best cruising catamaran 2022

6 Best Performance Cruising Catamarans (Buyer’s Guide)

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site.

Performance cruising catamarans are impressive-looking vessels that focus on speed above comfort. These fast boats are ideal for racing and long cruising vacations. But with the numerous brands and models on the market, how do you know which is the best one?  

The best high-speed performance cruising catamarans are the Outremer 4x, McConaghy MC50, Nautitech 44, Gunboat 62, Balance 526, and Marsaudon Composites ORC50. All these boats deliver outstanding speeds and are light in weight, relatively comfortable, and incredibly safe.  

This article will explore the brands and models that I believe have the best combination of performance and comfort . We’ll look at their speeds and what makes them cruise so fast. We’ll also examine the factors to consider when shopping for a performance cruising cat.  

Table of Contents

How Fast Are Performance Cruising Catamarans? 

Cruising catamarans are generally faster than monohulls of similar lengths. This means most well-built and well-balanced cats will arrive at their destination much sooner, and the cruise is much more comfortable. Performance cruising cats like the Nautitech include deep daggerboards and rudders, narrow waterline beams, hull chines, and big sail plans that allow for faster sailing than a standard cruising cat.

Outremer 4X

Outremer Catamarans are well-known for their high speeds. These exciting cats sport brilliant designs, narrow bows, and large rigs. Built in Southern France, the vessels are strong and long-lasting since their structures feature materials such as carbon, glass, and vinyl ester. 

The Outremer 4x is a stable and comfortable high-speeding cruising catamaran that performs ocean crossings and confronts any weather with remarkable ease. Named the European Boat of the Year in 2017, this 48-foot (14.6 m) bluewater cruiser sails faster than wind speed and attains maximum cruising speeds of 20 knots.

The 4x is an upgrade of the extremely popular Outremer 45, thus retaining Outremer’s core values of speed, safety, and comfort. It’s built for maximum performance and enjoyment, with the lightweight, carbon fiber structure allowing for additional speed under sail . 

Featuring comfort typical of much larger vessels, the Outremer 4X features 4 double cabins, hot water showers, a full kitchen, spacious storage, and excellent ventilation. There’s also an expansive deck, an unobstructed cockpit, and large trampoline areas. Most importantly, your safety is assured through the cat’s unique features including a robust structure, offshore design, stability, and unrivaled speed potential.

The 4x’s cutting-edge design makes it ideal for competitive racing or blue water cruising, and it does both without compromising your comfort, safety, or onboard livability. However, to sail at maximum speed, the boat must remain lightweight, requiring your interior to be fitted out quite minimally. The other downside is the high price tag; the Outremer 4X commands a price between $912,322 and $1,202,945 .

McConaghy MC52

The McConaghy MC52 is a performance luxury cruising cat reflective of McConaghy’s 50 years of experience in building high-tech composite projects. The luxurious boat features a flybridge, retracting centerboards, optimized hulls, and an open space bridgedeck combining the salon with the cockpit. You can also customize the boat to your specifications.

This hi-tech cat comes with sizeable sliding salon windows and frameless doors that provide fantastic views. Its wave-piercing bows can cut through waves, thus helping to increase performance by minimizing pitch resistance, while still retaining a smooth ride. Also, the saloon offers spacious dining space for up to 8 people, and the galley area is more like a penthouse.

The manufacturer’s background in building high-end racing yachts has resulted in an incredibly strong and lightweight vessel capable of reaching 22 knots (40.7 km/h or 25.29 mph). The main downside to this boat is the boom placement on the mast, which is much higher than other high-performance cats. This makes accessing the mainsail somewhat challenging. It also increases the MC50’s center of gravity and center of effort.

You can get the MC52 for about $1.6 million.

Nautitech 44

The Nautitech 44 easily blends comfort and fun to deliver an impressive sailing performance, whether you take short trips or long ocean crossings. The boat offers a good balance under sail, and it features helming stations on each hull. Plus, there’s an integrated hardtop bimini complete with sunroof opening. Slim hulls translate to higher speeds, with the vessel reaching up to 17 knots (31.4 km/h or 19.51 mph).

The well-laid-out interior boasts a functional design, ample storage space, plus all the equipment you require for ocean cruising, such as a fridge, watermaker, and solar. 

Nautitech 44’s twin helms give you the real sailing experience with a fantastic view of the sails and great visibility when maneuvering into port. However, you might not appreciate being stuck in the aft helm position without protection in lousy weather or during hot days.

Nevertheless, the boat’s responsiveness makes sailing more pleasurable. Plus, it’s affordable; the price is between $236,000 and $334,000.

Marsaudon Composites ORC50

Marsaudon Composites vessels are ideal for both racing and cruising. The sporty-looking ORC 50 comes with large inverted bows, an angular coachroof, a high freeboard, and a sturdy rotating carbon mast. In addition, the vessel is light which allows it to accelerate quickly, while the angular coachroof offers lots of space and excellent visibility. 

The ORC50 can attain 23+ knots (42.5+ km/h or 26.41+ mph) and is among the fastest high-performance livable multihulls. It’s capable of doing more than 350 miles (563.27 km) per day.   

The downside to the ORC50 is it’s a bit technical to sail, thus requiring a skilled sailor. Furthermore, its immense power and speed can be intimidating to less experienced sailors. Solely designed for speed, the ORC50’s interior is simple, less roomy, and somewhat spartan; hence the boat might not be all that comfy. Still, it’ll get you where you want to go pretty fast, and it’s an excellent value for money at approximately $787,751.25.

Gunboat 62 

The Gunboat 62 is a true high-speed catamaran capable of sailing at 20 knots (37 km/h or 23 mph) over true wind speeds and known to notch up speeds of 36+ knots (66.7+ km/h or 41.45 mph) on a surf. The initial 3 Gunboat 62 boats featured epoxy, E-glass, and carbon fiber construction, but the fourth vessel was all carbon, sported a taller rig and a more expansive sail area. 

These structural features made the Gunboat 62s extremely light, and they formed the original luxury high-performance cruising cats.

This multihull sailboat boasts a carbon mast, round hull sections for a minimized wetted surface area, high-aspect rudders, and retractable daggerboards. The steering station offers 360-degree visibility and sports overhead hatches that you can use to monitor the mainsail trim. The boat also contains 3 private cabins with queen berths, 2 spacious heads with showers, an aft cockpit, galley, and lounge.

On the downside, Gunboats are pricey cats; hence they’re also expensive to maintain. The Gunboat 62 isn’t that spacious either as it’s more focused on speed, but it’s extremely comfortable, plus there’s plenty of space for hanging out. You can buy this catamaran starting from $2 million .

Balance 526

Built with a combination of carbon fiber, E-glass, epoxy, closed-cell foam, and composite bulkheads, this boat is strong, light, and can withstand terrible weather. The retractable daggerboards allow for good upwind performance. All high load areas contain carbon fiber, while furniture and cabinets feature cored sandwich construction, producing the lightest yet most robust catamaran. 

A Balance 526 will reach speeds of up to 20knots without stressing the rig too much.

The boat is available in various layouts and comfortably accommodates 6 people. The spacious aft cockpit and saloon provide panoramic visibility. And since Balance 526 can handle the extra weight, you get performance plus all the creature comforts you desire.

Still, Balance 526’s pricing is on the higher end, beginning at $1,440,000 . Also, the slender hulls result in less space down below. Nevertheless, the boat lives up to its name, achieving the perfect balance between superb performance and comfort.

What Makes Performance Cruising Catamarans So Fast? 

Performance Cruising Catamarans Have Narrow Hulls 

Performance catamarans contain two small narrow hulls, which cause them to have less water resistance. Smaller hulls mean the vessels have much smaller bow waves to fight, allowing them to move extremely fast. In addition, the less hull area is underwater, the faster the boat is capable of moving since there’s less drag.

Having said that, it’s important to note that a narrow hull is more prone to burying its bows in rough seas. The wider the hull, the more buoyancy it offers, but only up to a given point. After which, the excessive width becomes unmanageable and performance suffers. The key lies in finding the right balance.

Performance Cruising Catamarans Have Considerable Length

The longer a cruising cat is, the faster it’ll move. While each vessel bears a maximum hull speed, in most cases, the lengthier the boat, the higher the speed it can reach. The length of the hull (length on the waterline) also has a significant impact on the speed performance. Thus, the cat attains maximum speeds when the wavelength is equal to the length on the waterline (hull speed).

Therefore, the longer the length of the hull, the better the performance of a high-speed cruising cat. You can also compare two cruising cats’ speeds based on this measure. 

Performance Cruising Catamarans Have Quality Builds

Modern cat manufacturers continue designing more innovative high-performance cruising cats that deliver a new blend of performance and cruising features. They achieve this by using advanced construction materials, better daggerboard designs, and creative weight allocation. They also keep a keener focus on onboard amenities. For instance, asymmetrical daggerboards placed midships in each hull can help achieve proper balance and hull trim.

The overall goal is to design cruising cats that offer high speeds, outstanding performance, and enough offshore comfort. 

Here’s an article if you are wondering what daggerboards and centerboards are and why they impact performance so much.

Performance Cruising Catamarans Are Light-weight

The lighter a cruising catamaran, the greater its performance. And some of the most popular high-performance catamarans find an optimal balance between performance and comfort. As a result, modern performance-based cruising cats have embraced the use of carbon composite construction for hulls, daggerboards, and rigging, instead of the somewhat heavier glass fiber materials.

A weighed-down cat produces less speed, which means excess immersion of the hulls renders the boat sluggish . The hull submersion also reduces the bridge deck clearance, promoting uncomfortable hull slamming.

You won’t find much difference in top speed between performance catamarans bearing similar lengths because they all have displacement hulls and mostly sail to hull speed with occasional surfing. This means that under skilled hands, these cats should exhibit roughly the same performance. A cruising cat’s performance is also highly dependent on the state of the sea, wind direction, and speed, amongst many other factors.

