the best sailing yachts

13 Best Cruising Sailboats in 2023 & Why They're Better

If you're interested in long-distance exploration at sea, cruising sailboats are a popular choice. The best cruising sailboats are designed to provide comfort, durability, and seaworthiness. From high-performance cruisers with heirloom-quality materials to versatile boats, there's something in this lineup for your skill level and preference. These boats have raised the bar and are set to provide memorable sailing experiences.

The best cruising sailboats are:

Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54

Jeanneau sun odyssey 490, x-yachts x49, dufour grand large 460, hallberg-rassy 340, tartan 4300, island packet 420, fountaine pajot saona 47, lagoon 450f, bavaria cruiser 46.

One aspect that sets these sailboats apart is their focus on innovation and performance. Let's take a closer look at the 13 best cruising sailboats of 2023 and explore what makes them stand out from the rest.

• These cruising sailboats feature spacious interiors, sturdy hulls, and versatile sail configurations.
• These sailboats are equipped with navigation and communication systems, as well as additional features such as watermakers, generators, and refrigeration systems.
• You can buy these boats for anything between $250,000 and $1.4 million or more.
• A cruiser is a type of sailboat that is generally larger and more comfortable than a racing sailboat.

On this page:

Best cruising sailboats, why these sailboats are better, the most popular cruising sailboat.

In this section, we'll explore the 13 best cruising sailboats of 2023, highlighting their unique features and reasons why they stand out in the market.

Comfortable living space : A cruising sailboat should have a comfortable living space that can accommodate the crew for an extended period of time. This includes a spacious cabin, galley, head, and berths.

Seaworthiness : A cruising sailboat should be able to handle rough seas and adverse weather conditions. It should have a sturdy hull, a well-designed keel, and a balanced rigging system.

Sailing performance : A cruising sailboat should have good sailing performance, which includes speed, stability, and ease of handling. It should be able to sail efficiently in different wind conditions.

Safety features : A cruising sailboat should have safety features such as a reliable navigation system, adequate safety equipment, and a strong anchoring system.

Storage space : A cruising sailboat should have enough storage space for provisions, equipment, and personal belongings. This includes storage lockers, shelves, and compartments.

Energy efficiency : A cruising sailboat should have an energy-efficient system that can provide power for lighting, electronics, and other equipment without relying on shore power.

Durability : A cruising sailboat should be built to last and withstand the wear and tear of extended cruising. This includes using high-quality materials and construction techniques.

The Amel 50 is known for its luxurious and comfortable accommodations, and excellent seaworthiness. Its unique features include a spacious interior with modern design, an innovative cockpit layout, and a powerful yet easy-to-handle sailing system.

The Amel 50 has a unique feature called the "Amel Easy Docking" system, which allows for easy and precise maneuvering in tight spaces. It also has a unique "Amel Silent Block" system, which reduces noise and vibration for a more comfortable ride.

The Oyster 565 is known for its high-quality construction, attention to detail, and luxurious accommodations, as well as its excellent safety features. It provides you with exceptional performance and comfort. Its sleek hull design offers fast, stable sailing, while the spacious, high-quality interior ensures you'll enjoy your time onboard.

The Oyster 565 has a unique feature called the "Oyster Deck Saloon," which provides 360-degree views and adequate natural light in the living space. It also has a unique "Oyster DNA" system, which allows for customization of the boat to suit the owner's preferences.

With its cutting-edge design and performance, the Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54 lets you sail in style. Its chined hull, twin rudders, and easy handling make it a pleasure to sail, while the spacious, modern interior ensures your comfort on longer voyages.

The Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54 has a unique feature called the "Dock & Go" system, which allows for easy and precise maneuvering in tight spaces. It also has a unique "Beneteau Smart Sailing" system, which includes a suite of electronic and navigational tools for easy and safe sailing.

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 is known for its hard chine design, and excellent performance and stability. It offers innovative design and functionality. Its walk-around decks, unique cockpit layout, and high-quality interior make it ideal for cruising in comfort.

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 has a unique feature called the "Walk-Around Deck," which allows for easy and safe movement around the boat. It also has a unique "Jeanneau Sun Loft" system, which provides a flexible and customizable living space.

The X-Yachts X49 combines performance, luxury, and comfort. It is known for its high-performance hull design, excellent speed and stability. With its fast hull, advanced sailing systems, and plush interior, the X49 is perfect for both racing and cruising.

The X-Yachts X49 has a unique feature called the "X-Yachts Pure X" system, which includes a suite of performance-enhancing features such as a carbon fiber mast and boom, a racing-inspired sail plan, and a deep lead keel.

The Dufour Grand Large 460 provides you with both comfort and performance. It is known for its innovative design, featuring a self-tacking jib and retractable bow thruster for easy handling. Its spacious interior, ergonomic deck layout, and powerful sailing capabilities make it an excellent choice for long-distance cruising.

The Dufour Grand Large 460 has a unique feature called the "Dufour Easy" system, which includes a suite of tools for easy and safe sailing, such as a self-tacking jib and retractable bow thruster. It also has a unique "Dufour Grand Large Lounge" system, which provides a flexible and customizable living space.

Experience easy handling and modern style with the Hanse 458. It is known for its sleek and modern design, self-tacking jib, large swim platform. Its innovative self-tacking jib, efficient deck layout, and comfortable accommodation make it perfect for family cruising.

The Hanse 458 has a unique feature called the "Hanse Easy Sailing" system, which includes a suite of tools for easy and safe sailing, such as a self-tacking jib and retractable bow thruster. It also has a unique "Hanse Individual Cabin Concept" system, which allows for customization of the living space to suit the owner's preferences.

Known for its quality and craftsmanship, the Hallberg-Rassy 340 offers you comfort and performance in a compact package. It is known for its classic design, long waterline, spacious cockpit, and comfortable and practical accommodations. With its stable hull, efficient sailplan, and well-designed interior, it's ideal for long-range cruising on a smaller scale.

The Hallberg-Rassy 340 has a unique feature called the "Hallberg-Rassy Hardtop," which provides protection from the elements and a spacious cockpit area. It also has a unique "Hallberg-Rassy Quality Concept" system, which includes high-quality construction materials and techniques for durability and longevity.

The Tartan 4300 delivers a perfect balance of performance and comfort. It is known for its high-quality construction, cored hull and deck for added strength and durability. Its epoxy-infused hull provides lightweight strength, while the spacious, beautifully crafted interior ensures a luxurious cruising experience.

The Tartan 4300 has a unique feature called the "Tartan Infusion Molding Process," which allows for precise and consistent construction of the hull and deck for added strength and durability. It also has a unique "Tartan Smart Sailing" system, which includes a suite of electronic and navigational tools for easy and safe sailing.

For those who value comfort and classic design, the Island Packet 420 won't disappoint. It is known for its full keel design, excellent stability and seaworthiness. Its spacious, well-appointed interior and solid construction make it a reliable choice for long voyages.

The Island Packet 420 has a unique feature called the "Island Packet Full Foil Keel," which provides excellent stability and seaworthiness. It also has a unique "Island Packet Anchoring System," which includes a powerful windlass and a custom-designed anchor roller for easy and safe anchoring.

The Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 catamaran offers you the perfect combination of speed, stability, and space. Its sleek hulls and spacious, well-designed living areas make it an excellent choice for cruising with friends and family.

The Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 has a unique feature called the "Fountaine Pajot Helmsman's Position," which provides excellent visibility and control of the boat. It also has a unique "Fountaine Pajot Lounge Deck" system, which provides a spacious and comfortable living space.

Cruise in style on the Lagoon 450F, known for its spacious accommodations and excellent performance under sail. With its distinctive flybridge, comfortable cabins, and efficient sailing system, it's ideal for multi-day getaways.

The Lagoon 450F has a unique feature called the "Lagoon Flybridge," which provides excellent visibility and control of the boat. It also has a unique "Lagoon Spacious Cockpit" system, which provides a comfortable and practical living space.

The Bavaria Cruiser 46 is a versatile and stylish cruiser that offers excellent performance and comfort. It is known for its innovative design, featuring a drop-down transom for easy access to the water. Its user-friendly sailing systems, attractive interior, and practical deck layout make it an ideal choice for a wide range of cruising adventures.

The Bavaria Cruiser 46 has a unique feature called the "Bavaria Hybrid Propulsion System," which allows for energy-efficient sailing and propulsion. It also has a unique "Bavaria Smart Storage" system, which provides enough storage space for gear and supplies. Additionally, the Bavaria Cruiser 46 has a unique "Bavaria Vision" design concept, which includes a spacious and comfortable living space with plenty of natural light and ventilation.

