79 foot sailboat

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This 79-Foot Sailing Yacht Is Pure Scandinavian Minimalism on the Seas

The new sloop is fit for both long-distance cruising and racing., rachel cormack.

Digital Editor

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YYachts is showing just how versatile its Y8 series is.

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The specific client tapped David Thulstrup to bring the interiors to life. The renowned architect and designer takes a holistic approach to projects and weaves in various aspects of his Scandinavian heritage. This particular vessel is distinguished by a palette of warm browns and rich wood that together create a cozy ambiance. The decor is quintessentially Scandi chic, with minimalist fixtures and furnishings. The superstructure is fitted with plenty of windows to ensure an abundance of natural light.

In terms of layout, the newcomer is equipped with fewer bulkheads than its predecessors and is configured a little differently. The crew quarters are located in the stern, while two guest staterooms with en suites sit forward. At the center of the living quarters is a main salon that comprises a lounge with plush sofas and a dining area with a table for up to eight guests. The dining area can also be separated by sliding doors and used as an office.

The exterior of the yacht is arguably more impressive than the interior. It was the handiwork of Javier Jaudenenes and Surge Projects. The duo has designed a myriad of fast cruisers and thus has plenty of experience in engineering for maximum speed. Crafted from carbon, the Y8 features a wider stern than previous models, and her mast is also set further back than others. Jaudenes says a lot of R&D from previous projects has been poured into this design and he is confident that the jib will provide a lot of speed.

“It is an essence of our experience and will be fast, but at the same time very safe under any conditions,” adds Jaudenes.

Click here to see all the photos of the yacht.

Rachel Cormack is a digital editor at Robb Report. She cut her teeth writing for HuffPost, Concrete Playground, and several other online publications in Australia, before moving to New York at the…

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Coast Guardsman to Receive Distinguished Flying Cross for Daring Vessel Boarding and Rescue

The mariners aboard the 79-foot schooner Barlovento were in trouble on June 19, 2021. The yacht was nearly 80 miles off the California-Oregon coast, disabled and taking on water in 20-foot seas.

In the churn, a crew member suffered a broken arm and possible head injury. With no hope of sailing to safe harbor in 60-mph winds, the six aboard reached for their radio, issuing a distress signal.

At 3:45 p.m., watchstanders with U.S. Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay picked up the call and immediately dispatched the crew of MH-65 Dolphin CG6565, along with a C-27J Spartan aircraft from Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento, to the scene.

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During a normal at-sea rescue, the short-range MH-65 helicopter's rescue swimmer, Aviation Survival Technician 2nd Class Spencer Manson, would have been lowered directly to the vessel, taking care to avoid masts and lines, and maneuver a basket to hoist out the injured crew member.

What transpired that day, however, was anything but normal. And on Tuesday, for the work he did that day, Manson will receive the Distinguished Flying Cross -- the highest aviation medal that can be awarded for non-combat operations.

"This case was a great example of a successful, multi-unit effort and highlights the importance of standardized procedures. The careful coordination between the two helicopters with support from the C-27 allowed us to save all six sailors," Lt. Ryan O'Neill, a Dolphin aircraft commander at Sector Humboldt Bay, said in a statement at the time.

After figuring out that they couldn't deploy Manson onto or even near the vessel, the Dolphin crew lowered him 150 feet downwind of the Barlovento.

As the boat flew past Manson at roughly 9 knots, the swimmer grabbed a line trailing behind the ship and hung on, eventually getting enough grip to pull himself hand over hand, through waves and wake, to reach the vessel. He then climbed aboard, but not before he was pitched up and down and slammed onto the sea's surface several times, according to Manson's award citation.

Manson was able to prepare the injured crew member for rescue, jump with her into the 49-degree water, and swim to an awaiting basket to be hoisted into the helicopter.

