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5 best small sailboats for sailing around the world

By Author Fiona McGlynn

Posted on Last updated: April 19, 2023

A small sailboat can take you big places

Small sailboats are the ticket to going cruising NOW — not when you retire, save up enough money, or find the “perfect” bluewater cruising boat. In fact, it’s the first principle in Lin and Larry Pardey’s cruising philosophy: “Go small, go simple, go now.”

Small yachts can be affordable, simple, and seaworthy . However, you won’t see many of them in today’s cruising grounds. In three years and 13,000 nautical miles of bluewater cruising, I could count the number of under 30-foot sailboats I’ve seen on one hand (all of them were skippered by people in their 20s and 30s).

Today’s anchorages are full of 40, 50, and 60-foot-plus ocean sailboats, but that’s not to say you can’t sail the world in a small sailboat. Just look at Alessandro di Benedetto who in 2010 broke the record for the smallest boat to sail around the world non-stop in his 21-foot Mini 6.5 .

So long as you don’t mind forgoing a few comforts, you can sail around the world on a small budget .

What makes a good blue water sailboat

While you might not think a small sailboat is up to the task of going long distances, some of the best bluewater sailboats are under 40 feet.

However, if you’re thinking about buying a boat for offshore cruising, there are a few things to know about what makes a small boat offshore capable .

Smaller equals slower

Don’t expect to be sailing at high speeds in a pocket cruiser. Smaller displacement monohulls are always going to be slower than larger displacement monohulls (see the video below to learn why smaller boats are slower). Therefore a smaller cruiser is going to take longer on a given passage, making them more vulnerable to changes in weather.

A few feet can make a big difference over a week-long passage. On the last leg of our Pacific Ocean crossing, our 35-foot sailboat narrowly avoid a storm that our buddy boat, a 28-foot sailboat, couldn’t. Our friend was only a knot slower but it meant he had to heave to for a miserable three days.

Small but sturdy

If a pocket cruiser encounters bad weather, they will be less able to outrun or avoid it. For this reason, many of the blue water sailboats in this list are heavily built and designed to take a beating.

Yacht design has changed dramatically over the last 50 years. Today, new boats are designed to be light and fast. The small sailboats in our list are 30-plus year-old designs and were built in a time when weather forecasts were less accurate and harder to come by.

Back in the day, boat were constructed with thicker fiberglass hulls than you see in modern builds. Rigs, keels, rudders, hulls and decks – everything about these small cruising sailboats was designed to stand up to strong winds and big waves. Some of the boats in this post have skeg-hung rudders and most of them are full keel boats.

The pros and cons of pocket cruiser sailboats

Pocket cruiser sailboats present certain advantages and disadvantages.

More affordable

Their smaller size makes them affordable bluewater sailboats. You can often find great deals on pocket cruisers and sometimes you can even get them for free.

You’ll also save money on retrofits and repairs because small cruising sailboats need smaller boat parts (which cost a lot less) . For example, you can get away with smaller sails, ground tackle, winches, and lighter lines than on a bigger boat.

Moorage, haul-outs, and marine services are often billed by foot of boat length . A small sailboat makes traveling the world , far more affordable!

When something major breaks (like an engine) it will be less costly to repair or replace than it would be on a bigger boat.

Less time consuming

Smaller boats tend to have simpler systems which means you’ll spend less time fixing and paying to maintain those systems. For example, most small yachts don’t have showers, watermakers , hot water, and electric anchor windlasses.

On the flip side, you’ll spend more time collecting water (the low-tech way) . On a small sailboat, this means bucket baths, catching fresh water in your sails, and hand-bombing your anchor. Though less convenient, this simplicity can save you years of preparation and saving to go sailing.

Oh, and did I mention that you’ll become a complete water meiser? Conserving water aboard becomes pretty important when you have to blue-jug every drop of it from town back to your boat.

Easier to sail

Lastly, smaller boats can be physically easier to sail , just think of the difference between raising a sail on a 25-foot boat versus a 50-foot boat! You can more easily single-hand or short-hand a small sailboat. For that reason, some of the best solo blue water sailboats are quite petite.

As mentioned above small boats are slow boats and will arrive in port, sometimes days (and even weeks) behind their faster counterparts on long offshore crossings.

Consider this scenario: two boats crossed the Atlantic on a 4,000 nautical mile route. The small boat averaged four miles an hour, while the big boat averaged seven miles an hour. If both started at the same time, the small boat will have completed the crossing two weeks after the larger sailboat!

Less spacious

Living on a boat can be challenging — living on a small sailboat, even more so! Small cruising boats don’t provide much in the way of living space and creature comforts.

Not only will you have to downsize when you move onto a boat  you’ll also have to get pretty creative when it comes to boat storage.

It also makes it more difficult to accommodate crew for long periods which means there are fewer people to share work and night shifts.

If you plan on sailing with your dog , it might put a small boat right out of the question (depending on the size of your four-legged crew member).

Less comfortable

It’s not just the living situation that is less comfortable, the sailing can be pretty uncomfortable too! Pocket cruisers tend to be a far less comfortable ride than larger boats as they are more easily tossed about in big ocean swell.

Here are our 5 favorite small blue water sailboats for sailing around the world

When we sailed across the Pacific these were some of the best small sailboats that we saw. Their owners loved them and we hope you will too!

The boats in this list are under 30 feet. If you’re looking for something slightly larger, you might want to check out our post on the best bluewater sailboats under 40 feet .

Note: Price ranges are based on SailboatListings.com and YachtWorld.com listings for Aug. 2018

Albin Vega 27($7-22K USD)

The Albin Vega has earned a reputation as a bluewater cruiser through adventurous sailors like Matt Rutherford, who in 2012 completed a 309-day solo nonstop circumnavigation of the Americas via Cape Horn and the Northwest Passage (see his story in the documentary Red Dot on the Ocean ). 

• Hull Type: Long fin keel
• Hull Material: GRP (fibreglass)
• Length Overall:27′ 1″ / 8.25m
• Waterline Length:23′ 0″ / 7.01m
• Beam:8′ 1″ / 2.46m
• Draft:3′ 8″ / 1.12m
• Rig Type: Masthead sloop rig
• Displacement:5,070lb / 2,300kg
• Designer:Per Brohall
• Builder:Albin Marine AB (Swed.)
• Year First Built:1965
• Year Last Built:1979
• Number Built:3,450

Cape Dory 28 ($10-32K USD) 

This small cruising sailboat is cute and classic as she is rugged and roomy. With at least one known circumnavigation and plenty of shorter bluewater voyages, the Cape Dory 28 has proven herself offshore capable.

• Hull Type: Full Keel
• Length Overall:28′ 09″ / 8.56m
• Waterline Length:22′ 50″ / 6.86m
• Beam:8’ 11” / 2.72m
• Draft:4’ 3” / 1.32m
• Rig Type:Masthead Sloop
• Displacement:9,300lb / 4,218kg
• Sail Area/Displacement Ratio:52
• Displacement/Length Ratio:49
• Designer: Carl Alberg
• Builder: Cape Dory Yachts (USA)
• Year First Built:1974
• Year Last Built:1988
• Number Built: 388

Dufour 29 ($7-23K)

As small bluewater sailboats go, the Dufour 29 is a lot of boat for your buck. We know of at least one that sailed across the Pacific last year. Designed as a cruiser racer she’s both fun to sail and adventure-ready. Like many Dufour sailboats from this era, she comes equipped with fiberglass molded wine bottle holders. Leave it to the French to think of everything!

• Hull Type: Fin with skeg-hung rudder
• Length Overall:29′ 4″ / 8.94m
• Waterline Length:25′ 1″ / 7.64m
• Beam:9′ 8″ / 2.95m
• Draft:5′ 3″ / 1.60m
• Displacement:7,250lb / 3,289kg
• Designer:Michael Dufour
• Builder:Dufour (France)
• Year First Built:1975
• Year Last Built:1984

Vancouver 28 ($15-34K)

A sensible small boat with a “go-anywhere” attitude, this pocket cruiser was designed with ocean sailors in mind. One of the best cruising sailboats under 40 feet, the Vancouver 28 is great sailing in a small package.

• Hull Type:Full keel with transom hung rudder
• Length Overall: 28′ 0″ / 8.53m
• Waterline Length:22’ 11” / 6.99m
• Beam:8’ 8” / 2.64m
• Draft:4’ 4” / 1.32m
• Rig Type: Cutter rig
• Displacement:8,960lb / 4,064 kg
• Designer: Robert B Harris
• Builder: Pheon Yachts Ltd. /Northshore Yachts Ltd.
• Year First Built:1986
• Last Year Built: 2007
• Number Built: 67

Westsail 28 ($30-35K)

Described in the 1975 marketing as “a hearty little cruiser”, the Westsail 28 was designed for those who were ready to embrace the cruising life. Perfect for a solo sailor or a cozy cruising couple!

• Hull Type: Full keel with transom hung rudder
• Hull Material:GRP (fibreglass)
• Length Overall:28′ 3” / 8.61m
• Waterline Length:23’ 6” / 7.16m
• Beam:9’ 7” / 2.92m
• Displacement:13,500lb / 6,124kg
• Designer: Herb David
• Builder: Westsail Corp. (USA)
• Number Built:78

Feeling inspired? Check out the “go small” philosophy of this 21-year-old who set sail in a CS 27.

Fiona McGlynn is an award-winning boating writer who created Waterborne as a place to learn about living aboard and traveling the world by sailboat. She has written for boating magazines including BoatUS, SAIL, Cruising World, and Good Old Boat. She’s also a contributing editor at Good Old Boat and BoatUS Magazine. In 2017, Fiona and her husband completed a 3-year, 13,000-mile voyage from Vancouver to Mexico to Australia on their 35-foot sailboat.

Saturday 1st of September 2018

Very useful list, but incomplete - as it would necessarily be, considering the number of seaworthy smaller boats that are around.

In particular, you missed/omitted the Westerly "Centaur" and its follow-on model, the "Griffon". 26 feet LOA, bilge-keelers, weighing something over 6000 pounds, usually fitted with a diesel inboard.

OK, these are British designs, and not that common in the US, but still they do exist, they're built like tanks, and it's rumored that at least one Centaur has circumnavigated.

Friday 31st of August 2018

This is a helpful list, thank you. I don't think most people would consider a 28' boat a pocket cruiser, though!

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Best Sailboats for One Person (With 9 Examples)

One of the most common challenges of sailing is finding the right boat to sail alone. Luckily, there are some good sailboats out there suited for one person. Let's take a look at them, and find out why they're especially good for single-handing.

In this article, I talk about single-handed sailing and look at the nine best sailboats for one person, ranging from small lake dinghies all the way to comfy cruisers capable of oceanic crossings.

Here are the best sailboats for solo sailing

Jeanneau Sunfast 3200

Beneteau oceanis 62, pacific seacraft flicka 20, tartan 3700, hunter channel 31, j boats 109.

Now let's look at them in detail so that you can choose the one best for you.

On this page:

What you need for short-handed sailing, features of a good single-handed boat.

Before talking about anything else, let's take a quick look at the features you want in a sailboat for short-handing (a fancy way of saying sailing alone ).

Scroll down to the list of sailboats here .

What to look for in a single-handed sailboat:

• Easy-to-operate sails
• Self-tacking jib
• Self-reefing sails
• Good autopilot

It's nice to have a team of friends, each with their own position within the crew, taking care of their specific thing. One behind the helm, one at the navigation, one trimming the mainsail, one taking care of the foresail, and an extra deckhand just to be sure. But if for whatever reason you want to sail on your own, you'll be the one to fill all those positions.

To make sure that it is physically possible and as easy as can be under the circumstances, start with a good boat choice. The idea is to pick a design that will be easy to operate with just one person available.

Now the good news is that since around 1990, many boat manufacturers have been focusing on ease of operation. That's just what the current market demand dictates. In other words, good single-handed sailboats aren't a rare find.

So what are the specific features to look for when sailing on your own? Let's clear a common misconception first - single-handed doesn't mean the boat has to be small.

Sure, small boats are easier to dock, and things tend to be within reach… but you will find large numbers of 70-footers that are designed as single-handed projects.

You can operate 100-footers on your own. Read all about it in our article What's the largest boat one person can operate?

Easily Operated Sails

A good start are sails that can be operated without much hassle. That doesn't necessarily mean being able to reach all the lines and winches from the helm. If you can, that's great, but if the boat has an autopilot, all you need is to be able to tweak the sails from the front of the cockpit.

Try to avoid setups where you'd have to walk to the mast to play with your sheets - not only it takes time but doing that in heavy winds, tall waves, on a boat that is healing, is a recipe for disaster that nobody is there to save you from.

When solo sailing, the ability to reef and tack quickly is important since those are oftentimes time-sensitive maneuvers. So self-tacking jibs would make your life way easier.

Individually Suitable Boat

The best test, though, is to take the boat out and try it out for yourself. A boat that handles easily in the hands of one person can be unmanageable in the hands of another.

A spinnaker pole might be a handful for the shorter folks, while a 6'2'' 200lbs bloke won't have issues with it.

But don't go around shopping with a 'must-have' checklist. Sometimes the boat is almost there, and all it needs is a little DIY technical push, like adding an extra jammer to the cockpit and running a reef line through it, or getting your hands on a windvane self-steering kit.

As somewhat touched upon before, manufacturers are trying to cater to the ease of use and since technology is going forward, what used to be a hi-tech racing equipment piece years ago, has now made its way into the affordable mainstream.

The canting keel is such an example, something you used to see on racing sailboats only, but now can be put on your average cruiser.

Autopilot Matters

An important part of solo sailing is a good autopilot, for obvious reasons. Luckily, nowadays, these are very reliable compared to what the standard used to be years ago in the cruiser world.

That being said, if you can get your hands on a boat with a proper below-the-deck autopilot with a gyrocompass, you will be much happier than with your average on-deck system, which does the job well, but when things get windier, it might become less reliable.

By the way, racing boats tend to be good solo sailing vessels—they are set up for efficiency. They feature more robust rigging and hulls that can withstand rough conditions and gusts better, and thus are more forgiving, without the necessity to tweak to detail.

I'm not saying that to necessarily have you look for racing boats for your short-handed trips, but rather so that you don't steer away from them on purpose, thinking they would be too much of a handful.

On deck, navigation is a big one too. Again, nothing to cry about if your boat of choice doesn't have one, as it can be easily solved with aftermarket solutions. Or an iPad with the proper app. But having to run below the deck to see where you are isn't the handiest of scenarios, especially in tricky situations.

If possible, consider investing in side thrusters. They can make maneuvering your boat infinitely easier, docking can turn from an unpleasant procedure to a relatively simple joystick play, and especially if you are on a bigger boat, you will appreciate this feature.

We haven't touched on the topic of interiors since it isn't as sensitive as a matter. But having plenty of handles to grab onto regardless of where you are is a good idea, since hitting your head and passing out is unpleasant with a crew, but potentially fatal without it.

To continue with the topic of safety, equipment and boat design aside, remember that you can't really afford mistakes you could make with friends on board. So make sure you have enough spots to clip your harness to, that the boat is sufficiently equipped with communication devices and that all the equipment works as it should.

So let's get specific. What are the nine boats that make great companions for solo sailors?

Let's start with the obvious one—a dinghy. It won't probably be your choice when crossing an ocean, but for practice or a fun day close to the shore, this is one hell of a boat. In comparison to its rivals in the same category, RS Aero is super light weighing 66 lbs. It is among the most technologically advanced sailing dinghies designed specifically for one person.

All of this comes for a price though - 10 000 to over 15 000 USD. You will be getting your money's worth for sure though. An enormous amount of hi-tech work went into this project, and you'd be buying a design that won more awards than could fit on its 13-foot body.

This is a big step up from a dinghy, while still keeping things very simple. It is a lightweight boat, originally designed for a transatlantic race. Thanks to that and its small size, it is easy to handle, the racing pedigree shows in the efficient layout, so everything is within reach. Despite its smaller size, it can reach speeds you would expect of much larger boats.

You can find small family cruisers of the same size, but don't let that fool you. This is very much a Spartan sailboat. Inside, you won't find much more than the bare necessities - two aft cabins, curtains instead of doors, simple seating, not much lining or wood, just a notch above barebones interiors. You get a toilet though, a chart table and a galley as well as much stowage. But you will be reminded of being on a racer, because unless you are shorter than 5'7'', you won't be able to stand up straight.

As mentioned, this boat was designed for a cross-ocean race, so it is a seaworthy bluewater mate that should be able to take you more or less wherever you want to.

Time to go big. As previously mentioned, solo sailing doesn't mean you have to stick to smaller sizes. Why? Because it is a trend now. Even though just some ten years ago, the situation was vastly different, these days, single-handed 60+ footers aren't anything rare.

So why this Beneteau? Well, for one, to meet the new kinds of market demand, it was designed for ease of use, meaning it can be successfully operated by a single person. I don't know what you'd do alone with all that space, but if you want to enjoy oceanic solitude while not giving up the luxuries of having space the size of a family apartment, you can.

And while there are more boats of this size suited for short-handed sailing, like the larger Jeanneaus, Hanses, or even Bavarias, the Oceanis 62 can be yours for around 600 000 EUR new, which is a figure unheard of in that size and quality range up until relatively recently.

This is not the first time I am mentioning this boat in an article, and no wonder, it has so much character! Like others in this list, this one has been designed for single-handed sailing - it had to be. You couldn't fit two people on it comfortably anyway.

So aside from its solo capabilities, why does it deserve to be on the list? Well, it's towable, which you could say about the RS Aero too, but you can actually live on a Flicka, and it is seaworthy. It is about as small as you can go while still being able to cross oceans.

There is no question about everything being within the hand's reach on this one. Ergonomics almost don't matter at this size. Given its towability, the fact that you can park it in your garden, and its short-handed potential makes for the perfect spontaneous getaway mobile.