Cruising Gear Essentials

Key features to look for

Versatile hull design.

This allows your sailboat to navigate in various conditions, making it ideal for long-distance cruising.

Efficient sail plan

By having a well-designed sail layout, your boat provides better control, handling, and propulsion.

High-quality construction

Top-quality materials and craftsmanship not only increase the boat's durability, but also enhance its performance.

Comfortable accommodations

When you spend extended periods at sea, you want your sailboat to feel like home, with adequate living space and modern amenities. For an extended sailing trip, you are going to need these 41 sailboat cruising essentials .

How they improve sailing experience

Easier boat handling.

Advanced rigging systems, self-tacking jibs, and other innovative technologies make it easier for you to manage your boat, allowing for more time spent enjoying the sea.

Increased safety

State-of-the-art navigation equipment and weather forecasting systems help you anticipate environmental changes, ensuring a safe voyage.

Sustainable power options

Many sailboats in 2023 come with solar panels, hydro generators, or hybrid propulsion options, reducing your environmental impact and providing more sustainable choices while out at sea.

Integrated connectivity

These boats boast digital systems that allow you to stay connected, monitor your journey, and update your friends and family with your adventures.

Their advantages over others

Better performance.

These boats have been designed with speed, stability, and maneuverability in mind, ensuring top-notch sailing experiences.

Longevity and value

Since they're built with high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship, these boats are certain to last, making them a wise investment.

Customization options

Many of these sailboats offer customizable features, allowing you to tailor the boat to your specific needs and preferences.

Award-winning designs

Several of these boats have received prestigious awards for their innovative features and performance, making them the ultimate cruising sailboats for any passionate sailor.

The Island Packet 420 and Lagoon 450F are the two most popular cruising sailboats known for their comfort, seaworthiness, and versatility.

The Island Packet 420 is a well-regarded cruising sailboat that has a loyal following. It is known for its spacious interior, comfortable accommodations, and good sailing performance.

The Island Packet 420 features a full keel and a cutter rig, which makes it a stable and seaworthy vessel that can handle a variety of weather conditions. The sailboat has a large master cabin, a well-equipped galley, and a comfortable salon area, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy extended periods of time at sea.

The Lagoon 450F is a popular choice for those who want to explore the world by boat. It is known for its spacious interior, stable platform, and good sailing performance.

The Lagoon 450F features a catamaran hull design, which provides a stable and comfortable platform that is ideal for long-distance cruising. The sailboat has a spacious cockpit, multiple sleeping quarters, and a well-equipped galley, making it a popular choice for those who want to travel with family or friends.

The best size cruising sailboat

The best size cruising sailboat is in the range of 40 to 50 feet. Sailboats in this size range are large enough to provide comfortable accommodations for an extended period of time at sea, yet small enough to be easily handled by a small crew or even single-handed.

Sailboats that are too small may lack the necessary amenities and space for long-distance cruising, while sailboats that are too large may be difficult to handle and require a larger crew. Ultimately, the best size cruising sailboat will depend on individual preferences, needs, and intended use, and it's important to consider factors such as comfort, safety, and ease of handling when choosing a cruising sailboat.

The safest cruising sailboat

Hallberg-Rassy 340, and Island Packet 420 are considered among the safest cruising sailboats. These sailboats are known for their sturdy construction, well-designed hulls, and reliable systems. They are also known for their ability to handle a variety of weather conditions and their comfortable accommodations. However, safety can also depend on the boat maintenance, and the skill and experience of the crew.

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15 Best Sailboat Brands

Table of Contents

Last Updated on September 24, 2024 by Boatsetter Team

When choosing a sailboat, the brand can make a big difference in quality, performance, and resale value. But picking the “best sailboat brand” means swimming through a lot of different kinds of boats with different intended purposes. Are you looking for a large luxury offshore cruising boat or small production daysailer? Do you want a monohull or a catamaran? Are you looking to buoy racer or weekend cruiser?

Although we can’t address all brands and all their uses, we can segment out monohulls from catamarans and address production boats versus luxury brands. Here are some you’ll see on the water and find in peer-to-peer sharing services like Boatsetter.

1. Beneteau

2. Jeanneau

Also under the Beneteau Group umbrella, Jeanneau is renowned for its stylish, performance-oriented sailboats. They offer a broad range of boats that appeal to both casual sailors and competitive racers with models ranging 30-65 feet. Both Beneteau and Jeanneu now build sailboats as well as powerboats.

Another French builder is Dufour that produces versatile, stylish sailboats with a good balance between performance and comfort. This brand is popular among cruising families and casual sailing racers. Dufour was founded in 1964, so they too have a long history on the water and offer reliable models 37-61 feet.

4. Catalina

An American builder, Catalina Yachts offers models 12-44 feet. These coastal cruisers used to be built on the West Coast so you can spot a lot of older versions on the Pacific Ocean. Catalina is focused on easy-maintain and easy-to-handle boats that are family weekending favorites. Dealerships are harder to find these days but today, Catalina will build you a boat in Florida if you inquire.

Oyster is a British luxury builder of serious offshore bluewater cruising yachts and has an excellent reputation with those who want to globetrot in style and make long safe passages. The brand is synonymous with quality and attention to detail. They specialize in building larger passagemakers 49-88 feet and are an exceptional choice for distance cruising if you have a serious budget.

A volume production builder from Germany, Bavaria is known for durable cruisers that are good both with charter fleets and in private ownership. Today, Bavaria offers heavy-duty sailing monohulls 37-57 feet although they also build powerboats.

Another German production builder is Hanse known for sleek modern designs with innovative systems and performance hulls. Hanse has easy-to-handle rigs with self-tacking jibs which makes short-handed sailing a breeze. Hanse has a sister company named Moody which builds comfortable cruising models based on many of the same Hanse hulls.

8. Hallberg-Rassy

A legacy brand, Hallber-Rassy is known for their quality and traditional designs capable of offshore work. This durable Swedish brand has a robust construction and commands a higher price. They’re better known in Europe than in the US and they don’t build in the same kind of volume as many of the production brands so they’re harder to spot.

9. Nautor Swan

A name that has been synonymous with high performance and luxury is Finland’s Nautor Swan. They’re a pedigreed brand with elegant design and renown craftsmanship. Swan was purchased by Italian luxury builder San Lorenzo in the summer of 2024. Their models range 48-65 feet and they have a maxi division that builds superyachts 80-128 feet.

Multihulls:  

A segment of cruising sailboats are multihulls, specifically catamarans. Here are popular production cat builders and three extra brands that will make you look twice.

Perhaps the best-known production catamaran brand is Lagoon which is part of the Beneteau umbrella and has been building models since 1987. These models do heavy work in charter around the world so if you see a cat on the water, it’s a good bet that it’s a Lagoon. Offered in lengths 40-78 feet, Lagoon is a volume builder that develops both sail and power multihulls.

Nautitech Open

Nautitech is a French company that was briefly owned by German Bavaria. Now they’re on their own again and espouse Marc Lombard design. They’re known for unique interior layouts that maximize outdoor social spaces. These stylish cats of 40-48 feet have sleek profiles with angular windows, a lowcoachroof and powerful hull sections. Able to sail 10 knots in 15-20 knots of true wind, these bluewater cats are happy to go around the harbor or around the world.

Fountaine Pajot

The French seem to own the world of sailing cats since another powerhouse production brand is Fountaine Pajot which is also a sister brand with monohull builder Dufour mentioned above. The new designs are built for large groups on charter or for families. Cabin arrangements are flexible from an owner’s version with a sumptuous suite all the way to a five-cabin layout that will accommodate 10 guests with ease.

Balance is a premium builder of bluewater performance multihulls designed to carry a good turn of speed on all points of sail which is assisted by foiled daggerboards that make easy work of upwind sailing. Self-tacking rigs and the versatile VersaHelm make driving these serious models a snap. Balance currently builds three models 44-52 feet with three larger models on the drawing board.

When a budget can stretch, sailors reach for upmarket build-to-order ubercats like HH Catamarans produced in China. These boats carry daggerboards and carbon rigs and are great for serious racing as well as distance cruising. These models have a carbon construction to be strong and lightweight and few multihulls will raise an eyebrow quite like an HH sailing by in a flash. Luxury designs are available in 44-88 feet.