After the crew transported the patient to land and refueled, the members went back out to save those remaining, with Manson creating an "innovative, sliding-deployment technique" that let him hang off the boat and help the crew members jump into the water to be rescued.

He saved three more people in that manner before handing over the job to a fellow rescue swimmer from Coast Guard Sector North Bend.

For his "actions, skill and heroism," Manson will receive the Distinguished Flying Cross in a ceremony Tuesday at Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay in California.

"His courage, judgment and devotion to duty in the face of hazardous conditions are most heartily commended," his citation states.

The last Distinguished Flying Cross awarded to a rescue swimmer was given in 2021 to Aviation Survival Technician 3rd Class Jack Kelly for a nighttime rescue of a hiker who had plunged 100 feet off a cliff into the Rouge River in Oregon.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to clarify the circumstances under which a Distinguished Flying Cross may be awarded.

Related: Crew That Delivered Baby Mid-Flight from Afghanistan Will Receive Distinguished Flying Cross

Patricia Kime

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Superyachts of 24m (79 ft) In Length

• Inspiration

Adapt your search results here:

Meta iv | from eur€ 10,500/wk.

ARAMIS | From EUR€ 33,000/wk

Sailing Wally 77.4 Carrera | From US$ 28,000/wk

Alani | from aus$ 63,000/wk.

ASTRO DE L’EST Swan 82 | From EUR€ 26,000/wk

ANEMOS | From EUR€ 22,000/wk

NIMROD previously Happy Joss | From EUR€ 20,000/wk

Classic Motor Sailor Ranui | From NZ$ 29,000/wk

DERIYA DENIZ | From EUR€ 16,800/wk

Sunseeker 72 MarshMellow | From EUR€ 20,000/wk

MAITAI Sunreef 74 | From US$ 30,600/wk

Les A | From EUR€ 42,000/wk

Executive 73 catamaran | From EUR€ 25,000/wk

BRAVO DELTA | From EUR€ 28,000/wk

Gulet Ilarya | From EUR€ 6,125/wk

WIZARD | From EUR€ 27,000/wk

Sardinia Blade | From EUR€ 20,000/wk

• Brochure PDF
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The architect

Germ á n frers.

All of Nautor´s know-how and experience in racing and cruising yachts have been incorporated into this new blue-water Swan 78, a direct descendant of the original Swan 80 and 82 models of the past. She is slightly shorter overall – in order to meet the EC 24.00 metre length overall limitation – beamier and more powerful. The modern hull lines, including a wide stern above the waterline, twin rudders and racing oriented keel design, are a reflection of the rapid evolution of yacht design during the past years, propelled by the experiences made on round-the-world races and other offshore events. The new boat is faster, safer, easier to control and, as a result, more comfortable at sea. The keel options include deep telescopic lifting, fixed deep and fixed shallow possibilities yet maintaining stability, the same rudder configuration and standard sail plan. The same could be said of the deck with its modern design, uncluttered surfaces and straightforward, simple solutions to sail handling and life at sea. The appearance is that of neatness and efficiency. Centered around the main saloon and engine room, which maintain the same position facilitating weight distribution, planning of installations and flotation trim, presenting three cabins: one double berth VIP and two twin berth layouts. These allow for side by side bunks on the second and third guest rooms. Crew accommodations for two are ample and functional in both cases. This new Swan is, and will be, the best of her kind for years to come.

Square top main option

The deck is the one area of the yacht where owners, guests and crew spend the most time. Here is where the yacht is handled under sail, and here is where guests enjoy the seascapes at anchor. The Swan 78 deck layout is the most recent evolution of the “S” concept (Semi-raised Saloon), with the celebrated Swan coachroof, discreet and streamlined, with panoramic views from inside, due to the raised saloon. On the 78 Frers signature lines have given their very best, with sleek curves that create a volume capable of protecting the cockpit and creating more space below. The coachroof design is a masterly mix of curved lines and multifaceted surfaces, with 360 degree windows and a generous roof that doubles up as a sunbathing area. The recessed sprayhood and the full beam bimini keep guests always well protected in a cockpit/lounge that features two C shaped settees each with its own table.