Another boat you can live on. It is a seaworthy ocean crosser, and thanks to its setup and a self-tacking jib, it is a proper short-handed boat. It also has quite a wide beam, thanks to which you'll get additional stability, further supporting comfort when operating it solo. It is made by a brand that proved its worth over time, as since the 70s, it is still going strong. It's comfortable enough for long distances, with a spacious salon, shower, and space for a small family.

Used, you can get one starting around 150 000 USD, which is one of the reasons why it belongs on this list - if you are serious about solo sailing and want a proper boat without compromises that come with smaller sizes or sportiness, this one is within a reasonable reach. Among the affordable, high-quality, short-handed sailing cruisers, Tartan 3700 has its definite place.

This is the kind of boat I was talking about when I mentioned that formerly racing design aspects started to make it into the cruising world. Hunter started as a racer builder and then shifted to cruisers, while, of course, taking its know-how with them, which makes for boats that are easy to operate, also well-performing ones.

This specific model got on the list because of its low center of gravity, high ballast ratio, and stable hull, which means you won't have to trim the sails all the time to go fast. And less work is always welcome if you are the only person to do all of it.

Another reason it's gotta be here is it is very efficient layout, self-tacking jib, and single-line mainsail reefing system—a smart choice for solo sailors.

If you like what you saw in Hunter Channel 31, but fancy something a bit faster, with a higher quality build, this one's what you want. It has lost much of its sportiness as it is too heavy to be thought of as a proper performance boat today, but in the worst-case scenario, it is a quick cruiser capable of satisfying sprints.

It was designed for single-handed sailing as well as for full crewed racing, so if you want to push as much as you can out of it with a team of your mates, you can, while knowing you will be able to cruise at a good pace when they leave.

So unless you mind the slightly higher price tag, which comes with the high build and components quality, as well as the less generous interior fanciness usually seen in racers, you've found yourself a boat.

The best thing about solo sailing is also the most dangerous thing about it - you will be alone. So you want your boat to be your buddy - forgiving as much as can be, having your back. Amel 60 is such a boat. It has watertight bulkheads, so it is hardly sinkable, its cockpit has a solid roof and windows, so no matter the weather, you'll be protected while behind the helm, it has a stable hull, offering support even in tricky weather, it features electric winches, so you can operate the sails without even touching a line…

...and inside, you get more space and luxury than you could wish for, including a washing machine. All in all, if there is a boat that's got your back even if your skill level isn't the greatest, it is Amel 60. All it wants from you is to be ok with the 1.5 million USD price tag.

Have you seen the film "All Is Lost"? An incredible project without dialogue, where a solo sailor on a Cal 39 makes his way through an ocean. Now, what makes Cal 39 such a great boat for solo sailing? As it turns out, nothing in particular. It wasn't designed with this in mind. It isn't even a notably successful model - though that's mostly due to technical circumstances rather than a lack of quality.

And that's why it must be on this list. To represent all the boats that aren't single-handed projects by design, but make it possible, if you get to know the boat, spend some time with it, and, as mentioned at the very beginning of this article, tweak it so that it makes solo sailing easier.

By this, I want to encourage you to get into solo sailing, even if you lack a sailboat that is specifically made for a one-person crew. Quite a few single-handed passages have been done on boats that wouldn't make it to this list because technically, they don't fit the profile. But they were made to be, either with tweaks or with skills. Be honest to yourself regarding your skill level, the boat design, and if it passes the test, go for it.

Happy sailing!

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About   Kraken

Find out more about Kraken Yachts. Check out the latest Kraken in-build at our bespoke factory in Turkey or meet the team behind the yachts.

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Kraken Yachts are the safest blue water sailing yachts in build today. Find out what makes our yachts so special.

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Stay up-to-date with everything Kraken Yachts. See our reviews in yachting magazines from around the world or find out about Kraken Yachts and all things sailing in Ocean Sailor Magazine.

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Kraken Yachts

In development.

The Kraken 50 is designed to be the ultimate short-handed blue water cruising yacht.

raising the standards

Exceptional equipment list included in the kraken standard specification.

• 7 kw Onan generator
• 180 lt per hour Hydro Master water maker
• Full Solent dual headsail rig with full suite of Quantum sails
• Emergency high output bilge pump (in addition to standard bilge pumps)
• Triple tank Racor fuel polishing and transfer system
• Harken electric primary and secondary winches
• GN Espace Delux Range, with induction hob and electric oven
• 2.7 m inflatable dinghy with 4 hp Yamaha outboard
• Full reverse cycle Webasto Air Conditioning to all cabins
• Side Power 100 KGF bow thruster
• Garmin dual station electronics, 2x Garmin 9" GPS plotters, 2x Garmin VHF radios, Garmin wind, speed, depth sounder and Garmin autopilot
• Kraken permanent, rigid, soft-top bimini, with fixed plexiglass and stainless steel windscreen, complete with removable screens forward and side
• Viking valise life raft - 6 man
• Solas offshore flare pack

For price, delivery dates & options, enquire now:

Design specification.

• Length Overall 50 ft
• Waterline Length 44.86 ft
• Beam Overall 14.76 ft
• Beam Waterline 12.47 ft
• Draft 7.54 ft
• Air Draft 81.35 ft
• Displacement 41,888 lbs
• Ballast Weight 14,330 lbs
• Ballast Ratio 34.2%
• Sail Area 1444.52 sq.ft
• Sail Area Displacement Ratio 19.2
• Engine Power 80 HP
• Fuel Tanks (3 tanks) 223 us gal
• Water Tanks (2 tanks) 148 us gal
• CE Certification RCD Category 'A' Ocean
• Length Overall 15.24 m
• Waterline Length 13.68 m
• Beam Overall 4.50 m
• Beam Waterline 3.80 m
• Draft 2.30 m
• Air Draft 24.80 m
• Displacement 19,000 kg
• Ballast Weight 6,500 kg
• Sail Area 134.2 sq.m
• Engine Power 59 kW
• Fuel Tank 845 L
• Fresh Water Tanks 560 L

For a full, detailed specification of the Kraken 50:

Build specification.

• One piece hull and integral ZERO keel
• ALPHA™ Rudder System
• Solid crash zone at bow waterline
• Structural frames and stringers
• Deck Structure
• Integral Kraken moulded safety bulwark
• Saloon/coach roof windows
• Hull finishes
• Build standard and certification

All Kraken's comprise of a one piece hull and integral Zero Keel which houses a sealed lead ballast bulb.

The hull lay up is built using 17-22 layers of composite engineered fabrics bonded together by vinyl-ester resins.

The general hull thickness is a minimum of 15mm.

Aramid fibre composites (Kevlar) is also used in all impact areas, the bow stem, the front of the keel and the keel base.

The hull topsides incorporate 25mm closed cell foam, the FRP foam sandwich which extends from 40cm (16") above the waterline to deck level. This structure improves insulation and overall hull form rigidity.

A Kraken's hull and structures exhibited no flexing.

Click here to learn more about the ZERO Keel

The rudder and steering system is the most vulnerable element of any yacht, in recognition of this, the Kraken engineering and design team have developed the world's safest rudder and steering system.

The rudder is fully protected and supported by a full length skeg with an integral stainless steel beam, which has at its foot the first rudder bearing. The 3 ¾" (82mm) rudder stock has a second (main) bearing at its centre as it passes into the hull at the transom. This bearing is accessible and removable from the inside of transom. Even at sea!

The rudder stock has a removable third bearing at the top inside the stern lazarette. The rudder itself, comprises an integral stainless steel armature, which is welded to the stainless steel rudder stock. It is then finished and faired using FRP/vinyl-ester. 

Learn more about the ALPHA™ Rudder here

A heavily reinforced ‘solid crash zone’ below the anchor chain locker, incorporating high density closed cell foam with substantial reinforcements in aramid fibres extends from above the waterline to 40cm below it. This solid area runs through to the first sealed bulkhead providing maximum collision protection.

https://krakenyachts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Kraken-Structure-Animation.mp4

All longitudinal and latitudinal structures are individually bonded in during the hull layup stages with no prefabricated structural components . The video below explains how the structural frames and stringers work on a Kraken Yacht.

All bulkheads are vacuum infused FRP with 25mm structural foam core. No plywood is used. There are two watertight sealed bulkheads forward, one between the anchor locker and the forward lazarette and a second one between the forward lazarette and the interior. A further watertight, sealed bulkhead at the stern divides the interior from the aft lazarette.

The structural bulkheads are fully bonded into the hull stringers & frames.

The deck is vacuum infused FRP using composite fibres and vinyl-ester resin with a structural foam core. This provides high levels of rigidity and insulation. 

The deck structure is single-skin FRP around the base of all deck fittings.

The outside finish of the deck is panelled non-slip gelcoat with Flexiteek side decks and cockpit sole as standard. 

All Kraken have an Integral moulded safety bulwark with concave internal surface for superior deck safety at sea.

Ultra-high impact-resistant laminated glass is used in the wrap-around saloon windows and port lights so that accidental damage will not result in water ingress to the interior.

Standard hull gelcoat colour is Signal White. Many colour options available at owners choice. 

Double line boot top in Alwgrip to owners colour choice.

3 x coats of primer and sealer applied below the waterline before standard antifoul in dark grey, other colour choices available.

All Kraken's are designed and built to exceed ISO CE RCD Category ‘A’ -  or to ABYC standard or other local area equivalent at owners request.

All Kraken’s comprise of a one piece hull and integral Zero Keel which houses a sealed lead ballast bulb.

The hull topsides incorporate 25mm closed cell foam, the FRP foam sandwich which extends from 40cm (16″) above the waterline to deck level. This structure improves insulation and overall hull form rigidity.

A Kraken’s hull and structures exhibited no flexing.

The rudder and steering system is the most vulnerable element of any yacht, in recognition of this, the Kraken engineering and design team have developed the world’s safest rudder and steering system.

The rudder is fully protected and supported by a full length skeg with an integral stainless steel beam, which has at its foot the first rudder bearing. The 3 ¾” (82mm) rudder stock has a second (main) bearing at its centre as it passes into the hull at the transom. This bearing is accessible and removable from the inside of transom. Even at sea!

A heavily reinforced ‘solid crash zone’ below the anchor chain locker, incorporating high density closed cell foam with substantial reinforcements in aramid fibres extends from above the waterline to 40cm below it. This solid area runs through to the first sealed bulkhead providing maximum collision protection. Click here for illustration

All longitudinal and latitudinal structures are individually bonded in during the hull layup stages with no prefabricated structural components . Click here for illustration.

The deck structure is single skin FRP around the base of all deck fittings.

The outside finish of the deck is panelled non slip gelcoat with Flexiteek side decks and cockpit sole as standard. 

All Kraken’s have an Integral moulded safety bulwark with concave internal surface for superior deck safety at sea.

Ultra-high impact resistant laminated glass is used in the wrap around saloon windows and port lights, so that accidental damage will not result in water ingress to the interior.

All Kraken’s are designed and built to exceed ISO CE RCD Category ‘A’ –  or to ABYC standard or other local area equivalent at owners request.

Key Features

The Zero Keel™

Zero bolts, zero risk. Each Kraken yacht includes our fully integral ZERO™ Keel to protect against floating debris and grounding.

The Alpha Rudder™

Each yacht includes the ALPHA™ Rudder System, incorporating a full-length skeg-hung rudder and in-water removable rudder bearings.

Build Structure

All Kraken yachts are built with a substantial interior structure to ensure keel delamination and failure cannot occur.

Build Your Kraken

Explore The Kraken 50

The exterior.

The Interior

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Designed & created by Oncrowd

Full Specifications

The Kraken 50 is the perfect blue water cruiser for short-handed crews. She also accommodates up to eight crew in comfort, according to the layout chosen. As with all Kraken yachts, the Kraken 50 is built with a very robust construction process and design features specifically tailored to enable her crew to explore the world. The K50 is built with the integral ZERO™ Keel and the ALPHA™ Rudder System which incorporates a full length skeg which protects the rudder from collision damage from floating debris or grounding. The Kraken 50 hull layup comprises 17-22 layers of composite fibres including aramid (Kevlar) engineered fabric,

laminated in a vinyl ester resin system. It’s 18mm construction provides far greater impact resistance and enjoys more integral strength than any other GRP or Aluminium yacht in production today. All Kraken yachts feature the versatile Solent dual headsail rig as standard. The specification of the rigging is deliberately overbuilt to withstand the rigours of ocean sailing. Please note: The Kraken 50’s standard specification is full sail-away and many items of equipment that are normally found as upgrades or options are already included.

• Displacement (Light ship) 41,888 lb
• Displacement (Full Load) 50,706 lb
• Ballast Weight 14,330 lb
• Ballast Ratio 35.60%
• Main Sail Area 886.39 sq.ft
• Genoa (140%) Sail Area 796.53 sq.ft
• Jib (100%) Sail Area 546.53 sq.m
• Engine Power 80 hp
• Fuel Tanks (aluminium x3) 223 gallons
• Fresh Water Tanks (s-steel x2) 148 gallons
• Black Water Tanks (GRP x 2) 48 gallons
• Grey Water Tanks (GRP) 79 gallons
• Displacement (Light ship) 18,250 kg
• Displacement (Full Load) 23,000 kg
• Main Sail Area 82.35 sq.m
• Genoa (140%) Sail Area 74 sq.m
• Jib (100%) Sail Area 50.77 sq.m
• Fuel Tanks (aluminium x3) 845 L
• Fresh Water Tanks (s-steel x2) 560 L
• Black Water Tanks (GRP x 2) 180 L
• Grey Water Tanks (GRP) 300 L

• One piece hull and keel, featuring the unique Zero Keel with internal lead ballast. Solid fiberglass hull of a general layup thickness of 18mm below the waterline extending 40cm above. Stiffness, rigidity and strength as well as excellent thermal insulation is achieved by the foam cored topsides.

• The hull layup comprises 17-22 layers of FRP composites with engineered fabrics including aramid fibres.

• Kevlar™ reinforcements in impact area of forebody and leading edge of ZERO™ Keel.

• Heavily reinforced ‘crash zone’ below anchor chain locker incorporating high density foam, Kevlar™ and substantial reinforcements and extending above the waterline by 40cm.

• Structural components are individually bonded during the hull layup stages with no prefabricated structural components used.

• Vacuum bonded foam cored deck and superstructure with high density inserts and single layer GRP laminates in load bearing regions. Deck hardware is mounted to areas of extra reinforcement and strength.

• Sealed waterproof bulkheads protect the bow and transom area forward and aft.

• All bulkheads are foam cored and FRP laminated for maximum strength and rigidity.

• Integral Kraken moulded safety bulwark with concave internal surface for superior deck safety at sea.

• ALPHA™ Rudder System with full length skeg supported rudder. Integral stainless steel bonded reinforcing armature from hull to lower skeg with stainless steel shoe. This provides additional impact resistance and strength to the steering system. This unique system also allows the main rudder bearing to be maintained or repaired in water.

• GRP moulded deck with Flexiteek™ synthetic teak decking to cockpit sole and side decking. Non-slip gel coat fore and aft coachroofs.

• Ultra-high impact resistant glass in wrap around saloon windows. Port lights in the hull.

• Standard hull gelcoat colour Signal White. Many colour options available, owners choice.

• 3 x coats of primer and sealer applied below the waterline before standard antifoul in dark grey – other colours available upon request.

• Designed and built to meet and exceed RCD Category ‘A’ – Ocean, ABYC or local area equivalent at client request.

Deck Equipment

• Seldén anodized aluminium 2x spreader furling mast.

• Seldén electric in-mast furling.

• Seldén anodized aluminium boom with ball bearing outhaul car.

• Seldén mechanical rigid vang.

• Dual headsail Solent rig for easy handling and performance at all points of sail. The ultimate blue water cruising rig with coachroof mounted tracks for jib cars for upwind sailing.

• Two Furlex manual foresail furlers with lead blocks to cockpit and rope clutches for control of furling lines from the safety of the cockpit. • 10-14mm 1×19 Dyform stainless steel wire standing rigging.

• Mast mounted halyard racks for foresail halyards – to reduce rope quantity and deck loads and to utilise cockpit winches for halyard controls for safe and easy sail handling.

• All halyards are Dyneema, all sheets, furling lines and other utility lines are multicored sheaved polyester.

• All halyards run below deck in channels, eliminating tripping hazards.

• Quantum Sails™ Dacron crosscut mainsail.

• Quantum Sails™ Dacron crosscut upwind furling jib with UV strips.

• Quantum Sails™ Dacron crosscut 140% reaching genoa with UV strip.

• High-level stainless-steel stanchions & triple lifelines on top of bulwark for clear decks, reduced tripping hazards and ease of cleaning. Stanchion bases incorporate strong points for securing barber haulers or downhauls or for safety harness attachment.

• Padeyes mounted to deck for attachment of jacklines x 6.

• Stainless steel pushpit.

• Side deck boarding gates port and starboard with incorporated boarding ladder to ease boarding and to avoid the need to climb over lifelines when coming alongside.

• Split pulpit on bow for ease of access to bow area during anchoring and flying sail use.

• Stainless steel grab rails mounted to coachroof for safe foredeck access.

• Kraken Stainless-steel heavy-duty cleats mounted to stainless base plate with bulwark fairleads x 6 – (2 x fore, 2 x midships, 2 x aft).

• Harken Radial 60ST self-tailing primary winches x 2 – Electric.

• Harken Radial 60ST self-tailing secondary/utility winches x 2 – for halyards, jib sheets and reefing –Electric.

• Harken Radial 50ST self-tailing mainsheet and traveller winches x 2 – Manual.

• Spinlock rope clutches and deck organiser for the topping lift and halyard controls.

