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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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. Available with two standard 45 hp Yanmar diesel engines (or optional upgraded 57 hp versions), the Leopard 46 answers the call for sustainability with its optional Hybrid Electric Drive System. The system includes a power management box, electric propulsion pod, high-voltage lithium-ion battery, solar array, and range-extending generator. The boat’s power can be sourced from solar panels, sailing regeneration, shore power, and a range extender. The system can manage charging and discharging, providing power for both propulsion and house loads. Testing shows speeds over 8 knots and regeneration capabilities up to 1.8 KW per hour per hull.

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.

The Leopard 46 will be available for charter through The Moorings and Sunsail.

Leopard 46 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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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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