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Best pilothouse boats: 12 of the best boats for year-round adventures

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In the last few years, we’ve noticed an explosion of interest in adventure boats that you can use all year round. Here’s our pick of the best pilothouse boats on the market right now…

From Axopar to Viggo, the new boat market seems to be overflowing with pilothouse boats right now and the appeal isn’t hard to fathom.

With enclosed wheelhouses that offer great all-round visibility as well as protection from the elements, the best pilothouse boats have outgrown their Scandinavian roots.

Yards from Italy and Turkey are getting in on the action too, and we’ve recently experienced the joys of boating around the Seychelles in a pilothouse boat .

If you’re looking to try this style of boating, read on for our essential guide to the most exciting pilothouse boats on the market right now…

12 of the best pilothouse boats

Twin-stepped hull gives the Axopar 37 XC first rate performance, efficiency and sea-keeping

Axopar 37 XC

The Axopar 37 XC is a great-looking multi-purpose adventure platform with a range of flexible indoor and outdoor spaces plus the option of authentic four-berth accommodation.

With its second-generation twin-stepped hull, it handles like a proper sportsboat too, while still returning cruising efficiency of around 2.3l/nm at 28 knots with a pair of Mercury 300s on the transom.

It also offers the option of gullwing doors for uprated access and ventilation in the forward cabin, and the options elsewhere are just as rewarding. You can upgrade to twin 350s for 48-knot performance, or spec the aft deck with a stern bench, a wet bar module, a storage compartment or a brilliant aft cabin .

You can also augment the styling with the Brabus Line package or you can add extra functionality with a forward heads compartment and a pilothouse kitchen module. For full-on adventure, it’s very tough to beat.

Axopar 37 XC specifications

LOA: 37ft 9in (11.50m) Beam: 9ft 8in (3.35m) Engine: Twin 225-350hp outboards Top speed: 48 knots Starting price: £278,000 (inc. VAT)

Read more about the Axopar 37 XC

The Dale 40 makes light work of big seas

Introduced in 2019, the award-winning Dale 40 is a pilothouse boat unlike any other. As you would expect of a Dale , it gives you a steady trim angle throughout the rev range and a perfectly judged balance between forward buoyancy and softness of entry, but it supplements that with extra bow flare and deeper freeboards for an even drier ride at sea.

It’s also a great boat for adding flexibility to your nav plans. The fore-and-aft ensuite cabins enable two couples to cruise for weeks on end and the wheelhouse is easily converted for a third couple.

In terms of range, a combined fuel capacity of 2,300 litres delivers 350nm at 20 knots – and if you want to leave the open sea behind and explore Europe’s inland waterways, the Dale 40’s wide side decks, open aft helm and arrow-straight tracking make it perfect for that too.

Dale 40 specifications

LOA: 44ft 2in (13.48m) Beam: 13ft 10in (4.23m) Engine: Twin Volvo Penta D6 340-480s on shafts Top speed: 28 knots Starting price: £987,777 (inc. VAT)

Read more about the Dale 40

The Dromeas D33 SUV is a stylish 50-knot weekender

Dromeas D33 SUV

As the larger of Dromeas’s two pilothouse boats, the very latest D33 SUV takes the same thoroughbred underpinnings as the D33 WA but adds an enclosed cockpit with twin side doors for uprated year-round practicality.

Available with inboards or outboards , this 50-knot offshore platform also uses aggressive spray rails, thickset rubbing strakes and elevated forward gunwales for a safe, dry ride.

There’s a range of options to help configure the aft deck to your needs, and down below, an open-plan layout provides bright, comfortable sleeping for four. Easily customised and inherently versatile, the new Dromeas D33 SUV is a seriously impressive piece of work.

Dromeas D33 SUV specifications

LOA: 27ft 1in (10.50m) Beam: 8ft 10in (3.15m) Engine: Single or twin outboards up to 800hp Top speed: 50 knots Starting price: £211,200 (inc. VAT)

This is the Daddy of the Nimbus pilothouse boat range, complete with fully enclosed wheelhouse and a pair of Volvo’s 4-cylinder 320hp sterndrive diesels for good measure.

It is, being a Nimbus , incredibly practical and well thought out. There are guardrails all the way along the side decks and wherever there isn’t a guardrail you can guarantee there is going to be a hand hold.

The side decks are deep and safe and there is bespoke storage for the boat’s fenders on the transom and a dedicated slot for the wooden boat hook outside the cockpit doors. These are the sort of practical details that Nimbus’s designers chalk off in their sleep but they make life on board so much easier.

Nimbus C11 specifications

LOA: 40ft 7in (12.4m) Beam: 11ft 4in (3.46m) Engines: Twin 320hp Volvo Penta D4 Top speed: 40 knots Starting price: £361,549 (inc. VAT)

Read more about the Nimbus C11

The Nordkapp Gran Coupé 905 is available with twin 225hp outboards or a single 600hp V12

Nordkapp Gran Coupé 905

The Gran Coupé 905 is a practical, versatile (and rather beautiful) four-berth adventure companion but the V12 model ramps things up in a serious way.

For a start, there are no optional extras here because everything is included. That extends from the Webasto heating, hot and cold water, stern anchor and electric soft top to the bow and stern thrusters, forward sundeck, convertible cockpit and fully featured heads.

And then there’s the engine. While the base 905 is available with a 300hp outboard or twin 225s, this top-of-the-line variant comes with Mercury’s 7.6-litre V12 Verado 600hp outboard motor for ferocious pick-up and speeds in the region of 55 knots.

With sociable outdoor zones fore and aft, plus convertible pilothouse shelter and class-leading performance, this unashamedly high-spec four-season family cruiser is a boat you simply can’t ignore.

Nordkapp Gran Coupé 905 specifications

LOA: 29ft 11in (9.12m) Beam: 9ft 9in (2.98m) Engine: Mercury Verado 7.6-litre 600hp V12 Top speed: 55 knots Starting price: £240,450 (inc VAT and 300hp engine) / £319,950 (inc. VAT and 600hp engine)

Modified chines make the Nord Star 33+ an even smoother ride than its predecessor

Nord Star 33+

The Nord Star 33+ uses the existing 32 hull with modified chines to make it even softer and more forgiving at sea. It also comes with bonded windows and smaller mullions for uprated visibility, plus revised bulwark boarding gates and twin side doors for extra practicality.

The optional Cruiser package looks particularly well judged. In addition to French doors that bring the cockpit and saloon into easy union, it offers some useful flexibility in relation to the way the galley and lower atrium interact.

You can spec each side of the atrium with a heads and separate shower; you can swap the port space for a lower galley; or you can leave the galley up top and use the port compartment as a massive walk-in wardrobe.

Either way, with a pair of D4 270s, this practical four-berth Nordic pilothouse boat offers a really satisfying combination of fuel efficiency, performance and living comfort.

Nord Star 33+ specifications

LOA: 36ft 5in (11.40m) Beam: 11ft 1in (3.40m) Engine: Twin inboard diesels up to 872hp Top speed: 45 knots Starting price: £365,000 (inc. VAT)

Read more about the Nord Star 33+

Pardo has eased back the power to give the Endurance 60 extra efficiency and range

Pardo Endurance 60

The Pardo Endurance 60 might look more like a mini superyacht than an all-action pilothouse boat, but its credentials are very strong. At 59ft in length with a fully enclosed wheelhouse and deep walkaround side decks, it uses a compact, low-slung flybridge to keep the centre of gravity as low as possible.