• Harken mainsheet traveller and car with 2:1 purchase. Dual mainsheet controls, port and starboard.

• Fore deck sail locker / lazarette with watertight bulkhead to chain locker and second structural bulkhead to interior. Fitted with lockable latch hardware.

• Lewmar opening flush deck hatches. (Number subject to layout)

• Foredeck seawater and freshwater wash down pump and deck connector.

• Dual roller, heavy duty bow roller system incorporating mounting for optional bow sprit for the use of asymmetric spinnaker, furling code k or other flying sail option.

• Lewmar V5 24VDC electric anchor windlass with chain and rode compatible gypsy. Deck mounted foot switches and pedestal controls included.

• Deck access chain locker to assist with the recovery of chain during anchoring operations.

• Unique Kraken chain locker design to reduce the build up of chain during anchor recovery and to improve drainage of the chain locker.

• Lewmar Delta 40kg anchor. 100m of 12mm chain + 40m of octoplait.

• Kraken solid plexiglass / stainless steel wind screen.

• Soft top, tubular stainless steel bimini with Ferrari Stamoid top. Includes removable forward and side panels and fitted bimini lights.

• Bespoke Kraken steering pedestal and console.

• Plastimo Horizon 135 compass mounted to pedestal.

• Raised helm floor to enable uninterrupted visibility forward.

• Moulded foot braces port and starboard at the helm position for bracing whilst under sail on either tack.

• Stainless steel helm wheel, Jefa Steering 1200 mm.

• Jefa Steering torque tube system with integrated autopilot drive.

• Emergency tiller with deck access to rudder stock.

• Teak cockpit table with stainless steel grabrail, foot brace support, cupholders and storage lockers. Oiled finish

• Ergonomic layout of sail controls to allow operation of sail controls by shorthanded crews.

• Plexiglass sliding companionway hatch.

• A unique Kraken vertical sliding plexiglass storm board with adjustable height control system. This replaces multiple storm boards that are a danger to the crew and the yacht.

• Opening portlights to cockpit well x 4 – galley, master cabin, shower and engine room.

• Cockpit cushions in Textilene with fast drain foam interior. Fast mount attachments.

• Three hatches to large aft lazarette locker and one dedicated life raft locker. All with lockable latches.

• Dedicated emergency steering tiller & grab bag locker.

• Fold out swim platform.

• Transom steps.

• Stainless steel pushpit gate to swim platform.

• Diving / swim ladder with oval steps to ease re-boarding from the water.

• Aft deck seawater and freshwater wash down pump and deck connector.

Engine & Propulsion

• Yanmar™, 80HP – 4JH80 – Common-rail diesel engine supported by flexible mounts.

• Side Power 24V tunnel bow thruster with dedicated battery (175Ah 24VDC) and charger.

• Stainless steel propeller shaft 1.5” (F51 Duplex) supported by custom ‘V’ bracket and dripless shaft seal.

• Bruntons Sigmadrive™ flexible coupling for isolation of vibration from engine to hull.

• Bruntons Autoprop™ self-pitching propeller.

• Engine start panel and tachometer mounted in cockpit.

• Single lever engine control on steering pedestal.

• 125A@12VDC alternator.

• Vetus PVC engine cooling water strainer with removable filter.

• Engine space and machinery room isolated with vibration dampening plate and 40mm (1.5”) acoustic insulation and protected with painted aluminium liner. High specification fire retardant materials and acoustic insulation for quiet running under power.

• Kraken triple fuel tank and polishing system provides essential fuel system maintenance and engine reliability. The system incorporates a single cup primary filter and dual cup dedicated engine filter, installed within machinery room for ease of access and maintenance. The use of a running tank to store clean fuel combined with the fuel filters ensures only clean fuel is delivered to the engine or generator. Cleaning of fuel can be undertaken from any tank to any other tank and this will remove contaminants from the fuel to ensure reliable service of the engine no matter the quality of the fuel delivered to the storage tanks.

• Kraken designed recessed eco deck fuel filling station ensures no contamination can occur through deck fillers and any spillages are retained within the fuel filling locker.

Navigation & Communications

• Garmin™ Wind, Speed and Depth transducers.

• Garmin™ GPSMAP 923xsv 9″ Chartplotter at the navigation station.

• Garmin™ GPSMAP 923xsv 9″ Chartplotter at the helm.

• Garmin™ VHF 115 handset and speakers at chart table.

• Garmin™ Reactor™ 40 autopilot with autopilot GHC™ 20 at the helm.

Electrical Systems

• Cummins Onan 7kW generator including sound shield for quiet operation.

• AGM House Batteries 720Ah at 24V. (6x 240Ah@12V)

• AGM Engine and generator start batteries x 2, 12v, 110Ah.

• AGM Bow thruster / windlass battery 24v, 240Ah.

• Heavy duty battery change over and twinning switch.

• 12V/24V electrical distribution panel – Remote battery isolator switches.

• Victron Quattro 8000VA Charger / Inverter.

• Victron 24VDC to 12VDC converter for navigation electronics.

• LED ceiling lights, reading lights and hanging locker lights.

• LED Chart table light (red / white).

• LED spreader lights, downward pointing on lower spreader.

• Aqua Series 4 LED Navigation lights – deck level port, starboard and stern lights.

• 24VDC machinery space / Engine room blower.

• Electric bilge pumps x 4, Bilge pump float switches and alarm panel and manual override.

• Additional very high volume bilge pump (14,000 l/h) for emergency flooding control inclusive of high level sensor and alarm.

• 15m Shore power cable.

• Shore power sockets, stainless steel x 2 in both forward and aft lazarettes.

• 110V or 220V electrical distribution panel – Owners choice.

• AC multi standard sockets with USB charger in cabins, at chart table, saloon and galley. (Quantity and position is layout dependent)

• Shore power galvanic isolator for reduced galvanic corrosion whilst connected to shore power supply.

• Pressurised hot and cold water system.

• Electric sump pumps in all showers.

• Main engine / 220VAC dual element hot water calorifier 42 litres.

• All heads include holding tanks with gravity discharge and deck pump out fittings.

• Separate grey water tank for each head with electric pump discharge deck pump out fitting

• Interior joinery in white oak, afromosia or cherry using selected timbers and decorative veneers.

• Cabin sole in oak, walnut or afromosia.

• Concealed hinges and quality latches on locker doors and solid timber doors frames.

• High quality marine fabrics for cushions and headboards. • Lee cloths or folding lee boards per berth.

• Removable vinyl head lining panels using Fastmount™.

• Smoke detectors throughout. Carbon monoxide detector in engine room. (number of smoke detectors dependent on layout selected).

• Raise full view self contained navigation/ pilot station with chart table and instrument consol. This enables the crew to carry out watches in the warmth of the saloon.

• Secure and comfortable navigation chair incorporating grab rail and side support.

• Webasto Full tropical air-conditioning system with reverse air cycle heating.

• Fully gimballed, GN Espace OceanChef 3 Induction Cooker. See website for details.

• Stainless grab rail / safety rail to protect accidental contact with cooker.

• Built in Vitrifrigo stainless steel 24VDC double drawer style fridge 144L – supplied with keel cooler for efficient cooling in all climates. See website for details.

• Built in Vitrifrigo stainless steel 24VDC single drawer style freezer 75L – supplied with keel cooler for efficient cooling in all climates. See website for details.

• Hydromaster 180l/h Watermaker. • Kraken dual purpose bins. Two garbage bins alongside each other to enable the disposal of biodegradable waste overboard as well as deep bin for non biodegradable shore side disposal of non-bio degradable waste.

• Blanco single stainless steel sink with chopping board cover in Galley.

• HI MACS™ Alpine White (natural acrylic stone) sinks in heads.

• Solid stainless steel taps and bathroom fittings throughout.

• Plexiglass bifold doors to all showers.

• HI MACS™ (natural acrylic stone) worktops and head surfaces with moulded fiddle rail to make cleaning and maintenance of surfaces easy.

• Vetus electric toilets, sea water flushing.

• 4x fire extinguishers throughout and 1x fire-blanket in the galley.

• Solid timber and real wood veneer saloon table with fixed pedestal. Large amounts of storage space throughout.

• Large access panels to bilges, fuel and water tanks with large access hatches in all tanks.

• Solid laminated timber / stainless steel tubular companionway. Steps with angled ends allow safe use at sea.

• Access panel beneath companionway steps with removable panel to engine for improved access for servicing. Acoustic and thermal insulation for quiet accommodation spaces.

• Overhead hatches and ventilation throughout.

• Raised deck saloon provides excellent all round visibility through high specification impact resistant laminated glass.

• Dedicated wet locker with warm air supply close to companionway for the storage of wet-weather gear and lifejackets.

• Headboards in selected high-quality fabrics.

• Hinged lifting access on gas struts to storage beneath of master cabin double berth.

• Large capacity drawers under each berth.

Safety Equipment

• Fire extinguishers x6. (subject to layout)

• Horseshoe life ring and beacon.

• Fire blanket.

• Manual bilge pump in cockpit.

• Automatic engine room fire suppression system with manual override.

Ancillary Items

• 2.7m roll up hypalon dinghey.

• 4HP Yamaha outboard.

• 6 x F7 fenders.

• Boathook.

• 6 man life raft.

• Hand flares x2, parachute flares x2 and buoyant smoke x1.

• 4 x 22mm nylon 3 strand mooring warps, 15m.

• 3 x Winch handles.

• Full owners manual and vessel introduction.

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BoatNews.com

European Yacht 2020, 5 short-handed cruiser-racing yachts for cruising and racing

Discover the 5 yachts nominated in the race/cruise category of the European Yacht of the Year 2020. This is the first time that a category has been dedicated to them within the European Yacht of the Year.

Each year, the European Yacht of the Year awards the best yachts - divided into five categories - launched between January and December. The five winners are announced on the opening night of the Düsseldorf boat show, in this case on January 18, 2020.

This is the first time in the history of the European Yachts of the Year that the category of racing/cruising yachts has been introduced. While in previous years they were presented in the "Performance Cruiser" or "Special Yacht" categories, this year they are nominated separately. The reason? The number of newcomers in this market and their potential proved too great to be left out.

Another criterion that caught the jury's attention was that their size is rather modest compared to the other categories, as they are designed for short-handed sailing, a developing trend.

Performance and ergonomics play an even more important role in this category. Onboard comfort is irrelevant, or optional.

Dehler 30 OD (10.30 m)

The famous German brand, owned by Hanse Yachts , is known for its high-performance sailing boats. But it also has some experience with racing sailboats. The 30 OD is in line with the Sprinta Sport, db1 and db 2, but with a different approach. Oriented towards ocean racing, it can be considered as the most "French" boat built outside of France, a sort of small Class40 .

It could be used in short-handed races such as the Northern European Silver rudder Challenge or the Vegvisir Race, where no rating is applied. But Dehler hopes to establish a one-design class - hence the suffix "od" in the model's name.

This Judel/Vrolijk design is quite light, with hull lines designed not only for downwind sailing, but also for upwind sailing.

The Dehler 30 has an innovative interior design that doesn't look as spartan as usual in this class of boat, while keeping a low center of gravity.

Read the test of the Dehler 30 OD

J/99 (9.94 m)

Before it was even unveiled, J-Boats' new fast offshore sailboat was selling by the dozen. And from the moment it was launched, the J/99 was a success, not only from a commercial point of view, but also by solid results on the circuit. Available in single or double ribs, with an asymmetric or symmetric spinnaker , the J/99 adapts itself to the desires of its owner.

Although it may seem rather modest compared to newer, flashier models and weighs more than some of its direct competitors, it is nevertheless at the top of the rankings, especially in terms of price compared to J-Boats.

Discover the J/99

JPK 1030 (10.34 m)

JPK, although one of the smallest European shipyards has been a pioneer in many ways. Their extremely successful IRC racing yachts have outperformed many classifications. And the new JPK 10.30 in the hands of its founder, Jean-Pierre Kelberts, has just added a victory in the Rolex Fastnet to the yard's long list of wins.

JPK's influence on the market has been equally impressive, thanks in part to a well-optimized IRC rating. The fact that the European Yacht of The Year has dedicated a category to these racing/cruising yachts has helped this success.

The 10.30 fits the French term "polyvalent" and can be used solo, double or crewed, but also allows fast cruising.

Learn more about the Sun Fast 3300

Sun Fast 3300 (9.99 m)

Eleven years ago, Jeanneau won the European Yacht of the Year award with the Sun Fast 3200, a short-handed sailing yacht destined to evolve. It is now done with the Sun Fast 3300 which Daniel Andrieu and Guillaume Verdier collaborated on for the hull design.

Below the waterline, the Sun Fast 3300 has two concave sections designed to minimize drag. The hull has unusual sections, with a double concavity at the bow and stern, a thick bow, a recessed centerline, sloping walls and a straight keel as well as an ergonomic cockpit are the characteristics of this very modern racing boat. Optional ballast tanks (2x200 L) make it easier to sail with a small crew .

Daniel Andrieu deciphers the Sun Fast 3300

ClubSwan 36 (11 m)

This top of the line sports yacht has been updated by Nautor, but has nothing to envy to its previous version. The Juan Kouyoumdjian design is as light as it looks powerful with an incredible displacement to weight ratio. The ClubSwan 36 was designed to sail with 6 crew members. Rather wide (3.60 m for 11 m length), well ballasted (1,400 kg at 2.75 m under the surface for a total displacement of 2,500 kg), this one-design has nothing of an unmanageable steed from 15 knots of wind. With its two rudders, it will even be easy to control.

A movable C-foil sits in a box so that it comes out completely on one edge or half on both edges. And because the foil is curved, you can play with its angle to the surface of the water.

Discover the ClubSwan 36 concept

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• Description
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Specifications

The BENETEAU First 36 was designed to bridge the gap between high-tech development in the world of racing and mainstream racer-cruisers. Even the standard version of  First 36  will fully plane in a moderate breeze. However, this by itself was not the main challenge for the design and production teams.  For 40 years , the Firsts were successfully hitting the elusive sweet spot between comfort, performance, utility, elegance, high-tech construction, and reasonable price. The First 36 is no different.

NAVAL ARCHITECT : Samuel Manuard Design : Lorenzo Argento Structural engineering : Pure Design & Engineering Innovation and research : Sito

DESIGNED FOR SAILORS

The design team was coordinated by the experienced hand of Kristian Hajnšek, CTO of Seascape, who works closely with the team at BENETEAU to bring race-grade construction technologies into the segment of production racer-cruisers. On top of this exceptionally experienced team, we added an elite international group of designers; all of them are passionate sailors in their own right.

THE MODERN SAILING EXPERIENCE

Due to the easily achievable performance potential of the new BENETEAU First 36, we expect her to be a serious weapon for club handicap racing. As such, her design team strove to strike the balance between an easily planing hull and upwind performance.

RACING SPIRIT

The First 36 is optimized for short-handed sailing, making her perfect for ever-popular short-handed adventure distance races. Her high sail area, great displacement ratio and balanced nautical design make her a top performer as a club-racer, a safe and fun family cruiser, or a simply thrilling daysailer.

SAILING FUNCTIONALITY

The positioning of the six winches, steering wheels, and other deck gear was thoroughly tested on several mock-ups and a full-scale testbed sailboat to ensure the remarkable sailing experience promised. Details like an offshore hatch on the foredeck or removable cockpit benches show the priority paid to sailing functionality over style used throughout the design process.

RACING LAYOUT

In the racing layout, the wide and modern cockpit allows for different helm and trim positions, either for short-handed or fully-crewed sailing. In this setup, the table and bench extensions are removed, opening the working area in the cockpit.

A higher than average steering wheel position leaves enough room for the helmsman to move forward towards the mainsail winch when sailing shorthanded. In full crew mode, the cockpit winches' positioning allows one or two crew members to sail with legs in and work the mainsail or primary winches. It also allows cross-sheeting of all sheets to the windward side. Harken, Ronstan, Spinlock and Antal deck gear were combined for optimal performance.

CRUISING LAYOUT

When you remove your racing gear and take your family cruising or daysailing, cockpit benches with cushions increase the seating area, adding storage space and line organization. The cockpit table is big enough to accommodate a crew of six. Additionally, the design team developed an ultralight swim platform to give sailors easy access to the water without affecting the boat's performance.

LARGEST LIVING SPACE IN ITS CLASS

Going against the trend, the 36 features a full-sized navigation table. While vital to navigation, it is also a suitable home office. Two portlights in every cabin allow air flow and natural light, while sectional indirect lighting, with a red racing option, illuminates the boat at night. Three cabins with easily accessible full-sized double berths and innovative heads round up the features of this bright and spacious interior.

The wide hull of the BENETEAU First 36 offers a spacious interior comparable to her much larger predecessors. The new First 36 has about the same living volume as the legendary First 40.7.

Simple, comfortable and versatile, the First 36 interior was developed around three-cabin cruising functionality. Its most notable feature is the large central fridge with a removable cutting board, making this sailboat's galley the largest of her class. A corridor created by the foldable and removable table helps sailors move around the saloon safely.

The information below is intended for general informational purposes only and is subject to change without notice and does not constitute a contractual agreement. Any descriptions, representations, or statements made in this document are not to be considered binding unless explicitly stated otherwise in a formal contractual agreement.

Length Overall

36'0"

Beam overall

12'6''

Light displacement

7'5''

Cabin Number

Press Reviews

Yachting world.

Beneteau First 36 review: Is this the best First yacht in years? - Read the article

SV Lenny takes a spot on the 2023 Transpac podium!

After 11 days at sea, the SV Lenny and her crew placed second in their class. The crew gave their feedback on the boat pre and post race.

2023 Transpac - Meet the Crew of SV Lenny

In June 2023, a few days before SV Lenny started the 2023 Transpac, we spoke to the crew about the race, the boat and their connection to the legendary BENETEAU First boats. 