NEEL Trimarans

When two hulls aren’t enough, consider a trimaran. Tris are typically faster than cats but have unique and sometimes challenging onboard layouts. When small and designed for racing, tris like the Dragonfly brand are fast and fun. In contrast, French company NEEL builds large cruising tris that reels off the miles and provide lots of space for cruising necessities. NEEL’s current portfolio includes models 43-52 feet with a flagship coming at 65 feet.

Each of these sailing brands has its strengths, whether you’re looking for a comfortable cruiser, a performance-oriented racer, or a luxury bluewater multihull. The best choice depends on your needs, sailing style, and budget.

If you already own one of these fabulous sailboat brands and want to offset the purchase price and ongoing costs, consider chartering via a peer-to-peer services like Boatsetter that can make ownership much more manageable.

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Zuzana Prochazka is an award-winning freelance journalist and photographer with regular contributions to more than a dozen sailing and powerboating magazines and online publications including Southern Boating, SEA, Latitudes & Attitudes and SAIL. She is SAIL magazines Charter Editor and the Executive Director of Boating Writers International. Zuzana serves as judge for SAIL’s Best Boats awards and for Europe’s Best of Boats in Berlin. 

A USCG 100 Ton Master, Zuzana founded and manages a flotilla charter organization called Zescapes that takes guests adventure sailing at destinations worldwide. 

Zuzana has lived in Europe, Africa and the United States and has traveled extensively in South America, the islands of the South Pacific and Mexico. 

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The five best sailing yachts launched in 2021

Related articles, superyacht directory.

As we build up to the Explorer Yacht Summit on November 11, BOAT rounds up the best sailing yachts to be launched in 2021, starting with "record-breaking" 42.5m Skorpios... Book tickets before the event sells out below. 

Nautor’s Swan ’s first 42.5 metre ClubSwan 125 series, Skorpios was commissioned by a “passionate sailor” wanting to “create a high-performance, record-breaking superyacht”. As a result, the ClubSwan 125, which was designed by naval architect  Juan Kouyoumdjian , is built from lightweight materials, including carbon fibre prepreg and nomex/corecell core for a light displacement in the water. Elsewhere Skorpios features a single curved foil that provides sideways and vertical lift in varying conditions which also reduces the drag of the hull and loss of dynamic righting movement.

The 44.6 metre custom superyacht Path is the third largest yacht built by yard Baltic by volume. Sporting naval architecture and interior design by Judel Vrolijk design studio, Path was commissioned by an experienced owner and features a lifting keel, reducing the draught to 3.4 metres. Path takes full advantage of its 9.45 metre beam, with accommodation for a total of eight guests and the owner’s cabin located amidships alongside an upper lounge area and a 2.7 metre video wall.

L’Aquila II

Built in steel and aluminium, Mengi Yay 's, 42.5 metre flagship sailing yacht L’Aquila II was delivered to its owner in June 2021. L'Aquila II was first commissioned in May 2019 by a repeat client looking to upgrade their previous 34m sailing yacht named L'Aquila . L'Aquila II features naval architecture and exterior design courtesy of Ginton Naval Architects , while the interior comes from the boards of Rush Design. 

The fourth yacht in Southern Wind Shipyard ’s 35.4 metre SW105 sailing yacht series, Taniwha was commissioned by a "passionate yachtsman" and first hit the water in Cape Town in April 2021. Designed by Farr Yacht Design and Nauta Design , Taniwha was built with a carbon fibre hull, intentionally lightweight hydraulic and electric power management systems, meaning the yacht is three tons lighter than the other hulls in the series. 

Turkish yard Bodrum Oguz Marin ’s 34 metre Miti One was launched in August after being built on spec by the yard in Turkey with construction starting in January 2020. Featuring an interior of 180GT and a beam of 8.4 metres, the yacht accommodates 12 guests in five staterooms with a crew of seven. The yacht is part of the Turkish shipyard's ‘MiTi Navi’ series of semi-production sailing yachts built in steel. The series comprises 26, 34, 42 and 50 metre sailing yachts, all with in-house naval architecture and design.

The first 36.55 metre Swan 120 sailing superyacht was built by Nautor's Swan and made its global debut at Monaco Yacht Show this year. Penned by designer  German Frers , the yacht is the flagship of the yard's Maxi Line series and represents a "new era" of performance yachts for Swan. There are two interior configurations, courtesy of designer Misa Poggi, to choose from; either with the owner's cabin aft or forward. Both configurations include an additional three guest ensuite cabins, with one double and two twins. 

This year's Life Under Sail conference is taking place as part of the BOAT International Festival of Yachting . The Life Under Sail conference will form day one of the programme and will be followed by the Explorer Yachts Summit on November 11.

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New Yachts on the Market: Latest Racing & Cruising Designs

In the market for a racing or cruising yacht? It’s been another bumper year for the boatbuilding industry… Sam Jefferson casts his eye over the latest launches.

New yachts: cruising, wauquiez 55.

Wauquiez is a marque that has been much revered in cruising circles since they first started building elegant cruisers back in the 1960s. Their new 55 boat is definitely intriguing and one of the striking features is the centre cockpit with the helm offset to port under a well protected solid plexiglass sprayhood.  Another interesting feature is the option of a swing keel which gives you an almighty 4.2m of draft when lowered and 1.6m when raised. Aside from that, the boat dares to be different by supplying two Volvo D2 engines as standard.  The interior looks extremely spacious and Lombard has capitalised on full forward sections and plenty of beam to ensure that there is a huge interior space. In addition, the centre cockpit allows for a huge aft owner’s cabin.

wauquiez.com

Moody 48 DS

Moody has been under German ownership as part of the Hanse group for many years now and offers a different sort of cruiser in quality deck saloon cruisers which are designed by Judel/Vrolijk. The new 48 is the first new launch they have made since their 41 2017 and fits between the Moody 45 and 54 in their range. As you’d expect, this is a boat that is big on space and comfort, featuring a big, beamy hull with twin rudders. Performance has not been neglected, however, because she sports a generous rig to push her 21,000kg displacement through the water. 

Inspirationmarine.co.uk

Hanse Yachts broke with go to designer of many years Judel/Vrolijk a couple of years back and this was the catalyst behind the launch of a new generation of Hanses designed by the French team of Berret/Racoupeau. In addition to a marked change in styling, with inverted ‘dreadnought bow and hard chines aft giving the boats a more angular look, the main drive seemed to be to up the quality of the boats down below – which was certainly achieved. The new 590 is their biggest boat yet of this new generation and offers easy sailing on a big scale. The new boat features an optional hard top bimini, a tender garage and acres of space down below. The boat will be officially unveiled at Cannes Boat show and promises to be a head turner.

New Cruising Yacht: Maxus 35

Maxus Yachts is a Polish company that made its name. building small trailerable yachts to sail on the Masurian lakes not far from the Russian border. Now the company has moved up a size bracket and their new 35 is bigger and aimed more at offshore sailing than previous designs. The result is a spacious yacht with striking styling and a semi deck saloon arrangement that bathes the saloon with natural light. It all points to promises decent performance and accommodation at a highly competitive price. 

northman.pl

French manufacturer Dufour has really pumped up the volume with its latest generation of yachts. The new Umberto Felci designed 44 follows on from the 37 and 41 which have already drawn plaudits thanks to their remarkable ability to create internal volume without looking overly dumpy. The 44 continues in this vein boasting plentiful beam aft and full sections at the bow above the waterline. The interior is positively palatial and there is a choice of three or four cabin layouts.

dufour-yachts.com

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 350

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 350 is the successor to the 349 which was actually launched way back in 2013. At 34’1” excluding the bowsprit she is the starter boat in the range and viewed by the French manufacturer as offering a gateway into sailing for young families.

The boat is designed by Marc Lombard and Piaton Yacht design and, as you’d expect the lines are bang up to date, offering plenty of internal volume via fuller forward sections. Like its predecessor the 349, the new boat is available with a swing keel – a real boon in UK waters. The interior is really quite large and there is the option of twin doubles aft plus a double forward. 

jeanneau.com

Elan GT6 Explorer

The Elan GT6 was a very stylish fast cruiser from drawing board of rob Humphreys that has been very well received since its launch. The GT6 Explorer is, as you can imagine a variation on this theme but the manufacturers have identified rthe potential of the boat as a fast blue water cruiser and built on that. As such, the boat fuel and water tankage has been boosted as has battery power. There is also the option of an all electric version utilising Oceanvolt’s pioneering technology. 

elan-yachts.com

It has been some years since Danish manufacturers X Yachts realised that if they offered a de tuned Xc cruising range alongside its out and out performance yachts, it would massively enlarge its customer base. The project was a huge success and the Xc range is now into its second generation with the launch of the Xc47. The new launch is one of the first since X Yachts divorce from founder and chief designer Niels Jeppesen and the result is a yacht that leans heavily towards the cruising market, featuring something not far from a deck saloon. The hull lines feature plenty of beam aft and there has obviously been a very conscious effort to up the cruising ante. That said, the boat retains a powerful rig and weight has been kept reasonably modest.

x-yachts.com

New Yachts: Racing

Cf 580 ran 8.

