Best Boats

Best Boats 2012 Nominee: Aquila RP 45

by Peter Nielsen, Posted September 9, 2011

The Aquila 45 integrates IRC (International Racing Class) design features in a comfortably sized inshore/offshore racer-cruiser. Despite its high performance the boat is specifically configured to accommodate short-handed sailing. aquilasailingyachts.com SPECS LOA: 43ft, 8in Beam: 13ft 9in Displacement:

Best Boats 2012 Nominee: Island Packet 360

by Peter Nielsen, Posted September 9, 2011

The Island Packet 360 continues the company tradition with a look that combines the modern and the traditional, and a cruiser-friendly “Full Foil Keel” below the waterline and a Hoyt Boom on the foredeck. The result is a boat that works equally well for weekend cruising or a bluewater passage. ipy.com SPECS LOA: 36ft

Best Boats 2012 Nominee: Catalina 385

by Peter Nielsen, Posted September 9, 2011

The latest in the new Catalina line that began with the 445 in early 2009, the Catalina 385 includes a moderate beam carried well aft for a spacious cockpit, modest freeboard for reduce windage and a comfortable, practical interior belowdecks. catalinayachts.com

Best Boats 2012: PT-11

by Peter Nielsen, Posted September 9, 2011

The PT-11 is a semi-custom production boat with performance to spare. The boat also serves well as sprightly cruiser, capable of accommodating a refrigerator, watermaker and even a heating system without becoming overloaded. performancemultihulls.comSPECSLOD: 36ft, 1inLWL: 35ft 1inBeam: 28ft

Best Boats 2012 Nominee: Herreshoff 20

by Peter Nielsen, Posted September 9, 2011

The Herreshoff 20 is a unique new production boat based on an 80-year-old design created by Capt. Nat himself that was never built. In addition to serving as a sharp little daysailer, the Bristol Boat Company, which manufactures the boat, is also promoting it as a one-design racer and sail trainer.

Best Boats 2012: Jeanneau 439

by Peter Nielsen, Posted September 8, 2011

Continuing the new styling introduced with the smart-looking 409 last year, the 439 is a fast and well-mannered family cruiser that also promises enough fizz for rewarding PHRF acing. The Philippe Briand design has a bright, well-thought-out interior layout and a deck plan that’s optimized for ease of handling.

Best Boats 2012 Nominees

by Peter Nielsen, Posted September 7, 2011

Last year, more than 40 new boats made their U.S. debuts at the fall boat shows in Newport, Rhode Island and Annapolis, Maryland. That was a fine effort from an industry that was hit hard by recession. It’s also the kind of effort that’s hard to sustain, which makes this year’s cast of 41 newcomers all the more impressive.

Best Boats 2012 Nominee: Swan 66FD

by Peter Nielsen, Posted August 30, 2011

The Swan lineage is immediately recognizable in the sleek form of this new luxury performance cruiser from the legendary Finnish builder. The deck plan is deceptively simple and incorporates a huge “lounging” cockpit ahead of the working area. nautorswan.com SPECS LOA: 66ft LWL: 56ft, 5in Beam: 17ft, 8in Draught:

Best Boats 2012 Nominee: Lagoon 560

by Peter Nielsen, Posted August 30, 2011

An imposing yacht from any angle, Lagoon’s latest cruiser offers the interior space of a 75ft monohull and the deck space of a small aircraft carrier. Okay, so that’s an exaggeration. What’s not is the luxurious standard of cruising comfort offered by boats like this. cata-lagoon.com SPECS LOA: 56ft LWL: 54ft Beam:

Best Boats 2012 Nominee: Fluid 550

by Peter Nielsen, Posted August 30, 2011

Yet another new arrival from South Africa, the Fluid 550 is available with either fixed keels or daggerboards, and has a pair of sheltered helm stations. It falls into the luxury catamaran niche and is packed with interesting features, like a built-in soft enclosure for the cockpit. fluidyachts.com SPECS LOA: 40ft, 8in LWL: