best 40 foot racing yacht

• AROUND THE SAILING WORLD
• BOAT OF THE YEAR
• Email Newsletters
• Best Marine Electronics & Technology
• America’s Cup
• St. Petersburg
• Caribbean Championship
• Boating Safety

Ker 40: Best Handicap Racer

• By Dave Reed
• Updated: December 13, 2012

Best Handicap Racer: Ker 40

Purpose: IRC and offshore racing Recommended race crew: 11 to 12 Best attributes: build quality, cockpit layout, and versatility Price: $318,000 (base) www.mcconaghyboats.com

In the realm of IRC handicap racing there are two realities: If outright speed is your endgame, then a bigger, expensive custom build is your only option. At the other end, where the greatest number of owners can afford to compete, IRC levels the playing field by encouraging new builds to be heavier than they should be. The Ker 40 , built by McConaghy Boats , best addresses this contradiction in high-performance handicap racing with a semi-custom production boat, allowing owners to enter the grand-prix IRC game with a boat that’s custom fast, without the custom cost. As with McConaghy’s other BOTY-winning boat (the MC38 One Design ), the judges said the Ker 40 was a work of boatbuilding art and excellent under sail.

“In the 40-foot range in IRC, because the boats are typically heavier, they’re not as exciting downwind,” said Stewart, “but this boat is much more aggressive and wicked-up than what you might otherwise find.”

Jason Ker and McConaghy borrowed a lot of ideas from IRC’s big-boat fleet and applied them to this, added Stewart. “It’s a big 40-footer. Its beam is wide aft because of the flair, and IRC gives a lot of credit for the beam. With this shape you have a hull that goes through the water on a narrow waterline, so there’s not a lot of drag.

“I could also tell they spent a lot of time on the deck layout, figuring out the leads, like the mainsheet stoppers that led to the winches, which is hard to do right. We got on the boat having never sailed it, and had no problems with any maneuvers. Everything worked great.”

The test boat presented for the judges is campaigned by an owner coming out of a J/122 program, and, says project manager Geoff Ewenson, he’s the type of owner that prefers to not be bound by one-design rules. The Ker 40 offers the flexibility to do both handicap racing and a selection of distance races, and race results from Ker 40s being campaigned overseas confirm that the design is one to be reckoned with. To meet its dual-purpose role, the owner of our test boat customized his with a Harken pedestal, a generous nav station, pipe berths, and other offshore accoutrements.

“What I like about this boat is that you’re not just saving money with a semi-custom boat, but you’re also saving on the overall campaign costs of a bigger boat,” said Rich. “The thing is incredibly well built, and if you’re the guy who wants to play with rules and have something unique that’s grand-prix, this is it.”

For more images of the Ker 40, click here . For more on McConaghy Boats, click here . To see the rest of 2013’s winners, click here .

• More: Boat of the Year , Boatbuilding , BOTY , Handicap Racing , Keelboat , McConaghy , Sailboats
• More Sailboats

Nautor Swan Has A New Pocket Rocket

Pogo Launches its Latest Coastal Rocket

A Deeper Dive Into the Storm 18

2024 Boat of the Year Best Recreational Racer: Z24

One-Design Wingfoil Racing Takes Off

The Wisdom of Augie Diaz

Brauer Sails into Hearts, Minds and History

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

Akilaria 40

Mc38 one design, solaris 36 od.

• Perf & stability
• My searches

Each use case pre-selects a set of search criteria on specs and perf / stability ratios.

Comparison of recent 38ft monohull cruisers with a minimum draft that must not exceed 1,5 m. The goal is to sail close to the shore in shoal waters. We also look for a good trade-off between comfort and sail power.

Here we look for a comfortable boat, safe, with enough sailing power. You can adjust the length and date parameters to better fit your case.

Here we look for a solid boat to sail between icebergs. The search criteria are : - Aluminum or steel construction - More than 10m (33ft) long - Lowest draft and in any case under 2m (6.56 ft) - Highest comfort at sea - Highest sailing power - Highest fuel and water autonomy

Comparison of mid-size cruisers to cross oceans. The criteria are: - A monohull which length is about 13m - Displacement greater than 8 tons - Built after 1990 - A tradeoff between comfort at sea, sailing power and capsize recovery

Ranking of modern rapid sailboats for cruising and racing. The criteria are: - A recent (after 2000) monohull - A displacement greater than 8 tons - A fast hull and maximum sail power.

We look for the best recent monohulls for racing. The search criteria are: - Length about 40 ft built after 2000 - Highest hull speed - Best tradeoff on performance ratios.

Here we compare classic long keel sailboats under 41 ft. The comparison criteria are : - Must have been built at more than 50 units - Production started before 1980 - Length less than 41 ft -The lowest capsize screening factor that should never exceed 2 - Best tradeoff on other performance ratios.

Comparison of big catamarans with a good autonomy for cruising with friends and families. The criteria are: - Length greater than 40 ft - Lowest draft - Highest sail power and hull speed - Highest autonomy (fuel and water)

Comparison of catamarans under 30 ft for racing. The criteria are: - Length less than 30 ft - Best performance ratios tradeoff.

Main characteristics of the boat and its equipments.

These ratios define the performance and stability of the boat.

Name and save your own searches (you must be connected for that ).

Texte de description du use case ...

• Main features
• Accommodations
• Builder data

Name and save your own searches.

You can save and replay your own searches. They would appear here. For that to happen, you must register to create your own account on our server, or login if you already have an account.

• OC Wally Cento
• 84 Mini Maxi
• IMOCA Open 60
• Consultancy Services
• 30m Blue Water Cruiser
• 25m Explorer Yacht
• 24m Fast Cruising Catamaran
• 23m Performance Cruiser
• 20m Explorer Yacht
• 20m High Performance Cruiser
• 18m Blue Water Cruiser
• 15m Performance Cruiser
• 15m Explorer Yacht
• 12m Explorer Yacht
• Multihull Design
• 18m Explorer Yacht
• 40m Blue Water Cruiser
• 40m Cruiser Racer
• 33m Performance Cruiser
• 30m Wally Cento
• 24m ORCsy Racer Cruiser
• 24m Day Sailer
• Carbon Component Design
• Yacht Performance Development
• CFD and Model Testing
• Twin Rudder Steering Systems
• Custom Deck Hardware
• Modifications and Refit
• VPP Routing and Sail Analysis
• Classic Yacht Refit & Optimisation
• Naval Architecture
• Engineering
• Rudder Design
• Brokerage Services
• 'Seahorse Magazine' #192
• Lucent #180
• Influence #171
• 'Eora' #169
• 'The Three Brothers' #168
• 'Edenred' #165
• Polka Dot #154
• 'Teata' #148
• 'Kite' #144
• ‘Sensei’ #131
• 'Sabre II' #93
• French Pineapple #79
• 'Letto Di Pletto' #47
• 'Mowgli' #41
• 23.8m Ultime Trimaran
• 20.7m Orma Trimaran
• 18.28m Orma Trimaran
• 16.75m Cruising Catamaran
• 16.1m Cruising Catamaran
• 12.8m Crowther Shockwave Catamaran
• 9.1m Seacart 30 Trimaran
• 26.3m Aluminium Sloop
• 22.38m Aluminium Classic Yacht
• 21.0m Steel Schooner
• 21.0m Aluminium Cruising Ketch
• 20.0m Aluminium Explorer Yacht
• 20.0m Luca Brenta Racer Cruiser
• 19.6m Aluminium Bluewater Cruiser
• 18.23m Mylius Racer Cruiser
• 16.0m Sly Cruiser Racer
• 14.5m Aluminium Cruising yacht
• 13.87m Wooden Motor Sailer
• 11.6m Classic Pilot Cutter
• 25.25m Reichel Pugh Maxi
• 18.28m IMOCA 60 One Planet
• 18.28m O Canada IMOCA Open 60
• 18.28m Come in Vendee Open 60
• 18.23m Mylius FD Racer Cruiser
• 15.84m TP52 Racing Yacht
• 15.25m Pegasus Open 50
• 10.89m Figaro 3
• 10.1m Figaro 2
• 18.8m Custom Steel Sloop
• 14.5m Aluminium Cruising Yacht

• Welcome To Tom George Yacht Group
• 727-334-8391
• Locations & Hours

TGYG LIFESTYLE BLOG

40 foot yacht: guide to buying new and used boats.

• January 16, 2019

When purchasing a boat or a yacht, the type of boating you intend to do will provide general direction towards what type of yacht you will need. Other questions to consider are: What is your perfect day on the water? Will you be doing plenty of day boating, or more long-range cruising? Do you plan to use the yacht for fishing, cruising or both? How much time do you plan to spend on the yacht (day, weekends, weeks, etc.)? How many people do you plan to take on the yacht with you on a typical trip? Do you plan to sleep overnight on the yacht? Where do you plan to keep the yacht? What is your prior boating experience? Is speed important to you?

The size of vessel is one of the most important elements to decide upon. The 40 foot mark is a common boundary line for boaters searching for a new vessel. While the terms boat and yacht are often used interchangeably, most agree that the term yacht is indeed applicable to any boat over 40 feet in length. As you get over 100 feet in length, the common term tends to shift towards “ mega yacht .”

Moreover, a 40 foot yacht often comes into focus for couples looking to do a bit more than simple day boating. While the boat is still quite manageable, it can often come with multiple living spaces and plenty of amenities at an affordable price.

Deciding between a new and used boat will also be a major consideration. While new boats cost more, a custom yacht can often be built to your exact desires and specifications. Additionally, a new 40 foot yacht will typically include the latest technology and amenities.

Tom George Yacht Group is able to provide a myriad of options for boaters looking for a new or used yacht in the 40 – 50 foot range. Some of our featured new yachts in this range are detailed below:

Hatteras GT45x

The new Hatteras GT45x Express Sportfish is an amazing addition to the Hatteras express sportfish line. This yacht is fast with optional CAT C-18 1150hp motors which provides cruising capabilities in the 32-35kt range. The yacht with an extensive a la carte menu of options to choose from including a sportfish tower, gyro stabilizer, CAT 360 joystick docking and station keeping and more.  Click here to read more about the Hatteras GT45x .

Hatteras GT45x Flybridge

The Hatteras GT45x Flybridge is a high performing express sportfish model from Hatteras. Like the GT45x, this yacht has optional CAT C-18 1150hp motors which provides cruising capabilities in the 32-35kt range and a myriad of additional options. If seeking something in the range of a 40 foot yacht and performance and offshore fishing are your priorities, it’s hard to beat the GT45x Flybridge.  Click here to read more about the Hatteras GT45x Flybridge .

