2012

The new-look Oceanis line has now expanded to four boats, with more to come. Designers Finot-Conq have focused on making the 45 user-friendly, with a small, easy-to-tack jib, a helm seat that lifts to reveal a wide-open transom, and voluminous accommodations in a hull designed to be well-mannered under sail.

This boat’s 50ft big sister was the star of the show at Annapolis last October. The Sense 43 shares the same sharp styling and daring interior treatment. Size apart, the main difference from the bigger Sense is that it can’t be specified with the optional Dock & Go joystick control. beneteauusa.com SPECS LOA: 43ft, 4in LWL:

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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,