New First 44 “Lenny” will race in the 2023 Transpac

Two legendary races, one Ocean, a new boat from a long successful line of great boats, and a remarkable crew who have sailed on major boat races around the world … BENETEAU’s First 44 is starting a Pacific adventure like no other before.

Customer Care

Buying a BENETEAU doesn’t have to be a daunting task. We have teams of experts to guide you through the entire process – everything from sea trials, financing, and customization to after-sale commissioning, service, and maintenance. We are proud to have one of the largest, most highly-regarded dealer networks in the world. We’re ready to provide you with the assistance and expertise needed to launch you and your BENETEAU on a lifetime of happy, rewarding, and memorable voyages.

Other models in the range

4.3 m / 14’1’’

1.7 m / 5’7’’

7.29 m / 23’ 11’’

2.5 m / 8’ 2’’

7.99 m / 26’ 3’’

2.54 m / 8’ 4’’

14.65 m / 48’1’’

4.25 m / 13'11''

17.12 m / 56’2’’

5 m / 16’5’’

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Better Sailing

Best Sailboats to Singlehand

Sailing alone can be an extraordinary experience for many boaters. Many have attempted to sail on long passages and explore the oceans. But, a common concern is, which one is the right boat to sail single-handed? We’ll find out together in this article. Fortunately, there are many suitable seaworthy vessels for one person. In this article, I list you the best boats to single-hand as well as find out what makes them appropriate for single-handing. These boats range from small lake dinghies all the way to comfortable cruisers capable of oceanic crossings. So, keep reading!

A Few Things About Single-Handed Sailing

There are many boats that perform particularly well for shorthanded sailing. However, the fact is that the structures on a boat have a greater effect on its suitability rather than the boat’s construction. Main features regarding single-handed sailing include easy sail controls, including the ability for one person to quickly tuck a reef in. And, let’s not forget the ability to easily change the sheets and the mainsheet traveller. If you’re looking for a boat to short-handed sail, start by looking at the reefing and sail handling systems, as well as the pilot’s specifications. It’s a great advantage to be able to reach both mainsheet and the primary winches from the helm. But, when sailing on long passages then the pilot might be steering for almost 100% of the time.

For shorthanded sailing, many sailors prefer smaller vessels. This point has a lot of sense because their compact size, ease in navigation in a small room, and less complicated structures, make them more simple to sail. But, keep in mind that there are also sailboats of 70ft that are set up to be handled by 1 or 2 persons on deck. In which case, the sailors must be experienced and be able to fix any damaged system. So, if a vessel is properly set up it can be easily handled by one or two experienced sailors, no matter its size.

Boats made from the early 1990s onwards are more stable than their ancestors, as well as deep draught low center of gravity keels. These are a great choice for single-handing. The added stability means a reduced need to reef which facilitates the overall sailing experience and performance.

In any case, the below-mentioned boats, and similar others in each respective range, form great choices for single-handed sailing. They all offer easy short-handling for either beginners or experienced. And also for those that want to experience calm sailing to those seeking a fast and responsive, but ultimately safe, vessel.

Handling and Set-up

First of all, when solo sailing, it’s important to focus on the ease of handling your boat. This is because you will be in charge of all roles; skipper, navigator, bow-person, dial trimmer, engineer, and chef! So, what you want to achieve here is making all these roles simpler in order to facilitate all tasks.

So, it’s advisable to take your boat out on a calm sea and experience all possible motions of sailing. Like you were racing or cruising but also hoisting sails, trimming, steering, and navigating. Like this, you will be able to see if any problems come up. The most common problem sailors experience is reefing the mainsail by themselves. Also, the spinnaker pole might be too much to handle by yourself or find it difficult to reach the sheeting positions. In other words, if you’ve never sailed short-handed before, this first experience might seem challenging. And, some things are really important to handle like reaching the main traveler while steering. But, don’t get discouraged! Consider taking notes while onboard, and start finding new ways of facilitating your voyage.

Some simple changes include shifting a halyard clutch. But, there are more challenging ones like switching to a single-line reefing system. Wherever feasible, a single-line reef system is preferable. But, adding a reef tack line and getting back to the cockpit can be even more convenient and require less line that will probably tangle in the cockpit. Keep in mind that the most important factor for single-handed sailing is to make your boat easier to sail. So, now let’s see the best boats for single-handed sailing!

The Hanse 371 was built from 1999 until the mid-2000s. The boat offered a selection of either deep or shallow low center of gravity fin keels. These were joined with the hull and a long waterline. Below the deck, you can choose between 2 or 3 cabin layouts with a comfortable galley. Hanse 371 benefits from self-tacking jibs so when tacking all you have to do is spin the wheel. And, in case you’re sailing on autopilot you just press a few buttons and you’re good to go.

In addition, you can increase sail area when reaching in light air with a Code 0 or asymmetric spinnaker. This model maximizes the amount of space and with a reasonable budget. So, with its great interior and performance, the Hanse 371 is a seaworthy vessel that may cost you around $60,000. Most importantly keep in mind that everything is standard and easy to use. Like this, you simplify your life while sailing single-handed.

Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200

The Jeanneau Sunfast 3200 was manufactured with offshore short-handed sailing taken into account since the beginning. This boat is not only a classical sailing boat but also a small and light one that is easy to navigate. Even better, it has the durability and strength to withstand long passages. And, for this reason, they built it specifically for the Trans-Atlantic race. This boat is especially impressive when you sail off the wind, and totally practical and reliable even when sailing alone. This could be due to the fact that the design and setup are mostly constructed for racing. So, it could be ideal for you if you’re looking for a coastal cruiser that’s easy to handle.

Even when sailing downwind, you can easily achieve double figures in terms of speed with this boat. In particular, the Sunfast 3200 features cutting-edge technology to provide you with the best strength-to-weight ratios possible. It has all of the requisite features to easily adapt it to perform admirably as a sailing or racing sailboat. The boat features two double cabins, a chart table, a galley, and a head compartment.

>>Also Read: Best Sailboats Under 20ft

Beneteau Oceanis 62

Let’s now pass to the bigger fellas! As aforementioned, single-handed sailing doesn’t mean you have to choose small sailboats. This is because nowadays single-handed 60+ ft boats aren’t that rare in terms of production, as they were in the past.

Basically, the Beneteau Oceanis 62 meets the modern demands of today’s market and was specifically designed to provide ease of use. In other words, it can be easily handled and operated by a single person. I know that all this space might be a bit exaggerated, but if you’re the kind of person that enjoys being in oceanic solitude while benefiting from having a moving apartment, then this one is for you! Of course, there are more boats of the same size suited for short-handed sailing, like the Hanses, Bavarias, and Jeanneaus. But, you can find a new Oceanis 62 for around $724,500, which is a great price for boats of that size combining both performance and quality.

>>Also Read: Is It Dangerous to Sail Around the World?

Hunter Channel 31

From the mid-1980s onwards, this British boatbuilder transitioned from racing to powerful but easy-to-handle small cruisers. As a result, a series of boats has been developed that can sail almost effortlessly without losing handling characteristics.

The deck layout features an effective layout, with an optional self-tacking jib and single-line mainsail. As a short-handed sailor, you’ll benefit from the tiller steering, which allows you to steer with your legs while trimming sails. The accommodation below decks is well-designed and provides considerably more room than the previous Horizon 30 model.

This model, which debuted in 2001, was of higher quality than the majority of Hunter’s other cruising models and greatly focuses on performance. It was also one of the company’s last all-new designs, so it benefited from the most up-to-date design at the time. This was especially apparent in the well-balanced hull shape, which also provided excellent form stability. Joined with high ballast ratios and low center of gravity keels resulted in a boat that doesn’t need continuous trimming to maintain high average speeds or avoid repeated broaching in gusts.

>>Also Read: How Far Can you Sail in One Day?

This is the prototypical short-handed performance boat in several respects. Long-distance single-handed and double-handed sailors love it as well as inshore racing teams. The boat’s offshore reputation has been well established, with many North Atlantic crossings under its belt. Although J/109 is often considered as a planing boat, this 19-year old model is too heavy to be one of that kind. It is basically a moderate all-rounder that offers great performance with the ability for extended surfing when offshore. The boat is also available in a shoal draught form, but it didn’t sell that much.

A great advantage is that the big asymmetric spinnakers can be easily gybed from the cockpit in light airs. And, a poled-out jib can still provide fast downwind speeds with an enviable degree of control in a true wind of more than 20 knots. Almost everyone sailing J/109s short-handed, at least in Europe, hasn’t used the boat’s original overlapping genoas so as to employ blade jibs that are set on roller furling gear.

The only downside is that the boat is expensive for one of this size on the second-hand market. However, its quality of construction and the high standard equipment aren’t going to let you down. Moreover, the interior layout is sparse and has less interior space, although it provides a well-designed and effective two-cabin compartment.

Catalina 315

This is a stylish pocket cruiser that raises the bar for solo sailors by providing exceptional comfort and efficiency. With a hull length of 31′, the Catalina 315 has more interior space than most classics and is still ideal for solo sailing. Rigging the Catalina 315 is a lot simpler with a masthead sloop because it has both an in-mast roller furling mainsail and a roller furling genoa.

Despite the fact that it is a much larger boat, it has a few key features that make all the difference. The split backstays, for example, are excellent for balance and functionality. This is one of the key reasons it was named the 2013 Boat of the Year Best Inshore Cruiser by Cruising World. The boat might surpass your needs when sailing solo, as it is a high-end sailboat with a price tag of more than $175,000. However, if that seems too pricey, you can look for a used model, which will be slightly less expensive.

Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20

The Flicka is a 20-foot sailboat developed and planned for extended cruising and bluewater sailing. The Newport workboats of the 19th century were distinguished by their sweeping sheer, proud bowsprit, blunt bow, broad beam, and low side decks. Flickas by Nor’Star and Pacific Seacraft have withstood the test of time. This is because most Flickas were made with polyester resin or vinlyester resins later on in the production. 

For some sailors, this is a disadvantage as you don’t realize just how small the Flicka is until you step into the cockpit. However, it’s a seaworthy vessel and offers a remarkably spacious interior. In addition, the robust tiller is mounted on the transom, thus giving good leverage for steering and freeing up cockpit space. As for the interior, there really is enough standing headroom as well as the open-plan without a full forward bulkhead opens things up. The galley offers all basic equipment and the V-berth is large and comfortable. 

On top of that, the Flicka is towable, seaworthy, and you can actually liveaboard. Even though it is a small craft you can still cross the oceans with it. On this one, there’s no denying that everything is within easy reach. At this scale, ergonomics are almost irrelevant. Because of its towability, the fact that it can be parked in your garden, and its short-handed capability, it’s the ideal spontaneous getaway vessel.

Amel 60 definitely got your back while sailing solo in the oceans. The Amel 60 features great advantages and, with its rectangular hull portlights and wraparound windscreen, it takes you on the modern cruising generation.

Fixed bowsprits and plumb bows ensure a modern design and experience. In addition, lines open out into beamy sections aft and benefit from twin rudders. And, since these forms, when paired with the proper buoyancy distribution, can provide a faster hull form, it’s a no-brainer for cruising designs to follow the secondary benefits that come with this fuller form. The watertight bulkheads ensure that the boat won’t sink. Moreover, the cockpit has a sturdy roof and windows, so you’ll be safe no matter the weather. And, the stable hull ensures great handling even in challenging weather conditions.

One of the main benefits is the increased volume, which applies to both the accommodation and the deck lockers. When heeled, twin rudders minimize drag and provide a more balanced feel while underway. However, if they get damaged they provide a redundancy level. The shallower rudders also help in mooring stern-to for those who spend more time in areas like the Mediterranean. In the interior, you get enough space and luxury as well. There’s even a washing machine! So, even if you are an experienced single-handed sailor that wants to benefit from space and performance, then with the $1.5 million price you will get this luxurious boat!

Beneteau 31

As a small cruiser keelboat, this French-designed vessel is predominantly constructed of fiberglass and is ideal for single-handed sailing without minimizing interior space and comfort. Its galley has ample storage and counter space, as well as a sit-down navigation station with a small table. The interior benefits from the straight-lined and elegant thinking of Nauta Design. The comfy seats on either side of a drop-leaf table double the living space. There’s also a spacious athwartship aft-cabin berth and V-berth.

Under power, maneuvering this boat is a breeze, and it’s well worth it for any solo sailor looking for a coastal cruiser. It has a fractional sloop rig, which allows for in-mast furling. This makes it simple to control while also making it strong in light winds. A bow pulpit and an optional asymmetric cruising chute will enhance the performance if you’re sailing the boat off the wind. The new 31 is estimated to cost about $115,000, which is very pricey but well worth it if you want to cruise the globe in this French masterpiece.

Best Sailboats for Solo Sailing – The Bottom Line

Singlehanded sailing is a great achievement in terms of adventure and endurance, especially for lone sailors that cross the oceans. Many experience sleep deprivation, the stress of being alone, and difficult weather conditions that have to be handled by yourself. So, if you decide to set sail for an offshore voyage on your own is a big step to make. And, surely you need a sturdy and seaworthy boat. All the aforementioned boats are considered to be the best cruisers for single-handed sailing. It is up to you to decide which one to choose. This will be determined according to your budget, preferences, needs, and course of your voyage. And, remember that sailing solo learns you to live independently which is a great achievement!

Peter is the editor of Better Sailing. He has sailed for countless hours and has maintained his own boats and sailboats for years. After years of trial and error, he decided to start this website to share the knowledge.

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Best Sailboats for Solo Sailing

It can be really intimidating to think about sailing alone for the first time. But don't let that stop you. Here are some of the best sailboats for solo sailing.

October 17, 2023

This article may contain affiliate links where we earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

‍ It can be really intimidating to think about sailing alone for the first time. But don't let that stop you. Here are some of the best sailboats for solo sailing.

It can be tough to find someone who's available and willing to go sailing with you on short notice. And even if you do manage to find a partner, there's always the risk that they might cancel at the last minute or that weather conditions will be unfavorable.

The best solo sailing sailboats are easy to maneuver and have all the necessary safety features. The Jeanneau Sunfast 3200, J/109, Hunter Channel 31, West Wight Potter 19, and Cape Dory 28 are all great choices. Each one has its own unique set of features that make it ideal for solo sailing.

If you're looking for the best sailboats for solo sailing, you've come to the right place. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best options on the market and help you decide which one is right for you. We'll cover everything from small boats that are perfect for beginners to larger vessels that can accommodate a crew. So, whether you're a first-time sailor or an experienced captain, read on to find the perfect boat for your next adventure.

When selecting the best sailboats for solo sailing, we considered various factors, including size, ease of use, and safety features. We also looked at the opinions of experienced sailors to get a better idea of which boats are most popular among those who like to sail alone.

Table of Contents

‍ 1. Jeanneau Sunfast 3200

The  Sunfast 3200  is a highly popular choice for sailors seeking a solo-sailing vessel. It's fast, comfortable, and relatively easy to handle, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy the experience of sailing without having to worry about the challenges that come with larger boats.

There are a few things that make the Sunfast 3200 stand out from other solo-sailing vessels. First, its deep and wide keel helps to provide excellent stability and tracking. This is particularly important when sailing in windy conditions or when making turns at high speeds. Additionally, the boat's hull is designed to provide good aerodynamic properties, which helps to reduce drag and improve performance.

One of the most impressive features of the Sunfast 3200 is its large cockpit. This provides plenty of room for crew members to move around, giving them the ability to access all the boat's controls easily. Additionally, the cockpit features several storage compartments that can be used to keep sails, equipment, and supplies close at hand.

The Jeanneau Sunfast 3200 features two cabins that can comfortably accommodate a single person. There is also a small galley area that can be used to prepare meals or snacks. Finally, the boat is fitted with several navigation and communication systems, making it easy for sailors to stay safe and in touch while out on the open water.

Since this vessel has a keel-stepped mast, we recommend going with the sloop Marconi rig. This will provide you with the greatest amount of control and stability when sailing. The Sunfast 3200 is also available in a ketch or cutter rig, but these options are best suited for experienced sailors looking for a more challenging sailing experience.

According to designer Daniel Andrieu, the Sunfast 3200 was designed to be "the ultimate solo-sailing machine." Andrieu says that he wanted to create a boat that would be "safe, fast, stable and easy to handle." As a result, the boat sits on the wide side and is as light as possible, allowing them to cram almost 3,000 pounds of their 7,496-pound light displacement into the iron fin and lead keel bulb.

The twin tillers, which drive two high-aspect rudders, provide excellent helm control for either tack at any point of sail. The boat's wide beam helps to provide good stability, and the deep keel ensures that it tracks well in windy conditions.

The Sunfast 3200 features a 15hp Yanmar Diesel engine located in a watertight compartment beneath the cockpit sole. This helps keep the vessel's center of gravity low, improving both performance and handling.

One of the most impressive aspects of the Sunfast 3200 is its speed. Under power, the boat can reach speeds of up to 8 knots. However, it shines when under sail. Thanks to its light displacement and high-aspect sails, the Sunfast 3200 can reach speeds in excess of 20 knots.

The Jeanneau Sunfast 3200 was chosen as the European Boat of the Year by the European sailing media in 2008. This is a testament to the boat's design and construction quality and its performance on the open water.

One downside to the Sunfast 3200 is its price tag. At over $160,000, it's one of the most expensive solo-sailing vessels on the market. However, given its impressive performance and features, we feel that it's worth every penny. The 20-gallon fuel capacity isn't great, but it's not terrible either. The engine is very efficient, so you won't have to refuel too often.

The  Jeanneau Sunfast 3200  is an excellent solo-sailing vessel that will provide its owner with years of enjoyment on the open water. It's fast, stable, and easy to handle, and it comes packed with several features that make it a great choice for both experienced sailors and first-time boat buyers alike. If you're looking for a high-performance solo-sailing boat, the Sunfast 3200 should definitely be at the top of your list.

