employs hybrid propulsion to maximize energy autonomy. Xquisite partnered with Dixon Yacht Design to create this South African-built cat with an emphasis on lightweight composite construction, carbon reinforced in critical areas. The helm is to starboard and up high, with a neighboring lounge area on the flybridge that can get some quick shade from a retractable awning built into the boom. The salon features an enormous galley to port and nav station forward, facing the large windows that open to allow maximum ventilation. The owner’s version dedicates the portside hull to the owner’s suite with a walk-in wardrobe and luxurious bathroom. Hull No. 1 is a traditional diesel and genset setup, but subsequent hulls will offer two options for hybrid propulsion without the need for a generator. (Xquisite Yachts Catamaran)
LOA 61’7” LWL 58’4” Beam 29’2” Draft 5’4” Air Draft 89’5” Displacement 55,000 lbs (light) Sail Area 2,324 sq ft (mainsail and 110% genoa) Power Yanmar 110hp (2x) w/ 15kW electric (2x) or 100 kW electric (2x)
Check out the year’s nominees here.
October 2024
