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The Very Best of Dutch Yacht Builders

Dutch yacht builders have crafted a reputation as being among the world’s very best, with an extraordinary density of high quality, high value shipyards operating out of the Netherlands.

Part of the reason for the dominance of Dutch yacht builders in the superyacht industry stems from Holland’s prestigious history of boat building, which stretches back centuries and was perfectly poised to make the shift to constructing luxury yachts during the 20th century. The word ‘yacht’ originally comes from the Dutch word ‘jacht’, meaning hunt.

Some of the towering names of the yachting world have emerged from Holland, with the great heritage yards Amels, Hakvoort, Royal Huisman, De Vries and Royal Van Lent more recently joined by other outstanding Dutch yacht builders such as Heesen, Vitters, and Oceanco.

Dutch shipyards are heralded not only for their world-class build quality, high tech yards, and innovation, but are also renowned for reliability in finishing projects on time and on budget. With Dutch shipyards producing many fully-custom ‘one-off’ yachts, many of the yachts launched from Holland’s shipyards are extremely iconic and often win international awards.

Dutch yacht builders have also capitalized on their individual reputations for quality construction by forming strong collaborations including Feadship and HISWA, which serve to market the best of Dutch yachting internationally, thereby growing the influence of the Dutch yacht builders.

Notable Dutch Yacht Builders

This prestige brand is often known as the ‘Rolls Royce’ of yacht builders, constructing fully custom yachts from a ‘blank slate’ beginning. Feadship is actually a partnership between two of the greatest Dutch shipyards: De Vries and Royal Van Lent, with yacht building roots dating back to 1849. The Feadship fleet today is more than 450 strong, and includes some ground-breaking yachts including AQUARIUS and ECTASEA.

Founded in 1918 and boasting the largest and most high-tech shipyard in the Netherlands, Amels turned its hand to superyacht construction in the 1980’s. Amels builds fully custom yachts up to 656’ (200m), as well as their highly sought-after ‘Limited Edition Series’. Known for exceptional build quality and iconic yachts including HERE COMES THE SUN, Amels also builds a popular range of support yachts for superyachts through DAMEN, its parent company.

Royal Huisman

This family-run shipyard was founded in 1884, and has produced some of the finest sailing yachts afloat, with a long line of regatta honors and design awards across its fleet of maxi-yachts and performance cruisers. While its fame is recognized across the world for building sailing yachts such as ATHENA, Royal Huisman also builds motoryachts, including the award winning ARCADIA.

Hakvoort is another illustrious Dutch shipyard which dates back to 1919 and builds sailing and motoryachts up to 215’ (65m). With yachts constructed in steel and aluminum, Hakvoort offers a full-custom service from design to launch, as well as a 180’ (55m) semi-custom series. They have launched many notable, award-winning yachts, from LADY MARINA in 1994 to APOSTROPHE in 2013.

Founded in 1979, Heesen has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the yachting industry, and is now considered one of the most innovative Dutch yacht builders. Initially known as a builder of fast performance yachts, Heesen has expanded its yacht building capacity up to 260’ (80m) and has achieved notoriety for its revolutionary design and engineering, such as the Fast Displacement Hull Form first seen on multi-award-winning GALACTICA STAR.

One of the most respected names in sailing, the Vitters shipyard was founded in 1990 and has gone on to launch luxury sailing yachts known for winning superyacht regattas and international design awards. Constructing yachts over 30m with an uncompromising focus on quality and design, Vitters has received accolades for yachts including SARISSA, GANESHA and AQUIJO. Vitters also owns the Green Marine yard, which is responsible for building the Volvo Ocean Race fleet.

This Dutch yacht builder specializes in the large yacht market, constructing fully custom superyachts over 260’ (80m) in aluminum and steel. Oceanco opened its doors in 1990 and has been responsible for the launch of some of the industry’s most well-known yachts, including ALFA NERO, ANASTASIA and the largest Dutch yacht to be built thus far, the 360’ (110m) JUBILEE.

Located in the medieval Dutch town of Den Bosch, Moonen Shipyards is one of the world’s most well-known motoryacht builders. Having launched their first boat in 1963, Moonen pride themselves in quality and service and offer diverse options in the upper echelons of the yacht industry for fully customized superyachts up to 150’ (45m), custom series displacement yachts, explorer vessels or fast displacement all-aluminum powerboats.