The decking ahead of the flybridge wind deflector is a great place to sit with a view or ideal for stowing a couple of bikes or stand-up paddle boards . Back aft, in addition to a hydraulic swim platform big enough for a proper jet tender, twin fold-down bulwarks create an extra 180ft² of cockpit space with great access to the water.

Available with a pair of IPS 700s or 800s and capable of sleeping up to eight people, the Pardo Endurance 60 is by no means a fast boat, but if you want long-distance adventure with extra style, refinement and luxury, this is a fantastic way to achieve it.

Pardo Endurance 60 specifications

LOA: 59ft 3in (18.08m) Beam: 16ft 8in (5.13m) Engines: Twin Volvo Penta IPS 700-800s Top speed: 25 knots UK starting price: €2.83 million (inc VAT)

Read more about the Pardo Endurance 60

Despite the extra weight created by the pilothouse, the Quarken 27 Cabin still tops out at 43 knots

Quarken 27 Cabin

The Quarken 27 Cabin takes all the user-friendly day boating intelligence of the award-winning Quarken 27 T-Top and adds a pilothouse for extra multi-purpose flexibility.

Like the open models, it uses an asymmetric design with a full-width port walkway to keep fore-and-aft movement free and easy. It also factors in a full-size sliding door for simple single-handed berthing, plus a seating design that enables you to face out from a sheltered position.

Capable of sleeping two people and seating up to eight, the Quarken 27 Cabin employs the same twin-stepped hull and Yamaha F300 outboard with finger-light digital steering as the rest of the 27 models.

And while the pilothouse structure does incur a little extra weight, this model still manages to achieve a top end of 43 knots, alongside claimed running efficiency of 1.6l per nm for a cruising range of 150nm.

Quarken 27 Cabin specifications

LOA: 27ft 5in (8.35m) Beam: 8ft 6in (2.59m) Engine: Single Yamaha F300 outboard Top speed : 43 knots Starting price: £144,442 (inc. VAT)

Read more about the Quarken 27 Cabin

Rhea is known for its 1970s-style flared bow and classic frigate stern

Rhea Trawler 34

The Rhea Trawler 34 is a seriously flexible boat. It’s available as a flybridge or a sedan and with single or twin shaft drives hooked up to Nanni, Volvo or Yanmar engines.

Like the Timonier line, it’s easy to helm, easy to beach and very kind in a North Atlantic swell. With flat decks, raised bulwarks and a closed transom, it’s also ideal for exposed passages.

And it also comes with a spacious forward owner’s cabin , plus a bathroom with separate shower, a starboard guest cabin and an optional crew cabin for those who need a third double berth.

Rhea Trawler 34 specifications

LOA: 34ft 1in (10.40m) Beam: 13ft 1in (3.98m) Engine: Single 380hp – twin 270hp inboard diesels Top speed: 21 knots Starting price: €585,000 (inc. VAT)

Impeccable seafaring and fit-out make the Sargo 45 our pick of their pilothouse boats range

The Sargo 45 is a very easy boat to enjoy. From the quick-access fender stowage to the massive single-level side decks, the wide-gauge fuel fillers and the side-entry engine bay, the simple things are superbly executed.

With its adjustability, all-round views, skipper’s side door and whisper-quiet double-glazed refinement, the helm also feels like an object lesson in seafaring ergonomics.

And then there’s the accommodation. The fit-out is impeccable, headroom throughout is great and with a convertible dinette, an ingenious ensuite mid cabin and a pair of forward cabins with large day heads, you could easily sleep six to eight people in the utmost comfort.

Even the cruising efficiency looks good. Twin 480hp Volvo Penta D6-IPS650s will deliver 36-knot performance alongside four litres per nautical mile at 30 knots and a range in excess of 300 miles – and you also get the option of sterndrives and a flybridge.

Sargo 45 specifications

LOA: 47ft 11in (14.60m) Beam: 14ft 0in (4.25m) Engine: Twin Volvo D6 440 / IPS-650 Top speed: 36 knots Starting price: €995,000 (inc. VAT)

Read more about the Sargo 45

The Targa 32 Coupe can reach speeds of up to 48 knots

Targa 32 Coupe

The Targa 32 is a fantastic all-rounder. It comes with a flybridge and second helm as standard but, as elsewhere in the range, you can also spec it with a flat roof, an aft door and a large roof rack for your kayaks and paddleboards.

Down below, two comfortable cabins make it popular for families, but you can also choose between a sociable foredeck cockpit or an optional raised bow for extra space in the forward double. It’s also the most versatile Targa in terms of engines.

Diesel options range from twin Volvo D4s right up to the biggest D6s for performance of up to 48 knots alongside a fast cruise of 38 to 40 knots. A pair of Mercury Verado V8 300 or V10 400 outboards are also an option.

But even twin D4 320s will deliver a top speed of 40 knots, while creating some handy extra space in the engine room for bulky baggage or folding bikes .

Targa 32 Coupe specifications

LOA: 35ft 4in (10.78m) Beam: 11ft 1in (3.37m) Engine: 640-880hp inboard diesels Top speed: 48 knots Starting price: £399,840 (inc. VAT)

Viggos are known for their tough aluminium construction and shallow draft

Viggo C10 Offshore

Viggo’s C10 Offshore employs the same deep-vee (24-degree) hull form as the 8m boats but uprates it for Category B use. It also benefits from a more acute bow shape, single or twin engines, separate fuel tanks, and a backup system for the power supply.

As on the Viggo C8 , the layout has been designed so you can pass freely from bow to stern through fore and aft doors and remarkably, up to ten passengers can sit underway in the shelter of the pilothouse.

It’s a seriously quick boat too, thanks to a twin 450hp outboard option that brings a rip-snorting 65 knots into play. And to harness all that power, it also uses a pair of central K-Plane hydraulic trim tabs, which do much the same job as a 200-litre bow tank – pinning that nose in a rough head sea and avoiding any unnecessary air time.

Viggo C10 Offshore specifications

LOA: 35ft 11in (10.95m) Beam: 9ft 8in (2.95m) Engine: Single 450hp / Twin 300-450hp outboards Top speed: 48-65 knots Starting price: £359,400 (inc. VAT)

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OYSTER HP49 Pilothouse

What we say.

Holman and Pye created the 49 Pilothouse by utilizing an extended version of the Oyster 46 hull, to which they added a retroussé stern with sugar scoop and designing an entirely new deck. This is high enough to allow full standing headroom and a interior helm position, creating a motorsailer that sails beautifully. A proven circumnavigator, the 49 Pilothouse participated in the 1994 Europa  Round the World Rally and had class wins in two ARC rallies. 

The standard accommodation layout features three cabins with the owner’s stateroom aft. Guest accommodation is forward. All are masthead rigged, either as sloops or cutters. Nine were launched between 1991 and 1997. 

