british sailboat brands

UK Sailboat Brands: The Top 21 Sailing Yachts and Brands of Britain

Published by sail on february 8, 2023 february 8, 2023.

The UK has a long history of excellence in shipbuilding and sailing, producing some of the most cutting-edge and stunning sailing ships in the world. There are several UK Sailboat Brands, each with a distinct specialty and set of talents. You can locate a firm in the UK that can match your needs whether you’re searching for a traditional wooden yacht, a contemporary GRP sailboat, or a custom-built power catamaran. The UK is a fantastic destination to find your next boat because of its rich nautical history, reputation for excellence, and commitment to innovation.

In this post, we’ll examine the top UK Sailboat Brands, each of which has distinctive characteristics and features.

One of Oyster Yachts’ flagship models, this magnificent yacht provides a roomy and opulent sailing experience. For discriminating sailors who appreciate comfort, style, and performance, the Oyster 885 is the ideal option thanks to its elegant lines, cutting-edge technology, and contemporary design.

A gorgeous sailing boa t from Spirit Yachts, the Spirit 100 offers a high-performance sailing experience with a dash of grace and beauty. This 100-foot yacht is perfect for sailing, racing, or just lounging on the water thanks to its lovely carbon-fiber hull and roomy deck.

Gunfleet 74

For individuals who desire the utmost in performance and luxury, Gunfleet Marine has created the exquisite Gunfleet 74 sailing yacht. The Gunfleet 74 is a top pick for sailors who desire the best of both worlds because of her svelte carbon-fiber hull, cutting-edge technology, and roomy living quarters.

A traditional sailing yacht by Rustler Yachts, the 44-foot Rustler provides a safe, pleasant, and traditional sailing experience. This 44-foot yacht has a stunning wooden hull, traditional lines, and cutting-edge technology, making it a great option for individuals who value sailing’s timeless beauty.

Discovery 67

A beautiful sailing yacht from Discovery Yachts, the Discovery 67 provides a roomy and comfortable sailing experience with a dash of innovation and ingenuity. This 67-foot sailing boat is the ideal option for individuals looking for a sailing yacht that stands out from the crowd thanks to its distinctive and inventive design, state-of-the-art technology, and roomy interior.

Arbor Yachts

The Arbor 26 is the company’s signature product, and Arbor Boats is a maker of wooden yachts. Another boat manufacturer in the UK is Blaxton Boats, which offers dayboats and yachts with sail and engine options. Modern GRP yachts between 35 and 48 feet in length are the focus of Bowman Yachts. The Parker 235 GRP daysailer, available from BP Sailboats, is ideal for individuals seeking a high-performance boat for day outings.

Bristol Classic Boat

Your boat will be distinctive and long-lasting thanks to the custom wooden boats and restoration services offered by Bristol Classic Boat Co. The 20-31 foot modern GRP yachts produced by British Hunter are well renowned for fusing traditional design with cutting-edge technology. Sailing and power catamarans are the company’s specialties, and they offer adaptable and sturdy boats for a variety of boating activities. Butler & Co. is a wooden boat builder that upholds the enduring beauty of wooden boats by providing traditional boatbuilding services.

If you want to have more details about UK sailboat brands then here you can find a comprehensive range of sailboat data for over 10000+ boats.

Cape Cutter

The CC19 traditional daysailer, a small and capable sailboat ideal for day voyages, is the focus of Cape Cutter, a UK Sailboat Brands boat manufacturer headquartered in the UK. Unique wooden yachts are created by Cockwells to the greatest standards and according to the requirements of their owners. A selection of GRP pilot-cutters and traditional-style GRP yachts, ranging in length from 17 to 43 feet, are available from Cornish Crabbers/Mystery. Wooden boats of the highest caliber that are both attractive and useful are made by David Moss.

Demon Yachts

Smaller yachts and keelboats are Demon Yachts’ specialty, and they are built to order to meet the individual requirements of their clients. Drascombe constructs traditional GRP yawls, offering vessels that fuse traditional design with contemporary engineering. Custom yacht builders Farrow & Chambers produce high-quality, long-lasting boats out of wood and epoxy. A variety of dinghies, dayboats, and kayaks are available from Fyne Boat Kits, making them ideal for individuals wishing to construct their own boats.

Gaffers & Luggers

The classic wooden working boats offered by Gaffers & Luggers range in length from 23 to 28 feet. The 43-foot modern GRP cruiser from Gunfleet Marine is ideal for individuals looking for a high-performance boat for longer voyages. With a focus on traditional GRP dayboats, Honnor Marine combines traditional design with cutting-edge engineering. Traditional wooden boat builder Ian B. Richardson upholds the enduring beauty of wooden boats.

British Hunter

The UK-based company British Hunter produces contemporary GRP yachts. Their boats, which range in length from 20 to 31 feet, are built for both comfort and efficiency. The newest materials and technology are used in the construction of British Hunter yachts to provide you with a comfortable and safe sailing experience. They are the ideal choice for individuals who want a boat that is simple to manage and that gives an exceptional sailing performance.

BroadBlue is also one of the UK Sailboat Brands. They offer catamarans for sailing and propulsion are their areas of expertise. In order to give you a safe and enjoyable sailing experience, their boats are made with the most up-to-date materials and technology and are designed to deliver exceptional performance and handling. Broadblue provides the ideal boat for your needs, whether you’re searching for a powerful and roomy power catamaran or a quick and maneuverable sailing catamaran.

Butler & Co

This specialized in making old-fashioned wooden boats. Their boats are created to the greatest levels of quality and craftsmanship, and they provide a variety of services, including new builds, restorations, and repairs. Butler & Co. can assist you in finding the ideal boat for your requirements, whether you’re looking for a historic boat that has been refurbished or a classic sailing yacht.

Blaxton Boats

A company called Blaxton Boats sells a variety of sail- and power-powered dayboats and yachts. You may be sure to discover a boat that meets your requirements and aesthetic preferences because they come in a range of sizes and types. In order to give you a safe and enjoyable sailing experience, their boats are made with the most up-to-date materials and technology and are designed to deliver exceptional performance and handling.

Bowman Yachts

Modern GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) boats are the focus of the UK-based company Bowman Yachts. Their boats, which range in length from 35 to 48 feet, are built for both comfort and efficiency. For individuals looking for a boat that combines historic style with contemporary technology and materials, Bowman Yachts are ideal, and their boats are constructed to the highest standards.

BP Sailboats

GRP daysailer boats are the company’s area of expertise. The Parker 235, a sleek and fashionable yacht ideal for day outings and weekend sailing excursions, is their most popular model. The Parker 235 is developed with the most up-to-date materials and technology to give you a pleasant and joyful sailing experience. It is designed to deliver exceptional performance and handling.

Stirling & Son

A UK-based business called Stirling & Son specializes in creating unique wooden ships. The company is dedicated to providing custom boats that satisfy each client’s particular demands and requirements, with a concentration on traditional designs and construction methods. They assist clients to realize their ideas by providing a full design and build service. One of the top wooden boat builders in the UK, Stirling & Son is renowned for its attention to detail and high-caliber craftsmanship.

Swallow Boats

This business specializes in the creation of Bay Cruisers. These boats include contemporary amenities and technologies while maintaining a timeless and traditional design. They are ideal for exploring the shoreline, inland waterways, or estuaries because they are built to be both functional and fashionable. Swallow Boats offers a variety of models, each with a distinctive style and set of characteristics, and can also build custom boats to satisfy certain needs.

Swallowtail Boatyard

There is yet another business that specialised in classic Norfolk Broads boats. They provide a variety of services, such as boat construction, maintenance, and rental. Because Swallowtail Boatyard is dedicated to upholding the history and customs of the Norfolk Broads, their boats are made in a manner that reflects this. Their boats are renowned for their fine craftsmanship and attention to detail, and they employ traditional methods and materials.

T. Nielsen & Company

This business specializes in the construction and repair of tall ships. They provide the whole spectrum of services, from the initial concept to the final building and launch. With years of expertise in building and renovating tall ships, T. Nielsen & Company’s team of talented craftsmen and engineers guarantees that every job is executed to the highest standards. They are dedicated to conserving the UK’s maritime legacy and have worked on a variety of projects, from major commercial vessels to tiny traditional sailing ships.

Voyaging Yachts

Custom sailing yacht design and construction are the focus of the UK-based business Voyaging Yachts. They provide a wide variety of services, including design, construction, and refitting, and their team of professionals can assist clients in realizing their ideas. With years of experience producing high-quality sailing yachts, Voyaging Yachts is dedicated to providing clients with custom boats that are tailored to their individual requirements. They are renowned for their attention to detail, superior craftsmanship, and creative designs, and sailors from all over the world like their yachts.

In conclusion, these UK Sailboat Brands are just a fraction of the amazing sailing ships built by Britain’s skilled shipbuilders. You’re sure to discover the ideal yacht among these high-caliber ships, whether you’re searching for performance, luxury, or just a gorgeous sailing experience. Why then wait? Start your next sailing journey right away to experience the finest Britain has to offer.

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10 Best Sailboat Brands (And Why)

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

December 20, 2023

‍ There's no denying that sailors are certainly a passionate bunch. We’re so passionate about our boats that we always try going for the best sailboats. To make it a lot easier for you, here are the best sailboat brands.

Owning a sailboat is an indulgence that many of us only dream about but very few ever have the privilege of sailing the seas in what they can actually call their own.

While there's nothing wrong with renting a sailboat, the honor of owning one is certain what many sailors dream of.

With a perfectly crafted sailboat as company, gliding through the water, waves, and wind brings some sort of unmatched comfort and peace.

Add this to the fact that sailing takes you far away from the daily hustles and bustles that we've become accustomed to in our daily lives and you'll see why the life of sailing is very appealing to the masses.

But without a proper sailboat, all this fun and the good life of sailing are thrown out of the window.

Contrary to the widespread opinion, owning a sailboat isn't beyond anyone's reach. It's something that we can all achieve. But before getting into that, it's important to know some of the best sailboat brands.

The best sailboat brands will make your life as a sailor a lot easier and more fun. The best sailboat brands have, for decades if not centuries, mastered the art of woodworking. They've dedicated their skills and immense amount of their time to designing and manufacturing nothing but the best quality of sailboats in the industry.

So if you've been looking for the best sailboat brands from all over the world, you've come to the right place. We'll discuss the best of the best, something that will give you a perfect getaway from your normal life.

Table of contents

‍ Must-Have Features for Your Sailboat

Before highlighting the best sailboat brands, it would be appropriate to jog your mind a little with some of the features that must be available in your sailboat.

Choosing a sailboat can sometimes be a matter of compromises. In other words, it's sometimes sensible to accept that a sailboat cannot have all the features that you desire.