Carver C40 Command Bridge

Carver provides a range of yachts from 34’ to 52’ in both express style couples and command fly bridge models, and the C40 Command Bridge has caught the attention of boaters everywhere with the attention to detail and features delivered with this beautiful yacht. Interior space is a priority on the C40 with an impressive 13’6” beam, and the extra space is used well with beautiful finishes and “wow” features.  Click here to read more about the Carver C40 Command Bridge .

Carver C43 Coupe

The Carver C43 Coupe is another impressive yacht that Carver has launched in recent years. The cutting edge styling and performance data of the C43 continue to impress boaters everywhere. Like all Carver Yachts, the C43 is built tough with “infusion technology.” The result is less weight, more strength and better performance. Click here to read more about the Carver C43 Coupe .

Everglades 435CC

The flagship model from Everglades is one of the most sought after 40+ foot center consoles on the market. The 435CC provides a functional, yet luxurious layout unique to its class. With a 400-mile range at 40mph, finding beautiful fishing grounds won’t be difficult.

EdgeWater 370CC

The new EdgeWater 370CC is the next evolution from EdgeWater’s very successful 368CC model. The boat is powered by triple Yamaha 300hp engines which enables the boat to top 60mph easily. The boat comes with fantastic features such as two cavernous fishboxes and two live wells. With the performance and features, the EdgeWater 370CC is a great option for someone looking in the 40 foot yacht range, but focused on getting to excellent fishing grounds quickly. Click here to read more about the EdgeWater 370CC .

Stay Connected.

Sign up for updates and special offers..

• New Inventory
• Pre-Owned Inventory
• Sell Your Boat

Service & Parts

• Book An Appointment
• Extended Service Contract
• Parts Request
• Marine Insurance
• Payment Calculator

Visit & Contact

• Our Locations

DISCLAIMER We strive to ensure all pricing and information contained in this website is accurate. Despite our efforts, occasionally errors resulting from typos, inaccurate detail information or technical mistakes may occur. We are not responsible for any such errors and reserve the right to correct them at any time.

• Privacy Policy
• Terms Of Use
• Cookie Policy
• Accessibility Statement
• Do Not Sell My Info

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service Apply.

Copyright © 2024 Tom George Yacht Group. All Rights Reserved. Powered by Revver Digital

5 Best Cruising Sailboats In 2024

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

January 2, 2024

The appeal of owning a cruising sailboat is one that deep down almost everyone shares.

Even someone who has no intention of ever sailing can see the appeal of owning such a vessel.

So much of the appeal is tied into the possibilities , the sense of wonder that owning such a boat bestows on its owner.

‍ Whether you are making a voyage from one coast of the United States to the other or plan to make your way around the globe, a decent cruising sailboat is a must. Not all sailboats are built to withstand the high seas and high winds of the open water.

Sure, they may do well enough when hugging the coastline, but sailing far and away over the horizon is a completely different animal.

This article will help you know what to look for in a cruising sailboat and which specific boats you should look into buying. There are hundreds of great options on the market, these 5 are just some of the best.

Table of contents

What are cruising sailboats?

Cruising sailboats are ones that are designed to be used over long distances.

They are bigger, stronger, and far more stable.

If you imagine a typical small sailboat such as a wayfarer you are looking at a pretty solid boat.

Good quality, great for beginners, very safe, very affordable.

But, it is simply not going to cut it out at sea for long.

People have used the wayfarer to sail from the United Kingdom to Norway.

But, people have also done that in a kayak.

Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should or that you would even want to if given the opportunity.

A cruising boat is meant to be liveable for long periods between making land.

Typically, cruising just means a multi-day trip.

In reality, it can be far longer.

Reid Stowe once sailed his self built 70-foot schooner for over three and a half years.

This is an extreme example, no one lives on their boat that long, but it gives you an idea of the possibilities.

To be able to spend so much time on a boat requires that it be of an adequate size to accommodate everything you would need.

If a sailboat is capable of housing you for a few days, technically it can be classed as a cruising sailboat .

Typically, cruising sailboats can reach speeds of ten knots.

This is needed to be able to make it from one point of land to another before supplies run out.

This is not a technical requirement to be “classed” as a cruising sailboat, just a practical one.

What makes a sailboat good for traveling long distances?

While, yes, a sailboat capable of traveling for multiple days without making land could be classed as a cruising sailboat. There are some criteria that it needs to hit to be considered a good choice. Your sailboat needs to not only be capable of making the journey but doing it safely. Here are some important things to consider when deciding if a sailboat would be suitable for cruising:

A boat that is not going to be stable is not ideal for cruising. When sailing for multiple days chances are you are going to crossing through rough seas and dangerous waters. If you don’t have a boat that can stand up to these conditions you are going to be in trouble. A good way of assessing stability is width and hull type. If a boat has a very wide, or multiple, hulls you can assume it is going to be quite stable.

The bigger the boat the better, not only for stability but for comfort. If you are going to be essentially trapped on your boat for several days it is a good idea to have as much room to move about as possible. Both in the cabin and on the deck. If you are stuck inside because of bad weather for several days every extra square foot you have is going to be a blessing. Size matters to when you consider how many people you can bring on your voyage. They don’t just require their sleeping quarters/bunk they need space to move around.