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Yachting World

• Digital Edition

First look: Bestevaer 36 – downsized pilothouse cruiser

• Toby Hodges
• June 2, 2023

The new Bestevaer 36 from renowned naval architect Gerard Dijkstra is the smallest ever boat in the history if the Besteaver brand

Product Overview

In a world in which yachts are constantly becoming larger, this Dutch brand is bucking the trend, with the smallest-ever model in its 20-year history. It’s intended to offer performance along with shoal draught and the ability to safely dry out on a beach.

These rugged aluminium pilothouse cruisers have always reflected what former professional skipper and renowned naval architect Gerard Dijkstra wants in a boat of his own: a safe, comfortable, and good-looking yacht for unrestricted, short-handed sailing. It has proved to be the perfect formula for a lifetime of ocean sailing, high latitude work and solo racing.

The Bestevaer 36 follows in a similar spirit, but is also intended as a boat in which Dijkstra can spend extended periods in the shallow waters, lakes and coastlines close to home that he has not previously had time to explore in detail.

“The Bestevaer 36 is a high-performance little yacht. It’s a very easy boat to sail and versatile as well,” he says. “It will easily take you around the world but is also ideal for cruising the local wetlands.”

This vessel therefore needed to be a sufficiently compact yacht to easily fit in small harbours and marinas, with the ability to dry out when sailing in the beautiful Wadden Sea nearby. Yet it still retains all the distinctive features of the brand’s larger yachts including aluminium construction, watertight fore and aft bulkheads, plumb bow, practical pilothouse and deep bulwarks.

Galley is to port, heads and diesel heater to starboard of the companionway. Light comes from overhead hatches and strong hull portlights

The two tonne ballasted centreboard provides a generous 2.4m draught when lowered. This is combined with a big rig to give good sailing performance on all points of sail, including close-hauled and light airs. Yet the board retracts fully into the canoe body, reducing draught to only 0.7m and creating a flat surface on which to dry out safely on the hull’s thick bottom plating.

Like the larger Bestevaers, this boat was conceived at the outset to offer crew plenty of protection. In addition to seats each side of the pilothouse, which has a 360˚ view, the coachroof extends over the cockpit, creating a very sheltered area. All lines are led aft for easy single-handed operation.

Generous beam helps to provide good form stability, as well as increasing accommodation volumes. The interior has a flexible semi-open plan layout, with three different style options.

The first boat, which will be the designer’s own, is currently in build and scheduled for completion this spring. This example is also being used as a case study for a transition towards more sustainable production processes at KM Yachtbuilders. For instance, 70% of the aluminium is recycled, as is the insulation, while environmentally friendly and largely recycled materials are used for the interior. It has a 15kW OceanVolt electric drive with sufficient battery capacity for four hours of autonomy. This is supplemented with regeneration and a large solar panel array on the pilothouse roof.

A couple of interesting options are offered for sail plans, including a 95% jib on a Hoyt boom, which makes for an enticing combination of very easy handling and excellent sail shape on all points of sail.

To help make up for loss of headsail area a square-top mainsail with 14% more area than the standard pinhead version can be specified.

The standard specification has a very high level of equipment, including the solar panels, electric propulsion package, antifouling wrap and a traditional style floor mounted with a Dickinson Alaska diesel heater.

Bestevaer 36 specifications

LOA: 10.95m 35ft 11in Beam: 3.80m 12ft 6in Draught: 0.7m-2.4m 2ft 4in-7ft 11in Displacement: 7,800kg 17,200lb Base price: €546,000 ex VAT Builder: bestevaer.com

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A sailor's pilothouse

Pacific Seacraft’s Don Kohlmann knew he had a problem. As the demographics of the sailing community changed, he was seeing people drop out of sailing and move into power boats. “These are folks that have been sailing for some time, but now want to have a little more comfort in inclement weather,” Kohlmann explained. “And because they have more time for destination-type voyaging, they are also looking for a boat capable of motoring and sailing efficiently and economically.”

Kohlmann, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Pacific Seacraft, knew that a motor-sailer (usually the worst of both worlds) wasn’t the solution to this sailors’ attrition. Instead, the Pacific Seacraft team decided to build a pilot house on a good sailboat hullin this case their venerable 40-footer. “Our typical owners are a couple approaching retirement who have spent many years sailing,” Kohlmann explained. “So our challenge was to develop a boat that could be easily handled by a couple; a boat designed so they can travel while sitting in the air-conditioned or heated pilot house with a great view of the world; and, most important, a boat that wouldn’t compromise sailing performance.”

What came off designer Bill Crealock’s drawing board is the new Pilothouse 40. Like her siblings, the Pilothouse 40 carries an impressive list of standard, offshore-ready gear, including a cutter rig. Aesthetics play an important role in the success of a design, and Crealock hasn’t let them down. The 40’s low freeboard and moderate beam are graceful. And, with the signature Crealock canoe stern, the proportions of the hull are balanced to the ends of the boat. “Some designers torture the hull lines for the sake of interior volume in the aft cabin,” said Kohlmann, “and that has detrimental effects on the overall handling and performance. We’ve built a pilot house on a proven blue-water hull. That means you don’t have to power through light to moderate air; you can actually sail this boat in those conditions.”

A successful pilot house design does present some unique engineering challenges. For example, when selecting a steering system, Kohlmann wanted to avoid the relative mushiness of a hydraulic system. “We found the answer in Whitlock’s Mamba shaft-drive steering system. It’s easy to run the shafts through the boat, linking the inside station with the outside cockpit pedestal’s gear box. The system requires little space, it’s remarkably smooth, and, best of all,” he said, “it’s absolutely bomb-proof, an especially critical factor for an offshore boat.”

The Pilothouse 40 boasts a forward cabin with an island berth, as well as an aft cabin double. Even though these are production boats, Kohlmann reports that there’s a lot of room for personalization by individual owners and that no two boats come off the floor alike. For example, the midships section of the main cabin may be customized with a starboard cabin layout. Approximately eight feet long, it comes with over-and-under berths. This same space would also make a great spot for a washer/dryer, workshop, or sea-going office.

The pilot house configuration allowed the builder to raise the cockpit sole eight inches and the main saloon sole 20 inches. In doing so, a tremendous amount of machinery and storage space was picked up. The extra space is especially nice because it allows for more convenient installation of and access to the ship’s mechanical systems.

The standard Pacific Seacraft Pilothouse 40 is equipped with a Yanmar 4JH2TE, a turbo-charged 62-hp diesel to handle the boat’s displacement while providing a good turn of speed. The Yanmar quietly delivers a solid six knots when under power. With 220 gallons of fuel in two aluminum tanks on board, the Pilothouse has a range of more than 1,500 miles.

For a shakedown cruise, the owner of the first Pilothouse 40 sailed the boat to Mexico and spent three months in the Sea of Cortez. Rich Adcock of Gig Harbor, Wash., the owner of a Pacific Seacraft 37, helped sail the boat to Cabo San Lucas. “The Pilothouse is fast and comfortable, everything that my 37 is and more. I thought I was going to enjoy the pilot house feature the most, since I’m from Seattle and comfort in any weather is important to me. But the performance of the boat was the best. I really enjoyed sailing the boat.”