As such, it's all about going with a sailboat that has the features that matter to you most.

For this reason, let's look at the most basic features that can make the difference in both safety and comfort while improving your sailing experience.

A Safe and Comfortable Sailing Cockpit

You'll most definitely be spending a huge amount of time in the cockpit. Whether you're keeping watch, trimming sails , helming, or just enjoying the scenery, there's no better place to do all these than from the cockpit. That being said, a good cockpit should have the following.

• Have a good depth for safety reasons and adequate drainage
• Should give you a quick and easy access to jammers, cleats, and other important parts of the winch system
• Should have a seat or seats that are about 35 cm high, 50 to 55 cm wide to provide ideal support
• The seats should be adjustable to offer maximum comfort and allow you to change your position

GPS Chartplotter

Use a GPS Chartplotter once and your sailing will never be the same without it. It not only allows you to map a course but is also a great way of ensuring that your sailboat exactly follows that course. It also gives you constant updates on ocean conditions, weather conditions , and potential hazards such as deadly currents and sandbars.

A GPS Chartplotter is also an important safety device that can help you in some very critical situations while out there on the water.

For instance, it has a man-overboard button that is essentially meant to allow you to receive coordinates of the exact location should someone fall off your boat.

Electric Winch System

This is an amazing addition to any sailboat. It allows you to sheet a jib even in high and strong winds with a simple press of a button. It also gives you the chance of trimming a mainsail easily while still carry out other essential tasks in the sailboat.

An electric winch system can be of great importance, especially if you're short on crew. This is because it can free up some crew members to carry other important tasks. In other words, it can make duties that would otherwise require more crew members a lot easier.

More importantly, an electric winch system can maintain safety even in the roughest of conditions, thereby preventing you and your crew from getting injured. In essence, an electric winch system will make your sailing a lot safer, less stressful, and more enjoyable.

Reverse Osmosis Watermaker

This is a very valuable accessory, especially if you're going on long sea voyages. You can spend days on end without drinking clean and safe water.

As the name suggests, you can use this accessory to turn seawater into purified drinking water. It uses the reverse osmosis method that's essential not only in removing bacteria and parasites from the water but also in turning the water into purified and safe drinking water.

Even though this device is pricey, it's a great way to mitigate the over-reliance on huge water tanks. All you have to do is to ensure that it's properly maintained and you'll have an endless streak of safe drinking water no matter where you are.

Wide and Clutter-free Deck

While the deck is often an overlooked feature of a sailboat, it can be the difference between a great sailing experience and a stressful one. In essence, the deck of a sailboat should be wide enough and clutter-free.

This is significant as it can enable you to quickly access different parts of your sailboat with hindrance or getting tangled. As you can see, this is particularly important in improving safety and reducing stress.

With that in mind, make sure that the deck is organized in such a way that you can have easy access to sails, masts, and winches.

You should, therefore, avoid sailboats with decks that are designed in such a way that you have to climb on top of the cabin just to access these features. Needless to say, this can be quite unstable and very dangerous especially when conditions are rough.

The Best Sailboat Brands and Why

1. hallberg-rassy.

Hallberg-Rassy is a Swedish yacht maker that's very well-known in the blue water cruising circles for making some of the highest quality and sturdiest sailboats. For many sailors, this is the number one sailboat brand as it offers absolute comfort, utmost safety, and good and easy handling.

This brand is not only synonymous with sturdy construction but you won't worry getting soaking wet while out there on the water. This is because it has a well-protected deck and cockpit, finished with nice woodwork, and has a powerful engine with a big tankage just to ensure that you can go on long voyages.

When designing its sailboats, this brand has made it a norm to add some features that stand out from the rest. For instance, the bowsprit is an integral feature that makes sailing a Hallberg-Rassy quite easy and much enjoyable. This is because it grants easy access to and from the deck. Its electric anchor winches facilitate smooth maneuvering. Even more, its large steering wheels makes it much easier to control the boat even in the roughest of conditions. In essence, this brand has features that provide good control and an extra sense of safety.

Although this brand has evolved over the years, you'll easily recognize it even from a distance. And why is this? A Hallberg-Rassy never goes out of style. This is a unique sailboat brand that has always stayed true to its principles and concept. No matter which part of the world you go, Hallberg-Rassy will remain the undisputed king of blue water cruising.

2. Nautor's Swan

For over 50 years, Nautor's Swan has endlessly raised the sailing levels by designing and manufacturing new sailboat models that not only push the boundaries but also meet that many requirements and demands of sailors across the world. Thanks to its wide range of seaworthy, timeless, elegant, and highly-performing sailboats, the Nautor's Swan remains one of the best if not the best sailboat makers in the world.

Based in Jakobstad, Finland, this brand has severally set the industry standard with its speedy and sleek models such as the Swan 48, Swan 65, Swan 98, Swan 78, and Swan 120. These models have one thing in common: they never compromise on safety. As a brand that puts safety first, it ensures that its models are made of foam-cored glass fiber and reinforced both with carbon-fiber and epoxy. In essence, Nautor's Swan is widely revered for its unmatched seafaring and safety records.

Additionally, Nautor's Swan models are incredibly responsive. You can easily tell this just by the feel of the wheel. This brand has models that will gracefully slice through the biggest of waves with ease. That's not all; the interior of these models that are very comfortable even when the going gets tough. This is, without a doubt, a brand that strives to create self-contained worlds with each model.

3. Beneteau

This is perhaps the most selling sailboat brand in the world. For over a century now, this brand has based its models in a combination of simplicity and performance. This is a brand that will serve you just right across all latitudes and in all circumstances. Whether you prefer the Oceanis Yacht 62 or the Figaro Beneteau 3, this brand will never let you down on all fronts.

This brand revolves around a simple concept of creating a link around the world. From the deck space to its design and light, this brand does everything possible not just to uniformly transform life at sea but also to open doors to new horizons in a very luxurious yet practical way. Its models are designed with clear deck plans, stable hulls, simplified maneuvering and interior materials and equipment that can be easily personalized.

Whether you're looking for a racing sailboat or something that's designed to explore and enjoy the world in the company of friends and family, Beneteau is a true combination of sensations and simplicity. This is a brand that brings to the seas fun, simplicity, smartness, toughness, safety, intuitiveness, as well as dazzling reinvention.

4. Amel Yachts

Based on the ethos of designing and manufacturing comfortable, robust, and easy-to-handle boats, this French brand has, for over five decades, offered sailors and other sailing enthusiasts the perfect opportunity to explore the seas with the utmost quality, comfort, and more importantly, safety.

Using 100% French know-how, this brand has brought to the sailing world some of the best boats such as the Santorini, the Mango, the Super Maramu, and the Maramu. We would be doing this brand total injustice if we said that they're distinctive. Truth be told, there's nothing comparable to an Amel model. Well Amel was and still is, the ultimate standard by which other sailboat models are measured.

From items such as electric winches and furling, to generators, Watermaker , and washing machine down to the simplest of items such as towels. Spare filters, bathrobes, deck brush, and a boat safe, the Amel is in reality with what the real life of a sailor is and should be.

Although some may say that Amel still has room for improvement in terms of specifications and personalization, it cannot be denied that the Amel is a serious brand that designs and manufactures complete boats. With this brand, you'll be guaranteed of a higher degree of reliability, safety, and an edge of fun while out there on the water.

5. Hinckley Yachts

Based in Maine, United States, Hinckley Yachts is a brand that has been building robust, luxury, and safe sailboats for more than 90 years now. In its sailboat class, you'll find several sailboats that have classic shapes, inner strength, dramatic lines, and features that are absolutely essential in dealing with the challenges of the North Atlantic.

This brand has been successful in integrating impeccable craftsmanship with new technologies to ensure that their models always stand out while articulating advanced sailing practices, timeless aesthetic, robust construction, and the utmost safety. Whether you choose the Bermuda 50, the Sou'wester 53 or any model for that matter, you'll never be short of advanced performance based on the best design and technology.

In terms of features, this brand provides sailboat models with modern performance hulls. These hulls are constructed with inner layers of carbon, outer layers of Kevlar, and are aligned with computer-designed load paths. Every feature is designed without compromising comfort.

To this end, this brand offers you a perfect combination of both fun and sail. This brand offers more than just sailing. Instead, it offers a unique sailing experience that's combined with the pure joys of sailing in the blue waters with an ease of ownership and maneuverability.

6. Oyster Yachts

If you've been looking for luxury more than anything else, Oyster Yachts provides you with numerous solutions. This British brand is widely known for manufacturing a wide range of luxury cruising sailing yachts. Its sailboats are among the finest in the world and are immensely capable of taking you to some of the far-flung places in the world without having to worry about high winds and hellish waves.

Whether you choose the iconic Oyster 565 or the immense Oyster 595 you never fall short of experiencing the new world like never before. These are models that will enable you to own your adventure, choose your destination, set your courses, pick your anchorage, and stay safe at all times. If you want to hold the wheel and pull the sail while feeling the tang of salt spray on your face, Oyster Yachts is the way to go.

This is, unquestionably, a brand that's meant for you if you want to explore the seas in comfort, luxury and utmost safety. From craftsmanship, sailboat design, to hull, deck, and keel configurations, everything is designed to allow you to circumnavigate the world in comfort, elegance, and style.

7. Tartan Yachts

Based in Fairport Harbor, Ohio, there's arguably no better to begin your sailing adventures than with a sailboat designed and manufactured by Tartan Yachts. With several award-winning designs and construction, this brand is widely known for providing easy handling, great performance, and an ultimately stable platform.

This brand always strives to deliver a unique and the best possible experience to every sailor. As a brand, Tartan fully understands that every sailor has his/her unique sailing needs. As such every component of their models is designed with engineering levels that guarantee optimum performance, excellent on-deck visibility, and luxurious interior.

From the Tartan 5300, the Tartan 4300, the Tartan 345 to the New 365 and the Fantail, this brand makes it a priority to ensure that its models are among the strongest, lightest, and more importantly, the safest in the sailing industry. In essence, this brand can be ideal if you appreciate performance. It has rewarding sailing features both in narrow water lines and wider passages. Add this to its easy handling and you'll have a top-notch performer in virtually every condition.

8. Catalina Yachts

As one of the most popular boat manufacturers in the world, this American brand is widely revered for building the sturdiest boats that can hold up perfectly well in real-world conditions. These are generally family-oriented boats that are intelligently designed to ensure that your entire family can have fun out there on the water.

Some of the models include the cruiser series such as the Catalina 315, the Catalina 385, the Catalina 425 while the sport series include the Catalina 12.5 Expo, the Catalina 16.5, and the Catalina 14.2 Expo. As the current winner of the "Boat of the Year" Cruising World, you'll rarely go wrong with a Catalina model.

