In the expansive world of performance cruising boats from top European production boatyards, perhaps not surprisingly, the Italians play the game differently. In the cruiser-racer segment, when it comes to a consistent blend of refined style and ­serious sailing chops, the following brands leap immediately to mind: Grand Soleil, Italia and Solaris. Speed and grace—and racing, to various ­degrees—are clearly ­important ­attributes to Italian sailors. (And a shout-out to X-Yachts of Denmark, whose­ lineup in looks and feel is a comparable match.)

Still, I have to admit, before serving as a judge in the 2024 Boat of the Year contest, Solaris was a company that wasn’t on my personal radar. That changed soon after I sailed the Solaris 44 on an ­ideal Chesapeake Bay afternoon in a sweet 10- to 12-knot southerly. After a memorable stint driving the sleek 44-footer upwind and down, I jotted this in my notebook: “Beautiful helm. A Ferrari.”

The Solaris 44 is one among 11 models that the builder offers from 40 to 111 feet. This is a boat with an all-business profile that looks quick even parked in a slip. With its plumb bow and straight-edge walk-through transom, the long waterline is completely stretched out. A flat sheerline and low, sloped coachroof—paired with a couple of rectangular hull windows and a fixed, extended bowsprit, which accommodates a code-zero headsail that bolsters the off-wind sail area—add to the contemporary styling. 

The cockpit, with a pair of outboard helm stations coupled to a set of twin rudders, is spacious and accommodating. A full crew of racing sailors won’t worry about tripping over one another when tacking or flying a kite. The running rigging is stashed mostly below the deck, and leads to a pair of winches and clutches to port and starboard. Even the wide traveler is recessed under the cockpit sole to keep lines and clutter to a minimum. The real teak decks are awesome, though a faux composite deck is optional.

Back to that sweet sailing, which is the 44’s clear raison d’être. All of those sailhandling elements came together nicely on our test ride. Off the wind on a deep reach with the big headsail, the boat tracked along well at 8 knots, and the speedo leapt accordingly to a solid 10 knots as we headed up a few degrees and brought the breeze abeam. We then swapped the code zero for the self-tacking jib and made an easy and respectable 7.6 knots closehauled. The wheels were as light and responsive as can be, and those two rudders offered complete control. 

The inventory of 3Di North Sails was impressive. And our test boat was loaded with options: bow thruster, air conditioner, generator, and full B&G instrumentation. The standard double-spreader Seldén rig is aluminum, but owners can specify a carbon stick. The 60 hp Volvo Penta diesel (30 hp is standard, and 75 hp is available) with sail drive performed well, making better than 8 knots when ticking over at 2,400 rpm.

Vacuum-bagged construction is a straightforward laminate that employs vinylester resin matched with Airex foam core in the hull and deck. Likewise, the tabbed forward and main bulkheads are a composite sandwich. The T-shaped keel (available in deep and shallow versions of 8 feet, 5 inches and 7 feet, 10 inches, respectively) pair a cast-iron steel foil with a substantial lead ballast bulb. Obviously, this is not a boat destined to gunkhole through the Bahamas.

The floor plan belowdecks, with three staterooms and two heads, is clearly laid out to accommodate an offshore racing crew or, in cruising mode, an owner and several guests. On a distance race with a crew of 10 who are on five-person watches, there’s plenty of room for the off-watch team to crash. Cushions in the double-berth staterooms aft are split to provide a lee cloth, and two settees in the main stateroom will serve as comfortable berths. 

There’s an L-shaped galley to port at the foot of the companionway and a real navigation station (a must, in my eyes) to starboard. The owner’s stateroom, with a centerline double berth and en suite head, is forward. The light-oak furniture we saw was quite handsome. There’s nothing revolutionary in this layout, but it’s all addressed to high standards. 

Having the opportunity to trial the Solaris 44 provided one happy surprise after another. I have a soft spot for dual-purpose yachts that will serve the racing and cruising modes more than adequately. The Italians have an adjective that I believe works well here: bellissima.

 Herb McCormick is a CW editor-at-large and was a 2024 Boat of the Year judge.

Solaris 44 Specifications

Take the Next Step

Price: $700,000
Contact: solarisyachts.com

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Built in Orust, Sweden, to withstand the harsh conditions of the North Sea, Hallberg-Rassy yachts over the years have tended to pull at the heartstrings of Cruising World’s Boat of the Year judges, mine included. So it came as no surprise that when I stepped aboard the HR 40C at last year’s Annapolis Sailboat Show, I was instantly smitten.

So too was my fellow judge Tim Murphy, who in numerous notes used the word “best” to describe such attributes as construction, equipment access, electrical system, soundproofing, and the like.

On some new boats, one can’t help but ponder what they might look like after a few thousand miles. With the Hallberg-Rassy 40C, there was no wondering, because the boat had already sailed 10,000 miles across the Atlantic, through the Caribbean, and up the East Coast. How did it look upon arrival on the dock in Annapolis? Perfect.

Even in the pouring rain, the 40C’s teak decks appeared elegant when we arrived for our dockside inspection. The deep cockpit was inviting, and the glass windshield and dodger offered protection from the drizzle. Below, the glow of the mahogany interior woodwork and plush upholstery promised equal measures of comfort and practicality to keep a crew rested and safe no matter the passage.

Thanks to a longtime collaboration with the Germán Frers design team, Hallberg-Rassy’s range has a consistent look and feel. But that hasn’t precluded the introduction of modern design elements such as wider beam carried aft to provide increased interior volume, twin rudders for better handling, and a plumb bow that increases the 40C’s waterline.

