performance sailing yachts

Yachting World

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Best performance yachts: Our pick of the top options

• Toby Hodges
• March 10, 2023

Toby Hodges takes a look at all the nominees and the winner of the performance yachts 2022 category in the European Yacht of the Year Awards

The European Yacht of the Year awards is the most thorough and impartial awards programme – the winners here are widely considered the best yachts of the year . As such the boats nominated by the jury in the performance yachts category can be considered the best of the best.

This year’s shortlist had the full range. From the more conventional definitive style of performance cruiser to the contemporary French interpretation of a lightweight planing cruiser – and even a new brand of sports  catamarans  for the thrill seekers.

Three Italian pure performance yachts and two very different yachts built in Slovenia made for a varied and exciting Performance Yachts category.

Best performance yachts

Winner best performance yachts 2023 – beneteau first 36.

Where once we could assume a cruiser-racer was a fairly standard format design, over the last decade it’s been much more the sexy, perormance yachts the Italian yards specialise in. But as French yards like Pogo and JPK have proven, there’s growing enthusiasm for lightweight planing yachts – and the First 36 is the first real production yacht in that spirit.

Here’s a yacht that puts the focus firmly back into sailing. The First 36 has been kept inviting and approachable – unlike many yachts that can plane, the look is modest, not aggressive. It’s uncomplicated, unfussy and the result is a pleasure for all to sail. It’s more about what you can’t see, the design and engineering, which should ensure longterm demand.

The small, fiddly heads compartment and lack of tiller options are perhaps the only real detraction from an otherwise brilliant collaboration by Seascape and Beneteau, from concept to build quality.

It was their goal to keep this area of the market relevant and prove a mainstream brand can do it, rather than only niche specialist yards. To create a mass produced yacht at this weight and to this foam-cored quality and one that can bring so much fun is a feather in the cap of the First brand.

Grand Soleil 40

The Grand Soleil 40 is an archetypal Med cruiser-racer, and an absolute delight to sail – a feature I’ve learned that Matteo Polli designs tend to share (he also drew the Ecoracer). We sailed the race set up with ORC keel (an IRC version is available too) and six winches, an extended bowsprit and a taller mast. It was one of my most memorable trials of the season in 10-12 knots, with the deep and forward positioned rudder giving plenty of control and lovely direct steering.

The three cabin interior can have one or two heads and different galley options, the cabins are a good size with modest stowage, and it’s all tastefully styled by masters Nauta.

Italia yachts 12.98

At 5ft longer and from the board of Cossutti (who Polli once worked under), the Italia Yachts 12.98 is another cruiser-racer in the same grain as the GS40, but with a markedly different looking white interior. We sailed the ‘Bellissima’ cruising version, which 80% of customers have opted for.

Italia’s yard is now in Fano and its one-shot infused vinylester build looks impressive. However, the deck lacks some refinement and practical stowage, while the three cabin interior isn’t voluminous by today’s standards.

This is a slippery yacht that has a lovely, light feel on the single rudder – the interior styling will be the deal breaker for most.

Solaris Yachts on the other hand has perfected its recipe, tripling its yard size to cater to demand for its sexy Acebal-designed performance yachts.

The Solaris 50 we tested in 2015 and which won this award was arguably the turning point that propelled the brand’s popularity. The owner of the new 50 we tested previously had the original 50 and a 58 and confirms this replacement has nearly the same space as the 58, yet is faster, more powerful and stable than its predecessor (we easily matched 7-8 knot winds under gennaker).

It heels onto its chine and accelerates well, while twin rudders provide ample control. The design prioritises helming experience but the yard needs to come up with a better helm seat option. The interior is well executed, especially the spacious forward owner’s cabin.

The Elan E6 is a big 47-footer, high and beamy and one that leans more towards spirited cruising with generous accommodation over racing. That said, extensive options allow you to tailor it either way, including foam cored furniture and a taller carbon mast for those looking for extra oomph.

It’s a fine collaboration between Humphreys Yacht Design, Gurit, Pininfarina and Elan, while an impressive standard spec includes a carbon sprit and six winches.

The E6 is fun to sail at various angles and gives a nice, sporty feel on the helm – it likes to heel but has plenty of grip and tracks well.

The cockpit is deep and comfortable, with good optional protection and there’s ample deck stowage. A really smart three (or four) cabin interior shows a high standard of construction, finish and styling. It is bulky and you pay for the size in weight, but it looks good and Elan knows how to build a great boat for the price.

Best performance yachts 2022

Winner best performance yachts 2022 – jpk 39fc.

Along with fellow Brittany yard Pogo, JPK has redefined the modern performance cruiser: stiff, stable and efficient to the max. For the keen sailor who wants to get the utmost enjoyment out of hands-on cruising, the JPK 39 is a superb design (and to my eye, an appealing one too), while the yard has done a nice job with the vacuum-infused construction and interior fit-out. The two-cabin version we sailed had plenty of stowage too.

It looks different, behaves beautifully and stands up to its canvas, is designed to sail efficiently with a loaded displacement, and has a deck set-up to encourage you to trim it to your heart’s content. My only slight negative is the unnerving mess the cockpit can become as there are so many control lines.

This lightweight blast will best suit experienced sailors and those comfortable with short-handed sailing. And it guarantees smiles.

Photo: Andreas Lindlahr/European Yacht of the Year

One such sports catamaran is the IC36, an exciting first offering from a new Czech brand that’s packed with fresh thinking. The first turbo version of this cruising catamaran (Independence) is built using a carbon fibre crossbeam, bowsprit, boards and rudders, epoxy hulls, plus a custom Pauger rotating mast, which all serve to keep weight below three tonnes.

It provided some spirited sailing, particularly when fetching at a measured pace of 10-13.5 knots with the code 0. The direct feel of tiller steering while seated in the low rotating bucket seats was a highlight.

The finish quality in the hulls is first class and there is somehow space for up to eight berths. The coachroof features a retractable bimini and removable vinyl side panels and solar panels, while the cockpit table, which includes an exterior galley, is also removable.

In fact the IC36 can be dismantled to 2.55m beam to make it legally trailable. It has so many options and ideas – too many perhaps – all reflected in the price.

Monohull enthusiasts will share our congratulations to J-Boats for its elegant new flagship. The J/45 won the hearts of the jury and made for a long drawn out decision against the JPK. In the end the two yachts will appeal to different sailors and tastes.

J has stayed true to its roots, yet still managed to bring a current, classy new offering. The unmistakable Alan Johnstone lines have been paired with a contemporary, warm European interior designed by Isabelle Racopeau, while much focus has been paid to the joinerwork and the invisible quality. We saw the two cabin version, which has an excellent technical cabin in place of the second aft cabin.

The J/45 is designed to still perform when loaded with cruising gear. True to J’s reputation, it was a witch upwind and could outpoint anything else during our trials. The compromise is that it won’t plane easily like a JPK or Pogo.

The Solaris 40 is another looker from Soto Acebal and the blue steel metallic hull colour of the test boat made the powerful hull shape really stand out.

We liked the recessed traveller, direct steering to the twin rudders, neat folding helm seats, clutches integrated into the coamings and the easy access to the side decks. However, the jury found the cockpit with its short benches and deck design a little too flat and minimalist.

The interior is smart and contemporary, again offered with two or three cabins with two heads it makes good use of the space.

One of the yachts I was looking forward to sailing most was the Pogo 44, and the only one shortlisted that I didn’t manage to! A collision with the photographer’s RIB shortly before my scheduled trial put it out of action.

However, my colleague Rupert Holmes did a full Pogo 44 test and report on it for Yachting World and describes the 44 as designed to thrill and unlike any other pure cruising yacht of its size. The stability from the beamy hull and deep lifting keel combines brilliantly with the ability to sail fast easily and in comfort. However some jury members didn’t like having to rely on an autopilot to use winches.

