Boat-show season is back, and manufacturers are bringing their A game. With the pandemic slowdown now a fading memory, the industry has a fresh lineup of sailboats. Whether you’re in the market for a weekend cruiser, an island-hopper or a bluewater passagemaker, there’s plenty to explore on the docks this fall. 

This year’s new models include a fusion of tried-and-true designs and technological innovations. Expect to find improvements in safety, performance and layout as well.

The following pages offer a preview of significant launches you’re likely to see on the docks this fall and in the coming year. Several of these vessels are scheduled to be included in the judging for Cruising World’s 2025 Boat of the Year contest. You can follow the URLs for a deeper dive into boats that pique your interest, and inspect them in person at some of this season’s major boat shows. 

Allures 51.9

A powerful 52-footer that begs for bluewater cruising, this aluminum monohull is designed for families or couples. Its hull, penned by the team at Berret-Racoupeau, is defined by lightweight construction, twin rudders, and a centerboard for easy handling. Below, the interior sports a modern vibe with lots of natural light, a well-appointed galley, and a full-beam owners’ stateroom aft. Safety features include a watertight bulkhead and protected rudders, making the Allures 51.9 worth a look for oceangoing cruisers, with points awarded for style. allures.com

Bali 5.8 Open Space

Catana Group is touting the feeling of spaciousness aboard the Bali 5.8. It’s a 59-footer­ with nearly 20 percent more room than its peers, according to the builder. The master stateroom’s shower is a size more typically found in landside homes, and the guest staterooms are spacious enough to rival the master’s on some competing boats. The boat’s layout includes a galley big enough to feed owners and plenty of guests, a salon that’s a social hub, and outdoor spaces to spread out and relax. Sailhandling is intended to make life on deck easy and efficient. bali-catamarans.com

Bavaria C46

Bavaria’s C46 builds on the strong foundation of the C Line. Penned by Cossutti Yacht Design, which is known for fast regatta and racing yachts, the 46 has a revamped rig-sail concept. Don’t be fooled by the size; it’s reportedly friendly to handle, whether singlehanding or with crew. Belowdecks, the C46 has clever layout options with a focus on privacy. There’s an owners’ stateroom, a utility room and a salon filled with natural light. Notable details on this model include an integrated bowsprit and thoughtfully placed instrument displays. bavariayachts.com

Catalina 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. catalinayachts.com

Current Marine 46

Light, fast and agile, the CM46 is a performance-oriented catamaran designed for cruising and racing. Conceived from a groundwork of more than 40 multihull projects, the 46 is an example of the Knysna, South Africa-based builder’s expertise in lightweight construction. Its efficient hull and balanced sail plan are tuned for speed and responsiveness, even in light winds. Twin outboard helms provide good visibility and ease of handling. Inside, accommodations are for eight people in three or four double-berth staterooms, with enough stowage for liveaboard cruising. currentmarine.com

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. dufour-yachts.com 

Elan GT6 Explorer

The GT6 Explorer builds on the platform of the award-­winning Elan GT6, a shorthanded Mediterranean midrange fast cruiser. In collaboration with Studio F.A. Porsche and Humphreys Yacht Design, the builder made key enhancements, including a 3D Vail hull; increased stiffness and enhanced hull mechanics; watertight bulkheads; a staysail forestay; and a sturdy cockpit arch, allowing better protection from the elements. Interior modifications for long-range living include lee cloth installation mounts, a washing machine and dishwasher, and integrated grab rails. The Explorer can also be equipped with a ­1,187-watt-peak solar array. elan-yachts.com

Fountaine Pajot Thira 80

Anyone in the market for a private island should first have a look at Fountaine Pajot’s Thira 80. This French builder’s new flagship has innovative side deck lounges with retractable balconies that create a superyacht ambience. Customizable interiors allow owners to personalize the space with premium materials such as Pierre Frey upholstery. The owners’ stateroom has the option for a sauna, hammam or whirlpool. And the boat still sticks the landing under sail, as a Fountaine Pajot should. fountaine-pajot.com