Ran 8 is one of the latest launches from the drawing board of Shaun Carkeek and is a boat that has already cut a dash by taking overall and line honours in the RORC Channel Race. This is a boat that comes from the same mould as Oystercatcher XXXV, launched to much fanfare in 2021. The new boat boasts an uprated water ballast system which is designed to reduce the number of crew required from eight to seven. In addition to this, electric propulsion has been introduced. 

The boat is not designed to one particular set of rules and the main aim is simply to design a boat that will go as fast as possible in a range of conditions. The result is a boat optimised for offshore conditions, in which she will be somewhat quicker than a TP52. 

carkeekdesignpartners.com

Jeanneau Sun Fast 30

The Sun Fast 30 is a VPLP project who have teamed up with Multiplast to produce a strict one design yacht at what Jeanneau feels is a competitive price. The new boat features full forward sections married to light (2,700kg) displacement, twin rudders and flat aft sections to provide a boat that planes easily and early. The boat is available in two versions: One Design and Club. The one design version features a carbon mast mainsheet track and uprated electronics pack. The Club version has an aluminium mast and a bridle for the mainsheet. The aim is to make it more affordable to club racers.

Clubswan 28: Racing

The Clubswan 28 is a something of a break from tradition for Nautor Swan who have never produced a yacht this small. She rounds off their ClubSwan range and is a pure one design racer set up for four crew. At 1000kg, this Juan Kouyoumdijan design is going to be fast but she appears to be much less technical than boats higher up the range, eschewing foils and keeping things as simple as possible. There is no accommodation.

nautorswan.com

Reichel/Pugh 56 Vasara

The design house of Reichel/Pugh has produced some memorable yachts over the years and  the design brief here was for a fast, competitive yacht that was also comfortable and luxuriously appointed down below. There are a number of interesting touches. Most notably, a split backstay and square topped mainsail can be switched out for a single backstay and standard main when cruising. The keel has a substantial 4.1m depth but this can be raised to 2.4m for entering port. The interior is constructed almost exclusively out of carbon but a thin veneer of wood is placed over this to soften things up. The result is a sleek and versatile racer/cruiser.

reichel-pugh.com

New Yachts: Bluewater Cruisers

Bestavaer 36.

Bestavaer Yachts is a Dutch boatbuilder specialising in steel construction. They are reputed for building handsome steel ‘go anywhere’ yachts, generally in the 50-70’ bracket. The announcement of an all new 36 footer is therefore something of a surprise and not an unwelcome one. The new boat marries a big rig with a decent displacement ot provide a boat that is both seaworthy but none too slow. As with her bigger sisters, the 36 is designed to be a very practical ctuiser and is therefore equipped with a swing keel which will allow her to take the ground when required and the draft is a mere 0.7m with the board up and a substantial 2.4m with the board down.

bestavaer.com

Boreal Yachts sit in that very French cadre of utilitarian aluminium ‘go anywhere’ yachts much loved by soul sailors who idolise Moitessier and dream of communing with the albatross. Yet these soul sailors seem to have developed a taste for a spot of luxury too and the Boreal 70 is typical of the latest iteration of these hardy swing keel boats in that she is huge and surprisingly well appointed, boating such luxuries as a dishwasher should you so wish to choose that option. Sacre bleu! Nevertheless, this is a tough go anywhere cruiser which is at home in the tropics or the high latitudes. 

boreal-yachts.com

Hallberg Rassy 69

Swedish manufacturer Hallberg Rassy is an institution in the world of blue water cruising. Yet it’s an institution that isn’t afraid to evolve and many were shocked when the boatbuilder started to introduce twin rudders and broader aft sections to its designs. The 69 is another step forward, being the largest boat ever built by the Swedes and nudging towards the cadre of pocket superyacht. The boat is designed by German Frers and features a big rig and contemporary lines familiar to those who are familiar with the most recent launches from the yard. The difference with the 69 is she is just a lot bigger and more luxurious. Far not though, the trademark Hallberg Rassy armchairs are still an option.

hallberg-rassy.com

Contest 63CS

Dutch boatbuilder Contest is famed for building high quality blue water cruisers and their all new 63CS looks straight out of that playbook. Designed by their go to nabal architects Judel/Vrolijk, this is a big, luxurious cruising yacht that will boat good performance particularly for those who love a spot of tradewind sailing. This is a centre cockpit yacht with a relatively modest 31,900kg displacement and a decent sail area pointing to a very versatile long distance cruiser.

contestyachts.com

New Yachts: Performance Cruisers

Grand soleil blue.

Italian manufacturer Grand Soleil seems to have been producing ever larger cruiser/racers so news of the launch of the Grand soleil Blue, a 30’ weekender is welcome. The boat is very interesting as it is the first fully recyclable production yacht built in Italy and features biodegradable resins in construction meaning that the boat ban be separated out and re used at the end of the boats life. The boat also features and electric motor and sails made of recycled materiels. The design is clearly performance oriented but there is pleasant and stylish weekend accommodation.

grandsoleil.net

Saffier SL 46

Dutch manufacturer Saffier Yachts has specialised in turning out fast, stylish weekend sailers with an emphasis on performance and ease of use. That is, until now. By launching the new SL 46 the boatbuilders has moved into an altogether new realm as this boat is unquestionably a cruiser/racer capable of offshore passages. This is an intriguing move, as it pitches Saffier against a plethora of established operators such as Grand Soleil, Italia Yachts, even Beneteau and Jeanneau. Anyway, the SL 46 looks the part, featuring modern aggressive styling couple to a big rig, light displacement and a deep, T-shaped keel. The interior looks stylish and luxurious and the boat is available with the option of a tender garage – something of an oddity in a 46 footer. 

saffieryachts.com

Tofinou 7.9

The new Tofinou 7.9 follows in the vein of other yachts in their range in that she is a performance oriented modern classic day sailer. As the name suggests, the boat is 7.9m making her the smallest boat in the range and she is available with a swing keel or fixed T shaped keel. The boat is available with an electric outboard or a diesel inboard and offers a blend of lustrous woods and light carbon laminates which gives the boat a classy air while also promising exhilarating sailing. There is also a small double berth forward if you do want to spend a night afloat.

tofinou.com

La Rochelle based RM Yachts has made a name for itself by being the last company standing when it comes to the mass production of epoxy/ply yachts. This is partly because it’s hideously complicated to put together an epoxy/ply yacht. The result, however, is a lightweight yacht that is stiff and strong. RM has made a name for building sporty cruiser/racers with the option of lift, fixed or bilge keels. The 1080 is a welcome mid sized addition to their range. Designed by Marc Lombard, the 1080 features plenty of beam aft, fullish forward sections and generous sail area. The looks are distinctive and the cockpit layout is innovative plus interior space is impressive.

rm-yachts.com

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The 5 Best Sailboats For Beginners

Sailing is a fun activity for people of all experience levels. In fact, learning to sail a basic boat is relatively easy—in the right environment, you can start cruising with minimal experience.

However, the idea of a beginner commanding a 55-foot ketch in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean is a bit ridiculous. Even though virtually everyone can sail, beginners should learn the basics in a controlled environment—and on the correct boat.

Boat size doesn’t necessarily affect its beginner-friendliness, because sailors need to take into account factors such as rig simplicity and handling characteristics. 

Many beginners make the mistake of picking the wrong boat to begin with, which can lead to frustration and turn them off of sailing forever.

To mitigate these issues, this article will cover the best sailboats for beginners —so you can get on the water and start sailing safely and comfortably.

Table of contents

‍ Best Rigs for Beginners 

There are many types of sailboat rigging , and some are more beginner-friendly than others. Unfortunately, some of the most aesthetically pleasing rigs are also the most complicated. 

Eventually, sailors can acquire enough skill to master complex rigs, but it’s best to start simple. 

Arguably, one of the simplest sailing rigs is the Lateen Rig. This rig consists of a mast, boom, and spar, along with a single halyard and mainsheet. With only two ropes in its simplest configuration, the Lateen Rig makes an excellent starter sailboat, and it will be featured on this list. 