HR hulls are hand-laid and cored with Divinycell foam, except around where the lead keel is attached. There the laminate is solid, as it is where hardware is mounted on the Divinycell-cored deck, cockpit and coachroof.

Topsides, there are three options for decking: nonslip gelcoat, PU teak (polyurethane substitute) or real Burmese teak, which was on the boat we got to sail. The latter two materials are glued down to avoid fasteners that can allow water to penetrate.

A buyer has several choices when it comes to interior layouts. The boat we visited had an optional centerline queen berth in the aft stateroom rather than the standard two separate berths. In the salon, an L-shaped settee to port surrounds a wood drop-leaf table. Opposite, the starboard settee can be replaced by a pair of armchairs and a cocktail table. A head and shower, and a double berth, are forward.

The 40C also has two cruising-friendly galley designs. The larger option provides more counter and stowage space at the cost of less room in the starboard cockpit locker. That’s how the boat in Annapolis was laid out, and I think it’s the option I’d go with. 

In recent aft-stateroom models, including the 40C, HR has employed a nifty design trick that involves a slightly wider cockpit coaming topsides to allow for more headroom in the belowdecks passageway aft. It works well, as does the engine placement in the 40C. The 60 hp Volvo Penta diesel is installed abaft the boat’s saildrive, which opens up room under the companionway steps for a genset. Access to both motors is excellent when checking fluids or changing filters, and the space is well-insulated, so sound levels are quiet underway.

Judging colleague Herb McCormick had this to say about accommodations: “The HR 40C is a flat-out great sailboat, with all the care and attention to detail you’d find in the brand’s larger offerings in a sweet, compact package. I was a bit skeptical that HR could pull off their signature center-cockpit configuration in a 40-foot yacht, but the layout is crisp and well-executed above deck and below. In fact, that cockpit was as comfy and efficient as just about any boat we sailed in the 2024 fleet—the great sight lines and visibility were icing on the cake.”

For his part, Murphy noted that the boat’s battery bank—6-volt, wet-cell Trojan truck batteries, run in series to create a 12-volt system—has the advantage of being able to drain to 40 percent rather than the customary 50 percent discharge common with AGM batteries. This setup gives the system greater usable capacity. (Lithium batteries are an option.) The 40C’s stern and bow thrusters run on 24 volts.

The standard rig for the boat is a three-spreader Seldén spar with a full-batten main. The boat in Annapolis had an electric in-mast furling main and an electric jib furler, allowing sails to be set and doused with the touch of a couple of buttons. Electric winches also ensured that sails—main, 110 percent genoa and code zero—could be easily tamed.

Conditions were light for our test sail. The breeze was only 6 knots, and I was afraid at first that we wouldn’t be able to learn much about the boat’s performance. Instead, my colleagues and I were blown away when we took off at 5 knots and change. Sitting to the side of the boat’s single, large steering wheel, I found the visibility forward to be excellent, and the telltales on the jib and code zero were easy to keep an eye on.

And the feel of the Lewmar rod steering? Well, I wrote, “smooth as butter” in my notebook. But on this attribute, I’ll give Murphy the last word. “Steering is absolutely divine,” he wrote in his.

Mark Pillsbury is a CW editor-at-large and was a 2024 Boat of the Year judge.

Hallberg-Rassy 40C Specifications

Take the next step

Price: $800,000
Contact: 410-867-9022 
hallberg-rassy.com

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Following the U.S. premiere of the Windelo 50 Yachting in Miami earlier this year, Windelo Catamaran made its first-ever appearance at the 2024 Annapolis Sailboat Show as a Boat of the Year nominee with its Windelo 54 Yachting. The Windelo 54 Second Star arrived at the Annapolis show fresh off a transatlantic journey on its own hull along the north route.

Designed by architects Christophe Barreau and Frédéric Neuman, and conceived with sustainability and performance as paramount, the Windelo 54 Yachting builds on lessons learned from the Windelo 50, such as sailing at 3 to 4 knots on true wind speed for minimal energy use, and has cutting-edge features that offer comfort and performance while significantly reducing the environmental impact of cruising.

Key features include:

• Eco-Friendly Structure: Constructed with an environmentally-friendly composite sandwich of basalt fiber and PET foam, which reduces the boat’s carbon footprint by 47 percent.
• Solar and Electric Propulsion: Equipped with 5,880 W solar panels, electric motors, and an under-sail hydro-generation system, offering zero-emission sailing and up to four hours of autonomy using purely green energies.
• Unique Interior/Exterior Design: The Windelo 54 offers enhanced interior/exterior modularity with a spacious nacelle and a forward cockpit at the foot of the mast, centralizing vessel operation for a safer and more comfortable sailing experience.

The Windelo 54, which earlier this year was named Multihull of the Year in the Premiere category at the International Multihull Show in France, has electric motors for more sustainable cruising and is built with an eco-responsible composite that reportedly reduces the environmental footprint of the production process by 47 percent. The composite is made of basalt fiber (volcanic rock) and PET foam (from recycled plastic bottles). Windelo architects Christophe Barreau and Frédéric Neuman developed this composite in collaboration with researchers from the École des Mines d’Alès in France. 

Windelo’s Electric Drive System & Green Energy Explained

Windelo’s team also reorganized the onboard space for additional guest comfort, with a forward cockpit and full-length nacelle that is open 360 degrees. Essentially, according to Windelo, the sailing experience has become more comfortable and social while entirely connected with the surrounding environment.

The Windelo 54 can use renewable energy, including solar and hydrogeneration, for up to four hours of engine range per day at 6 knots. That’s with all the navigation and “home comforts” being used, according to the builder. Windelo also used natural, eco-friendly or bio-based materials in the boat’s interior design. Examples include wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council along with recycled and organic textiles. Like the Windelo 50, the Windelo 54 can be ordered in three versions: Sport, Yachting and Adventure.