By Ocean Navigator

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Ahoy, Adventurous Mariners! Set sail on an amazing adventure with Pilothouse Boats, the Ultimate Game-Changer for daring sailors. Prepare to be blown away by the sheer awesomeness of pilothouse boats.

What is a Pilothouse Boat?

Curious about Pilothouse Boats? A pilothouse boat is defined as a vessel with a fully enclosed, climate-controlled helm station built into the hull’s superstructure. It is distinguished from a standard cabin cruiser by the fact that the helm is elevated and separated from the living quarters, providing a dedicated space for navigation and control. Pilothouse boats come in various sizes and configurations, making them suitable for different boaters and their specific tastes and requirements.

Features of Pilothouse Boats

Let’s set our sights on the remarkable features that set Pilothouse Boats apart from the rest:

Elevated Helm

A central feature of the pilothouse boat is the elevated helm, which offers a commanding view of the environment. This vantage point allows the captain to navigate with ease, making it ideal for boaters who take their craft into challenging waters or require precise maneuvering.

Enclosed and Climate-Controlled Space

The enclosed, climate-controlled space of a pilothouse boat sets it apart from its open-cockpit counterparts. This feature allows occupants to stay comfortable in various weather conditions, including rain, wind, and scorching sun. The enclosed space protects the helmsman and the sensitive navigational equipment inside, ensuring that the boat’s controls and systems remain in peak condition.

Large Windows & Visibility

Pilothouse boats are typically designed with large windows that provide excellent visibility for the captain or anyone at the helm. This feature, combined with the elevated helm, contributes to the ease of navigation and safety while on the water, as it allows for an unobstructed view of the surroundings.

Versatile Living Space

While the pilothouse serves as the primary focus of these boats, they typically have additional living space, such as a salon, galley, and sleeping accommodations. The living quarters are often customizable to suit the needs and preferences of the boat owner, making a pilothouse boat a versatile choice for both long journeys and casual cruising.

Benefits of Pilothouse Boats

Now that we’ve explored the remarkable features, let’s dive into the incredible benefits that Pilothouse Boats bring to the table:

Comfort and Convenience

The enclosed space of a pilothouse boat ensures that captains and passengers are comfortable and protected, regardless of weather conditions. The climate-controlled environment provides a pleasant retreat from the elements, especially during extended voyages or when cruising in more extreme climates.

Enhanced Safety

By design, pilothouse boats offer improved visibility and protection for the captain, crew, and navigational equipment, making them a safe choice for boating enthusiasts. Being able to view and react to potential hazards quickly and effectively is crucial for boating safety, something that pilothouse boats excel at providing.

Increased Seasonality & Adaptability

Thanks to the protection from the elements afforded by a pilothouse boat, boaters can comfortably venture out earlier in the boating season or extend their outings into the cooler months. This increased seasonality can translate to more opportunities to enjoy time on the water.

Customization Options

Pilothouse boats provide ample opportunities for owners to customize their vessels to suit their needs and preferences. From the configuration of the living space to essential navigational and technological upgrades, the options are virtually endless.

As we conclude our enthralling journey into the world of Pilothouse Boats, one thing is certain, these vessels are the pinnacle of luxury, adaptability, and boating happiness. Pilothouse Boats are the best choice for dedicated boaters looking for exceptional adventures on the water, thanks to their all-weather capability and panoramic vistas.

So, whether you’re an experienced captain or a boating enthusiast looking for your first maritime adventure, a Pilothouse Boat is your doorway to a world of endless possibilities. Accept the call of the sea, set your path, and let the waves transport you to wonderful locations, all while enjoying the comfort and elegance that Pilothouse Boats provide.

It’s time to set sail, embrace the freedom of the open waters, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Bon voyage, fellow boating enthusiasts!

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Used Boat Review: LM32 Pilothouse Sloop

This compact motorsailer stretches the northern sailing season..

Photos by Ron Dwelle

Danish company LM (Lunderskov Mbelfabrik) began as a wood-furniture maker in 1940. In the 1950s, the company started incorporating the newfangled fiberglass into its furniture and changed its name to LM Glasfiber.

In 1972, the company built its first fiberglass sailboat, the LM27, and over the next 20 years, it built 3,000 boats in five models, ranging from 24 to 32 feet. In 1995, LM stopped building boats and concentrated on fabricating giant wind-turbine blades. The manufacturer is now known as the LM Wind Power Group and claims to be the worlds largest maker of the blades. Unfortunately, the company no longer has anything to do with LM sailboats.

Most LM boats were sold in Europe, but for several years in the 1980s, about a fourth of their hulls were sold in the U.S., particularly in the Great Lakes and East Coast areas. A drastic change in the currency exchange rate raised their price significantly, ending imports. The importer was located in Green Bay, Wis., but went out of business in 2001.

LM reportedly sold the hull molds to English company ScanYachts, which built only two or three hulls, one as recently as 2004.

All the LM models share a similar look-canoe-stern hulls with a pilothouse ahead of a sizable cockpit. All are mast-head rigged sloops, and every owner we talked to said that the boats sailed better than they expected-an experience that we shared on our test sail of the LM32. Despite the boats appearance, owners don’t regard them as motorsailers. The smallest model-the LM24-looks a little clunky with the pilothouse, but all the larger models are fairly attractive, with a modest sheer and fairly low cabinhouse and pilothouse. The LM24 was one of the few small boats with a 6-foot standing headroom. The LM27 gained a reputation as an exceptionally good, small ocean passagemaker, and it continues to be in high demand on the European used-boat market.

All LM boats came with a very complete list of standard equipment, including lifelines, pulpits, speedometer, depthsounder, boarding ladders, anchor and rode, fenders, fire extinguishers, and even dishes and cutlery.

The LM24 and LM27 have shallow full-length keels, but the other models were available with twin bilge keels in addition to the more common long-ish fin keel. As far as we know, no bilge-keel models were imported to the U.S., although this was the most popular in England. The fin-keel models have a spade rudder behind a small partial skeg. Ballast in the smaller models was cast iron, and the company said that the larger models had an alloy of iron and lead cast in fiberglass. We havent been able to decipher that claim, but the ballast is enclosed in fiberglass, which is integral to the hull.

All of LMs designers were in-house, and they were referred to as the back-room boys. The designer of the LM24 is listed simply as LM. The LM27 was designed by Palle Mortensen, and the other three models were designed by Bent Juul Andersen.

The boats were sold with either a Bukh (German) or a Volvo (Swedish) diesel. All the LM boats imported to the U.S. came with Volvo engines, while most of the European boats had the Bukh. The Volvo featured a saildrive as standard in the LM30 and LM32. The engines are enclosed in a sound-proofed fiberglass box, either underneath the sole of the pilothouse (LM32) or under the sole of the cockpit (LM30). Many of these boats on the used-boat market have been re-powered with a variety of engines.

The LMs construction is conventional but well done. The boats have a reputation in Europe for high quality, and the LM32 we tested bore out that reputation. The hull is hand-laid fiberglass, and the deck is balsa cored. Its noteworthy that we could find no delamination or spongy spots in the deck or top of the pilothouse in the 28-year-old LM32 we tested-a rarity in a boat of that age.

The interior mahogany woodwork is well done, as you might expect from a company with a long history as a furniture maker. Even the cabinets and drawers are noticeably well-made, evidence that the company didnt skimp on what was out of sight.