Established as a family-owned shipyard in 1938, Mulder has become a renowned member of the Dutch yacht building family. The yards’ global reputation for quality has been built upon three main pillars: the classic Super Favorite Cruisers, the later Favorite Superior and a range of Mulder custom-built motor yachts from 42’ to 147’ (13m to 45m).

Van der Valk

A passionate yacht enthousiast, Wim van der Valk started the company that bears his name in 1967, and is still driving force behind it today. In applying the most advanced solutions, systems and materials possible, this pedigreed Dutch yacht builder believes in creating yachts that will stand the test of time. In the late 1990s, they introduced their signature product – the Continental I series. Today, to ensure unrivaled quality and exclusivity, Van Der Valk produces a select, limited number of Continental yachts each year.

Hartman Marine Group

Founded in 2003, Hartman Marine Group has roots which span back to 1775 with a heritage of seven generations of skipper-owners. Hartman yachts hold a timeless and fresh style without compromising practicality and superb comfort, in the true fashion of Dutch boatbuilding excellence. Leveraging on experience, innovation as well as tradition, Hartman applies their robust standards from the drawing table to the unique finishing touches in every custom build.

Worth Avenue Yachts have many yachts for sale in their fleet built by these renowned Dutch yacht builders, and are experts in the sale, construction and charter of Dutch yachts. Contact us to find out more about which Dutch yacht builder is right for you.

Q43 sees daylight

The seventh Mulder ThirtySix sees daylight and will be delivered shortly to her proud owners. It is a particularly good year for Mulder after receiving the second Super Yacht Award for hull no 6 SEAFL…

LADY MARY sold

The Mulder Favorite 1500 LADY MARY, a 15.6-meter beauty, found her new owner right at the beginning of the season! Delivered in 2012, this stunning yacht boasts a classic cream hull, the full exterior…

SEAFLOWER wins at the World Superyacht Awards

In the semi-displacement Motor Yachts category up to 40m, the Mulder ThirtySix SEAFLOWER secured the prestigious Neptune trophy. A panel of judges, comprising current and former superyacht owners, in…

Mulder Shipyard

Luxury yacht builders since 1938.

Dear Visitor,

Welcome to Mulder Shipyard!

Mulder Shipyard is a family-owned shipyard in the Netherlands, employing more than 80 full-time workers over three locations in the Leiden area, and a fourth location in Enkhuizen.

At Mulder, our philosophy is to combine traditional craftsmanship with the latest technology, while always focusing on delivering superb quality, outstanding comfort and exceptional seaworthiness.

Mulder yachts are built from aluminium, are semi-displacement and can achieve top speeds up to 24 knots. Known throughout the industry for our signature designs, we advise, develop and build boats for experienced yacht owners up to 500 Gross Tons.

Feeling inspired? Take a look at our online fleet: an overview of Mulder yachts built over our long heritage (since 1938!).

For more information and to explore the options for your future Mulder yacht, get in touch with us today.

Nick Mulder Managing Director +31715601009

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Premium quality yachts from Holland

Half a millennium of maritime history has helped make the Dutch masters in yachtbuilding. The wealth of  experience has enabled Holland to become global market leader in the production of superyachts and  smaller (semi) custom built luxury yachts. All yachtbuilders presented on this website are certified members of the Dutch Boating association HISWA.

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Mulder Shipyard delivered Favorite 1500 RESPIRE

Mulder Shipyard has succesfully delivered the new Favorite 1500 RESPIRE to her owners.

New order for Jachtbouw De Alm

Jachtbouw De Alm has started building a new Almclassic on behalf of a Dutch client.

Mulder Shipyard finished renovating Mulder Marina

Mulder Shipyard finished the renovation of the Mulder Marina in Warmond.

Yachts Holland

A representative selection of Dutch yards has joined forces to create a comprehensive overview of the yachts that they have to offer. To make the selection process even more convenient, we have organised them in three categories: motoryachts, sailing yachts and launches. You can make your own selection of favourites and compare. 

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Motor Yachts

Established in 1990 as a yard that built traditional yachts, Holland Jachtbouw has emerged as one of the world’s most renowned shipyards for newly built superyachts and refits of yachts over 90 feet. Over the course of three decades, Holland Jachtbouw has built several award winning yachts including Athos, the largest two-mast schooner in history, as well as two unique J Class yachts Rainbow and Topaz.