The Sport version is a high-performance boat built with carbon and technical fabrics to reduce weight, along with equipment and deck gear options to optimize performance under sail.

On the Yachting version of the Windelo 54, owners can choose the widest range of customizations, such as materials and detailed trims. 

The Adventure version—which is ideal for owners who want to offer their boats for charter—has upgraded hull protections with robust, easy-maintenance materials for exploration cruising.

Windelo 54 Specifications

About Windelo Catamaran

Windelo Catamaran, founded in Canet-en-Roussillon, is a shipyard dedicated to building eco-friendly, innovative, comfortable and high-performance catamarans. The family-owned company is driven by a passion for boating and a commitment to protecting the environment. For more information, visit Windelo’s website.

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Penned by naval architect Marc Lombard, the Neel 52 is a high-performance trimaran designed for fast cruising. With an average cruising speed of 10 knots—capable of reaching up to 18 knots in favorable conditions—and its ability to cover 200 nautical miles in a day, this boat is intended for serious sailors. Its hull design, inspired by racing trimarans, reduces drag and enhances maneuverability. Constructed with a composite sandwich core, the Neel 52 prioritizes strength and water resistance. Yet, this trimaran also caters to leisure cruising, with a spacious cockpit, a “cockloon” living area and panoramic salon views.

In the wake of the Neel 43, which was a finalist in our 2023 Boat of the Year contest, Neel Trimarans premiered the Neel 52 for the US audience at the Miami International Boat Show this past February. Penned by naval architect Marc Lombard, the Neel 52 is conceived for fast cruising, borrowing ­performance attributes from the Neel 47 and 43.

With an average cruising speed of 10 knots, the boat makes it possible to achieve 200 nautical miles in a 24-hour period underway, ­according to the builder, adding that speeds from 15 to 18 knots are possible when the breeze kicks in. The weight is centered to limit pitching, and the center hull design is optimized to facilitate tacking and ­minimize drag, leaving the side amas only lightly in ­contact with the water’s surface. With rigging derived directly from racing trimarans, and a sail area around 183 square feet per ton, the boat has full cruising speeds as much as two times faster than conventional multihulls, according to the builder.

The build employs ­vacuum-infused composite sandwich construction with triaxial fiber reinforcements. PVC and PET foams are used in the sandwich core, as opposed to balsa, which can be more susceptible to water infiltration.

The 52-footer offers a variety of options for sailing preferences, from leisure cruising to competitive racing to charter. The boat is available in a four-, five- or six-stateroom layout, with options for an owner stateroom on one level or a larger saloon. Crew quarters are also flexible. 

According to the builder, the goal is to keep the sailing “looser” for better performance, with a rudder design maneuvered by custom steering lines to improve responsiveness. The sail plan includes a mainsail with three reefs, a staysail on a rolling furler, and an asymmetric spinnaker for downwind sailing. Two rigging options—conventional and high-performance—are available.

Noteworthy features include what Neel calls a “cockloon,” which is an interior/exterior living space created by the opening between the cockpit and the saloon. The full-beam cockpit has multiple seating configurations that can be rearranged for personal preference. The ergonomic helm station has a triple seat and is accessible from the cockpit or deck via side steps. 

Side steps leading to the coachroof allow access to the mast, boom and sun-lounging area, and handrails are strategically positioned for safety underway.

The open-plan living space includes a forward-facing ­galley and chart table. Staterooms are accessed via private stairways. From what we could tell while we were aboard in Miami, the panoramic views from the saloon should be stunning.

Neel 52 Specifications

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Xquisite Yachts, which offers lines of power and sail catamarans, premiered the new flagship of its solar sailing line, the Sixty Solar Sail, at the Annapolis Sailboat Show in October 2024.

Dixon Yacht Design says the goal for the model is “to create the ultimate luxury yacht for cruisers, where performance, safety and innovation blends together, offering unmatched comfort for adventurers who wish to explore our oceans without giving up their comfortable lifestyle.”

To that end, the Sixty Solar Sail has a 60-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, 6 kW of solar panels and style to spare. There are king-size walkaround berths, controls set up for singlehanded sailing and carbon-fiber reinforcements in the build.

Features range from a multizone Fusion Apollo stereo system to a vented washer/dryer, a dishwasher and a wine chiller—all of it in tandem with Fireboy automatic fire extinguishers, CZone functionality and Garmin equipment at the helm.

The Xquisite Sixty Solar Sail is certified CE Category A, which means it is constructed for significant voyages and serious weather. At the same time, this boat is made to feel comfortable from the inside out. The builder offers a choice of styling with packages called Cape Town Classic (anigre wood), Baltic Modern Fresh (silver-gray) and Istanbul Cozy Warm (light oak).

“This is a vessel with the highest sustainability credentials: a large bank of lithium-ion batteries stores solar energy generated by her 38 solar panels integrated into the deck design,” Dixon Yacht Design added.

Xquisite Sixty Solar Sail Specifications

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Fifteen boats in all, seven monohulls and eight multihulls, have been named finalists for this year’s Boat of the Year competition. In-show inspections and on-water sea trials to determine this year’s winners are set to take place during and after the U.S. Sailboat Show in Annapolis, Maryland, which begins October 10 along the shores of Chesapeake Bay.

The annual award contest, selected by an independent judging team, recognizes the best new cruising monohulls and multihulls laid out and equipped for coastal and offshore sailing and voyaging. This year’s judging panel will include American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) Education Director Tim Murphy, and veteran sailors, editors and esteemed marine journalists Mark Pillsbury and Herb McCormick.