What To Consider When Choosing a Performance Cruising Catamaran

Speed is the number one consideration when choosing a high-speed cruising cat. Yet there are other factors just as important since they contribute to the overall cruising performance, including:

•  What you’ll use the vessel for and where. Are you planning on doing coastal cruising or serious offshore cruising? Consider the number of people that you’ll be sailing with and the activities you’ll engage in. This also helps determine the size catamaran you’ll need.  
• Comfort. While some racing enthusiasts might prefer spartan accommodation plans, most enjoy relative comfort on the high seas. In any case, modern high-speed cruising cats are designed to provide a certain level of creature comforts. And since most performance cats are custom-made, new boat owners may decide precisely which features to include in their cats. 
• Quality. To produce light boats, builders employ the use of fine resins, carbon, epoxies, foam cores, and fiberglass. They build using a combination of vacuum-bagged techniques, foam cores, foam composite bulkheads, and make furniture and cabinetry with cored sandwich construction . 
• Livability. One cannot underrate the appeal of sailing in a vessel with no heeling, not to mention the high privacy attained from separate living and sleeping areas. Panoramic views and exceptional deck space for lounging and entertaining are also essential in ensuring maximum cruising comfort. Fortunately, most high-speed cruising cats offer all these features and more.
• Equipment. Sailing upwind is a challenge for cruising cats since they tend to make lots of leeway. To make things easier, high-speed cruising cats come equipped with bigger rigs and either daggerboards or centerboards. However, this also means skilled sailors are required to operate them. 
• Cost. Catamarans are generally expensive, but a cat built with longer, leaner hulls and less costly materials can still give an outstanding performance. Such materials include foam cores, epoxy bulkheads, and epoxy resins. Furthermore, it’s not necessary to use only carbon to build a lightweight boat. 

Final Thoughts

Performance cruising catamarans are built using exotic, high-tech, lightweight materials to deliver an electrifying sailing experience. And as we’ve seen from the above list, these boats deliver performance plus much more. They’re not only speed cruisers, but they also provide a smooth, comfortable, and enjoyable cruising experience. 

So, whichever option you go for – from the luxurious Gunboat 62 to the much more affordable Nautitech 44 – you’re sure to get a boat that suits your needs. 

• Wikipedia: Spinnaker
• Wikipedia: High-Performance Sailing  
• Yachting World: Fountaine Pajot Elba 45 Review
• Aeroyacht: Catamaran Speed
• Cruiser’s Forum: Nautitech 44…
• Nautitech Catamarans: Nautitech
• Katamarans: Marsaudon Composites ORC50 (TS5) Review
• Outremer USA: New Outremer 4x Performance Catamaran
• Dutoit Yacht Design: Balance 526 Review
• Go Downsize: How Fast Do Catamarans Go?
• Catamaran Guru: The Cruising Catamaran Performance Debate
• The Boat App: The Fastest Cruising Catamarans of 2020
• Sail Magazine: Performance Cruising Cats Set New Standards in Sailing Speed
• Cruisers Forum: Fast Cruising Catamarans – How Fast?
• Lagoon – Inside: The Secrets of a Catamaran’s Performance
• Sail Magazine: 10 Great Cruising Cats
• Cruising World: 40 Best Sailing Catamarans and Trimarans, Cruising Catamarans…

Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment.

Recent Posts

Must-Have Boat Gear for Catamaran Sailors!

Sailing is probably the most gear-intensive activity I've ever done; there are so many decisions to be made about what gear to buy now, for tomorrow, and what to definitely never buy. The gear on...

6 Best Trailerable Trimarans For Bluewater and Coastal Sailing

Having a boat costs a lot of money, even when you are not using it, marina fees, etc. And once it is in the water most sailors never go very far from their "home marina" and sailing will be somewhat...

• € 0.00 0 items

2022/1 Catamarans Awards Summary

10 minute read

It’s that time of the year again: the Awards Season where sailing publications around the globe publish their thoughts on the best new boats. We’re not quite there yet, as not all of the winners have been announced. But let’s take a look at the winners so far, and the contenders for the remaining prizes.

The market for catamarans continues to grow, and multihulls are increasing their share of the awards in line with the overall market.

It can be tricky to keep track of all of the nominations and awards, so we have compiled a summary to see which designs are coming out on top in the sailing category. We have also included the 2021 British Yachting Awards as they announced their winners at the end of 2021, part of the awards season.

Below are the sailing catamarans over 40 feet that are competing for the awards with number of entries (in brackets).

In terms of number of appearances, the Balance 482, Lagoon 55, Neel 43 and Windelo 55 top the list with 3 entries each , followed by the Kinetic KC54, Leopard 42 and Outremer 55 with 2 entries each .

3 Entries Balance 482 (3) Lagoon 55 (3) Neel 43 (3) Windelo 50 (3)

2 Entries Kinetic KC54 (2) Leopard 42 (2) Outremer 55 (2) 1 Entry Bali 4.2 (1) HH OC50 (1) Independent IC36 (1) Majestic 570 Fly (1) Outremer 4 Zero (1) Ocean Explorer 72 (1) Privilege Signature 580 (1) Rapido 50 (1) Seawind 1370 (1) Wave 50 (1)

European Yacht of the Year 2022

The European Yacht of the Year was started by German sail magazine YACHT in 2004, and has expanded to total 12 European yachting magazines from all over Europe who test and judge the boats. Many of the trials were done in our home base: Port Ginesta this year. You’ll find all of the nominated catamarans below:

Bluewater Cruiser HHOC 50 Outremer 55 Windelo 50

Family Cruiser Neel 43

Luxury Cruiser Lagoon 55

Performance Cruiser IC36 Independent Catamaran

Multihull of the Year 2022

Industry awards launched by Multihulls World Magazine and Multicoques Mag, in 2017. Different models have been selected by jury in various categories, and the winners will be decided by votes from their readers.

Under 40 Feet Tricat 6.90 Libertist 703 Marlin 33

40-50 Feet Bali 4.2 Neel 43 Leopard 42 Seawind 1370

45-55 Feet Balance 482 KC54 Rapido 50 Wave 50 Windelo 50

Over 55 Feet Lagoon 55 Outremer 55 Majestic 570 Fly Privilege Signature 580 Ocean Explorer 72

Sailing World Boat of the Year 2022

Winners selected by Sailing World’s team of judges. Sailing World is based in Middletown, Rhode Island in the US, 4 hours drive from New York.

Best Multihull Balance 482

Cruising World Boat of the Year 2022

Cruising World is based in Orlando, Florida, in the US. The winners in the following categories were selected by Cruising World Judges.

Best Cruising Catamaran Under 50′ Leopard 42

Best Cruising Catamran (Over 50′) Xquisite X5

Best Performance Catamaran Balance 482

Special Judges Award Kinetic KC 54

British Yachting Awards Multihull of the Year 2021

These awards are organised by UK magazines: “Sailing Today” with “Yachts and Yachting” magazine. The winners are chosen by their readers.

Winner Lagoon 55

Runner Up Outremer 4 Zero

Nominated Windelo 50 Adventure Neel 43

The smart money this year is on Balance 482, Lagoon 55, Neel 43 and Windelo 50 to scoop the most awards. Let’s see how the European Yacht of the Year (Jan 22) and the Multihull of the Year (Apr 22) plays out.

• La Grande Motte – a Coastal Gem
• Lagoon 60 Launch and Some History
• Marine Electric Engines: How They Work
• Windelo Catamaran Partner with Just Catamarans
• Excess Campus
• Lagoon Update, Oct 2023
• A New Excess Catamaran in 2024!
• New Windelo 50
• Lagoon Reaches the 500 Milestone on the 46
• Windsurf Sail Size Chart

Browse, search and find your perfect catamaran!

Privacy Overview

• Custom Cats
• Performance Cats
• Cruising Cats
• Luxury Cats
• Owner Reviews
• YT Channels

• News & Reviews

CRUISING WORLD: 2022 Boat of the Year: Best Performance Catamaran

Quick, fast and fun, the South African-built Balance 482 is a cat that will get up and go, but offers plenty of comfort once the hook is down.

During and in the four days immediately following the US Sailboat show in Annapolis, Maryland, the  Cruising World  judges inspected and sailed on 27 boats vying for recognition. Learn more about the boats in our  2022 Boat of the Year  »

https://www.cruisingworld.com/sailboats/2022-boat-of-the-year-best-performance-catamaran/

OK, confession time. When the roster of nominees for the 2022 Boat of the Year awards was released, the contest’s team and judging panel couldn’t help themselves, and quietly put three check marks, little symbols of anticipation, alongside a trio of boats: the untamed cats that would vie for the title of best performer in their class. After all, both Balance and Seawind had entered the winner’s circle in previous BOTY competitions, and it was clear they’d have a serious contender for the throne in yet another player from cat-crazy South Africa, the Kinetic KC54. How’d it go? Let’s just say, nobody was disappointed. The conditions on Chesapeake Bay were ideal for putting the three nominees through their paces, and the trio of scalded cats all acquitted themselves superbly. 

For 2022, if anything, the trend for flybridge catamarans is on a major upswing. New cats for 2022 from both Lagoon and Fountaine Pajot continued down that design path, putting an emphasis on living accommodations, not performance. But not aboard the latest Seawind 1600, a brand originally built in Australia that is now produced in Vietnam. And that suits judge Tim Murphy just fine. “This boat was very dialed in,” he said, “and one place Seawind has always been innovative is with their helms. This one was really great; it was -outboard and aft with great visibility, sort of half-protected where you could step in and out. There was also good access to the boom and mainsail, which you don’t always see on cats. The deck layout was excellent, particularly the forward trampolines. Some cats have lacings with large openings where you can twist an ankle, but these were nice and tight.”

“Compared to other Seawinds that I’ve seen, I was just blown away with it in terms of what it could do and how it performed,” said Ed Sherman.  “It’s a fairly conservative boat in terms of technology compared to some of the other boats in the same category, which depending on a potential buyer’s state of mind, could be either a good thing or a bad one. I loved the centralized winch aft which is where all the sail-handling takes place. It’s pretty brilliant for a short-handed crew, and it’s all in a very safe and easy-to-access location that a cruising couple can deal with without scaring the heck out of themselves.”

The Kinetic KC54 is a fresh entry in the cat universe, and we’ll let Tim Murphy get right to the point: “This is a fairly new company that was started within the past couple of years. My breath was absolutely taken away by this boat; it was spectacular. I think it was the best-built boat in the entire fleet. It’s an all-carbon boat, with a foam core, epoxy resin, all infused–fantastic. The whole boat felt integrated. You didn’t feel like there was a conflict between the forces in terms of accommodation versus performance.” With a price tag approaching $3 million, it perhaps should not be astonishing. That was a major factor in evaluating the boat, and while it did not win its class, the experts panel did present it with a Judges’ Special Recognition prize to honor the boat’s overall excellence.

“It was my personal favorite in this year’s contest,” said Sherman. The materials that were used are absolutely the highest quality available in our industry at this point, and it’s a very high-tech boat in terms of systems.” Gerry Douglas was also duly impressed: “This was the Tesla of sailboats. I think that that was their model. In terms of design and execution and technology, it hit all three of those marks. This boat is built without compromise, and what it cost was not an issue, they just wanted to do the best they could in every aspect of the boat. The construction was impeccable, the fit and finish was amazing. There are some very clever design things in the boat, but it all really worked seamlessly.”  