• Price: $160,000
• Length overall: 33.08 ft
• Displacement: 7496 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 20 gal
• Water capacity: 21 gal
• Rigging type: Fractional Sloop
• Lightweight and fast
• Good handling
• Ideal for novice sailors
• Durable construction
• Great stability
• A tad expensive
• Low fuel capacity compared to others in its class

If you're looking for a fast, fun, and competitive sailboat, the  J/109  is definitely worth considering. This popular one-design racer-cruiser has been winning regattas and impressing sailors since its launch in 2004.

The J/109 is well-suited for both racing and cruising, with a comfortable interior that includes a spacious main salon, two double staterooms, and a large head with a separate shower stall. On deck, the boat is designed for easy single-handed or short-handed sailing, with all controls led aft to the cockpit.

Performance-wise, the J/109 is known for its excellent upwind speed and pointing ability. It's also relatively light (around 10,900 lbs) and easy to tow, making it a great choice for sailors who want to do a little bit of everything.

The J/109 has a purposeful, racy design with only a little bow over the waterline and an open stern. The boat is also equipped with a powerful asymmetrical spinnaker and a North Sails 3Di mainsail, making it capable of some great downwind speed. The deckhouse is nicely proportioned and well-protected from the elements, with a large dodger and bimini for shade.

BaltekContourkore's end-grain balsa composite construction is used throughout the hull and deck, resulting in a strong yet lightweight structure. The boat is also equipped with a watertight collision bulkhead forward and an integrated swim platform aft. The J/109 also features an emergency tiller and a comprehensive set of safety gear, including two anchors, a life raft, and a ditch bag.

The patented "Scrimp" resin infusion process is used to construct the J/109, resulting in a strong, stiff, and lightweight hull. The boat also features a keel-stepped mast, anodized aluminum toe rails, and a set of Harken winches.

A 27 Hp Yanmar 3 engine runs the J/109, providing plenty of power for cruising or racing. The engine is also located in a sound-proofed compartment, making it relatively quiet underway.

The J/109 has a large forward cabin with a V-berth, a settee, and plenty of storage. There is also a private head with a shower stall, making it a great choice for cruising couples. The aft cabin features a double berth, a settee, and plenty of storage. A skylight and opening port provide natural light and ventilation, while an ensuite head with a shower makes it convenient for overnight guests.

The J/109 galley is located on the boat's port side, just aft of the forward cabin. It features a two-burner stove, a sink, and plenty of counter space for food preparation. The main salon of the J/109 is spacious and comfortable, with a large U-shaped settee and a table that can accommodate up to eight guests. There is also plenty of storage space, including cabinets, shelves, and a closet. A flat-screen TV is mounted on the forward bulkhead.

The head of the J/109 is located on the starboard side of the boat, just aft of the main salon. It features a sink, a vanity, and a large head with a separate shower stall. The companionway of the J/109 is located on the starboard side of the boat, just aft of the main salon. It features a set of teak steps and a large hatch that provides access to the cockpit.

The cockpit of the J/109 is well-protected and spacious, with ample room for crew and gear. All controls are led aft to the helm, making it easy to sail single-handed or short-handed. There is also a large lazarette for storage, a hot and cold-water shower, and a swim ladder that makes it easy to get back on board from the water.

One downside to the J/109 is its price tag, which is high for a boat of its size. However, its quality construction, spacious accommodations, and impressive performance make it great for serious sailors.

The  J/109  is a fast, fun, and competitive sailboat that is well-suited for racing and cruising. With a comfortable interior, easy single-handed sailing, and great upwind speed, the J/109 is a great choice for sailors who want to do a little bit of everything.

• Price: $100000-$150000
• Length: 35.25 ft
• Draft: 7.00 ft
• Displacement: 10900 lbs
• Fast and competitive
• Spacious interior
• Easy single-handed sailing
• Loaded with features
• High price tag
• Not the most stable in rough waters

3. Hunter Channel 31

The  Hunter Channel 31  is a great option for sailors looking for a fast and comfortable solo-sailing vessel. It's lightweight and easy to handle, and it comes with a number of features that make it an ideal choice for both experienced sailors and first-time boat buyers alike. Solo-sailing is made easier by the hull and keel design. The boat is also stable and tracks well in most wind and wave conditions, making it a great choice for sailors who want to explore new areas.

The Hunter Channel 31 is a fractional sloop that was designed by David Thomas and built by Hunter Boats. It has a fiberglass hull and deck with an aluminum mast and keel. The boat's overall length is 30.75 ft, with a beam of 10.33 ft and a draft of 4.08 ft. Channel 31 is constructed using the SCRIMP process, which involves the infusion of resin into the fiberglass to create a stronger, more durable hull. This construction method results in a lighter boat that is also less susceptible to delamination.

The Hunter Channel 31 sailboat is also great for cruising and day sailing. It has a large cockpit that can comfortably accommodate up to four people, and the cabin can be used for storage or as a place to take a break from the sun. The boat also comes with all of the standard amenities, including running lights, an anchor, and a dock line.

The boat has several features that make it both comfortable and easy to sail, including an ergonomic cockpit layout, self-tailing winches, and a furling mainsail. The boat also comes with a number of safety features, such as a keel-stepped mast and an onboard emergency location beacon.

The Hunter Channel 31 features two cabins and six berths, making it a great option for weekend getaways. The forward cabin has a V-berth that can accommodate two people, while the aft cabin has two berths and a sitting area. There is also plenty of storage space in both cabins for gear and supplies.

The boat's lightweight and high ballast ratio make it stable in heavy weather, and its deep keel provides good tracking ability. The Channel 31 is also equipped with a bowsprit, which allows for the use of larger headsails.

The Hunter Channel 31 is a fast and responsive boat perfect for sailing in coastal waters. It has a cruising speed of 7 knots and a top speed of 9 knots. The boat also handles well in strong winds, making it a great choice for sailors who live in areas with rough seas.

In addition to its high performance, the Channel 31 is also very comfortable to sail. It comes with several features that make it easy to adjust to different wind and wave conditions, including a self-tacking jib, roller furling mainsail, and V-berth with storage below.

The Channel 31 isn't the fastest boat on the water, but its speed is more than enough for most sailors. The boat is also comfortable and easy to handle, making it a great choice for both experienced sailors and first-time boat buyers alike. Furthermore, at $50,000, the Hunter Chanel 31 is an excellent value for a solo-sailing vessel.

The  Hunter Channel 31  is the perfect boat for anyone who wants to enjoy the thrill of sailing without worrying about being cramped up in a small space. It's also a great option for those who want to sail in style, as the boat's sleek design is sure to turn heads out on the water. Whether you're sailing around your local harbor or crossing the Atlantic Ocean, the Hunter Channel 31 is a great option for anyone who wants to experience the best of sailing.

• Price: $50000
• Length Overall: 30.75 ft
• Displacement: 9500 lbs
• Draft: 4.08 ft
• Rigging type: Fractional sloop
• Great value for money
• Sleek design
• Comfortable cockpit
• Well-made and durable
• Not the fastest boat on the water
• It may be too large for some sailors

4. West Wight Potter 19

The  West Wight Potter 19  sailboat is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable and easy-to-use sailing boat. This boat is perfect for both beginners and experienced sailors and can be sailed in various settings. The Potter 19 is made from durable materials that can withstand even the harshest conditions. It also comes with all the necessary rigging and accessories allowing you to get out on the water as soon as possible.

The West Wight Potter 19 sailboat is designed for both performance and comfort. It has a spacious cockpit that can accommodate up to four people, and the high-quality materials make it durable and weatherproof. The boat also comes with various standard features, including anodized aluminum spars, ballasted fin keel, and molded incluses.

Due to its compact size, the Potter 19 can be easily trailer-launched and stored in a standard garage. It's also easy to sail, even for beginners, and can be rigged in minutes. The galvanized keel retracts vertically into the hull for easy beaching or trailering, and the included trailer has brakes for extra safety.

The mast can be raised manually with the mast-raising mechanism, which is a simple process that requires only one individual. The boat can also be sailed single-handedly, and the jib can be reefed without leaving the cockpit.

The Potter 19 also features a self-tacking jib, which is ideal for beginners or those who don't want to fuss with the sails. The jib can be easily raised or lowered from the cockpit, and there's no need to go forward to the bow to adjust it.

The hull is made of fiberglass, and the deck is made of marine-grade plywood. The boat has a length of 18.75 ft, a beam of 7.5 ft, and a draft of 0.5 feet. It has a displacement of 1225 lbs and a sail area of 145 sq ft.

The hard chines of the hull mean that the boat is slower to heal in a breeze, but this also makes it more stable and forgiving. And while the Potter 19 may not be the fastest sailboat on the water, it's still able to reach speeds of up to 6 knots. The one disadvantage of sailing on this boat is that it thumps its nearly flat hull when entering waves or the wakes of other boats.

With a genoa, the boat may heel excessively with the wind over 12 knots under full sail, but it can still be sailed in winds up to 15 knots. The jib is very effective in light air, and the boat can be sailed comfortably with winds as low as 5 knots.

The Potter 19 sailboat is an excellent choice for those who want a fast, responsive boat that can handle various conditions. It has a sleek hull design that easily cuts through the water, and the ballasted fin keel ensures good stability even in rough seas. The boat also comes with a comprehensive set of sailing instructions, so you can get up and running quickly.

The Potter 19 sailboat is fast and agile, making it perfect for sailing in tight quarters or along the coastline. It has a well-balanced hull that provides good stability, and the ballasted fin keel ensures that it tracks well in open water. Thanks to its flared bow and hard chine, the boat also handles choppy seas and windy conditions well.

The West Wight Potter 19 is an excellent value for the price. It's a high-quality sailboat that's built to last, and it comes with a variety of standard features that are typically found on more expensive boats. It's also easy to sail and trailer-launch, making it a great option for novice sailors or those who don't have much sailing experience.

Overall, the  West Wight Potter 19  sailboat is an excellent option for those who are looking for an affordable and easy-to-use sailing boat. It's perfect for both beginners and experienced sailors and can be sailed in various settings. The Potter 19 is made from durable materials that can withstand even the harshest conditions. It also comes with all the necessary rigging and accessories to get you out on the water as soon as possible.

• Price: $5000-$25000 (Depending on features)
• Length: 18.75 ft
• Draft: 3.58 ft
• Displacement: 1225 lbs
• Very responsive
• Can handle various conditions
• Comes with many standard features
• Easily trailerable
• Hull may thump in waves or wakes
• May heel excessively with the wind over 12 knots under full sail.

5. Cape Dory 28

The  Cape Dory 28  is a popular choice for sailors looking for a reliable and affordable boat. This model is known for its simple design and easy-to-use features, making it ideal for beginners and experienced sailors alike. The Cape Dory 28 is also praised for its durability, as it is built to last through many years of use.

The Cape Dory 28 was designed by world-renowned designer Carl Alberg. The Cape Dory 28 shares many of the same features as the Triton, including a comfortable interior layout and a simple rig. The boat was first introduced in 1984 and has been a popular choice among sailors ever since.

The Cape Dory 28 is available in sloop and cutter configurations, allowing sailors to choose the rig that best suits their needs. The sloop configuration is ideal for cruising and racing, while the cutter configuration is perfect for coastal sailing and weekend getaways. No matter which configuration you choose, the Cape Dory 28 will provide you with hours of enjoyment on the water.

The Cape Dory 28 is typically equipped with a mainsail, jib, and spinnaker. The boat can also be fitted with a furling genoa for easier sailing. It features a "full keel," which makes it very stable in the water and handles choppy conditions well.

While the Cape Dory 28 does not have all the bells and whistles of some of the more expensive models on the market, it still offers everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable sailing experience. The cabin is spacious and well-appointed, with plenty of storage space for your belongings. The cockpit is also large enough to accommodate several people, making it perfect for a day out on the water with your friends or family.

Fiberglass laminates are used throughout the hull construction of the Cape Dory 28, ensuring that your boat will withstand even the harshest weather conditions. And if you ever need to make repairs, the simple design of this sailboat makes it easy to do so. The foredeck is large enough to store your sails and other gear, and the mast is easy to raise and lower. The Cape Dory 28 also comes with a self-tailing winch, making it easier to operate.

The core of the deck is made from plywood or balsa, which is then covered with fiberglass. This provides a strong and durable surface that is also easy to maintain. The hull is designed to provide good stability and handling, perfect for beginners and experienced sailors.

The aft section of the cabin has a v-berth forward followed by a port head. There is also a settee that can be converted to a double berth. The galley is well-equipped with a sink, stove, and refrigerator, and there is plenty of room for food and drinks. The Cape Dory 28 is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a durable, easy-to-use sailboat that won't break the bank.

The galley is aft to the port side and features a two-burner stove, icebox, and stainless-steel sink. The V-berth is located in the bow of the boat and can comfortably sleep two people. The Cape Dory 28 also has a self-tailing winch, making it easy to operate.

The Cape Dory 28 is a great choice for sailors who are looking for a small but sturdy and reliable sailboat. The main issue with the Cape Dory 28 is the deterioration of fuel tanks, so it is important to have them inspected regularly and replaced if necessary. Additionally, the stern tubes and rudder bearings should be inspected and replaced as needed.

The majority of Cape Dory 28s come with welded aluminum tanks mounted on a plywood base and supported by wooden cleats around the bottom of the tank. When wood comes in direct contact with aluminum, it causes pitting and corrosion. As a result, it is important to have your fuel tanks inspected regularly and replaced if necessary.

The  Cape Dory 28  is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable and durable sailboat. This model is known for its simple design and easy-to-use features, making it ideal for beginners and experienced sailors alike. Additionally, the Cape Dory 28 is praised for its durability, as it is built to last through many years of use. If you are in the market for a new sailboat, the Cape Dory 28 should definitely be at the top of your list.

• Price: $25000
• Length: 28 ft
• Draft: 4 ft
• Displacement: 9000 lbs
• Water Capacity: 60 gal
• Fuel Capacity: 32 gal
• Excellent value for money
• Timeless design
• Easy to use
• Great for beginners and experienced sailors alike
• Decent fuel capacity
• Fuel tanks may deteriorate over time
• Stern tubes and rudder bearings may need to be replaced periodically

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Practical Boat Owner

• Digital edition

Essential shorthanded sailing skills

• Rupert Holmes
• September 15, 2023

Many sailors sail shorthanded much of the time, and it can prove a challenge. Rupert Holmes has some tips and techniques to help inspire confidence

Even if you sail with a large crew, it's worth practising the skills needed for shorthanded sailing. Credit: David Harding Credit: David Harding

Whether you sail as a couple, cruise with a friend or take your children sailing , the likelihood is that you will be shorthanded sailing.

A crew of two is probably the most common set-up for coastal cruising , but as many boats would ideally be sailed with many more people, what can be done to make shorthanded sailing easier and safer?

Technology has some of the answers.

Autopilots provide an extra ‘pair of hands’; chart plotters minimise time spent below poring over navigation ; electric winches and roller furling systems simplify sail handling, and powered windlasses take the strain out of weighing anchor .

A small boat is much easier to handle with a small crew, so if you expect to be short-handed most of the time, be practical when choosing a boat. Credit: David Harding

But even if your boat is fully equipped and you’ve done your utmost to position your sail controls to be handled by minimum crew, there is still the most important and inconsistent factor to consider – the crew.

Although manoeuvring, mooring and close-quarters boat handling present a host of potential difficulties for small crews, it’s also wise to address problems that might crop up when the boat is under way.

Shorthanded sailing with two

Even if you’re a confident single-hander, the biggest benefit of a second crew member is having an extra pair of eyes to keep watch while you carry out chartwork or other tasks that may take your attention off the horizon for a short time.

It shouldn’t end there, though – one of the most common mistakes when sailing two-handed is to rigidly allocate roles.

We’ve all seen the classic set-up of the cruising couple with the husband on the helm and the wife poised with fenders, but there’s no reason it should be that way.

Many cruising couples use the autopilot most of the time when sailing. Credit: Sarah Norbury

There’s nothing wrong with playing to your strengths – for example, giving more physical tasks to the stronger person, or navigation to the person who’s least likely to suffer from seasickness – but it’s important with a small crew that all members become proficient at all tasks in case someone becomes incapacitated.

Crew training is vital if you plan more challenging trips such as overnight passages or sailing offshore .

It’s only when you become confident in all aspects of sailing that you fully understand how they are interrelated, which allows you each to become even better in your favoured roles.

A greater sense of understanding also helps to dispel anxiety and worry, increasing the fun and satisfaction gained from sailing two-handed.

Skippering shorthanded

At Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster level the focus is often on the requirement of skippers to ‘…take charge of a yacht and direct the crew.’

Skippers should have a complete and constant awareness of everything that is happening with the boat – sail trim, navigation, other vessels, potential breakages, changes of weather, crew welfare and so on – and the best way to do this on the fully-crewed boats on which these courses are taught is to stand back and delegate the tasks of actually sailing the boat to others.

If you’re shorthanded sailing,  you need to combine the tasks of skipper and crew – another reason why it’s easier if those people on board have enough skills to each handle the boat in their own right.

The key is to plan ahead. With a small crew, I prepare for manoeuvres earlier than when sailing with a full crew.

Continues below…

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I also mentally run through operations in advance, visualising all the steps in sequence.

This process speeds up sail handling and often highlights potential snags before they happen.

Even then, I’m conscious that I need to stop what I’m doing every couple of minutes to look around and check nothing has changed.

It’s easy to become engrossed in a small task and miss the bigger picture, which could result in failing to notice something vital – such as an increase in wind requiring a reef , a ship on a potential collision course or a wind shift that puts the boat at risk of a gybe.