The interior is like a loft apartment, with so much natural light – it’s minimalist yet comfortable, spacious and practical for cruising.

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2022 Boat of the Year: Best Performance Catamaran

• By Cruising World Editors
• December 15, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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We built with you in mind for over 138 years. We’ve transformed living spaces and the list of innovations in hull design and navigation continues to grow at a rapidly increasing pace. Since 1884, BENETEAU's philosophy of building the strongest, safest, most beautiful boats on the water is alive and well. The BENETEAU family’s pride in craftsmanship and passion for performance can easily be recognized in every FIRST, FIRST SE, FIGARO, OCEANIS, and OCEANIS YACHT built today.  

The  world reference  in cruising. Oceanis is our range of long-distance, blue water cruisers that for years has set the standard for sailboat design and construction, with a hull that is a marvel in hydrodynamics,  Oceanis delivers superior performance  while providing stability and safety while under sail. Despite her strong sea legs, she doesn’t sacrifice luxury and comfort. You can choose your layout based on different configurations below deck and also have  your choice  of interior finishes. Your Oceanis will be a joy to sail and be  your home away from home . The Oceanis range continues to  appeal to all sailors  around the world.

Oceanis Yacht

The  Oceanis Yacht  is the culmination of our Oceanis philosophy where cruising comfort, performance, and customization reign supreme. Her elegant design and luxurious interiors add a new dimension to life at sea with an enormous salon, impressive galley, spacious staterooms, and plenty of ambient light from the many large windows and skylights. Despite her lavish details, our Oceanis Yacht maneuvers as easily as a smaller yacht thanks to a perfectly centered sail plan and twin rudders. She is a yacht that represents the  art of sailing  at its regal best.

40 years of iconic  brand heritage. The signature features of the FIRST range have not changed since its conception in 1977 – these boats have always been designed for  sailors  who enjoy club racing as much as cruising, joining them into one cohesive product line, the proverbial  best  of both worlds. Today, BENETEAU takes another step in this direction with the launch of the new FIRST range.  These boats offer simplicity, performances, and comfortable interiors and cockpits geared towards daysailing and coastal cruising. Renewing the competition spirit of the brand, they represent a true adaptation to the  needs and expectations  of the widest variety of sailors.

High-tech performance from the cutting edge of racing into the hands of the recreational sailors.  First SE - Seascape Edition encourages and empowers sailors to expand their comfort zone by joining competitive one-design racing and adventure sailing . It grows a community of owners linked by shared values and a drive to strengthen their sailing skills. Whether owners are racing against others in one-design classes or are engaging in adventure sailing, the First SE connects them to the elements and helps them experience nature in the most authentic way. A carbon rig, laminate sails and other technological features give sailors the ultimate sailing experience, performance and control.

A true legend. The Figaro is an ode to excellence in offshore racing. The one-design sailing yacht was initially designed for the Solitaire du Figaro, allowing some of the greatest skippers to compete at sea on equal terms, much to their pleasure. The sailor makes the difference on a Figaro.   

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We built our first sailboats over 138 years ago and many things have changed since then. The oak we once relied on has been replaced with strong but lightweight resin and carbon fiber. Where canvas once caught the wind, now it’s Kevlar and Vectran. We’ve transformed dark, confining salons and cabins into bright, open living spaces. And the list of innovations in hull design and navigation continues to grow at a rapidly increasing pace.

However, some things haven’t changed and never will. Benjamin BENETEAU’s philosophy of building the strongest, safest, most beautiful boats on the water is alive and well. The BENETEAU family’s pride in craftsmanship and passion for performance can easily be recognized in every FIRST, FIGARO, OCEANIS, and OCEANIS YACHT built today.  

Knowing what to keep and what to change – that’s why BENETEAU continues to set the bar in sailing.