Grand Soleil 52 Performance  

Penned in a collaboration with Matteo Polli and Nauta Design, the Grand Soleil 52 Performance line is available in two versions: Performance and Race. On the Performance version, owners get an “easy-sailing” deck and sail plan with four aft winches, mainsail sheet with fixed point, self-tacking jib and carbon bowsprit as standard. The Race version gets 6 winches, longitudinal rails for the jib, recessed mainsail traveler, larger sail plan and a longer carbon bowsprit. Recessed rigging means a more comfortable cockpit. The plush interior features a large dinette, loads of storage, an ergonomic and fully equipped C-shaped galley, and three staterooms including a master suite forward. grandsoleil.net

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, twin helms 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. hanseyachts.com

Island Packet 42 Motor Sailer

After years of hinting about a bold new tack, Largo, Florida-based Island Packet has unveiled its Motor Sailer 42. A cruiser’s cruiser that honors the brand’s heritage, the 42MS blends the comforts of a stout trawler with the cruising characteristics of a pedigreed sailing yacht. Light and livability reign supreme on the dual-level design. Up top, an open-­concept plan marries the salon and galley into a social space. On the lower level, privacy awaits with a variety of accommodation configurations, stowage solutions and easy engine-room access. ipy.com

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 350

The Sun Odyssey 350 is a user-­friendly cruiser that carries forward from the Sun Odyssey 349. A new hull enhances performance and maneuverability, while walk-around side decks and twin steering wheels improve safety 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. jeanneau.com

J/40

Designed for speed and stability, the J/40 from the Newport, Rhode Island-based builder excels in both 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 perfect for cruising or racing. Built with J/Composites’ infusion technology, the J/40 is as durable as it is enjoyable to sail. jboats.com

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. Intended for cruising couples or young families, the 43 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. (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. catamarans-lagoon.com

Leopard 46

The Leopard 46 is an evolution from its predecessor, the 45, blending 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. leopardcatamarans.com

Moody DS48

The Moody DS48 follows in the footsteps of its award-winning predecessor, the DS41, combining the spaciousness of a catamaran with the handling of a monohull. Its rigid hull, chines, and 1,680-square-foot sail area deliver speed and stability. 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 a private owners’ stateroom. With a focus on customization, this yacht is designed for extended cruising and leisurely exploration. moody-yachts.com

Nautitech 48 Open

The final design from naval architect Marc Lombard, the Nautitech 48 Open is a performance-oriented catamaran with 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, 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. nautitechcatamarans.com

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. Constructed with a composite sandwich core, the Neel 52 prioritizes strength and water resistance perfect for serious offshore passages. Yet, this trimaran also caters to leisure cruising, with a spacious cockpit, a “cockloon” living ­area, and panoramic salon views. neel-trimarans.com

Outremer 52

Long before winning Multihull of the Year at the European Yacht of the Year Awards for its 52-footer, Outremer had grown a serious fan base, and its boats are often crowd-pleasers. The 52 blends the best of its predecessors—the award-winning 51 and 55—into a stylish, seaworthy package. There is carbon-fiber construction for strength and lightness, roomy interiors with customizable options, and a layout that’s as practical as it is pretty. With features such as adjustable helm positions and a cockpit bar, this boat is built for comfort and adventure. catamaran-outremer.com

Pegasus 50

The Slovenian-built Pegasus 50 offers fast, capable bluewater cruising with livability in mind. It has a lightweight carbon-­fiber hull and a double wing keel, which helps to reduce leeway and improve upwind performance. Its layout, including a convertible cockpit roof and open-plan living areas, makes it feel larger than its LOA suggests. The Pegasus 50 also has a powerful sail plan, paired with electric winches, making shorthanding a breeze. The watermaker, generator and solar panels prime this yacht for extended offshore passages. pegasus-yachts.com

St Francis 460 Hybrid Sailing Catamaran

The St Francis 46 is a bluewater catamaran designed for comfort cruising. In a collaboration with designers Anton Du Toit of Du Toit Yacht Design and Angelo Lavranos, the 460 focuses on performance and handling. Its interior has large windows and a versatile galley/salon area, and options are a three- or four-stateroom layout. The 460 is built with an epoxy-based hull and deck, and is equipped with premium brands, including Yanmar engines, Sparcraft masts and North sails. stfranciscatamarans.com 

