We’ll go ahead and say it: It’s going to be a tough competition this year. The class of 2026 is an innovative mix of design ideals with seemingly something for everyone. Gone are the days when the show docks were packed with a homogenous display of convergent evolution, perfected for that hypothetical “average” owner. The truth is there is no average sailor. Whether it’s crossing oceans or spending afternoons with grandkids, time on the boat is precious and unique to each sailor—just like each owner’s relationship with their boat. That’s why we’ve been glad to see an investment in a diverse range of designs this year, from nimble LOAs to massive cruising cats, and new one design fleets to strides forward on the energy autonomy front, 2026 is shaping up to be a breakthrough year for innovation.
Balance 580
Larger than the pre-existing models from Balance, this catamaran is the fastest and leanest in their line. It is designed to be light for performance reasons, and with carbon reinforced structure, closed cell foam core hulls, and handcrafted foam core furniture, the designers have gone the extra mile to reduce weight on board. On a catamaran, this can make or break the performance, and it seems the team at Balance has dreamed up a winner, reporting that high pointing angles (thanks in part to twin high aspect daggerboards) and the ability to reach wind speed at ease when sailing in an 8-16 knot breeze.
A hardtop extends almost all the way aft, protecting the cockpit from sun exposure and providing extra room for mounted solar panels. Inside an open-plan cockpit and salon allow for indoor-outdoor living and plenty of space. The salon has wrap-around windows for 360 degree visibility and an excellent sense of light and space. A number of layouts are available including three to five cabins. The first hull launched in early 2025 from their yard in St. Francis, Australia.
LOA 58’4” Beam 28’3” Draft 5’5” Displacement 36,753 lbs Sail Area 2,255 sq ft Power Yanmar 4JH57 x SD60
Beneteau First 30
Beneteau is debuting the first of what they call the “planing cruiser” with the First 30, which pushes small boat sailing towards a full cruising experience. “Sailing today is less about racing and more about connecting with nature and having fun with people you care about,” explains Seascape CEO Andraz Mihelin who partnered with Beneteau for the design of the First 30. The brief was for a boat that was quick and easy to get planing, and remained easy to manage once the speed was up. With low loads, a simple rig, and an uncluttered cockpit, a small crew can manage the boat. Though it’s specifically not a racer-cruiser, the boat does have two cockpit layouts, one for cruisers and day sailors, and one for racers which adds a mainsail traveller and additional trim controls. The boat has also been designed for a low price point—€ 100,000 ex VAT at press time—to make the boat accessible to a wider range of owners.
LOA 33’11” Beam 12’10” Draft 6’6” Displacement 6,945 lbs Sail Area 625 sq ft (main and jib) Power 14hp
Beneteau Oceanis 47
Designed for long range cruising, the Oceanis 47 and her sister ship the Oceanis 52, balance performance, comfort, and innovation based on customer feedback and a detailed analysis of onboard usage. These two models will be the first of the next generation of the Oceanis line. The full beam is carried all the way aft, making for more space in the cockpit. Split cockpit tables provide easy access fore and aft, and sunpads on either side of the companionway make space for everyone to congregate together. Aggressive chines keep the boat nimble while still packing space in belowdeck. There are options for an open transom or seating and a grill spanning the full beam aft. Belowdecks, the styling is warm and bright with double rows of windows, a welcome move away from the spartan aesthetic that became ubiquitous on new boats a few years ago.
LOA 47’11” Beam 14’9” Draft 8’1” (deep) 6’2” (shallow) Displacement 24,202 lbs Sail Area 479 sq ft (furling main) 436 sq ft (self tacking jib) Power 57hp
Beneteau Oceanis 52
The Biscontini-Nauta designed Oceanis 52 has a lot in common with the 47, but the extra five feet really do make space for some extra features. The cockpit, for example, includes adjustable height tables with c-shaped benches that face each other, making for a true gathered-for-meal-time vibe. The aft portion of the seating doesn’t have a back rest, so it can also be a good spot from which to keep the helmsman company. Primary and secondary winches have been separated to give better access if they’re in use simultaneously. A self tacking jib makes for easy maneuvering. A First Line version is available with a taller mast and overlapping genoa to give a performance boost. Belowdeck, there’s no shortage of space with an aft-facing chart table to port that has a bench seat and looks back at the galley, plus a more standard salon table set up to starboard.