OCEANIS: THE BEST SELLER

Oceanis is our range of long-distance, blue water cruisers and for years has set the standard for sailboat design and construction. With a hull that is a marvel in hydrodynamics, Oceanis delivers superior performance while providing stability and safety under sail. Despite her strong sea legs, she doesn’t sacrifice luxury and comfort. You can choose your layout based on different configurations below deck and also have your choice of interior finishes. Your Oceanis will be a joy to sail and be your home away from home.

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BENETEAU is also there to help you buy a top-quality boat. The OCEANIS Yacht line delivers  luxury sailing yachts  that satisfy this requirement perfectly. The line comprises two luxury craft of over 50 feet, designed by renowned architects and designers. 

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 Our 7th generation of the First range offers you the experience of pure sailing joy while staying true to our standards for safety and stability. She is lightweight with a streamlined design, making her highly adaptable to whatever the wind and water have in store. The First is fast but forgiving, spicy but safe – perfect for the thrill-seeking novice or seasoned competitive sailor alike.

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First SE - Seascape Edition encourages and empowers sailors to expand their comfort zone by joining competitive one-design racing and adventure sailing. It grows a community of owners linked by shared values and a drive to strengthen their sailing skills. Whether owners are racing against others in one-design classes or are engaging in adventure sailing, the First SE connects them to the elements and helps them experience nature in the most authentic way.

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A marvel in racing innovation, the Figaro BENETEAU 3 is the first production foiling one-design monohull to ever grace the seas. Designed in collaboration between BENETEAU and Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost (the architects of the last two Vendée Globe winners), her greatest and most visible feature is the inverted foiling system created to reduce drift and improve the righting moment without increasing movement. The Figaro BENETEAU 3’s radical design makes her the logical choice when winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.

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This diversity has led to the BENETEAU brand being represented on all the world’s seas. But wherever they are, BENETEAU boats are easily recognizable for their taut lines, innovative design, robustness and performance. No doubt this will continue, since BENETEAU is constantly reinventing itself to provide ever more enjoyable, high performing, safe and user-friendly recreational craft. BENETEAU achieves this by making the most of current and future innovations such as ship control, dock and go, foils, etc.

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Pilot Classic 47

The first PC47 launched in May 2022 and is based on a scaled-down version of the PC 55, designed for weekending with exceptional sailing performance and a winning combination of style and timeless elegance. The yachts feature a very spacious cockpit area able to seat 6 in comfort and a comfortable interior with 2 generous cabins, a dedicated nav area, galley and separate head/shower.

Construction is in full composites with a Coracell M foam core, epoxy glass skins and a carbon grid system creating a light and very strong yacht. Safety features include watertight bulk heads fore and aft with alarms and a crash bow in the lower forward bow are standard.

The deck layout is designed so that 6 can dine in style in the very generous cockpit whilst the coachroof and deck areas are very flush – no clutter or lines on deck with flush cambered hatches as standard.

As with this series the designs have a large sail plan and withamodern underbody featuring a deep T keelandspaderudder performance in all conditions will be exceptional – really a sailors yacht!

Sailing systems are designed so single-handing is easy. All lines are designed to come aft under under deckallowingtheraising, reefing and lowering of sails from the safety of the cockpit. A self-tacking jib is standard but canbe changedto a standard jib if required and it’s possible to have an optional furling boom.

The interior features a double berth forward and a double berth aft to port, a spacious saloon and table, aworkinggalleywith stove and fridge and a very good size head with stand up shower. Interior finish is our standard “NewEngland Beach house style” which gives both a very light and chic interior.

Tankage for water and diesel allows for a decent cruising range.

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XPerformance

Sleek, comfortable yachts combining world-class performance and cruising amenities

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Combining a 35-year heritage of performance yacht design and the very latest in contemporary yacht design and build technology, the Xp range is the fourth generation of performance yachts by X-Yachts. The range consists of the Xp 44 and Xp 50.