It offers a wide range of sailboat sizes that suits your lifestyle. This brand makes it a priority to ensure that all their models are not only safe but offer the best ownership and sailing experience. If anything, this brand is widely known to have one of the most excellent resale values in the sailing industry.

9. Island Packet Yachts

From the IP 525, the IP 439 to the IP 379, the Island Packet Yachts is a brand that encourages its customers not to keep the world waiting. This brand is meant for sailors who want to explore the world in utmost comfort and safety.

The first thing you'll notice in an IP sailboat is its large aft deck. This is not only perfect for sunbathing but can also serve you well if you want an impromptu dinner with friends and family while out there on the water. The living space is also large enough to carry most of your belongings, which is an added advantage especially if you've been planning to spend longer periods in the seas.

With modern evolution and refinement, as well as proven features, this brand is known to offer sailors maximum comfort, luxury, and safety. You'll have better access to the cockpit, have enough space, and are excellently designed to provide superior seafaring and the best features to enable you to spend extended periods when cruising.

10. Sparkman & Stephens

For more than 90 years, Sparkman & Stephens has been at the forefront of the belief that sailboat excellence goes beyond hull lines and deck plans. Instead, this brand believes in excellent naval architecture, innovation, sophistication, and beauty. This is a brand that has laid the foundation of sailboat as a sport not just in America but all over the world.

These models have graced the world for decades and bring immense pleasure to their owners in terms of innovation, performance, and excellence. Though rooted in tradition, the brand has pushed sophistication, technology, and sailing experience to a whole new level. You'll be a proud owner of the Sparkman & Stephens model.

There you have it; these are the best sailboat brands in the world. Although there are several other sailboat brands to choose from, the-above described brands stand shoulder above others in terms of quality, safety, performances and luxury.

Hopefully, you're at a much better place when it comes to choosing a sailboat that suits your lifestyle, needs, and budget .

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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The 8 Best New British Yachts on the Water, From Sunseeker to Fairline

Quality among the top u.k. builders is always a given. it's the range of yacht designs that may surprise you..

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As an island, boats have always been the lifeblood of Great Britain. And many British yacht builders continue to uphold the country’s proud naval and maritime traditions. While there are a handful of superyacht builders, the UK isn’t known for eye-wateringly huge megayachts or avant-garde design—though that has changed as its largest international brands compete with the style-obsessed Ferretti Group and Azimut brands.

But what you do find with the Brits is well engineered vessels with a high level of attention to detail in both the interior and exterior design. From semi-custom motoryacht builders like Princess and Sunseeker to the rarefied realm of a highly sought-after Pascoe limousine, there’s something here for nearly every yachtsman.

And thanks to enduring popularity, there is nearly always a British-built sailboat from the Oyster yard, somewhere just over the horizon. In fact, whether you’re cruising the waters of the Caribbean, New England, or the South of France, you’ll find U.K. brands along with the highest luxury offerings from Italy and Northern Europe.

Here are seven of Britain’s finest, newest, and most noteworthy vessels on the water.

Project Fox, Pendennis Shipyard

This 114-foot explorer yacht, overseen by project manager Burgess and in build at the Pendennis shipyard in Falmouth, was designed around the owner’s wishes. It has a rugged exterior that will be paired with a bright, contemporary interior by QLondon Design. The owner told Robb Report that he plans to cruise off-grid to remote areas like Norway for heli-skiing with his family and friends (thus necessitating five large staterooms). But he also wanted family-friendly features like a sun terrace, wine lobby, open-air barbecue, and DJ station. Of course, the real breakthrough here: The open stern, measuring more than 1,100 square feet can carry a large complement of toys and tenders, but also scientific equipment (the interior has space for a modular lab) for when the yacht is hosting research scientists. “Flexible cabins and connectivity are key,” said the owner.

The ubiquitous model of the Pearl lineup, the 72 received a creative new interior design earlier this year with the addition of a stateroom that gives it two master suites. The U.K. yard has always been high on haute design, offering different palettes by British interior designer Kelly Hoppen, but this double-master suite idea is a first for this size of motoryacht. The yard has recently won awards for the naval architecture of its 95, which approaches superyacht status, and it will be launching a new 85-foot flybridge next year.

Fairline Targa 40

Fairline is also among England’s internationally renowned yacht brands, famous for seaworthy hulls and top-tier creature comforts. It hasn’t built yachts as large as competitors Princess and Sunseeker but has been equally creative with the design. The new Targa 40’s cockpit is a case in point. It has an enticing exterior layout, with the cockpit featuring a foldout terrace to starboard and a U-shaped dining settee to port facing the rest of the deck, not to mention the two sun lounges on the stern. The 40 is effectively a dayboat, but with two staterooms, it also works as a family weekender. There’s a master in the forepeak and guest cabin amidships which is best suited for children. The galley below decks is also very functional. Top speed for the Targa is 36 knots with the optional Volvo Penta D6-380 upgrades.

Princess Y80

Along with Sunseeker, Princess Yachts is the other heavyweight of British yacht building. These cruisers and motoryachts have proven to be perennial favorites on both sides of the Atlantic. The Y80 debuting at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival looks to continue the tradition. The Y80 brings to the table an “infinity cockpit” with a glass transom and modular furniture for multiple setups. It also has a flybridge that spans about two-thirds of the yacht’s nearly 84-foot length, effectively creating a legitimate third deck. The Y80’s owner’s stateroom is amidships and full beam, while it has a VIP in the forepeak. Two other guest cabins are to port and starboard. The Y80 has an impressive top speed of 30 knots, but at 10 knots the range is an even more impressive 1,000 nautical miles.

Cockwells Duchy Sport

The 37-foot Duchy Sport from the Cockwells’ yard in Cornwall, famous internationally for its custom tenders, is designed for watersports enthusiasts. This Sport offers multiple towing points for waterskiing, wakeboarding, wakesurfing and tubing, with interior space for nine guests. Bow and cockpit sunpads will be popular spots for tanning, while a Bimini covers the amidships. Standout features include a wetbar, retractable swim ladder, bowthruster with joystick control, and of course ample water-toy stowage. The Duchy Sport comes with twin 370 hp Yanmar 8LVs which can get it up to a top speed of 42 knots—a speed befitting of this model’s name. Cockwells is also building a new Duchy 60, a stylized motoryacht that should rival Downeast offerings from U.S. builders Hinckley and Malaysian builder Grand Banks.

The Oyster 495 is a 52-foot, 8-inch sailing yacht that entered the U.S. market earlier this year. A new design from the keel up, the U.K. builder was thinking global circumnavigation, or at least serious offshore cruising, from the onset. The yacht is also meant to be able to be singlehanded by a capable sailor. The plumb bow and teak decks imbue the 495 with a definite saltiness with performance and aesthetics. The cabin is noteworthy for being both ergonomic and well-lit. Reported top speeds for the 495 crest the 10-knot mark under sail, while a 100 hp Yanmar diesel pushes it along happily at 9.5 knots.

Sunseeker Superhawk 55

Sunseeker is one of England’s brands that has a global following. For good reason. The Poole builder has a range of vessels that extend from 38 to 161 feet. Sunseeker is known for good oceangoing performance and creative design. The Superhawk 55 is a reimagining of the Superhawks that enjoyed popularity with performance enthusiasts in the 1990s and Aughts before being discontinued in 2009. Sunseeker introduced the Superhawk 38 in 2020, which had echoes of its go-fast past. This 55, however, is more of a performance cruiser than a day boat. With twin Volvo Penta IPS950s the new Superhawk has a very respectable top end of 38 knots and a feature even Miami Vice hot-boat aficionados will appreciate—slow-speed maneuverability offered by pod propulsion. An aggressively raked profile complemented by stiletto-sharp hullside windows augment the Superhawk’s sporty vibe.

Pascoe E-Limousine Electric Tender

Pascoe tenders reside in the garages of some of the world’s biggest and most glamorous superyachts, thanks to the yard’s dedication to customization. The E-Limousine is the builder’s first fully electric vessel, the result of six years of R&D. Top speed is reported to be an impressive 40 knots, with a range of 60 nautical miles at a fast cruise of 20 knots. The builder says not only is this boat greener than a traditional tender but will also offer a smoother, quieter ride thanks to the construction used to mitigate vibration.

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We built our first boats  in 1884  and many things have changed since then. We’ve transformed living spaces and the list of innovations in hull design and navigation continues to grow at a rapidly increasing pace. However, some things haven’t changed and never will. BENETEAU’s philosophy of building the strongest, safest, most beautiful boats on the water is alive and well. The BENETEAU  family’s pride in craftsmanship and passion  for performance can easily be recognized in every sailing yacht and powerboat.

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BENETEAU: A LONG STORY THAT BEGAN IN 1884 

The first BENETEAU boats sailed from the shipyards of Croix-de-Vie over 136 years ago. Since that time, the BENETEAU brand has been synonymous with quality and innovation to all those who have taken to the water – first by the fishermen who made their livelihood from the sea and then by the legions of recreational boaters around the globe.

Over the years, our commitment to innovating and embracing ideas, no matter how unconventional, has been at the forefront of who we are in order to bring you the best boat possible. BENETEAU was one of the first boatbuilders many years ago to use computer-aided design (CAD) as well as lighter, stronger composite building materials. We’ve also been at the cutting edge of using greener materials and processes to do our part in protecting the incredible world which we explore. However, all this innovation doesn’t mean we’ve turned our back on tradition. One thing we’ve discovered in over a century of boatbuilding is that new-world innovations work best with old-school craftsmanship. This combination has resulted in some of the most iconic sailboats and powerboats in the world – supremely seaworthy yachts renowned for their sense of style, luxury, and comfort along with their creative use of space and new technologies.

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We built our first sailboats over 135 years ago and many things have changed since then. The oak we once relied on has been replaced with strong but lightweight resin and carbon fiber. Where canvas once caught the wind, now it’s Kevlar and Vectran. We’ve transformed dark, confining saloons and cabins into bright, open living spaces. And the list of innovations in hull design and navigation continues to grow at a rapidly increasing pace.

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Today, there’s a BENETEAU powerboat or motor yacht for whatever you’re looking for – from casual cruising to long-distance adventuring, from fishing and diving to water skiing. They can be found on the open ocean, coastlines, harbors, lakes, and rivers. There’s a whole world to discover out there, and there’s no better way to discover it than at the helm of a BENETEAU powerboat, trawler or motor yacht.

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To purchase a new or pre-owned BENETEAU sailboat or powerboat, locate an authorized BENETEAU dealer near you. They will be there every step of the way to help you choose the right boat and maintain it properly for years to come.