For larger boats, the Bermuda Sloop rig is an excellent choice. This rig is quite common and includes a jib for a larger sail plan.

For those who desire a slightly more robust (but single sail) layout, the gaff-rigged catboat is also an excellent choice. This versatile craft (and rig) has a large and relatively simple single sail, which is easier to handle than multiple sails.

Top Five Sailboats for Beginners 

Now, we’ll go over the top five sailboats for beginners . These boats will descend in order from smallest to largest, but not by the level of experience needed.  

Remember, just because you’re new to sailing doesn’t mean you have to settle for a boat that’s too small. Beginners can handle larger boats with some training, and some are easier to handle than their smaller counterparts.  ‍

The following boats were chosen because of their handling characteristics, low cost-of-ownership, and simplicity, as all of these factors are important for choosing the best beginner sailboat.

5) Sailing Dinghy

The sailing dinghy is the quintessential starter sailboat. These tiny, lightweight, popular, and highly affordable little craft is easy to operate and relatively difficult to capsize. The popular Optimist Sailing Dinghy, while designed for children up to the age of about 15, can be used (sometimes hilariously) by adults as well. An Optimist-style dingy is a great option for beginners over the age of 15, as boats of this style can be found in a variety of sizes. The sailing dinghy is a very popular youth racing sailboat, especially in the United States and the United Kingdom. While it’s not particularly fast, this little boat has wonderful handling characteristics and is relatively difficult to capsize. This open-cockpit boat uses a centerboard and detachable tiller and can be beached or carried atop a car without much hassle. The mast is removable, and all parts are easily stowed. Overall, the Optimist and its copycats are a remarkable little craft, equally useful as a tender for a larger boat or a standalone beginner sailboat.

Dinghy rigs vary between builders, but many use the simple Spirit Rig. The rig consists of a single sail and mainsheet, along with one mast, boom, and spar. The leech is stiffened by battens, and ties along the luff secure it all to the mast. Hoisting and securing the rig is easy, and lines are secured to the boat by a cleat. This simple rig has plenty of sail area for most places, and sailors can secure the mainsheet to a block or simply hold it in their hands.

The price of sailing dinghies can vary widely depending on multiple factors. Professionally-made sailing dinghies start around $3,500 new, and plywood kits are available for around $1,000 to $2,000. Used dinghies (including Optimist sailing dinghies) can be found on Craigslist for as low as a few hundred dollars. 

{{boat-info="/boats/vanguard-sunfish"}}

The Sunfish is a brilliant little sailboat, and a very fast boat indeed. This little racing dinghy, while only 13 feet in length, can be an enormous amount of fun for beginners and experienced sailors alike. The best way to describe the handling of a Sunfish is, ‘tender,’ though it’s not difficult to master this little boat. For its size, the Sunfish has a relatively large sail area and a very shallow draft. This boat has a small cockpit and can be controlled easily by a single person. The large sail plan of the Lateen-Rigged Sunfish makes for excellent performance in light winds and amazing speed on windy days. The Sunfish is a lightweight fiberglass boat with a simple rig and is a great step-up from a sailing dinghy. It’s possible to learn how to sail on this boat, but every sailor who’s spent time on a Sunfish will probably recommend bringing a towel. The boat is relatively easy to capsize for beginners and it heels aggressively, but these characteristics can teach sailors some important lessons. The heeling characteristics of the Sunfish can help beginners get accustomed to the feeling and help them understand the limits of a sailboat and how to avoid capsizing.

The Sunfish features a Lateen Rig, which has some shared characteristics with the simple Spirit Rig. The Lateen Rig has a single spar, mast, and boom, and is easy to set up and dismantle. The mast is removable as well, making stowing and transportation relatively easy. The large sail plan of the Sunfish makes it ideal for lakes and other areas where the wind is sporadic or very low, and the boat can be safely handled in many conditions. The boat is great for racing and learning and is also available in a Bermuda rig. The Sunfish is recognizable by the distinctive fish logo in the top corner of the sail, and the classic rainbow sails striping.

The Sunfish is still commercially manufactured. You can purchase one new from the factory for around $5,000 today, and options are available to make the boat your own. While the boat is designed to be sailed by a single person, two adults can purchase this boat and use it together comfortably. Used Sunfish prices vary, but a fully-outfitted boat in good condition can cost upwards of $1,000. They hold their value well, and they’re a great choice for beginners. 

{{boat-info="/boats/vanguard-laser"}}

The Laser is considered by many to be the Sunfish’s main competitor. The two boats are the same length (13 feet 9 inches) and share many of the same handling characteristics. However, the boats do have some notable differences. Many people consider the Laser to be a step-up from the Sunfish in difficulty, as the boat handles much more like a racer. The Laser has been used in the Olympics for racing. The laser is small and simple enough for beginners but requires skill to operate. Beginners can learn a lot from sailing a Laser and have an enormous amount of fun in the process. This fast little boat is simple and easy to set up but handles like a racecar.  If you’re a beginner on a laser, you’ll probably capsize at some point—which isn’t always a problem if you’re in a controlled environment, as the boat can be righted easily.

The laser is a Cat Rigged boat. This means it has only one mainsail and no headsails. The simple rig has a mast and a boom and is very easy to set up. The sail area of the laser is relatively large and designed for speed in high winds. The rig combined with the overall design of the sailboat makes it handle tenderly, which may be off-putting to some beginners. Regardless, it’s still a blast to sail for beginners with some experience.

New Laser sailboats start around $6,000 which is slightly more than the Sunfish. This simple centerboard cruiser is constructed as a race boat, which can explain some of the price increase. Used Laser sailboats are available on the market, though usually not as common as the Sunfish. Used Laser prices vary widely.

2) Gaff-Rigged Catboat

The gaff-rigged catboat isn’t a brand of boat—it’s a style of a sailboat that was once a popular workboat on the New England coast. This boat, which has only one mainsail and no headsails, is available in a wide range of designs. Catboats are famous for their handling and power and make a great sailboat for beginners. These vessels are available with centerboards, keels, cabins, and in open designs. Most catboats range from 15 to 19-feet long and can be built from wood or fiberglass. Catboats are easy to handle, and one who learns on a small catboat can easily transition to a larger one. Besides being one of the most easily recognizable sailboats, catboats are also some of the most versatile. A catboat can be just as suitable for lake cruising as it is for coastal waters.

The most common type of catboat rig is the Gaff Rig. This classic and robust rig is more complex than the simple Spirit and Lateen rig, but it’s more suitable for a ‘proper ship.’ The Gaff Rig can provide similar power as an equivalent Bermuda Rig, with much more elegance and a shorter mast. Many sailors prefer the classic Gaff Rig for its handling characteristics and durability.

It’s impossible to specify the price of catboats because they vary so much in design and size. New catboats (between 15 and 25-feet) can be purchased for less than $20,000, and used boats are numerous and varied. Cabin catboats tend to cost more, especially new—some run for more than $50,000 with a high level of amenities, including a head and galley. Numerous catboat plans are available online, and sailors report constructing them (usually of plywood) for just a few thousand dollars.

1) West Wight Potter 19

{{boat-info="/boats/west-wight-potter-19"}}

The West Wight Potter 19 is a fiberglass sailboat designed for safety, easy handling, and beginner-friendliness. This 19-foot trailer-sailor features a cabin with a vee-berth, a simple rig, and a retractable keel. The West Wight Potter 19 could potentially be the best cabin sailboat for beginners, and certainly one of the safest—the West Wight Potter 19, according to the manufacturer, is quite literally unsinkable. The hull is filled with buoyant materials, allowing the boat to be flooded and remain afloat. However, unsinkability isn’t the only characteristic of this boat that makes it ideal for beginners. The rig is simple and easy to set up, and the handling characteristics are excellent. The boat is not prone to aggressive heeling and handles confidently in a variety of conditions. While one generally wouldn’t consider it to be a blue-water cruiser, it’s still extremely capable—one sailor even sailed this vessel from California to Hawaii , which is over 2,000 nautical miles. The theoretical hull speed of this boat is around 5.4 knots, but it actually has a tendency to plane and achieve higher speeds. It’s a flat-bottomed cruiser, making it easy to beach and transport with its retractable keel and removable rudder. The West Wight Potter 19 is a great introduction to large sailboats and carries amenities normally reserved for boats at least 1/3 larger.

The West Wight Potter 19 is a Bermuda-Rigged sloop. The sail plan is sufficiently large to propel the boat in a variety of conditions, but not so large that it overpowers the boat. Sailors can single-hand the boat with ease, and set up and takedown are easy and require no special tools. The boat handles well in a variety of conditions and is well-known for its superior stability. The rig comes apart easily and can be stowed and trailered by one person.