The 2025 Boat of the Year award winners will be announced on December 5, 2024 and featured in the January/February issue of Cruising World. Learn more about the nominees below.

Overall Winner: Jeanneau Yachts 55

At first glance, there’s a certain familiarity to the Jeanneau Yachts 55. Once upon a time, 50-plus-foot cruising boats were a rarity in far-flung ports, but they are now quite common. And of all the production builders, Jeanneau has long enjoyed a strong reputation for building boats that sail exceedingly well.

Best Midsize Cruiser

The first of two four-boat classes in the BOTY 2024 competition, the Midsize Cruiser division was stacked with entries.

Best Full-Size Cruiser

Designing and building big cruising boats is a pursuit that continues to evolve, both technically and creatively.

Best Performance Cruiser

A pair of sleek, fast, beautifully presented yachts from Italy were the nominees for the top Performance Cruiser.

Best Cruising Catamaran Under 50 Feet

Perhaps the most competitive category in this year’s contest was this class of four cruising cats.

Best Cruising Catamaran Over 50 Feet

A championship-caliber battle breaks out between two iconic builders for the title of best full-size cruising cat.

Best Performance Trimaran

In this cutting-edge category’s first year, two pioneering three-hulled globetrotters left our judges swooning.

Best Sportboat

Easy, fast and fun. A spicy pair of multihull nominees heat up the competition on a sporty Chesapeake Bay.

Judges’ Special Recognition

Far and away, the HH44 was the most sophisticated hull-deck structure in the 2024 fleet.

Leopard 46

Neel 52

Windelo 54

Xquisite Sixty Solar Sail

Herb McCormick

Over the course of his career as a sailor and yachting journalist, award-winning marine writer Herb McCormick has written hundreds of boat reviews and raced and cruised tens of thousands of miles, including the Newport Bermuda Race, the Sydney-Hobart Race, the Pacific Cup and the Transpac. His offshore resume includes a voyage to Antarctica, a successful transit of the Northwest Passage, and two roundings of Cape Horn. The author of five nautical books, he’s owned and maintained several sailboats, including his current Pearson 365 and Pearson Ensign. As a Boat of the Year judge, he concentrates on sailing performance, safety, and deck layouts.

Mark Pillsbury

Mark Pillsbury is a die-hard sailor who has owned and maintained a number of sailboats, including a Sabre 34, on which he lived aboard for 15 years in various harbors around Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay. He has been involved with Cruising World’s Boat of the Year program in various roles for many years and has reviewed scores of new sailboats for the magazine. He is currently a Cruising World editor-at-large. As a judge, his purview is interior plans, systems and build quality.

Tim Murphy

Longtime CW contributor, editor-at-large and award-winning marine journalist and author Tim Murphy currently serves as education project manager with the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC). Having been involved with ABYC since 1998, Murphy supported the rollout of ABYC’s Marine Electrical Certification; designed and edited ABYC certification study guides as a contractor; and co-authored (with Ed Sherman) Fundamentals of Marine Service Technology, a marine-trades textbook for secondary and post-secondary education. Now a full-time staff member, Murphy has taken on the role of education project manager to oversee the creation of ABYC curriculum and certification materials, and other key responsibilities to grow ABYC’s technical education and content creation capabilities.

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Cruising World has identified the official nominees for its 2025 Boat of the Year award. Sixteen boats in all, eight monohulls and eight multihulls, have been named finalists for this year’s Boat of the Year competition.

Nominees set to compete in the 2025 Boat of the Year competition are: Allures 51.9, Catalina 356 (6 Series), Catalina 426 (6 Series), Dufour 44, Hanse 360, J/Boats J/40, Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 350, Lagoon 43, Leopard 46, Moody DS48, Nautitech 48 Open, Neel 52, Seawind 1370, Vision 444 ES, Windelo 54 and Xquisite Yachts Sixty Solar Sail.

In-show inspections and on-water sea trials to determine this year’s winners are set to take place during and after the U.S. Sailboat Show in Annapolis, Maryland, which begins October 10 along the shores of Chesapeake Bay. The annual award contest, selected by an independent judging team, recognizes the best new cruising monohulls and multihulls laid out and equipped for coastal and offshore sailing and voyaging.

“This year’s Boat of the Year competition promises to be exceptionally exciting,” said Cruising World Editor-in-Chief Andrew Parkinson. “The nominees represent a diverse range of cruising philosophies, with innovative features and designs catering to sailors seeking comfort, performance, or both. We’re particularly impressed by the strong showing in the multihull category, reflecting the growing popularity of these versatile platforms for coastal exploration and extended voyages. With such a competitive field, the judging process will be rigorous, and the ultimate winners are sure to be exceptional boats.”

This year’s judging panel will include American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) Education Director Tim Murphy, and veteran sailors, editors and esteemed marine journalists Mark Pillsbury and Herb McCormick.

“The slate of nominees for the 2025 Boat of the Year competition is varied and intriguing, with a solid mix of multihulls and monohulls,” said longtime Boat of the Year judge Herb McCormick. “Conducting sea trials on Chesapeake Bay each fall is always fun and challenging, and we’re expecting very tight competition across the board with this very eclectic fleet of contestants.”

The 2025 Boat of the Year award winners will be announced on December 5, 2024 and featured in the January/February issue of Cruising World. Learn more about the nominees below.