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Based in Suffolk on the east coast of the UK, Spirit Yachts has a portfolio of custom, wooden sail and power yachts ranging from day sailers to superyachts.

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Spirit yachts are designed to be as beautiful in 100 years as they are today.

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Discovery 50 review: This British bluewater catamaran could win over monohull purists

• Toby Hodges
• September 24, 2020

British brand Discovery is one of the few monohull yards to build catamarans. Could the Bluewater 50 be one for monohull purists?

Product Overview

Manufacturer:, price as reviewed:.

Many of us who dream of long-term cruising want to do it in comfort, preferably in a quality build from a respected brand. With monohulls, we’d be spoilt for choice in the 50-60ft range with yachts from quality yards such as Oyster, Hallberg-Rassy, Contest and Amel to choose from.

But what if we want the extra space and versatility that a multihull offers? The multihull market has burgeoned in the last decade, but the traditional yards typically don’t build catamarans. In fact, surprisingly few specialise in high-end cruising multihulls.

John and Caroline Charnley, the founders of Discovery Yachts, realised this over a decade ago when they commissioned Bill Dixon to design a 50ft catamaran for short-handed bluewater voyaging . It was, in fact, the same concept on which they’d built their successful monohull business.

While the Charnleys were cruising the oceans in their new catamaran, Discovery changed hands and management teams a couple of times. Its models have recently been revitalised, and that includes the Bluewater 50. We went to Lymington to trial the latest boat, built for Werner Schnaebele, who recently became the 100% shareholder of the reformed Discovery Shipyard.

Schnaebele is also, you will note from the pictures, fanatical about dogs. His company, Binti Marine Holdings, owner of Discovery, is named after one of his two Ridgebacks. His wish to have dog motifs on sails and joinery gave the Marchwood yard the chance to showcase the skills for which its craftsmen are known.

Schnaebele and his friends were on board during our trials as they were in the process of a handover. He is relatively new to sailing and has specified his boat with multiple options, including two gensets, a dive compressor and a top spec thermal camera. His plan is to cruise in the Mediterranean and Baltic with friends.

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What’s the rush?

Choosing a multihull is often a head over heart decision. A racing sailor might be drawn to performance designs, perhaps picturing themselves tiller-steering at double digit speeds from a bucket seat. But on such yachts scrupulous weight management is a must, so there is a hefty price to be paid for composite construction and they often lack creature comforts.

See the pocket-sprung mattresses, electric heads, fridges, freezers and wine stowage in the capacious Bluewater 50, and you start to question how much you really need fast-paced fun.

Many sailors have little multihull experience and can be somewhat nervy when sailing a catamaran. But the Bluewater 50 is much more approachable to traditional monohull sailors. Its relatively low freeboard, for instance, the in-mast furling and familiar twin headsail rig, as well as the standard finish and joiner work, is familiar to anyone used to top end monohulls.

Note the practical curved edges to the joinerwork. The finish and some layout aspects can be customised

It’s even built in a traditional way, in hand-laid glassfibre, with solid laminate for the hulls, sandwich decks and bulkheads bonded to both. You quickly find yourself thinking this catamaran is not too different from the norm after all.

When it launched ten years ago, the Bluewater 50 looked rather dated. And although recent changes have significantly improved its layout and styling, it’s still more retro than in vogue.

Perhaps that’s no bad thing, however. Buyers will place a much higher value on the practicalities, such as the high bridgedeck clearance, the wide side decks, and visibility from the helm. It’s no surprise to learn that all buyers so far have been former monohull owners.

The main layout difference with the previous model is that Discovery has done away with the original forward master cabin. Previously, it spanned the full beam, but lacked headroom.

The new version has a more conventional three- or four-cabin layout with cabins at either end of the hulls. Natural light and ventilation has also been improved significantly.

Any similarities with a monohull stop abruptly when it comes to handling and hands-on feel. A 26ft wide 20-tonne vessel can seem daunting when you are leaving a dock or a marina berth, especially if there is a crosswind. However, a benefit of catamarans is their twin engines spaced well apart, which allow you to spin the boat in its own length. Thrusters are also an option on the Discovery.

Wide side decks have a secure feeling with high handrails

Once out into the fresh breeze funnelling down the western Solent, I noticed more similarities with a monohull. The in-mast furling system controlling the mainsail and the choice of genoa or self-tacking jib on furlers (powered if desired), would make setting sail a doddle if short-handed.

What struck me most during our test was the consistent, comfortable motion of the Bluewater 50. That will also appeal to traditional cruisers. Even when the boat was over-canvassed,it behaved well and, had we wanted to, reefing would have been a simple push-button affair.

Despite an ugly wind-against-tide chop we experienced no pitching or slamming; the Discovery would get up speed and ride through the waves. It felt similar to a displacement monohull, except that wine bottles were left standing upright on the galley countertop and the tea was brewed from a non-gimballed stove.

The redesigned Bluewater 50 has a lot more natural light and a generous main living area

A comfortable pace

The price for all that comfort is lack of speed. You might assume a catamaran would be swifter, but I doubt you’d be crossing oceans any faster on the Bluewater 50 than on a similar-sized monohull.

Powered-up, with the blue Code sail and full main set in 20-23 knots of true wind, we averaged 8.5 knots, albeit deep reaching, and being careful not to overload the sail. And when the wind increased a little more and that Code sail was furled away, we enjoyed some fetching and beating under full main and jib, averaging 7 to 7.5 knots.

These may not be the speeds the polars suggest, but the test boat was laden with optional extras – not, though, the Williams Jet tender that has been ordered and will be stowed on davits.

The aft coaming supports the mainsheet track and davits

Sails were chosen on the basis of performance, longevity and, crucially for this boat, the need to be painted! Peter Sanders, who runs the 45-year-old Sanders loft in Lymington, selected Dyneema cloth encapsulated with Mylar and laminated with a polyester taffeta.

“The result is a very rugged, low-stretch laminate that will easily fit inside the mast chamber,” he explains. Carbon was used in the top third of the vertical mainsail battens for a larger roach and, by offsetting the radar on the mast, the jib could be built with a larger roach too. This produces a nice slot between the sails when beating.

The test boat was fitted with optional hydraulic steering which, unfortunately, is the part most monohull sailors would struggle to accept. It felt positively alien. Even a heavy centre-cockpit monohull with a lengthy steering connection will give some helm sensation as the yacht powers up and heels. Not so here.

The open helm area can be covered by a fixed bimini

I was concerned by the disconnect I felt between the wheel and rudder response. If you can’t feel the rudder respond, you typically over-compensate, which can be unnerving. It may be that the Bluewater 50 will be sailed on autopilot much of the time and Discovery does offer alternative drives.

I did not like the mainsheet set-up either. The traveller is on the aft beam, which allows for a long boom, but makes the sail awkward to trim from beneath a hard bimini, despite hatches above for sighting the main.

The option of a reversible mainsheet winch, which can be remotely operated, makes some sense. However, I think a yacht designed for short-handed voyaging should have the mainsheet within reach of the helm.

Comfort and shelter

The sightlines on board are very well considered – from helm to galley, to cockpits and navstation, communication is easy. Those in the aft cockpit are separated from the sailing systems yet connected with the helmsman.

The cockpit offers complete protection beneath a hard roof, and the sides can be closed off with canopies – ideal in cold conditions. Six people can sit around the table and there is space for another three on the sofa to starboard – with plenty of stowage beneath the seating. There are sunbed seats each side of the aft cockpit. I had misgivings about the large drop down from these to the aft deck, and I would add another guardrail or two across the transoms.

If the aft cockpit is where you can seek shelter in comfort, the spacious foredeck area suits relaxing in the sun. It’s easy to imagine sundowners in this compact but deep cockpit – or in the optional hot tub, an indulgent Discovery hallmark.

Aft cockpit has soft canopies for full protection

There is plenty of stowage space below this cockpit, while the huge sail lockers in each forepeak will swallow any sails, fenders and most toys. That said, the Bluewater 50 has relatively fine bows, so it would be prudent not to overload the forward ends.

Seagoing design

The main deck living area now has almost all-round views. It will feel particularly large and bright to anyone familiar with the original Bluewater 50 layout, which had a forward owner’s cabin, forward galley and much smaller windows. There is scope for customisation in the layout here, and particularly with the joiner work and décor.

Catamarans rarely heel, but the motion can still be awkward. This Discovery is clearly designed by sailors to go to sea and I liked the large, practical U-shape galley, the secure, forward-facing navstation and the curved and fiddled furniture.

Dedicated forward-facing navstation is excellent

The galley has plenty of fiddled Corian worktop space and deep stowage areas. There are options to increase the already generous cold stowage by adding fridges or freezers in the hulls. Portholes in the forward-facing coachroof windows not only provide good ventilation but enable crew to pass food and drink to the forward cockpit.

The dedicated navstation provides the best seat in the house. The compact chart table area has unhindered forward views, a hatch above to sight the mainsail and is still within communication of the helm station. The test boat had throttle controls here too, so this would be a good station for watchkeeping.

An equivalent size and priced monohull, such as a Discovery 58, typically offers a large master suite and two guest cabins, whereas the Bluewater 50 not only gives more space to these guest cabins but also has the option of a fourth cabin (a third guest cabin).

The guest cabins have twin berths that can join into doubles

I’d be tempted to opt for the layout that gives one complete hull to owner’s accommodation, with a larger shower, heads, desk and stowage areas. However in the four-cabin test boat, the owner’s suite aft still seemed generous.

The forward cabins have plenty of volume, notably inboard, where there is enough space for an extra raised bunk or locker allocation. Large hatches in these cabins provide ventilation and the option for an easy exit onto the foredeck, and there is an impressive amount of natural light from the vertical portlights and large triangular coachroof windows.

Discovery’s new ownership

Werner Schnaebele made his fortune developing a software integration tool for large companies. He was one of the 401 crowdfunders who invested over £2.2m in the Discovery Yachts Group, before he went on to buy the business.

“From the beginning it was a passion decision not an economic one!” Schnaebele tells me with a smile, before continuing to explain that he’s now in it for the long run.

“The workers and craftsmen are really skilled – and you have to give these people the time to do their work right.”

He thinks the previous management made some mistakes, which included presenting yachts at shows which did not do the skill levels of the yard justice. Hence Schnaebele is delighted to see Discovery back to its high level of finish quality.

The German dog lover won’t get involved in the day to day running of the business – that’s now in the very experienced hands of its sole director, John Burnie. The company is now all under the Discovery Shipyard name, which is owned by Binti Marine Holdings.

