Sail Magazine

by Peter Nielsen

Peter Nielsen is SAIL’s Editor-in-Chief.

Best Boats 2012 Nominee: Moody 45DS

by Peter Nielsen, Posted August 30, 2011

With its modern lines and dramatic deck saloon configuration, which puts the cabin sole at the same level as the cockpit— la the typical cruising multihull—the Moody 45DS has been turning heads for a couple of years over in Europe. Now it’s headed for U.S. waters, where its nearly plumb stem and transom, dual rudders, twin wheels, spacious accommodations and unique approach to cruising are sure

Best Boats 2012 Nominee: Hanse 445

by Peter Nielsen, Posted August 30, 2011

Designed by Judel/Vrolijk, the Hanse 445 features the same aggressively angular look that is a hallmark of the current Hanse line. A plethora of hatches and a pair of large hull ports let plenty of light into the saloon. A self-tacking jib makes the boat easy to handle, while more than 1,000ft2 of working sail provides lots of horsepower on passage.

Best Boats 2012 Nominee: Dufour 445

by Peter Nielsen, Posted August 30, 2011

French builder Dufour continues to revamp its entire line of cruising and performance boats. Its latest cruiser plugs a gap in the line between the 405 and 485. This looks like a strong, competent cruising boat with some clever features both above and below decks. dufour-yachts.com SPECS LOA: 44ft, 3in LWL: 39ft

Best Boats 2012 Nominee: Jeanneau 44DS

by Peter Nielsen, Posted August 30, 2011

The latest in Jeanneau’s deck saloon line promises to be as popular as its predecessors. The distinctive styling has been taken a step further with the inclusion of even bigger portlights to brighten up the accommodations. jeanneauamerica.com SPECS LOA: 43ft, 9in Beam: 14ft Displacement: 21,450lbs. Draft: 7ft,

Best Boats 2012 Nominee: Beneteau Oceanis 41

by Peter Nielsen, Posted August 30, 2011

One of two new models from the French builder, the Oceanis 41 echoes the styling of the bigger boats in Beneteau’s cruising lineup. Hull chines, a more angular look and a mainsheet arch are the most obvious new features. beneteauusa.com SPECS LOA: 40ft, 7in Beam: 13ft, 9in Displacement: 18, 624lbs.

Best Boats 2012 Nominee: Bavaria 40

by Peter Nielsen, Posted August 30, 2011

Farr Yacht Design gave the Bavaria 40 a fine entry and truncated ends in the interest of maximizing sailing length and speed under sail. Like the rest of Bavaria’s Cruiser line, the 40 offers tremendous volume belowdecks for accommodations. Twin helm stations and a split backstay provide easy access to a flip-down swim platform in the transom.

Best Boats 2012 Nominee: Tartan 4000

by Peter Nielsen, Posted August 29, 2011

With its carbon fiber mast, infused epoxy hull, elegant lines and high-quality workmanship, the Tartan 4000 is a fitting successor to the 4100, which it replaces. The boat’s self-tacking jib and “pocket boom,” which helps gather in the main when it comes time to douse sail, make for a boat that can be easily handled by a couple, or even singlehanded.

Best Boats 2012 Nominee: Hallberg Rassy 372

by Peter Nielsen, Posted August 29, 2011

Any cruising boat from the board of German Frers is certain to be a good performer under sail, and in its short life the Hallberg Rassy 372 has already won many admirers, along with a European Yacht of the Year award. It is the Swedish builder’s biggest aft-cockpit boat. hallberg-rassy.com SPECS LOA: 37ft, 3in LWL: 33ft,

Best Boats 2012: Jeanneau 379

by Peter Nielsen, Posted August 29, 2011

This attractive midsize cruiser offers prospective owners a choice between a deep fin keel or a stub keel/centerboard configuration. It shares its bigger sisters’ new-look styling, complete with hull chines, and has a tall fractional rig. jeanneauamerica.comSPECSLOA: 37ft, 2in Beam: 12ft Displacement: 14,740lbs.

Best Boats 2012 Nominee: Mystery 35

by Peter Nielsen, Posted August 29, 2011

Produced by Cornish Crabbers of Cornwall, England, the Mystery 35 is a recent arrival on U.S. shores. It’s a fast cruiser with traditional lines topsides and modern appendages beneath the waterline. cornishcrabbers.co.uk SPECS LOA: 35ft LWL: 25ft Beam: 10ft Draught: 6ft Displacement: 10,000lbs.