Cruising World’s 2025 Boat of the Year Nominee Finalists

Allures 51.9

The French builder’s 51.9 is a third-generation aluminum centerboard cruising sailboat, following in the wake of the Allures 51 and Allures 52. The cockpit and sunbathing area is nearly 20 feet long and has easy access to the side decks. A rigid Bimini top gives protection from the elements, and the sugar scoop transforms into a swim platform with tender stowage. Inside, the chart table is a proper desk and the U-shaped galley is laid out to be practical underway. A companionway aft leads to the full-beam owner’s stateroom. Construction is an aluminum hull with a composite deck, and a watertight aluminum forward bulkhead for added safety. The rudders also are designed for protection against impact, for bluewater cruising.

Catalina 356 & 426 (6 Series)

Catalina has introduced the 6 Series, an evolution in its line of sailboats derived from both in-house R&D and direct owner feedback. Applicable to Catalina models from the 276 to the 446, features of the 6 Series include upgraded keel designs for improved performance and stability, a new Seldén mast and rigging for enhanced control and efficiency, a new mainsheet system, and modern comforts such as upgraded ports, steering pedestals, a monitoring system, diesel heating system options and more.

Dufour 44

In a collaborative effort with Felci Yacht Design, Dufour Yachts has unveiled its latest model, the Dufour 44. The idea is to provide a balanced cruising experience of equal parts performance and onboard living. Sleek hull and responsive handling? Check. Loads of interior space? Check. Inviting cockpit for line handling and entertaining? Check. Versatile layout options to accommodate the whole family? Check. Luca Ardizio’s interior emphasizes natural light. The owners’ stateroom is plush, with social spaces throughout to share with guests.

Hanse 360

If you’ve ever been to a boat show, you’ve likely heard a salesman say, “It has space comparable to a much larger boat.” Here, a builder lives up to it. The interior of the Hanse 360 is intended to impress shoppers looking at 40-footers. From the cockpit to the staterooms, the 360 strikes a nice balance between form and functionality. Handling should be a breeze for solo sailors or families thanks to a self-tacking jib and an advanced control system. The naval architects at Berret-Racoupeau have designed an able performer, with a hydrodynamic hull and efficient sail plan. The option for electric propulsion and sustainable sailcloth is a plus for environmentally conscious cruisers.

J/Boats J/40

The J/40 is a versatile sailboat conceived to match offshore capability with cruising comfort. Designed for speed and stability, this 40-footer from the Newport, Rhode Island-based builder should excel in light- and heavy-wind conditions. Its user-friendly sail plan and balanced helm make it an option for experienced sailors and novices alike. The spacious cockpit, with 360-degree visibility, is intended for entertaining as much as sailing. Belowdecks, the J/40 has modern interiors with loads of natural light and thoughtful layouts aimed at cruising and racing. Built with J/Composites’ infusion technology, the J/40 is as durable as it is enjoyable to sail.

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 350

The Sun Odyssey 350 is a user-friendly cruiser that carries forward from the Sun Odyssey 349. Its innovative design prioritizes comfort and sailing pleasure. A new hull enhances performance and maneuverability, while walkaround side decks and twin helms improve safety, ergonomics and control. The spacious, light-filled interior creates a welcoming atmosphere for family cruising. With a focus on practicality, the 350 is a nice package for coastal cruisers.

Lagoon 43

VPLP Design, Patrick Le Quement and Nauta Design have proved a winning combination on previous Lagoon models, and the Lagoon 43 has a similar pedigree in spades. Intended for cruising couples or young families, the third-smallest model in Lagoon’s lineup can be ordered in a three- or four-stateroom version that’s outfitted with six to 13 berths—and the staterooms are larger than on previous models, meaning there’s room for families to grow or to welcome friends on board. (In the three-stateroom version, the entire starboard hull is an owners’ suite.) Redesigned access via an extra aft entryway for each hull makes movement around the boat easier.

Leopard 46

The Leopard 46 is an evolution from its predecessor, the 45, blending robust bluewater capability with cutting-edge design. While maintaining Leopard’s signature seaworthiness and easy handling, the 46 introduces a refined interior and enhanced performance through stepped hulls and a powerful rig. A standout feature is the integration of the aft cockpit and salon, creating a vast, versatile living space when needed. Four spacious double cabins are standard, with an optional fifth cabin or a utility room. Optional electric drives offer eco-conscious cruising and silent running.

Moody DS48

The Moody DS48 follows in the footsteps of its award-winning predecessor, the DS41, offering a blend of luxury and performance. This 48-foot yacht combines the spaciousness of a catamaran with the agile handling of a monohull. Its rigid hull, chines, and 1,680-square-foot sail area deliver speed and stability. Dual helms and a secure deck layout enhance safety and control. The Decksaloon concept includes an open living space that integrates the galley, salon and cockpit on a single level with panoramic views. Belowdecks, the DS48 has accommodations options including an owners’ stateroom. With a focus on customization, this yacht is designed for extended cruising and leisurely exploration.

Nautitech 48 Open

The Nautitech 48 Open, the final design from naval architect Marc Lombard, is also the award-winning French builder’s flagship. This performance-oriented catamaran has light displacement and nimble handling thanks to long, slim keels. Its reverse bow and chine hull yield the brand’s trademark low profile and impressive performance. The 48 Open has nearly 1,400 square feet of sail area, and is easily managed by electric winches and well-placed controls. A standout feature is the twin outboard helms, providing excellent visibility. The interior is spacious, with a living area that focuses on functionality.

Neel 52

Also penned by naval architect Marc Lombard, the Neel 52 is a high-performance trimaran designed for fast cruising. With an average cruising speed of 10 knots—capable of reaching up to 18 knots in favorable conditions—and its ability to cover 200 nautical miles in a day, this boat is intended for serious sailors. Its hull design, inspired by racing trimarans, reduces drag and enhances maneuverability. Constructed with a composite sandwich core, the Neel 52 prioritizes strength and water resistance. Yet, this trimaran also caters to leisure cruising, with a spacious cockpit, a “cockloon” living area and panoramic salon views.

