best sport yachts

Yachting World

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Best performance yachts: Our pick of the top options

• Toby Hodges
• March 10, 2023

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

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

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

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

Best performance yachts

Winner best performance yachts 2023 – beneteau first 36.

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

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

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

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

Grand Soleil 40

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

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

Italia yachts 12.98

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best performance yachts 2022

Winner best performance yachts 2022 – jpk 39fc.

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

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

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

Photo: Andreas Lindlahr/European Yacht of the Year

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you enjoyed this….

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2022 Boat of the Year: Best Performance Cruisers

• By Cruising World Editors
• December 15, 2021

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

It’s not every year that the Boat of the Year contest has a dedicated category for Performance Cruisers, but when we do, it’s often the group of boats that put the biggest smiles on the judges’ mugs. After all, they’re all sailors as well as industry experts—and what sailor doesn’t love to take the helm of a boat that’s designed with performance top-of-mind and then fit out with the sails and gear to make it get up and go? 

For 2022, there was a trio of turbocharged yachts in the 45- to 50-foot range that promised to offer exhilarating action under sail. And it was an international class as well, with offerings from France (Dufour), Italy (Grand Soleil) and Slovenia (Elan). Maximized waterlines, twin helms, dedicated bowsprits for flying gennakers and code zeros—these are but a few of the similarities these ocean greyhounds share. And it was nothing but pure joy putting these powerful yachts through their paces.

So, let’s proceed alphabetically. Underscoring the 470’s versatility as well as its performance bona fides, this latest model from Dufour is offered in three different versions. The Easy designation is straightforward, with a simple layout perfect for charter service and casual sailing that includes a self-tacking jib and single-line mainsheet, both of which are led to a pair of winches on the cabin top. The Ocean setup, which was the boat we sailed, is ideal for shorthanded voyaging, with either a self-tacking jib or slightly overlapping headsail. In this configuration, there is a double-ended, German-style mainsheet and a traveler mounted forward of the dodger. Sheets are all led back to winches located at either of the twin helm stations; other sail control lines are led to winches on the cabin top. Lastly, the Performance package is the thoroughbred option. Here, the winch and hardware package has been upgraded for quick maneuvers, and the end-boom doubled-ended mainsheet is anchored to a block on the cockpit sole, on the centerline between the benches and just forward of the helms. Winches and other gear have been located with a racing crew in mind seeking fast tacks and jibes, with elbow room for the trimmers. 

Down below, there are four interior layouts from which to choose, giving owners plenty of choices: three to five cabins, two or three heads and an in-line galley opposite the dining table; or three cabins and two heads, with the galley forward in the saloon, a layout that Dufour has made popular over the past few years.

Set up with a self-tacking jib and traditional main, the judges found that the boat we sailed was easily handled. During deliberations, Judge Gerry Douglas recalled, “the boat seemed to perform adequately well. It felt pretty lively and it did accelerate when we had a puff.”

Next up: The flagship of Elan’s GT (Grand Tourer) line of noteworthy cruiser/racers. With its black performance sails and long, purposeful waterline, the GT6 looks like, well, a wolf in wolf’s clothing. It’s immediately apparent that this boat is ready and willing to sail hard and go fast. 

The hull and sail plan, from Humphreys Yacht Design, features twin rudders that offer superb control. The overall contemporary design and visual effects topsides and below from Studio F.A. Porsche, inspired by the aerodynamics of high-end sports cars, are unique and striking. Down below, the forward galley provides space for a sumptuous, full-beam saloon. Light pours through the generous hull windows and deck-saloon-style ports around the cabin top, and the large forward owner’s suite caps it all off.

The GT6 is available in a couple of different layouts, two cabins and two heads, with a large storage area aft, or three cabin two heads. The boat we sailed had a nifty double-single berth set in one of the aft cabins that would be great for kids or race crew.

There was a good breeze the day we were aboard, and when the gusts came on, off we went. It was a heck of a ride.

But an even better ride was enjoyed on the last boat in the category. It’s safe to say that the Grand Soleil 44 had the judging team from hello. “As we were approaching the boat from the inflatable for our sea trials, the way it looked was just striking,” judge Gerry Douglas said. “I think they got the aesthetics right. Once aboard, it was so easy to get around. And everywhere I looked after that, it seemed to be really well put together. There was some real high-quality detail.” 

The GS 44, designed by Matteo Polli, has a racing pedigree; a sistership optimized for competition won a major European championship regatta this past summer. But the Italian builder also has a solid foothold in the cruising world, with a long line of performance cruisers launched from its yard in Italy. With the 44, they didn’t forget those roots.

The 44 is available in a couple versions, Performance Cruising and Race. We sailed the former in Annapolis. Features included an aluminum mast and standard keel. With the Race version, an owner can opt for a taller carbon-fiber mast, and three keels optimized for various handicapping systems. In either version there’s ample room in the cockpit for crew to lend a hand or kick back and enjoy the ride.

Accommodations below feature two aft cabins, with a shared head in the saloon, and an en suite owner’s cabin forward. The layout out of furniture is simple—dinette to port, settee to starboard, galley at the foot of the companionway—but at the same time elegant. It’s a place to relax on passage and enjoy at anchor.

Bottom line: Even in cruising mode, this is a boat that will get you there quickly, with all the amenities for gracious living once the hook is down. In other words: It’s a winner.

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From Gigayachts to Sail Boats: The Best Luxury Vessels of the Year

In myriad lengths and shapes, what unites these award winners are standout design and impeccable build quality..

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The Big Idea: The Crystal Yacht

Glass has marked progressive architecture since Joseph Paxton displayed his Crystal Palace at London’s Great Exhibition of 1851. In the current millennium, glass has transformed the world’s skylines from Dubai to Manhattan. At sea, the craze for crystal has consumed the superyacht world, with several groundbreaking projects having released this past year.

Excellence , a 262-foot-long beauty from Abeking & Rasmussen, uses a complicated series of panes for its stunning open staircase. The 262-foot Artefact has glass walls—and 60 tons of the material overall—as well as windows designed in new shapes. Silver Yachts’ 279-foot Bold includes an expansive, full-beam winter garden ringed by glass, which can be folded away and tucked neatly into hidden storage spaces when the weather warms. The trend has spread even to more modest yachts, such as Sunseeker’s Predator 74, whose outer-helm area is enclosed by large panels that open.