Anjilis (former Cassiopeia)

Craftsmanship

Our newly built yachts and refits are carried out with the utmost precision, passion for detail and love for craftsmanship. Carefully-selected, high-quality materials are used by a team of highly skilled craftsmen in all aspects of yachtbuilding.

Master craftsmanship. Naturally selected elements, engineering precision and the latest technologies play their part to achieve the perfect result.

Founded in the early 1990s, Holland Jachtbouw will pursue to build its exceptional reputation from her brand-new facility with a large production capacity in Enkhuizen. Working with top naval architects worldwide, the build and project management teams continue to produce a world class product, using leading suppliers and subcontractors from the heart of the Dutch yachting industry.

Windrose of Amsterdam

When Chris Gongriep wanted to finish his 13-metre wooden barge under his own management in 1990, little did he know that the shipyard he founded for this purpose, De Hemmes , would be the start of a bright future as a world-renowned superyacht builder.

While customers continued to request well-known Lemsteraken , Chris’ ambition grew into building the ideal charter yacht. After years of extensive study, Sapphire was built in 1996, a classic 31-metre sailing yacht. This was the start for Holland Jachtbouw and the transition to aluminium sailing and motor yachts was made.

Holland Jachtbouw grew into a successful yard with an extensive delivery program for superyachts up to 130 feet. The portfolio of more than thirty prestigious classic and modern superyachts in various categories demonstrate the craftsmanship and unlimited possibilities of the yard.

Athos , Topaz and Rainbow are just a few examples of dreams becoming reality; each demonstrating the extreme precision, passion for detail and love of craftsmanship with which they are built. Only dedicated specialists with decades of experience can achieve the quality of finish in new construction as well as refits and restorations. It is this quality, expertise and love for the profession that attracted the international clientele to Holland Jachtbouw.

Chris passed away in 2016 and at the request of his heirs, VMG Yachtbuilders continues the Holland Jachtbouw legacy with great respect for its founder. Its legacy is a fitting addition to VMG’s portfolio, which is in the same segment up to about 90 feet. Holland Jachtbouw is therefore moving to Enkhuizen, the epicenter of traditional yacht building and where the love and passion for craftsmanship is passed on from generation to generation.

Like a Phoenix rising from its ashes, Holland Jachtbouw will build the next generation of future classics at its new state-of-the-art location.

Our comprehensive service and support to captain, crew and managing project teams, demonstrates our values: dedication to our projects as well as our customers. With local teams and technical support from different locations, we’re able to provide quick assistance worldwide, ensuring customers the highest level of comfort.

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WE... ARE HEESEN

At Heesen, we are dedicated to building superyachts in aluminium and steel that offer speed, style and fuel-efficient cruising. With an unrelenting focus on quality, craftsmanship and innovation, Heesen has created one of the world’s most impressive shipbuilding legacies. Our portfolio consists of three build concepts, which address our customers’ differing requirements regarding delivery times and personalisation. All rely on proven engineering and the renowned ‘Crafted in Holland’ build quality.

Fully engineered yachts, part of our speculation programme, available with short delivery times.

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YN20750 Project Orion

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We must all take responsibility for protecting what we love. By introducing BlueNautech, Heesen continues to support the future of sustainable yachting through improved efficiencies, alternative materials, energy savings and innovative production methods.

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Sinnautic trawler SIRIUS in price reduced

60 meter Amels COME TOGETHER sold

BINARY STAR back on the market

Overview of last week's sales updates | week 19, jachtbouw de alm grand voyager 65 launched, feadship launches hydrogen fuel-cell superyacht project 821, the april dutch yacht sales report, latest dutch yacht industry updates.

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Dutch Domination: Dutch Yacht Builders Continue to Excel

Dutch yacht builders are a dominant force in the luxury yachting industry, with a large number of premier shipyards building spectacular custom and semi-custom superyachts in the Netherlands.

Dutch boat builders have consolidated a rich maritime tradition of boat-building, making a seamless transition from centuries of naval and commercial ship-building to constructing some of the finest luxury yachts on the planet for an elite clientele. Holland’s shipyards have become known for constructing high-tech, ultra-engineered superyachts, with a strong streak of innovation earning Dutch-built yachts a string of international superyacht awards.