The 32 shares all the obvious characteristics of the LM line-particularly the distinctive canoe stern and pilothouse. In most respects, it is simply a larger version of the smaller models. The boat is 32 feet in length and has a 27-foot, 10-inch waterline; its beam is 10 feet 8 inches, and it draws 4 feet, 11 inches. The bilge keel models (called twin-keel in some brochures) draw 4 feet, 1 inch. Displacement is 12,000 pounds, with 4,400 pounds of ballast.

Accommodations

The LM32s cockpit is sizable considering that canoe-stern boats usually have shortened cockpits. There are bench seats on each side of the cockpit, and a large fold-out table easily can seat six. The boat came standard with a canvas bimini that covers the cockpit, and the boat we sailed had zip-in side curtains as well.

There are lockers under each of the bench seats-propane tanks on the port side-and a huge locker under the cockpit sole. Cockpit drains are adequately sized, but they could become a problem with boarding seas from astern, especially since there is no bridgedeck between the cockpit and pilothouse.

At the top of the rudder-stock is an attachment spot for the removable tiller, which can be used if you want to sail from the cockpit rather than from the pilothouse. The wheel steering in the pilothouse has a mechanical disconnect so the tiller moves freely. It would be a challenge to get at the steering gear near the rudder post since the compartment is sealed off from the rest of the cockpit and there are only two round, 6-inch access ports.

At the forward end of the bench seats on each side are the halyard and reefing lines, which run inside a channel on the side of the pilothouse and terminate in cam cleats in front of stainless Andersen winches. The Andersen genoa winches are adequate but definitely not oversized. None of the winches on the test boat were self-tailing; self-tailers were not originally offered as an option.

The mainsheet has a single cam-cleat attachment point at the back edge of the pilothouse, and the sheet hangs down into the cockpit. Theres no mainsheet traveller.

At the front of the cockpit, double sliding doors open up to the pilothouse. On the starboard side is the steering station with a raised captains seat and a second fold-up seat that slides out so two people can share the helm. A wood steering wheel is immediately ahead, and engine controls, the electrical panel, and sailing instruments are directly in front of the helmsman.

The chart table is immediately ahead of the wheel. This setup is good for laying down a chart so the helmsman can see it, but it made it difficult to do actual chart work.

The pilothouses front windows have windshield wipers, and the front center window opens up for ventilation. An interesting feature testers noted was a sliding hatch above the wheel and seat that allows the helmsman to stand up for a good view of the sails, deck, and seas.

On the port side of the pilothouse is a compact galley, with a two-burner propane stove and a small sink. On the test boat, the front-loading refrigerator is underneath the stove, and storage drawers extend all the way outboard to the hull. The only usable counterspaces are the hinged wood covers for the stove and sink, which can be moved when the stove or sink are in use. This may be the smallest galley in any 32-foot production sailboat.

The pilothouse steps down into the saloon, which has a settee on the port side and a dinette/double-berth to starboard. The owner of the boat we sailed had removed the dinette table, opting to eat only at the cockpit table in exchange for a roomier saloon. Stowage lockers are outboard of the 6-foot-long settees as well as underneath. An overhead hatch and a single, fixed port on each side offer good lighting.

Forward of the saloon is the head to starboard, with a hanging locker opposite. The compact head compartment is unusual in that the sink slides out from underneath the deck, above the toilet. The small head also has a teak grating above the sump, making it possible to shower in the head. Fixed ports on each side offer lighting.

The V-berth uses a filler to make a roomy double bed, though it is only 6 feet long. Small stowage lockers are at the head of the V-berth and underneath the anchor locker. There are also shelves along the hull above the berth. Two fixed ports on the side and an overhead front hatch provide adequate lighting. Early models had stacked berths that looked suitable mostly for children, but we don’t think any of those were imported to the U.S.

Overall, with its narrow beam, long cockpit, and canoe stern, the LM32s interior room is comparable to a more-modern, broad-beamed, fat-stern 28-footer. At least LM avoided the folly of quarter-berths, which are wasted space on most boats this size. This is definitely a couples boat, and finding living or sleeping space for four people would be a push.

The rig is a conventional, single-spreader masthead sloop. The chainplates are close to the deckhouse, so the sidedecks are adequately wide, except at the back edge of the pilothouse, where it is a squeeze to get through.

A rigid boom-vang was standard for the LM32 mainsail, making up some for the lack of a traveller. A 150-percent furling genoa also was standard; smaller sails and a spinnaker were options. The boat we test sailed had only the standard main and 150, but had recently added a stack pack for mainsail handling.

Anyone buying a saltwater LM will want to scrutinize the rigging and chainplates carefully for corrosion. The boat we tested was a freshwater boat with zero rig issues after 28 years.

The LM32 engine is a Volvo MD17 three-cylinder, 35-horsepower diesel. Its plenty big to push the boat, even through headwinds and waves. The Volvo saildrive makes for a compact installation, and the entire engine/drive unit is contained in a waterproof and soundproofed compartment underneath the pilothouse sole. Testers noted that the engine was quiet and its installation offered good access.

The aluminum saildrive needs to be maintained carefully if used in saltwater, but weve heard of surprisingly few problems with corrosion or with the rubber hull seal. The saildrive came with a fixed prop-a folding prop being optional-and the boat we tested had the fixed. Performance would benefit from a folding prop.

On the LM32, the prop is well forward of the rudder, making the boat less maneuverable in reverse. Theres also little sidewise kick from the prop, so tight-quarter turning will be a challenge. In the LM30, the saildrive is much closer to the rudder-under the cockpit rather than under the pilothouse.

Original fuel tankage on the LM32 was 55 gallons, more than enough for normal cruising. In fact, were not big fans of such large tankage. Most coastal cruisers will eventually have fuel in the tank that is several years old, and this could lead to potential problems with algae and other contaminants.

The 55 gallons of water tankage is also adequate for coastal cruising, but the holding tank is only 15 gallons, and this could be an issue as states increase enforcement of pump-out rules. Unfortunately, there is no good place on the boat to install a larger tank.

The original electrical wiring was well done, although after 25 years there are almost always some cobbled-up wiring runs, and the breaker panel would benefit from expansion. The boat comes standard with four 90-amp batteries-housed directly ahead of the engine compartment underneath the pilothouse sole-and shorepower wiring.

The boat also came standard with basic sailing instruments-except a wind meter-and all were still working on the boat we sailed. A wheel-mounted autopilot was installed in the pilothouse. Most owners will want to upgrade to more modern instruments.

The standard deck hardware was satisfactory, in our opinion. Theres a small bowsprit, and our test boat carried a 33-pound Bruce anchor. The anchor locker offers plenty of room for adequate rode. The boat we tested had all chain rode and a windlass. Second and third anchors would have to be stowed in cockpit lockers.

As we noted, the sidedecks and toe-rail are acceptable, being skinny only at the back edge of the pilothouse, but testers did have a problem climbing up on top of the pilothouse-something that you would not do often anyway. The boarding ladder at the canoe stern could be a challenge for some, since theres so little deck space back there, but its do-able.