LOA 51’8” Beam 15’11” Draft 7’9” (deep) 6’4” (shallow) Displacement 31,905 lbs (light) Sail Area 1,539 sq ft (Code 0) Power NA
ClubSwan 28
Nautor Swan’s latest one design race boat prioritizes simplicity, quality, and speed in a compact model. Drawn up by Juan Kouyoumdjian, it’s designed to be crewed by four or five sailors and will excel in medium to light wind. The rig is carbon with no backstay. Instead, mast bend and head stay tension are adjusted via hydraulics. The boat is set up with a full kite retrieval system, including a sliding hatch in the bow for fast, clean douses. Main, jib, AP kite, and reaching kite are all standard. The boat is trailerable thanks to a lifting keel, improving its potential as a one design fleet since these boats are sure to regularly travel farther than they would realistically be delivered on their own bottoms. The hull and deck are an E-glass/epoxy infusion laminate. The boat debuted in September at the Rolex Swan Cup.
LOA 35’1” Beam 8’2” Draft 5’11” Displacement 2645 lbs Sail Area 527 sq ft (main and jib) 753 ft sq (spinnaker) Power NA
Dragonfly 36
The new 36-foot trimaran from Denmark’s Dragonfly is a versatile boat with incredible speed potential. The 36 is offered in a touring or performance version, the main differences being mast height and, accordingly, sail area. Weighing just under 10,000 pounds (13,000 pounds kitted up), The Dragonfly 36 is capable of speeds up to 23 knots, with easy cruising at 10-15 knots. The two-zone cockpit keeps sailhandling and helming aft, while the forward area undisturbed. One of the most eye-catching features of the new design the “swing wing” system. Introduced in 1989, and further refined on this model, it folds this trimaran’s wings to transform it essentially into a monohull, reducing its beam from about 27 feet to just over 12 feet and enabling it to fit into a standard slip or even on a trailer. Hull No. 1 debuted at the Düsseldorf International Boat Show in January.
LOA 37’10” Beam 26’8”/12’2” Draft 2’2”/6’7” Displacement 9,925 lbs (light) Mainsail 656 sq ft (touring) 785 sq ft (performance) Genoa 350 sq ft (touring) 399 sq ft (performance) Power 30hp Yanmar (40hp option)
Dufour 48
The Dufour 48 is all about the outdoors. The cockpit is designed to draw people out and be a focal point of the boat, not just a space for the spaghetti to amass. The cockpit tables are adjustable and spaced so that there is a clear walkway from the companionway back to the helms. The dual helm stations have long, low pedestals, ensuring good visibility forward and plenty of room for instruments, and behind each wheel is access to the bathing platform. From that bathing platform, a functional outdoor galley can be accessed complete with a refrigerator, small sink, and plancha grill, further enticing folks to spend time outdoors. An optional hardtop provides weather protection for the whole area, plus a place for dinghy davits and solar panels on the electric version. Belowdecks, forward and lateral gallies are both options, and owners can choose between three and four cabin versions. The styling is neat and well laid out throughout.
LOA 50’2” Beam 15’11” Draft 7’8” (5’8” optional) Displacement 30,644 lbs (light) Sail Area 209 sq ft (main) 137 sq ft (self tacking jib) Power 57hp
Excess 13
The Excess 13 is a true cruiser’s cruiser, designed for maximum comfort and enjoyment on the water. Pivoting away from VPLP and Patrick Le Quément who designed the first generation of Excess’ cats, Mark Lombard YDG and the in-house design team are responsible for the next generation. The boat is visibly in keeping with the aesthetic of the previous Excesses with modern, aggressive lines. Also like its predecessor, the 13 has asymmetric hulls with finer beams below the water line to improve performance and increase living space. Designers worked hard to keep the boat light and responsive despite all of the features packed into just 42 feet. The living space is impressively similar to what you might find in a chic apartment, with relatively spacious cabins (three or four of them, though the boat sleeps six to 12) and even an office option in addition to the well outfitted nav station. The helms are aft and outboard to have good visibility down one side deck at a time, and a freestanding weather shade protects the helm from too much sun or rain.
LOA 42’7” Beam 23’9” Draft 4’10” Displacement 23,369 lbs Sail Area 1,237 sq ft (upwind) 1,334 sq ft (pulse line) Power 2x40hp
Fountaine Pajot New 41
The catamaran experts at Fountaine Pajot have been focusing on some big projects in recent years, so it’s nice to see some attention paid to the more moderate end of their line with a 40-foot model. Fountaine Pajot has approached it with a focus on good sailability on two hulls and a carefully optimized sail area to displacement ratio so the boat is not underpowered. The 41 also has an increased draft to help with upwind performance. A fully integrated carbon fiber bowsprit can be used with a gennaker to get an additional performance boost and help owners spend less time motoring. The anchors have also been moved forward to improve usability. An aggressive chine creates room in the hull while keeping the boat slim and efficient below the waterline. The aft living area includes a table seating eight to 10 people and is well integrated into the salon’s indoor living space via large sliding doors. The galley includes an unusual but smart layout with an island that allows access for people to move around and through the space, cutting down on traffic jams. The forward cockpit features a large lounge space and an option in replacing the bow trampolines with two 150w solar panels. The coach roof also has solar panels built in, with a maximum capacity of 2,000w. The helm station is halfway between the main deck and the coach roof lounge area, keeping the driver somewhat protected and allowing for good visibility forward. The 41 is available with either standard diesel or two hybrid electric motors.
LOA 39’8” Beam 22’8” Draft 4’5” Displacement 27,000 lbs (light) Sail Area 700 sq ft (main) 377 sq ft (genoa) Power 2 x 20hp (standard)
HH 52
Like the HH44 (a Top 10 Best Boats Winner in 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.
SC LOA 55’11” Beam 24’4” Draft 5’5” (up) 11’7” (down) Displacement 24,500 lbs (light) Sail Area 1,742 sq ft (main and solent) Power 2x Beta 38hp
J/7
With so many years of experience (and owners to source feedback from) it’s no surprise that J/boats is innovating with the latest in their lineup, the J/7. Created to be a family-oriented daysailer, the cockpit takes a modern approach and can fit four adults across one side, a likeness to the J/70 but improved by ergonomic molded cockpit seats inspired by her sister, the J/9. The spaciousness adds to the ease of switching sides and the comfort of relaxing onboard. The J/7 features a 46% ballast-to-displacement ratio with a 3.8-foot draft. That’s a 1,050-pound lead keel on a boat that weighs 2,300 pounds. This improves stability both underway and at anchor and helps the boat maintain speed through maneuvers. The sole is slightly raised aft by the transom, providing a secure-feeling cockpit while also delivering the benefits of an open transom, including the perfect swim platform (with the optional swim ladder).
LOA 23’1” Beam 8’1” Draft 3’10” Displacement 2,300 lbs Ballast 1,050 lbs Sail Area 256 sq ft (upwind) Power Outboard
J/36
The J/36 is built on the same hull as the 2016 J/112E, a successful legacy to work from. For the 36, J/Boats has upgraded the deck, cockpit, and styling. On the refreshed deck you’ll find twin helms, an open transom for one-level boarding, and comfortable cockpit seating. Essential sail controls are led aft, and the main controls are close enough to the helm that the helmsperson could trim as well for solo sailing. The designer has also endeavored to improve security onboard by way of less stressful sailing—clear visibility from the helms, easy access to sail controls, a more sea kindly motion. Foot braces and handholds throughout are plentiful and carefully placed. Belowdecks, the layout includes two cabins and an aft head. Stepped double rows of windows on each side improve light and the sense of space, and the styling is warm and clean.
LOA 36’ Beam 11’10” Draft 6’11” Displacement 11,300 lbs Sail Area 699 sq ft Power 30hp
Lagoon 38
With this model, Lagoon has introduced some interesting sustainability features. The structure of the deck and hulls is done with vacuum infusion molding, for a lighter weight, higher quality composite. Fiberglass has been replaced with all-natural hemp fiber on non-structural pieces, and technological advances in bio-sourced resins and vegetal fibers are utilized aboard this new model. The woodwork aboard the Lagoon 38 comes from FSC-certified forests, and the standard upholstery is created with recycled materials.
The stepped-down transoms of both hulls provide an ideal dock-height place to step on, convenient for loading cargo or people who otherwise have a little trouble with the high freeboard. In the cockpit, a sliding glass door retracts fully to create a continuous interior-exterior living space, with a table that can seat 10. With the helm raised and to starboard, the driver stays nearby the rest of the action.
LOA 37’4” Beam 21’10” Draft 4’42” Displacement 22,579 lbs Sail Area 836 sq ft (square top main and self tacking jib) Power 2×29 hp
Lagoon 60
Designed by VPLP, the Lagoon 60 is unmistakably massive, not just in terms of the LOA, but also in terms of height (the rig itself needs nearly 100 feet of clearance while the flybridge gives the boat a triple decker look) and beam (32 feet). Sections of the sides of the boat even fold down to create even more beaminess—perhaps a diving platform for the adventurous? The water access at the sterns requires three steps down to a little bonus seating area that gives it a real beach club vibe. Forward, there’s a recessed lounge space with a full height door into the salon for easy access. It is available in a galley-up or galley-down version and with four or five cabins. Any way you choose, the boat is spacious with plenty of great hang out spots.
LOA 59’11” Beam 32’5” Draft 5’5” Displacement 70,560 lbs (light) Sail Area 2,572 sq ft (main and genoa) Power 2x150hp
Leopard 52
The Leopard 52 takes the eco-conscious design of its predecessor, the SAIL Top 10 Best Boats winning Leopard 46, and scales it up. The 52 features integrated solar panels and an optional hybrid electric drive that can generate power, further improving energy autonomy.
The Leopard 52 focuses on togetherness for the crew, evident from the grand companionway door that unifies the cockpit and salon to the helm, which connects to both the aft cockpit and coachroof lounge. Improved visibility and abundant natural light create a sense of airiness in the living space, with panoramic views . Touches like anti-glare lighting and refined interior finishes elevate the experience. Designed for freedom of movement and clean lines, the Leopard 52 offers a range of layout options, from a three-cabin configuration with a utility room to a six-cabin setup. The boat’s versatility extends to features like a salon table that converts between dining and coffee table modes, allowing guests to easily customize their space. With a larger rig and upgraded sails, the Leopard 52 also has improved upon the sailing experience, blending performance, luxury, and adaptability in one design brief.
LOA 58’1” Beam 26”6’ Draft 5’4 (light) 5’10” (loaded) Displacement 45,232 lbs Sail Area 1,055 sq ft (standard main) 1,141 sq ft (square top main) Power 57hp
Pegasus 50
The Slovenian-built Pegasus 50 is a true performance bluewater cruise, and has the abundant carbon, range potential, and price tag to prove it. The boat comes with everything needed to throw of the docklines and head out to sea, right down to the forks that fit into a custom drawer that keeps them from rattling around in the galley. Across from that galley is a truly unique feature: a salon table and booth seating that can be canted as one unit to port or starboard, making for a level work or eating space even in a blow. On deck, unfussy, workmanlike helms handle twin rudders, while perfectly placed primary and secondary winches control the sails. A carbon hardtop extends aft with a canvas center that can easily be rolled forward in good weather. Lift the cockpit table and open seats on either side to step down into all of the boat’s technical and engine spaces; maintenance and repairs are a revelation with this much access. Though hull No.1 first splashed in 2020, the boat is making its U.S. debut this summer and is expected at the Newport and Annapolis fall shows,
LOA 49’ Beam 15’10” Draft 7’8” Displacement 27,117 lbs (light) Ballast 10,240 lbs Sail Area 1,385 sq ft (main and J1) Power 75-hp Volvo Penta or Oceanvolt ServoProp 15kw.
Sun Odyssey 415
From first glance, you can tell that the Sun Odyssey 415 has the clean, easily recognizable lines of a Jeanneau, and there’s a reason for that—it’s a hull we’ve seen before. The 415 uses the same design as the popular 410, but with a revamped and improved interior layout to give owners more of what they need on the water. Twin helms are spaced far apart, making for good sightlines down the sidedecks but a bit of a reach between them, and the corresponding twin rudders keep the boat grippy even when heeled. A full-length hard chine down low increases initial stability, and the design carries lots of its beam forward. A walk-around deck offers good accessibility to the bow. According to Jeanneau, the model was designed with an eye towards cost efficiency, “giving new owners access to excellence without breaking the bank.”
LOA 42’5” Beam 11’8” Draft 5’2” (standard) 7’4” (deep) Displacement 16,940 lbs (light) Power Engine Shaft Drive 45hp
October 2025