With that level of competition, the  Balance 482  had a tall order to overcome to win its class. And it did. “The sailing performance was excellent,” said Douglas. “The boat felt really good. The steering was terrific. The structure of the boat throughout was exemplary. Storage is really good. Visibility was good. Ventilation was great. There was even a rain collection system on the cabin top, which is the only one of the boats we looked at had that. It was very well concealed because the gutters formed a handhold going forward. The solar panel installation was also well done. The panels were encapsulated into a fiberglass tray that elevated the deck so the panels wouldn’t overheat. Very clever.”

The driving force behind Balance cats is Phil Berman, a world champ at racing beach cats who brought that passion to developing and marketing fully found cruisers. Judge Murphy knows him well: “Phil comes from a very strong view of wanting to see boats that have solid sailing performance. He’s also a strong proponent of daggerboard boats, which tends to be quick shorthand for the dividing line between cats that are more about payload versus cats that are about performance, but not so much where you’re going to fly a hull or break a rudder. There’s a balance within a boat that really performs that you can still live aboard.” A winning balance, it turns out, with the Balance 482 securing its position as the Best Performance Cruiser for 2022.

Related Content

Sailing world: 2022 boat of the year - best multihull, top 10 best boats review: balance 442, awards, reviews and features.

• Allures yachting
• Garcia yachts
• Dufour yachts
• Fountaine Pajot Sailing Catamarans
• Outremer catamarans
• Allures Sailing Catamarans
• Garcia Explocat
• Dufour catamarans
• Aventura catamarans
• NEEL Trimarans
• Fountaine Pajot Motor Yachts
• Garcia trawler
• Beneteau Motorboats
• Aventura Power Catamarans
• Yacht school

Best cruising catamaran in 2022 under 50 feet

We recently wrote about the nominations and the winner of the “Best Full-Size Cruiser” award. Some of our readers have expressed a desire to see a similar top of the best catamarans in 2022! Well, Interparus cannot pass by, especially since the result pleasantly surprised us!

Introduction

The best cruising solution is generally considered to be a 40 to 50 foot long cut. Why is that? Everything is very simple:

• such katas are convenient for control even by two people;
• small enough so that there is no hassle when looking for a parking lot;
• yet large enough to store on board the dinghy, plenty of room for kids.

In simple terms: an ideal solution for a couple or a family with children.

Last year, the guards Leopard and Fountaine Pajot fought for the title of the best multihull. Among other things, newcomer Bali joined this race. And if you briefly describe all three shipyards with their katas, then the first two are “versatility and experience”, and the third is “speed and pressure”. Well, the confrontation will be interesting!

This newcomer to the yachting game has already managed to excel. According to the judges and reviewers, Bali catspace has excellent handling and comfort. 

The judges noted the following: “You know, when you control some boats, there is a feeling ... that you are literally fighting with the sails. But not in this case! Bali catspace literally embodies easy, safe and reliable operation!”

With a length of 40 feet Bali catspace is the smallest in the Bali line. At the same time, its dimensions do not affect the quality of the layout. This boat has four cabins with private bathrooms. You must agree, a good decision. It is difficult to imagine a better use of space for four couples or a family at 40 feet of waterline.

Also, the judges were captivated by the internal and external convenience. Air conditioners and numerous refrigerators, places to relax; surprisingly comfortable sailing. As the reviewers put it: “This catamaran is the epitome of the word ‘relaxation’.”

The judges liked a lot Leopard 42 . Among the features of the catamaran are the cockpit shifted to the starboard side and the space for rest in the bow. This area can be accessed through the front door in the cabin. including a helm position offset to starboard and a forward seating area accessed through the forward door in the saloon. 

But Leopard 42 good not in convenience - his path is speed! During the tests, the reviewers placed next to Leopard 42 and "a certain one-hull". Apparently, “a certain monohull” lost quite well to the catamaran in terms of speed, since the judges decided to leave it unknown. Excellent driving performance, speed, reliability in motion - this is about a guest from the “cat world”.

Judging by the words of all the same judges, the staysail is on  Leopard 42 it's something ingenious - it works great and is easy to control. The geek sheet also excelled. On this catamaran it is very convenient to observe from the cockpit what is happening on the deck and with the sails. It has become really easier to control the situation on the move.  

Yes, a 40ft catamaran is a design challenge. It's easy enough to fit a lot of features into a 50-foot multihull, but it's another thing to pack all the amenities and amenities into a much smaller footprint. The judges think that Isla 40 is another 40ft yacht that has done the job. 

Isla is the “heir” of the already legendary Lucia 40. Therefore, Fountaine understood that the boat could not lose its face. The “heiress” came out to match the “ancestor”.

In addition to the fact that the designers of the shipyard managed to fit everything necessary for life on a small area, the driving performance did not disappoint. The catamaran sails well, it is easy and convenient to control, it remains sensitive, but at the same time not capricious.

Only laudatory things can be said about the living space. The master cabin in the starboard float alone is beyond praise. As the reviewers noted: “[We] haven’t seen master cabins like this on some of the big and luxurious monohulls, let’s talk about catamarans… [Cabins in general] are a great achievement for Fountaine Pajot!”

As described above, Isla 40 really versatile: charter, traveling with the family, even long crossings. This beauty has it all! According to the results of a vote of reviewers, the best cut of the year is recognized Isla 40! Congratulations to the shipyard Fountaine Pajot on a well-deserved victory!

Well, it's time to sum up the results of the already traditional reader's vote! You can see the results in the leaderboard.

Don't forget that we publish new interesting material every day! Below you will find a list of selected articles that we recommend reading.

News and articles

The other day, a plant for the production of inflatable boats in Nikolaev was destroyed. At the same time, the invaders are not going to stop and continue to wage a senseless and merciless war against the “windmills”. This time their goal was the Adzhigol lighthouse.

Almost everyone has heard of the legendary Tahiti and Bora Bora in Polynesia. Even the laziest can already find Fiji and Tonga in the South Pacific. New Zealand is easy too. But ask most people to show New Caledonia on a map, and they won't even know which hemisphere to start looking in.

Valo Hyperfoil is a new generation hydrofoil jet ski! Interparus shares the first details about a new type of sea toys.

• BOAT OF THE YEAR
• Newsletters
• Sailboat Reviews
• Boating Safety
• Sailing Totem
• Charter Resources
• Destinations
• Galley Recipes
• Living Aboard
• Sails and Rigging
• Maintenance
• Best Marine Electronics & Technology

A First Look at the New Boats of 2022

• By Cruising World Editors
• December 1, 2021

As if to prove the old saw “good things come to those who wait,” sailboat builders are poised to introduce a stunning array of new models as boat shows here in the States open their doors for the first time in nearly two years. 

Looking through the lineup that’s set to make a debut at venues this fall and winter, the assortment of designs and options is impressive, to say the least. For our 2022 New Sailboat Showcase, we count ­entries from builders in a ­dozen ­countries, from the US to ­Europe to the Far East to South ­Africa. One ­country, France, dominates the water- front with 13 new models ready to make a splash.  

But nationality isn’t the only element bringing variety to the new-sailboat market. Buyers will be able to choose from 23 monohulls and nine new ­multihulls, ranging in size from 24 to more than 66 feet. And designs span daysailers to performance cruisers to a ­number of long-legged bluewater ­voyagers, featuring one hull or two (or three), your choice.

RELATED: Which Sailboat is the Best New Boat for 2022?

And that’s not all. Remember, the new boats you’ll see when you venture out this coming year also include the more than three dozen models we counted in last year’s Showcase, most of which were on display only through virtual events or at private showings put on by individual dealers.

All in all, sailors have any number of reasons to head for the waterfront to check out a wide assortment of fresh ideas about how to have fun on the water. From accommodations to sailhandling, there will be a lot to talk about—and choose from if you’re a buyer. Enjoy!

Alubat Cigale 16

With its hard chine, twin rudders and tall rig, the all-aluminum, 54-foot Cigale 16 is an impressive long-range cruiser. Naval architect Marc Lombard has maximized the waterline but kept the displacement light, which translates to power upwind and planing speeds on a screaming reach. A single helm or twin wheels are available, and choose three or four cabins as well. 

Balance 482

A collaborative design effort between champion cat racer Philip Berman and award-winning naval architect Anton du Toit, the Balance 482 is all about grace and ­performance. Go-fast features include ­forward-raked wave-piercing bows, foam-cored hulls and decks, and carbon reinforcement throughout. Choose either daggerboards or fixed keels. 

balancecatamarans.com

Bali Catspace

When it comes to cruising comfort and amenities, there are spaces galore to choose from on the 40-foot Bali Catspace. The integrated deck layout boasts an aft platform with bench seats and a forward cockpit with a dedicated lounge and room to stretch out in the sun. Or head up topside to the expansive flybridge/helm station for a broader view of the horizon. 

bali-catamarans.com

Bavaria C38

With its distinctive V-shaped bow, hard chines, substantial beam and dual wheels, the 36-foot Bavaria C38 is a sharp-looking, compact cruiser. The beamy hull is carried well aft, where owners have a choice of a single stateroom or a pair of them. Either way, the expansive owner’s cabin forward is certainly one of the largest available in the midsize-cruiser category. 

bavariayachts.com

Beneteau First 27

Big fun and thrills in a small, smart package: That’s what the Beneteau First 27 is all about. With a vacuum-infused hull, a lead T-bulb deep keel, and balanced twin-rudders, this nifty racer/cruiser was laid out to get there quickly. The open cockpit is superb for competition or daysailing, but the real surprise is the sweet layout below for coastal cruising.

beneteau.com

Bluewater 56

The Bluewater 56 is a Germán Frers-­designed long-range cruiser that is built for Bluewater Yachts by Xiamen ­Hansheng Yacht Building in China. With ­watertight bulkheads fore and aft, a solid composite hull, top-notch ­hardware, dual headsails and optional hard ­dodger, the 56 is intended for the cruiser who wants to see the world in comfort.

bluewateryachts.com

At a shade longer than 67 feet, this formidable offshore thoroughbred from the powerhouse French duo of designer Philippe Briand and the CNB shipyard was conceived as the largest sailing yacht that could be handled by a family crew. The optional hydraulic roller-furling boom for the mainsail, developed with Hall Spars, is one feature that makes it possible. 

en.cyb-yachts.com

Looking for options in your next cruising boat? Search no further than the Dufour 470, which the builder pitches as “three models in one,” with a trio of versions: Easy, Ocean and Performance. The Easy layout keeps things simple and straightforward. The Ocean model brings critical running rigging close to the helm. The Performance package is upgraded for the racer. 

dufour-yachts.com

Dufour’s new flagship 61-footer is an impressive yacht on multiple levels, and fittingly, offers owners a selection of several interior layouts. For example, there are two cool galley options: one forward and one longitudinal, to port. Topside, the look is clean and modern, particularly the sleek coach roof and expansive foredeck. And the cockpit Bimini is a delight. 