The West Wight Potter 19 has been produced and sold commercially since the 1970s, and the used market has plenty of boats available, generally starting around $5,000. New West Wight Potter 19 sailboats are remarkably affordable compared to other boats with comparable characteristics. The West Wight Potter 19 is manufactured by International Marine in California. New sailboats start at just shy of $25,000. Owners can add an enormous range of extra features to their boats, including a hull-strengthening ‘blue water’ package, a stove, a head, electrical power, spare parts, and much more. The boats are highly customizable and can be outfitted for weekender sailing or long-term liveaboard cruising.

How to Pick a Sailboat

Picking a sailboat for beginners doesn’t have to be difficult.  Before deciding on a boat, consider your experience level and location.

If you only have access to rough ocean, it may not be the best idea to get an open dinghy.

If you live near a lake, a Sunfish could be a great way to start.

Also, consider your budget. If you’re looking for a $50 sailboat, you can probably find one, but it won’t be ideal.

If you have just a few thousand dollars to spend, you can set yourself up nicely with a little research .

Also, consider what you want to do with the sailboat. Recreation, fishing , cruising , and exploration are options, and require different kinds of boats.

Whichever you end up choosing, make sure you try it out and can sail it comfortably.

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Published on September 25th, 2024 | by Editor

Best Boat Nominees 2025

Published on September 25th, 2024 by Editor -->

SAIL magazine presents ten nominees for its 2025 Best Boats Awards:

The class of 2025 is shaping up to be an intriguing mix, and while the push continues toward greater interior volume, maximum comfort, and easy sailhandling, there’s encouraging emphasis on performance characteristics making it easier for sailors to do more sailing and less motoring, especially in lighter air.

This year’s nominees also reveal a steady trend offering electric propulsion options, although most stick with traditional diesel as the standard for now. We also appreciate how, even in what can at first glance seem like a somewhat homogenous set of choices when walking the docks, there’s always much more than meets the eye if you care to expand your view.

Whether a design is an energizing combination of traditional lines and leading-edge composite build, is pushing the performance and energy autonomy envelope, or is using a clever new thought process to get more people on the water, there is plenty of diversity to go around. – Full report

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2025 Boat of the Year Nominees Announced

• By Cruising World Staff
• September 25, 2024

Cruising World has announced the official nominees for its 2025 Boat of the Year award. Fifteen boats in all, seven 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: 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 , Royal Cape Majestic 530 Hybrid , St Francis 460 Hybrid , Windelo 50 and Xquisite Yachts 60 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 of 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Royal Cape Majestic 530 Hybrid

The Majestic 530 is a classic bluewater cruiser, island hopper and charter yacht built made to measure with luxury styling throughout. The relaunch includes major upgrades to its deck, coach roof and solid Bimini—improving sustainability by being able to fit up to 6000W of solar panels. New lines provide more natural light, ventilation and living space. Solidly built to undertake ocean crossings the 530 includes myriad safety amenities essential to bluewater cruising.

St Francis 460 Hybrid

The St Francis 46 is a performance-oriented catamaran designed for comfortable bluewater sailing. 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.

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 solid 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.

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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Below Deck Sailing Yacht’s Daisy Kelliher Is Freezing Her Eggs: ‘Took My Future Into My Control’

Below Deck Sailing Yacht 's Daisy Kelliher is opening up about the challenges that come with freezing her eggs.

"It’s been just over a week since I did my second round of egg freezing with @apricity_fertility and thought I would give a round up of my experience as best I could here," Kelliher, 37, wrote via Instagram on Tuesday, September 24. "I was lucky as this was my second time doing this so I went in quite prepared."

The reality star reflected on how the two experiences compared , adding, "Physically throughout the process my main physical symptoms were bloating, tiredness and very hungry (all of which are gone now). I personally found the injections fine, the biggest issue with me is the time frame in the evening. I chose 8pm but with my schedule I found this hard to be consistent with."

Kelliher was initially concerned about her results , revealing that she had an idea of what she wanted out of the procedure.

‘Below Deck’ Babies: See Which Crew Members Have Given Birth

"Going into this I had 5 follicles and three smaller ones. So the aim was to get five eggs. When I came out I was told there were six follicles and a few smaller ones but the doctor could only get three," she shared. "We aren’t sure why this happened and why she couldn’t get the egg from three follicles."

Kelliher was "pretty upset" that she didn’t get as many eggs as she hoped, writing, "To have an expectation and to not reach that expectation was obviously very disappointing, for me personally physically it’s fine but mentally I find the whole thing so draining, Nine months ago I got 10 eggs and now three it creates intrusive thoughts in your head."

In a follow-up post, Kelliher said she was " feeling so much better " after taking time to reflect.

"I took my future into my control and I have 13 frozen eggs to use if I wish to do so in the future. This doesn’t guarantee a baby but guarantees I did what I could for when the time is right," she concluded. "I’m so glad I shared this journey for women who felt alone, for women looking for information but also for me, I did not realise how many women and people I knew who were doing the same thing. ... My thoughts are with anyone going through any fertility experience at the moment, in the past or in the future, and thank you to everyone for the overwhelming love and support throughout my experience."

Bravo viewers have gotten invested in Kelliher's personal life since she joined Below Deck Sailing Yacht in 2021. The most recent season of the show followed Kelliher's romance with Colin MacRae , which was complicated by her flirty relationship with Gary King.

While trying to address their issues during the July 2023 reunion, MacRae and King ultimately said they weren't ruling out a reconciliation with each other but hinted that their respective relationships with Kelliher were up in the air. (Kelliher and King have since returned to film season 5 of Below Deck Sailing Yacht , but MacRae was not featured in the trailer .)

‘Below Deck’ and Its Spinoff Casts Through the Years: A Guide to Who’s Dated Who

"I am sorry for being emotional. That is what you get for putting your heart on the line. I love them both and they taught me so much about myself," Kelliher said at the end of the reunion. "I have regrets. But more importantly, I know I have a good heart and my intentions were good. Onwards and upwards."

Kelliher later admitted to Us Weekly that she still had questions about how she was spoken to at the reunion.

"It obviously was an emotional and raw kind of ending to those relationships. We've kind of left it at that and no hard feelings," she added. "But I think something like the reunion would take a lot of time to come back from. Things were said and you can't unfortunately take back those things."

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Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Dream daysailers: 13 of the best boats for a great day out on the water

• Toby Hodges
• July 16, 2020

Toby Hodges looks at the best daysailer yachts on the market, from ultra-modern cruisers to classically-styled masterpieces

Modern daysailers

1. saffier se 33 ud.

Saffier Yachts now has eight designs between 21ft and 37ft. The investment and knowhow the Hennevanger brothers have put into the production facility really shows too – the vacuum-infused builds and finish quality are top class.

Saffier builds seaworthy designs , tests all new models thoroughly in the North Sea and ensures its yachts can be sailed easily single-handedly.

Launched in 2014, the Saffier Se 33 is a sporty design but with a practical self-draining cockpit and optional solid sprayhood, which help it handle most weather conditions. It has a fast underwater shape, a generous sailplan and a fixed carbon bowsprit. The extra-large cockpit features 2m benches and a folding transom and there is space enough for four to sleep below.

Saffier’s brand new Se 27 also looks like a seriously fun design and has been averaging speeds in the mid-teens with the kite up, clocking over 20 knots in its early trials this spring.

Prices for the Se 33 start at €114,500 (ex. VAT).

2. Domani S30

The S30, launched in 2018, is Belgian company Domani’s first model – a trailable sportsboat designed to be comfortable, fast and beautiful, says founder Michael Goddaert.

Inspired by Riva’s Aquarama motor boat , it has a large minimalist cockpit, spacious aft sunbed and a classy-looking compact interior. The narrow-beamed S30 weighs only 1,700kg, is offered with a long, two-part carbon rig, and has an electric drive as standard. A Lounge version is being developed which is similar to the Tofinou 9.7 in terms of deck layout.

Price ex. VAT: €88,000.

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3. Black Pepper Code 0.1

Those lucky enough to have sailed at Les Voiles de St Tropez may have seen these neo-classic daysailers from chic brand Black Pepper.

As well as this range of Code-branded daysailers/weekenders, the yard has just launched a new Sam Manuard-designed, scow-bowed IMOCA 60 for Armel Tripon’s Vendée Globe campaign.