Look at some of the latest designs on the market and you would be forgiven for thinking new multihulls are all about speed. Yet I can safely say, if I ever manage to achieve my dream of tradewinds voyaging around the globe, I will not be in any hurry! If you had a budget of £1.5m and were looking at a reliable, popular choice for long-distance short-handed cruising you might consider yachts such as the Discovery 58, Oyster 565 or Hallberg-Rassy 57. For the same money the Bluewater 50 will give you considerably more space. If the boom in 40ft to 60ft production multihulls we’ve seen in the ARC is anything to go by, don’t be surprised if you see more and more sailors making such decisions with their heads, opting for space, rather than their hearts, and being seduced by aesthetics and helming sensation. For those who wish a catamaran to be as similar as possible to the pedigree cruising monohulls they know and love, this Bluewater 50 provides a logical transition.

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The classic sailing brands every yacht owner should know

Whether it's competitive sailing  you're into or relaxing on board your superyacht as your cruise the Mediterranean , these are the best brands to ensure you fit right in on the choppy seas or at the superyacht regatta . From high-tech performance apparel for braving the elements to chic leisurewear for relaxing on deck, you'll look and feel the part in these brands.

With 50 years experience creating cutting-edge performance gear, few brands are more synonymous with sailing than Musto . With emphasis on practicality and innovation combined with quality crafting, Musto apparel is made for adventure with style.

The history: In 1964 the brand’s founder Keith Musto competed in the Tokyo Olympics as part of the British sailing squad. It was during the relentless training for the competition that he realised their uniform of Guernsey sweaters and flannel trousers wasn’t cutting it and set out to create a line of revolutionary technical sailing apparel.

To further develop its advanced materials, Musto teamed up with W. L. Gore to create a tough yet breathable waterproof fabric that could endure the brutal conditions of ocean sailing. Together the brands produced an extra-durable Gore-Tex membrane. Twenty years later the material is still at the core of Musto’s renowned HPX range.

For fair weather: Corsica BR1 Jacket, £160, musto.com

For stormy seas: MPX Gore-Tex Pro Offshore Jacket, £550, musto.com

Henri Lloyd

Henri Lloyd’s sailing collection lies at the heart of the brand. Its connection with the sea began when co-founder Henri Strzelecki designed the first sailing jacket with a Velcro fastener. Since then the brand has continued to blend heritage with modern style to create lines that are both practical and sophisticated.

The history: Founded in 1963 in the British city of Manchester, Henri Lloyd quickly found favour with the sailing community for its pioneering use of new technologies and man-made materials.

Just three years after its launch early circumnavigation adventurers such as Sir Francis Chichester, Sir Robin Knox-Johnson and Sir Ranulph Fiennes began to choose Henri Lloyd’s high-tech gear. This tradition continues today both on and off the water with Henri Lloyd being the choice of four-time Olympic gold medallist and America’s Cup competitor Sir Ben Ainslie .

For fair weather: Breeze Jacket, £84, Henrilloyd.com

For stormy seas: Freedom Suit bundle, £349.95, force4.co.uk

Famed for its iconic sailing footwear, Dubarry takes inspiration from Galway’s boating heritage with the tough elements of the brand’s homeland echoed in the durability of its products.

The history: In 1937 the Dubarry co-operative company was established to provide employment in the small town of Ballinasloe on the west coast of Ireland. Thanks to their comfort, water resistance and unbeatable grip, the brand soon became known for its signature sailing footwear.

Now a globally recognised brand, Dubarry’s heritage still continues to influence its future. Through combining traditional design with high-tech materials each product is meticulously designed to give the best performance.

For fair weather:  Fastnet Sailing Boot, £199,  dubarryboots.com

For stormy seas: Crosshaven Sailing Boot, £379, Dubarryboots.com

From creating the world’s first boat shoe to becoming a modern nautical icon, Sperry is renowned for the durability, comfort and timeless style of its designs.

The history: Founded in 1935 by avid sailor Paul Sperry, the ambitious quest to create the perfect sailing shoe began when Sperry slipped and fell overboard while out on the water off Long Island. Sperry spent months in his workshop in New Haven trying to perfect his non-slip sole when eventually inspiration came from an unlikely source - his dog. He patented a design that carved indentations into the soles of his shoes to replicate the grooves in his dog’s paws thus providing traction on the slippery surfaces of the deck.

After the launch of the first shoe, every single member of the Cruising Club of America wrote to Sperry requesting a pair of his innovative Top-Siders. Ever since Sperry has been the go-to brand for boating footwear and a key component in casual sailing style.

For fair weather: Authentic Original 2-eye boat shoe, £85, mrporter.com

For stormy seas: Cold Bay Duck Boot, £109, sperry.com

Helly Hansen

The original pioneer of the three-layer concept, Helly Hansen has a history of product innovation that blends Scandinavian design signatures with inspiration drawn from the practicalities of living in some of the harshest environments on earth.

The history: After years battling tough conditions on the Norwegian Sea, captain Helly Juell Hansen began to produce his own oilskin jackets, trousers and sou’wester hats. Each piece was made from a course linen soaked in linseed to make it weather proof.

From these humble beginnings on the fjords of Scandinavia in 1877, Helly Hansen has grown to become a leading global sailing brand. Offering the optimal combination of performance, protection and style, its progressive designs continue to protect and enable professional sailors around the world.

For fair weather: HP Racing Midlayer Jacket, £160, hellyhansen.com

For stormy seas: Aegir Ocean Jacket, £800, hellyhansen.com

This Australian apparel brand has become a household name for sailors and Olympians globally. Pushing the boundaries on design and evolving their technical clothing, Zhik caters for all weather conditions both in functionality and style.

The history : Founded in 2003, Zhik’s range of wetsuits and dinghy gear completely changed the design approach for performance clothing and have been rapidly adopted by sailors across the globe.

Since then Zhik has developed their own specialist proprietary and trademarked fabrics including Isotak® a breathable, waterproof offshore fabric that is four times more durable that equivalent fabrics, the lighter Aroshell® breathable fabric and Superwarm®, a four-way stretch, extremely warm and thin neoprene fabric. In 2019 Zhik launched a range of ECO wetsuits, made from entirely natural plant-based fabrics and recycled plastic bottles.

For fair weather : Z-Cru Jacket, £119.95, z hik.com

For stormy seas : Isotak 2 Jacket, £499.95, zhik.com

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40 Best Sailboats

• By Cruising World Editors
• Updated: April 18, 2019

Sailors are certainly passionate about their boats, and if you doubt that bold statement, try posting an article dubbed “ 40 Best Sailboats ” and see what happens.

Barely had the list gone live, when one reader responded, “Where do I begin? So many glaring omissions!” Like scores of others, he listed a number of sailboats and brands that we were too stupid to think of, but unlike some, he did sign off on a somewhat upbeat note: “If it weren’t for the presence of the Bermuda 40 in Cruising World’s list, I wouldn’t even have bothered to vote.”

By vote, he means that he, like hundreds of other readers, took the time to click through to an accompanying page where we asked you to help us reshuffle our alphabetical listing of noteworthy production sailboats so that we could rank them instead by popularity. So we ask you to keep in mind that this list of the best sailboats was created by our readers.

The quest to building this list all began with such a simple question, one that’s probably been posed at one time or another in any bar where sailors meet to raise a glass or two: If you had to pick, what’re the best sailboats ever built?

In no time, a dozen or more from a variety of sailboat manufacturers were on the table and the debate was on. And so, having fun with it, we decided to put the same question to a handful of CW ‘s friends: writers and sailors and designers and builders whose opinions we value. Their favorites poured in and soon an inkling of a list began to take shape. To corral things a bit and avoid going all the way back to Joshua Slocum and his venerable Spray —Hell, to Noah and his infamous Ark —we decided to focus our concentration on production monohull sailboats, which literally opened up the sport to anyone who wanted to get out on the water. And since CW is on the verge or turning 40, we decided that would be a nice round number at which to draw the line and usher in our coming ruby anniversary.

If you enjoy scrolling through this list, which includes all types of sailboats, then perhaps you would also be interested in browsing our list of the Best Cruising Sailboats . Check it out and, of course, feel free to add your favorite boat, too. Here at Cruising World , we like nothing better than talking about boats, and it turns out, so do you.

40. Moore 24

39. pearson vanguard, 38. dufour arpege 30, 37. alerion express 28, 36. mason 43/44, 35. jeanneau sun odyssey 43ds, 34. nor’sea 27, 33. freedom 40, 32. beneteau sense 50, 31. nonsuch 30, 30. swan 44, 29. c&c landfall 38, 28. gulfstar 50, 27. sabre 36, 26. pearson triton, 25. islander 36, 24. gozzard 36, 23. bristol 40, 22. tartan 34, 21. morgan out island 41, 20. hylas 49, 19. contessa 26, 18. whitby 42, 17. columbia 50, 16. morris 36, 15. hunter 356, 13. beneteau 423, 12. westsail 32, 10. alberg 30, 9. island packet 38, 8. passport 40, 7. tayana 37, 6. peterson 44, 5. pacific seacraft 37, 4. hallberg-rassy 42, 3. catalina 30, 2. hinckley bermuda 40, 1. valiant 40.

• More: monohull , Sailboats
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14 Best Sailboat Brands in the World (Recommendations By A Pro!)

Explore top sailboat brands with our pro's guide to the best around the world. Perfect for travelers & sailors of all levels seeking quality & adventure.

It really doesn’t matter if you are an accomplished sailor with a Master’s License or a novice who wants to charter a boat for a week on the water in the Caribbean. What does matter is that you want to find the boat that fulfills your dreams from a manufacturer you can trust. Finding that “just right” fit between boat and crew can lead to some magic experiences and remarkable memories.

Our goal is to give you some insight into what the many boat brands have to offer. We will look at quality, construction, features, and customer service.

Hopefully, this will give you some insight into finding the sailboat of your dreams.

Wally Boats has to be at the top of our list as the best overall manufacturer of sailboats. In the sailing world, Wally is synonymous with quality and luxury. Unfortunately, that kind of reputation also comes with a hefty price. Wally Boats will typically also head up the list of the most expensive sailboats in the world.

You won’t find many Wally boats at your local lake marina or the typical coastal municipal marina. We are in a different class of boat here altogether. Wally produces 100-foot-long super yachts, each of which is custom designed.

If you can find one, purchasing a used Wally sailboat is a safe way to go. You will usually get a high-performance racing/cruising yacht that will outperform most other boats in this class day in and day out.

What Do You Get with a Wally?

• Exquisite Design and Visual Appeal - Let’s face the facts. These are boats that look as good as they perform.
• Above Average Performance - Wally boats took the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in 2019, 2018, and 2017.
• Highest Quality Build You Can Buy – At this level, you get what you expect regarding the quality of materials and construction.
• Innovative Design and Engineering – Wally boats incorporate the latest developments in construction techniques, materials, and engineering.