X-Yachts believe these boats represent the most advanced yachts available in the market today, no other series production yard supplying boats in this size range, offer epoxy infused hulls with carbon hull structure built into a epoxy infused hull-liner. Epoxy infusion is an expensive but superior build technology which creates the lightest possible structure, giving us the ability to offer yachts, which are perhaps slightly lighter, but primarily having a larger proportion of their total displacement deep down in the lead bulb.

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New External Features

The external appearance of each model of the Xperformance will become refreshed by a few means:

• New Waterline Stripes
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• Extended Coachroof Window
• New Pedestals & Instrument Boxes
• New Pushpit/Pullpit and Stanchion Gateway Design
• New Light Grey Side Decks

Xperformance Features

• Vacuum infused epoxy hull construction
• High stability and large sail plan
• Composite, encapsulated lead T-keels with draft options, recessed hull fittings
• Discontinuous rod rigging as standard
• Carbon keel frame structure for strength, safety and reliability

Xp Innovation

The Xp yachts can be highly customised with many exclusive features.

The Xp range is designed to be truly dual-purpose, and each model is offered with both standard aluminium and optional high aspect carbon rigs. The Xp 44 and Xp 50 are also offered with a T-bulb keel in either standard or deep draught.

The X-Yachts steel keel frame has been updated with a new carbon/composite structure which gives an improved strength to weight ratio for hull impact resilience and rig stability with a lighter overall weight.

Asymmetric headsails and under-deck furlers ensure owners can switch simply between short-handed and fully crewed sailing modes. The Xp 44 and Xp 50 feature a choice of four multifunctional bowsprit options for flying asymmetric or ‘Code’ sails and easy anchoring.

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6 Best Performance Cruising Catamarans (Buyer’s Guide)

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

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

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

Table of Contents

How Fast Are Performance Cruising Catamarans? 

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

Outremer 4X

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

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

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

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

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

McConaghy MC52

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

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

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

You can get the MC52 for about $1.6 million.

Nautitech 44

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

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

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

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

Marsaudon Composites ORC50

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

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

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

Gunboat 62 

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

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

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

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

Balance 526

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

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

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

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

What Makes Performance Cruising Catamarans So Fast? 

Performance Cruising Catamarans Have Narrow Hulls 

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

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

Performance Cruising Catamarans Have Considerable Length

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

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

Performance Cruising Catamarans Have Quality Builds

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

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

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

Performance Cruising Catamarans Are Light-weight

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

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

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

What To Consider When Choosing a Performance Cruising Catamaran

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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

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Welcome to Performance Yacht Sales, your go-to importer and distributor of the best European grands, including Nautitech Catamarans, Neel Trimarans, and Northman Yachts. We specialize in blue water vessels and offer a wide range of sailing vessels and power yachts, from Monohulls to Multihulls and Trimarans.

Nautitech Catamarans:

As proud representatives of one of the best French multihull brands, Nautitech Catamarans are the sailor’s choice when upgrading to multi-hulls. These true blue water sailing vessels offer unparalleled sailing performance in all weather conditions, making them perfect for the avid sailor of the coastal cruiser.

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With sales offices in three different locations – Miami, Annapolis, and more – we’re always here to cater to all your yachting needs. Contact us today to learn more about our exceptional collection of sailing vessels and discover why Performance Yacht Sales is the ultimate choice for discerning sailors

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WILLOW for sale

The 42m (137.8ft) WILLOW is the fifth and one of the latest of the Veloce 140 series, Benetti’s last range of performance yachts. Delivered in 2017 with 376GT of internal volume, she has a GRP hull and superstructure built to RINA classification and commercial compliance. Currently she is a very popular Burgess charter yacht operating single seasons in the Mediterranean. 

Extensive guest deck spaces include a sun deck with a sit-up bar and sun lounge beneath a hardtop with a retractable awning. Forward is observation seating and aft space for sun lounging. 

On the upper deck there is a foredeck sun lounge, to twin sunpads and a jacuzzi, while aft there is another sun lounge and open-air dining shaded by the overhang. 