Strength matters. A strong hull will help you withstand even the roughest conditions. Some boats are built with metal reinforcing on their hulls, some aren’t. If given the choice, you would do well to choose the former. Strength doesn’t just mean material but the overall build of the boat. If a boat doesn’t have a strong mast, the sail is more likely to come down. A sailboat without a mast or sail is much more likely to capsize.

Being able to travel long distances is not only limited by the strength or sturdiness of the boat but how much storage it has. If you plan to be sailing for 7 days you will need 7 days worth of supplies. If a boat doesn’t have the storage to accommodate this, you won’t be able to make the journey. Just because a boat is larger doesn’t mean it will have more storage room.

Experience:

More than anything, what makes a sailboat suitable for cruising is having an experienced skipper. There is a big difference between sailing for multiple days and multiple hours. Make sure you are capable of making the voyage before you think about whether your boat can.

What do people find so appealing about sailing long distances?

There is such a romantic notion of being able to sail wherever you please, whenever you please. Being able to make long voyages is so much more exciting than shorter ones. The chance to cruise from country to country is such an exciting opportunity that few people in the modern era have. Sailing from country to country used to be the only way to get around. Now, everyone uses planes. Sailing brings people back to their ancestral roots in a way no other form of transport does. There may not be new lands to discover on behalf of our countries, but there are new lands to discover for ourselves. Reading about, hearing about, or watching documentaries on places is not the same as exploring them for yourself by sea.

The sense of adventure and discovery is like nothing else. Who doesn’t dream of making the journey around the world? Most people will never do it, but the dream is still there. Most of all though, long-distance cruising is exciting . The adrenaline from making the dangerous trip through open sees is truly exhilarating. Whether you are racing or cruising along at your own pace, there is always a sense of danger when out at sea. Some people love it, they crave it, but it isn’t for everyone.

Is sailing long distances dangerous?

Sailing long distances may be romantic, it may be exciting, it may be freeing, but it is also one of the most dangerous things you can do. When you are out of contact with the rest of the world, out at sea beyond the help of those onshore, the potential for danger is huge. You don’t know what will happen, you don’t know what could go wrong. No matter how experienced, how skilled, or how brave you are there is the potential for disaster. There are things you can do to improve the odds. Being a great sailor is one, making sure you have the best cruising sailboat possible is another. You don’t have to spend millions or even hundreds of thousands on getting a great sailboat. Some are far more affordable than you might expect.

What are the 5 best cruising sailboats?

There are so many fantastic sailboats out there that finding the right one might feel impossible. The choice is overwhelming, even with the above guide on what to look for in your boat there are still almost endless choices. Luckily, this article is here to help. This section will give you a good selection of cruising sailboats at various price points. Which one is best for you will likely depend on a mixture of preference and budget. While none of these boats are exactly cheap, they won’t break the bank like some of the other options on the market.

Prout Snowgoose 37

{{boat-info="/boats/prout-snowgoose-37"}}

If you are looking for a reliable sailboat look no farther than the Prout Snowgoose 37. This large catamaran makes use of its double hulls for increased width and stability. It is easy to steer, handles well, and is pretty spacious. There are more roomy catamarans on the market but none are as strong as this one. It is built to be sailed long distances in rough conditions. Its fiberglass hull makes it light and nimble all while retaining its strength. It is a slightly older model, but one that will serve you well. It is British made so finding one in the States can be a little tricky. If you do find one though you would do well to jump at the chance to purchase it.

Price: Less than $100k

{{boat-info="/boats/corbin-39"}}

The Corbin 39 is a beautiful blue water sailboat. It is a very rare boat with a proud history. Only a handful of these boats were finished to completion in the factory, the majority were sold as kits and built by the boat’s owner. Because of this method of production, this model can vary drastically on the inside. The interiors are all expressions of their owner’s creativity, and craftsmanship. This means you may want to have a proper look around inside the boat before purchasing one. The outside, especially the hull, is likely to be the same from boat to boat as they were sold as a piece. If you don’t mind potentially having to remodel the interior this might be the boat for you. The Corbin 39 is a rather large boat, the deck is huge and is perfect for transporting multiple passengers. You may have to shell out some more cash for renovations but the boat itself is second to none.

Price: $80k

Tayana Vancouver 42

{{boat-info="/boats/tayana-vancouver-42"}}

Finding one of these cruisers isn’t going to be too hard, as quite a few were made, but it is important to note they were made almost 40 years ago. Some models were made in the early 2000s, but not many. This double-ended hull cruiser is incredibly strong, it has a cast iron ballast and can withstand even the very worst weather conditions. This boat is strong, rugged, but not very quick. If you are looking for speed this is not the boat for you. The hull is fiberglass so you know you are getting a sturdy boat, but the trade-off from the iron ballast means this boat is heavy and slow to maneuver. This double sail cruiser costs anywhere from $80-$100 grand depending on how old the model you are looking at is. The older ones are a bit cheaper, at the expense of being a little worse for wear.

{{boat-info="/boats/nordic-40"}}

This 40-foot cruiser is a jack of all trades type of craft. If you are looking for a very solid middle of the pack choice this is the one for you. It does everything well but excels almost nowhere except in size. The Nordic 40 is very large for the price you are paying, so you are certainly getting your money worth here. This vessel is sturdy, strong, light and nimble. It is capable of moving very quickly and agilely through the water in a light breeze but is more than capable of resisting tougher conditions. If you are looking for a cruiser that is good for living on, not just sailing on, this could be the one for you. Its extra size means extra storage and living spaces. It has a great shower, huge fridge, plenty of counter space and decent sized sleeping quarters.