This is even more of a risk if there’s a snag with the task you are performing: then it’s really hard not to get absorbed by what you’re doing with your hands.

Shorthanded sailing: Navigation

Controlling a boat in restricted waters that you don’t know well –or even in familiar waters at night– can test many a skipper, even with suitably practised and experienced the benefit of GPS, chart plotters etc.

When short-handed, the key is again not to rush things. In particular, it’s critical to recognise times at which the boat is travelling faster than you can navigate.

Slowing down will certainly help here – reducing speed from 5 knots to 4 knots gives 20% more thinking time.

There may even be occasions in which it’s helpful to stop for a while so you can catch up with events and get ahead.

Heaving to is a useful skill which can give you time to look at a chart, cook or simply take a break. Credit: Ocean Images

A classic example of this is entering a large harbour such as Portsmouth at night for the first time.

Initially, you’ll be searching for the lights that show the small boat channel, then feeling your way through the narrow entrance with its strong tides .

Then, suddenly, the harbour opens up with dozens of new lights to identify, each marking different channels.

You therefore have to make an instant switch to solving entirely new problems.

It’s at this stage that identifying somewhere safe to pause, such as stemming the tide next to a buoy, can buy the time needed to become acquainted with the new situation.

Passage making

On a long day sail it may be worth each person getting some rest during the day.

Even if your passage plan gets you into harbour at a sensible time, unforeseen problems which delay your arrival can be exhausting for a small crew and result in poor decisions when you reach the tricky stage of entering harbour.

This is particularly important if, for instance, there’s a possibility of missing a tidal gate.

On longer passages with a watch system, it’s equally important to get rest early.

When setting out on a long passage, considerations for getting enough sleep will be different to those for a fully-crewed boat. Credit: Nina Norden

At night there needs to be a balance between a watch that’s sufficiently long to get some sleep, yet doesn’t result in the person on watch becoming exhausted.

Humans tend to sleep in roughly 90-minute cycles, so two hours off watch is enough for one cycle (allowing time for toilet visits, undressing etc).

However, three-hour watches may involve waking the off-watch crew mid-cycle, when they’ll be groggy and tired.

Sleep can be difficult on the first night at sea so I’m quite flexible about the length of watches getting up earlier if I can’t sleep and the person on deck is really tired, or vice versa.

On subsequent nights at sea, it’s easier to sleep and watches can accordingly be longer.

Shorthanded sailing: Sail Handling

On a well-set-up boat of up to around 45ft (14m), one person – suitably practised and experienced – should not find it difficult to reef the mainsail.

Single-line reefing helps here, and if this is difficult to retrofit it’s also possible to lead pennants from the reef cringles on the lift of the sail back to the cockpit.

Which to go for depends on the boat: single-line reefing inevitably incurs friction when compared to separate pennants for the luff and leach, but the latter requires a lot of coachroof space if the lines are led aft.

For this reason, the traditional layout of lines handled at the mast can be an attractive proposition, but whichever you choose, make sure the pennants are all in the same place – there’s nothing worse than having to do half the job at the mast and the other in the cockpit.

set up your reefing system to suit your regular crew – here, the crew can hook the tack cringles and tension the clew pennants while the helmsman handles the halyard. Credit: Ocean Images

Racing crews mark settings on their halyards and other controls so they instantly know where to cleat the line in manoeuvres.

We can borrow this idea to make life easy when reefing a cruising boat set up with single-line reefing.

Simply drop the halyard to your pre-set mark, then wind in the reefing pennant – the luff tension should automatically be set correctly.

Use different colour markers that match the colour of the reefing pennants for each reef.

Stack-pack and lazyjack systems help to control the mainsail when hoisting and lowering, becoming progressively more useful as boats get larger.

On my boats – 24 and 30ft (7.3m and 9m) – the mainsails are easy to tame: however, on a boat closer to 40ft (12m) I would consider lazyjacks desirable for shorthanded sailing.

In-mast furling takes the effort out of mainsail reefing, with the advantage that when setting sail you don’t have to haul the weight of the sail up the rig or rely on an electric winch to do so on a larger boat.

However, sail shape is inevitably compromised compared to a slab-reefed sail.

Although this may not affect reaching and downwind speed dramatically, it will certainly be apparent on a windward passage, when the boat can also be expected to make more leeway and tack through a greater angle.

Helpful headsails

Choosing a boat with a relatively small jib, rather than an unwieldy genoa, will take all the hassle out of tacking and furling the sail – there’s a good reason why both race boats and cruisers have adopted this configuration.

Of course, a self-tacking jib is even better in this respect, although the relatively small size of the sail means light weather and downwind performance will generally suffer.

Although self-tacking headsails will decrease windward sail area, a roller- furling Code 0 sail flown from a short bowsprit is easily handled and will greatly improve light weather performance when reaching. Credit: David Harding

The modern, easy solution to this problem is to use a roller-furling Code 0 and/or asymmetric spinnaker that can be set from a stubby bowsprit or retractable pole.

This will boost your light-wind reaching performance and fill the gap left by having a small headsail.

An older boat with a large genoa can be modified to gain some of these benefits by opting for a slightly smaller headsail than standard – say 125% instead of 140%, and adding the Code 0 and/or asymmetric spinnaker/ cruising chute .

Flying a spinnaker or cruising chute

With adequate preparation, sailing short-handed is no obstacle to using a spinnaker or cruising chute.

In light to moderate winds, I frequently fly a conventional spinnaker short-handed , simplifying the process compared to a fully-crewed race boat where eight people may have an active role.

I tend to both hoist and drop the spinnaker without the headsail set, bearing away onto a dead run so that the sail is blanketed by the mainsail, rather than the jib, having first rigged a preventer.

If hoisting without a sock, the guy and clew of the sail can be sneaked round the forestay towards the pole end in advance.

At this stage on a larger boat, it may help to have a couple of wool stops around the clew of the sail to prevent it from being caught by the wind.

It’s quite possible to fly a spinnaker or cruising chute short-handed if you rig the boat with a small crew. Credit: David Harding

As the crew hoists the halyard, the helm can then pull the guy further back. In this way, the pole can be set at the correct angle when the sail is fully hoisted, and the crew can then sheet in.

Gybing will vary from boat to boat.

On some boats, the helmsman can steer with the tiller between his or her legs while handling the main, sheet and guy, while on others the crew will need to gybe the main before going forward.

Whatever your approach, give yourself space and time to do it.

To drop, I again bear away onto a run, then as the sail collapses let the guy run through the end of the pole.

Next, the halyard is released and the sail bundled down the main companionway to be tidied later.

A sock is a great help when using a spinnaker or cruising chute when shorthanded sailing. Credit: David Harding

I use a similar strategy for cruising chutes and assymetrics, but they need more of a broad reach.

As they are tacked down near the forestay, there’s more chance of a wrap around the forestay if you attempt to set on a run.

As this risks the sail powering up, many people choose to use a sock for cruising chutes.

Whether you’re dropping a spinnaker or a cruising chute, a useful trick is to trail the halyard in the water astern.

This provides enough friction to prevent the sail from dropping faster than it can be gathered in.

Self-steering

This can be one of the most useful pieces of equipment when sailing short-handed as it reliably steers the boat while you carry out work on deck.

Some electronic pilots even have a remote control, so you can alter course while at the mast or foredeck.

No self-steering will keep a lookout or figure out the ‘big picture’ of what’s going on around the boat, nor will it help with manoeuvring and mooring.

However, when on passage a decent self-steering system can be as useful as two crew members – such systems don’t need to sleep or take meal breaks, and allow you to eat, cook, navigate or simply give your arms a rest from the helm.

Shorthanded sailing: Boat handling or mooring

When setting up lines and fenders, allowing sufficient time and space is important.

In a strong tidal stream , stemming the tide – pointing the boat into the flow and adjusting speed so that you’re stationary over the ground – is easier and less disorientating than going round in circles.

Alternatively, in a wider space with no tide, turning the boat stern to the wind and just engaging idling speed astern may keep you in much the same place for a couple of minutes at a time.

If the rudder is stalled, the wind will tend to blow the bows downwind so the boat is semi-balanced in this orientation, although different wind strengths and different boats may need differing amounts of throttle.

There’s no harm in getting ready for berthing early, while there’s plenty of space around the boat. Credit: David Harding

When manoeuvring with only one person to take lines ashore, you have to be more accurate with positioning the boat than with a talented full crew who can cover up for some less-than-perfect parking.

If there’s no one to stuff a roving fender in the right place should the manoeuvre not go according to plan, I’m happy to festoon the boat with more fenders than I expect to need, which looks more competent than a mad scramble to stop the toerail graunching the gleaming topsides of another boat.

Before starting a manoeuvre, I also double-check I’ve read the wind and tide right to save embarrassment.

In wind against tide conditions, if you’re not sure which element has the most influence, position the boat broadside across the channel, going slowly ahead, and see which way you move.

If you’re pushed downstream the tide is dominant and vice versa, although in borderline cases you may need to actively slow the boat down with a little reverse power to stop the wind driving you forward too fast.

Midships springs

Having one person stepping off the boat while trying to juggle bow and stern lines can be tricky. However, there’s an easy alternative to this – a midships spring.

The spring can lead from a midships cleat to a point on the dock and made off on the dock just abaft the cleat on the boat, surging any way off the vessel as you do so to prevent the line suddenly jarring taut.

With a little application of forward engine power, the boat will stay in position, although the direction of the helm may need to be tweaked to keep the vessel lying comfortably alongside.

A midships spring and a little power can hold the boat neatly alongside while you rig the rest of the mooring lines

You now have all day to rig the rest of the lines without drama. If it’s your home berth, this line can be kept on a post so it can be easily grabbed without even stepping off the boat.

The only real exception to this technique is when a very strong wind is blowing off the dock and there’s only a short space in which to position the boat.

In these conditions, it’s often difficult to judge a perfect approach, so it can be better to edge in bows first, secure a bowline, and then warp the stern into position.

Shorthanded sailing is easy when you know how

Many experienced skippers will recognise that they already do much of what’s suggested here.

As such there’s no great mystery to shorthanded sailing, especially if both people are competent in handling the boat.

Even if you usually sail with a larger crew, it’s worth practising the skills needed for shorthanded sailing.

For instance, try setting sails, reefing the mainsail or berthing using a midships spring with just two people taking part in the activity.

If you’re familiar with manoeuvres in clement conditions, they won’t be quite so challenging when the going gets tough.

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7 Short-Handed Sailing Tips & Tricks

7 short-handed sailing tips & tricks.

Quantum Ireland's Yannick Lemonnier is a short- and single-handed sailing wizard. Get ready for your solo and short-handed adventures with these short videos explaining Yannick's top six tips and tricks.

(Note: Tips 1-3 are from Yannick's live webcast "Short-handed Sailing Tips & Tricks" and are in the same video, see timestamps below!)

• How to get started: (at start)
• Sailing at Night: (minute 6:19)
• How to Secure your Battens: (minute 10:17)
• Labeling Sails
• Spinnaker Packing
• Folding a Headsail Solo
• Sail Preparation & Storage

Short-Handed Sailing Tips and Tricks

Short-Handed Sailing Tips: Label Sails

Short-Handed Sailing Tips: Spinnaker Packing

Short-Handed Sailing Tips: Folding a Headsail Solo

Short-Handed Sailing Tips: Sail Preparation & Storage

Us, too. We pour that passion into each of our newsletters to help you enjoy sailing even more.

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Best performance yachts: Our pick of the top options

• Toby Hodges
• March 10, 2023

Toby Hodges takes a look at all the nominees and the winner of the performance yachts 2022 category in the European Yacht of the Year Awards

The European Yacht of the Year awards is the most thorough and impartial awards programme – the winners here are widely considered the best yachts of the year . As such the boats nominated by the jury in the performance yachts category can be considered the best of the best.

This year’s shortlist had the full range. From the more conventional definitive style of performance cruiser to the contemporary French interpretation of a lightweight planing cruiser – and even a new brand of sports  catamarans  for the thrill seekers.

Three Italian pure performance yachts and two very different yachts built in Slovenia made for a varied and exciting Performance Yachts category.

Best performance yachts

Winner best performance yachts 2023 – beneteau first 36.

Where once we could assume a cruiser-racer was a fairly standard format design, over the last decade it’s been much more the sexy, perormance yachts the Italian yards specialise in. But as French yards like Pogo and JPK have proven, there’s growing enthusiasm for lightweight planing yachts – and the First 36 is the first real production yacht in that spirit.

Here’s a yacht that puts the focus firmly back into sailing. The First 36 has been kept inviting and approachable – unlike many yachts that can plane, the look is modest, not aggressive. It’s uncomplicated, unfussy and the result is a pleasure for all to sail. It’s more about what you can’t see, the design and engineering, which should ensure longterm demand.

The small, fiddly heads compartment and lack of tiller options are perhaps the only real detraction from an otherwise brilliant collaboration by Seascape and Beneteau, from concept to build quality.

It was their goal to keep this area of the market relevant and prove a mainstream brand can do it, rather than only niche specialist yards. To create a mass produced yacht at this weight and to this foam-cored quality and one that can bring so much fun is a feather in the cap of the First brand.

Grand Soleil 40

The Grand Soleil 40 is an archetypal Med cruiser-racer, and an absolute delight to sail – a feature I’ve learned that Matteo Polli designs tend to share (he also drew the Ecoracer). We sailed the race set up with ORC keel (an IRC version is available too) and six winches, an extended bowsprit and a taller mast. It was one of my most memorable trials of the season in 10-12 knots, with the deep and forward positioned rudder giving plenty of control and lovely direct steering.

The three cabin interior can have one or two heads and different galley options, the cabins are a good size with modest stowage, and it’s all tastefully styled by masters Nauta.

Italia yachts 12.98

At 5ft longer and from the board of Cossutti (who Polli once worked under), the Italia Yachts 12.98 is another cruiser-racer in the same grain as the GS40, but with a markedly different looking white interior. We sailed the ‘Bellissima’ cruising version, which 80% of customers have opted for.

Italia’s yard is now in Fano and its one-shot infused vinylester build looks impressive. However, the deck lacks some refinement and practical stowage, while the three cabin interior isn’t voluminous by today’s standards.

This is a slippery yacht that has a lovely, light feel on the single rudder – the interior styling will be the deal breaker for most.

Solaris Yachts on the other hand has perfected its recipe, tripling its yard size to cater to demand for its sexy Acebal-designed performance yachts.

The Solaris 50 we tested in 2015 and which won this award was arguably the turning point that propelled the brand’s popularity. The owner of the new 50 we tested previously had the original 50 and a 58 and confirms this replacement has nearly the same space as the 58, yet is faster, more powerful and stable than its predecessor (we easily matched 7-8 knot winds under gennaker).

It heels onto its chine and accelerates well, while twin rudders provide ample control. The design prioritises helming experience but the yard needs to come up with a better helm seat option. The interior is well executed, especially the spacious forward owner’s cabin.

The Elan E6 is a big 47-footer, high and beamy and one that leans more towards spirited cruising with generous accommodation over racing. That said, extensive options allow you to tailor it either way, including foam cored furniture and a taller carbon mast for those looking for extra oomph.

It’s a fine collaboration between Humphreys Yacht Design, Gurit, Pininfarina and Elan, while an impressive standard spec includes a carbon sprit and six winches.

The E6 is fun to sail at various angles and gives a nice, sporty feel on the helm – it likes to heel but has plenty of grip and tracks well.

The cockpit is deep and comfortable, with good optional protection and there’s ample deck stowage. A really smart three (or four) cabin interior shows a high standard of construction, finish and styling. It is bulky and you pay for the size in weight, but it looks good and Elan knows how to build a great boat for the price.

Best performance yachts 2022

Winner best performance yachts 2022 – jpk 39fc.

Along with fellow Brittany yard Pogo, JPK has redefined the modern performance cruiser: stiff, stable and efficient to the max. For the keen sailor who wants to get the utmost enjoyment out of hands-on cruising, the JPK 39 is a superb design (and to my eye, an appealing one too), while the yard has done a nice job with the vacuum-infused construction and interior fit-out. The two-cabin version we sailed had plenty of stowage too.

It looks different, behaves beautifully and stands up to its canvas, is designed to sail efficiently with a loaded displacement, and has a deck set-up to encourage you to trim it to your heart’s content. My only slight negative is the unnerving mess the cockpit can become as there are so many control lines.

This lightweight blast will best suit experienced sailors and those comfortable with short-handed sailing. And it guarantees smiles.

Photo: Andreas Lindlahr/European Yacht of the Year

One such sports catamaran is the IC36, an exciting first offering from a new Czech brand that’s packed with fresh thinking. The first turbo version of this cruising catamaran (Independence) is built using a carbon fibre crossbeam, bowsprit, boards and rudders, epoxy hulls, plus a custom Pauger rotating mast, which all serve to keep weight below three tonnes.

It provided some spirited sailing, particularly when fetching at a measured pace of 10-13.5 knots with the code 0. The direct feel of tiller steering while seated in the low rotating bucket seats was a highlight.

The finish quality in the hulls is first class and there is somehow space for up to eight berths. The coachroof features a retractable bimini and removable vinyl side panels and solar panels, while the cockpit table, which includes an exterior galley, is also removable.

In fact the IC36 can be dismantled to 2.55m beam to make it legally trailable. It has so many options and ideas – too many perhaps – all reflected in the price.

Monohull enthusiasts will share our congratulations to J-Boats for its elegant new flagship. The J/45 won the hearts of the jury and made for a long drawn out decision against the JPK. In the end the two yachts will appeal to different sailors and tastes.

J has stayed true to its roots, yet still managed to bring a current, classy new offering. The unmistakable Alan Johnstone lines have been paired with a contemporary, warm European interior designed by Isabelle Racopeau, while much focus has been paid to the joinerwork and the invisible quality. We saw the two cabin version, which has an excellent technical cabin in place of the second aft cabin.