The main deck aft has C-shaped lounge seating around two adjustable-height sliding tables, offering a second place to dine al fresco or a daybed to relax in the shade. Sidedecks lead forward to steps up to the foredeck sun lounge. 

On the lower deck, aft of the tender and toy garage, the transom folds down to create a huge swim platform and reveal a beach club with fully equipped bar.

From the main deck, two sliding glass doors open into the interior, which features marble flooring throughout. To port there is a bar, forward is a lounge with sofa seating in an L shape and two armchairs around a coffee table. Forward of that is the formal dining room with excellent views either side through large picture windows. There is a dayhead off the lobby and stairs leading to the upper deck sky lounge. Enter the sky lounge and there is a second dayhead immediately to starboard and a sofa, armchairs and daybeds around a coffee table. To port there is a fully equipped bar, ideally positioned to service guests at the open-air dining table. 

WILLOW welcomes 10 guests in five cabins. Forward on the main deck is the full-beam owner’s suite with vast panoramic windows either side, and a chaise longue to port and club seating to starboard from which to enjoy the views. Forward is an en suite with his-and-hers basins, bath tub and shower room. There is also a private study and his-and-hers walk-in wardrobes. 

From the main lobby steps also lead down to the lower deck guest accommodation, comprised of two double cabins and two twin cabins, all en suite and with plenty of natural light through sizeable windows. WILLOW also sleeps up to eight crew. 

Twin 3,460hp MTU diesel engines give her a lively top speed of 24 knots, 16-knot cruising speed and a range of 1,800nm at a 12-knot passage speed. Zero speed stabilisers reduce any roll to ensure guest comfort at anchor.

Specifications

• Name: WILLOW
• Yacht Type: Motor Yacht
• Series, Model, Class: Fast 140
• Builder: Benetti
• Exterior Designer: Stefano Righini
• Interior Designer: Benetti
• Refits: 2020,2023
• Length Overall: 42 metres
• Length at Waterline: 33.8 metres
• Beam: 8.5 metres
• Max Draught: 2.4 metres
• Gross Tonnage: 376
• Displacement Tonnage: 276

Construction

• Year of Build: 2017
• Hull Number: BF205
• Hull Type: Fast Displacement
• Number of Decks: 3
• Classification: RINA

Performance & Capacities

• Max Speed: 24 kn
• Cruising Speed: 16 kn
• Fuel Capacity: 35000 litres
• Water Capacity: 4000 litres
• Range: 1800 nm
• Engine Make: MTU
• Total power: 7016hp
• Superstructure: GRP

Accommodation

• Passenger Rooms: 5
• Master Rooms: 1
• Double Rooms: 3
• Twin Rooms: 2
• VIP Rooms: 1

Available for charter

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Choosing the Right Boat for Your Sailing Adventure

T he pleasure derived from sailing is largely contingent on the kind of boat employed and, crucially, the sailor's ability to navigate it. A sailor will find it greatly more enjoyable to sail a boat that they are proficient and at ease with compared to one where they don't fully understand its operations.

Ideally, the latter circumstance should be avoided as it elevates the risks of sailing. The open sea can pose significant threats. Hence, navigating a boat under challenging conditions should only be undertaken by individuals who are thoroughly knowledgeable about their actions. 

In this article, we'll introduce you to the most common small vessels so you can keep them in mind when choosing the right boat for your time on the water.

Types of Boats

Ski and wakeboard boats.

Ski and wakeboard boats are primarily designed for water sports activities and are not typically used for cruising. Depending on the model, they may come equipped with various features tailored to water sports.

These features might include ballasts for cruise control, wave enhancement, a heating system to prolong the boating season, and a tower for skis, attaching ropes, and wakeboards. 

Uniquely, a wake boat utilizes an internal engine and a shaft propulsion system instead of a conventional sterndrive, enhancing the safety of skiers and wakeboarders. However, these boats have their drawbacks.