The original Code 0, by Marc Lombard, is a high-performance dayboat with a distinctive squared coachroof, which is built light in carbon and epoxy with half its displacement in the keel bulb.

A new Code 0.1 version (pictured) launched last year, and is available in Open and Spirit (performance/regatta) versions.

Price ex. VAT: £148,000.

4. A-Yachts A27 / A33

A-Yachts founder. Michael Gilhofer helped to develop the original B30 (pictured below) and was distributor for B-Yachts in Germany for 17 years. He commissioned the in-demand Lorenzo Argento, who formerly worked with Luca Brenta, to design a new range of luxury daysailers built in Slovenia and finished in Austria.

The first two A-Yachts models (the A27 is pictured above) are focused on performance daysailing, whereas B-Yachts has gone for more cruising comfort below. An exciting new model, the A39, is due for launch in 2021.

Prices ex. VAT: A27 €98,500, A33 €215,000.

5. B-Yachts B30 / B34

The Brenta B30 is the iconic Italian daysailer. A real looker to keep berthed at your Portofino residence, it has a lightweight carbon/epoxy build and a high ballast ratio, for tantalising light airs sailing. B-Yachts is the brand that took the daysailing concept to the limit with the fiendishly indulgent (and very white) B60, which we tested, open-mouthed, back in 2008.

Although stagnant for some years, the company was acquired by Luca Brenta’s cousin Alberto Castiglioni in late 2018. Brenta, along with designer Alessia Lee, has worked up the design for a new B34 model due to launch this year, and they are now working on a B40.

The B30 (above) is now a modern classic, with more than 40 built, but the refreshed company has made some upgrades including a new rudder profile, fixed bowsprit, revised deck gear, a more functional interior and the option for an electric engine. But it’s still got those killer lines.

Prices ex. VAT: B30 €118,000, B34 €190,000.

6. Esse 330

This is the sixth model from Josef Schuchter’s yard on Lake Zurich, which builds fast, stiff and sporty designs. The new 330 is the first Esse that offers the ability for weekend/overnight sailing. Schuchter told us it is designed more for pleasure sailing than racing but has the same performance as the yard’s 990, using a 1m shorter mast and with greater stability and comfort.

Umberto Felci designed the 330 with a self-tacking jib, a carbon deck-stepped mast with no backstay and a high ballast ratio to help ensure it can easily be sailed short-handed. A lifting keel reduces draught to 1.55m and an electric drive is offered.

Price ex. VAT: €134,000.

A plumb stem and square coachroof give an alluring pilot classic style to this Judel/Vrolijk design, but it is the materials from which it is crafted that are most intriguing. Built by Bremen-based Greenboats, the flax (plant) or linen (fibre) is vacuum-infused with bio epoxy and can be given a clearcoat finish to help show off the fibres.

The focus is on weight-saving for this performance daysailer, using recycled PET as the core material. The deck is made from cork, the ropes are made entirely from recycled plastic bottles and the sails are recyclable.

Price ex. VAT, ready to sail: €126,000.

Modern-classic daysailers

8. eagle 38.

The Boersma brothers founded Leonardo Yachts in the northern part of the Netherlands to build top quality gentleman’s daysailers and weekenders.

Its range of gorgeous designs are inspired by the timeless lines and overhangs of the J Class , but with modern appendages.

The new Hoek-designed Eagle 38 is the smallest of a range that now extends to 70ft. It is devised for easy handling, with jib winches in reach of the helmsman/tiller, in a deep self-draining cockpit that can seat six in comfort.

The varnished mahogany interior can sleep three and includes cooking facilities and a neatly hidden toilet.

Price ex. VAT: €177,500.

9. Wally Nano MkII

Wally stunned us with the unveiling of its incomparable Nano in 2009. The Andre Hoek-designed masterpiece certainly elevated the standard of extravagance (and price) for a daysailer. This Wally Nano MkII model released eight years later is a refined version of the achingly cool design, which marries Italian styling with Dutch workmanship and ingenuity.

A pilot cutter-influenced plumb bow, bowsprit and low, squared coachroof set off a retro style, finished by an elegantly overhanging counter. These classic lines meet contemporary construction and attention to detail at Joop Doomernik’s traditional Dragon building yard. The top class composite work includes a keel grid built from 33 layers of carbon. Believe me, the result on the water is a truly intoxicating ride, both upwind and down!

Price ex. VAT: €390,000.

10. Rustler 33

The Stephen Jones design has the elegant lines and overhangs of the Cornish yard’s earlier Rustler 24, but with a comfortable handmade interior that makes it enticing to overnight on too – there is a proper heads compartment including wet hanging area.

With the addition of stanchions, this becomes a Class B offshore yacht. It’s a stiff boat to sail with a deep, dry cockpit, in which it is comfortable to sit, perch on the chunky coaming or stand to handle the tiller.

Rustler says recent clients for the Rustler 33 are ordering them with carbon masts and electric engines.

Price ex. VAT: £165,000.

11. Morris 29

Fusing S&S lines with modern lightweight materials such as carbon and epoxy, the Morris 29 is a quintessential daysailer that’s easy to rig and maintain, a witch to sail and is as handsome as they come.

And there’s a deep, long cockpit and comfortable saloon below to keep any guests content while you hog the tiller. Now built by Hinckley and priced from US$266,500.

12. Alerion 28 / 33

Cleverly marketed as ‘the 90-minute’ getaway, the iconic Alerion daysailer fleet, from 20-33ft, is designed to get people afloat easily and with the most enjoyment possible. Above is the Alerion 33.

Often seen sporting optional Hoyt jib booms, the models are easy and a delight to sail and have inviting and well-finished interiors.

Rarely do beauty, speed and single-handed ease combine this fluidly and successfully. Prices are available on application only.

13. Friendship 36 / 40

The elegantly timeless look of the Friendship 40, its classic lines, including pronounced tumblehome and wineglass counter, are by Rhode Island’s Ted Fontaine. A Friendship’s deep cockpit and wonderfully inviting and well-appointed interior invite you to sail on through the weekend and beyond.

Fontaine says both the 36 and 40 are still available to order, but at top prices: “The Friendship 40 would be built by Yachting Developments in New Zealand where the moulds are presently stored,” (priced in the region of US $1,350,000).

“And the Friendship 36 is being offered as a cold-moulded wood epoxy built boat that would be built by Rockport Marine in Maine – the yard that built the first 36.”

First published in the June 2020 edition of Yachting World.

‘Below Deck Sailing Yacht’ Star Reveals She's Planning For a Family

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Below Deck Sailing Yacht star Daisy Kelliher has shared an update on freezing her eggs after undergoing the procedure for the second time . The reality star officially has 13 frozen eggs that she can use whenever she wants to in the future. In early September 2024, the reality star confessed that her first cycle, which took place in November 2023, hadn’t gone very smoothly. After only managing to retrieve 10 eggs , she decided to do another cycle.

The Chief Stew took to Instagram to share that the procedure had been a success. “I’m feeling so much better about it all now,” she added while talking about taking control of her future and keeping her options regarding parenthood open. Kelliher gave the disclaimer that just because she has frozen her eggs doesn’t mean that she wants have a baby in the near future . But is now prepared for whenever she feels the time is right.

The reality star also took a moment to express her support for women experiencing fertility issues and feeling alone in this journey. In another Instagram post, Kelliher went into the details of her experience. She shared that her symptoms included bloating, tiredness and extreme hunger. The post featured a selfie of Kelliher before the procedure along with a video of her experiencing cramps to give her followers a raw look at what she went through.

Daisy Kelliher Wants To Venture out of the ‘Below Deck’ World

Daisy Kellier joined Below Deck Sailing yacht during Season 2 and since then, the audience has known her as a dependable leader. Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 4 was a little rough on the reality star because of her recurring relationship issues with Chief Engineer Colin McRae. During the Season 4 reunion special, the couple shared that they were no longer together.

Since the breakup, Kelliher has been wanting to move forward and make changes to her life. In the trailer for Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 5, she is seen admitting that while the breakup has been hard, it has given her a new outlook on everything. And it looks like she is excited about trying out new things. While speaking to The Mirror , Kelliher shared that she’s open to diving deeper into the world of reality TV.

The Chief Stew reassured fans that she has really enjoyed her time on Below Deck . But at the same time, there are tons of other shows that she would love to be a part of. Kelliher added that she would love to take part in shows like BBC’s The Traitors and Strictly Come Dancing . But for now, she is happy to set out on all the exciting adventures that come with Below Deck Sailing Yacht.

Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 5 premieres on Monday, October 7, 2024 on Bravo. Episodes will be available to stream the next day on Peacock .