Tartan 335

Catering to the experienced sailor and the weekend cruiser, the Tartan 335 blends traditional aesthetics with modern technology. This couples cruiser has all the true Tartan contours: just the right amount of spring to the sheerline, a purposeful bow profile, and a classic transom, complemented by a deckhouse and cockpit coamings with sweet, sweeping lines. The 335 has an ­open-layout interior with stowage and amenities for real cruising. Advanced composite construction, including a carbon mast and rudder, contributes to the 335’s speed and responsiveness, while the well-balanced sail plan and low center of gravity enhance the sailing experience. tartanyachts.com

Vision 444 ES

Many big cruising cats are a compromise by design: Some go to private owners, while the rest go into charter. The Vision 444 is different. This is a pure cruising cat, and a fine one at that. The Vision 444 that won Best Cruising Catamaran Under 50 Feet in last year’s Boat of the Year competition was designed and built for bluewater challenges and self-reliant cruising couples. So is the next-gen 444 ES. It brings hull-design tweaks enabling positive buoyancy aft, along with a longer waterline and a better platform. It also removes a step in the transom, and allows for five carbon-fiber struts abaft the coachroof for better solar-panel placement. visionyachts.com

Windelo 50

The Windelo 50 is a French-built catamaran that blends performance with sustainability. It has a sleek new look, upgraded features, and a focus on eco-friendliness. The centerline helm amidships provides great visibility and control for easier maneuvering. There’s also an electric-propulsion concept, combined with solar and hydro power, allowing for autonomy and a reduced carbon footprint. The powerful rig and daggerboards create a catamaran that’s as fun to sail as it is friendly to the planet. windelo-catamaran.com

Xquisite Yachts Sixty Solar Sail

Xquisite’s 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. Homey amenities 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. xquisiteyachts.com

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Gig Harbor Boat Works, which was founded in 1986, says the 17’ Salish Voyager it is premiering this month at the Annapolis Sailboat Show has quickly become its most sought-after model.

“It rows and sails equally well, and can be rowed while the sail rig is up, so it’s super easy to switch modes as conditions change,” says Katie Malik, general manager of Gig Harbor Boat Works. “The balanced lug rig is quick to rig, simple to learn, and forgiving to sail. It rows like a dream with the included sliding rowing seat, and has an optional tandem slider so you can share the journey with a partner. With that kind of versatility, and low cost of ownership, there’s a lot of appeal in a small trailerable boat in this day and age.”

The boat is intended for long-distance rowing and sailing, with tandem sliding rowing seats. Gig Harbor Boat Works’ team used its Jersey Skiff and Melonseed models as inspiration to blend top features into one craft.

More specifically, the 17’ Salish Voyager has the Jersey Skiff hull with a new interior that supports the lug rig, along with features of the Melonseed for ease of assembly and forgiving sail attributes. The boat has enclosed storage and a self-bailing sole in case of rough seas or heavy rain.

“The Salish Voyager can be launched, rigged, and under sail in a matter of minutes, so you can take advantage of a nice breeze whenever the mood strikes,” says Falk Bock, production manager at Gig Harbor Boat Works. “She’s well-suited to both daysailing and overnight beach camping due to the  enclosed flotation, a self-bailing floor, and ample dry storage. With shallow draft and a hull designed for beach landings, the Salish Voyager lets you go where a lot of larger vessels can’t.”

Nancy Pfeiffer, who with her partner, Fredrik, rowed and sailed a 17’ Salish Voyager for a little over a year and 1,500 nautical miles in Southeast Alaska, said the boat “occupied a unique niche between the kayakers we were previously and the world of ‘big boats.’ She was far easier to fish from than a kayak, and made a great photography platform. We loved being right at eye level with the wildlife.”

Pfeiffer said she and her partner would have one person on the oars, and the other on the tiller.

“We could generate our own wind and really move along while having a light feeling on the oars,” she said. “We often sailed when bigger boats were motoring. It felt good to not be consuming fossil fuel.”

Where to learn more: go to ghboats.com.

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The Allures 51.9 is a third-generation aluminum centerboard cruising sailboat from the French builder, coming after the Allures 51 and Allures 52—along with the 15 years of design and owner feedback the yard collected and analyzed.