It’s not just design whim fueling the surge of glass on board. It’s technology, which has advanced to the point where glass has become thinner, lighter (a must for the seafaring world) and stronger. Yacht designers capitalized on that trend and made a shift from mere windows to full walls, incorporating ever-larger panes and new forms in ambitious ways, like Bold ’s folding, stackable garden walls.

“Glass technology is opening the design space,” says naval architect Philippe Briand, who has included large, transparent fields on his boats. “The 3-D shapes we can make are improving all the time. We’re finally able to use glass as a structural element.”

The 295-ft.  Dar by Oceanco wins the prize for the most creative and practical use of glass. She has 4,300 square feet of floor-to-ceiling mirrored panels. “The clients wanted to see the water from their salon through a sheer wall, with no bulkheads or metal,” says designer Luiz de Basto, speaking on board Dar at the Monaco Yacht Show. “From the exterior, the glass looks black, but there’s no sacrifice in interior light and no distortion. You can see Monaco, but Monaco can’t see you.”

Underwater examples are also becoming more common. As the material becomes stronger still, it will be increasingly used below the waterline, so you will see the fish, but the fish won’t see you.

Gigayacht: ‘Luminosity’

The favorite gigayacht was not the largest delivered in the last 12 months, but she is arguably the most creative and, potentially, the most eco-friendly. Benetti ’s 353-foot Luminosity marks a sea change for the Italian builder, not only for the scale of the yacht, with her 56-foot beam and massive volume of 5,844 gross tons, but also for her diversity of features. The exterior, a collaboration of Reymond Langton, Azure Yacht Design, Zaniz Jakubowski and Giorgio M. Cassetta, retains a classic look, defined by her plumb bow and nearly 9,000 square feet of floor-to-ceiling windows across four decks.

The Zaniz Jakubowski interior is a modern, artistic wonderland. A remote-control media wall, with 1,200 feet of electronic panels, towers three decks up around the main glass stairwell, turning the area into a tropical rain forest, while 264 white magnolias on the salon’s wall open and close as someone passes. Decor in the common areas is light and contemporary, and the palatial master suite has artful surprises, such as a hydro-massage tub crafted from a single block of the same marble Michelangelo used to sculpt his David . Twelve staterooms, including four king suites, accommodate 27 passengers. The beach club, another full-featured complex, has two 323-square-foot sea terraces, a bar and dining area, a full gym and a counter-flow pool. 

The hybrid power is Luminosity ’s most significant breakthrough, with diesel-electric generators for propulsion and around 36 tons of lithium-polymer batteries that can fuel the hotel systems for 12 hours, with no emissions or engine noise. The Azipod drive system delivers a respectable 16-knot top end, but at 10 knots, the yacht can cruise for 8,000 nautical miles, potentially crisscrossing the Atlantic.

Superyacht: ‘Artefact’

One of 2019’s most important launches, Artefact has a strong, flamboyant character. The custom 262-footer, built at Nobiskrug’s yard in Germany, is unlike any other yacht on the water, with a multistory glass wall in her midsection, jigsaw-puzzle windows in the lower hull and balconies that define her profile. Inside is her alter ego: a hybrid propulsion system that not only dramatically reduces emissions but operates silently for hours on battery power. The yacht’s other eco-friendly features include 248 feet of solar panels, diesel-electric Azipods, wastewater recycling and a dynamic-positioning system.

While Artefact ’s technical prowess alone could justify this year’s award, her innovative design assured it. “It’s our coolest project ever,” says Gregory C. Marshall, the Canadian naval architect behind the boat’s standout look. “This is the owner’s first yacht but not his first large custom project. He brought an uncommon mindset for creating something original and unique.”

The exclusive details include 7,965 square feet of glass, which provides exceptional water views, along with privacy. The master suite has also been relocated from its typical forward placement to the rear area that would normally serve as the main salon. Marshall also rethought the arrangement of other key elements: “Balconies are featured across the yacht, positioned for privacy and wind protection,” he says, and “grand public spaces are balanced with intimate private ones.”

Charter Yacht: ‘Flying Fox’

Harmony often defines the success of a superyacht exterior, especially the world’s largest. Espen Øino’s graceful, proportional design of Flying Fox , along with the subtle shifts and curves in her six guest decks, gives the 446-foot yacht a grand appearance. This Lürssen also takes the charter scene up a significant notch, becoming not only the world’s largest charter yacht but also one of its most elegant. We admire Øino’s exterior, which includes an observation deck, two helipads and a first-of-its-kind, extra-large 40-foot pool that runs transversely across the deck, displaying a feat of engineering with regard to both size and volume of water. Mark Berryman’s subtle, multifaceted interior was the deciding factor for our award. He used soft, neutral tones along with teak and oak flooring and joinery, and the occasional live tree, to create a sense of home.

Even outsize spaces feel intimate. The open salon spans two floors, with a lower living room featuring a fireplace as its centerpiece and a separate social area on the upper level. The dual-level spa is also at the vanguard: a 4,300-square-foot complex that includes a hammam, a cryo sauna, a beauty center with massage rooms and a full gym. Flying Fox can accommodate 25 guests in 11 staterooms, including the master quarters, which has separate dressing rooms, a private deck, an outdoor cinema and, of course, a distinct salon with a fireplace. She is available for charter through Imperial Yachts.

Marina: Sandy Lane Yacht Club

Beautiful, unassuming Canouan, a small island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has been described rather archly as the destination for billionaires who want to escape millionaires. Sandy Lane Yacht Club ’s new superyacht marina there offers boat owners solitude, serenity and natural beauty in the form of white-sand beaches, coral reefs and lush, uncultivated hills. Travel on land is by golf cart, cruiser bicycle or resort car.

As a haven only recently “discovered,” the island is known for its runway, which is long enough for private jets, and for protecting visitors’ privacy. The Mandarin Oriental and the Canouan Estate resorts offer exceptional dining and a Jim Fazio-designed golf course.

Sandy Lane sits in an idyllic cove, with berths for yachts up to 330 feet, a fuel dock, high-speed Wi-Fi and security patrols. Unlike many Caribbean marinas, it was designed specifically for superyachts. The property also has villas, pools and a beachside bistro. The Tobago Cays’ marine sanctuary, with its exceptional snorkeling and diving, is but a tender ride away.

Lifetime Achievement: Espen Øino

Last year, it dawned on Espen Øino as he put the finishing touches on Bold , the 279-footer by Silver Yachts, that it was his 50th superyacht in 25 years. The Norwegian master studied naval architecture in the UK and then learned yacht design in the South of France, and says it’s “accidental” that he has become the leading designer of gigayachts. While in his first role, his firm “just happened to be awarded the design for Eco , a 243-footer for a Mexican client,” he says. “Since I was the only one with a degree in naval architecture, I was named project manager.” 

Eco’s success created a rep for the young designer, and by 1994, Øino was on his own, working on complex projects such as the conversion of a 220-foot tuna boat into an expedition yacht. That boat, Amazon Express , led to the commission of the 414-foot Octopus, for the late Paul Allen. “In 1998, Octopus was a very ambitious yacht, filled with tenders, helicopters and a submarine, but the owner didn’t want these to be seen,” says Øino. “So we had to design a seamless exterior—a very technically challenging undertaking.”

The decades rolled, each breakthrough design leading to the next ocean-going rock star. Øino’s Monaco studio is responsible for more 325-foot-plus (100-meter) gigayachts than any other firm, with boats that make splashes as longest and biggest. His—and the world’s—longest yacht ever, the 600-foot Rev Ocean , is being fitted out now.

Happy to help celebrate Øino’s 50th superyacht, Robb Report honors him with a lifetime achievement award for his incredible string of launches and deliveries in the last year: Rev Ocean , the 425-foot Project Lightning , the 446-foot Flying Fox , the 295-foot Dreamboat , Bold and the 207-foot North Star . He has a dozen others in the works.

Øino was surprised at just how many he has had going simultaneously. “I never count,” he says. “It’s hard to fathom that we’ve put so many hours into so many yachts. When you enjoy what you’re doing, it doesn’t feel like an effort.”

Motor Yacht: Lexus LY 650

As you might expect from a luxury automotive leader, Lexus has made its muscular new ride both a looker and a blast to drive. The LY 650 shares a coupe-like profile with its predecessor, the 2017 Sport Yacht model, but the new 65-foot, 5-inch Lexus is much larger, with three en suite staterooms as well as a flybridge. Italian firm Nuvolari Lenard did the interior design, while the exterior was created by the Marquis team in Wisconsin and Lexus Design.

The boat’s two-tone copper-and-metallic gray exterior, with exposed carbon elements, puts its curvaceous lines to best effect, while highlighting several motifs carried over from the 42-foot Sport Yacht, including athletic haunches at the rear of the boat that look like taillights and a rounded bow with reverse sheer that resembles the new Lexus LC 500 Coupe. The exterior’s curves also define the interior, from the bend in the leather-covered arm dividing the galley and salon to the oblong, recessed ceiling lights. Even the salon floor combines arcs of carpeting with white-oak planks. Beyond the luster of fit and finish, the beauty of this yacht is that so many shapes and pieces come together as a cohesive whole, unlike any other yacht in its class; that and the partnership between Lexus and Marquis make it unique.

Sailing Superyacht: ‘Canova’

This 142-footer from Baltic Yachts has some of the most sophisticated technologies of any 100-foot-plus sailing vessel ever seen. Canova scores highly not only for that early-adopter tech edge but also for her natural beauty on the water. Lucio Micheletti’s balanced design includes a long, lean hull, a low-profile cabin and a vertical bow, with a suite for the owner, three guest staterooms and quarters for four crew. The yacht is equipped with powerful electric winches that allow for shorthanded sailing with minimal crew.

The boat has the ultimate hybrid propulsion (when not powered by wind), with its diesel-electric engine combo and a hydrogeneration system that uses the yacht’s momentum to recharge her battery bank. The yacht can then operate in silent mode for up to nine hours, bolstering fuel economy and reducing emissions. Canova could theoretically cross the Atlantic under sail without ever having to charge the batteries from the diesel engine. 

Beyond her hybrid power, Canova has an even more impressive secret. Her Dynamic Stability System, a transverse sliding board that runs beneath the water’s surface, is a first for a yacht of her scale. The foil, found on much smaller racing yachts, minimizes heeling and pitching, so she offers a much smoother and faster ride than conventional sailing vessels.

Beach Club: ‘Attila’

When the beach club became a must-have 20 years ago, it changed the lonely stern to a sought-after swim platform and fitness hub. Designer Francesco Paszkowski’s reinterpretation of the beach-club interior on the 210-foot Sanlorenzo Attila shows how that area can sync with an owner’s passions, rather than fall prey to generic designs. “He loves to spend time with friends and cook at home,” says Paszkowski. “The goal was to reproduce that on the boat.”

The designers, which included Officina Italiana Design for the exterior, accomplished that by connecting the lower club with the main deck in every way possible, physically with stairways up both sides of the swim platform and then visually via a glass-bottom pool that serves as the beach club’s ceiling. A third internal staircase, creating a double-height atrium, forms visual links between the beach club and owner’s galley on the deck above, where he is often found preparing meals and chatting with guests on stools at the counter. The yacht also has both wine and meat lockers and a larger, more elaborate galley on the lower deck.

To dress the open, light-infused beach club, Attila ’s owner wanted a “cozy and contemporary” look. Paszkowski used glass and teak, accented with a Galusha-topped table, a Calacatta-marble-topped bar and onyx walls along the internal staircase. Beach-club accoutrements were not ignored: Attila is kitted out with a fitness area plus a massage room and spa with mosaic tiles.

Comeback: Bluegame Yachts

“The technical side is the driver, but the yacht also has to be beautiful and touch you deeply,” says Carla Demaria, CEO of Bluegame Yachts .