All manoeuvres are at the centre of the cockpit and can be handled easily by a reduced crew. The five available winches are well placed around the helm stations with a central tower dedicated to the mainsheet. As an option, a captive winch for main sheet can be provided.

Further aft the deck is equipped for sunbathing and swimming, with a completely open space than can be equipped with cushions and access to the beach area, which also opens a full beam lazarette that can stow a rigid inflatable.

Forward of the mast the deck is completely uncluttered, an expanse of pure teak that ends at the forepeak with the large locker for the anchor.

The interior designer

Heini gustafsson.

To provide the most flexibility and satisfy any possible owners’ requirement, in the interiors configuration the Owner has a large suite forward, cooler and quieter. It is 4.5 m long, with an island bed that is completely accessible on three sides. A desk and dedicated bathroom, with large separate shower compartment, complete this luxurious apartment.

The accommodation also features three guest cabins with different layouts, all ensuite with separate shower compartments. The saloon is also over 6 m wide. It is raised to provide better panoramic views. Below, ample bilge volumes allow for a full beam engine room, totally soundproofed and large enough to accommodate a variety of systems and equipment. The crew quarters are separate, forward or aft according to the chosen layout, with an ensuite cabin. The galley is in the same area, with large cooking areas and refrigerated stowage.

The celebrated Nautor finish guarantees top quality both in the technical details and in the finishing, with a wide choice of veneers and accessories.

Sailing a Swan 78 is an experience that instantly explains the latest design trends for sailing yachts. The first feature that emerges is her extreme stability during sailing, made possible through her twin rudders. Indeed, as heel angle increases, the geometry in the water alters to adapt to the new position. The windward rudder lifts while the leeward one dips progressively, becoming more perpendicular and at the same time more efficient. Heeling stability is guaranteed – with the first few degrees of heel, the hull form facilitates prompt acceleration even in light conditions. Heel angle stabilises at around 20 degrees, remaining symmetrical and balanced throughout. Beyond this inclination, the hull shape contributes dynamically to the vertical force provided by the T-shaped keel, maintaining the optimal hull position.

All this translates into two fundamental and apparently opposite effects. These are that performance is optimised keeping the hull sailing to its lines and therefore all the naval architecture including keel and rudders at maximum efficiency, and at the same time the yacht remains comfortable and liveable, allowing life on board to continue normally even when sailing upwind for long distances. If her performance off-wind appears obvious, the new Swan 78 amazes even more upwind. Perfect balance translates into unexpected agility, with the helms remaining light. The rudders, almost always at centre, are only necessary for changing course. This allows those on board to play amongst the waves and promptly follow wind shifts. The Swan 78 allows her crew to sail at double digit boat speeds constantly and safely, easily managing manoeuvres from around the twin helms. At anchor, the various areas for relaxing, protected from or immersed in the elements, allows those on board to fully enjoy the surrounding scenery.

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OBITUARY: Elsie Anderson Hebert, 1938-2021 »

LoCO Staff / Sunday, June 20, 2021 @ 2:40 p.m. / Emergencies

Coast guard rescues six from disabled sailboat 80 miles west of crescent city.

Video of the rescue provided by the U.S. Coast Guard.