On the exterior, the Allures 51.9 has a cockpit and sunbathing area that’s nearly 20 feet long. It has easy passage to the side decks for the owners and guests to move around the boat. A rigid Bimini top gives protection from the elements while still allowing good visibility forward. The sugar scoop transforms into a swim platform and can stow a tender.

Inside, natural light streams through glazed areas and hatches, backed up by discreet LED lighting. The chart table is a proper desk with stowage space, and the U-shaped galley is laid out to be practical underway. There’s also a companionway aft, leading to the owner’s stateroom, where a Pullman berth can serve as a pilot berth or accommodate an extra crew member.

That owner’s stateroom spans the full beam of the Allures 51.9 with enough stowage to make longer-range cruising an option.

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.

Allures 51.9 Specifications

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Beneteau has launched a new model, the First 30, that it also sees as the first in a new category of sailboats: the planing cruiser.

The builder’s thinking is that until the turn of the century, small racer-cruisers matched sailors’ needs. Today, the racer-cruiser is outdated, since people want to spend more time connecting with nature and having fun with family and friends.

“We realized that sailors needed more than a traditional racer-cruiser,” says Andraz Mihelin, the CEO of Seascape, which worked with Beneteau on the project. “We have decided to create a new, groundbreaking category of sailboats: the planing cruiser.”

According to Beneteau, the First 30 planes quickly and easily while being easy to handle, including at double-digit speeds.

“With low loads, a simple rig and an uncluttered cockpit, it doesn’t need a large crew or intense training sessions to make sailing it fun and safe in all conditions—both shorthanded and as a family,” according to Beneteau.

The First 30 has headroom of 6 feet in the saloon, a galley with a gimbaled stove and fridge, a marine head and two staterooms (forward and aft).

Sustainable materials used in the boat’s construction include cork flooring, and there are innovations such as magnetic doors and ambient lighting.

Owners can choose Beneteau’s “premium pack,” which adds high-quality upholstery, a cutting board, a choice of inner liner colors and materials, and atmospheric lighting.

Two deck layout options are available: one for day sailors and cruisers, and one for racers. Both layouts include features such as backrests and toe rails. In the cruising layout, the main and jib sheets are controlled through what Beneteau calls “generously sized winches,” so sail trim doesn’t require undue physical strength. Control lines are within reach, even when the boat is heeled, and the cockpit sole remains uncluttered.

The racing layout adds a mainsail traveler and additional trim controls.

Where will the Beneteau First 30 make its debut? At Boot Dusseldorf in January 2025. The base price is expected to be about $112,000.

How to learn more: visit beneteau.com.

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Elan Yachts is revealing details about the Elan GT6 Explorer ahead of the boat’s official premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September.

According to the shipyard, the prototype is completed and more hulls are in build. The design of this Explorer model evolves from the Elan GT6, which is a 49-foot gran turismo design from Studio F.A. Porsche, Humphreys Yacht Design and Elan.

The GT6 is the yard’s flagship model, originally created for shorthanded Mediterranean fast cruising. The Elan GT6 Explorer keeps the core architecture, materials and layout but makes changes in the areas of safety, seakeeping, autonomy and offshore living.

For instance, the GT6 Explorer has an advanced 3D Vail hull with watertight bulkheads in case of collision. There’s a strengthened deck and hull-deck joint to allow installation of a staysail forestay. A cockpit arch with a dodger and Bimini top protects sailors from the elements.

Inside, the GT6 Explorer has lee cloth installation mounts, a washing machine, a dishwasher, and integrated grabrails.

The boat can also be ordered with a solar array that will produce enough power for the watermaker and all other hotel loads except air conditioning, according to the builder.

What the team at Elan Yachts says about the GT6 Explorer: “The original GT6 already offers a unique experience on the water, featuring a flush forward deck, impeccable woodwork, a luxurious interior and smart, seaworthy naval architecture. The modifications to the Explorer version elevate the already capable yacht to new heights, enhancing its performance and living conditions for extended voyages and should present itself as an attractive option for budding ocean explorers.”

Where to learn more: go to www.elan-yachts.com.

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In October, the Grand Pavois in-water boat show at La Rochelle, France, will include a look at evolving plans for the OVNI 370 and OVNI 430.