They are not well-suited for cruising or navigating choppy waters due to their flatter hull design and configuration, making sailing through waves uncomfortable or even downright unpleasant.

Additionally, these boats are generally more expensive and consume significant fuel when used for water sports.

Pontoon Boats

Whether you're sailing on an Arizona lake or an Atlantic seaboard bay, pontoon boats are a common sight. These boats don't rely on a fiberglass hull but instead float on two or three aluminum “logs.”

These boats were often slow, unattractive, and not particularly seaworthy in the past, but those days are long gone. Modern pontoon boats are quick, aesthetically pleasing, and incredibly comfortable.

While it's true that they may not be the best choice for waters that frequently see large waves, their stability is unparalleled, they offer plentiful deck space, and their flexibility allows for a myriad of seating configurations. You can even enhance them with features like wet bars, towing arches, and more.

High-performance Boats

Similar to sports cars, high-performance boats offer an unrivaled cruising experience. Their striking colors and sporty designs ensure you won't blend into the crowd when out on the water. 

Thanks to their higher cruising speeds , these boats can traverse longer distances and quickly transport you to far-off places. Their speed and pronounced V-shape hull make them capable of handling choppy waters with ease. 

While their fuel consumption at lower speeds matches smaller vessels, it increases significantly at higher speeds. However, their ability to reach destinations quicker reduces the time spent consuming fuel, thus narrowing the gap with other boat types regarding fuel efficiency.

One intriguing aspect of these sporty high-performance boats is that, due to their narrower beam and lower height, even larger models over 30 feet can be towed, a feat impossible with cruisers of the same size.

This feature allows exploring new, remote bodies of water or ones off-limits to other vessels.

On the downside, these boats come with high-performance mechanical parts, which means they carry a higher purchase price and maintenance cost.

High-quality boats are less comfortable and accommodating than cruisers of the same length. This is especially true as recent years have seen more balanced models replaced by extreme boats. Additionally, the insurance costs for these boats are also on the higher side.

Some people relish the sensation of wind blowing through the sails, even though sailing necessitates a unique skill set that isn't required for motorboating. If you're drawn to sailing , mastering the art is essential, and the ideal way to start is by taking a beginner's sailing course. 

The absence of a motor means your journey is entirely at the mercy of the wind, which could be thrilling if you have an adventurous spirit. A detailed online directory of various boat types can also assist you in making informed decisions.

Console Boats

?Typically, console boats feature an open hull with ample deck space or seating at the front and central controls for steering and ignition. They are specifically engineered to endure offshore waters, making them perfect for ocean fishing.

The boat cover design ensures it doesn't hinder a fisherman's casting. These boats are spacious and have facilities to store fish in icy conditions. 

Despite rough seas, they provide both safety and comfort. There's plenty of room for gunwale rod holders, outriggers, and bait wells. Outboard engines power all console boats. Their size can vary from 18 to 65 feet and reach speeds of 30 knots or more.

Personal Watercraft

Personal watercraft (PWCs) are widely recognized for their superior maneuverability and ease of operation. They are relatively inexpensive, easy to tow even with a car, and allow for exploration of various bodies of water.

Their distinctive turbine propulsion system requires less water depth than traditional vessels, making them suitable for areas larger boats can't reach. 

Some models boast impressive engine power, allowing for higher speeds that enhance the thrill of the ride. Compared to other crafts, the upkeep expenses of these watercraft are comparatively minimal.

On the downside, their operation costs can be relatively high due to increased fuel consumption caused by their high-speed capability. This also impacts insurance costs.

The limited onboard space, accommodating one to three passengers depending on the model, also restricts the possibility of group trips unless you're in company with other boaters. This often results in a solitary experience, which may not appeal to everyone.

Dinghy Boats

Rubber-made, inflatable small boats, also known as dinghies, come in three distinct types: those with air floors, rigid bottoms, and a hybrid featuring jointed or slatted bottoms. These dinghies are typically stowed on larger vessels and utilized in shallow areas inaccessible to their larger counterparts.