Working with some of the finest naval architects, interior designers and craftsmen on earth, Dutch yards have created a superb reputation for quality, as long-established shipyards such as Feadship, Hakvoort and Amels have been joined by the latest generation of cutting-edge yacht builders including Heesen and Oceanco.

In recent years, Dutch yacht builders have banded together to represent the country’s yacht-building experience at major international events such as the Monaco Yacht Show and FLIBS, where they have Dutch pavilions and launch their latest yachts and designs on their global debuts.

Below are some of the Dutch boat builders with a superb international reputation

Feadship is the partnership between two heritage Dutch shipyards, De Vries and Royal Van Lent, which have been building quality yachts since 1849. The Feadship superyacht fleet now numbers over 450, with a range of spectacular fully-custom yachts including the 50m M/Y BROADWATER for sale and the incredible 81m Mediterranean charter yacht, M/Y AIR.

Established in 1918, Amels is a powerhouse of Northern European yacht building, creating both custom and limited edition series superyachts, as well as an industry-leading range of DAMEN support yachts. Magnificent Amels yachts currently on the market include M/Y LA FAMILIA, a 55m black hulled superyacht with beach club and helipad, while charterers can enjoy the supremely popular 52m M/Y LADY NAG NAG .

Hakvoort is another richly pedigreed superyacht builder in Holland, with a history dating back to 1919. Constructing semi-custom and custom motor and sailing yachts, Hakvoort made its name in the superyacht world with iconic yachts such as the 50m M/Y Lady M II, which won awards upon launch and is available for charter in the Bahamas and Caribbean.

Heesen joined the Dutch yachting fraternity with a big splash in 1979, rapidly becoming known for its sleek and sporty custom-built superyachts. Gaining international acclaim for ground-breaking superyachts like M/Y GALACTICA STAR, Heesen yachts for sale include the magnificent 55m M/Y QUITE ESSENTIAL with pool and wellness spa, as well as the ultra-sophisticated 46m M/Y BOOKENDS.

Oceanco is a major force in the large yacht market, now building unique custom superyachts over 80m in length. The 75m M/Y WHEELS is a fantastic example of the Oceanco brand, with her seven decks of luxury living, including a split-level master suite with mezzanine and a cinema. Stunning Oceanco superyachts for charter include the gorgeous M/Y HELIOS, a 59m with an airy contemporary interior and glass-walled Jacuzzi.

Mulder is a family owned shipyard with roots stretching back to 1938, and builds exemplary custom and semi-custom motor yachts up to 45m in length. Yacht guests wishing to experience Mulder yachts can do no better than to charter M/Y SOLIS , a 34m two-decked superyacht with a light-filled modern interior and Jacuzzi.

Another standout Dutch yacht builder is Van der Valk , a high-quality shipyard in operation since 1967 and specialising in semi-custom explorer, expedition and flybridge yachts. Van der Valk yachts for sale include the new build Explorer37 Yacht , due for launch in 2019, and the 26m Raised Pilothouse yacht, launched in 2016.

These are just a select few of the premier Dutch yacht builders with vessels currently available for sale and charter. Dutch-built yachts are synonymous with quality, and it considered is a great privilege to own or charter these incredible vessels.

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The Dutch Superyacht Industry

Delivers the highest-quality superyachts featuring unique designs, which rank in the top 3 worldwide. Holland Yachting Group represents this industry consisting of superyacht builders, design companies, system integrators, construction specialists, architects and marine equipment suppliers. It’s our mission ​ to strengthen the competitive position of the Dutch yachting industry in the global market and to foster international trade. We actively unite market leaders based in the Netherlands who excel in building world-class superyachts and have done so for over five decades.

It starts with dreaming, with inspiration. That’s when we discover new worlds. Where everything seems to be perfect as if it’s divine. We can’t think of anything else, because we become what we love. Mutual trust and curiosity makes us invincible and thrives us. It’s how we keep on going forward. Something more than words.

is our clear vision. The amount of knowledge, the high-end designs, the latest innovations, technology and true passion: this country has all it takes to build superyachts one could only dream of. An experience to remember forever.