Pacific Sea Craft 34

{{boat-info="/boats/pacific-seacraft-34"}}

If you are looking for the perfect cruiser for you and your significant other, the Pacific Sea Craft 34 is just what you are looking for. It has a solid fiberglass hull and is capable of reaching decent speeds. The 34 may be slightly smaller than some of the other options but it still has plenty of storage, six and a half feet of headroom, and is simply stunning to look at. This sailboat is incredibly well designed, its 13,500 pounds of displacement make it strong and sure in the water without losing its agility.

Hopefully, you now have a good idea about what to look for in a sailing cruise boat. There are so many great options on the market, the ones mentioned above are just a good starting point. If you take the time to find the right boat for you , you won’t regret it. Buying a cruising sailboat is a huge commitment, it is important to be sure of your choice before you make the purchase. Good luck with your hunt for the perfect cruiser!

Thinking of living on a sailboat? Read up on the 10 Best Sailboats To Live In.

Related Articles

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.

by this author

Best Sailboats

Most Recent

What Does "Sailing By The Lee" Mean?

October 3, 2023

The Best Sailing Schools And Programs: Reviews & Ratings

September 26, 2023

Important Legal Info

Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.

Similar Posts

Affordable Sailboats You Can Build at Home

September 13, 2023

Best Small Sailboats With Standing Headroom

December 28, 2023

Best Bluewater Sailboats Under $50K

Popular posts.

Best Liveaboard Catamaran Sailboats

Can a Novice Sail Around the World?

Elizabeth O'Malley

June 15, 2022

4 Best Electric Outboard Motors

How Long Did It Take The Vikings To Sail To England?

10 Best Sailboat Brands (And Why)

December 20, 2023

7 Best Places To Liveaboard A Sailboat

Get the best sailing content.

Top Rated Posts

Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. (866) 342-SAIL

© 2024 Life of Sailing Email: [email protected] Address: 11816 Inwood Rd #3024 Dallas, TX 75244 Disclaimer Privacy Policy

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Best luxury yacht: 7 ultimate luxury cruisers you can buy

• Toby Hodges
• March 14, 2024

Toby Hodges takes a look at all the nominees and the winner of the best luxury yacht category in the European Yacht of the Year Awards

The definition of the best luxury yacht will differ according to personal opinion and from boat to boat. This year’s nominees in the luxury yacht category of the European Yacht of the Year Awards proved that perfectly.

The European Yacht of the Year awards are selected by a broad panel of expert judges from across the globe. These are people who spend their professional lives sailing and comparing yachts, so you can be certain that the yachts which stand out in this field are truly the best of the best on the market.

The best luxury yachts

Best luxury yacht winner 2024 – arcona 50.

When you enter the fiercely competitive 50ft luxury performance yacht market you better get it right. And the jury felt Arcona managed that. This watershed design for the traditional Swedish brand, by X-Yachts co-founder and former designer Niels Jeppesen, is a big, contemporary new Arcona, one that sees it move away from its cruiser-racer heritage and classic interiors.

The on trend styling inside and out is backed up by a premium level of build and finish quality and sailing performance – particularly if you have the performance sails, traveller and deep (2.95m) keel options the test boat carried, although the latter does limit your berthing and anchoring options.

While I doubt it’ll be raced or will suit typical bluewater use, it offers a purity of performance push-button sailing: a handsome prospect upwind in a light breeze, it transforms into a powerful reaching machine with stacks of control.

As chairman of our jury, Jochen Rieker, puts it: “The boat certainly did not win for her somewhat borrowed looks. She wins by checking all the boxes in all other respects. Slipping along gracefully in the lightest of airs, holding her stride and her balance in more demanding conditions, offering warmth, light and this reassuring feeling of utter quality down below – there simply isn’t anything to fault.”

Contest 50CS

The Contest 50CS, for example, is an archetype luxury cruising yacht, one built to the highest standards and that could take you to most waters in impeccable comfort. This model is, uniquely, available in two versions: this more conventional 50CS with aft master cabin, or the forward owner’s suite version on the aft cockpit Contest 49CS . We ran a full test on the latter after spending two days aboard in the North Sea, where that noticeably high freeboard, which may not aid boarding nor windage, helped keep us dry on deck in a steady Force 6 gusting 7.

As the 50CS proved, this Judel/Vrolijk design keeps slipping along in the light stuff too, providing enjoyable sailing in 6 knots breeze under a code sail. The centre cockpit offers a deep protected guest area, but also links well to the spacious aft deck.

And the Wetzels-Brown-designed interiors of Contests today are stunning and hard to match. The engineering, access to usable stowage, details and finish on the 50CS is first class and to get this level of quality at this size is special.

Both Contest and X-Yachts are early adopters of hybrid power, offering their bluewater cruisers with optional electric drives. For the XC 47 this was designed-in from the start to offer Oceanvolt’s award-winning new 25kW regenerative drive.

The XC 47 is another wonderfully engineered and thought out yacht for distance cruising, in particular for those who also enjoy hands-on helming pleasure. That should come as no surprise to any X aficionados, but what really struck me most about this yacht was the stowage, and the forethought needed to create that, together with how practical it has been made.

