Danish builder X-Yachts is set to debut its new X-35 One Design later this year, but dont be fooled by the “One Design” label. It’s more than just a 35-foot one-design racer. Like lots of new launches these days, it’s designed to be sporty, easy to sail, and comfortable belowdecks.Strict one-design rules have been established to foster fleet development for those who want to race, but the
The TomCat 9.7 was a splendid surprise at the Annapolis boat show. Walking through, I checked off my key points for a 32-foot cruising cat. Marina-friendly beamcheck; twin four-stroke outboardscheck; open interior spacecheck; shoal draftcheck; neat constructioncheck. During my test sail, I found that the solutions Ted Strain has implemented to maximize interior space and sailing
Slovenia-based Elan Marine has established a presence with its line of Rob Humphreysdesigned performance cruisers over the past several years, but the new Impression 434 by Elan is an entirely different animal. Unlike Elan’s low-slung racer/cruisers, the 434 is aimed directly at the cruiser looking to reel off quick passage times while enjoying spacious
Who says cruising catamarans must be over 40 feet long to have accommodations? The FastCat 305 Vector-K is one of several new cruising catamarans that are now being imported by African Cats US. It’s only 30 feet long, but its 18-foot beam frees up sufficient interior space to house three cabins and a comfortable six-seater saloon with wrap-around exterior views. Freeboard is
Many boats are compromises between conflicting desires to race and to cruise, but not this one. The Island Packet 370 has a single mission: cruising. It’s now the smallest member of the Island Packet family, attracting both experienced owners moving up from smaller boats and newcomers with the means to make this their first boat.On DeckA few years ago designer Bob Johnson
To get yourself from any Southern California harbor to Catalina Island, you’re typically going to set full sail in a moderate breeze. Half a day later you’ll moor in a sunny lee where you will hang out and probably socialize boat-to-boat for a few days before reaching back home to your freeway connection.That’s the classic Southern California cruise weekend, and a lot of the world cruises or
Hanse Yachts in Greifswald, in eastern Germany, was little heard of until the 1990s, when reunification allowed the yard to break into the worldwide production-boat market. Hanse has built fast cruising boats from 31 to 41 feet and recently launched its largest model, the 53-foot 531 that I tested off Cannes, France, this summer.On DeckThe 531’s deck layout is
All variable-draft boats depend on a fully deployed keel for windward performance. Walt Schulz of Shannon Yachts set himself the challenge of designing a 32-foot cruising boat that would sail to windward without drawing more than 30 inches. The result is the Shannon Shoalsailer, and Schulz’s beamy design with dual shallow-draft bilge boards reportedly does just that. Schulz says the hull shape is
The MacGregor 26M is the latest version of Roger MacGregor’s successful MacGregor 26X. This remarkable 26-footer can reportedly log speeds of over 21 knots under power, float in 12 inches of water, and sleep six. It has a galley and an enclosed head. Stability under sail comes from 300 pounds of permanent ballast, 1,150 pounds of easily removable water ballast in the hull, and a narrow
The Catalina 250 Centerboard has some unusual features for a pocket cruisera built-in swim ladder and stern-pulpit seats. And it has the essentials: an easy-to-fill water-ballast system, a spacious cockpit and accommodation plan, a big kick-up rudder and a durable centerboard, and a stove, sink, and a bit of counter space in the galley. There is also a private head compartment. You’ll be amazed
Whether you prefer digital or old school, charts do a great job of getting you where you need to go, and satellite images can provide
Adding low friction rings to your boat’s rigging repertoire can be a lighter, more affordable alternative to line management.
The winner of the CCA’s seamanship medal says that accepting the new reality during a sinking situation is critical to safety.
In love with wooden boats from the start, he found a unique Alden design that continues to fulfill his sailing dreams.
Skinny water and all, a shoulder-season charter in Belize makes for a great escape.
The May 2025 issue of SAIL is here, and we’ve put a special focus on adventure.
The US Sailing Safety at Sea seminar in Annapolis is all about hands-on learning and gaining new perspectives about safety, whether racing or cruising, offshore or coastal.
Harken’s new course aims to provide practical, hands on training.
With young, local talent on display in dynamic contemporary designs, the 51st St. Thomas International Regatta was a celebration of great racing and the next generation taking the lead.
Groundbreakers in yacht design, magazine publishing, and racing are among 11 chosen for the National Sailing Hall of Fame.