We were pleasantly surprised by the sailing ability of the LM32. With its pilothouse and canoe stern, you might expect it to sail like a motor sailor, but its nimble and relatively quick, much like a conventional modern sloop.

Conditions for our test sails were 8- to 10-knot winds, and later 10 to 14 knots winds, in relatively flat water, so we sailed with a full main and the 150-percent jib. Both Dacron sails were in excellent shape, of recent vintage. The LM32 sailed nearly to hull speed in the light air and definitely to hull speed in the heavier air.

She came about quickly and tacked easily through 90 degrees. Off the wind, she did very well on close and beam reaches, slowing down only when the wind went more than 120-degrees apparent. You wouldnt need a reef in the main until about 15 knots. Though narrow, the LM32 is a pretty stable boat.

Testers found steering from the pilothouse to be tricky. The sheets and other sail controls are all in the cockpit, behind the pilothouse, so the helmsman has to leave the helm to handle the sails or depend on crew.

The boat can be sailed from the cockpit, using the attachable tiller, but visibility is poor from the cockpit seats-the helmsman would have to stand up to steer the boat. For cruising, the autopilot would ease this problem, but most experienced sailors would have to adjust to the pilothouse.

LM boat owners seem to hold on to their boats for a long time. At presstime, 15 LMs were listed for sale in Europe, but only one was listed in the U.S. And the only boat sold in the U.S. in the previous year that we could find was actually exported to Europe. Prices varied from $43,000 to $73,000, which we think is very expensive for this size boat.

The appeal of LM boats is definitely in their appearance. If you like a pilothouse and the idea of a canoe stern, this boat is worth considering. Its well-made and sails well, better than most motorsailers we know. We would be hesitant to take one offshore (though a number have made long passages), but it would be a good coastal cruiser.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Bukh is danish;-)

Good morning Recently I’ve bought a LM 32, the previous owner give me a very short documentation, thus I have some doubts. 1) How disconnect the whell steering for pilot with free tiller. 2) Do you Know if tfis LM 32 has black water reservoir? Thanks a lot

1) In the pilot house just left of the electrical switches is a T-bar to pull. This will disconnect the steering wheel. Reconnecting can be tricky, since both have to be well aligned. 2) Yes in the floor of the V-birth in the bow.

Happy sailing!

Dear Bart, These problems are solved, now I have another with the steering unit because has too much play. Do you know where can I shop ones? Thanks a lot.

I’ve had my LM 32 since the late 1980’s and sailed this boat through some of the roughest weather the Great Lakes could dish out with surprising safety. So far there have been no major malfunctions ! True it has been stored inside and well maintained, but frankly I’m impressed !

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PILOTHOUSE BOATS FOR SALE

As the evolution of the trawler and cruising motoryacht continued into the 1980s, there was growing interest in developing boats with raised pilothouses to separate the helm station from the rest of the boat. Robert Beebe wrote about this in his seminal Voyaging Under Power. The need for a protected helm, from which the boat could continue on course at sea, without the distraction from galley lighting or crew quarters, day and night, was considered important enough for designers to include models with a raised pilothouse, much like one sees on commercial vessels.

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The introduction of the Krogen 42 in 1976, then the Fleming 55 in the mid-1980s (as Grand Banks owners clamored for a pilothouse yacht with the quality of Grand Banks), followed by the Nordhavn 46, all set the expectation that a raised pilothouse was now a requirement of any serious passagemaker and ocean-going cruising motoryacht. While they have been around for quite some time, in Northern Europe and elsewhere, Art DeFever was a big proponent of the style, as well as Willard and other designers building pilothouse cruising yachts in fiberglass, wood and steel, and demand for raised pilothouse cruising yachts became mainstream by the 1990s.

Of course, there have been pleasure yachts built on commercial fishing hulls, such as Delta Marine’s 70-foot Zopilote, which circumnavigated before it began showing up on the bucket list of those in the world cruising community. The Pacific Northwest has a history of pilothouse trawlers, as the conditions are demanding for the fishing fleets that work the Northwest and Alaska.

In its most common form, the raised pilothouse is located up a few steps from the saloon and galley level, bringing the pilothouse above the rest of the boat. This provides a commanding view from large forward and side windows. There are generally one or two doors to the side decks, many of which are well protected by a Portuguese bridge. The large helm console has enough real estate for a full complement of cruising electronics, navigation instruments, VHF and SSB radios, engine and generator controls and gauges, bow and stern thrusters, windshield washer, horn, and firefighting controls. All of the electrical panels are usually in the pilothouse as well.

It is the command center for all the boat’s systems.

One can safely and comfortably drive this type yacht from the pilothouse in all weather, with air conditioning and heat to match the conditions. There is usually a fixed helm chair that is more of a throne. Crew can also enjoy the day’s journey in the pilothouse, seated on settees wrapped around a table. There is also a chart table and storage for navigation tools.

While an ocean passage on most other types of offshore boats calls for a complete wardrobe of foul weather gear and robust safety equipment, with harnesses and strobes, it is common to cross an ocean (or any body of water, for that matter) from the comfort of a pilothouse wearing flip flops.

Some pilothouse designs have access down to the accommodations from the pilothouse, but that not always. And while it is generally easy to bring meals, drinks, and snacks up to the pilothouse so the crew can eat meals together underway, that is also not always the case. The Nordhavn 62, for example, requires the crew to climb a steep set of steps, balancing plates, glasses, wine bottles, and cutlery while holding onto the railing for safety. It is just the nature of this design, which has about the most shippy profile as anyone will find. 

Stepping outside of the pilothouse during a night watch is a nice break to get some refreshing air and reminds you how great standing watch is in the protection of the pilothouse.

Some of the builders of raised pilothouse yachts include Alaskan, Nordlund, Outer Reef, Fleming, Northern Marine, Kadey-Krogen, Nordhavn, Offshore, Cheoy Lee, Ocean Alexander, Nordic Tugs, Selene, Marlow, Vripack, Northwest Yachts, and others.

Most pilothouse yachts have a large destroyer-type wheel for steering, but a trend today is to use jog sticks instead to control the autopilot(s) steering the boat. The big wheel is removed and stored out of the way.

Docking usually requires stepping out of the pilothouse, and many yachts have controls for using the thrusters and engine controls on handheld remotes or wing stations off the bridge or in the aft cockpit.

Whether the front windows are raked back for that “North Sea” look, are vertical as found on tug yachts, or slanted forward for a sleeker profile, standing watch in a raised pilothouse is a marvelous experience. 

It feels like driving a small ship, or as close as one can get.

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CREATING AN ALUMINIUM SAILBOAT FOR BLUEWATER CRUISING

"I have always been fascinated about the idea of sailboat traveling on the ocean energy self-sufficient like the satellite rounding the earth. Producing its own energy by the power of wind, sea and sun.

The Li Yachts project started with my own desire of the boat that will be used in dive expeditions with aim to reach even the remotest locations – and I wanted to do that with freedom of fossil fuels."

Voyage started from my hand drawn sketches. Here drawing the 47 ft centreboarder.

We have designed a 40 ft centreboard pilothouse sailboat made of aluminium and the 33 ft version is in initial sketch stage. My search for the perfect cruising boat lead me to start the design project and a company called Li Yachts in 2015 in Finland. The name was borrowed from my old aluminium yacht and now refers to low impact because of sustainability goals.