That may sound slightly anticlimactic but ask any long-term cruiser and stowage is always a priority. On deck, this constitutes a huge lazarette and sail locker, plus clever systems for launching a dinghy via davits and a liferaft canister, while below decks every square inch of space has been used effectively, with lockers hinged with gas struts.

It’s clear the Danish yard went to considerable time and effort, even building a full mock up of the interior that could be canted 20° each way.

If the deck saloon style looks didn’t sell this model to all – this is the first full non-Jeppesen designed X – the jury were converted once they’d taken the helm. ‘Quirky’ became ‘muscular and bold’. The ease with which it can be sailed from the cockpit was also appreciated.

While I understand many offshore cruisers like a protected centre cockpit and more sun protection, the attention to detail, stowage and practicalities, combined with the direct steering, motion and enjoyable sailing this X offers make it a standout new offering.

Jeanneau Yachts 55

Meanwhile the Jeanneau Yachts 55 stands out for different, unique reasons in this category, offering a completely new concept in comfort on deck while at anchor and a novel accommodation layout. Its focus is on outdoor living space.

What helps place this in a luxury bracket is not simply the price or the creative input of superyacht specialist design duo Philppe Briand and Andrew Winch, rather that its layout creates a palatial amount of private space for the owner’s suite. Guest cabins have their own direct access from the extensive cockpit via gullwing doors.

It certainly makes sense for solo owners or couples using it as a warm water apartment. How many people this will suit is another question, as it segregates any guests, crew or children from the galley and saloon.

I used the term monocat when I first viewed it, as the 55 really does attempt to mix the two worlds, particularly in terms of providing owner privacy and lounging space. Choose the rigid hard top and windshield and there’s a vast amount of covered area including a dinette and chart table – plus a bimini can shade all that extensive aft deck too.

The penalty comes in additional weight and wetted surface, and is felt in the handling and performance, the latter particularly in lighter breeze with the optional in-mast furling, self tacking headsail and shallow draught package we had. However, it’s set up to be easily managed from the mid cockpit with good visibility from the twin helms and easy circulation thanks to the ramped side decks. Full report in YW February 2024.

Best luxury yacht 2023

Best luxury yacht winner – oyster 495.

It is hard to imagine that the decor of a yacht can change its look and feel quite this much, yet the layout of this second 495, Eddie Jordan’s dramatic looking Tuga , is in fact identical to the first boat that I spent several days aboard last summer.

At its heart is a wonderfully (Humphreys) designed and engineered luxury bluewater cruiser conceived from the ground up, built in a new dedicated facility to a repeatable quality very few yards are capable of.

The 495 offers consistent passage making speeds in real voluminous comfort – whether enjoyed from the deep cockpit or the best-in-class aft cabin. Deck stowage and mechanical space is also superb.

Then factor in the family appeal of Oyster’s after sales and world rally programme and you start to appreciate the premium world this sub 50-footer gives access to.

The first yacht fully conceived under CEO Richard Hadida’s reign, this is also the smallest completely new Oyster 495 since 2005 – and it’s a triumph. It was our September 2022 cover star in which we featured the full review from our Oyster 495 three day test .

Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 60

The Oceanis Yacht 60 is a very different beast indeed to the 62 it replaces as flagship for the Beneteau range. The yard has learned plenty from the success of the First 53/OY 54 and wanted to create a 60 in this style and with the same deck layout (albeit larger and wider) and ease of circulation.

The construction experience of the smaller model clearly helped too, as this is a whopping five tonnes lighter than the bulky OY62 and with a deeper (2.6m) keel. The telling result is on the water. It feels sporty to helm and we averaged a knot slower than the single figure 6-8 knot windspeeds upwind and matched them reaching with Code 0 and a slight swell.

The vast cockpit works well, sheltered below the semi rigid bimini, it has plentiful lounging space with sailing systems led aft to the twin helms. The interior sees a 3+3 layout, where Beneteau wanted to get rid of the corridor effect of the OY62. The galley is forward to help open out space, while the forward suite with offset berth and headboard aft works well to give space with privacy.

This is an attractive, voluminous yacht that leaves a good overall impression whether under sail, on or below decks.

Ice 62 Targa

It all looks pretty funky below decks on the Ice 62 Targa too, especially if you’re watching the masthead fore and aft cameras (plus bow and prop cam) on central displays mounted in the saloon while you slip out of the dock! The Ice is a seriously impressive, contemporary yacht, one that in looks, performance and execution, won over many of the judges.

The first to launch is a highly customised project for a passionate sailing owner who covers long distances solo – he’d already sailed it 3,000 miles around the Med that autumn. It’s impressively stiff, sails handsomely and, thanks to a telescopic keel, points well. We matched single figure windspeeds, and clocked up to the high 9s in 12 knots wind.

Umberto Felci’s team spent 4,000 hours on the design, providing lots of space and light to the interior and a chillout zone in the semi raised saloon. This was easily the coolest looking yacht, with its aggressive reverse bow, chamfered gunwales and carbon T-top bimini, and all engineered and built to a high standard.

If you enjoyed this….

Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams. Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

• Motorcycles
• Car of the Month
• Destinations
• Men’s Fashion
• Watch Collector
• Art & Collectibles
• Vacation Homes
• Celebrity Homes
• New Construction
• Home Design
• Electronics
• Fine Dining
• Baja Bay Club
• Costa Palmas
• Fairmont Doha
• Four Seasons Private Residences Dominican Republic at Tropicalia
• Reynolds Lake Oconee
• Scott Dunn Travel
• Wilson Audio
• 672 Wine Club
• Sports & Leisure
• Health & Wellness
• Best of the Best
• The Ultimate Gift Guide
• This New 131-Foot All-Aluminum Superyacht Lets You Take a Dip at Tip and Tail

The sleek cruiser can cover some 4,000 miles, too.

Rachel cormack.

Digital Editor

Rachel Cormack's Most Recent Stories

This 92-foot yacht has a deck big enough for your chopper.

• This New 131-Foot Catamaran Comes With See-Through Hulls
• Share This Article

ISA Yachts ’ latest model is Unica by name, unique by nature.

Related Stories

• This Zippy 3-Wheel Motorcycle Might Just Make You Regret Giving Up Bikes
• Tesla May Need to Worry About Xiaomi’s New 400-Mile EV
• Someone Finally Made a One-Person Scooter That Drives Like a Tank

Geared toward indoor-outdoor living, Unica seamlessly connects the interior with the exterior decks and the broader oceanic surroundings. The stern is “a true haven of pleasure,” according to the Italian yard. Across the three aft decks lies a swim platform, an infinity pool with a lounge, and a cockpit with a dining area and plush seating.

Another highlight is the flybridge. Measuring 52 feet from end to end, the sprawling deck includes two sunbathing areas, a lounge, a dining area, a bar, and a round Jacuzzi. ISA says there are also more dining areas, sunbathing spots, and lounges on the main and upper deck.

With a beam of 27 feet and an interior volume of 390 GT, Unica features quite generous living quarters. The main deck includes a light-filled salon, a dining room, and a galley. Also on this deck is an owner’s suite with a lounge, vanity, dual walk-in wardrobes, an en suite, and an office.

There’s more to explore above and below deck, too. The lower deck is outfitted with three VIP suites, one twin, and the crew quarters, while the upper deck is home to a lounge, bar, captain’s cabin, and wheelhouse.

Unica’s performance specs are nothing to sneeze at, either. Powered by two MTU engines, the yacht can reach a maximum speed of 20 knots and a cruising speed of 15 knots. As for range, the cruiser can cover roughly 4,000 miles when traveling at 12 knots.

Unique or not, the Unica 40 is one impressive superyacht.

Click here to see all the photos of the Unica 40.

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…

Read More On:

More marine.

Four Seasons Just Unveiled the First Itineraries for Its Luxury Cruise Ship

Lexus Just Unveiled a Speedy New 68-Foot Yacht

This New High-Performance Electric RIB Can Hit a Ferocious 50 Knots at Full Tilt

Culinary Masters 2024

MAY 17 - 19 Join us for extraordinary meals from the nation’s brightest culinary minds.

Give the Gift of Luxury

Latest Galleries in Marine

Unica 40 in photos.

8 Fascinating Facts About ‘Wayfinder,’ a 224-Foot Catamaran With a Helipad That Doubles as a Pickleball Court

More from our brands, bitmoji is coming for your pets, a-rod, lore say they’re ‘going to be’ the next timberwolves owners, ‘the way home’ producers on leaning into ‘alice in wonderland’ parallels, planning for season 3 and beyond — plus, the possibility of spinoffs, marian zazeela, artist behind dizzying drawings and transcendent light shows, dies at 83, the best exercise mats for working out, according to fitness experts.

• BOAT OF THE YEAR
• Newsletters
• Sailboat Reviews
• Boating Safety
• Sailing Totem
• Charter Resources
• Destinations
• Galley Recipes
• Living Aboard
• Sails and Rigging
• Maintenance
• Best Marine Electronics & Technology

25 Sailboats Under 40′

• By Cruising World Staff
• Updated: March 25, 2014

Catalina 275 Sport

“This is a complete package; it’s a good sailing boat and well-thought-out. It’s definitely ready for prime time,” says Boat of the Year judge Ed Sherman. Click here to read why the Catalina 275 Sport won Best Pocket Cruiser in 2014.

Beneteau First 30

As they approached the First 30 to conduct their dockside evaluation during the boat show, the BOTY judges may have been just a little skeptical of this performance-oriented 30-footer’s cruisability. But that skepticism turned into appreciation as soon as they stepped below, and they were downright enamored with how the boat sailed. Click here to read why the Beneteau First 30 won Best Small Cruiser, 20 feet and Under in 2011.

The Presto 30 is an innovative, well-built, good looking cruising boat that satisfied its stated design brief as well as any other boat the judges looked at, though it’s not what you might expect from an average cruising boat. Cruising World judges also noted that this easy-to-handle boat may attract new sailors to the sport so they can learn the ropes and then trade up to another model, an approach that’s important to the health of the entire industry. Click here to read how the Presto 30 won the Cruising Spirit Award in 2011.

Catalina 309

“I think that for the purpose it was put on the water, to be able to walk down, jump aboard, and simply go enjoy it on a weekend, the boat not only hit the price in terms of value but also hit the mark in terms of use,” remarked judge Alvah Simon, a world voyager. Click to read why the Catalina 309 won Domestic Boat of the Year for 2007 .