These boats are designed by Mortain-Mavrikios and CBA naval architects, and are built in Les Sables d’Olonne by the Alubat shipyard. They are sisterships to the latest model in the range: the OVNI 490.

With the OVNI 370, the team has added a watertight double door. Developed in collaboration with Goiot, it opens to 90 degrees with a locking system that secures the door in the open position. The aluminum frame, seals and closing handles are designed for watertightness. The smoked plexiglass structure provides privacy while letting in light.

The galley has also evolved, with the option to integrate an additional cooler (refrigerator or freezer) in the worktop with top access. There’s also a refrigerator opposite the companionway under a central seat. Options such as a suspended sail locker or a stove can also be installed.

Aboard the OVNI 430 Deck Saloon, there is a raised chart table and dining area. This version, combined with a panoramic deckhouse, allows sailors to keep watch from inside The raised saloon also has stowage under the access step, under the seats and behind the backrests, complementing numerous compartments in this aluminum bluewater cruiser.

When will we learn more about the OVNI 490? The first hull is under construction now, and the boat is expected to premiere at Grand Pavois 2025.

Take the next step: Go to www.alubat.com.

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Yonca Shipyard in Turkey is launching a new brand of carbon composite sailboats called Mishi Yachts.

In a bit of an unusual twist, the first hull of the Mishi 88 already exists. It was built for Şakir Yılmaztürk, chairman and founder of the shipyard. That boat was displayed at a previous Cannes Yachting Festival to get initial feedback on construction and features, and to determine whether interest existed in expanding the model line.

“It was rewarding to hear in Cannes that we had hit the nail on the head with the Mishi 88,” Yılmaztürk stated in a press release. “People cannot believe how much space there is on board, and the headroom below is exceptional. Working with Taka Yacht Design, our intention all along was to bring the comforts of motor yachting to the more refined platform of a sailing boat.”

Taka Yacht Design is based in Istanbul. It has produced power and sail models, and bills itself as specializing in custom designs.

The new model that will be used to expand the Mishi Yachts line, and that is scheduled to be unveiled at this September’s Monaco Yacht Show, is the Mishi Yachts 102. It will have many of the same features as the Mishi 88, just on a larger scale.

The Mishi Yachts 102 will be designed to meet full RINA classification. Plans call for accommodations that sleep eight guests overnight, with quarters for four crew in the forepeak. Another goal will be generous interior volume, with a roomy cockpit for alfresco dining and relaxing in the shade. Inside, there will be an open-plan galley and saloon with sheltered dining and lounge seating.

Both the Mishi 88 and the Mishi 102 are designed with the owners’ ensuite stateroom in the bow, for privacy from the guests and crew. Guest staterooms are abaft the saloon with twin berths that convert to doubles.

Owners can choose the interior styling. The first boats are envisioned with pale grays and beiges, along with variable mood lighting. There are spaces for artwork, along with handholds and fiddles on the surfaces for when the boat is underway.

“Yonca is no stranger to building craft to exacting standards for demanding clients,” Yılmaztürk added. “We have been supplying fast, seaworthy composite craft to the world’s navies for years. It made sense to tap the yard’s lamination skills to build my own 88-footer, and in so doing, I started a journey that has led me to found Mishi Yachts.”

Where to learn more: Visit mishiyachts.com.

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The Windelo 50, which first grabbed our editors’ attention at last year’s Cannes Yachting Festival, is an eco-conscious cruising cat that prioritizes functionality in a comfortable package that’s capable of crossing oceans. Add to that a powerful rig, modest displacement, daggerboards and genuine electric autonomy, and it’s easy to understand why the boat turned heads at its US premiere in Miami this past spring. 

Since Hull No. 1 rolled off the factory line in Canet-en-Roussillon, France, in fall 2019, the Windelo naval architecture team of Christophe Barreau and Frédéric Neuman has given this crossover cat a racy, stylish look. The new version is billed as the Windelo 50 Yachting, and it underscores a substantial move upmarket with a sleek, dynamic appearance and solid craftsmanship. Significant upgrades have been made to the decks and superstructure, and the layout is reimagined for greater comfort and flow. 

The aft deck is expanded to create a more comfortable relaxation area with enhanced protection from the elements. The builder uses large molds, which is why the surfaces have a notably smoother finish. A new nonslip surface, with a more attractive diamond-shaped texture, is directly integrated into the mold.