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A NEW ENTRY THAT DOESN’T MISS A THING

The VanDutch 32 showcases the minimalist and iconic lines that characterize the hulls of the brand founded in the Netherlands in 2008 and acquired in 2020 by Cantiere del Pardo. The completely rethought proportions and functionality are now optimized for the luxury super yacht tender segment.

GOOD VIBES ONLY, ALWAYS

The VanDutch 32 emphasizes the uniqueness of VanDutch family. On one hand, extending the range to the luxury tender segment while keeping innovation, performance, design and comfort as primary concerns.

ALWAYS FEEL AT HOME IN TRUE STYLE

The interior spaces are designed with the intention to create an open-air design with a sense of contemporary luxury. White gives an added feeling of elegance to evoke a harmonious feeling, thanks to the cleanand refined lines of the furniture. With the VanDutch 48 guests will sail the open sea always feeling at home.

LET LUXURY OVERTAKE YOU

From the redesigned VanDutch 32 hull stands out a revisited ergonomic stern and extended exterior volumes for better sunbathing comfort. Now, the cockpit has a new helmstation design with top-end electronics and digital instruments to keep everything you need under control.

Design & Naval Architecture: Mulder Design.

STANDARD SPECIFICATION

Overall length

9,81 m (32,19 FT)

2,9 m (9,51 FT)

Displacement

5,2 t (10400 lbs approx)

70 l (19 gal)

400 l (106 gal)

Draft (1 engine | 2 engines)

0,91 m (2,99 FT) | 0,75 m (2,45 FT)

1 x Volvo V8-430-CE

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A century of experience in premium dutch shipbuilding.

Amsterdam Yacht Builders offers you a distinctive, no-nonsense solution for building, refitting, maintaining and servicing yachts of the highest pedigree. Leveraging on a century of experience at the heart of the Dutch maritime sector, our experts work in a flexible and client-oriented way. Renowned for our completely transparent way of doing business. We apply the latest technology and offer a genuinely balanced price-quality performance.

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As yachtsmen ourselves, we know very well what a big decision it is to order a brand-new boat. Everyone at the yard will do their utmost to create a superb sailing yacht or motoryacht that gives you and your family many years of pleasure. And be a constant source of pride to us.

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When the time comes to upgrade your precious boat to the latest technologies or your changed circumstances, or to refit a new acquisition to your personal preferences, it’s essential to work with a partner you can trust. No hidden surprises or costs, just the know-how and craftsmanship you require. That’s our refit promise

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10 Best Sailboat Brands (And Why)

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

December 20, 2023

‍ There's no denying that sailors are certainly a passionate bunch. We’re so passionate about our boats that we always try going for the best sailboats. To make it a lot easier for you, here are the best sailboat brands.

Owning a sailboat is an indulgence that many of us only dream about but very few ever have the privilege of sailing the seas in what they can actually call their own.

While there's nothing wrong with renting a sailboat, the honor of owning one is certain what many sailors dream of.

With a perfectly crafted sailboat as company, gliding through the water, waves, and wind brings some sort of unmatched comfort and peace.

Add this to the fact that sailing takes you far away from the daily hustles and bustles that we've become accustomed to in our daily lives and you'll see why the life of sailing is very appealing to the masses.

But without a proper sailboat, all this fun and the good life of sailing are thrown out of the window.

Contrary to the widespread opinion, owning a sailboat isn't beyond anyone's reach. It's something that we can all achieve. But before getting into that, it's important to know some of the best sailboat brands.

The best sailboat brands will make your life as a sailor a lot easier and more fun. The best sailboat brands have, for decades if not centuries, mastered the art of woodworking. They've dedicated their skills and immense amount of their time to designing and manufacturing nothing but the best quality of sailboats in the industry.

So if you've been looking for the best sailboat brands from all over the world, you've come to the right place. We'll discuss the best of the best, something that will give you a perfect getaway from your normal life.

Table of contents

‍ Must-Have Features for Your Sailboat

Before highlighting the best sailboat brands, it would be appropriate to jog your mind a little with some of the features that must be available in your sailboat.

Choosing a sailboat can sometimes be a matter of compromises. In other words, it's sometimes sensible to accept that a sailboat cannot have all the features that you desire.

As such, it's all about going with a sailboat that has the features that matter to you most.