Measuring in at just inches under 50 feet, the Elan GT6 (the GT stands for “Grand Tourer”) is an elegant-looking craft. Humphreys Yacht Design was responsible for the hull design, while Studio F.A. Porsche handled the styling, particularly the handsome accoutrements below. These include a forward galley, a sumptuous saloon, and a roomy forward owner’s suite.

elan-yachts.com

FountainE Pajot Isla 40

The worthy successor to FP’s popular Lucia 40, the new Isla 40 is the latest creation from the prolific naval architects at Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design. For this crafty midsize cat, the designers specified inverted bows to stretch the waterline, and extended the coach roof well aft, where it serves as a hard Bimini over the shaded cockpit—a lovely space for a happy crew. 

catamarans-fountaine-pajot.com

Fountaine Pajot Samana 59 

It’s easy to identify the signature feature of the French cat builder’s fresh new flagship: It’s the breathtaking flybridge at the center of it all, which the company notes is the largest in its class. But that’s just the beginning of the innovations. Take, for example, the saloon. Would you prefer the Lounge layout, with the galley down, or the Classic, with galley up? Choices, choices!

Grand Soleil 42 LC

It’s a grand year for imports, and that includes a pair of new offerings from Italian builder Grand Soleil. The 42 LC is available in two versions: standard or sport. The former features a carbon arch over the cockpit to clear the area of a mainsheet traveler; the sportier option has a cockpit laid out for racing and cruising. Below, there’s a choice of two or three staterooms. 

grandsoleil.net

Grand Soleil GS 44

Make no mistake about it: The GS 44 is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Like the 42 LC, there is a choice between two versions—in this case, race and performance. The former, a Grand Prix racing machine, needs no explanation. The latter, perhaps obviously, is focused on performance cruising, with a deck layout optimized for smooth shorthanded cruising. 

Hallberg-Rassy 50 

Somehow, designer ­Germán Frers and ­builder Hallberg-Rassy have found a way to launch a thoroughly modern center-cockpit sailboat that still has the look and feel of the HR family of bluewater cruisers. The 50-footer includes a walk-in engine room, twin rudders, tons of storage space, and an in-mast furling carbon-fiber rig and versatile sail plan.

hallberg-rassy.com

Hallberg-Rassy 400

Longtime Swedish ­builder Hallberg-Rassy has just launched a sporty-looking 40-footer, designed by Germán Frers. The HR 400 features a sizable aft cockpit, twin wheels and rudders, and a wide ­array of choices, ­including slightly overlapping genoa or self-tacking jib, one or two heads, and a two- or three-cabin layout down below. 

HH Catamarans is jumping into green sailing with its in-house-­designed HH44. The carbon-fiber cat’s ­par­allel hybrid system features robust solar power and lithium batteries to fuel a pair of electric motors, plus twin 30 hp diesels for conventional motoring. Add solid performance under sail, and the horizon just got a lot more distant.

hhcatamarans.com

Hylas says its new Bill Dixon-designed 57 represents a “new era,” and it’s hard to argue. Twin wheels and rudders ensure an easy, precise helm. A light, cored hull promotes both notable strength and superb insulation. A solent rig with a pair of headsails lets you shift gears in shifty breeze. It’s designed to be sailed by a couple, and with three or four cabins, the open ocean awaits.

hylasyachts.com

Italia 14.98

With the Italia 14.98, you have options. Keep it simple with a self-­tacking jib, electric  Rewind winches, and luxury Bellissima interior. Or spice it up for ORC-style racing with a ­carbon spar and mast jack, split backstay, six-winch cockpit layout, asymmetrical kites and bowsprit, and the weight-conscious Fouriserie finish down below.

italiayachts.com

J/Boats J/45

The team at J/Boats ­certainly knows a ton about performance cruising, and with their new 45-footer, they’re taking their program to the next level. The carbon, double-spreader fractional rig means business. The SCRIMP resin-infused molding process for the foam-cored hull and deck translates to one strong, sleek yacht, ready for oceanic adventures.

J/Boats J/9

Billed as an offshore daysailer, the crew at J/Boats asks, “Is this the most comfortable cockpit ever?” On this smashing 28-footer, it just might be. The J/9 is simplicity personified; hoist the main and unroll the jib, and you’re instantly flying. That cockpit has four comfy corner seats and a perfect swim platform. And there are berths below for coastal cruising.

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 380

Just like its larger sisterships (the Sun Odyssey 410, 440 and 490), the latest model in the growing Sun Odyssey range, the 380, is complete with the innovative, award-winning walk-around deck, which has proved to be a revelation. Naval architect Marc Lombard is once again responsible for the hull design, so you know the ride will be fast and comfy. 

jeanneauamerica.com

Jeanneau Yachts 60

Get this: The latest, perhaps greatest, addition to the Jeanneau line is available in 19(!) possible interior configurations. All of them fit within a spacious package designed by the legendary Philippe Briand, with features including an inverted bow, a dedicated hull chine, an integral bowsprit, an elevated sheerline and walk-around side decks, to make the going easy.

Lagoon Sixty 5

A terrific successor to Lagoon’s highly successful 620 model, the new Sixty 5 has taken the flybridge concept, literally and figuratively, to a new level. Accessed via a wide, safe stairway, the bridge has not one but two helm stations for maximum visibility when underway. A rigid overhead Bimini is fitted with a glass window to see the set of the sails. A wet bar? Of course!

cata-lagoon.com

LM 46 performance cruiser

Not many builders are knocking out wood performance cruisers these days. But not many builders enjoy the stellar reputation of Maine’s Lyman-Morse yard. Designed by Kiwi Kevin Dibley, the cold-molded 46-footer is fashioned of Douglas fir and western red cedar, and it is spectacular. Double headsails and twin wheels make it a joy to drive under sail. 

lymanmorse.com

The newest member of the Neel family of cruising trimarans is the 43, and while it might be the smallest yacht in the lineup, it’s big on performance. Designed by Marc Lombard, it continues with the Neel tradition of being fast and safe, and easily operable by a shorthanded crew. The helm station, to starboard, has a triple seat for comfort and commanding views.

neel-trimarans.com

With its new 50 footer, Oyster, in collaboration with Humphreys Yacht Design, has shifted gears to focus on couples and other shorthanded crews headed for bluewater adventures. An in-mast furling main and electric winches are standard, 

as are twin wheels in the cockpit, located a bit forward on the clutter-free deck. The 495 features three cabins and creature comforts aplenty.

oysteryachts.com

Built in Croatia to exceedingly high standards with vacuum infusion and vinylester resin, the Salona 46 is strong, stiff and reliable. Like every Salona, those traits are reinforced with an internal steel frame that anchors the keel and mast. An electric winch hoists the main, which drops into a sweet stack pack when the day is done. A fractional rig enhances sailhandling.

salonayachts.com

When Tartan’s estimable naval architect Tim Jackett sat down to draw the next addition to the line, he had something substantial in mind. But when the opportunity arose to build a fleet of tidy craft for instruction, club racing and even adaptive sailing, he tacked in a different direction, and presto: the 245. Pretty and peppy, and of course well-built, it’s fun and alluring.

tartanyachts.com

South Africa’s Vision Yachts has launched a 44-foot cat that’s designed to keep things simple for owners or charterers. A raised helm station ensures good visibility underway and when docking, while a self-tacking jib takes the effort out sailhandling. Among the notable ­features are side doors in each transom for better access from a dock.

visionyachts.com

Voyage 590 

Voyage, a South African builder, has been crafting oceangoing cats since 1994. Voyage, the Caribbean charter ­company, maintains a fleet of those same boats, including the new 590, which can ­accommodate up to 14 guests on a sun-splashed holiday. The boat features an open floor plan, with multiple spaces to relax, ­including a flybridge.

voyageyachts.com

X-Yachts X5 6

The X-Yachts X range of ­performance cruising sailboats just got a big new addition with the launch of the flagship X5 6 , a vessel as sleek-looking on deck, with its twin wheels and solent rig, as it is luxurious below. Check out the considerable variety of options by clicking through the X5 6 configurator tool online. Warning: It can lead to serious dreaming. 

x-yachts.com

• More: catamaran , multihull , new sailboats , print oct 2021 , Sailboats
• More Sailboats

Sailboat Review: Tartan 455

Meet the Bali 5.8

Celebrating a Classic

New to the Fleet: Italia Yachts 12.98

Bitter End Expands Watersports Program

Miracle in a Bowl

Cole Brauer Completes the Global Solo Challenge

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Email Newsletters
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

• Articles and Guides

Best Catamaran Brands: Exploring the Multihull World

5th dec 2023 by john burnham / samantha wilson.

In the past 20 years, the catamaran segment has had a big make-over and expanded. These days, center console cats compete with monohulls as fishing and inshore power boats, and both sailing and motor cats cruise long distances, offering both large interiors and ample deck space, plus stability and safety. Whether you’re fishing closer to shore or cruising longer distances, catamarans are no longer seen as the less capable cousins. Some of the top brands in the sector have been driving the innovation for decades, but hot on their heels are daring and exciting newcomers who are pushing the boundaries. There are many excellent brands to choose from, and these are just a few of our favorites;

Leopard 50. Leopard Catamarans photo.

Best Catamaran Fishing Boats

Invincible boats.

Power cats used specifically for fishing are big business as more people realize the huge speed and stability benefits they offer compared to their monohull counterparts. Invincible have been instrumental in the popularity boom with their excellent range of 33- to 46-foot center console fishing power cats. With cruising speeds of 50 mph (and as much as 70 mph), as well as a suite of advanced livewell systems and accessories, they are one of the industry leaders in this category.  Invincible boats for sale

Freeman Boatworks

Another major player in the power cat fishing sector are Freeman, whose 28- to 47-foot range of seriously hardy fishing cats offer incredible performance and speed (they can cruise at 80 mph) as well as huge fuel capacity and massive livewells. This means they’re perfectly equipped for offshore fishing adventures thanks to their four 450hp outboard engines and extremely comfortable ride even in rough sea conditions.  Freeman boats for sale

Discover more of the Best Fishing Catamaran Brands

Freeman 28. Freeman Boatworks photo.