Demaria, formerly of Atlantis Yachts and Monte Carlo Yachts, has a talent for spotting untapped market niches and is overseeing the brand’s rebound with founder Luca Santella, who heads the technical side. Providing the funding for new product development is Massimo Perotti, executive chairman of Sanlorenzo Yachts, which acquired Bluegame in 2018.

“Luca is a maniac on the technical side, so we were careful to keep Bluegame’s DNA, which is all about seaworthiness and innovation,” says Demaria. “Now we’re adding luxury.”

The new BGX70 is a boat without precedent, breaking all the rules in all the right ways. A 70-foot yacht has never seen this kind of layout. The owner’s salon, a full-beam master suite, three guest staterooms and a massive cockpit are straight out of a superyacht. Santella’s experience as an Olympic sailor and offshore cruiser show in the upper deck and the pilothouse, which are more like those of a blue-water trawler. Winner of multiple design awards, the 70 has successfully merged two styles into one hull. We look forward to Demaria and Santella’s next act.

Yacht Concept: Rossinavi Super Sport 65

Rossinavi never disappoints. The Italian builder has created some of the most iconic yachts of the last decade, bespoke from the running surface through the superstructure. The shipbuilder’s concepts are always inspiring, sometimes even mind-blowing.

Its partnership with Pininfarina on last year’s Super Sport 65 concept tilts toward the mind-blowing, though unlike many concepts, this one doesn’t rely on a sci-fi edge. Instead, one could well imagine the long, lean 215-footer as the belle of Monte Carlo’s inner harbor. Many trendy, even hip concepts emerged last year, but nothing as sophisticated and sleek as this collaboration. 

The Super Sport 65 gives a nod to Aurea, Rossinavi’s first project with Pininfarina in 2017, sharing the single design line that runs from bow to stern, so the profile has an uninterrupted flow. This most recent concept employs automotive references from Pininfarina’s Gran Turismo design, particularly the upper deck with its soft, undulating curves. Often-mundane features, such as the main staircase, are integral to the aesthetic; in this case, its shape resembles the air intakes of high-performance cars. Pininfarina also recognized that the Super Sport 65 had to function as a yacht, so the designers included open social areas on every level, even on the foredeck. 

This is one concept we hope to see on the docks.

Sustainability: Water Revolution Foundation

“Clients ask us what new developments can help them be more environmentally conscious, more sensitive,” says Peter Lürssen, fourth-gen leader of his family’s German shipyard, which builds some of the world’s largest superyachts.

That kind of question prompted Lürssen and competitor Henk de Vries, fourth-generation head of Feadship, along with other executives across the yachting world, to form the Water Revolution Foundation . The mission was clear and ambitious: “We are determined to protect the oceans from degradation, to support ocean conservation and to leave the oceans in better shape than before,” reads its code of conduct.

Water Revolution Foundation was chosen for the Sustainability award not so much for its lofty goals but rather because the group is in a unique position to positively effect change. Its superyacht owners are among the world’s most affluent citizens and, according to the code of conduct, have the “power to drive sustainability and make a truly positive impact.” Lürssen says his clients are ready to invest in new, eco-friendly technologies. 

This kind of extensive call to action has never been delivered from the highest levels of the superyacht world. The group understands the urgency of declining ocean health and, because it’s self-funded, can take the long view to finding solutions. It’s already finalizing a Yacht Assessment Tool that lets yacht builders make smart, sustainable choices during the build process. Other initiatives will follow.

“Not only are we thinking about today, we are looking at what our yachts need to have in three, four or five years,” says Lürssen.

Day Cruiser: Azimut Verve 47

Azimut calls its new Verve 47 an “American beauty with a Mediterranean heart.” This outlier in the brand’s fleet retains its Italian sensibility, thanks to Francesco Struglia’s creative design, but the offshore hull and quadruple 450 hp Mercury Racing outboards are unmistakably American. Michael Peters, the Florida-based guru of performance hulls, designed the boat to navigate big ocean swells, even at 60 mph.

Besides being seaworthy, the Verve 47 is just plain fun. Struglia made the most of the space and added some superyacht styling by reinterpreting traditional features. A large square rises from the floor to become the cockpit dining table, for instance, while the side bulwark folds over the water as a swim platform. An outdoor kitchen and flat-screen TV improve the deck experience. Glass panels in the hull sides do double duty as the Verve’s artistic signature, while letting the driver read the water. Such innovative details are what make the Verve stand out from its center-console competitors. 

While the creative cockpit design indicates this is an undisputed day boat, the 47’s surprisingly large cabin includes two staterooms, a dinette/salon, a second galley, a head and shower and—in line with its Italian heritage—wine storage.

Winter Garden: ‘Bold’

The hard, angular, military-style exterior of Silver ’s 279-footer belies its warm—and buzzy—inner self. The helicopter garage doubles as a disco, complete with advanced sound system and flashing lights; the main salon is papered with a wall of nine giant screens; and the full-beam outer terrace behind the salon stands out in particular, expanding the concept of a winter garden.

That’s because designer Espen Øino, prompted by the boat’s owner, decided to rewrite the rules. Instead of a small outside nook with a few glass doors, the Bold version occupies its own deck, connecting to the sprawling salon. Surrounded on three sides by tinted, floor-to-ceiling windows, it has oak floors, a long dining table and loose seating, closer to a seaside terrace of a five-star hotel than a superyacht’s aft deck. 

The bottom line was that the owner wanted to use his winter garden anywhere, any weather. With the large glass panels in place and infused with natural light, the indoor version becomes a large social hall on the edge of the sea. Windows out, the winter garden transforms into a summer garden, filled with warm breezes and the scent of the ocean.

Interior: ‘Excellence’

With a bow resembling an eagle’s head, Abeking & Rasmussen ’s 262-footerclaims one of the most eye-catching exteriors of 2019’s superyacht launches. The Winch Design team included a 32-foot-high wall of mirrored glass as part of the exterior, composed of six panes weighing 1.5 tons each.