The J/45 is designed to still perform when loaded with cruising gear. True to J’s reputation, it was a witch upwind and could outpoint anything else during our trials. The compromise is that it won’t plane easily like a JPK or Pogo.

The Solaris 40 is another looker from Soto Acebal and the blue steel metallic hull colour of the test boat made the powerful hull shape really stand out.

We liked the recessed traveller, direct steering to the twin rudders, neat folding helm seats, clutches integrated into the coamings and the easy access to the side decks. However, the jury found the cockpit with its short benches and deck design a little too flat and minimalist.

The interior is smart and contemporary, again offered with two or three cabins with two heads it makes good use of the space.

One of the yachts I was looking forward to sailing most was the Pogo 44, and the only one shortlisted that I didn’t manage to! A collision with the photographer’s RIB shortly before my scheduled trial put it out of action.

However, my colleague Rupert Holmes did a full Pogo 44 test and report on it for Yachting World and describes the 44 as designed to thrill and unlike any other pure cruising yacht of its size. The stability from the beamy hull and deep lifting keel combines brilliantly with the ability to sail fast easily and in comfort. However some jury members didn’t like having to rely on an autopilot to use winches.

The interior is like a loft apartment, with so much natural light – it’s minimalist yet comfortable, spacious and practical for cruising.

If you enjoyed this….

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Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Shorthanded sailing: the latest new gear

• Katy Stickland
• October 20, 2021

The Yachting Monthly team round up the latest marine kit for shorthanded sailing, from electric winches to furlers

Make sure you understanding the skills and kit necessary to successfully and safely sail solo or shorthanded. Credit: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images

Shorthanded sailing : the latest new gear

Shorthanded sailing gear: Seldén E40I Electric Winch

The three-speed E40i can be operated by the helm with two fingers: one to start and one to switch speeds.

This labour-saving electric winch for halyards , furling lines and sheets led to the coach roof, is built around an electric motor that is totally integrated in the black anodised aluminium or stainless-steel drum, leaving just three thin cables protruding, thus negating the large cut-out usually associated with electric winch installation.

Price: £2,991 www.seldenmast.com

Shorthanded sailing gear: Lofrans’ Electronic Touch Panel for windlasses

Designed to be ‘truly reliable’ with foolproof features, Lofrans’ Electronic Touch Panel is a low-profile anchor windlass touch panel with LED back-lit buttons.

Unlike other control switches, which require the user to activate and deactivate the circuit breaker prior to and after anchoring, with the Electronic Touch Panel the circuit breaker can be left on without fear of accidental operation: activation only works by pressing both buttons for one second.

Additional safety features include a three-minute auto deactivation and buzzer notification on deactivation.

In black, with an IP67 waterproof and dust rating for the front panel.

Price: £137 www.lofrans.com

Shorthanded sailing gear: Harken MKIV Ocean Cruising Furler

With features configured to suit cruising sailors, the MKIV Ocean is engineered for strength, longevity, ease of use and features a single groove round foil.

Made from a hardcoat-anodised aluminium, it is UV-stabilised for durability, has multiple rows of Torlon ball bearings to minimise friction and make pulling the furling line a less physical experience.

Its bearings require no lubrication for easy maintenance.

Available in four sizes, for 22ft to 80ft boats.

Price: £1,993 www.harken.co.uk

Continues below…

Singlehanded sailing for the first time

Toby Heppell looks at the art of singlehanded sailing and considers what constitutes good seamanship when it’s only you on…

Rope, rigging & deck gear: how to choose the right rope

Rope continues to develop every year. We take a look at the plethora of options on the market

Mainsail furling systems: an expert guide

Some sailors swear by mainsail furling systems, others swear at them. Graham Snook looks at way to keep your furling…

Electric winches: a buyer’s guide

Electric winches are becoming cheaper and simpler to fit, making effortless sailing an affordable option, says Sam Fortescue

Shorthanded sailing gear: Seldén SMF System Synchronised Main Furling

For easier, more controlled sail handling, the SMF System facilitates communication between the E40i winch and its electric in-mast furling system; allowing the main to be unfurled whilst using the E40i to tension the outhaul without overloading – at the push of a button.

It converts 12 or 24V to 42V, and moves into sleep mode to avoid power-drain.

For yachts up to 50ft, it can be retrofitted to RB and RC furling masts.

Price: The mast motor, the E40i winch and the Power Supply System will sell at €6300/£5,346 excluding VAT www.seldenmast.com

Shorthanded sailing gear: Harken Gizmos Part-block, Part-cleat

Gizmos defy classification, not quite a block, not quite a cleat , they exist in-between.

In response to requests from riggers, Harken has built single-sided through-deck bushings that are designed to protect decks and lines from chafing in through-deck applications.

Double-sided through-deck bushings are also available and are designed for installing soft-attach loops to protect lines from wear and also keep them separate.

Padeye kits include a cross pin, waterproof cap and O-ring to convert a double-sided bushing into a through-deck, water-tight padeye.

The cross pin attaches the rope/loop and the cap snaps over the top to keep water out.

The bushing and loop are sold separately.

Price: £31 www.harken.co.uk

Shorthanded sailing gear: Rokk Wireless-catch 12/24V Waterproof Phone Charger

Scanstrut ROKK Wireless-Catch is ‘the world’s first 12/24V waterproof wireless charging phone mat’.

Once installed – with a 65mm drill hole onto any flat surface – place your phone onto the mat to charge it – and quickly grab it on the go.

Features include edging bumpers, Qi-certified technology, foreign object detection, and an intelligent thermal cut-off.

Compatible with most wireless-charging-enabled phones, and works through non-metallic, waterproof cases.

Price: £90 www.scanstrut.com<

Can’t find what you are looking for? Head to Amazon UK for more sailing products

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Editor’s Choice: 18 Bluewater Sailboats We Love

Advantages of bluewater sailboats, factors to consider when buying a blue water sailboat, allures 51.9, contest 55cs, discovery revelation 480, grand soleil 42 lc, hallberg-rassy 48mk ii, island packet 349, j/boats j/45, najad 395 cc, outbound 56.

Looking to sail the open seas? Bluewater sailboats are your answer. With their sturdy construction and ability to handle rough conditions, these boats are designed for serious offshore sailing adventures. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of blue water sailboats and provide you with everything you need to know. From their unique features to their advantages and considerations, we will explore it all.

Bluewater sailboats are known for their strength and durability. Built to withstand the challenging conditions of ocean crossings, these boats offer stability and safety on long voyages. Whether you’re planning a solo trip or setting off with a crew, a blue water sailboat is an excellent option to explore the depths.

We will discuss the key characteristics that make blue water sailboats stand out, such as their hull design, rigging, and navigation systems. Additionally, we’ll explore the various types and sizes available to help you find the perfect fit for your sailing aspirations.

So, if you’ve ever dreamed of embarking on a thrilling ocean adventure, join us as we navigate the world of bluewater sailboats and uncover everything you need to know.

Bluewater sailboats are designed to withstand the demanding conditions encountered during long ocean voyages. They possess several key characteristics that set them apart from other types of sailboats. 

1. Sturdy Construction

Bluewater sailboats are built with robust materials and construction techniques to ensure their strength and durability. They feature reinforced hulls made of fiberglass, aluminum, or steel, which can withstand the impact of large waves and adverse weather conditions. These boats are designed to handle the constant stresses of offshore sailing without compromising their structural integrity.

2. Seaworthiness

One of the defining characteristics of bluewater sailboats is their seaworthiness. They are designed to handle rough seas and strong winds, providing a stable and comfortable ride even in challenging conditions. The shape of their hulls, with a deep V or modified full-keel design, allows them to cut through waves and maintain stability, minimizing the rolling motion commonly experienced on other types of sailboats.

3. Self-Sustainability

Bluewater sailboats are equipped with systems that enable self-sustainability during long voyages. They typically have large water and fuel tanks, allowing sailors to carry ample supplies for extended periods at sea. In addition, these boats often come equipped with renewable energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines, reducing the reliance on external power sources.

Bluewater sailboats offer numerous advantages for sailors looking to embark on offshore adventures. Here are some of the key benefits of choosing a blue water sailboat for your next sailing journey.

1. Safety and Stability

When sailing across vast oceans, safety is paramount. Bluewater sailboats provide a high level of safety and stability, thanks to their sturdy construction and seaworthiness. These boats are designed to handle adverse weather conditions and rough seas, ensuring the safety of the crew and the vessel. The robust hulls and well-balanced designs make them less prone to capsizing or taking on water, providing peace of mind during long voyages.

2. Long-Distance Capability

Bluewater sailboats are specifically designed for long-distance sailing. They have the capacity to carry ample supplies, including food, water, and fuel, allowing sailors to embark on extended journeys without the need for frequent resupply stops. With their self-sustainability features and efficient hull designs, these boats can cover long distances efficiently and comfortably.

3. Comfort and Liveability

Living aboard a bluewater sailboat for an extended period requires comfort and practicality. These boats are designed with spacious interiors, allowing for comfortable living quarters during long voyages. They often feature multiple cabins, a well-equipped galley, and ample storage space for provisions and personal belongings. The layout and design of blue water sailboats prioritize functionality and convenience, ensuring a comfortable living experience even in the middle of the ocean.

And now… it’s time to discover together our selection of 18 Bluewater sailboats we love!

The Allures 51.9 innovates with its full-beam aft owner’s cabin. This model disrupts the codes of the yard also outside with its cockpit of 6 meters long with sunbath and swim platform for comfort; the navigation space can be protected by a hardtop to navigate in any security. The boat has a length of 51.9 feet (15.8 meters) and a beam (width) of 15.4 feet (4.7 meters). It is equipped with a fixed keel and a composite hull, which provides good stability and seaworthiness. The Allures 51.9 is available in a variety of configurations, including a three-cabin layout with a spacious owner’s cabin and two guest cabins, or a two-cabin layout with a larger owner’s cabin and a smaller guest cabin. It is also equipped with a well-equipped galley, a large saloon, and a navigation station.  Allures official website .

In a dynamic evolution and complementary to their range,  Amel  launched a larger model, with a higher specification and built with attention to details. Riding on the success of the  Amel 50 , the Amel 60 is an enhanced version of the new Amel design . The brand’s fundamental characteristics are well represented in this large yacht, with an additional 10 feet increasing her volume as well as her interior and exterior living spaces, while still ensuring ease of use for a small crew. 

Signed Berret-Racoupeau, the generous volumes of this large yacht have been designed to allow owners and their guests to fully enjoy life on board, while preserving everyone’s privacy: a large living space in the saloon, an ultra-equipped high-end galley three cabins each with a bathroom, an even larger protected cockpit, opening onto sunbathing areas ideal for relaxation.

The  Dutch specialist  in semi-custom constructions Contest Yachts presented the brand new 17-metre Contest 55CS at Boot Dusseldorf 2020. Don’t call it “simply” a  bluewater  yacht. The stunning lines both above and below water from star designers Judel/Vrolijk shall ensure a real sporty character. A newly conceived interior styling now features an even bigger flowing corner radius to the exquisitely finished timber work. There are also now more optional hull windows in up to four stations along the yacht’s length.

Discovery Yachts  presented the new Revelation 480 at  Boot Dusseldorf 2020 . This is the first model of the new Revelation line and differs from the Southerly line for the fixed keel and the lowered saloon. Yes, the Revelation 480 is a lowered saloon boat based on the well-known Southerly 480. The Revelation 480 combines bluewater capability with a low, sleek coachroof that contributes to an interesting aesthetic. Down below, the single level interior is extremely light and exquisitely furnished.

The Grand Soleil 42 LC is  Cantiere del Pardo ’s latest entry model of the bluewater line. Comfort and sailing autonomy are the main features of this 12-meter, designed by Marco Lostuzzi together with Nauta Design and Cantiere del Pardo’s Technical Office.

The 42 LC is available in two versions; standard or sport. The former is equipped with aft benches, and a carbon arch over the cockpit, designed to keep this area free of the mainsheet traveller. The GS 42 LC’s hull guarantees great stability thanks to greater hull volume. The well-proportioned sail plan optimizes the high-performance sailing standards. As with the rest of the Long Cruise range, the Grand Soleil 42 LC is designed to provide greater and more luxurious comfort on board.

The interior layout is available with either two or three cabins, to meet the client’s needs. Both versions include two heads with a shower. In the saloon, a three-seater sofa is found on the starboard side, while the central seat can be transformed into a chart table.

The Hallberg-Rassy 48 MK II is a true bluewater cruiser that offers more natural light, more comfort and more elegance than ever before. With three double cabins and a vast saloon, she offers great space for modern comfort aids. Known far and wide for sturdy construction, superb craftsmanship and signature seaworthiness, Hallberg-Rassy boats are globally respected for their elegant lines and spirited performance.

Hylas Yachts has collaborated with German Frers for over 40 years and built a reputation for yachts that combine ocean sailing capability, classic lines and exquisitely finished interiors.  Now the company is staking out new territory with the H60. Still ocean capable, still with an exquisite interior but also embracing some of the contemporary demands of today’s cruising sailors. 

Longtime Hylas fans will not be disappointed by her performance. Built using the most advanced construction technologies, the H60 has been designed to excel in all conditions with excellent seakeeping ability. A plumb bow and broad transom make the most of her waterline length underway, providing speed with optimal comfort.

The builder partnered with Milan-based firm  Hot Lab , known for their elegant designs in the superyacht world, to offer interiors that immediately set the new Hylas on a new level.

The project of the ICE 70 by  ICE Yachts  has been realized using the most advanced modeling and analysis software available today. “ Thanks to the new virtual reality ‘tools’ ,” explains  Felci Yacht Design , “ we have been able to make the owner and the shipyard participant of many geometric and stylistic choices. It is a yacht with high technological potential, starting from the design of the hull and the appendices “. With this sporty bluewater sailboat, the Italian yard wanted to create a technologically avant-garde boat with large, comfortable indoor and outdoor spaces, which is easy to sail and entirely safe at sea. Like all ICE Yachts models, the ICE 70 is a semi-custom product with which the owner has many possibilities for customization and equipment. ICE Yachts official website

With this model, iconic Island Packet has returned to the Solent-style rig as standard, featuring a mainsail with a working jib and an optional lightweight 170% reacher or asymmetrical that mounts on the integral bow platform and furled with Harken systems. The working jib is fitted with a Hoyt Boom that is self-tending and improves performance with its close sheeting and self-vanging feature, while the large optional reacher or asymmetrical boost performance in light air or when off the wind.

The fully battened mainsail is equipped with a low friction Battcar system and drops easily into a stack pack with an integral cover and lazy jack system.  This rigging offers ease of use and versatility in the varied wind or sea conditions and increased speed and maneuverability.

The J/Boats J/45, is a true  bluewater sailing yacht, designed and built for the sea by life-long sailors. The  J/Boats  and  J/Composites teams have collaborated to create a special design for discerning sailors seeking an exceptional sailing experience. The J/45 can be sailed solo, cruised by 2-3 couples or large family, and pleasure sailed or raced with room for the whole crew. This is an investment-grade sailboat that won’t require a professional crew to sail, handle or maintain. J/Boats official website

The Kraken 50 is designed to be the short-handed bluewater cruising yacht. Due to her steady motion and stability, her crew will be equally comfortable at sea or in the anchorage, and special consideration has been given in the K50 layouts above and below deck to allow for short-handed ocean passage making. The Kraken 50 features the renowned integral  Zero Keel  and fully skegged rudder.

N395 CC (centre cockpit) is part of the all-new Najad 395 range, designed in a joint venture by Najad, Farr Yacht Design, and Ken Freivokh Design – superyacht stylist, architects, and interior designers. The N395 CC is characterized by a well-protected large cockpit located close to the center of gravity. It has a well-designed interior and a very comprehensive options list that includes all equipment necessary to tailor the yacht to any individual needs. This model is available in two or three cabin layouts with one or two large heads.

Welcome aboard the newest addition to Outbound’s impressive line of offshore passage makers. The new Outbound 56, built from German Frers timeless and proven design continues to fulfill our single mission of building great offshore yachts.  Fast, accommodating and gorgeous, the 56 will take you anywhere your heart desires in style and comfort.

The entry level yacht for the ‘G6’ range of seven models up to the Flagship Oyster 118.  Using the latest generation of Oyster hull shapes, developed with Humphreys Yacht Design, the Oyster 565 is designed for family sailing without professional crew.

A generous sail locker and lazarette, headroom and bunk lengths to match the larger Oyster Superyachts, the 565 can be configured with many different cabin layouts – and for the first time in Oyster Yachts – can have the master cabin forward and a dinghy garage in the transom.

The Brittany based yard is well known not only among ocean sailors but also to those who love short-handed sailing and are looking for seaworthy and easily driven bluewater sailboats, both safe and comfortable. This last aspect is where Fora Marine has made great progress in the last few years, shedding some of the spartan image that characterized their products for many years.

What has not changed, and what is still the RM range’s defining characteristic, is the twin-chined hull, made of Okumé plywood impregnated with epoxy resin (the deck is in fiberglass sandwich). Below the hull, the yard offers two options, a single deep keel or double shoal draft keels. The RM are designed by Marc Lombard, probably one of the architects most able to transform the fashionable chine into an important element in cruising design. A chined hull, when properly drawn, gives both better hull shape and interior volumes. ( Read our test )

The Rustler 42 is a classic looking yacht which combines style that is traditional yet modern. Her cruising layout results in a live aboard yacht that has stability and elegance with the same unique sea-kindly characteristics as the Rustler 36. Below the waterline, she looks conservative with a deep canoe body, long fin keel and a big skeg hung rudder.