The basis for the project was a life-time passion for the sea. Contributing personal factors included my long sailing experience in Nordic waters and the technical and artisan education I had completed earlier. Also my desire to realise long research expeditions on the world’s oceans in the future was part of my personal background.

The strongest motivational factor was the fact that I was not satisfied with the properties of most modern yachts. Based on the above, the need for a totally new sailing boat concept crystallised

Late autumn gale approaches, I'm dreaming of keeping watch from warmth of the pilothouse.

My goal in the Li Yachts project is to create a modern sailboat made of aluminium, the simple and strong tool for bluewater cruising. The main design elements will include safety, practicality and sustainability The new design concept covers production, use and maintenance. Zero pollution and high level of recycling of materials are some of the specific goals. Please read more about the background in The Blog  page.

At a very concrete level, I have understood what changes in design will be needed for the boat of the future when I have been owning, sailing and re-building an old aluminium sailboat called Li built in 1967 , since 2011.

During the years with my current aluminium yacht, I have kept notes on the observations as regards the design elements which could be improved. In many cases they would actually need to be drastically redefined in order to satisfy my dreams as to the perfect expedition sailboat. For more information of these details, kindly see  The Concept  page.

Familiar snowy views while winter sailing at 60°N has given lessons on how well an aluminium sailboat intended for high latitude sailing should be insulated.

I believe I am not alone with my thoughts. I think most experienced sailors would share my ideas. I believe many of them have actually realised there is a need for some basic changes in the design as regards our future yachts.

As the resources of the world are becoming more and more scarce, we need to take this into consideration, in addition to considering the improvements needed in other operational details of a sailing boat.

Please contact me in case you need more information or want to share design or production ideas. At the moment we are working hard to be able to build the 40 ft prototype. The goal is to produce a small serie, which would give reasonable priced opportunities for the first interested sailors.  I hope that a new advanced and sustainable aluminium sailboat will soon sail the seas and oceans of the world.

Fair winds,

Simo Nyrönen

Founder of Li Yachts

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

If using any of Russia Beyond's content, partly or in full, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material.

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• Guided tour

River Cruise on Luxurious Radisson Boat

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Equipped with ice-breaking technology, these huge fancy yachts are the only river cruisers running all year around. The round trip journey takes two and a half hours and floats past all the big sights like the White House, Novodevichy monastery and the Kremlin. There’s a large open air observation deck up top, while the main body of the ship houses a restaurant with a dance floor for a romantic post dinner dance. For a particularly romantic experience take one of the evening boats and admire the bright lights of the city skyline at night.

The most relaxing and picturesque tour that Moscow can offer: a great way to see the city center and its main attractions. This is a perfect alternative to exploring the city by car, if you only have time to do sightseeing during weekday rush hours.

Your English-speaking guide is eager to share every bit of their knowledge about the surrounding landscape, the architecture and historical details.

We conduct Moscow river tour on Radisson Flotilla boats all year around!  It’s warm inside during winter months, while there’s air conditioning during hot summer days. You may also treat yourself to drinks, lunch or dinner on board (drinks and food are not included in tour price).

The cost of an excursion with a personal guide for 1 person

Quay at Radisson Collection Hotel

Government Headquarters ("the White House")

Kievsky Railway Central

Novodevichy Convent

Luzhniki Stadium

Academy of Sciences

Monument to Peter I

Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

Moscow Kremlin

St.Basil's Cathedral

Novospassky Monastery

U-turn and back to Quay at Radisson Royal Hotel

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8 Yacht Clubs and Marinas in the Philippines to Moor Your Boat In

FoodfindsAsia.com | 8 Yacht Clubs and Marinas in the Philippines to Moor Your Boat In | Filipinos’ history as a maritime people date back to prehistoric times. In fact, the Philippines’ basic sociopolitical unit today, the barangay, traces its etymological origins to the balangay , the ancient outrigger boats that were used by precolonial Filipino communities to explore and conquer islands this side of the Pacific. As a people belonging to a seafaring culture, it’s no wonder that modern Filipinos are taking a retrospective look at their glorious past as Austronesian mariners and are developing a renewed love for the ocean and marinas as present-day yachtsmen.

Today, Philippine marinas look to accommodate more and more yachts and other pleasure watercrafts as the years go by. In 2017, an ASEAN Briefing op-ed piece named the Philippines as a country with high potential in yacht industry growth. The natural beauty of the Philippine islands and its fantastic bays, combined with a growing interest in leisurely sea travel, can explain the spike in yachting activities throughout the country.

Are you part of the demographic that’s become enamored of the yachting lifestyle? Do you want to know where in the country you can berth your watercraft? Leading sailboat and motorboat authority Europa Yachts is happy to enter the conversation, and recommends the following locations for discovering the Philippines through yachting. Here is a short list of clubs and marinas in the country, organized by island region.  

Manila Yacht Club and Marina, Manila, Metro Manila

Established in 1927, the Manila Yacht Club and Marina is one of the oldest yacht clubs in all of Asia, and is nestled in the scenic Manila Bay. It is also near other well-known landmarks in the city, such as the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the headquarters of the Philippine Navy, and the US Embassy. Facilities in the marina include a launching ramp and a fueling center, and the club itself is host to a restaurant and gorgeous function rooms. The Manila Yacht Club only welcomes visitors who arrive by boat, and it charges an initial security deposit of USD 750 upon arrival. Club membership is mandatory for medium and long-term mooring of boats.

Subic Bay Yacht Club, Zambales

The Subic Bay Yacht Club, which was founded in 1998, upholds itself as the country’s premier yacht club. It operates in the deepest bay in the country, and can host vessels well beyond 50 meters in length. Already benefitting from the innate beauty of the Zambales mountains surrounding it, the club hosts a number of other attractions, including its luxury accommodations, swimming pools, and its own movie theater, bowling alley, and nightclub. Those who venture outside of the club’s premises can also shop for well-priced imported goods at the Subic Freeport Zone, engage in water sports , or sign up for diving excursions.

Punta Fuego Yacht Club, Batangas

Peaceful Punta Fuego is a mecca for those who love the sport of sailing. As per its official website, the Punta Fuego Yacht Club aims to serve “a dynamic and vibrant community of boat enthusiasts and yacht owners.” This it does by playing host to a diverse population of watercrafts, from large catamarans and mono-hull yachts to small boats. Non-members of the club may use the berths for up to 3 weeks, and can refuel at the marina’s fueling station. The yacht club offers other amenities such as locker rooms, shower rooms, Internet facilities, a chart room, and a restaurant called Barracuda Bar, which serves delicious fares. Outside of the yachting crowd, Punta Fuego Yacht Club also caters to those wishing to celebrate weddings, conferences, and corporate events in their opulent quarters.

Puerto Galera Yacht Club, Oriental Mindoro

Further south, yachtsmen may moor at the Puerto Galera Yacht Club in Oriental Mindoro, an island location that’s home to tourist attractions like the Sabang Wreck dive site, lively beachfront resorts, and the Malasimbo Music Festival. Puerto Galera Yacht Club has been in operation for almost thirty years and lends services such as refueling provisions and yacht repairs from its marina. Boat owners also enjoy optimal convenience if mooring here, as they can also shop for spare parts in the nearby Batangas port.