Best Power Catamaran Brands

Leveraging more than 30 years of building sailing catamarans, South African builders Robertson & Caine, with naval architect Simonis Voogd, has created today's range of Leopard power cruising cats, among the most highly regarded power cats on the market. The success of their seaworthy line of power cats over the last 10 years has included a 2022 International Best of Boats Award to the Leopard 46 Powercat and a Multihull of the Year award to the Leopard 53 Powercat. One of the smallest ocean-going motor cats is there new 40, which has been nominated as a European Yacht of the Year. Each model offers a spacious flybridge, modern and luxurious styling, and an impressive use of space, and even the 40 sleeps six in three private cabins.  Leopard boats for sale

Aquila Power Catamarans

Power cat specialists Aquila are relative newcomers but have been taking the sector by storm with the variety and scope of their innovative models. Whether its fuel efficiency and stable cruising you’re after for covering long distances, the capability of reaching offshore fishing grounds, or sporty, coastal and day boating that’s on your mind, Aquila has a boat worth looking at. Their offshore, sport, and yacht lines run from pocket-sized 28-foot Molokai fishing cat, to the 70-foot flagship superyacht. In between, we find models such as Aquila 54 Yacht Power Catamaran designed to transport you to every corner of the globe.  Aquila boats for sale

Aquila 47 Molokai. Aquila photo. 

Best Bluewater Catamaran Brands

Fountaine pajot.

Long gone are the days when catamarans were purely coastal day sailers. Today, a whole new breed of boat is gaining huge popularity with bluewater and round the world sailors looking for more space and more stability than a monohull can ever offer (see our article on Catamarans vs Monohulls ). Fountaine Pajot have been industry leaders in this sector for 40 years, remaining one step ahead of the game with their sailing and now power cats. While they offer an 80-foot superyacht, it’s their 40-foot Isla, the smallest in the range, which is their flagship, showing their dedication to creating strong, safe, durable, and family-friendly boats.  Fountaine Pajot boats for sale

For those looking to buy a high-performance, safe, and incredibly spacious bluewater catamaran that can be handled by two people, the French Outremer brand should definitely be considered. The models feature daggerboards, unlike many cruising catamarans, and the result is superior upwind performance that can help you cover long distances much faster. The brand’s five models currently range from 45 to 55 feet, and in 2022, the Outremer 55 won both a European Yacht of the Year award and Multihull of the Year at the International Multihull Show. Whether you want an eco-yacht with electric power, or a larger family-friendly yacht complete with four full-sized cabins, Outremer has a lot to offer.  Outremer boats for sale

Outremer 4.zero. Outremer photo.

Best Sailing Catamaran Brands

Sailing purists often lament that sailing a catamaran isn’t true sailing, but these days there is much to argue in that statement. Balance is a relatively new brand, now building a range of beautiful multihull sailing boats, and earning recognition for their efforts—both Sailing World Magazine and Cruising World Magazine’s Boat of the Year Awards in 2022. Their designers, who come from racing backgrounds, have found the right point between a high-performance sailing vessel built with higher-tech materials and a practical, easy-to-handle boat that can be sailed across the oceans by a couple.  Balance boats for sale

Arguably one of the most famous names in the catamaran world, Lagoon was among the first to build practical, comfortable sailing catamarans and became the most popular brand worldwide. The brand has long been one of the top choices of catamaran charter companies the world over thanks to its spacious, practical, safe models. The boats are renowned for their ease of handling and a high level of comfort and luxury. The current model range of sailing cats starts at 40 feet and goes all the way up to 77 feet, while Lagoon power cats go a step farther, to 80 feet.  Lagoon boats for sale

Lagoon 46. Lagoon photo.

Best Cruising Catamaran Brands

Whether cruising coastally or traversing great oceans, the capable, comfortable, meticulously crafted sailing cats by Antares are up there with the best of the best. Currently, the boutique brand builds six of its 44-foot models annually at their factory in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The creation of Canadian designer Ted Clements, the 44 has long-term living in mind, focusing on interior space (there’s even an industry-leading 6.75 feet of headroom in the master cabin), as well as long-term sustainability. A hybrid version is available that carries electric motors, a hydrogenerator and extensive solar panels.  Antares boats for sale

Built in Cape Town, South Africa, Xquisite catamarans are another relative newcomer making waves since their launch in 2014, recently earning awards from Cruising World and Sail magazines for the X5 Plus, a 54-footer. With a range of luxury power and sailing catamarans, unique styling, high performance, and emphasis on comfort make them very competitive in the cruising cat category. From their trailerable pocket-sized 30 SportCat sailing catamaran, to their Sixty Solar Sail and Sixty Solar Motor (using all green energy), as well as their two power cats, it’s a diverse and innovative range.  Xquisite boats for sale

Discover more of the Best Cruising Catamarans . 

Xquisite Sixty Solar Sail. Xquisite photo. 

Best Liveaboard Catamaran

Bali catamarans.

Catamarans offer twice as much interior space as a monohull of the same length, making almost all of them ideal liveaboards. If you’re looking for modern styling in the interior, you’d do well to start with one of the 38- to 54-foot models offered by BALI. Utilizing an open-space concept, a solid forward deck with built-in comforts, and the unique BALI doors that open the main saloon to the world outside in good weather, BALI Catamarans put an emphasis on liveaboard comfort, and even their models under 44 feet offer impressive amounts of space. Produced in France, by the well-known Catana shipyard, the brand has small-scale production ensuring each boat is of the highest quality.  BALI boats for sale

HH Catamarans

Relative newcomers to the catamaran world, HH launched in 2012 as a performance catamaran brand and is now giving some of the bigger brands a run for their money. Working exclusively with the successful US design firm of Morelli & Melvin and building at its own factory in Xiamen, China, the HH range now encompasses eight models between 44 and 88 feet in length. Hulls, decks and structures are very high-tech—100-percent carbon using infused epoxy resin. These semi-custom boats allow you to choose everything down to the layout of saloon and galley (as well as the helm positions) ensuring you have the perfect spaces for long-term living. With eco-credentials, elegant styling, and lightning speed, HH are collecting awards left, right, and center.  HH boats for sale

HH 55. HH Catamarans photo. 

Best Small Catamaran Brands

Nautitech are one of the top names in the industry and their catamarans, built in France, are well-designed for both coastal cruising and bluewater sailing. Their range of small sailing catamarans—the 40 Open, 44 Open, and 48 Open—offer a good balance of performance, luxury, space, and safety, and as the name “Open” indicates, the main saloon can be opened wide to integrate saloon and cockpit spaces. Owned by Bavaria Yachts since 2014, Nautitech uses quality materials ensuring their boats, while smaller than many other brands, are equipped for long-distance adventures.  Nautitech boats for sale

Built in Australia, Seawind catamarans come in five models from 38 to 45 feet long (plus a 52-footer) and demonstrate lively performance in keeping with their relatively lighter weight and use of modest-sized diesel sail drives or outboard engines. The well-engineered boats are designed for those who wish to sail their own boats and have easy access to all control lines from the cockpit, while steering from helm stations either to port or start, well-protected from the elements. The brand has evolved over the years since its founding in 1982 but continues to produce according to its mission “innovative design, quality of finish, outstanding performance and sea-handling ability…”. Seawind boats for sale

Nautitech range. Nautitech photo. 

Best Catamaran Brands for the Money

Catana are not inexpensive catamarans—in fact they are semi-custom in a production sense—and they’re not intended to be your typical series-built white, fiberglass model. It’s the performance and style that you get for your money that has put them on our best-value list. Part of the BALI Group, Catana has a long history of building high-performance, strong, capable, and spacious cats with daggerboards for upwind performance. Most recent models are 49 and 53 feet long, built with carbon-infusion hull construction. The small-scale of production means every vessel is constructed to top quality, meaning you’re getting exactly what you want  for your money.  Catana boats for sale

Beneteau’s Excess range is a recent introduction that offers good- performing, cruising catamarans at good value for the price, from the largest boatbuilder in the world. Built by CNB/Lagoon in France using their long-standing catamaran know-how, the Excess line of four models—37 to 49 feet—are lively performers without the price tag and complexity of other high-tech, high-performance sailing cats. Nonetheless, Excess lead designer Bruno Belmont has managed to pack a huge amount of features into even their smallest models, meaning you’re getting many of the features of a larger boat for a considerably lower price tag.  Beneteau boats for sale

Beneteau Excess 11. Beneteau photo.

Best Luxury Catamaran Brands

Described by one reviewer as the “Tesla of sailboats”, Kinetic’s range of luxurious catamarans are in a league of their own, built without compromise. In light winds, Kinetic cats can sail faster than wind speed. Founded in 2018, Kinetic catamarans are seriously high-quality, high-performing cruisers crafted in South Africa of all-carbon and infused epoxy resin construction to innovative designs by Simonis Voogd. The fact that they’re semi-custom allows owners to choose everything from the layout, to the rig, as well as the interior furnishings, fixtures, and equipment. While it probably doesn’t come as a surprise, these are some of the most expensive cats on the market by size, but the quality and build is flawless.  Kinetic official website

Sunreef Yachts

Sunreef’s range of exquisite custom-built sail and motor catamarans see them placed well into the superyacht category, with their luxury models ranging from 60 to 88 feet for power cats and 50 to 80 feet for their “smaller” sailing range. Established in Poland, Sunreef—and their founder and president Francis Lapp—were pioneers in the luxury catamaran sector, and remain ahead of the game today with consistent innovation and dedication to eco yachts including green propulsion, renewable energy, and sustainable finishing materials.  Sunreef boats for sale

Sunreef Eco Yachts 80 Sunreef Power. Sunreef Yachts Eco photo. 

Written By: John Burnham / Samantha Wilson

John Burnham is a marine ​editor and writer with ​decades of journalism experience as ​Chief Editor of​ boats.com,​ Sailing World, Cruising World, and ​other boating websites. As a competitive sailor, he has led teams to world and national titles in the International One-Design, Shields, and other classes. Based in Newport, Rhode Island, John is a​ PCC leadership coach, a member of the ​America’s Cup Hall of Fame Selection Committee​, and a ​past board member of Sail America and US Sailing. For more, see  johnsburnham.com .