For this reason, let's look at the most basic features that can make the difference in both safety and comfort while improving your sailing experience.

A Safe and Comfortable Sailing Cockpit

You'll most definitely be spending a huge amount of time in the cockpit. Whether you're keeping watch, trimming sails , helming, or just enjoying the scenery, there's no better place to do all these than from the cockpit. That being said, a good cockpit should have the following.

• Have a good depth for safety reasons and adequate drainage
• Should give you a quick and easy access to jammers, cleats, and other important parts of the winch system
• Should have a seat or seats that are about 35 cm high, 50 to 55 cm wide to provide ideal support
• The seats should be adjustable to offer maximum comfort and allow you to change your position

GPS Chartplotter

Use a GPS Chartplotter once and your sailing will never be the same without it. It not only allows you to map a course but is also a great way of ensuring that your sailboat exactly follows that course. It also gives you constant updates on ocean conditions, weather conditions , and potential hazards such as deadly currents and sandbars.

A GPS Chartplotter is also an important safety device that can help you in some very critical situations while out there on the water.

For instance, it has a man-overboard button that is essentially meant to allow you to receive coordinates of the exact location should someone fall off your boat.

Electric Winch System

This is an amazing addition to any sailboat. It allows you to sheet a jib even in high and strong winds with a simple press of a button. It also gives you the chance of trimming a mainsail easily while still carry out other essential tasks in the sailboat.

An electric winch system can be of great importance, especially if you're short on crew. This is because it can free up some crew members to carry other important tasks. In other words, it can make duties that would otherwise require more crew members a lot easier.

More importantly, an electric winch system can maintain safety even in the roughest of conditions, thereby preventing you and your crew from getting injured. In essence, an electric winch system will make your sailing a lot safer, less stressful, and more enjoyable.

Reverse Osmosis Watermaker

This is a very valuable accessory, especially if you're going on long sea voyages. You can spend days on end without drinking clean and safe water.

As the name suggests, you can use this accessory to turn seawater into purified drinking water. It uses the reverse osmosis method that's essential not only in removing bacteria and parasites from the water but also in turning the water into purified and safe drinking water.

Even though this device is pricey, it's a great way to mitigate the over-reliance on huge water tanks. All you have to do is to ensure that it's properly maintained and you'll have an endless streak of safe drinking water no matter where you are.

Wide and Clutter-free Deck

While the deck is often an overlooked feature of a sailboat, it can be the difference between a great sailing experience and a stressful one. In essence, the deck of a sailboat should be wide enough and clutter-free.

This is significant as it can enable you to quickly access different parts of your sailboat with hindrance or getting tangled. As you can see, this is particularly important in improving safety and reducing stress.

With that in mind, make sure that the deck is organized in such a way that you can have easy access to sails, masts, and winches.

You should, therefore, avoid sailboats with decks that are designed in such a way that you have to climb on top of the cabin just to access these features. Needless to say, this can be quite unstable and very dangerous especially when conditions are rough.

The Best Sailboat Brands and Why

1. hallberg-rassy.

Hallberg-Rassy is a Swedish yacht maker that's very well-known in the blue water cruising circles for making some of the highest quality and sturdiest sailboats. For many sailors, this is the number one sailboat brand as it offers absolute comfort, utmost safety, and good and easy handling.

This brand is not only synonymous with sturdy construction but you won't worry getting soaking wet while out there on the water. This is because it has a well-protected deck and cockpit, finished with nice woodwork, and has a powerful engine with a big tankage just to ensure that you can go on long voyages.

When designing its sailboats, this brand has made it a norm to add some features that stand out from the rest. For instance, the bowsprit is an integral feature that makes sailing a Hallberg-Rassy quite easy and much enjoyable. This is because it grants easy access to and from the deck. Its electric anchor winches facilitate smooth maneuvering. Even more, its large steering wheels makes it much easier to control the boat even in the roughest of conditions. In essence, this brand has features that provide good control and an extra sense of safety.

Although this brand has evolved over the years, you'll easily recognize it even from a distance. And why is this? A Hallberg-Rassy never goes out of style. This is a unique sailboat brand that has always stayed true to its principles and concept. No matter which part of the world you go, Hallberg-Rassy will remain the undisputed king of blue water cruising.