Busuanga Yacht Club, Puerta del Sol Bay Marina, Palawan

Beautiful Palawan is a bucket-list destination for many, especially those who dream of cruising its crystalline waters. Accommodating the yachting community in this island province is the Busuanga Yacht Club, which promises secure mooring amidst breathtaking white-sand beaches. Here, each vessel will benefit from a typhoon-safe harbor, easy refueling, and direct access to transportation hubs like the New Busuanga Airport. Adjoining this marina is the Puerta del Sol Bay Resort, which offers luxurious accommodations to visitors. When not atop the deck of a boat, travelers can also explore the lagoons and freshwater lakes of Coron, go shipwreck diving, or relax in the hot springs of Maquinit.

Iloilo Sailing Club, Arevelo, Iloilo City, Iloilo

Iloilo Province is home to some of the country’s most beautiful old-world architecture, a flourishing ecotourism industry, and delectably fresh seafood cuisine. What will round off an unforgettable visit to Iloilo, however, is an excursion to the Iloilo Sailing Club on a leisure watercraft. The club accepts visitors and encourages membership in the case of medium and long-stay mooring. It also hosts a number of amenities and activities, including a dinghy storage, a beach bar and restaurant, and classes for those who want to learn about sailing. In recent months, the Iloilo Sailing Club has also been a convenient meet-up point for big maritime events, such as the Iloilo-Guimaras Paraw Regatta and the Seafarers’ Job Fair.

Cebu Yacht Club, Mactan Island, Cebu

The historic Mactan Island in Cebu was the site of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan’s arrival in the Philippines. Now known as a commercial hub that hosts a prolific furniture and musical instruments industries, Mactan is also the location of the Cebu Yacht Club, an institution that is beloved by the locals. Aside from being an ideal spot to restock on much-needed fuel and supplies, the Cebu Yacht Club is also a trusted club to commission for boat repairs. There’s a good vibe in this club for everybody, as it sports both luxury accommodations and a waterfront strip of restaurants that laid-back diners can frequent. MINDANAO

Holiday Oceanview Marina, Samal Island, Davao del Norte

The Holiday Oceanview Marina is a major attraction of Samal Island in Davao del Norte Province, one that welcomes Filipino and foreign yachtsmen alike to moor within its premises. The space is quite roomy, in fact, with 56 berths that can fit vessels up to 15 meters in length. The club also has a boat ramp that can accommodate boats up to 18 meters in length. The well-guarded and weather-safe marina is a gateway to some of Mindanao’s finest attractions, such as the Pearl Farm, Hagimit Falls, and Giant Clam Sanctuary.  

There’s no better way to discover the Philippines from end to end than getting onboard a seaworthy vessel and going on a long cruise, with stops in some of the most beautiful places in the country. Find a safe harbor in any of these major clubs and marinas, and participate in the renaissance of sailing in the Philippines.

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Why Russia fears the emergence of Tajik terrorists

Analysis Why Russia fears the emergence of Tajik terrorists

It has emerged that the  four gunmen charged  in the murder of at least 139 concert-goers at Moscow's Crocus City Hall theatre  were all citizens  of the small post-Soviet nation of Tajikistan in Central Asia.

Does their nationality have anything to do with their alleged terrorism? Many Russians probably think so.

Tajikistan, a landlocked country of 10 million sandwiched between Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and China, is the  most impoverished  of the former Soviet republics. Known for its corruption and political repression, it has chafed under the  iron-fisted rule  of President Emomali Rahmon since 1994.

There are estimated to be well over  3 million Tajiks  living in Russia, about one-third of the total Tajik population. Most of them hold the precarious status of " guest workers ," holding low-paying jobs in construction, produce markets or even cleaning public toilets.

While Russia's  declining population  has led to increasing reliance on foreign workers to fill such needs within its labour force, the attitude of Russians towards natives of Central Asia and  the Caucasus region  is generally negative.

It's similar to the American stereotype about Mexicans so infamously expressed by  Donald Trump  in 2015: "They're bringing drugs. They're bringing crime. They're rapists."

Non-Slavs are systematically  discriminated against  in Russia, and since 2022 they have been  disproportionately conscripted  and sent to Ukraine to serve as cannon fodder at the front.

Tajik exclusion

As I have described in a  recent book , few nations in history have seen their standing so dramatically reduced as the Tajiks have over the past 100 years.

For more than a millennium, the  Tajiks — Persian-speaking descendants of the ancient Sogdians who dominated the Silk Road  — were Central Asia's cultural elite.

Beginning with what's known as the  New Persian Renaissance of the 10th century  when their capital, Bukhara, came to rival Baghdad as a centre of Islamic learning and high culture, Tajiks were the principal scholars and bureaucrats of Central Asia's major cities right up to the time of the Russian Revolution.

The famous medieval polymath Avicenna was an ethnic Tajik, as were the hadith collector Bukhari, the Sufi poet Rumi, and many others.

But as the most significant purveyors of Central Asia's Islamic civilization, Tajiks were seen by the Bolsheviks as representing an obsolete legacy that socialism aimed to overcome.

The Tajiks were virtually excluded from the massive social and political restructuring imposed on Central Asia during the early years of the Soviet Union, with most of their historical territory, including the  fabled cities of Samarkand and Bukhara , being awarded to the Turkic-speaking Uzbeks who were seen as being more malleable.

Only as late as  1929 were the Tajiks given their own republic , consisting mostly of marginal, mountainous territory and deprived of any major urban centres.

An impoverished region

Throughout the 20th century, the  Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic was the most impoverished and underdeveloped  region of the former Soviet Union, and it has retained that  unfortunate status  since independence in 1991.

From 1992-1997, the country was plunged into a devastating civil war that destroyed what infrastructure remained from the Soviet period. Since that time, Rahmon has used the threat of  renewed civil conflict  to vindicate his absolute rule.

The spectre of  radical Islam  emanating from neighbouring Afghanistan —  where the Tajik population considerably outnumbers that of Tajikistan  — has provided additional justification for Rahmon's repressive policies.

In today's Tajikistan even those with a university education find it almost  impossible to earn a salary  that would enable them to build a normal family life.

Disempowered and humiliated by the system, they are easy prey for radical Islamic preachers who give them a sense of value and purpose.

The added backdrop of financial desperation makes for an explosive cocktail: one of the suspects in the recent Moscow attacks reportedly told his Russian interrogators that he  was promised a cash reward of half a million Russian rubles (about US$5,300) to carry out his alleged atrocities. .

Terrorism as desperation?

Normal, sane human beings everywhere are horrified by terrorist acts regardless of how they are justified by their perpetrators, and the long-suffering people of Tajikistan are no exception.

But unfortunately, the conditions under which a small number of extremists can perceive the psychopathic murder of innocent civilians for cash or ideology as an attractive option show no signs of abating.

Russia's laughable attempt to somehow link the Moscow attacks  to Ukraine  is a clumsy diversion from the consequences of its relations with Central Asia.

Richard Foltz is a Professor of Religions and Cultures at Concordia University. This piece first appeared on The Conversation .

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