Often referred to as inflatables or rowboats, these dinghies are equipped with oars and a compact outboard engine. Their ability to navigate shallow waters makes them ideal for fishing activities in such locations. They are also commonly brought along on camping trips.

RIBS (Rigid Inflatable Bottoms), which are inflatables with rigid bottoms, are favored due to their lightweight nature and stability. They can be deflated for easy storage, and their soft-sided design prevents any potential damage to the motherships they are carried on.

One can confidently assert that the majority of these vessels are multi-functional. A compact fishing boat could easily double as a recreational boat and the other way round.

The ideal type of boat for you hinges on several factors, such as your preferred type of water body, the duration of your sea journey, and your storage needs. A thorough investigation can guide you towards the perfect boat tailored to your requirements.

This story is brought to you in partnership with Supra Boats.

The post Choosing the Right Boat for Your Sailing Adventure appeared first on Go Backpacking .

Former “Love Boat” star Fred Grandy to star in local performance “Give ‘Em Hell, Harry”

COVINGTON, Va. (WDBJ) - Many might know Fred Grandy best for his role as Gopher in the hit TV series “The Love Boat,” but he has taken on many roles over the years with his latest performance coming to Covington, Virginia.

Grandy is traveling around the U.S. playing Harry Truman in “Give ‘Em Hell, Harry” and he joined Here @ Home to talk about how audiences can watch him at Curfman Hall on Sunday, May 19.

Tickets cost $20 and are on sale now.

Copyright 2024 WDBJ. All rights reserved.

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Teen ballerina killed in hit-and-run boat crash while waterskiing

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A teenage ballerina was struck and killed by a boat while waterskiing in Miami .

Ella Riley Adler, 15, was being towed in Biscayne Bay when she fell into the water and was hit by another boat on Saturday afternoon, authorities said.

The boat continued on off Nixon Beach Sandbar near Key Biscayne in Florida and Ella died of her injuries.

Ella, a Ransom Everglades School student, ‘shone on stage as a ballerina in the Nutcracker’ and appeared in more than 100 performances with the Miami City Ballet, according to her obituary .

‘She dazzled us with her light. She emanated love and joy. She was beautiful. When she walked into a room, everyone was drawn to her,’ it states. ‘She loved to dance, she loved her friends, and most of all she loved her family.’

At Ella’s funeral on Monday, her father, Matthew Adler, said that he and her mother ‘have said for years that you truly got the best parts of both of us’.

‘You were taken from us way too soon, and the world has been robbed of all the things you could have achieved,’ he said, according to the Miami Herald . ‘But you will always be here with us and your friends and family will carry your energy and spirit forever.’

On Tuesday, a boat of interest was identified by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The owner of the boat has been taken into custody and is cooperating with the investigation.

‘I am pleased to report that we have a vessel in custody that matches the description given by witnesses, and the investigation is ongoing,’ the commission’s chairman, Rodney Barreto, told NBC Miami .

‘As a father and grandfather, my heart is broken for the Adler family. Ella’s death is devastating for her family, friends, and the community at large. The FWC and our partner law enforcement agencies will not stop until we have all the answers and the case is solved.’

Ella is survived by her father, mother, brother and sister, as well as grandparents, aunts and uncles.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

For more stories like this, check our news page .

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Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are reportedly on ‘two completely different pages’

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This week in celebrity news, the “We Hear: Quick Fix” podcast covers:

• Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are reportedly on “two completely different pages” in their marriage.
• Elle King is speaking out about her drunken Dolly Parton tribute performance.
• And Patrick Mahomes is out supporting his wife Brittany after his teammate’s controversial commencement speech.

We Hear: Quick Fix is a week-in-review five-minute podcast from Page Six. Chief Reporter Francesca Bacardi breaks down the biggest stories of the week – including The Joy of Six, the most satisfying piece of gossip.

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