The Windelo 50 is also built with a composite sandwich structure that includes environmentally friendly materials, basalt fiber and PET foam, which reduce the boat’s carbon footprint by nearly 47 percent, according to the builder. The integration of two electric motors, 5,880-watt solar panels and an under-sail hydrogeneration system facilitates zero-emission sailing. The combination also allows daily recharging of the battery bank, providing up to four hours of autonomous ­propulsion using exclusively green energy sources when cruising at 6 knots.

At the base of the mast, the forward cockpit centralizes all boathandling activity, while enabling the skipper to remain near the center of social activity. The cockpit can be fully enclosed, providing protection from the elements. The deck housing creates additional space for relaxation, and the living area can be transformed into a terrace via a winch mechanism and sliding or removable bulkheads, along with sliding glass doors. 

According to the builder, even in light air, the Windelo 50 can sail at true-wind speed, courtesy of the hull-design weight distribution.

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Linjett Yachts, which has built more than 900 boats near Norrtälje, Sweden, since the yard’s inception in 1973, has announced its 10th model: the Linjett 36.

The Linjett 36 will fall in the builder’s lineup between the Linjett 34 and Linjett 39. The idea is to give sailors a compact, easy-to-handle vessel.

“The silhouette is updated, but the Linjett lines and heritage remain present. We think we have managed to capture the essence and design language of Linjett in a new and charming format,” Stefan Gylleby, project manager at Linjett Yachts, stated in a press release.

Three of the boats have already been sold, with the first hull scheduled to be delivered in 2026. The Linjett 36 will be the first model from the builder with a fixed bowsprit, intended for fast and fun sailing using code and asymmetrical downwind sails.

The code sails will be directly hoisted from the sail locker in the bow. The bowsprit is designed to accommodate an electric code furler and anchor with a windlass. A key element in designing the bowsprit was to enable easy boarding and disembarking via the bow, according to the builder.

Linjett says the 36’s cockpit is an evolution from the Linjett 39, with a dedicated helmsman’s position behind the steering wheels. All trimming functions and instruments are easily accessible from there.

Forward of the wheels, there is a sheltered space for guests and others who are not actively sailing.

“We have met several sailors who have expressed a desire for a yacht that combines the comfort and equipment level of a larger yacht with the agility of a smaller yacht,” Markus Gustafsson, product owner at Linjett Yachts, stated in the press release. “The Linjett 36 meets these needs and is a compact alternative for those who appreciate the Linjett 39 but want a bit more space than our Linjett 34 offers.”

Inside, the Linjett 36 will have two staterooms, a galley and a head. The builder says it could have crammed more berths into the design, but instead added stowage space.

“The Linjett 36 also has dedicated space for optional equipment, which allows owners the opportunity to get a well-equipped and customized yacht in a compact and manageable format,” Matti Wikholm, sales manager at Linjett Yachts, stated in the press release

Is Linjett Yachts a family-owned business? Yes, it is. The yard is a full-service setup that handles everything in-house, from development to aftermarket support for owners.

Where to learn more: click over to www.linjett.se.

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The team at Windelo is celebrating the news that the Windelo 54 has been named Multihull of the Year for 2024 in the Premiere category at the International Multihull Show in France.

“Receiving this award is a tremendous honor and a real recognition of all the work accomplished by our Windelo family,” Gautier Kauffmann, Windelo’s co-founder, stated in a press release.

The Windelo 54, which has electric motors for more sustainable cruising, 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 team also reorganized the onboard space for additional guest comfort, with a forward cockpit and full-length nacelle that is open 360 degrees. “Your sailing experience has become more comfortable and social while entirely connected with the surrounding environment,” Kauffmann added.

Creation of the Windelo 54 follows the builder’s Windelo 50, which was named European Yacht of the Year in 2022. The Windelo 54 builds on lessons learned with that design, such as sailing at 3 to 4 knots on true wind speed for minimal energy use.

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.

Where does Windelo build its catamarans? In a 17,200-square-foot facility in the Occitania region of France, at the port of Canet-en-Roussillon.

Where to learn more: go to windelo-catamaran.com

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