Herb Chambers, New England’s automotive emperor, has owned a series of yachts named Excellence (this is his seventh) and wanted the usual deluxe beach club, pool and showpiece atrium. But he also wanted an interior made of materials he loves, along with motifs that reflect automotive design, without being kitschy. The Winch team rose to the challenge, designing struts into couch sides that resemble Cadillac grilles, and incorporating black-and-white circles in the salon floor to bring to mind white-walled tires of the 1950s. Surrounding these details are Macassar ebony, bird’s-eye maple, limed oak, marble, onyx and silver leather embossed with tobacco leaves. The choices could have been chaotic, but the designers anchored the materials in cappuccino and cream tones for a calming effect. Adding the odd artistic whimsy—like a seven-foot ceramic rabbit sculpture—created an interior that is contemporary, sophisticated and, as Chambers desired, fun.

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Best Yachts – Top 15 Picks for 2024

Carver 52 Command Bridge

Hatteras M75 Panacera

Sabre 58 Salon Express

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a yacht? Probably those huge luxury cruisers reserved for the high society folks, right? Well, that’s true, but those are a special group of ships referred to as luxury yachts.

The questions you need to be asking are – What is a yacht? At what point is a yacht regarded as a ship? And, what exactly makes a yacht a yacht? Here’s a little boating lesson for you.

A yacht is any fast cruising watercraft used for pleasure or sport. Yachts can be classified into cruisers, superyachts, and mega yachts. The difference between them all boils down to their respective sizes.

Luxury vessels that are less than 12 meters long fall in the class of cabin cruiser yachts – or simply, cruisers. Those that measure more than 24 meters are classified as superyachts. Anything that’s 50+ meters long is a mega yacht. Anything larger than a mega yacht is generally referred to as a ship and generally describes a working vessel as opposed to something recreational.

So, as you can see, you don’t necessarily have to be swimming in a ton of money to become a yacht owner. The only difference will be in the size of the craft you get. Clear enough?

Without further ado, here are the 15 best yachts, as well as a few useful tips on how to choose the best one.

Top on our list of best yachts is the Carver 52 Command Bridge. Its unique design, spacious salon, expansive foredeck seating area, and well-thought-out amenities make this one the best yachts bar-none.

It comes with a master head, a spacious stall shower, and a full-beam master stateroom that even has its own private entrance. It doesn’t get any better than that.

 Carver  →

● Designed for long-range cruising ● Ample living space ● Comes with loads of convenience amenities

● Not ideal for use in icy waters

The Hatteras M75 Panacera yacht is the perfect embodiment of superior craftsmanship and timeless elegance. One look at it, and you can tell that it was built with impeccable attention to detail.

Everything from the galley layout and the open-concept deckhouse salon to the 360-degree panoramic windows and state-of-the-art amenities adds a completely new dimension to luxury yachting.

 Hatteras  →

● Ample space ● Exquisite interiors and exteriors ● Fully-customizable

● High maintenance

Yachts don’t exactly come cheap. So, the term “budget” yacht might be a bit of a stretch when referring to the price. Nonetheless, if you’re shopping for a watercraft that delivers excellent value for money, the Sabre 58 Salon Express is a great option to consider.

It has an open yacht design that seamlessly merges the interior with the exterior and has large windows that flood the interior spaces with lots of natural light. The Sabre also has three en-suite cabins, abundant storage, and several other great features that make it stand out from other boats in its class.

 Sabre Yachts  →

● Great value for money ● Spacious interior ● Ample storage

● Not ideal for use in the high seas

Tiara Yachts 53 Coupe

The Tiara Yachts 53 Coupe is the perfect family watercraft. It is designed for indoor and outdoor living. The bridge deck space and salon offer breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the ocean. It also has comfortable living quarters below deck that are guaranteed to give the entire family an exceptional cruising experience.

 Tiara  →

● Great for making memories ● Comfortable living quarters ● Offers panoramic views all round

● High maintenance costs

The 60 Cantius from Cruiser was built for long-distance passages. It has spacious living quarters both above and below deck, as well as lots of comfort and convenience amenities that allow you to spend extended periods out on the water.

You’ll particularly enjoy the retractable sunroof that allows you to bask in the sun while enjoying breathtaking panoramic ocean views as you cruise along.

 Cruisers Yachts  →

● Ideal for long-distance passages ● Beautiful, elegant design ● Spacious living areas above and below deck

● Pricier than other boats in its class

93 Motor Yacht

If you’re looking for a watercraft that can go the distance, it doesn’t get any better than the 93 Motor Yacht from Viking Yachts. First impressions: It is gorgeous.

Its beauty isn’t skin-deep either. The 93MY was built to navigate the rough, choppy waters of the high seas, making it the perfect vessel for anyone who wants to go on an ocean-crossing adventure of a lifetime.

 Viking Yachts  →

● Stunning exterior and interior design ● Built to navigate rough water conditions ● It is pretty massive

● Requires a small crew to operate it

Jeanneau NC 37

The Jeanneau NC 37 is an excellent beginner boat. Its fluid layout and ergonomic design make movement in this yacht a breeze. It comes with large panoramic windows with an open sunroof that bathe the living space in lots of natural light.

There’s an owner’s cabin, as well as a guest cabin that both offer ample standing headroom. Its well-proportioned interior alongside the multitude of comfort and convenience amenities it comes with makes it one of the best beginner yachts in the market today.

 Jeanneau  →

● Ample living space and storage ● Great value for money ● Open ergonomic layout

● Not ideal for ocean crossing

Regal 36 XO

If you’re looking for a yacht that combines both comfort and functionality, the Regal 36 XO delivers on both fronts. This beauty is powered by two outboard engines and offers multi-bow seating that also doubles up as casting decks.

It has a spacious cabin, open-air salon, seamless galley that integrates the aft seating area with the roomy saloon, and a windshield walk-through that provides easy access to the bow.

 Regal  →

● Versatile ● Spacious interiors and exteriors ● Fully-customizable

Back Cove 390

If you thought yachts were reserved for ocean-use only, that couldn’t be further from the truth. There are several models specially designed for lakes. The Back Cove 390 yacht is the perfect example.

Its smaller size makes it ideal for lake cruising. It has a fully-enclosed helm, as well as an owner and guest cabin below-deck, making it perfect for overnight stay.