2. Nautor's Swan

For over 50 years, Nautor's Swan has endlessly raised the sailing levels by designing and manufacturing new sailboat models that not only push the boundaries but also meet that many requirements and demands of sailors across the world. Thanks to its wide range of seaworthy, timeless, elegant, and highly-performing sailboats, the Nautor's Swan remains one of the best if not the best sailboat makers in the world.

Based in Jakobstad, Finland, this brand has severally set the industry standard with its speedy and sleek models such as the Swan 48, Swan 65, Swan 98, Swan 78, and Swan 120. These models have one thing in common: they never compromise on safety. As a brand that puts safety first, it ensures that its models are made of foam-cored glass fiber and reinforced both with carbon-fiber and epoxy. In essence, Nautor's Swan is widely revered for its unmatched seafaring and safety records.

Additionally, Nautor's Swan models are incredibly responsive. You can easily tell this just by the feel of the wheel. This brand has models that will gracefully slice through the biggest of waves with ease. That's not all; the interior of these models that are very comfortable even when the going gets tough. This is, without a doubt, a brand that strives to create self-contained worlds with each model.

3. Beneteau

This is perhaps the most selling sailboat brand in the world. For over a century now, this brand has based its models in a combination of simplicity and performance. This is a brand that will serve you just right across all latitudes and in all circumstances. Whether you prefer the Oceanis Yacht 62 or the Figaro Beneteau 3, this brand will never let you down on all fronts.

This brand revolves around a simple concept of creating a link around the world. From the deck space to its design and light, this brand does everything possible not just to uniformly transform life at sea but also to open doors to new horizons in a very luxurious yet practical way. Its models are designed with clear deck plans, stable hulls, simplified maneuvering and interior materials and equipment that can be easily personalized.

Whether you're looking for a racing sailboat or something that's designed to explore and enjoy the world in the company of friends and family, Beneteau is a true combination of sensations and simplicity. This is a brand that brings to the seas fun, simplicity, smartness, toughness, safety, intuitiveness, as well as dazzling reinvention.

4. Amel Yachts

Based on the ethos of designing and manufacturing comfortable, robust, and easy-to-handle boats, this French brand has, for over five decades, offered sailors and other sailing enthusiasts the perfect opportunity to explore the seas with the utmost quality, comfort, and more importantly, safety.

Using 100% French know-how, this brand has brought to the sailing world some of the best boats such as the Santorini, the Mango, the Super Maramu, and the Maramu. We would be doing this brand total injustice if we said that they're distinctive. Truth be told, there's nothing comparable to an Amel model. Well Amel was and still is, the ultimate standard by which other sailboat models are measured.

From items such as electric winches and furling, to generators, Watermaker , and washing machine down to the simplest of items such as towels. Spare filters, bathrobes, deck brush, and a boat safe, the Amel is in reality with what the real life of a sailor is and should be.

Although some may say that Amel still has room for improvement in terms of specifications and personalization, it cannot be denied that the Amel is a serious brand that designs and manufactures complete boats. With this brand, you'll be guaranteed of a higher degree of reliability, safety, and an edge of fun while out there on the water.

5. Hinckley Yachts

Based in Maine, United States, Hinckley Yachts is a brand that has been building robust, luxury, and safe sailboats for more than 90 years now. In its sailboat class, you'll find several sailboats that have classic shapes, inner strength, dramatic lines, and features that are absolutely essential in dealing with the challenges of the North Atlantic.

This brand has been successful in integrating impeccable craftsmanship with new technologies to ensure that their models always stand out while articulating advanced sailing practices, timeless aesthetic, robust construction, and the utmost safety. Whether you choose the Bermuda 50, the Sou'wester 53 or any model for that matter, you'll never be short of advanced performance based on the best design and technology.

In terms of features, this brand provides sailboat models with modern performance hulls. These hulls are constructed with inner layers of carbon, outer layers of Kevlar, and are aligned with computer-designed load paths. Every feature is designed without compromising comfort.

To this end, this brand offers you a perfect combination of both fun and sail. This brand offers more than just sailing. Instead, it offers a unique sailing experience that's combined with the pure joys of sailing in the blue waters with an ease of ownership and maneuverability.