Seawind 1370

Light and nimble through meticulous design and advanced lightweight construction—but capable of being heavily loaded with the minimum of impact on performance—the Seawind 1370 is a cruising catamaran that aims to think forward in terms of catamaran design. The 1370 is built to a well-defined balance of the sea-handling performance and live-aboard comfort levels sought after by modern cruising sailors.

Vision 444 ES

The Vision 444 ES is an extension on the original flagship 444 model with an Extended Scoop, hence the ES. The boat offers similar features to the Vision 444, but the extended scoop allows for easy access from the dock, easier loading and off-loading and additional space for diving, fishing and swimming. The result is a bluewater sailing catamaran that’s incredibly strong, sails efficiently, is spacious and is forgiving—with cruising characteristics you might not expect from a catamaran in this size and class.

Windelo 54

Bigger sister of the Windelo 50, the Windelo 54, making its North American debut, is a bluewater cruising catamaran designed by architect duo Christophe Barreau and Fréderic Neuman. The Windelo 54 catamarans are environmentally friendly, seaworthy, and designed for long-distance cruising. Presented as a world premiere in April 2024 at the International Multihull Show at La Grande Motte, the Windelo 54 Yachting was named Multihull of the Year 2024 in the IMS Premiere category. 

Xquisite Yachts Sixty Solar Sail

The Xquisite Sixty Solar Sail is an eco-friendly, sun-powered sailing machine. With its solar panels and battery bank, owners can kiss diesel generators goodbye. Sail controls are laid out for singlehanding, and there’s a carbon-fiber boom and furling mainsail, along with an electric traveler. Amenities for feeling at home on board include a multizone Fusion Apollo sound system, a full-height double-door fridge/freezer, a dishwasher and a vented washer/dryer. Up top, a drawer-style drink fridge means nobody has to go below to grab a cold beverage.

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Leopard Catamarans has unveiled the Leopard 46 sailing cat.

“The Leopard 46 is a testament to Leopard Catamarans and Robertson and Caine’s commitment to engineering excellence and elevated onboard living,” Franck Bauguil, global sales manager at Leopard Catamarans, stated in a press release. “We have meticulously designed and built a vessel that not only delivers exceptional performance but also provides an unparalleled level of luxury and comfort.”

The Leopard 46 has an exterior design inspired by powercats. Its wraparound coachroof windows allow for panoramic views and lots of natural light inside. The companionway sliding door fully retracts abaft the helm station, connecting the saloon and cockpit as a single area for relaxation and entertainment.

Other key features include a hybrid electric drive option and integrated solar panels, both of which have the potential to make cruising more sustainable and efficient.

Leopard allows owners to personalize the 46 by ordering one of several layouts. Options include three staterooms plus a utility room; or four- and five-stateroom variations. Owners also can choose the configuration of tables and furniture in the saloon and cockpit.

There’s an optional performance-sail package, as well as an optional lifting tender platform.

Where to see the Leopard 46: The boat is expected to be at the Annapolis Sailboat Show in October, where it will be a nominee for Cruising World’s 2025 Boat of the Year. It will also be available for charter through The Moorings and Sunsail.

Where to learn more: Click over to leopardcatamarans.com

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When it comes to a discussion of the great European naval architects of contemporary times—and it’s a long list, indeed—certain names immediately pop to mind. Many are French. Philippe Briand made his mark creating boats for a roster of production builders (Baltic, Jeanneau, CNB) before pivoting to the superyacht set (Perini Navi, Royal Huisman). Jean-Marie Finot was more or less the father of an era of the best Vendée Globe solo round-the-world racers ever to compete in that grueling contest. Marc Van Peteghem and Vincent Lauriot Prévost (VPLP Design) are the current masters of offshore multihulls. The talented tandem of Jean Berret and Olivier Racoupeau are ubiquitous as the creators of many French brands, and sit at the forefront of their profession. 

To me, however, one of the more underrated European ­design mavens, and one who definitely belongs in that rarefied grouping, is Umberto Felci. While Felci was born in Milan and still operates from his base in Italy, I’ve always considered him a huge influence in French ­boatbuilding­—largely because of his longtime association with Dufour Yachts, where he’s been the principal designer for some 15 years. 

During that time, I’ve sailed many a Felci boat, as he’s been a consistent presence in Cruising World’s annual Boat of the Year contest. He has won multiple times with his Dufour entries, including the 560 Grand Large (2014), the 382 Grand Large (2015), and the 520 Grand Large (2018). All of these Grand Large boats shared a similar DNA, and the Dufour booths at the major boat shows were easily ­recognizable for their similar lines and matching beige canvas dodgers and sail covers. The only huge difference across the fleet was their respective sizes.

All that changed in a big way in 2019, after the Fountaine Pajot group acquired Dufour and decided to make each new offering a singular model in form and styling. Which brings us to Felci’s newest design, the Dufour 41. 

Aesthetically, it’s safe to say that the bright-blue Dufour 41 at this past year’s Annapolis Sailboat Show in Maryland was one of the more distinctive-looking yachts on display. It has a rounded bow, ample beam, and not one but two chines, both carried almost the entire length of the boat—one just above the waterline, another just below the reverse sheer line, which is accentuated by prominent molded bulwarks. This boat looks and feels much larger than its 41 feet length overall. Forward, an integrated bowsprit for the ground tackle and the tack point for the asymmetric kite heightens the futuristic vibe. As does the series of three sleek windows in the hull (along with the additional pair of windows overhead in the coachroof). There is not a stick of timber to be found anywhere. 