2. Hallberg-Rassy

Ask cruising sailors their choice of sailboat manufacturers, and many will answer with Hallberg-Rassy. This Swedish yacht builder has built a reputation among cruising sailors for producing boats that are almost in a class by themselves. These are boats that are built to be sailed and provide sailors with the utmost in safety, comfort, and handling.

Hallberg-Rassy is a master at integrating form and function to produce blue water boats that perform as well as they look. Most savvy sailors will recognize a Hallberg-Rassy design almost instantly.

Hallberg-Rassy isn’t one of those static companies that finds a popular design and sticks with it year after year. This company studies its designs and listens to its owners to continually improve their designs. A used Hallberg-Rassy is a good bet if you want to move up to a world-class cruising boat.

What Do You Get with a Hallberg Rassy Designed Boat?

• Integrated Bow Sprint – No tacked-on afterthought here. The bowsprit forms an integral part of the Hallberg-Rassy designs to make handling and sailing these boats a joy.
• High-Quality Electric Winches – Electric winches are standard items and ease the effort of sailing these boats in even the toughest conditions.
• A Cockpit Designed for Blue Water Sailing – A safe and dry place from which to steer your boat makes for a much more enjoyable experience when the weather gets rough.
• Powerful Engines with Ample Fuel Storage – You can be confident that you have the power to maneuver your boat safely under power.

3. Catalina

If your budget is more modest, but you still want high quality and a feature-rich design, Catalina boats are a good place to start looking. Catalina takes a more practical approach to boat design and building, creating sailboats that meet the needs for practicality, sailability, and price to create sturdy boats that can take you anywhere in the world safely and economically.

Catalina is a manufacturer that is recognizable from weekend inland water sailors to experienced blue water live aboard families. Cataline has been on the scene for many years and remains a mover and shaker in the sailboat industry.

One of the big attractions of Catalina as a boat manufacturer is its across-the-board market appeal. This company has something for everyone, from small, easy-to-manage daysailers to 50-foot blue water cruisers.

What Do You Get with Catalina Sailboats?

• Customer Service – Catalina has been in business for a long time and has a reputation as one of the most customer-responsive sailboat manufacturers in the business.
• Consistency and Quality – Catalina owners frequently point out the consistency of Catalina’s designs and the quality of their manufacturing as reasons to buy one of these boats.
• Financial and Economic Choices – Catalina sailboats offer customers one of the best values on the market in terms of the purchase price and long-term operating costs.
• Handling and Performance – Catalina owners rave about how their sailboats perform with easy handling in both light seas and heavy weather.

4. Bavaria Yachts

If you are shopping in Europe for an economically priced blue water sailboat, Bavaria Yachts is a company that you will learn quickly. Sailors in the United States know the name, Catalina. In Europe, Bavaria Yachts have the same sort of recognition and reputation.

The reputation of German manufacturing and engineering shows itself in the Bavaria Yachts operation. Leading-edge technology in manufacturing and production helps Bavaria Yachts keep costs as low as possible while producing very high-quality products.

Bavaria Yachts is focused on its customer base and has a good understanding of who purchases its boats and how those boats are used. These boats are designed to be easy to sail, comfortable to be aboard and to provide service without the constant need for expensive repairs and maintenance.

What Do You Get with a Bavaria Yacht?

• Comfort and Liveability – No matter if you are day sailing or cruising the world, Bavaria Yachts’ designs excel in comfort and onboard amenities that make them great for long-term cruising.
• Reliability – Owners point to the quality of the construction of these boats and the reliability they enjoy, which keeps them sailing without constant visits to the boatyard for maintenance and upkeep.
• Smaller May Be Better – Bavaria Yachts has a large following among smaller to midsized boat owners, and the company pays particular attention to designing boats that offer more to this class of owners.
• Overall Value and Economy – Many owners choose their first Bavaria Yacht because of the perceived value of these boats.

5. Beneteau

Catalina may be a bit better known than Beneteau, but Beneteau may lead the way in the actual number of sailboats sold around the world. This is one of the top-selling sailboat brands of all time. Beneteau has been building boats for well over a century, and their knowledge shows in the quality of their designs and construction. From its blue water boats like the Oceanis 62 to its tiny First 14.

Beneteau prides itself on filling the needs of every class of sailor, from the racing dinghy to the blue water cruiser. Simplicity is a keyword when describing Beneteau boats.

There is no skimping on quality or on the essential equipment needed to be safe and secure. There are also no unneeded extras to cause you unwanted hassles or maintenance issues.

Being a French company, you would expect style to be a primary focus of the design of Beneteau boats, and you won’t be wrong. With an eye to clean lines and family cruising comfort, Beneteau produces a line of sailboats that catch the eye without straining the pocketbook.

What Do You Get with a Beneteau Boat?

• Unique and Comfortable Interior Layouts – Your crew or family will feel pampered when onboard a Beneteau boat.  
• Easy Docking System – Beneteau’s 360-degree docking system allows you to maneuver your boat with a joystick to make tight marina spaces a breeze to navigate.
• A Finer Hull for a Better Ride – Even the most seasoned sailors comment on how well Beneteau boats move through the water and minimize pitching and rolling.
• Clear Deck Plans – Beneteau understands that most sailboats are intended for pleasure which makes deck space a premium factor, especially among sailing families who express their love for the clean deck lines of their boats.

6. Island Packet Yachts

I have always thought that Island Packet Yachts build some of the most beautiful cruising sailboats in the world. This company focuses on cruising, and its boat designs reflect the needs of cruising families. Safety, stability, and comfort are the three key ingredients that make Island Packet Yachts outstanding choices for cruising the world.

Anyone who has spent time on a sailboat knows space is at a premium. Island Packet Yachts have some of the most spacious interior designs on the market, which makes living aboard these boats much more pleasant. If you plan on spending much time aboard your sailboat, all the extra interior space you can claim become a luxury.

The focus on extended cruising requires an eye for safety and stability for your boat. Island Packet excels in these categories. The seafaring capabilities of Island Packet Yachts are well documented and one of the favorite features of these boats among owners. A boat that handles conditions well is easier and more comfortable to sail in the long run.

What Do You Get with an Island Packet Yacht?

• Build and Material Qualities – Most Island Packet owners are quick to point out the quality of the construction and material used in their boats, which means fewer problems over the years.
• Full Foil Keel and a Skeg-Hung Rudder - The
• last place you want to have problems when on a cruise is below the waterline. Island Packet continues to include a traditional well-constructed full foil keel and the extra support of a skeg-hung rudder to ensure that below-waterline problems are kept to a minimum.
• Sail Handling and Performance – Island Packet Yachts are not built for racing, but they outperform many comparable boats. The self-tacking jib and 170-percent genoa are favorites among cruising sailors when talking about sails and performance.
• Security Onboard – Island Packet routinely includes a built-in lockbox in their boats to provide a secure place to store your valuables, documents, and other items when onboard.

7. Amel Yachts

If you are looking for innovation and technological sophistication on your sailboat, Amel Yachts should offer you exactly what you want. This company has been building some of the finest blue water cruising yachts in the world for 50+ years and has always had an eye on staying just ahead of the technology curve.

These are not production boatyard sailboats. Amel Yachts works closely with each customer to produce a boat this is uniquely tailored to the owner’s needs and specifications while ensuring the highest quality in the build and the best performance on the water.

In addition, you will probably need to go to France several times during the construction of your yacht, which might be seen as a bonus.

With an eye for tradition, Amel Yachts is always looking forward as well. Advanced engineering and materials have made Amel Yachts some of the most sought-after boats on the water. Such things as the use of carbon fiber in mast construction, flexible couplings on propellor drive shafts, and the latest in electronic controls and navigational equipment are standard issue items.

What Do You Get with an Amel Yacht?

• Eye Catching Lines – Owners are understandably proud of their Amel Yachts and often mention how these boats look on the water.
• Technologically Advanced Designs – Among the most popular and often spoken about features on Amel Yachts are the solar panels fitted to these boats.
• Environmentally Sound Concepts – Sailors are usually much more attuned to the environment than their land-based counterparts. Amel Yachts’ use of environmentally friendly anti-fouling paints and the bonus of extra grey water holding tanks are popular among owners who understand the need to protect the water they love.
• Comfortable on the Water Experiences – Most Amel owners comment on how well these boats ride due to the lower center of gravity that is a feature in most Amel Yacht designs.

8. Nautor’s Swan

On the flip side of the coin, if you want a fast and dependable sailboat that you can also cruise, a Nautor’s Swan should be on your top choice list. Based in Finland, this company has built a reputation for designing and building high-quality sailboats that match speed with stability and safety. Yes, you can go fast in comfort.

These boats are not only fast and comfortable, but they are also surprisingly responsive and easy to handle. Using foam=filled fiberglass construction coupled with space-age material like carbon fiber, Nautor’s Swan has an unmatched record for performance and safety. You can cruise leisurely with your family or put on your best crew and expect to compete successfully with almost any other boat.

You don’t have to sacrifice comfort to gain an advantage in speed and performance. Nautor’s Swan boats are designed for cruising comfort and performance results. The hull designs give stable safe rides through even the roughest water to give you a feeling of confidence with your sailboat.

What Do You Get with a Nautor’s Swan?

• Production Boat or Custom Build Choices – Customers of Swan have two choices. You can buy a production model or visit their custom design shop to get a boat tailored to your exact needs. Most customers choose the middle ground and have one of the production designs customized to their tastes.
• Elegance without Sacrifice – One of the most mentioned features of Nautor’s Swan sailboats are the teak decks featured on their designs which customers love for the elegance this feature yields to their boats.
• Self-Launching Anchors and Electric Winches – Even the most die-hard competitive sailor is fond of the convenience features of Nautor’s Swan boats, such as the self-launching anchor systems and electric winched.

9. Pacific Seacraft

If it is traditional lines you want, take a look at the boats built by Pacific Seacraft. This North Carolina-based yacht builder produces some of the most elegant and eye-catching cruising yachts in the world. These boats are built for comfort and cruising, so don’t expect to win any speed prizes if you choose a Pacific Seacraft design.

On the other hand, if comfort and enjoyment are at the top of your list, you won’t find a better boat. Pacific Seacraft boats are probably a bit overbuilt, making them one of the heavier sailboats per foot on the market. This translates into less speed overall but a more stable and better-handling boat that tends to be less tender when sailing than higher-performance boats.

The stability of these boats is unmatched, and the design lends itself well to safe handling, even with a short-handed crew. This feature alone makes Pacific Seacraft yachts a favorite among live-aboard cruising families that routinely don’t have full crews onboard.