Below the decks, this yacht has a spacious open plan saloon. The large, finished saloon table can comfortably seat eight. The aft cabin has standing headroom, a full-width double berth and plenty of storage within lockers and a vanity unit with seat. The aft head incorporates a shower unit and a ‘wet lilies’ locker. At the forepeak the grand master cabin has a 6 ft 6 in double V berth.

Signed by  German Frers , the Swan 58 needs to combine the spaces of bluewater sailboats with a fast cruiser performances. Key details include a deck featuring soft and rounded shapes, a new cockpit design, a redefined coach-roof style and large swimming platform. The concept is easy: to give the maximum comfort and liveability at rest, together with maximum efficiency for short handed sailing, without losing the capability to race with a full crew. 

The interiors of the new Swan 58 , which is fitted with European oak, have been conceived as a combination between luxury and comfortable living spaces, storage and volumes for systems and safety features; we find here a large saloon, a galley with a 360 degree layout and three heads. Various interior styling layouts are available varying woods and materials. 

Designed by Tartan naval architect Tim Jackett, the 395 comes out of the Tartan factory in Fairport Harbor and is the perfect example of bluewater sailboats. Her hull shape is an evolution of tried and true concepts proven to deliver great stability and high interior volume while maintaining comforting manners throughout a wide range of sailing conditions. On deck Tartan 395 sports hallmark Tartan design elements such as a traditional cabin house fitted with functional polished stainless steel rectangular portholes.

Like her smaller sister 345, 395’s handcrafted interior is built in maple as standard, with cherry a no-charge option. The lighter maple opens up her interior in ways the darker cherry simply cannot.

The countdown has begun for the new ICE 66 rs

Lagoon 60, freedom of space and panoramic views, setting sail with swan 51: a milestone in performance cruisers, the new sw96 liberty splashed down in cape town, live your passion, subscribe to our mailing list.

14 Best Monohull Sailboats

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

December 28, 2023

Monohulls are among the most popular boats in the world accounting for over 75% of the total number of boats.

This means that choosing the best monohull sailboats for your sailing adventures can be overwhelming. Fortunately, we're here to help you by highlighting the best monohull sailboats.

Whether you're an accomplished sailor or just starting in the world of sailing, a monohull boat is an ideal option for anyone who wants a true sailing experience.

Unlike other types of sailboats, the level of adrenaline that a monohull brings to your sailing adventure is almost unmatched.

It doesn't matter whether the conditions are rough , wild, flat, or calm, a monohull is the perfect boat type for anyone looking for the thrills of the sail.

Unfortunately, you might not fully enjoy the thrills of sailing on a monohull sailboat if you do not choose the best monohull sailboat for you.

While a monohull cannot compete with multihull sailboats in terms of cabin size, anchoring closer to the shore, and comfort, it should hold its own if you are planning to spend more time at the sea and in unpredictable conditions. ‍

A monohull sailboat will definitely be an ideal option if you're planning to go to more challenging places. This is exactly why you have to make the right choice when looking for the best monohull sailboat.

Over the years, we've sailed many monohull sailboats and that's precisely why we feel confident that we can help you choose the best monohull sailboats.

We've gone through various designs and launches, tested them, and sifted through many monohull brands to select the best monohull sailboats that we strongly believe should be on your bucket list.

So without further ado, let's walk you through them.

Table of contents

Best Monohull Sailboats

{{boat-info="/boats/amel-55"}}

For several decades, Amel 55 has not only been the epitome of easy downwind handling but has developed a cult-like following among sailors. It was designed as the successor to the legendary Super Maramu and brings to the fore incredible features that every serious sailor will value. From a sturdily built hull, solid guardrails to a skeg-hung rudder, watertight bulkheads, and lush bulwarks, Amel 55 is built with anything you could ever want in a perfect monohull sailboat.

And even with a list of standard features, this monohull sailboat is truly designed for those who want to live comfortably on a sailboat for long periods. It comes with superb sea berths with lee cloths, a dishwasher, crockery, an electric furling main and genoa, and several practical items that will make sailing very comfortable.

We have to admit that the design might look old going by modern standards, especially with the advent of easier sail handling systems. For example, the ketch rig design is no longer ideal and is out of fashion. But even with this downside, the Amel 55 remains a phenomenon; a legendary monohull sailboat that ticks all the right boxes in the sailing world.

2. Bavaria Cruise 46

{{boat-info="/boats/bavaria-46-cruiser"}}

Probably the most popular monohull sailboat in recent years, the Bavaria Cruise 46 is a formidable monohull sailboat that was voted "European Yacht of the Year" in 2015. Well, this shouldn't be surprising as you'll probably never find another monohull sailboat in its class that offers more comfort, more space, more luxury, and easier handling.

You can transform the boat's 3 cabins into 4 cabins by transforming the huge forward cabin into two smaller cabins in a few simple steps. In the bow, you'll find a large and luxurious master cabin that can be easily divided using an innovative Flexi-bulkhead.

Its sporty design on the exterior, lightweight composite steering wheels, and a flexible selection of wood tones makes it look so good while offering the best dimensions for both short and long trips. In essence, the Bavaria Cruise 46 is an elegant monohull sailboat that redefines modern sailboats with its clever and innovative design.

3. Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II

{{boat-info="/boats/hallberg-rassy-48-mk-ii"}}

Following in the footsteps of the original Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk that was launched a decade ago, the Mk II was launched in 2014 as an updated version thanks to its modern profile, incredible hull portlights, and larger and frameless windows. This Swedish monohull sailboat is solidly built, gorgeously finished, and is famous around the world and among sailors for its kind and smooth behavior at sea.

Its center cockpit is a true definition of what comfort should entail at sea. This is a monohull sailboat that will provide you with steady sailing both upwind and downwind. It can effortlessly cover 200 miles a day and doesn't require you to be a pro sailor to be able to handle it. If anything, it offers smooth sailing and can be perfectly handled by a casual sailing couple .

In terms of additional features, this monohull comes with a large chart table, lots of stowage and space, a secure linear galley, as well as extra machinery and gear that would be of great help when out on the water. This is a well-thought-out monohull sailboat and is perhaps the best Hallberg-Rassy ever built. This boat guarantees reliability, top-notch quality, and superb resale value.

4. Catalina 545

{{boat-info="/boats/catalina-545"}}

As one of the largest monohull sailboats in the game, the Catalina 545 stands out in the way it's engineered and designed to make it a truly excellent monohull sailboat. If you're an ardent Catalina fan, you'll notice that the 545 has some of the most eyebrow-raising features in bluewater cruising.

For example, the fiberglass collar is designed all-round the top of the hull and shaped like a construction beam. This is to give the hull a more enhanced rigidity while providing a sturdy base for the deck. It's also designed with solid stanchions and cleats, as well as strong sheer rails.

This superb monohull sailboat is constructed with a set of scuppers that play a crucial role in draining near the waterline so that you can perfectly eliminate any development of streaks or strains on the top side of the boat. As far as the bow is concerned, the sprit brings to the table an essential but unique anchor roller, a self-tacking jib, and a light displacement that makes the boat quick even in light or moderate wind. In essence, this monohull sailboat is designed with simple but reliable systems that are easily accessible. Better still, it remains one of the biggest monohull sailboats around.

5. Discovery 55

{{boat-info="/boats/discovery-55"}}

Having been launched two decades ago in 2000, the Discovery 55 has unquestionably stood the test of time and remains one of the most preferred monohull sailboats for families and couples around the world. This is a well-balanced and elegantly designed sailboat that brings to the sailing world immense practicality, comfortable seating, a deep and secure cockpit, dedicated stowage, and a self- tacking jib among many other things.

If you've been on a sailboat and bruised or stubbed your toes, you simply appreciate hos the superb monohull sailboat is designed to keep you safe and secure at all times. From the grab rails and handholds to deep sinks in the galley, the Discovery 55 is designed with plenty of nifty details and the inclusion of many practical ideas.

This sailboat will probably never disappoint you. It is well-mannered, comfortable to live on for days if not months, and a true definition of modern and luxurious. 

6. Contest 50CS

{{boat-info="/boats/contest-50cs"}}

If you want a serious monohull boat that can help you extend your sailing ground with ease and perhaps without even realizing it, the Contest 50CS is the way to go. For close to two decades, this Dutch-made monohull sailboat has been a consistent performer even with its dry weight of 17.5 tons.

This monohull is designed with impeccable modern underwater sections and a completely balanced rudder. Although the in-mast furling may affect the boat's performance, this boat can still perform incredibly well without it.

The fact that this boat is designed with a mainsheet traveler and electric winches that can be easily accessed from the helm makes it an ideal boat for a small crew or if you're planning to sail shorthanded. The genoa is easy to tack and two people can easily gybe downwind under spinnaker.

In addition to having exceptional touches on the interior, you might be surprised to learn that the joinery finish of this boat is arguably among the best in the boating industry. This is a monohull sailboat that's easy to handle, well-built, and has weathered the test of time to still mix it nicely with the big boys of recent years. Well, the Contest 50CS might not be among the cheapest monohull sailboats around but its demand is still soaring even today.

7. Bénéteau Oceanis 45

{{boat-info="/boats/beneteau-oceanis-45"}}

Named yacht of the year in 2012, the Bénéteau Oceanis 45 remains one of the most popular monohull sailboats in the world and for a good reason. This is a sailboat that redefines the important themes that made the Oceanis 50 so popular in a much better way.

One of the most noticeable features of this boat is that the mainsheet is designed in such a way that it doesn't obstruct the cockpit as you tack or jibe. This just a start; the cockpit is nicely designed and will serve you just right during your sailing endeavors. This monohull sailboat comes with three or four cabins, two bathrooms, and has a larger cockpit than other boats in its class.

This is a boat that keeps up with the Bénéteau tradition of being ahead of the game in terms of innovation, attention to detail, and offering top-notch performance. Whether you're looking to live aboard or sail to the remotest of places, this gorgeous monohull sailboat has everything you need in place. 

8. Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i

{{boat-info="/boats/jeanneau-sun-odyssey-36i"}}

Another French monohull sailboat that makes it to this list, the Odyssey 36i is a great monohull sailboat that is acknowledged for having some excellent assets in terms of sailing as it is faster and more agile than most sailboats. This is, without a doubt, an elegant monohull sailboat that brings to the sailing world an overall melodious package in terms of its modern design, power, and capability when sailing.

Even though its hull is of modest size, this monohull sailboat offers great value as it is easy to sail, easy to moor, and dock. Its magnificent electronics, folding prop, and electric anchor winch seem to make everything so easy that you do not even need a crew to sail this boat. The hull is lively and offers good acceleration. Imagine a monohull that can clock around 6.4 knots when sailing upwind.

To be honest, the interior of this boat is still very traditional but the exterior looks quite modern. The exterior is designed like an avant-garde sailboat and looks appealing from just about every angle. In terms of performance, this boat is designed with a deeper keel, spinnaker gear, taller rig, and a much better standing and running rigging.

On the interior, the most noticeable feature is the removable dining table that can be easily removed to accommodate extra bodies. Apart from that, there is nothing complex about the cockpit and deck layout. The double-roller bow fitting is nice and it comes with an optional electric windlass. In essence, this monohull sailboat is designed with lots of features. It is good-looking and reasonably priced.

9. Gunfleet 43

{{boat-info="/boats/gunfleet-marine-gunfleet-43"}}

For many sailors who have the dream of spending most of their time sailing to exotic places, the prospects of downsizing and living most of your essentials at home can be daunting. In other words, it's almost impossible to pack all your life in a 40 feet vessel if you've lived your entire life in a 2,000 feet house. While you can't bring things like your hot bathtub to the ocean, the Gunfleet gives you the chance of bringing most of your essential onboard thanks to its immense spaciousness.

This British-built monohull sailboat is modern, sleek, but kind of feels like a classic sailboat. It comes with an efficient hull that's laid up by hand to enhance attention to detail. The reverse transom brings to the fore a three-step ladder leading to the deck and a small swim platform. It's also designed with a low coach roof and a windshield that seems to taper towards the aft of the cockpit.

Its impeccable low profile gives it a contemporary look but the center-cockpit design is the most attractive part of its design. The aft deck section is expansive and comes with excellent twin zones for sunbathing. They're divided by a skylight and a hatch that lead to the master stateroom that's located below. Its two cabins and two heads are essential if you're planning for long passages. The interior is posh and offers ample natural light.

As far as performance and acceleration are concerned, this monohull sailboat holds well. It accelerates nicely even when out of tacks since the helm is responsive no matter the point of sail. This is an outstanding monohull sailboat that has a solid feel and will most certainly boost your confidence if you're planning to go for long passages even in snobbish conditions.

10. Island Packet 35

{{boat-info="/boats/island-packet-35"}}

Designed to offer top-notch performance, stability, and comfort, the Island Packet 35 is widely known for its spaciousness, modern interior, U-shaped galley, and a vast cockpit that certainly compares to most modern 40 feet sailboats while still holding to the classic lines.

This incredible monohull sailboat is designed with a short spoon, generous spring to the sheer, and a chopped off transom. It is perfectly designed bowsprit elongates the sheerline, which essentially makes the boat appear longer, lower, and much better than it is. As far as the keel is concerned, this is a full keel that's not heavy but very moderate.

The interior of this boat will probably make you think that you're looking at a 40-footer sailboat. It's so spacious that you can use it for your liveaboard sailing escapades. It also offers notable improvements in performance and certainly surpasses some of the company's earlier models. In ideal conditions, very few boats will match the Island Packet 35 in terms of performance. This is a very stable and comfortable monohull sailboat that doesn't hold back as far as performance is concerned.

11. Bowman 40

{{boat-info="/boats/chuck-paine-bowman-40"}}

Thanks to its medium-to-heavy displacement structure, the Bowman 40 is designed to sail across open seas with ease. A modern classic, this monohull sailboat looks pretty much traditional thanks to its overhanging bow, deep-bilged, and narrow shoulders. This makes it very powerful on the waters and offers a lot easier motion during long passages.

Better still, this sailboat is perfectly stable and enjoyable since you won't be thrown about even in strong waves. It's designed with handholds within reach both above and below the deck, as well as no sharp edges to ensure that you don't injure yourself. This is enabled by the balanced hull and carefully integrated sails, as well as ample ballast that's neither heavy nor lightweight. In short, this is a solidly built monohull sailboat that will serve you diligently even when you are confronted with stormy conditions.

Honestly speaking, the Bowman 40 isn't a racing cruiser but neither is it a slouch. It has the ability to sail through the heaviest of oceans and might arrive at your destination just at the same time as other lightweight sailboats. This is, without a doubt, a sailboat that's designed to take you offshore in all weather and sea conditions. 

12. Bavaria Cruiser 51

{{boat-info="/boats/bavaria-51-cruiser"}}

Even though it is one of the largest monohull sailboats, you'll probably never notice this once you start sailing. Well, this is because it handles unbelievably so well and can easily and comfortably accommodate up to ten crew members thanks to its three cabins. To offer optimum luxury, this boat can be customized to have five cabins, which is clear evidence that it can meet various needs.

This boat isn't just about being spacious. Instead, it's designed with all functionalities to enable you to enjoy your sailing adventures. Whether you take a look at its exterior, interior, deck, or cockpit, you'll realize that every part of this gorgeous monohull sailboat oozes class. While the most striking of this vessel's interior is its enormous space, it's also designed elegantly and beautiful to ensure that you enjoy your sailing adventures.

In terms of its hull, you're getting a very agile boat that you can easily control even when the winds are extremely strong. In essence, this is a monohull sailboat that's well and generously proportioned in all aspects. It's modern, sleek, and will turn head whether at the dock or deep at sea. 

13. Wauquiez Centurion 57

{{boat-info="/boats/wauquiez-centurion-57"}}

Thanks to its exciting Mediterranean-style design and functionality, the Centurion 57 is a serious monohull sailboat that feels robust, solid, and truly marks the reincarnation of the legendary Centurion generation of luxury monohull sailboats. Designed as a racing sailboat, the Centurion 57 is thoroughbred, powerful, and impeccably maneuverable but that doesn't mean that you have to use it as a racing cruiser.

Instead, it's comfortable, luxurious, and elegant and brings to the fore everything that French boat makers are known for: class, beauty, and reliability. Its hull is unquestionably one of the most powerful and versatile. It's designed to withstand the harshest of sailing conditions .

It has a very spacious and large cockpit that's designed to afford you maximum versatility while out there. This means that you'll get lots of free space to efficiently maneuver the boat in the tightest situations and also to make things a lot easier if you're sailing shorthanded. From the electric winches to the helm position, you can easily access the transoms.

This is a monohull sailboat that guarantees calm, luxury, and comfort without compromising on performance and speed. It oozes modernity, solidity, and immense attention to details.

14. Rustler 42

{{boat-info="/boats/rustler-yachts-rustler-42"}}

If you've been looking for a monohull sailboat that combines serious performance attributes to other crucial blue water cruising elements, look no further than the Rustler 42. This is a gorgeous, fast, and reliable monohull sailboat that remains the benchmark of all monohull sailboats of its size. It not only offers directional stability but can also carry immense loads and is solid enough even for long passages.

This is a classing looking monohull sailboat that perfectly combines traditional style with modernity and innovativeness. It is not only elegant but also very stable and should be an ideal choice if you're looking for the best liveaboard monohulls.

Its spacious cabin is big enough to offer standing headroom and, of course, plenty of storage within the lockers. The hull is hand-laid using glass fiber reinforced polyester to ensure that it's solid, reliable, and durable.

In Conclusion

There you have it; the above-described vessels are the best monohull sailboats today. They are designed to enhance your sailing experience and ensure that you always enjoy your time out there on the water. Whichever boat you choose, it's essential to ensure that it's in good condition, well-maintained, and in perfect shape for your adventures.

Until next time, stay safe and happy sailing!

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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