Topsides, the ­combination of wide side decks and outboard shrouds makes for easy egress when moving forward or aft. The emphasis on “outdoor living” is underscored by a generous cockpit with twin wheels (but, as with all Dufours, a single rudder, which makes backing down easier and with more control). There’s also wraparound seating, including a cushioned daybed, as well as a drop-down transom, which doubles as the porch/platform for the barbecue well aft. All this is revolved around a table—a pretty sweet, comfortable layout that lends the impression of lounging aboard a much bigger boat. 

All the related equipment is first-rate. There’s B&G instrumentation, including the chart plotter and autopilot; a Quick vertical windlass with helm controls for the Delta anchor; and a Side-Power (Sleipner) bow thruster, which I reckon is a luxurious touch on a 41-footer. Our test boat was set up with a nice set of Elvstrøm sails, including a traditional mainsail (an in-mast furling mainsail is available) with a cool stack-pack arrangement that tucks into itself and is secured with shock cords. For our Boat of the Year trials, we test all the emergency rudders, and the one on the 41 was exceptional. 

Construction is straightforward and robust. The hull is vacuum-infused with solid glass below the waterline and a foam core above. There are a pair of molded-in channels for the plumbing and electrical wiring. The plywood bulkheads are laminated to the hull. The keel is cast iron. And, as with every Dufour going back to the company’s origins, a wine rack is stashed under the floorboards. 

Ardizio Design is ­responsible for the belowdecks accoutrements, accommodations and floor plan. Its team used those aforementioned chines and, more specifically, the voluminous interior that the chines created, to wide advantage. As with Dufour’s other models, there are three packages of features, trim and equipment—on the 41, these are labeled Adventure, Ocean and Performance—depending on how the boat will be used (basic sailing, dedicated cruising or racing). With the 41, there are also two interior options: either three or four staterooms. Both have a straight-line galley to starboard, with the dining table and wraparound settee to port.

Our test boat had the three-stateroom layout, with a spacious master forward and a pair of double-berth staterooms aft. It also had three heads, which, to be honest, seems like a bit of overkill on a 41-foot boat. The second head, in the center of the boat, can be replaced with stowage, which is the setup I’d prefer. 

The 41 sports a double-­spreader rig with swept-back spreaders and a self-­tacking jib. The double-ended German-style mainsheet, anchored at midboom, is easily trimmed with a pair of electric winches (an optional electric winch for the mainsail is ­available). There’s no traveler; after all, this is a cruising boat. 

Under power, the 50 hp Volvo Penta with a saildrive configuration had us zipping along at better than 6 knots. This was one of the quieter boats, decibel-wise, in the 2024 fleet. But we were all itching to hoist the sails, and we were not disappointed. At first, in a fitful breeze that was just filling in, we still made over 5 knots in 6 to 8 knots of wind. Soon enough, the pressure built into the 10- to 12-knot range, just in time to hoist the boat’s big asymmetric kite. On a tight reach, we made an effortless 7.5 knots, and the helm was just delightful, with only a light three-finger touch required for full control. 

Those Grand Large prizewinners from years past were, of course, all Felci designs. While this new Dufour looks absolutely nothing like its older siblings, it sails just as well, if not better. Felci may have changed the recipe under the company’s new regime, but he hasn’t forgotten that what we really want is pretty simple: We want to go for a fine sail.

Dufour 41 Specifications

Did You Know?

French boatbuilders were pioneers in fiberglass-sailboat manufacturing. Naval architect/engineer Michel Dufour joined their ranks in 1964 with the launching of the Sylphe, a radical (for its time) 21-foot pocket cruiser with a masthead rig and fin keel with attached ballast bulb. More than 400 were built in a 10-year production run.

Dufour has ramped up its introduction of new models in the past five years, and now has nine in production ranging from 37 to 61 feet, with a 44-footer on tap to be introduced in the United States this fall. Of that collection, the company’s 41, 470 and 530 are all available with electric auxiliary-propulsion options.

Dufour has laid out an aggressive growth strategy, planning to introduce two models each year for the next several years, and replacing its entire fleet within four years. As for the 41, a company representative said that about a third of the run will go to private owners, a third will be purchased by charter operators, and a third will go into charter-management programs.

Herb McCormick is a CW editor-at-large and was a 2024 Boat of the Year judge.

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A funny thing has happened in the evolution of cruising catamarans. The category, at the outset, was defined by straightforward simplicity. This was true going back to the double-hulled Polynesian voyaging canoes, through the iconic designs of the visionary James Wharram, on to the custom cats built on Caribbean beaches by Peter Spronk, and including the early production cats of the modern era from Fountaine Pajot and Lagoon. Cruising catamarans were basically a pair of narrow hulls with a rather minimalistic living and working space sandwiched between them. 

It wasn’t too long before builders and designers realized that if they added a bit of volume to those hulls and stretched them, they could fill them with comfortable double-berth staterooms, en suite heads and other amenities. And, thanks largely to the ­catamaran’s emergence as an excellent platform for bareboat charter, designers could also make them taller (the “wedding-cake effect”). That brought us not only upper-deck lounges with day beds, grills and refrigerators, but also dedicated flybridges with steering stations that were once the exclusive domain of trawlers and sport-fishing craft.

Everything’s gotten bigger these days. Certainly, here in my hometown of Newport, Rhode Island, and in nearby destinations including Long Island, Cape Cod and Nantucket, modest seaside homes have been razed to make room for garish mansions with gyms, pools and astronomical square footage. In contemporary cruising cats, I’m feeling comparable vibes. 