What Do You Get with a Pacific Seacraft Yacht?

• Comfort and Confidence – Families that liveaboard to take extended cruises always mention the space, comfort, and convenience of Pacific Seacraft Yachts as one of the main advantages of these boats.
• Solid Construction for Easy Maintenance – Anyone who does extended cruising knows the importance of regular maintenance. Owners of Pacific Seacraft extoll the solid construction of these boats that make ongoing maintenance chores less intimidating.
• Unmatched Customer Service – Pacific Seacraft supports their boats and their customers with some of the best services in the world. Owners regularly report that Pacific Seacraft is easy to contact, quick to respond, and always helpful.
• Spacious Below Deck Layouts – Live aboard families almost always speak about the creature comforts built into their Pacific Seacraft yacht and in particular, mention how spacious these boats seem below decks.

10. Tartan Yachts

Tartan Yachts has taken a slightly different approach to the concept of cruising with] its sailboat designs. Tartan has made building the strongest, lightest, and safest sailboats in the industry a priority in the business model. They have approached this priority with narrow designs at the water line but provide wider passages.

For those sailors who want comfort, safety, and above-average sailing performance, this makes a perfect combination. In addition, if you want to purchase a boat that holds its value with time better than many other models, you should investigate Tartan. By and large, used Tartans almost always go for a premium price among used sailboats.

You won’t be sacrificing comfort or dependability with a Tartan design. Tartan is well known among owners and enthusiasts as easy to live aboard boats that are simple to maintain, providing years of service. If you anticipate long cruises, a Tartan can be a solid choice.

What Do You Get with a Tartan Yacht?

• A Reputation for Solid Construction – Many Tartan owners admit that Tartan’s reputation for building well-constructed boats that are safe and easy to sail was one of the biggest selling points.
• Performance without Sacrificing Comfort – No one wants to be the last one to port when you are cruising with a group. Tartan designs put performance and comfort side by side.
• Easy Sailing – Most Tartan owners feel like their Tartan Yacht is a forgiving and solid boat that provides an extra level of safety.
• Value – You may not anticipate trading boats very often, but it is nice to know that Tartan boats seem to hold their value better than many other comparable sailboats from other manufacturers.

11. Oyster Sailboats

If I were to use automobiles as an analogy for sailboats, the Wally Yachts would be on par with Mercedes Benz, while Beneteau and Cataline would be comparable to Cadillac or Lexus. I would have to put Oyster Sailboats on par with Bentley as some of the most luxurious sailing yachts on the market today.

Oyster Yachts, a British manufacturer, likes to call their sailboats hybrid adventure machines that bring owners life-enhancing experiences. I would say it more simply. If you want the best performance, comfort, and visual appeal, Oyster Sailboats should be your first stop. Oyster provides the utmost luxury but doesn’t come up short in the performance or safety categories.

Oyster Sailboats are considered thoroughbreds in the sailing world. These boats have logged over 20 million sailing miles and can account for more than 90 sailing circumnavigations of the globe. These numbers support the assertion that Oyster Sailboats are among the best and most prestigious sailing vessels available.

What Do You Get with an Oyster Sailboat?

• Unmatched Elegance – Ask an owner what sets their Oyster Sailboat apart and without hesitation, most will say the elegant and luxurious appointments that these boats bring.
• Unrivaled Construction – Sailors rarely equate luxury with sailing ability, but in the case of Oyster Boats, most owners consider their Oyster sailboats to be among the safest available based on the quality of construction and materials.
• Handling and Performance – Being at the helm of an Oyster Sailboat prompts owners of these boats to make statements like, “the best handling sailboat I have ever sailed,” and “I wouldn’t hesitate to take my family and this boat anywhere under any conditions.”
• Classic Looks – Despite the leading-edge technologies and designs that incorporate the best new ideas, Oyster sailboats are respected among veteran sailors for their classic looks.

12. Hinckley Yachts

Since 1928, Hinckley has been building top-of-the-line sailboats. This veteran company continues to bring designs with classic shapes, strong construction, and dramatic lines. Based in Maine, Hinckley is intimately acquainted with the challenges of sailing the North Atlantic and building boats to meet these challenges head-on. Impeccable craftsmanship is the name of Hinckley’s game, and the results speak for themselves.

Despite the classic lines of their boats, Hinckley manages to incorporate the best of modern performance design and technologies for construction. Utilizing carbon fiber, Kevlar and computer-designed load paths, the boats are some of the most structurally advanced on the market.

However, advanced technology and performance don’t detract from the comfort of these boats. From the ease with which they sail to the small details and amenities that are often overlooked by other boat manufacturers, Oyster Sailboats put customer satisfaction, safety, and comfort front and center.

What Do You Get with a Hinckley Yacht?

• Above Average Construction – Hinckley owners make no secret of how much they hold the construction of their boats in high regard. The quality of Hinckley’s construction is one of the most often noted reasons for purchasing a boat.
• Rich Appointments for a Warm Feel – Many boat owners understand that fiberglass just doesn’t give a feeling of comfort. Hinckley combats this perception by generously using wood inside their boats to bring a rich feeling of luxury.
• Stability and Comfort – Thanks to the Hinckley gyro-stabilization system, owners are assured one of the most comfortable rides in almost any kind of sea.
• Customer Service – Hinckley’s Yachtcare program is often cited as one of the best reasons to own a Hinckley sailboat. This program features mobile service teams, yacht delivery, and routine maintenance, which is often the bane of owning this kind of boat.

13. Hylas Sailing Yachts

Our modern consumable society has spawned a tradition of throw-away products produced in China that are focused more on price than on quality. Wrapping our heads around the idea that one of the best yacht manufacturers is, in fact, based in Taiwan is almost unfathomable. However, in the case of Hylas Sailing Yachts, this is the case.

Hylas, a division of Queen Long Marine Shipyard, has built a reputation for building bespoke yachts for discriminating customers in the custom luxury yacht area. Hylas doesn’t work through brokers or dealers. This innovative company prefers to deal directly with their customer to ensure that complete satisfaction is the result.

The center cockpit design of Hylas’ popular yachts is the centerpiece of their designs. In addition to incorporating the latest in technological designs and materials, Hylas uses almost complete wooden linings on their composite hulls to give their boats rich and warm interiors that exhibit the finest of joinery.

What Do You Get with a Hylas Sailing Yacht?

• Solid Core Fiberglass Construction – Owners of Hylas yachts rave about solid core construction. Foam core is much lighter but tends also to be much less rigid than solid core construction.
• Uncompromising Quality – Those who sail Hylas yachts brag about the quality of the materials used in these boats. Stainless steel tankage, skeg-hung rudders, and the use of Twaron bulletproof fabric in the hulls provide a level of trust that many boat owners can’t understand.
• Immaculate Construction Standards – How many other boat owners brag about the neatness of the wiring on their boats?  Some even make it a point to show off the meticulous way the wiring and plumbing in Hylas boats are installed.
• Unbelievable Storage and Stowage – The innovative use of space and the care with which these boats are designed to allow Hylas owners to enjoy an above-average amount of storage space.

14. Sparkman & Stephens

Sparkman & Stephens are a bit different in the way they view themselves. This company is not just a sailboat manufacturer. Sparkman & Stephens consider themselves more of a naval architecture firm than just a boat-building company. It is this way of thinking that affects each boat that is spawned from the Sparkman & Stephens shops.

Tradition is a huge part of the Sparkman & Stephens design philosophy, but it doesn’t get in the way of innovation and sophistication. Incorporating the best of traditional designs and concepts with the latest and greatest in materials, technologies and engineering is at the core of the boat designs from this company. These concepts tend to take the sailing experience to an entirely new level.

Sparkman and Stephens take a very analytical approach to boat design. Every hull form is thoroughly analyzed and tested using the latest in computer modeling technology. Tank testing is done on most designs to ensure the performance and safety characteristics of each design meet their exacting standards.

What Do You Get with A Sparkman & Stephens Sailboat?

• Unmistakable Designs – Owners of Sparkman & Stephens sailboats enjoy almost instant recognition at any port they visit. The combination of hull forms and profile ensures everyone knows you are sailing an S&S design.
• A Most Functional Cockpit – Experienced sailors often remark that the S&S sailboats have the most functional cockpit designs and layouts they have encountered.
• Trim and Finish Details – The quality of S&S sailboats doesn’t stop at the boat’s exterior. Inside, owners find the finest in joinery and finish possible to complete the overall feeling of luxury in these boats.
• Sailing Characteristics – Ask an S&S owner to describe the way their boat sails, and you will usually get a huge grin and an exuberant “GREAT” as the answer. By and large S&S owners rave about the way these boats handle, maneuver, and perform on the water.

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7 Reliable Swing Keel Sailboat Manufacturers (And Why)

If you're looking for a sailboat that can navigate shallow waters and provide greater versatility, you might want to consider a swing keel sailboat. These sailboats are designed with a retractable keel that can be raised or lowered as needed, allowing you to easily navigate shallow waters or access marinas. In this article, we'll introduce you to seven reliable swing keel sailboat manufacturers and explain why they're worth considering.

The 7 most reliable swing keel sailboat manufacturers include Jeanneau, Southerly, Allures, Alubat, Discovery, Garcia, and Sirius Yachts. Each of these sailboat manufacturers produces high-quality swing keel sailboats that are adjustable for different types of sailing, are often trailerable, and offer good windward performance.

Sailboat manufacturers often use high-quality materials such as marine-grade aluminum that can offer strength, and durability, and protect your boat from corrosion and UV damage. Let's look at which specific materials are being used by each manufacturer when crafting swing keel sailboats.

• One of the largest sailboats with a swing keel, the Southerly 57, is manufactured by Southerly.
• The Allures 39.9 is a popular model manufactured by Allures that features a swing keel and can be sailed in shallow waters.
• Alubat is unique among other boat manufacturers because they use aluminum as the primary material for their hulls.
• Discovery manufactures sailboats that feature advanced technology, such as computer-controlled sail handling systems, making them easy to handle and sail.
• Sirius Yachts uses a vacuum infusion process to ensure that the hulls of their sailboats are strong and lightweight, which improves performance and fuel efficiency.

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Sirius yachts.

Below is a table comparing the key features and advantages of each of these swing keel sailboat manufacturers and providing examples of different swing keel sailboat designs from each:

Jeanneau is a French sailboat manufacturer that has been in business since 1957. They are known for producing high-quality sailboats that are both comfortable and easy to handle.

One of their most popular models is the Sun Odyssey series, which ranges from 32 to 54 feet in length. These sailboats are designed for sailors who want to enjoy both performance and comfort.

