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.
Legend has it that back in the day, Charlie Britton, founder of Tartan Yachts, once fired a .45 at one of his boats to show that it was “bulletproof.” Designed by Sparkman & Stephens, the first Tartans were popular boats early in the fiberglass era. Tim Jackett, fresh out of school, came to work on the factory floor in 1974. Today he’s CEO and in-house designer at Tartan (and at companion
Fountaine Pajots new Mah 36 replaces the popular Athena 38 as the companys entry-level boat. Since many cat builders have shied away from smaller cruising models, I was eager to see how the Mah could provide interior headroom and volume without looking top-heavy or sacrificing bridgedeck clearance. I was also interested in learning how or if the shorter waterline would
The sturdy, traditionally styled offshore cruisers of Pacific Seacraft are part of the history of the fiberglass-boat industry. The company fell on hard times, however, and was sold last year. This is far from the first time a venerated brand has gone out of business, but Pacific Seacraft is being reborn, and in an unlikely place. Unlikely until you think about it.As the
Beneteau boats keep getting better looking while retaining the consistent quality and good finish that keep owners coming back as they move up in size. The new 46 could be an ultimate boat for many sailors who have experience in smaller vessels and are now looking for a stylish, fast, spacious boat that they can continue to sail into their retirement
Winning scores of races or cruising thousands of miles, their 34 years with a Cal 40 has always been about great sailing.
Four Seas has announced a new folding inflatable RIB, the Fore Runner, designed for convenience, durability, and a few adventures of its own.
Known for its racer-cruisers, Grand Soleil builds a sleek daysailer with sustainability driving its brief.
You see a boat raise the Z or zulu flag (four triangles of yellow, blue, red and black). What are they signaling?A) Going alongside for
Building the custom 40-footer was a master class in project management, hands-on skills, and New England sailing industry collaboration.
Managing Editor Lydia Mullan and her team found themselves on a sinking ship 200 miles from shore one year ago today.
Earning a Special Mention in our Top 10 Best Boats for 2025, this expedition yacht leaves no detail unattended and no dream unimagined.
Passagemaking is requires its own special set of skills.
You’ve read about the misadventures of the J/122 Alliance over the past two years, from an eventful Annapolis-Newport in 2023 to her ultimate sinking in
Accon Marine releases a new line of streamline folding chocks for an uncluttered look on deck.