As a judge for the 2024 Boat of the Year awards, I was struck by the technology, sophistication and similarities of the contestants vying for Best Cruising Catamaran Over 50 Feet. Both were from French builders, both were 51 feet, and both had seven-figure price tags. The Lagoon 51 was a very different beast than the first Lagoon I ever stepped aboard, the compact Lagoon 37. And the winning boat, the Fountaine Pajot Aura 51, was a far cry from the basic Louisiane 37 that launched the company’s foray into cruising cats back in 1983. 

Fountaine Pajot has certainly placed a big bet on the Aura 51, as it’s replacing the Saba 50, of which some 300 hulls were sold. Describing the overall aesthetic by Berret-Racoupeau Design is no simple task. The lines are actually pretty sweet for a gargantuan 51-footer with a beam of more than 25 feet. As with all contemporary cats, the waterline is maxed out, with a plumb bow and an extended boarding step in the squarish transom. The hull windows and the wraparound window treatment in the coachroof complement each other well.

Clearly, the goal was to optimize comfort at anchor. There are cushioned seats in the forward deck, just abaft the trampolines. What the company calls the “sky lounge” is topside on the roof of the Bimini hardtop over the cockpit, with a 2,000-watt array of solar panels sharing this space.

The steering wheel is to starboard, a few steps up from the cockpit, putting the skipper in a strategic location to communicate with mates on the lower or upper level, which is another four steps up from the wheel. Everything’s a compromise when it comes to boats, and the drawback here is that there are blind spots to port, particularly if coming along a portside berth. You’re going to want a mate calling out the distance. (There is no flybridge wheel.)

That said, I’m actually a big fan of the split steering station, with the wheel, engine controls and Garmin instruments on a pedestal under a canvas Bimini top, and a trio of Lewmar self-tailing electric winches, a pair of Spinlock rope clutches, and all the running rigging led to a dedicated pod just forward of the helmsman. This is a signature Fountaine Pajot feature on several models. Frankly, with imitation being the sincerest form of flattery, I’m surprised more builders have not adopted this layout. It really does allow for solo sailing; the driver can put the boat on autopilot, slip a couple of steps forward, and trim and reef to the heart’s delight. 

Unfortunately, for our sea trial on Chesapeake Bay, we didn’t have the double-digit windspeeds needed to put the Aura 51 through its proper paces, but the boat moved well in the 5- to 8-knot northerly, making over 4 knots closehauled, and an even 4 when cracked off on a beam reach. A company rep suggested that in better breeze, the boat would generally make speeds about half that of the true-wind pressure. There’s an optional bowsprit arrangement with all the associated hardware to set a code-zero-style headsail.

There certainly is no lack of sail area, particularly the square-topped full-battened mainsail that’s set off a whopping 76-foot spar. We see quite a few sails from French sailmaker Incidence on French-built boats, like the ones on our test ride, and they are always top-notch. The boat we tested also had optional twin 75 hp Volvo Pentas with saildrives (60 hp engines are standard). The boat galloped along at over 8 knots at 2,400 rpm. Decibel-wise, it was one of the quietest in the entire 2024 Boat of the Year fleet. The composite construction is a rather straightforward combination of resin injection and infusion with balsa core in the hulls and Divinycell foam in the deck.

All of which brings us to the vessel’s true raison d’être: the open floor plan with condolike cabins and accommodations, which are impressive. 

The sliding doors separating the main cabin and cockpit can be fully opened. The main dining table is in the cockpit and can be fully enclosed with canopies. The straight-line galley is inside and to port, bordered by an island that doubles as counters and a workspace for the cook. There’s plenty of seating, and the views through the coachroof windows are terrific. Surprisingly, there is no dedicated navigation station, which to me seems like an oversight on a boat of this size.

Several layouts are available. Our test model had the “double maestro”: a master stateroom aft in each hull, accessed from the interior or through a pair of gullwing doors in the cockpit. Guest staterooms are forward. Boat of the Year judge Mark Pillsbury noted that this could be a nice setup for two owners to share, whether sailing separately or together. Regarding our choice of the Aura 51 over the Lagoon for Boat of the Year, our panel collectively felt that both boats would do well in charter, but that the Aura was better suited to real cruising as opposed to being aimed more toward vacation sailing. 

No pun intended, but there’s a definite aura to this rangy cat that separates it from the other models that Fountaine Pajot produces. This is a boat meant to be lived on and in, for extended periods, in high comfort bordering on true luxury. Bring friends and family. On the Aura 51, there is definitely room for the whole gang. 

Herb McCormick is a CW editor at large and was a 2024 Boat of the Year judge.

Did You Know?

■ Fountaine Pajot is pioneering a “zero-emission energy system” in the Aura 51. The Smart Electric version of the boat incorporates electric motors, folding props, solar panels, a generator, and a pair of lithium-ion battery banks capable of storing 54 kilowatt hours. Under sail via hydrogeneration, the system can recharge the batteries in 48 hours. 

■ Founded in 1976 by a quartet that included Olympic sailor Jean-François Fountaine and offshore racer Yves Pajot, Fountaine Pajot specialized at the start in racing dinghies and IOR-rule monohulls. The company later delved into large, record-setting transoceanic catamarans and trimarans. It wasn’t until 1983 that the yard pivoted to cruising cats, beginning with the Louisiana 37. 

■ During the past four decades, Fountaine Pajot has produced more than three dozen models, many named after the destinations or islands that inspired them: Tobago 35, Saba 50, Eleuthera 60 and so on. Today, the company also includes Dufour Yachts, a range of power cats, and eight cruising/sailing cat models from 40 to 80 feet.

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