Samantha Wilson has spent her entire life on and around boats, from tiny sailing dinghies all the way up to superyachts. She writes for many boating and yachting publications, top charter agencies, and some of the largest travel businesses in the industry, combining her knowledge and passion of boating, travel and writing to create topical, useful and engaging content.

More from: John Burnham / Samantha Wilson

Related Articles and Guides

4th Mar 2024

The Best Flats Boats Brands, Special Boats for Skinny Waters

21st Feb 2024

Best Lake Boat Brands for Fishing, Cruising, and Watersports

15th Feb 2024

Best Aluminum Fishing Boat Brands: Tougher, Lighter and More Affordable

2nd Feb 2024

Aluminum vs Fiberglass Boats: Which is Best and Why?

• Explore Rightboat
• Boats for Sale
• Boating Articles
• Buyers Guide
• About RightBoat
• Sell Your Boat
• Boat Selling Advice

Enter your email to keep up to date with the latest news

Join for free

Sign up now for free and discover how easy it is to keep up to date with THE latest boats for sale. Find your right boat, and tailor your voyage to finding your next boat.

Benefits of becoming a member:

• Set up tailored alerts
• Personalise your experience
• Download full specifications and broker details
• Keep tabs on your favourite boats

Are you a broker? Join as a Broker

Rightboat - join for free.

Do you have an account already? Login

Save this search

Save your search and receive new boats in your email..

You can unsubscribe from your alerts whenever you like. By pressing the button you accept the Legal Terms and conditions

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

4 best bluewater cruisers of 2022

• Toby Hodges
• March 28, 2022

Thinking of heading off on a world-girdling cruise or just want to cross oceans in style? Here's the best bluewater cruisers of 2022 that will help you se off on a new life at sea

The results are in from the European Yacht of the Year Awards as the judges have announced their top four bluewater cruisers of 2022.

The European Yacht of the Year awards are well regarded as the definitive yacht awards in the world a variety of categories are judged by the panel from best luxury cruisers , to best family cruisers to performance yachts .

But for those looking to liveaboard their yacht, making plans to do some ocean crossings, or looking to undertake some long distance passage making, the best bluewater cruisers will likely be the category that draws the eye.

There were a brilliantly diverse and interesting collection of new designs for this category – a celebration of French ingenuity. For those planning long term cruising, would you choose a robust aluminium build for higher latitudes sailing, shoal draught to tuck into the shallows (a mix of both?), sustainable living or reliable comfort, or the ability to log sustained high speeds to outrun weather systems? This selection gives you all those choices and more.

Best bluewater cruisers of 2022

The new flagship Allures 51.9, for example, is a no-nonsense adventure cruising design built and finished to a high standard. It retains Allures’ niche of using aluminium hulls with glassfibre decks and superstructures, which, the yard maintains, gives the optimum combination of least maintenance and less weight higher up. Priorities for this design were a full beam aft cabin and a spacious, long cockpit. Both are excellent, with the latter, at 6m long, offering formidable social, sailing and aft deck zones.

It likes some breeze to come to life on the wheel, but I appreciate that it’s designed to take up to five tonnes payload. And I like the ease with which you can change gears using the furling headsails and the positioning of the powerful Andersen winches inboard. The arch is standard and comes with a textile sprayhood or hard bimini.

Below decks you’ll find abundant headroom and natural light, a deep U-shape galley and cavernous stowage. For those who like the layout of the Amel 50 but would prefer aluminium or shoal draught, look no further.

Allures 51.9 price: €766,000

The Ovni 370 is another cunning new aluminum centreboard offering, a true deck saloon cruiser for two. The designers say the biggest challenge was to create a Category A ocean going yacht at this size with a lifting keel, hence the hull had to be very stable.

Enjoyable to helm, it has a practical, deep cockpit behind a large sprayhood, which can link to the bimini on the arch. Many of its most appealing features lie in the bright, light, contemporary, clever, voluminous interior, which has good stowage and tankage allocation. There’s also a practical navstation, a large workroom and a vast separate shower. I particularly like the convertible saloom, which can double as a large secure daybed or pilot berth.

Potentially the least expensive Category A lift keel boat available, the Ovni will get you dreaming of remote places again.

Ovni 370 price: €282,080

There’s no shortage of spirit in the Windelo 50. We gave this a sustainability award after it’s founders spent two years researching environmentally-friendly composite materials, developing an eco-composite of basalt fibre and recycled PET foam so it could build boats that halve the environmental impact of standard glassfibre yachts.

The Windelo 50 is an intriguing package – from the styling, modular interior and novel layout to the solar field on the roof and the standard electric propulsion, it is completely fresh.

Windelo 50 price: €795,000

Best bluewater cruiser of 2022 – Outremer 55

I would argue that this is the most successful new production yacht on the market. Well over 50 have already sold (an equipped model typically costs €1.6m) – and I can understand why. After all, were money no object, I had this design earmarked as the new yacht I would most likely choose for a world trip.

Indeed 55 number one Sanya, was fully equipped for a family’s world cruise, and left during our stay for the Grand Large Odyssey tour. Whereas we sailed Magic Kili, which was tricked up with performance options, including foam-cored deckheads and supports, carbon crossbeam and bulkheads, and synthetic rigging.

At rest, these are enticing space ships. Taking one out to sea is another matter though. These are speed machines with the size, scale and loads to be rightly weary of. Last month Nikki Henderson wrote a feature for us about how to manage a new breed of performance cruising cats just like this and how she coaches new owners. I could not think of wiser money spent for those who do not have ample multihull sailing experience.

Under sail, the most fun was obviously reserved for the reaching leg under asymmetric, where we clocked between 11-16 knots in 15-16 knots wind. But it was the stability and of those sustained low teen speeds which really hit home  – passagemaking where you really cover miles.

Key features include the swing helms, which give you views from outboard, over the coachroof or from a protected position in the cockpit through the coachroof windows, and the vast island in the galley, which is key to an open plan main living area. It helps provide cavernous stowage and acts as the heart of the entertaining space as it would in a modern home. As Danish judge Morten Brandt-Rasmussen comments: “Apart from being the TGV of ocean passages the boat offers the most spacious, open and best integration of the cockpit and salon areas in the market.”

Outremer has done a top job in packing in the creature comforts, stowage space and payload capacity, while keeping it light enough to eat miles. Although a lot to absorb and handle, the 55 offers a formidable blend of speed and luxury cruising.

Outremer 55 price: €1.35m

Best luxury yacht: 7 ultimate luxury cruisers you can buy

The definition of the best luxury yacht will differ according to personal opinion and from boat to boat. This year’s…

Best yacht 2023: European yacht of the year winners

The European Yacht of the Year programme is a highlight of my year as it gives us  jury members the…

Best family yacht: our pick of the best yachts for sailing with the family

There are many categories in the European Yacht of the Year awards, from the best luxury yachts to performance yachts. But some of…

Best performance yachts: Our pick of the top options

The European Yacht of the Year awards is the most thorough and impartial awards programme – the winners here are…

If you enjoyed this….

Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams. Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Best yachts of 2022: launches and announcements

• Sam Fortescue
• May 13, 2022

While COVID-19 might have cancelled boat shows, there are plenty of new launches to desire. Sam Fortescue rounds up the best yachts of 2022 so far

The Contest 49CS is billed as an aft cockpit boat. Credit: Contest Yachts

The best yachts of 2022 so far.

The COVID-19 pandemic has meant that for two years, new boat launches have been few and far between.

But now boat builders are back in force and have recently announced a range of new launches from 30ft yachts for coastal and offshore sailing to fast cruisers and catamarans which are being billed as sustainable.

Sam Fortescue picks his favourites.

Garcia Exploration 60

True to brand, the 60 is a real expedition yacht

Nearing the end of a long build in Normandy, the flagship of Garcia’s Exploration range should be in the water late in the spring.

Built in gleaming aluminium, this is a profoundly capable centreboard explorer, with a price tag to match.

Jimmy Cornell provided input and profile for the first in this range, a 45-footer.

The go-anywhere yacht is luxurious below

A raised saloon with 270º views, well protected doghouse cockpit, aft gantry and cutter rig were integral features of this go-anywhere yacht.

The Exploration 60 takes the concept to a more luxurious conclusion. Isabelle Racoupeau’s interior makes the most of the vast full-beam cabin aft, with elegant cabinetry and neutral upholstery.

There’s also an option for a forward owner cabin with walk-in dressing room. Either way, there is room for a dedicated technical space – a workshop or office, perhaps.

Specifications

Price: TBC LOA: 18.27m (59ft 11in) LWL: 16.77m (55ft) Cabins: 2-3 Beam: 5.40m (17ft 9in) Draught: 1.50-3.65m (4ft 11in-12ft) Displacement: 35,000kg (77,161Lb) Contact: Garcia Yachts Tel: +33 2 33 43 22 20 Website: www.garciaychts.com

X-Yachts X56

A reaching sail can be set from the integral bowsprit

Though first launched in 2021, we haven’t had a chance to see much of the latest design from X-Yachts.

The X56 is the brand’s flagship, designed for serious cruising.

Layup is with glass and epoxy resin, vacuum-infused and cured for 24 hours at high temperatures for optimum stiffness and minimum weight.

A light and powerful hull and rig

Rod rigging is standard, and there’s the option of a carbon mast as well as a roller-furling boom.

A fixed bowsprit provides room for a reaching sail on a second headstay and a gennaker.

The interior is all delightfully clean Scandi lines in a choice of oak or teak, as you’d hope, although there are lots of other options here for the finish.

Choose from an open or closed galley and enjoy the large chart table and flexible aft cabins.

Price: £1,063,900 ex-VAT LOA: 16.58m (54ft 5in) LWL: 14.94m (49ft) Cabins: 4 Beam: 4.89m (16 ft1in) Draught: 2.50-3.30m (8ft 2in-10ft 10in) Displacement: 18,800kg (41,446Lbs) Contact: X-Yachts GB Tel: +44 (0)23 8045 3377 Website: www.x-yachts.com

Contest 49CS

The high-quality build uses one-shot vacuum infusion. Credit: Contest Yachts

The new 49CS is only the second in the range to depart from Contest’s tried-and-tested centre cockpit design – following its entry-level 42-footer.

Billed as an aft cockpit boat, the 49CS is really more of a hybrid design, with a long aft deck but sheltered helm stations well in board and amazing height in the aft cabins below.

Contest yachts are known for their high-quality build, and the 49CS is no exception, using one-shot vacuum infusion.

At more than 20 tonnes it is not a light boat, but it would make an excellent base for a round-the-world trip, with its forward cockpit and tender garage in the transom.