6. Oyster Yachts

If you've been looking for luxury more than anything else, Oyster Yachts provides you with numerous solutions. This British brand is widely known for manufacturing a wide range of luxury cruising sailing yachts. Its sailboats are among the finest in the world and are immensely capable of taking you to some of the far-flung places in the world without having to worry about high winds and hellish waves.

Whether you choose the iconic Oyster 565 or the immense Oyster 595 you never fall short of experiencing the new world like never before. These are models that will enable you to own your adventure, choose your destination, set your courses, pick your anchorage, and stay safe at all times. If you want to hold the wheel and pull the sail while feeling the tang of salt spray on your face, Oyster Yachts is the way to go.

This is, unquestionably, a brand that's meant for you if you want to explore the seas in comfort, luxury and utmost safety. From craftsmanship, sailboat design, to hull, deck, and keel configurations, everything is designed to allow you to circumnavigate the world in comfort, elegance, and style.

7. Tartan Yachts

Based in Fairport Harbor, Ohio, there's arguably no better to begin your sailing adventures than with a sailboat designed and manufactured by Tartan Yachts. With several award-winning designs and construction, this brand is widely known for providing easy handling, great performance, and an ultimately stable platform.

This brand always strives to deliver a unique and the best possible experience to every sailor. As a brand, Tartan fully understands that every sailor has his/her unique sailing needs. As such every component of their models is designed with engineering levels that guarantee optimum performance, excellent on-deck visibility, and luxurious interior.

From the Tartan 5300, the Tartan 4300, the Tartan 345 to the New 365 and the Fantail, this brand makes it a priority to ensure that its models are among the strongest, lightest, and more importantly, the safest in the sailing industry. In essence, this brand can be ideal if you appreciate performance. It has rewarding sailing features both in narrow water lines and wider passages. Add this to its easy handling and you'll have a top-notch performer in virtually every condition.

8. Catalina Yachts

As one of the most popular boat manufacturers in the world, this American brand is widely revered for building the sturdiest boats that can hold up perfectly well in real-world conditions. These are generally family-oriented boats that are intelligently designed to ensure that your entire family can have fun out there on the water.

Some of the models include the cruiser series such as the Catalina 315, the Catalina 385, the Catalina 425 while the sport series include the Catalina 12.5 Expo, the Catalina 16.5, and the Catalina 14.2 Expo. As the current winner of the "Boat of the Year" Cruising World, you'll rarely go wrong with a Catalina model.

It offers a wide range of sailboat sizes that suits your lifestyle. This brand makes it a priority to ensure that all their models are not only safe but offer the best ownership and sailing experience. If anything, this brand is widely known to have one of the most excellent resale values in the sailing industry.

9. Island Packet Yachts

From the IP 525, the IP 439 to the IP 379, the Island Packet Yachts is a brand that encourages its customers not to keep the world waiting. This brand is meant for sailors who want to explore the world in utmost comfort and safety.

The first thing you'll notice in an IP sailboat is its large aft deck. This is not only perfect for sunbathing but can also serve you well if you want an impromptu dinner with friends and family while out there on the water. The living space is also large enough to carry most of your belongings, which is an added advantage especially if you've been planning to spend longer periods in the seas.

With modern evolution and refinement, as well as proven features, this brand is known to offer sailors maximum comfort, luxury, and safety. You'll have better access to the cockpit, have enough space, and are excellently designed to provide superior seafaring and the best features to enable you to spend extended periods when cruising.

10. Sparkman & Stephens

For more than 90 years, Sparkman & Stephens has been at the forefront of the belief that sailboat excellence goes beyond hull lines and deck plans. Instead, this brand believes in excellent naval architecture, innovation, sophistication, and beauty. This is a brand that has laid the foundation of sailboat as a sport not just in America but all over the world.

These models have graced the world for decades and bring immense pleasure to their owners in terms of innovation, performance, and excellence. Though rooted in tradition, the brand has pushed sophistication, technology, and sailing experience to a whole new level. You'll be a proud owner of the Sparkman & Stephens model.

There you have it; these are the best sailboat brands in the world. Although there are several other sailboat brands to choose from, the-above described brands stand shoulder above others in terms of quality, safety, performances and luxury.

Hopefully, you're at a much better place when it comes to choosing a sailboat that suits your lifestyle, needs, and budget .

Happy sailing!

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

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