Below Deck Sailing Yacht

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In a reality TV series, a crew aboard a luxury sailing yacht navigates the challenges of providing five-star service to affluent guests while managing personal dynamics and the unpredictable nature of the sea. Each episode reveals a blend of high-seas adventure and behind-the-scenes drama among the crew members.

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Below deck sailing yacht: 8 signs gary king is a producer plant (is his bad behavior fake).

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With Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 5 on the horizon, Gary King may have been invited onto the crew as a producer plant. Gary debuted on the series during the show’s second season as Captain Glenn Shephard’s First Officer after Paget Berry left season 1 . After his first appearance, he earned the label of a playboy on the sailing yacht. Gary hooked up with many women during season 2 and carried this behavior into each subsequent season he’s been a part of. Fans thought his actions were creepy and problematic , though he was never fired.

After starring on Below Deck Sailing Yacht in season 4, Gary was accused of sexual misconduct by a former makeup artist who worked on the series. The allegations made headlines, though production notably didn’t fire him from the show. Even after the accusations were revealed, Gary returned for season 5 , though they weren’t the first time his behavior was questioned. The First Officer acted out numerous times across his many seasons on the show, hinting that he was brought back to the cast to act as a producer plant.

8 Gary Brought Up His Off-Screen Romance With Daisy On Camera

They vowed to keep their hook-up private.

In an attempt to cause drama on Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 4, Gary revealed that he’d hooked up with Daisy Kelliher. The two yachties have worked alongside one another since season 2, though viewers were not aware of their romantic history with each other. When Daisy formed a boatmance with Colin Macrae, the yacht’s chief engineer, Gary grew jealous and revealed they had a past. The First Officer insisted that Daisy had feelings for him and was hooking up with Colin to get back at him while he was sleeping with Stew, Mads Herrera.

“Gary and I slept together when the season ended last year in Minorca, and we also slept together when we went to Disneyland.”

Instead of letting his friends carry on in their romantic relationship, Gary had to sabotage their connection by claiming Daisy wanted to be with him. The Chief Stew admitted she had feelings for both men but didn’t want to be “ one of [Gary’s] 10 million girlfriends ” and that he “ wouldn’t know a real connection if it slapped him in the face .” Daisy said she asked Gary to keep their hook-up to themselves away from the cameras, but he couldn’t resist creating a hectic reality TV moment. He sabotaged his friendship with Daisy for the show, which is further proof he could be a producer plant.

7 Gary Is Always Hooking Up With A New Woman Every Season

He’s had too many boatmances to count.

The First Officer has hooked up with many women during his time on Below Deck Sailing Yacht . Gary joined the crew of season 2 with a girlfriend at home but found no problem getting involved with not one but two women, Sydney Zaruba and Alli Dore, during the charter season. By the third season, he infamously hooked up with Ashley Marti and went on to flirt with Gabriela Barragan and Scarlett Bentley. During his most recent appearance on the show in season 4, he hooked up with Mads while admitting his feelings for Daisy amid her relationship with Colin. Gary may not be keen on monogamy, and that’s okay, but his behavior toward women isn’t. There were eyes on his behavior before the allegations came out, and now they’re at an all-time high.

6 Gary Inserts Himself In Drama

He’s attracted to the drama of it all.

Gary has been at the center of Below Deck Sailing Yacht ’s main conflict since season 2.

He appears to be drawn to drama and has never missed an opportunity to create conflict.

There was no need for Gary to reveal he’d hooked up with Daisy in season 4, especially if they agreed to keep their sexual past private. However, he couldn’t risk wasting the opportunity to assert his dominance and ensured the show’s main storyline centered around himself. Throughout season 4, Gary had an odd boatmance with Mads that rubbed many viewers the wrong way.

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They had an instant connection with each other and began hooking up at the beginning of the charter season. Despite their chemistry, Mads made it clear that she didn’t want a romantic relationship with the First Officer. When Gary realized she didn’t want to be his girlfriend, he blamed her and said she led him on. He got incredibly angry with her during one moment when Alex Propson said she was on her period. Gary attempted to confront Mads in front of Lucy Edmunds after he chatted with Alex and told her it was her obligation and “ common decency ” to tell him if she was having her period when he “ went down ” on her. He should have had that conversation with Mads privately but chose to embarrass her in front of other crew members because of his personal feelings.

5 Gary Doesn't Come Off As Genuine

There’s something off about his presence on the show.

There’s something about Gary that doesn’t come off as genuine. He’s portrayed as a happy-go-lucky womaneater on Below Deck , though he’s had some rough moments on the series as well. He notably gets upset on deck quite often and has been known to demean his crew. Overall, Gary’s lack of self-awareness makes him appear incredibly disingenuous.

After the sexual misconduct allegations came out, he doubled down on his actions and defended himself. Instead of defending himself, though, Gary should recognize that he hasn’t acted perfectly in the past and has shown signs of bad behavior which have led viewers to believe the allegations against him. If he showed some compassion — on and off Below Deck Sailing Yacht — it would be harder to believe he was a producer plant.

4 Gary Is The Most Talked About Cast Member

Gary has been all the talk since he was accused of sexual misconduct.

There’s no doubt Gary has emerged as the most talked about cast member from the Below Deck franchise in the past few years. Reality TV unfortunately rewards bad behavior a lot, and he’s been brought back to the show season after season because he is a controversial crew member . Even though he stirred up a lot of conflict in season 4, he was invited back for the show’s fifth season.

Gary was seemingly filming for season 5 before the accusations came out, resulting in him still being a part of the crew. However, the Rolling Stone article included a statement from Bravo and Below Deck ’s production company, 51 Minds Entertainment, proving they were made aware that the allegations were going to be publicized. The filming period for season 5 is unknown, but it's assumed Gary had finished filming the series before the article was published in August 2023.

3 Gary Likes To Stir The Pot Between Cast Members

He loves to create conflict.

Gary stirred the pot to no length in his love triangle with Daisy and Colin during season 4. There was no reason for him to break the Chief Stew’s trust and reveal they had been intimate other than to cause drama with the chief engineer. Gary’s jealousy overcame him, and he created a rough dynamic among the crew by admitting he had feelings for Daisy . He went as far as to claim she wanted him and was using Colin to get his attention. Putting his relations with Daisy aside, it wasn’t right for him to bring that information up to embarrass Colin. He was friends with everyone involved but didn’t care about their feelings when he brought that information to the cameras.

2 Gary Knows His Romantic Endeavors Are Of Interest For Viewers

He gives the viewers (and producers) what they want.

Since he joined the Below Deck universe, Gary was labeled the “Playboy” archetype. It was astonishing for him to hook up with his co-workers when he had a girlfriend in season 2. Gary enjoys attention from women and hasn’t been known to turn anyone down on the show. He invites the controversy that comes along with being the Playboy on his boats. Gary knew the viewers would be interested in his off-camera relationship with Daisy, which is likely why he brought it up on the show. He will stop at no cost to produce a shocking reality TV moment, which is another reason why he’s been a part of the Below Deck Sailing Yacht cast since season 2. Without him, the show would have had less drama over the years, which is likely in the franchise’s best interest.

1 Gary Seems Like A Different Person Off-Screen

Viewers may not know the “real gary”.

Whether Gary is a producer plant or not, he’s certainly formed a good relationship with the show. Every reality TV personality plays up for the cameras, though the First Officer takes his persona to the next level. Gary knows he’s the Playboy of Below Deck Sailing Yacht , and he plays that part to the best of his ability each season.

Viewers will likely never know what type of person he is off the show, but there’s a chance his behavior is much different off-screen than on-screen. With the news of the allegations and backlash surrounding his casting, Gary should retire from reality TV and focus on his life away from the Below Deck cameras. It would be refreshing to see a new First Officer step into his shoes and breathe new life into the spin-off.

After years of being on Below Deck Sailing Yacht , Gary could be a producer plant. His actions over the years have raised red flags with viewers and made some question his behavior. Gary will make his return to TV with season 5, though it certainly could be his last with the franchise.

Below Deck Sailing Yacht premieres Monday, October 7 at 9 p.m. EDT on Bravo.

Source: Rolling Stone

Below Deck Sailing Yacht

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Below Deck Sailing Yacht is a spin-off of the Below Deck reality television series. Premiering on Bravo, the show follows the life of a Yacht crew as they attempt to navigate a busy Charter season in which many customers make use of a 177-foot sailing yacht. Over the first three seasons, the yacht has been to Greece, Croatia, and Spain.