There is exception headroom below deck. Credit: Contest Yachts

Being a Dutch-built yacht, headroom is generous, and the interior styling by Wetzel Brown has a sophisticated feel to it, with lots of textures, light coloured woods and neutral upholstery.

The saloon is semi-raised under the deckhouse, giving exterior views from the dining table.

A master cabin fills the forward third of the boat, and there are two double or twin cabins aft.

The galley lies down some steps on the port side.

Contest is unique in that its boats are certified by Lloyd’s Register.

Price: €1,198,000 ex-VAT LOA: 15.20m (49ft 10in) Cabins: 3 Beam: 4.90m (16 ft1in) Draught: 2.35m (7ft 9in) Displacement: 21,500kg (47,399Lbs) Contact: Contest Yachts Tel: +31 227 543 644 Website: www.contestyachts.com

Best new yachts under £500,000

The Pointer 30 has a large sailplan totalling 46m2. Credit: Pointer Yachts

Niche Dutch shipyard Jachtwerf Heeg is expanding its successful Pointer range with the launch of a new 30-footer.

It is the largest Pointer to date, and the largest for the yard, which has specialised for more than 60 years in building small open boats and race boats for local conditions in GRP . The Pointer brand launched in 2014.

The boat has modern hull lines with a plumb bow, a bowsprit and decent interior space.

It has been designed for coastal and offshore sailing, with a large sailplan totalling 46m2 upwind and a shallow draught.

The options list includes all the usual cruising kit. Credit: Pointer Yachts

There is room for eight in the cockpit, but the boat is also designed for singlehanded sailing . Choose between a tiller or a wheel on a tilting pedestal.

There is a bathing platform aft, a comfy saloon, a long bench and a ‘coffee bar’.

It has a fresh-water system, a fridge and a gas hob.

There is a separate heads and a V-berth in the focsle, plus two quarter berths off the saloon.

Price: from €150,000 inc VAT and sails LOA: 9.20m (30ft 2in) Cabins: 1 (4 berths) Beam: 2.90m (9ft 6in) Draught: 1.25m/1.75m (4ft 1in/5ft 9in) Displacement: 2,400kg (5,291Lb) Contact: Jachtwerf Heeg Tel: +31 (0) 515 44 22 37 Website: www.jachtwerf-heeg.nl

With a low displacement for her size, the E6 will be very interactive when sailing. Credit: Elan

Hull one of this new 50ft model has just been launched in the yard’s home waters of the Slovenian Adriatic.

She is the largest of the performance cruising E-line, with a new hull designed by Rob Humphreys.

His design includes an aft chine for extra volume and stability.

‘She will have a real turn of speed in comparison to the GT6, even though they share some similar initial characteristics,’ says UK dealer Tim Norris at Boatpoint.

‘The E6 will have a low displacement for her size, so will be interactive when sailing. She has been set up like all Elans for relatively easy shorthanded sailing .’

Twin rudders aft contribute to her excellent directional stability. Credit: Elan

The lay-up uses e-Glass and vinylester, vacuum-infused for strength and light weight.

There is a fixed bowsprit for launching big sails and twin rudders aft for optimum efficiency on the heel.

It all combines to reduce the tendency to broach and pitch while giving excellent directional stability.

Below deck, Pininfarina has tried to create an enticing but practical interior, which Norris describes as ‘a little more minimalist compared the GT6, with a fairly traditional layout’.

The styling is in natural oak veneer with neutral grey upholstery.

There is the choice of three or four cabins – two doubles aft and a master cabin with a semi-island bed in the focsle, or a V-berth forward and bunks instead of storage space.

There is a decent L-shaped galley amidships.

Price: £460,000 inc VAT LOA: 15.30m (50 ft 2in) LWL: 13.68m (44ft 11in) Cabins: 3-4 Beam: 4.49m (14ft 9in) Draught: 2.80m (9ft 2in) Displacement: 11,250kg (24,802Lb) Contact: Boatpoint Hamble Tel: +44 2382 120 000 Website: www.boatpoint.co.uk

The 1380 will be RM’s largest cruiser. Credit: RM

France’s RM famously builds its yachts in plywood and epoxy, and claims that the new 1380 will be the largest such cruiser ever built.

The hull is designed by Marc Lombard, with racy lines and blue-water capabilities.

She should be a fast yacht when she hits the water, with a rig that allows a downwind sail and a second headstay, thanks to the long bowsprit.

The boat has twin rudders and underwater choices including bilge keels and a high-performance lifting keel.

The transom conceals a bathing platform. Credit: RM

Below, the interior is a matter of choice, but typically minimal.

Various configurations are possible, but the Owner’s version puts a large cabin in the forepeak.

There are two heads/shower rooms and a semi-horseshoe galley to port.

The first hull is due to be built in April 2022.

Price: €357,000 ex-VAT LOA: 13.30m (43ft 8in) LWL: 12.44m (40ft 10in) Cabins: 2-4 Beam: 4.53m (14ft 10in) Draught: 1.45m-3.35m (4ft 9in/11ft) Displacement: 9,800kg (21,605Lb) Contact: Parkstone Bay Yachts Tel: +44 (0)1202 724917 Website: www.parkstonebayyachts.co.uk

Stiff, light and fast, but built for offshore rather than round the cans

J/Boats are renowned as the staple of many club racing circuits, but the latest launch is a different beast altogether – a 45ft blue-water cruiser with all the trimmings.

Built in e-Glass and vinylester sandwich construction, it is a staggeringly light hull with a high ballast ratio that promises stiff handling in heavy seas.

With a decent spread of canvas, the J/45 is reported to sail well in as little as 6 knots of breeze.

J Boats is keen to underline how the rig is set up for easy tuning and reefing , so that the same sail combination is also perfectly manageable in 20 knots, with no sail change required.

More comfort than other J-Boats

I suspect this is something most blue-water sailors would expect.

However, there is no doubt this is a capable boat, with lots of handy options, including a bathing platform.

The elegant interior is designed by Isabelle Racoupeau with three choices of joinery: white oak, teak or walnut.

You can choose to convert the third cabin aft into a technical storage space accessed through the heads and from on deck.

Price: £414,888 ex-VAT LOA: 13.85m (45ft 5in) LWL: 12.56m (41ft 2in) Cabins: 2-3 Beam: 4.25m (13ft 11in) Draught: 2.30m (7ft 7in) Displacement: 9,900kg (21,825Lb) Contact: Key Yachting Tel: +44 (0)23 8045 5669 Website: www.keyyachting.com

Continues below…

Boat building: what will yachts be made from in the future?

Sam Fortescue shines a light on boat building jargon and looks into a future devoid of fibreglass

Monohull or multihull: which is best for blue water?

As former editor of Yachting World, David Glenn has plenty of experience of both monohull and multihull cruising. Here he…

Dufour 32 – impressive new smaller yacht

Dufour is one of the few yards that has maintained a constant presence at the smaller end of the new…

The most boat for your money? Bavaria C38 yacht test

Competition is hot for high-volume cruisers, but have Bavaria built a boat that is fun to sail as well as…

Best new catamarans in 2022

The XCS 14 displays the brand’s key features such as a low boom and a forward-stepped mast. Credit: Excess Catamarans

Groupe Beneteau continues to expand its Excess catamaran venture, aimed at younger owners who want a fun connection to the water, without a sky-high price tag.

VPLP has drawn on its ocean racing experience, designing asymmetric hulls, foam-sandwich hull layup and higher bridgedeck clearance to reduce slamming.

A towering square-topped main and an overlapping genoa round out a fairly generous 118m2 of upwind sail area, although bear in mind this is a heavy boat.

Helm stations are pushed out to the quarters at deck level. Credit: Excess Catamarans

Semi-island double berths at the aft end of each hull give a touch of luxury, and the whole starboard hull can be devoted to the owner, with a walk-in dressing room in the bow.

Simple but attractive interior styling has been well executed by Nauta.

Price: TBC LOA: 13.34m (43ft 9in) Cabins: 3-4 Beam: 7.87m (25ft 10in) Draught: 1.48m (4ft 10in) Displacement: Max 18,300kg (40,344Lb) Contact: Ancasta Tel: +44 (0)2380 450 000 Website: www.ancasta.com

Lagoon’s sustainable technology uses hemp fibre instead of glass and biosourced polyester resins. Credit: Lagoon

Due to be unveiled at the Grande Motte Multihull show from 20-24 April 2022, the Lagoon 51 is still partly shrouded in secrecy.

The shipyard has billed it as a more sustainable yacht, with better on-board circulation and ‘great fluidity’, which sounds like a byword for more open spaces.

Like all recent Lagoons, it has been designed by the multihull experts at VPLP, who had this to say about the boat: ‘We designed the Lagoon 51 as a perfect synthesis of the modernity of the shapes and the sail plan, with living space on deck and inside that is unequalled on a boat this size.’

What we can already tell from early renderings is that the flybridge uses much more space on the coachroof than the previous Lagoon 50.

This includes a C-shaped lounge with a drop-down table as well as twin sunpads.

The helm station is positioned centrally behind the mast. Credit: Lagoon

A dedicated forward cockpit gives great lounging up front, with deep sofas, a table and the option of teak underfoot.

Renderings appear to show an opening saloon window for passing supplies out to those using this space.

A new-generation interior dispenses with the mast beam down the middle of the saloon, by positioning it further forward.

Acres of glass makes this a luminous space, with an L-shaped galley to port and a raised dining area forward which benefits from the views.

Lagoon is driving for sustainability, using hemp fibre, Alpi wood and offering 3.4kW of solar panels.

She is even delivered with biodegradable cleaning products!

Price: TBC LOA: 15.35m (50ft 4in) Cabins: 3-6 Beam: 8.1m (26ft 7in) Draught: 1.38m (4ft 6in) Contact: Ancasta Tel: +44 2380 450 000 Website: www.ancasta.com

60% of the aluminium for the hull comes from recycled material. Credit: Vaan

One of a crop of new catamaran brands coming through at the moment, Vaan is distinguished by its obsessive focus on combining performance with sustainability.

Its first model, the R4, was launched before Christmas and will be on show at La Grande Motte in April 2022.

The hull is made from aluminium, up to 60% of which is sourced from recycled metal obtained from old window frames and road signs.

Vaan founder Igor Kluin is absolutely clear that this is a more sustainable option than building in non-recyclable GRP.

Decking is crafted from cork, while the modern, uncluttered interior makes use of plant-based Lyocell fabric and a leather alternative made from pineapple leaves.

