Boat Reviews

Andrews 28

by Bill Springer, Posted March 10, 2009

The Andrews 28 sportboat is Canadian builder Sylvana Yacht’s answer to the question “Can you build a boat that’s fast, stiff, easy to sail, and easy to trailer with enough interior space to be a comfortable cruiser as well?” It’s a question that builders have been trying to answer for years, and at first glance, the Andrews 28 may be on to something. I took a test sail off

Beneteau First 40

by Sail Staff, Posted August 17, 2009

The latest in Beneteau’s ever-popular First series of racer-cruisers wears its pedigree in plain sight; the same sleek profile as the earlier, large Farr-designed Firsts, the 50 and 45, the same powerful rig and deep torpedo-bulbed keel, the same family-friendly interior that keeps the good times coming even when the racing’s over. It’s all just condensed into a smaller, more

CW Hood 32

by Peter Nielsen, Posted June 7, 2010

Late last fall, I looked over a partly completed hull sitting in a small workshop at a boatyard in Marblehead, Massachusetts. Even minus keel, paint, trim and other essentials, it was apparent that this would be a fast and attractive boat. Less than four weeks later, with snow carpeting the small islands off Marblehead, the boat was being sea-trialed; and yes, it was indeed fast and

Lagoon 450

by Sail Staff, Posted August 4, 2010

This impressive new offering from the French builder succeeds the long-lived 440. It is one big cat, over 25ft wide and with a cast interior fitted out in light woods to make the most of the sunlight filtering through the plentiful ports and windows.For more information on the Lagoon 450, click

Beneteau First 40

by Sail Staff, Posted September 22, 2010

The Farr-designed First 40 is the follow-up to Beneteau’s highly successful First 40.7, a boat that won a series of key international races and quickly established itself as a performer. Over the boat’s 11-year lifespan, Beneteau has sold more than 800 First 40.7s to customers around the globe. Launched in Europe a year ago, about 100 of these new 40-footers have already been sold, and the design

The Hylas 56

by John Kretschmer, Posted July 6, 2011

The Hylas 56 is the logical successor to the popular passagemaker, the Hylas 54. Introduced in 1999, the 54 proved that big, powerful cruisers could be efficiently handled by shorthanded crews, and several 54s have since logged circumnavigations. Why add two feet? For several reasons. The 56’s cockpit is longer and more refined, the aft cabin has more headroom, the rudder is

Bavaria 32

by Sail Staff, Posted February 4, 2003

Bavaria Yachts builds over 1,000 boats each year, and the company's fine-tuned mass-production techniques contribute to the Bavaria 32's great price. But the 32 offers more than excellent value for money. We chose it because it has a sweet helm, clean lines, comfortable accommodations, and reasonable systems, all of which make it an enticing package.Good headroom and well-sized berths will

Leopard 40

by Sail Staff, Posted August 11, 2005

South African catamaran specialist Robertson and Caine has been known for building production boats that were distinctively South African, with bridgedeck clearances slightly lower than those seen on French or Canadian cruising cats and hull shapes a bit wider in the stern to provide more buoyancy aft. The thinking was that a lower bridgedeck reduces the boat’s center of

Southern Wind 100

by Sail Staff, Posted January 18, 2006

This South African yard has specialized in large composite yachts for the past 10 years. This sloop, whose lines, sailplan, keel, and rudder are from Farr Yacht Design, is their largest project to date. The composite hull construction features an infused carbon/Kevlar and epoxy laminate; with structural engineering by SP Technologies. Displacement is expected to be about 130,000

Hallberg-Rassy 48

by Sail Staff, Posted June 2, 2005

Although based on the same concept as the German Frers–designed 46-foot bluewater cruiser that this Swedish builder has produced for many years, the HR 48 has an entirely new hull and layout. Interior space has been expanded with a longer waterline and has been brightened with larger side windows. The aft cabin is wider and is available with either two bunks on each side or