 Back Cove Yachts  →

● Perfect size for lakes ● Ideal for entertaining ● Delivers optimal handling and maneuverability

● May not be ideal for a long extended stay

Formula 45 Yacht

The Formula 45 Yacht is the perfect liveaboard watercraft. It has all the comfort and convenience amenities you would expect to find in any standard land-based home. It is spacious with a well-thought-out practical layout that makes movement on the yacht easy. It has enough room to comfortably accommodate a small family of four.

 Formula  →

● Best yacht for the money ● Spacious interior ● Comes with lots of convenience amenities

Ocean Alexander 36L

If you’re thinking of venturing out into the rough seas, you’re going to need a yacht that can hold its own in the sloppiest of weather conditions. The Ocean Alexander 36L is built to do just that.

Beyond its stunning exterior and interiors, this yacht’s overall rugged construction is focused on giving passengers the smoothest ride possible regardless of the water conditions outside. Its deep V-hull design and its 324,500 lbs. displacement capacity are largely responsible for the exceptional stability it displays when cruising through the high seas.

 Ocean Alexander  →

● Exceptionally stable ● Packed with loads of comfort and convenience amenities ● Expansive interior and exterior

● Needs a crew to run it

Westport 112 Motor Yacht

As far as luxury yachts go, the Westport 112 Motor Yacht is in a class of its own. This 111 ft. 8 in. long watercraft is built to deliver extraordinary performance inside and out.

It has four en-suite staterooms that sleep eight individuals and can accommodate up to five crew members, including the captain. The interior oozes luxury, sophistication, and a timeless elegance that’s hard to come by these days.

 Westport Yachts  →

● Spacious indoor and outdoor living areas ● Exquisite interiors ● Suitable for cruising the high seas

● Expensive

Beneteau Oceanis 60

The Beneteau Oceanis 60 is by far the best sailing yacht we’ve come across. It is built on a hull that guarantees safety and unmatched performance at every turn.

This luxury sailing yacht has a unique deck plan that allows for single-handed maneuvering across the water. The glossy woodwork, cozy upholstery, and the spacious living quarters below-deck make it the perfect sailing yacht for your ocean getaway.

 Beneteau  →

● Exceptional fuel economy ● Spacious living areas ● Ideal for single-handed sailing

● May not be as fast as other non-sailboat yachts

Having a crew is great and all, but it’s also nice to have a yacht that you can operate on your own for that measure of added privacy when you need it. The Antares 9 is the perfect owner operator yacht.

It is modern, stylish, and compact, allowing you to run it on your own and discreetly slip away from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life anytime you need to.

● Elegant design ● Can be operated solo ● Comfortable and safe navigation

● Not ideal for the rough, choppy waters of the high seas

Prestige 690

Let’s get to what yachts are best known for – hosting memorable parties. The Prestige 690 has everything you need to keep the party going all day and all night.

Its open design layout and its expansive deck make it the perfect yacht for entertaining. The elegant, timeless design of its exterior, alongside the breathtaking finishing, are just a few of the 690’s attributes that add to its appeal.

 Prestige  →

● Massive open deck ● Comes with lots of comfort and convenience features ● Sleeps up to 10 people

How to Choose the Best Yachts – Buyer’s Guide

A yacht is a pretty big purchase. So, you need to know what to look for when choosing the right one for your needs. Here are a couple of pointers that might come in handy.

Type of Yacht

The type of yacht you buy depends in large part on your intended use for it. Most yachts tend to fall into one of three categories – For water sports like wakeboarding , fishing motor yachts, or the overnight cruising variety. Once you know what kind of recreational activities you plan on engaging in, that should help narrow down your choices.

Next, you need to consider what size of yacht you should get. Do you have a young family that you intend to expand in the coming years? Do you plan to use the vessel for day cruising, or do you intend to spend a couple of nights on board from time to time?

Will the yacht be just for you and your significant other, or do you plan to frequently entertain several guests on board? This will advise whether you should buy a cabin cruiser yacht, a superyacht, or a mega yacht.

In a perfect world, you would have all the money you need to buy any kind of watercraft you want. Sadly, that’s not the reality we live in. Keep in mind that yachts don’t exactly come cheap. So, even if you’re planning to purchase a small yacht, you’ll still need to spend quite a bit of cash to get it.

The best thing to do would be to set a budget and compare the different models on offer from different manufacturers . Aside from the boat’s purchase price, you also need to think about the costs associated with owning a yacht. These include insurance, repairs, maintenance, cleaning, and the vessel’s general servicing.

Figure out what kind of comfort and convenience features are a must-have for you. How many cabins should it have? Do you need it to have a summer grill up top? Or will the one in the mini kitchen below-deck suffice? Ensure that the yacht you get has all the amenities you need.

Last but not least, before you sign any purchase contract, ensure that you schedule a sea trial with the dealer. That way, you get a true feel for the boat before you buy it.

Look Before You Leap

If you’re in the market for a shiny new yacht, any of the 15 vessels we’ve detailed in this guide will make an excellent choice. Do your homework beforehand, and make sure your desired craft has all the features and amenities you seek.

Use the tips we’ve outlined in this guide to help you choose the best yachts from all the different options that are hot on the market right now. Happy yachting!

In the meantime, if you’re looking for the best aluminum fishing boat , we’ve got you covered. Check out our review for our top picks.

About Chris

Outdoors, I’m in my element, especially in the water. I know the importance of being geared up for anything. I do the deep digital dive, researching gear, boats and knowhow and love keeping my readership at the helm of their passions.

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65 SPORT YACHT

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With no introduction necessary, the all-new, multi-award winning Sunseeker 65 Sport Yacht joins our expanding range of next-generation yachts.

The SkyHelm™, complete with IPS docking joystick, can be used in an upright position for low-speed manoeuvring or lowered to fall perfectly into outstretched arms when sat low in the bespoke helm seats cossetted by carbon fibre backrests and an integrated centre console. The modular layout allows for various specifications and enhancements, with space that adapts seamlessly to all kinds of socialising and adrenaline-seeking. Three cabins, including a full-beam master stateroom, can accommodate up to six guests in luxurious comfort, with a fully appointed crew cabin located forward of the garage.

Take your Sport Yacht to new heights by carrying the tender on the bathing platform and reconfiguring the vacated space as a dedicated ‘Beach Club’ – with direct sea access, bar, fridge, BBQ and free-standing seating. The perfect area for those happiest close to the water. With speeds of up to 35 knots, the 65 Sport Yacht cuts an equally impressive figure on the open water. Altogether, the experience is one of pure adrenaline, akin to driving a high-performance convertible supercar.

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14 Great Pocket Cruisers in 2023

• By Victor Tan
• Updated: July 20, 2023

Pocket cruisers and mini yachts are generally vessels under 50 feet in length overall, and can include express cruiser designs, flybridge yachts as well as either monohull or catamaran hull forms. They are cruising boats easily handled by a small, or even shorthanded, crew. Pocket cruisers generally have wave-taming hull designs and have the ability to take on sporty seas, offer comfortable accommodations belowdecks with one or two staterooms for extended voyages, “homelike amenities,” and the ability to cruise as slowly or as quickly as an owner desires with inboard- and outboard-power options. These pocket-cruising boats have the range for longer voyages , can pull up in skinny water at the sandbar thanks to shallow drafts, and head over the horizon where cruising adventure awaits. Pocket cruisers are true multitasking yachts. When it comes to family and couples cruising, it’s hard to beat a well-built and well-equipped and pocket cruiser.

Best Cruising Boats Under 50-Feet

The following 14 pocket cruisers and mini yachts are all vessels we’ve seen, been aboard, and tested. They are listed in no particular order.

• Hood 35 LM: high-tech, family-friendly pocket cruiser
• Galeon Yachts 375 GTO: mid-size boat with plenty of below-deck space
• Aquila 42: sleek power catamaran ready to entertain
• Azimut Verve 42 : small, yet mighty yacht ready for open water
• Hinckley Yachts 35: luxury picnic cruiser with range
• Beneteau Gran Turismo 45: sleek cruising yacht with all the amenities
• Solaris Power 48 Open: eye-catching power yacht with 360-degree views
• Cruisers Yachts 42 GLS: luxury cruiser yacht with powerful outboard options
• Back Cove 34O: modern outboard power combined with classic Downeast styling
• Picnic Boat 40: speedy and fuel-efficient vessel with great looks
• Aquila 36: comfortably seat up to 20 guests for fun on the salt
• Boston Whaler 350 Realm: multitasker built for fishing and entertaining
• MJM 35z: sporty, aesthetically pleasing, cruising-conscious features and elegant lines
• Greenline 39: sturdy-looking lines and environmentally-friendly power

When Android co-founder, Rich Miner, wanted a new family-friendly pocket cruiser , he turned to a custom-penned C.W. Hood design and a Lyman-Morse-built 35-footer, which has a timeless Down East profile matched to seriously modern technology under the hood.

This yacht looks like a traditional, cold-molded Down East dayboat, but actually, it has everything, from Hamilton HJX Series water-jet drives to a planned Sea Machines autonomous command-and-control system . Top speed: 40-plus knots.

Quick Specifications

Galeon yachts 375 gto.

Even the remnants of Hurricane Ian, couldn’t dissuade the Galeon Yacht 375 GTO from its cruising mission. The small yacht’s wave-splitting hull form is paired to torque-filled 600 hp Mercury Verado outboards , giving this fun-in-the-sun boat a 47-knot top hop.

The 375 GTO is a speedster, to be sure, but it’s also so much more. Just about every aspect of the main deck seating is transformable and multifunction, from the aft seating to the alfresco dining abaft the helm, and beyond. It also has a family-size and eminently cruise-worthy belowdecks space for four guests, all while providing a foredeck entertaining lounge too.

The Galeon Yachts 375 GTO ticks all the boxes for an easy-to-handle and sporty cruiser.

Aquila 42 Yacht Power Catamaran

Following the success of its 44-, 54- and 70-foot power catamaran models, Aquila has launched the stable-as-a-table, owner-operator-ready Aquila 42 Yacht Power Catamaran .

The Aquila 42 is the entry point into the builder’s yacht line and is noteworthy for its ability to accommodate anywhere from a two- to four-stateroom layout, depending on the owner’s cruising requirements. There are alfresco spaces to manage the sunset cruise with friends and family, including a foredeck lounge area that can be accessed via centerline steps from the flybridge. The Aquila 42 is available with several Volvo Penta diesel-engine options .

Azimut Verve 42

Want to cruise from Florida to Bimini in about an hour? The Azimut Yachts Verve 42 can do that thanks, in part, to triple 450 hp Mercury Racing outboards and a hull designed to dice-and-slice a seaway. Top hop: 45 knots. The Verve 42 also has style for miles with a fine entry, raked hardtop, and a razorlike sheerline accented by sweeping hull glass from bow to stern. It’s striking.

With accommodation for a family of four, the Verve 42 is also solid under the hull tokeep everyone safe on those passages. The Verve 42’s hull is built of fiberglass and uses vinylester resins for blister protection. The yacht’s deck and hardtop are comprised of carbon fiber for strength without added weight. This all means that the Azimut Verve 42 is built to CE Classification Type A , making it suitable for sea voyages where winds can exceed 45 mph and seas to 13 feet.

Hinckley Yachts 35

The Hinckley Yachts 35 takes everything that yachtsmen like about this pedigreed-brand’s classic profile and infuses today’s modern outboard power to create 40 knots of sheer fun wrapped in sheer luxury.

This 35-foot Hinckley is built on a Michael-Peters-penned hull form with a fine entry, wider-than-average chines and a moderate deadrise. While the boat is built to sprint when desired, it’s also a relatively economical cruiser. For instance, a comfortable 24-knot cruise the Hinckley Yachts 35 has a 276-nautical-mile range.

It also has a tech-build thanks to vacuum-infused carbon-fiber composites and epoxy resin. An integrated interior structure is infused with the hull adding rigidity. The hull is then post-cured in an 80-foot oven, further strengthening the structure.

Beneteau Gran Turismo 45

The Beneteau Gran Turismo is the flagship of the builder’s four-model GT series, which also includes 32-, 36- and 41-foot models.

The Gran Turismo 45 ’s cruise-centric layout includes two staterooms and two heads belowdecks, as well as a galley down. There is also a dinette for meals and a settee for rainy-day lounging. Entertaining guests and enjoying the sun is the primary mission of the main deck.

Solaris Power 48 Open

The Solaris Power 48 Open was the first powerboat from this longtime builder known for its sailing yachts, ranging from 40 to 110 feet length overall. The Solaris Power 48 Open is notable for its wave-slicing plumb-bow design, high freeboard forward and 32-knot-plus speed. Power is twin 480 hp Volvo Penta IPS650 diesels.

The high freeboard keeps the deck dry and help creates sizable volume belowdecks with an average 6-foot-6-inch headroom. This enables real estate for either one or two staterooms. With the single-stateroom setup, there is a forepeak master stateroom while an L-shaped settee converts to sleeping accommodations for family or occasional guests. Interior wood options are oak or walnut.

Cruisers Yachts 42 GLS

Outboard-power cruising aficionados will appreciate the triple-engine options for the Cruisers Yachts 42 GLS . The 42 GLS we got aboard had the triple 400 hp Mercury Verados , which produced a top hop of 45 knots, but triple 450 hp Verados are available. Triple 350 hp Mercury Verados are the standard engine option. No matter the power arrangement, this express cruiser can easily be used for wakeboarding and tube towing. The 42 GLS is designed to handle the rough stuff too, with a fine entry and 21-degree transom deadrise.

For cruising enthusiasts, the 42 GLS has a master stateroom with an athwartships and a nearly queen-size berth, and the lower salon’s U-shaped dinette converts to a queen-size berth for the kids.

Back Cove 34O

Combining modern outboard power with classic Downeast styling, the Back Cove 34O touts award-winning standards with cruising in mind. The 34O is equipped with twin 300 hp Yamaha outboards, engines that allow the Newport International Boat Show’s 2018 Best Powerboat Under 35 Feet winner to travel up to 214 nautical miles at 24 knots on a 250-gallon fuel tank.

Belowdecks, the 34O has an island double berth and a split-head arrangement with the toilet to port and a separate shower stall to starboard. On the main deck, a U-shape dinette to port accommodates four or more guests on the Back Cove Yachts vessel. The 34O’s galley is equipped with a Cuisinart microwave, a two-burner Kenyon electric cooktop and a Vitrifrigo fridge and freezer.

Picnic Boat 40

Hinckley Yachts unveiled its first Picnic Boat more than two decades ago. Now, after two previous, sub-40-foot models, the Maine-based boatbuilder has developed its largest and most advanced model to date: the Picnic Boat 40.

Twin 480 hp Cummins diesel engines paired to twin Hamilton 322 jet drives propel the yacht to a 30-knot cruising speed and 34 knots on the pins. With optional twin 550 hp Cummins diesels, cruise and top-end speeds jump to 35 and 38 knots, respectively.

There is an L-shaped settee with a table and a wet bar on the main deck to port. The helm station is forward and to starboard with a benchseat for two. There is also a companion seat across from the helm. Belowdecks, there is 6-foot-2-inch headroom, and the dinette table drops to form a California-king berth for overnights and weekending.

Aquila Power Catamarans started its line with 44- and 48-footers, and now the builder’s Aquila 36 takes the line into the midsize market.

The 36 features a single, main-living area from bow to stern, helped in part by the vessel’s 14-foot, 7-inch beam. The boat can comfortably seat up to 20 guests for fun on the salt. Several Mercury Verado engine options are available for the Aquila 36, including twin 250-, 300- and 350-hp four-strokes. With the 350s, the Aquila has a top-end speed of 37 knots.

Other notable features include a fiberglass hardtop, a dinette, a cooktop, a fridge, a sink and a smokeless grill. Belowdecks, there are two staterooms with nearly queen-size berths, en suite heads and 6-foot-6-inch headroom in each.

Boston Whaler 350 Realm

From fishing and entertaining guests to diving and overnight cruising, Boston Whaler ‘s 350 Realm is a multitasker. And it’s fast, too. It’s powered with either triple 300 hp or triple 350 hp Mercury Verados. The 350 Realm can reach a top speed of 46 knots.

At the helm, two Raymarine displays provide vital navigation data. The captain can take in the displays’ view from a doublewide helm seat. There’s a flip-down platform for standing when needed and a footrest when desired.

There is a V-shaped berth that converts into a double berth with a filler cushion. The separated head has a VacuFlush MSD and a hot-and-cold shower. Owners also have the option to add a microwave and a flat-screen TV.

The MJM 35z can reach a top speed of 44 knots and a cruising speed of 33 knots on its optional 350 hp Mercury Verado outboards; twin 300 hp outboards are standard on this MJM Yachts vessel. Additionally, the 35z can travel up to 304 nautical miles on its 250-gallon fuel tank.

The 35z has a flush-deck layout and to port is space for an electric grill, a baitwell, a sink, an ice maker and a fridge. There are two Stidd helm seats—one for the helmsman and the other for a copilot—that rotate to face the rest of the seating aft. In the cabin is V-shaped seating forward that can be converted to a berth.

Owners also have the option of adding a Seakeeper 3 gyrostabilizer and a full-length Bimini top to shade the cockpit.

Greenline 39

Greenline Yachts ‘ vessels are aptly named for their environmentally friendly means of moving about; the Greenline 39 is no different. The Slovenian yacht manufacturer produces two types of this model: hybrid and solar.

If owners opt for the latter, the 39’s four solar panels atop the salon power all of the vessel’s systems for three hours. With the power of the sun, the 39 can achieve a max speed of 6.5 knots and a cruising speed of 4 knots. The hybrid type uses those same panels to help power a 220 hp Volvo Penta D3 with a Mahle electric-drive system. Owners have the option of replacing the standard engine with a 370 hp Yanmar 8LV diesel.

Belowdecks, scissor berths provide accommodations for long weekends.

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