Jeanneau sailboats are crew-friendly, with spacious interiors that provide plenty of room for everyone on board. They are also equipped with amenities such as showers, stoves, and toilets, making them ideal for longer trips.

The Sun Odyssey series also features twin wheels, which provide better visibility and control when sailing. One of the best sailboats for coastal cruising is the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349.

Southerly is a British sailboat manufacturer that specializes in swing keel sailboats. Southerly's swing keel design is unique in that it allows for variable draft, which means that the keel can be raised or lowered to adjust the depth of the boat in the water. This makes Southerly sailboats particularly versatile, as they can sail in both shallow and deep waters.

Southerly sailboats are also known for their high level of customization. Customers can choose from a range of options to personalize their sailboat, including different layouts, finishes, and equipment. This allows sailors to create a sailboat that meets their specific needs and preferences.

In terms of performance, Southerly sailboats are designed to be fast and responsive, with a focus on sailing upwind. They are also built to be durable and seaworthy, with a reputation for being able to handle heavy weather conditions.

Southerly offers a range of swing keel sailboat models, including the Southerly 32, Southerly 38, Southerly 42RST, and Southerly 480. Each model has its own unique features and advantages, but all are designed with Southerly's signature swing keel design and focus on performance, comfort, and durability.

One of the largest sailboats with a swing keel , the Southerly 57, is manufactured by Southerly.

Allures is a French boat builder that specializes in producing high-quality swing keel sailboats. Swing keels are retractable keels that allow the boat to sail in shallow waters, making them ideal for cruising and exploring. Allures sailboats are built to withstand the toughest conditions and are known for their durability and reliability.

Allures offers a range of sailboats that are designed for cruising and offshore sailing. The Allures 39.9 is a popular model that features a swing keel and can be sailed in shallow waters. It has a spacious interior with two cabins and a large saloon, making it ideal for extended cruising.

The Allures 45 is another popular model that features a swing keel. It has a spacious cockpit and a large interior with three cabins and two heads. The boat is designed for long-distance cruising and is known for its stability and performance.

Allures sailboats are built using the latest technology and materials, including vacuum infusion and carbon fiber. They are designed to be easy to handle and maintain, so they are ideal for sailors of all levels.

Alubat is a French boat manufacturer that specializes in producing high-quality, aluminum-hulled sailboats. One of their most popular designs is the swing keel sailboat, which features a retractable keel that can be raised or lowered depending on the depth of the water.

Alubat's swing keel sailboats are designed to withstand rough seas and challenging weather conditions, making them a popular choice for offshore sailing and long-distance cruising.

Alubat is unique from other boat manufacturers because they use aluminum as the primary material for their hulls. Aluminum is a lightweight and durable material that is resistant to corrosion. You can read this article to learn more about the pros and cons of an aluminum sailboat.

Discovery's swing keel sailboats are a range of sailing yachts that are designed to be versatile and easy to handle. The swing keel feature allows the boat to have a shallow draft for cruising in shallow waters or entering harbors with limited depth, while also providing a deep draft for improved sailing performance and stability in open waters.

The range includes the Discovery 48, 54, and 58 models, all of which are built with high-quality materials and advanced technology to provide a comfortable and safe sailing experience. These sailboats are designed to be easily handled by a small crew or even single-handed.

In addition to their swing keel feature, the Discovery sailboats also feature advanced technology, such as computer-controlled sail handling systems, making them easy to handle and sail.

Garcia's swing keel sailboats are a line of sailboats designed by the French boat builder Garcia Yachts. These boats are known for their innovative swing keel design, which allows them to be easily transported and launched in shallow waters.

Their swing keel sailboats are also known for their rugged construction and seaworthiness. They are designed to handle challenging conditions and are often used for long-distance cruising and offshore sailing.

The hulls are typically made from fiberglass, which is a strong and lightweight material that can withstand the stresses and strains of sailing in rough seas. The boats are also designed with reinforced bulkheads and other structural elements that provide additional strength and stability.

Some of their most popular models include the Garcia Exploration 45, the Garcia Exploration 52, and the Garcia Exploration 52 Blue Water.

Sirius Yachts is a British sailboat manufacturer that specializes in producing high-quality cruising yachts. One of their unique features is their swing keel sailboats, which offer the ability to raise and lower the keel for improved performance and access to shallow waters.

In terms of materials, Sirius Yachts uses a combination of fiberglass and composite materials to construct their boats. They use a vacuum infusion process to ensure that the hulls are strong and lightweight, which helps to improve performance and fuel efficiency.

Additionally, Sirius Yachts places a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility. They use eco-friendly materials and production methods wherever possible, and they are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and minimizing waste throughout the manufacturing process.

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Middle East latest: Putin holds call with Iranian president amid escalation fears; Israel 'unhappy' with China's response to Iran attack

Vladimir Putin calls for restraint during a call with Iran's president, amid fears of an escalation in hostilities. Meanwhile, an Israeli official says the country is "unhappy" with China's response to Iran's attack. Listen to a Daily episode on Iran as you scroll.

Tuesday 16 April 2024 14:38, UK

• Israel-Hamas war
• Putin asks for restraint in call with Iranian president
• Israel 'unhappy' with China's response to Iran attacks
• UN watchdog 'concerned' Israel could target Iranian nuclear facilities
• Alistair Bunkall analysis: Israel will likely respond - with or without international support
• US fighter jet squadrons remain in Middle East
• What Israel could do now and what its allies are saying: Here's the latest from our experts
• Michael Clarke analysis: All Israel's options for retaliation come with complications
• Live reporting by Emily Mee

Israeli tanks have moved back into areas of northern Gaza they left weeks ago, residents have told Reuters.

People who had returned to the area of Beit Hanoun, once home to 60,000 people, fled once more as the raid began, they said.

One resident told Reuters that tanks surrounded schools and houses and ordered families to evacuate before detaining "many men".

In the south, warplanes conducted air strikes on Rafah, where hundreds of thousands of people are taking refuge, killing four people and wounding several others, medics and residents said.

The Israeli military said its forces continued to operate in central Gaza and that they had killed several gunmen who attempted to attack them. 

"Furthermore, over the past day, IDF fighter jets and aircraft destroyed a missile launcher along with dozens of terrorist infrastructure, terror tunnels, and military compounds where armed Hamas terrorists were located," it added.

Sky News cannot independently verify these reports.

Pictures taken by Reuters photographers on the ground in Israel show a ballistic missile on the shore of the Dead Sea.

Israel's military said it was one of the 120 fired by Iran on Saturday.

Vladimir Putin has told the president of Iran he hoped all parties in the Middle East would show restraint and not allow further confrontation, according to Russian state media.

In a phone call with Ebrahim Raisi, Mr Putin discussed in detail the suspected Israeli attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria on 1 April, reported RIA Novosti, citing the Kremlin.

Mr Raisi said Iran's retaliatory missile and drone attack against Israel on Saturday was "forced and limited" and emphasised he had no interest in further escalation, the report said.

Russia and Iran are close allies, with the latter an avowed enemy of the US and a supplier of military hardware for Moscow's war in Ukraine. 

The phone call comes amid fears that any further military escalation between Israel and Iran - especially any involving the US - could draw Russia into a wider conflict.

Early this morning we reported that while the West strongly condemned Iran's attack on Israel, China took a different approach.

Foreign minister Wang Yi told his Iranian counterpart that China appreciated Iran's emphasis on not targeting regional and neighbouring countries, and that Beijing believed Iran could "handle the situation well and spare the region further turmoil".

Now reports suggest Israel is disappointed with China's response to Saturday's attack, when Iran launched more than 300 missiles and drones.

"We were hoping for stronger condemnation and clear acknowledgment of Israel’s right to defend itself," said Yuval Waks, the deputy chief of the Israeli mission in China, according to the The South China Morning Post.

"Unfortunately, we did not see that, which is why we were unhappy with the statement," he said.

He said Israel was aware of the "good bilateral relations" between China and Iran, but Israel needed to express its "grave concerns to the Chinese regarding Iran's negative role in our region and its support of terror groups".

The Israeli government is split between those who want to hit Iran hard and those who do not want to waste the international community's support, says military analyst Michael Clarke.

The Israeli foreign minister has already been on the diplomatic offensive, urging 32 nations to enact sanctions against Iran. 

Clarke said the external world was leaning on Israel "very hard", attempting to leverage the amount of help Israel received from allies in defending against Iran's attack, and the number of ballistic missiles that malfunctioned, to urge Israel to exercise restraint.

"What the external world is saying to Israel is 'look, you were lucky, and you had our help, now don't spoil it by being so aggressive that we think twice about giving you that help again and you might not be so lucky the second time'", said Clarke.

Jordan has accused Benjamin Netanyahu of seeking to draw attention away from Gaza by escalating the confrontation with Iran.

Foreign minister Ayman Safadi said the international community should stop the Israeli prime minister from "stealing" attention away from Gaza.

He said Iran had responded to the attack against its consulate and had announced that it "did not want to escalate further".

"We are against escalating. Netanyahu wants to draw attention away from Gaza and focus on his confrontation with Iran," Mr Safadi added. 

Germany's foreign minister will travel to Israel today for discussions on how to prevent an escalation of tensions in the region following Iran's attack over the weekend.

"It is incredibly important for us as the German federal government in these fragile times that we all work together to contribute to de-escalation for the entire region," Annalena Baerbock said at a news conference in Berlin with her Jordanian counterpart, Ayman Safadi.

At least 33,843 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's military offensive since 7 October, the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry says.

Another 76,575 people have been wounded, the ministry added.

The updated figures come after 46 Palestinians were killed and 110 injured in the past 24 hours, it said.

The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and fighters in its reports, but says most of those killed are women and children.

Israel's war cabinet will meet today to discuss its response to the Iranian attack, an Israeli officials has told Reuters.

No time has yet been set for the meeting, they said.

It will be the third time that the decision-making cabinet convenes since Saturday.

Foreign minister Israel Katz said earlier there will be a military response and a "diplomatic offensive".

The latter refers Israel's calls for allies to proscribe the Iranian Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organisation and to impose sanctions.

France, Germany, the UK, Russia, the US and the UN have called for military restraint.

The US could issue fresh sanctions against Iran in response to its attack on Israel, according to Axios.

Treasury secretary Janet Yellen will say the US will "not hesitate to work with our allies to use our sanctions authority", Axios reported, citing a copy of her remarks.

"The attack by Iran and its proxies underscores the importance of the treasury's work to use our economic tools to counter Iran's malign activity," she will say.

Israel has been lobbying its allies to issue sanctions since Saturday's attack, in particular those that would target Iran's missile capabilities.

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