The J/95’s retractable centerboard and dual rudders make it possible to sail in just 3 feet of water. During our dockside visit, designer Rod Johnstone told us that he wanted to build a comfortable coastal cruiser that could keep people sailing by providing “high performance in shallow water,” and the J/95 did exactly what Rod said it would. Click here to read how it won Best Weekender and Domestic Boat of the Year for 2010.

Catalina 315

This nifty pocket cruiser raises the Catalina quality bar with more comfort and better performance. It’s the little things that make this boat special, including the tall rig, the wide cockpit, the large anchor locker, the sprit for the asymmetric kite, and the clever use of space below. Click here to read how the Catalina 315 won Best Inshore Cruiser for 2013.

The Delphia 33 is a boat that’s maximized every inch of available space, and the overall fit and finish, from the joiner work to the systems installation to the structural integrity of the boat, is well done. Click here to read why the Delphia 33 won Import Boat of the Year in 2008.

“With this introductory cruiser, Hunter is trying to bring people up through its ranks and into cruising from trailer-sailers and smaller boats,” said Alvah Simon. “And the company has done that with a 33-footer that has quality and affordability but is still manageable and unintimidating.” Click here to read why the Hunter e33 won Best Compact Cruiser for 2012.

C&C 101

The 33-foot C&C 101 boasts thoroughly modern lines and a nice turn of speed but also features a fine layout belowdecks, with cherry furniture and a teak cabin sole. Click here to read why the C&C 101 won Domestic Boat of the Year and Best Performance Cruiser in 2013.

This dual-purpose cruiser is both easy to handle and zippy on the racecourse. Click here to read why the X-34 won Best Racer-Cruiser for 2009.

Beneteau 34

This affordable performance cruiser is a blast to sail, with details often lacking on more expensive boats. Click here to read a boat review of the Beneteau 34. Click here to read why the Beneteau 34 won the award for Best Value in 2009.

Tartan 3400

The Tartan 3400, with double cabins fore and aft, was still sufficiently nimble and distinctive to cop the 2006 Boat of the Year award for Best Production Cruiser from 31 to 36 Feet. Click here to read more.

The BOTY judges found lots on which to agree as they proclaimed the Najad 355 to be the Best Small Cruiser of 2008: great sails, solid motion through the water, practical interior, well-laid-out deck. Click here to read more.

Catalina 355

Two themes—consideration and principles—epitomize the Catalina 355. Click here to read why it won Domestic Boat of the Year in 2011.

Sabre Spirit

Andrew Burton found the 36-foot Sabre Spirit boat not only easily handled and fast but also a sheer delight to sail; no wonder it won the Judges’ Choice Award in Cruising World’s 2008 Boat of the Year contest. Click here to read more .

Island Packet Estero

Comfortable surroundings are easily driven by a fully self-tending and roller-furling rig on the 36-foot Island Packet Estero. Click here to read why it won Best Midsize Cruiser Under 40 feet in 2010.

Hallberg-Rassy 37

Like the Swedes who manufacture it, the Hallberg-Rassy 37 is a hardy sailer. The boat’s seakindly performance gives the assurance that it can take you anywhere, and once you get aboard, that’s exactly where you’ll want to go. Click here to read why it won Import Boat of the Year in 2006.

Malö 37 Classic

This purpose-built craft is a dream to steer and a delight to the eyes. Click here to read how it won Import Boat of the Year for 2009. Click here to read a full boat review.

Catalina 375

Solid construction and thoughtful amenities make life onboard this boat more comfortable. Click here to read why the Catalina 375 won Best All-Purpose Cruiser, 30 to 40 Feet in 2009.

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 379

This midsize offering from Jeanneau has a modern look and is ready for sea. Click here to read why it won Domestic Boat of the Year and Best Midsize Cruiser for 2012.

“This very responsive sailboat scoots along quite nicely, I think as well as anything we sailed in this fleet,” says Boat of the Year judge Mark Schrader. Click here to read why the Dehler 38 won Best Cruising Sailboat Under 38 Feet in 2014.

Better-than-expected performance, good design ideas, and follow-through in their execution led to the Hunter 38 winning Best Production Cruiser Under 40 feet for 2005. Click here to read more.

Who says a cruising cat under 40 feet isn’t big enough for comfortable accommodations? The 38’s hulls are narrow where they meet the water for performance purposes but flare out to create ample interior space. Click here to read why the Leopard 38 won Import Boat of the Year in 2010.

Seawind 1160

This 38-foot cat will appeal to cruisers who want a well-built boat that can sail away in a hurry. Click here to read why the Seawind 1160 won Best Multihull Cruiser and Most Innovative Boat for 2007.

“The company is mixing traditional aesthetics with modern gear–from the carbon rudder to tweakers on the jib tracks, and it works really well,” said Boat of the Year judge Steve Callahan of the Sabre 386. Click here to read why it was named Domestic Boat of the Year for 2005.

• More: 21 - 30 ft , 31 - 40 ft , Boat Gallery , Boat of the Year , Photo Galleries , Sailboat Reviews , Sailboats
• More Sailboats

New to the Fleet: Pegasus Yachts 50

Balance 442 “lasai” set to debut, sailboat review: tartan 455, meet the bali 5.8, how to rig everything in your favor, imtra named employee-owned company of the year, is there a doctor aboard.

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Email Newsletters
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding