The Island Packet 465 is evidence that the company sees the benefits of the center-cockpit configuration, as do the owners of the boat I test-sailed off New London, Connecticut, last fall. Mark and Janet Gorrell invited me to join them on their boats maiden cruise to see how the first 465 to be launched here in the States (hull #1 went to Europe) performs.ConstructionThe
Since even cruising sailors see the benefit of a little extra speed, the people at Elan have taken a logical step with their restyled Performance series. The Elan 410 is touted to be quick (especially in light wind) and comfortable. To do that, a tall rig allows for maximum sail area when the wind is light, but is easily reefed when the wind gets into the high 20s. As with
The new J/122, a 40-foot cruiser/racer, was designed by Alan Johnstone of the legendary J/Boats family and is being built in France by J/Europe. Its sporty credentials include light-to-moderate displacement (14,900 pounds), minimal overhangs, and a slippery, flat-bottomed hull form. A swept-back double-spreader Hall Spars carbon-fiber rig and a retractable carbon-fiber bowsprit are standard; the
Jeanneau helped to revolutionize the deck-saloon aesthetic when it launched the curvy and distinctive 54 DS about five years ago. The orders rolled in, the company soon realized it was on to something, and 49- and 42-foot models followed. The most recent deck-saloon launch, the 39 DS, is probably about the minimum length for this popular layout and is designed to provide, in a smaller package,
Daysailers are back. They’re not the low-cost, first-step, “let’s learn to sail” boats of the 1970s, but instead are elegant, classic-looking upscale little yachts for experienced skippers who have steadily moved up to cruisers over the years and now seek something simpler. The Alerion Express 33 fills a gap in that company’s line of 20- to 38-foot daysailers. On Deck•
Ted Hood has been designing seagoing yachts for over 50 years; his latest is an all-round ocean voyager. Its designed with a tall rig for running before trade winds, and theres also a big diesel to get to windward when time is short and the winds are from the wrong quarter. Theres comfortable seating behind either of the dual wheel stations, with good visibility in all directions. A remote
The largest design to date in the venerable Wauquiez line of seagoing craft is moving toward a launch date expected at the end of the year. A main feature of the design is the arch that supports the mainsheet, bimini, cockpit speakers, and lights. The yachts primary winches are electric and can be controlled from either of the dual steering stations. Both the main and genoa sheets are led aft
When you look at the classic mahogany brightwork, teak decks, and fine ends of a Spirit-built yacht, you are to be forgiven if you suspect it dates from the early twentieth century. Then you notice the rod rigging, the carbon-fiber spars, and the foil keel and lead bulb under a cedar-stripped hullall part of the latest technology. This is how todays builders blend the above-water
If you strolled the docks at the major East Coast sailboat shows last fall and thought you were seeing a higher-than-average number of good-looking new designs from Scandinavian builders, you were. Among the ranks of that swelling Nordic fleet was a mid-size performance cruiser called the Maestro 40, created by one of the true deans of Northern European naval architects, Eivind Still. The
Once the term mid-size cruiser was used to describe boats from 30 to 35 feet, but many of todays popular mid-size boats are larger. The new 43-foot Hanse 430 is performance oriented, as might be expected; it was designed by Judel/Vrolik, designer of Alinghis Americas Cup boats. As I found during my test sail in Miami, the 430e (epoxy) is a quick cruiser rather than a racer.
Against the backdrop of a lush and vibrant Caribbean island, this regatta offers fierce competition, challenging conditions, and a friendly social scene.
The sailing scene in Antigua is fantastic, but head to shore and check out this island’s history, stunning nature, and vibrant culture.
A first look at the stunning new Dufour 48, which SAIL had the opportunity to be the first U.S. magazine to test and review in Palma de Mallorca. The boat will be making its U.S. debut at the Annapolis Sailboat Show this October.
The national governing body for sailing in the United States has announced that Zhik will be its official technical apparel supplier.
Your Majesty, there is no second… In 1851, the schooner America won the first 100 Guineas Cup, which was later renamed the America’s Cup. Upon
The Hawaiian voyaging canoe Hōkūle‘a celebrates 50 years of voyaging,
education, and heart with the people who made it all possible.
Craig Wood, a British sailor and triple amputee, is currently crossing the Pacific Ocean solo. After two gennaker failures, he’s racing to arrive in Japan before typhoon season sets in.
Catalina Yachts and its sister company, True North Yachts, have been sold to Michael Reardon, founder and CEO of Daedalus Yachts.
Over the weekend, we’ll be celebrating the birthdays of two of yacht racing’s greats: Sir Thomas Lipton and Charlie Dalin.
Jamestown, Rhode Island, native Erica Lush has spent the first half of 2025 in France training to compete in the Solitaire du Figaro. This week’s Solo Maitre CoQ could secure her spot on the start line.