U.S. Coast Guard press release:

MCKINLEYVILLE, Calif. —Coast Guard crews from McKinleyville and North Bend, Oregon, rescued six people from their 79-foot sailboat Saturday, approximately 80 miles west of Crescent City. Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay watchstanders received a VHF distress call at 3:45 p.m. from the crew of the sailboat Barlovento reporting the boat was disabled, taking on water and had a person aboard with a head and arm injury in approximately 60 mile-per-hour winds and 20-foot seas.   Watchstanders directed the launch of a Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento C-27J Spartan fixed-wing crew to provide air support and a Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew.   The Dolphin crew arrived on scene and hoisted the injured person from the Barlovento and transported the person to local emergency medical services personnel at Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay.   With the Barlovento expected to lose power, Sector Humboldt Bay watchstanders requested additional air support from a Coast Guard Air Station North Bend MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew.   The Sector Humboldt Bay Dolphin crew returned to the scene and hoisted three people from the Barlovento and the Air Station North Bend Dolphin crew arrived on scene and hoisted the remaining two people. All survivors were transported to Sector Humboldt Bay.   “This case was a great example of a successful, multi-unit effort and highlights the importance of standardized procedures,” said Lt. Ryan O’Neill, a Dolphin aircraft commander at Sector Humboldt Bay. “The careful coordination between the two helicopters with support from the C-27 allowed us to save all six sailors.” Sector Humboldt Bay watchstanders issued a broadcast to mariners regarding the abandoned Barolvento and requested that mariners transit the area with caution.

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7 Best Sailboat Autopilot Systems

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

June 15, 2022

Essential in increasing efficiency, safety, and convenience, marine autopilots are a sailor's best friend when out there on the water. A properly operating sailboat autopilot will keep your sailboat on a selected course even in strong currents and winds and that why you need to go for the best sailboat autopilot.

Steering a sailboat is always fun. And even though many sailors are so good at it, some circumstances can make steering a boat on a straight line or the right course almost impossible. The tides, winds, and the complex hull-bottom designs can throw your sailboat off route and the adjustments that you have to make to return to course can be your voyage killers. Even if you have a crew that regularly sails with you, having an autopilot can help you stay on course and that's exactly why you need the best sailboat autopilot.

In the simplest term possible, an autopilot is an extra pair of hands that can help you in steering your sailboat on the right course. It is a self-steering device for powerboats or sailboats and even the most basic autopilot can help in holding your vessel on a pre-set compass course. Some advanced autopilots can even gather data from your boat and determine whether or not the boat is capable of handling the task in hand.

So whether you have a mechanically-steered boat or a tiller-steered sailboat, an autopilot is of great importance for both you and your boat. And it doesn't matter whether you want to explore your nearest lake for a day or want to sail to the Caribbean on your sailboat, it will make your job a lot easier, efficient, and safer. This is why we've put together this article to help you find the best sailboat autopilot. Read on and find which is best for you and your sailboat.

Table of contents

How to Choose the Best Sailboat Autopilot for Your Vessel

When it comes to choosing the best sailboat autopilot for your vessel, the easiest thing to do would be to go for an autopilot that can steer your sailboat in calm seas. However, this is not advisable since you want an autopilot that works perfectly under very demanding sea conditions. With that in mind, here are the most important things to consider when looking at the best sailboat autopilot for you. 

Speed of Helm Adjustment

The best way to measure the speed on an autopilot that's appropriate for your boat is by looking at the number of degrees per second of helm correction. As such a 40-feet boat requires 10 degrees per second, a 25-feet boat requires 15 degrees per second, and a 70-feet boat requires 5 degrees per second. 

An above-deck or below-deck Autopilot

Do you want an autopilot that's designed to be used above the deck or below the deck? Well, the most important thing is to choose an autopilot that matches the displacement of your boat. More importantly, above-deck autopilots are ideal if you have a smaller boat while below-deck autopilot is ideal if you have a larger boat.

The Steering System

What type of steering system does your boat have? It's important to understand whether your boat has rotary drives, linear drive, or hydraulic drives. 

Control Interfaces

You should choose what's perfect for you as far as the control interface is concerned because this is one of the most crucial parts of an autopilot. The best features to consider include ease of use, waterproof, intuitive display, backlit options, and compatibility with SimNet, SeaTalk, and NMEA 2000.

7 Best Sailboat Autopilots

Here are the 7 best sailboat autopilots.

Raymarine ST1000 Plus Tiller Pilot

(Best for Tiller-steered Sailboats)

The Raymarine ST100 Plus Tiller Pilot is a classic tiller pilot that's one of the best accessories for your sailboat and your everyday sailing escapades. It's designed in such a way that it can accept NMEA data while still offering accurate navigation thanks to its incredibly intelligent software.

This autopilot is designed with a backlit LCD to help you see your navigational data, locked course, and other important information that can make your sailing safer and much better. The fact that the backlit LCD works perfectly in low-light conditions is an added plus.

That's not all; the ST1000 comes with an AutoTack feature that works like an extra hand when you're engaged in other responsibilities. For example, it can tack the sailboat for you when you adjust the sails. Better still, this autopilot is fully-fitted with everything that you need to install it on your sailboat and use it.

• ‍ It's easy to use thanks to the simple six-button keypad
• It's perfect when sailing in the calm sea as well as in stormy conditions
• It is waterproof so you don't have to worry about it getting damaged
• Its intelligent software minimizes battery usage thereby prolonging its battery life
• Perfect for tiller-steered sailboats
• ‍ The 2-year warranty could be improved
• It's a bit heavier

Garmin Ghc 20 Marine Autopilot Helm Control

(Best for Night Sailing)

If you're planning to go on a voyage, chances are you'll find yourself sailing overnight. With that in mind, you should go for an autopilot that works perfectly both during the day and at night. The Garmin Ghc 20 Marine Autopilot Helm Control is your best sailboat autopilot for these types of adventure.

This amazing autopilot is designed with a 4-inch display that can improve your nighttime readability. This display is glass-bonded and comes with an anti-glare lens that is essential in preventing fog and glare in sunny conditions. This is crucial in helping you maintain control in all conditions, both during the day and at night.

This autopilot also provides a 170-degree viewing angle. This is essential in viewing the display at almost any angle. So whether you're adjusting the sails up on the deck or grabbing an extra sheet below the deck, you can be able to look at the display and see what's going on. So whether a sailing vessel or a powerboat, this autopilot is easy to use thanks to its five-button control. 

• ‍ The five-button control makes it easy to use
• Comes with a bright 4-inch display
• The display works in all conditions thanks to its glass-bonded, anti-glare lens
• The display offers optimal view both during the day and at night
• It's compatible with other Garmin products
• ‍ Only good for sailboat under 40 feet in length
• The battery life should be improved

Simrad TP10 Tillerpilot

(Best for 32-feet or less Sailboat)

For many lone sailors, going with a sailboat that measures 32-feet or less in length is always ideal. Under such scenarios, it's always best to go with a sailboat autopilot that's perfect for such types of boats, and the Simrad TP10 Tillerpilot can be a superb option for you. This autopilot is so perfect as it brings to the table a combination of advanced technological software and simplicity.

Its five-button display makes it user-friendly, easy to use, and perfect in controlling your sailboat accordingly. This autopilot has a low-power draw, which means that your battery will last longer even when used for prolonged periods. This is an excellent autopilot that's designed with the sailor in mind as it goes about its business quietly so that you can enjoy your sailing adventures without noise and interruption from a humming autopilot.

• ‍ One of the quietest sailboat autopilots
• The battery life is excellent
• It's designed with one of the most advanced software
• It's waterproof to protect it from spray and elements
• It offers precision steering and reading in all types of weather conditions
• It's easy to use and control
• ‍ Not ideal for big boats

Raymarine M81131 12 Volt Type 2 Autopilot Linear Drive

(Best for Seasonal Cruising)

For those of us who love cruising during winter when other sailors are drinking hot coffee from the comfort of their abodes, the Raymarine M81131 is the right sailboat autopilot for you. Well, this autopilot can be an ideal option if your sailboat is large enough to have a full motor system.

This autopilot is one of the most powerful in the marine industry and has an incredible electromagnetic fail-safe clutch. This autopilot is also compatible with other devices such as NMEA 2000 ABD SeaTalk navigation data. In terms of precision navigation, this autopilot will never disappoint you in any weather condition.

So whether you're looking to go ice-fishing or sailing the oceans during winter, this is your go-to autopilot.

• ‍ Offers optimal sailing experience and navigation precision
• It's very quiet
• It offers high performance with minimal battery usage
• It's great for adverse winter conditions 
• ‍ It's expensive

Furuno Navpilot 711C Autopilot System

(Best for Accuracy)

If you're looking for the best sailboat autopilot that will take your navigation to the next level in terms of accuracy, look no further than the Furuno Navpilot 711C. This is an autopilot that enhances your boat's precision as far as staying on course is concerned. This is because the autopilot is designed with a self-learning software program that offers step by step calculations of your navigation and course.

This autopilot also offers real-time dynamic adjustments so that you can steer your sailboat more accurately. Thanks to this self-learning algorithm also offers great power application that significantly reduces the manual helm effort when maneuvering various situations. Its colored graphic display is of great benefit as you can easily read the information even in low-light conditions. So it doesn't matter whether you're sailing at night or during the day, this autopilot will serve you right in any condition. 

• ‍ It's great for power and fuel efficiency
• The display is intuitive
• It's easy to set up and use
• Its power assist is essential in reducing steering system complexity
• Great for both outboard and inboard motors
• ‍ Quite expensive

Si-Tex SP120 Autopilot with Virtual Feedback

(The Most Affordable Autopilot)

If you're on a budget and looking for one of the most affordable yet reliable sailboat autopilots, look no further than the Si-Tex SP120 Autopilot. This is a perfect high-performance sailboat autopilot that can be great for small to medium-sized powerboats and sailboats.

One of the most important features that this autopilot brings to the table is the ability to offer virtual feedback. This is great in eliminating the manual rudder feedback and thereby enhances your sailboat's performance. Its splash-proof 4.3-inch LCD offers one of the best transflective displays in the marine industry. The 4-button operation makes it a lot easier to use and provides the information you need to steer your sailboat safely and perfectly.

This autopilot can be great for you if you have a small or medium-sized sailboat thanks to its ease of use. The fact that it's one of the most affordable sailboat autopilots makes it highly popular with sailors who are on a budget.

• ‍ It's simple to install and use
• The virtual feedback is great
• The display is one of the best in the game
• It's quite affordable
• ‍ It's not ideal for big boats

Garmin Reactor 40 Kicker Autopilot

(Best for Outboard Motor Boats)

If you have a motorboat that has a single-engine outboard, The Garmin Reactor 40 Kicker Autopilot can be an ideal option. This is a great autopilot that mitigates heading error and unnecessary rudder movement while offering more flexible mounting, which is essential in offering a more comfortable sailing even in the roughest of weather conditions.

This autopilot can be easily fine-tuned thanks to its throttle settings with a touch of a button. Of course, this can be useful especially when the seas are rough and you're trying to remain on course. This autopilot is also waterproof to ensure that it doesn't get damaged with spray or other elements.

With this autopilot, you're guaranteed to enjoy an awesome sailing trip even when going against the wind or when sailing in rough conditions. 

• ‍ Easy to install and use
• It's waterproof
• It's beautifully designed
• It comes with a floating handheld remote control
• It's great for maintaining heading hold and route.
• ‍ It's only ideal for motorboats with up to 20 horsepower
• It's relatively expensive

As you can see, there are plenty of options when it comes to choosing an ideal sailboat autopilot for you. The best thing about the above-described sailboat autopilots is that they're among the best and you can find one that perfectly suits your unique needs and boats. Of course, most of them are quite expensive but they will advance the way you sail and make your sailing adventures even more enjoyable. We hope that you'll find the perfect sailboat autopilot for you.

Until next time, happy sailing!

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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