Plant-based materials are used in the interior. Credit: Vaan

The exterior design is different to other cats, too. Kluin calls it a ‘cabriolet’ because there is only a narrow band of solid coachroof over the cockpit, leaving the rest open.

A fabric bimini can be quickly installed if further protection is needed, but the principle is to make this space as open as possible.

Helm stations are moved to the two well-protected quarters.

Propulsion comes from two 10kW Torqeedo electric pod drives, hooked up to either 20kWh or 40kWh of lithium-ion batteries .

Vaan claims that this is equivalent to 40hp combustion engines.

Under sail, the drives regenerate power to recharge the batteries.

Price: €429,000 ex-VAT LOA: 12.80m (42ft) LWL: 12.80m (42ft) Cabins: 2-4 Beam: 7.06m (23ft 2in) Draught: 1.35m (4ft 5in) Displacement: 10,900kg (26,235Lb) Contact: Vaan Yachts Tel: +31 (0)85 071 9999 Website: www.vaanyachts.nlv

Fountaine-Pajot 51

A larger-than-average flybridge houses the helmstation. Credit: Fountaine-Pajot

A capable, well-designed catamaran from the La Rochelle-based builder, the new 51 features a deck design that makes the interior saloon and exterior cockpit work together.

The glass panels of the rear wall of the saloon slide completely to either side, while the deck is flush, connecting the galley directly with the eight-person saloon table.

The helmstation is bulkhead-mounted, with a larger-than-ever flybridge set around it.

All the control lines return to the three winches here, for easy handling.

And the coachroof is inlaid with a generous 2kW of solar panels.

The interior saloon and exterior cockpit are designed to join seamlessly. Credit: Fountaine-Pajot

There’s also a foredeck lounge, private cabin exits and a lowering aft platform.

Configuration below is flexible, with the possibility of four to six double cabins with ensuite heads.

In the Maestro version, the entire port hull can be dedicated to the owner’s accommodation, while the double Maestro puts twin VIP cabins aft in each hull.

The navigation area lies right by the aft doors of the saloon, where it’s within easy reach of the helm.

Price: €865,311 ex-VAT LOA: 15.54m (51ft) Cabins: 4-6 Beam: 8.08m (26ft 7in) Draught: 1.3m (4ft 3in) Displacement: 18,100kg (39,903Lb) Contact: MiCats Tel: +44 (0)1489 573 059 Website: www.multihull.co.uk

Privilege Signature 650

Serious multihull luxury, for serious money

Replacing the old Series 640 catamaran, Privilege’s new Signature 650 features an all-new deck moulding and interior on a tried and tested hull shape from Marc Lombard.

The boat offers greater interior volumes, with two or three guest cabins as well as a skipper’s berth and a cavernous owner’s suite filling the space in the rostrum and the port bow.

Headroom is excellent, thanks to a higher deck moulding, which also now offers forward-facing windows in the owner’s cabin.

On the outside, this also creates a teak-decked lounge area forward of the enlarged saloon windows that is sheltered and private from the outside world.

There’s a gigantic flybridge with an enlarged C-lounge and an optional second helm station to port.

A hydraulic platform can lift a large tender

The cockpit beneath offers dining, sun beds and the option of a barbecue and fridge.

A redesigned hydraulic platform aft can raise an 800kg tender.

Affording the boat with a few extra centimetres on the rig has added 6m2 to the sail area, which now accounts for 232m2.

All the control lines are led back to the helm.

Price: €2.49m ex-VAT LOA: 21.25m (69ft 9in) Cabins: 4-5 Beam: 9.20m (30ft 2in) Draught: 1.85m (6ft 1in) Displacement: 37,000kg (81,157Lb) Contact: Inspiration Marine Tel: +44 (0)2380 457 008 Website: www.inspirationmarine.co.uk

Enjoyed reading Best yachts of 2022: boat launches and announcements?

A subscription to Yachting Monthly magazine costs around 40% less than the cover price .

Print and digital editions are available through Magazines Direct – where you can also find the latest deals .

YM is packed with information to help you get the most from your time on the water.

• Take your seamanship to the next level with tips, advice and skills from our experts
• Impartial in-depth reviews of the latest yachts and equipment
• Cruising guides to help you reach those dream destinations

Follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram.

• AROUND THE SAILING WORLD
• BOAT OF THE YEAR
• Email Newsletters
• Best Marine Electronics & Technology
• America’s Cup
• St. Petersburg
• Caribbean Championship
• Boating Safety

2022 Boat of the Year: Best Dinghy

• By Dave Reed
• December 17, 2021

Sailing World Magazine’s annual Boat of the Year tests are conducted in Annapolis, Maryland, following the US Sailboat Show. With independent judges exhaustively inspecting the boats on land and putting them through their paces on the water, this year’s fleet of new performance-sailing boats spanned from small dinghies to high-tech bluewater catamarans. Here’s the best of the best from our 2022 Boat of the Year nominees »

Skeptics be warned: The Happy Cat Hurricane is legit. This is the unanimous assessment from our Boat of the Year judging squad after sailing the surprisingly quick and nimble 16-foot inflatable catamaran in 10 knots of breeze. While it delivers exhilarating sailing, it’s much more than a recreational rubber dinghy—it’s an adventure craft, a portable sailboat, a pontoon motorboat, a lazy-river drifter, or anything you want it to be once it’s pumped and splashed.

Grabner is an Austrian manufacturer of all types of inflatable watercraft, which the company has been building since the mid-1980s. The Happy Cat Hurricane came online in 2017, and a carbon-mast version was added in 2019. The Hurricane Carbon, which the judges tested, is the company’s flagship go-fun craft, and apparently, it can’t make them fast enough.

We racers know fiberglass better than we do rubber, but Alex Caslow, of Redbeard Sailing in Baltimore (the US importer), says Grabner’s vulcanized rubber is “tire-quality” and sourced from Continental. All of the Happy Cat’s tubes, he adds, are handmade, glued and welded in Austria, producing high-quality hulls that should last at least 20 years. There’s a seven-year warranty on the hulls, he says, but should you ever need to, $2,000 is your replacement price (per hull). The all-up price for a new boat, with everything you need to go racing or gunkholing, is currently $15,000.

The magic to keeping the Happy Cat’s tubular platform stiff is the anodized aluminum frame that holds it all together. Tension cables crisscrossed beneath the trampolines provide additional stiffness in waves. The frame also serves as attachment points for the trampolines, which are clipped on rather than laced like most catamaran tramps.

The boat, Caslow says, can be assembled in roughly 40 minutes—from taken out of the storage bags to inflated and sails hoisted. Upgrading from the standard manual pump to a 12-volt air pump accelerates the process, of course.

Bags? That’s right. The entire boat and rig fit into four bags collectively small enough to transport in the average-size car trunk. This portability is its primary selling point, especially in Europe, where hundreds of owners and devotees regularly gather to rally and raid on alpine lakes and coastal enclaves. Its second selling point is that it sails as well as most fiberglass recreational catamarans.

“It definitely caught my eye when we first walked up to it,” Chuck Allen says. “The bright-red hulls, the carbon rig, all the ropes, but especially the interesting setup with the rudder and centerboard being on centerline. I’d never sailed a catamaran with a centerboard.

“The hulls are really firm—they feel just like a RIB tube, and all the aluminum framing and wires are nice quality. I was really curious how it would sail, and believe it or not, it sailed like a champ.”

Greg Stewart says his first impression was one of skepticism as well. “It seemed like it would be one of those boats that looked cool on land but would let us down, but it didn’t at all. It sailed amazingly. It tacked well enough that I didn’t have to backwind the jib, and got up to speed again quickly.”

The ability to tack it like a dinghy, Stewart says, is because of the centerboard and because the rudder is mounted in the best place possible. “What makes it steer so well is the rudder is so far aft, which gives you a nice turning moment between it and the centerboard.”

The centerboard has up/down lines that are led to the front beam and cam cleats, but there is a breaker line in case you get into shallow waters. The centerboard casing also acts as an anchor point for the dolphin striker.

The reverse “wave-piercing” bows have a lot of buoyancy down low, Stewart adds. When he was sailing upwind through chop, they “just want to lift and rise up over the wave.” If flying a hull gets a bit too unnerving, he says, a small ease on the mainsheet or a slight bear away makes the boat settle right down with a soft and pillowy landing. Stewart forgot to conduct the obligatory capsize test, but he said afterward that the boat tended to simply slip sideways if the weather hull got too high. The optional masthead float, however, would be a good choice for peace of mind, he says.

“There’s a great sensation of speed,” Powlison reports, especially with the 91-square-foot gennaker. “The Velocitek SpeedPuck that was on the boat was reading 10 to 11 knots regularly, and it wasn’t hard at all to tack or jibe either. The spinnaker clew is pretty high, and the boomless square-top mainsail (124 square feet) makes it really easy to get across the boat.”

“This boat rips,” was Allen’s final assessment. He gave it high marks all around, but what ultimately stole his favor was a browse through Grabner’s catalog, which showcased the Happy Cat’s versatility: Leave the mast in its bag, erect the optional sun awning, and slap on the outboard motor bracket to transform it into an outboard-powered exploration craft and swimming platform. Or strap on extra fore and aft trampolines, load the boat up with camping gear in dry bags, and explore new places.

“Its biggest appeal really is its portability,” Stewart says. “If you don’t have easy access to a yacht club or storage near the water, you can easily keep this in the garage or apartment without taking up much space at all. Throw it in the car and take it wherever you want.”

Assembly, Caslow says, is simple and quick once the hulls are inflated. The tubes slide into grooves in the frame, tension cables are clipped on with carabiners, the trampoline is strapped on, and the mast can be raised by one person once it’s pinned onto the ball joint.

When it’s assembled, the Hurricane Carbon is only 175 pounds, but it is still a bit unwieldy for solo ramp launching. For this particular challenge, Grabner offers flip-up “slip wheels” that mount to the aft beam and stay on the boat while sailing. With your standard big-wheeled catamaran dolly, however, it’s easy to move around and beach-launch. And once you’re underway and zipping along, crew extended on the wire and the soft bounce of the hull on your bottom, you’ll just want to keep on sailing—happy as a cat on nip.

• More: Boat of the Year , Boat of the Year 2022 , Sailboats
• More Sailboats

Nautor Swan Has A New Pocket Rocket

Pogo Launches its Latest Coastal Rocket

A Deeper Dive Into the Storm 18

2024 Boat of the Year Best Recreational Racer: Z24

Brauer Sails into Hearts, Minds and History

Anticipation and Temptation

America’s Offshore Couple

Jobson All-Star Juniors 2024: The Fast Generation

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding