small sailboats uk

Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

25 of the best small sailing boat designs

• Nic Compton
• August 10, 2022

Nic Compton looks at the 25 yachts under 40ft which have had the biggest impact on UK sailing

There’s nothing like a list of best small sailing boat designs to get the blood pumping.

Everyone has their favourites, and everyone has their pet hates.

This is my list of the 25 best small sailing boat designs, honed down from the list of 55 yachts I started with.

I’ve tried to be objective and have included several boats I don’t particularly like but which have undeniably had an impact on sailing in the UK – and yes, it would be quite a different list if I was writing about another country.

If your favourite isn’t on the best small sailing boat designs list, then send an email to [email protected] to argue the case for your best-loved boat.

Ready? Take a deep breath…

Credit: Bob Aylott

Laurent Giles is best known for designing wholesome wooden cruising boats such as the Vertue and Wanderer III , yet his most successful design was the 26ft Centaur he designed for Westerly, of which a remarkable 2,444 were built between 1969 and 1980.

It might not be the prettiest boat on the water, but it sure packs a lot of accommodation.

The Westerly Centaur was one of the first production boats to be tank tested, so it sails surprisingly well too. Jack L Giles knew what he was doing.

Colin Archer

Credit: Nic Compton

Only 32 Colin Archer lifeboats were built during their designer’s lifetime, starting with Colin Archer in 1893 and finishing with Johan Bruusgaard in 1924.

Yet their reputation for safety spawned hundreds of copycat designs, the most famous of which was Sir Robin Knox-Johnston ’s Suhaili , which he sailed around the world singlehanded in 1968-9.

The term Colin Archer has become so generic it is often used to describe any double-ender – so beware!

Contessa 32

Assent ‘s performance in the 1979 Fastnet Race makes the Contessa 32 a worth entry in the 25 best small sailing boat designs list. Credit: Nic Compton

Designed by David Sadler as a bigger alternative to the popular Contessa 26, the Contessa 32 was built by Jeremy Rogers in Lymington from 1970.

The yacht’s credentials were established when Assent , the Contessa 32 owned by Willy Kerr and skippered by his son Alan, became the only yacht in her class to complete the deadly 1979 Fastnet Race .

When UK production ceased in 1983, more than 700 had been built, and another 20 have been built since 1996.

Cornish Crabber 24

It seemed a daft idea to build a gaff-rigged boat in 1974, just when everyone else had embraced the ‘modern’ Bermudan rig.

Yet the first Cornish Crabber 24, designed by Roger Dongray, tapped into a feeling that would grow and grow and eventually become a movement.

The 24 was followed in 1979 by the even more successful Shrimper 19 – now ubiquitous in almost every harbour in England – and the rest is history.

Drascombe Lugger

Credit: David Harding

There are faster, lighter and more comfortable boats than a Drascombe Lugger.

And yet, 57 years after John Watkinson designed the first ‘lugger’ (soon changed to gunter rig), more than 2,000 have been built and the design is still going strong.

More than any other boat, the Drascombe Lugger opened up dinghy cruising, exemplified by Ken Duxbury’s Greek voyages in the 1970s and Webb Chiles’s near-circumnavigation on Chidiock Tichbourne I and II .

The 26ft Eventide. Credit: David Harding

It’s been described as the Morris Minor of the boating world – except that the majority of the 1,000 Eventides built were lovingly assembled by their owners, not on a production line.

After you’d tested your skills building the Mirror dinghy, you could progress to building a yacht.

And at 24ft long, the Eventide packed a surprising amount of living space.

It was Maurice Griffiths’ most successful design and helped bring yachting to a wider audience.

You either love ’em or you hate ’em – motorsailers, that is.

The Fisher 30 was brought into production in 1971 and was one of the first out-and-out motorsailers.

With its long keel , heavy displacement and high bulwarks, it was intended to evoke the spirit of North Sea fishing boats.

It might not sail brilliantly but it provided an exceptional level of comfort for its size and it would look after you when things turned nasty.

Significantly, it was also fitted with a large engine.

Credit: Rupert Holmes

It should have been a disaster.

In 1941, when the Scandinavian Sailing Federation couldn’t choose a winner for their competition to design an affordable sailing boat, they gave six designs to naval architect Tord Sundén and asked him to combine the best features from each.

The result was a sweet-lined 25ft sloop which was very seaworthy and fast.

The design has been built in GRP since the 1970s and now numbers more than 4,000, with fleets all over the world.

Credit: Kevin Barber

There’s something disconcerting about a boat with two unstayed masts and no foresails, and certainly the Freedom range has its detractors.

Yet as Garry Hoyt proved, first with the Freedom 40, designed in collaboration with Halsey Herreshoff, and then the Freedom 33 , designed with Jay Paris, the boats are simple to sail (none of those clattering jib sheets every time you tack) and surprisingly fast – at least off the wind .

Other ‘cat ketch’ designs followed but the Freedoms developed their own cult following.

Hillyard 12-tonner

The old joke about Hillyards is that you won’t drown on one but you might starve to death getting there.

And yet this religious boatbuilder from Littlehampton built up to 800 yachts which travelled around the world – you can find them cruising far-flung destinations.

Sizes ranged from 2.5 to 20 tons, though the 9- and 12-ton are best for long cruises.

The innovations on Jester means she is one of the best small sailing boat designs in the last 100 years. Credit: Ewen Southby-Tailyour

Blondie Hasler was one of the great sailing innovators and Jester was his testing ground.

She was enclosed, carvel planked and had an unstayed junk rig.

Steering was via a windvane system Hasler created.

Hasler came second in the first OSTAR , proving small boats can achieve great things.

Moody kicked off the era of comfort-oriented boats with its very first design.

The Moody 33, designed by Angus Primrose, had a wide beam and high topside to produce a voluminous hull .

The centre cockpit allowed for an aft cabin, resulting in a 33-footer with two sleeping cabins – an almost unheard of concept in 1973 –full-beam heads and spacious galley.

What’s more, her performance under sail was more than adequate for cruising.

Finally, here was a yacht that all the family could enjoy.

Continues below…

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How boat design is evolving

Will Bruton looks at the latest trends and innovations shaping the boats we sail

How keel type affects performance

James Jermain looks at the main keel types, their typical performance and the pros and cons of each

Boat handling: How to use your yacht’s hull shape to your advantage

Whether you have a long keel or twin keel rudders, there will be pros and cons when it comes to…

Nicholson 32

Credit: Genevieve Leaper

Charles Nicholson was a giant of the wooden boat era but one of his last designs – created with his son Peter – was a pioneering fibreglass boat that would become an enduring classic.

With its long keel and heavy displacement, the Nicholson 32 is in many ways a wooden boat built in fibreglass – and indeed the design was based on Nicholson’s South Coast One Design.

From 1966 to 1977, the ‘Nic 32’ went through 11 variations.

Credit: Hallberg-Rassy

In the beginning there was… the Rasmus 35. This was the first yacht built by the company that would become Hallberg-Rassy and which would eventually build more than 9,000 boats.

The Rasmus 35, designed by Olle Enderlein, was a conservative design, featuring a centre cockpit, long keel and well-appointed accommodation.

Some 760 boats were built between 1967 and 1978.

Credit: Larry & Lin Pardey

Lyle Hess was ahead of his time when he designed Renegade in 1949.

Despite winning the Newport to Ensenada race, the 25ft wooden cutter went largely unnoticed.

Hess had to build bridges for 15 years before Larry Pardey asked him to design the 24ft Seraffyn , closely based on Renegade ’s lines but with a Bermudan rig.

Pardey’s subsequent voyages around the world cemented Hess’s reputation and success of the Renegade design.

Would the Rustler 36 make it on your best small sailing boat list? Credit: Rustler Yachts

Six out of 18 entries for the 2018 Golden Globe Race (GGR) were Rustler 36s, with the top three places all going to Rustler 36 skippers.

It was a fantastic endorsement for a long-keel yacht designed by Holman & Pye 40 years before.

Expect to see more Rustler 36s in the 2022 edition of the GGR!

It was Ted Heath who first brought the S&S 34 to prominence with his boat Morning Cloud .

In 1969 the yacht won the Sydney to Hobart Race, despite being one of the smallest boats in the race.

Other epic S&S 34 voyages include the first ever single-handed double circumnavigation by Jon Sanders in 1981

Credit: Colin Work

The Contessa 32 might seem an impossible boat to improve upon, but that’s what her designer David Sadler attempted to do in 1979 with the launch of the Sadler 32 .

That was followed two years later by the Sadler 29 , a tidy little boat that managed to pack in six berths in a comfortable open-plan interior.

The boat was billed as ‘unsinkable’, with a double-skinned hull separated by closed cell foam buoyancy.

What’s more, it was fast, notching up to 12 knots.

Credit: Dick Durham/Yachting Monthly

Another modern take on the Contessa theme was the Sigma 33, designed by David Thomas in 1979.

A modern underwater body combined with greater beam and higher freeboard produced a faster boat with greater accommodation.

And, like the Contessa, the Sigma 33 earned its stripes at the 1979 Fastnet, when two of the boats survived to tell the tale.

A lively one-design fleet soon developed on the Solent which is still active to this day.

A replica of Joshua Slocum’s Spray . Credit: Alamy Stock Photo

The boat Joshua Slocum used for his first singlehanded circumnavigation of the world wasn’t intended to sail much further than the Chesapeake Bay.

The 37ft Spray was a rotten old oyster sloop which a friend gave him and which he had to spend 13 months fixing up.

Yet this boxy little tub, with its over-optimistic clipper bow, not only took Slocum safely around the world but has spawned dozens of modern copies that have undertaken long ocean passages.

Credit: James Wharram Designs

What are boats for if not for dreaming? And James Wharram had big dreams.

First he sailed across the Atlantic on the 23ft 6in catamaran Tangaroa .

He then built the 40ft Rongo on the beach in Trinidad (with a little help from French legend Bernard Moitessier) and sailed back to the UK.

Then he drew the 34ft Tangaroa (based on Rongo ) for others to follow in his wake and sold 500 plans in 10 years.

Credit: Graham Snook/Yachting Monthly

The Twister was designed in a hurry.

Kim Holman wanted a boat at short notice for the 1963 season and, having had some success with his Stella design (based on the Folkboat), he rushed out a ‘knockabout cruising boat for the summer with some racing for fun’.

The result was a Bermudan sloop that proved nigh on unbeatable on the East Anglian circuit.

It proved to be Holman’s most popular design with more than 200 built.

Credit: Alamy Stock Photo

Laurent Giles’s design No15 was drawn in 1935 for a Guernsey solicitor who wanted ‘a boat that would spin on a sixpence and I could sail single-handed ’.

What the young Jack Giles gave him was a pretty transom-sterned cutter, with a nicely raked stem.

Despite being moderate in every way, the boat proved extremely able and was soon racking up long distances, including Humphrey Barton’s famous transatlantic crossing on Vertue XXXV in 1950.

Wanderer II and III

Credit: Thies Matzen

Eric and Susan Hiscock couldn’t afford a Vertue, so Laurent Giles designed a smaller, 21ft version for them which they named Wanderer II .

They were back a few years later, this time wanting a bigger version: the 30ft Wanderer III .

It was this boat they sailed around the world between 1952-55, writing articles and sailing books along the way.

In doing so, they introduced a whole generation of amateur sailors to the possibilities of long-distance cruising.

Westerly 22

The origins of Westerly Marine were incredibly modest.

Commander Denys Rayner started building plywood dinghies in the 1950s which morphed into a 22ft pocket cruiser called the Westcoaster.

Realising the potential of fibreglass, in 1963 he adapted the design to create the Westerly 22, an affordable cruising boat with bilge keels and a reverse sheer coachroof.

Some 332 boats were built to the design before it was relaunched as the Nomad (267 built).

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9 Small Sailboats Under 30 Ft We Love

Our editorial staff selected 9 small sailboats under 30′ from all over the world. Today small sailboats have electronics for navigation and entertainment, an engine for light wind and accomodations to sleep onboard. Which is your preferred one between these 9 small sailboats?

Albin Vega 27

The Albin Vega 27 is a fiberglass sailboat that was produced by the Albin Motor Boat Company in the 1970s. It is a small, versatile vessel that is popular with sailors due to its good performance and comfortable interior. The Albin Vega 27 has a length of 27 feet (8.2 meters) and a beam (width) of 8.1 feet (2.46 meters). It is designed to be sailed single-handed, but can accommodate up to six people.

• Hull Type:  Long fin keel
• Hull Material:   GRP (fibreglass)
• Length Overall:  27′ 1″ / 8.25m
• Waterline Length:  23′ 0″ / 7.01m
• Beam:  8′ 1″ / 2.46m
• Draft:  3′ 8″ / 1.12m
• Rig Type:  Masthead sloop
• Displacement:  5,070lb / 2,300kg
• Designer:  Per Brohall
• Builder:  Albin Marine AB (Sweden)
• Year First Built:  1965
• Year Last Built:  1979
• Number Built:  3,450

Alpin Ballad 

• Hull Type:  Fin with skeg-hung rudder
• Length Overall:  29′ 11″ / 9.12m
• Waterline Length:  22′ 7″ / 6.88m
• Beam:  9′ 8″ / 2.95m
• Draft:  5′ 1″ / 1.55m
• Rig Type:  Masthead Sloop
• Displacement:  7,276lb / 3,300kg
• Designer:  Rolf Magnusson
• Builder:  Albin Marine (Sweden)
• Year First Built:  1971
• Year Last Built:  1982
• Number Built:  1500

The Bristol 24 has a length of 24.6 feet (7.5 meters) and a beam (width) of 8 feet (2.4 meters). It is designed to be sailed by a small crew, but can accommodate up to four people. The boat has a displacement of 4,920 lb (2,685 kilograms) and is equipped with a standard keel.

• Hull Type:  Long Keel
• Hull Material:  GRP (Fibreglass)
• Length Overall:  24′ 6″ / 7.5m
• Waterline Length:  18′ 1″ / 5.5m
• Beam:  8′ 0″ / 2.4m
• Draft:  3′ 5″ / 1.0m
• Displacement:  5,920lb / 2,685kg
• Designer:  Paul Coble
• Builder:  Bristol Yachts inc (US)
• Year First Built:  1969
• Year Last Built:  1972
• Number Built:  800

Contessa 28

The Contessa 24 is a fiberglass sailboat that was designed by David Sadler and produced by the Contessa Yachts company in the 1970s. The Contessa 24 has a length of 27.8 feet (8.43 meters) and a beam (width) of 9.5 feet (2.87 meters). It is designed to be sailed by a small crew, but can accommodate up to four people. The boat has a displacement of 3,162 kilograms and is equipped with a fin keel, which provides stability and improves its performance in a range of wind and sea conditions.

• Hull Type:  fin keel with spade rudder
• Hull Material:  GRP (Fiberglass)
• Length Overall:  27′ 8″ / 8.43m
• Waterline Length:  22′ 0″ / 6.71m
• Beam:  9′ 5″ / 2.87m
• Draft:  4′ 10″ / 1.47m
• Rig Type:  Masthead sloop
• Displacement:  6,970lb / 3,162kg
• Designer:  Doug Peterson
• Builder:  Jeremy Rogers
• Year First Built:  1977

The Dufour 29 is a fiberglass sailboat that was produced by the Dufour Yachts company in the 1970s. The Dufour 29 has a length of 29.4 feet (8.94 meters) and a beam (width) of 9.8 feet (2.95 meters). It is designed to be sailed by a small crew but can accommodate up to six people. The boat has a displacement of 7,250 pounds (3,289 kilograms) and is equipped with a fin keel.

• Length Overall:  29′ 4″ / 8.94m
• Waterline Length:  25′ 1″ / 7.64m
• Draft:  5′ 3″ / 1.60m
• Displacement:  7,250lb / 3,289kg
• Designer:  Michael Dufour
• Builder:   Dufour (France)
• Year First Built:  1975
• Year Last Built:  1984

Great Dane 28

The Great Dane 28 is a fiberglass sailboat that was produced by the Great Dane Yachts company in the 1970s. The Great Dane 28 has a length of 28 feet (8.5 meters) and a beam (width) of 10.4 feet (3.2 meters). It is designed to be sailed by a small crew, but can accommodate up to six people. The boat has a displacement of 8,500 pounds (3,856 kilograms) and is equipped with a fin keel.

• Hull Type:  Long keel with transom-hung rudder
• Length Overall:  28′ 0″ / 8.5m
• Waterline Length:  21′ 4″ / 6.5m
• Beam:  10′ 4″ / 3.2m
• Draft:  4′ 6″ / 1.4m
• Displacement:  8,500lb / 3,856kg
• Designer:  Aage Utzon in conjunction with Klaus Baess
• Builder:  Klauss Baess, Copenhagen (Denmark)
• Year Last Built:  1989
• Number Built:  300

The Sabre 27 is a fiberglass sailboat that was produced by the Sabre Yachts company in the 1970s. The Sabre 27 has a length of 27 feet (8.2 meters) and a beam (width) of 9 feet (2.6 meters). The boat has a displacement of 6,800 pounds (3,084 kilograms) and is equipped with a fin keel.

• Hull Type:  Fin and skeg-hung rudder
• Hull Material:  GRP (fibreglass)
• Length Overall:  27′ 0″ / 8.2m
• Waterline Length:  22′ 2″ / 6.8m
• Beam:  9′ 0″ / 2.7m
• Displacement:  6,800lb / 3,084kg
• Designer:  Alan Hill
• Builder:  Marine Construction Ltd (UK)
• Number Built:  400

• Hull Type:  Long keel with transom-hung rudder
• Length Overall:  28′ 3″ / 8.6m
• Waterline Length:  21′ 6″ / 6.6m
• Beam:  8′ 1″ / 2.5m
• Draft:  5′ 0″ / 1.5m
• Rig Type:  masthead sloop
• Displacement:  9,968lb / 4,521kg
• Designer:  Kim Holman
• Builder:  Uphams (UK) and Tyler (UK)
• Year First Built:  1964
• Year Last Built:  1983
• Number Built:  200

Westerly 22

The Westerly 22 is a fiberglass sailboat that was produced by the Westerly Yachts company in the 1970s. The Westerly 22 has a length of 22 feet (6.8 meters) and a beam (width) of 7.6 feet (2.3 meters).

• Hull Type:~  Bilge keel and skeg-hung rudder
• Hull Material:~  GRP (fibreglass)
• Length Overall:~  22′ 3″ / 6.8m
• Waterline Length:~  18′ 4″ / 5.6m
• Beam:~  7′ 6″ / 2.3m
• Draft:~  2′ 3″ / 0.7m
• Rig Type:~  Masthead Sloop
• Displacement:~  4,150lb / 1,429kg
• Sail Area/Displacement Ratio: ~ 16.95
• Displacement/Length Ratio: ~ 228
• Designer:~  Denis Rayner
• Builder:~  Westerly Marine Ltd (UK)
• Year First Built:~  1963
• Year Last Built:~  1967
• Number Built:~  332

10 Sailing Tips Essentials to Make You a Better Sailor!

1936. voyage around cape horn by schooner wanderbird, unveiled the new lagoon 43 catamaran with side access, yyachts launches first hull of new y8 model, live your passion, subscribe to our mailing list.

WTH?!? why there is no boat which started it all? Pearson Triton 1959 first GRP production boat? many circumnavigated I with mine singlehandedly crossed Atlantic few times.

And no Westsail 28? :O who made this list must do better homework! ! your list is garbage!

• The Ultimate Guide to Small Sailboats: From Dinghies to Ocean Cruisers

Ahoy there, maritime enthusiasts! Are you tired of being a landlubber and ready to take on the open waters? Have you ever caught yourself daydreaming about sailing into the sunset but thought that owning a sailboat was only for the wealthy or the experienced? The good news is that small sailboats are here to prove you wrong. Easy to maneuver, affordable, and incredibly fun, these little vessels offer a world of possibilities for novices and veterans alike. So, why not set sail on this journey and explore what small sailboats have to offer?

Types of Small Sailboats

Dinghies are like the hatchbacks of the sailing world—compact, practical, and surprisingly versatile. Usually measuring under 15 feet, they are the go-to boats for sailing newbies to cut their teeth on. Why? Because they're affordable and easy to manage. Think of a dinghy as your first bicycle—sure, you'll fall a few times, but the lessons learned are invaluable.

If a dinghy is a hatchback, then a daysailer would be your sporty coupe—ideal for a fun day out but not really for a week-long journey. These boats are a bit larger, typically ranging from 15 to 25 feet, and can comfortably accommodate 4 to 6 people. They're perfect for sailing close to shore, having a picnic on the water, or enjoying a beautiful sunset.

Looking for something a bit unique? The catboat could be your feline friend on the water. These boats are known for their single mast and mainsail, making them easier to handle. They’re the sort of boat that likes to lounge lazily in shallow waters but can also pick up the pace when needed.

Features to Consider When Buying

Hull material.

The hull is like the foundation of a house—if it's not strong, everything else fails. Generally, you'll find hulls made of fiberglass, wood, or even aluminum. Each material has its pros and cons. For instance, fiberglass is durable and low-maintenance but can be expensive. Wood offers a classic look but requires more upkeep.

Would you prefer manual or automatic transmission in a car? Similarly, the rig type of your sailboat affects your sailing experience. You might opt for a simple sloop with one mast and two sails or maybe a cutter with an additional headsail for better balance. The choice is yours.

Length and Beam

Here's where size really matters. The length and beam (width) of your boat will significantly impact its stability, storage capacity, and how it handles in different water conditions. It's not always that smaller is easier to handle; sometimes, a slightly larger boat offers better stability and amenities.

Advantages of Small Sailboats

Affordability.

Let's face it—owning a boat isn't cheap. But small sailboats make the dream more accessible. Not only are the upfront costs generally lower, but ongoing maintenance expenses like docking fees, cleaning, and repairs are also more manageable. It's the difference between owning a high-end sports car and a reliable sedan—both can be fun, but one is undoubtedly easier on the wallet.

Maneuverability

Remember the first time you parallel parked a car? Now, imagine doing that with a 40-foot boat! Small sailboats shine when it comes to maneuverability. They're easier to steer, quicker to respond, and a breeze to dock, making them perfect for navigating through narrow channels or crowded marinas.

Low Maintenance

Less is more when it comes to boat maintenance. Smaller surface area means fewer places for dirt and grime to hide, making cleaning easier. Not to mention, smaller engines (if your boat has one) mean less complicated mechanical problems to solve. It's like owning a plant that only needs water once a week—low commitment, high reward.

Popular Small Sailboats

Remember the Volkswagen Beetle of yesteryears? Compact, easy to manage, and immensely popular—that's what Sunfish is to the world of small sailboats. Whether you want to race or just sail leisurely, this boat is a versatile choice that won't disappoint.

For those who crave a bit more adrenaline, the J/22 is like the sports bike of small sailboats. Known for its speed, agility, and performance, this boat is a favorite in racing circles. It's agile enough to make quick turns yet sturdy enough to handle a variety of sea conditions.

Catalina 22

If you're looking for the minivan of small sailboats—functional, family-friendly, and reliable—the Catalina 22 is for you. Ideal for weekend trips with the family, this boat offers a cabin for shelter, a cooking space, and even a small toilet. It's a floating home away from home.

Small Sailing Yachts for Sale

Where to buy.

Buying a boat can be like buying a car; there are various avenues available. You can go through dealerships, check out classified ads, or even explore online platforms like Boat Trader or YachtWorld. Just like you wouldn't buy a car without a test drive, make sure to do a sea trial before making a purchase.

Price Range

The cost of your new aquatic venture can vary widely depending on the size, brand, and features. You might find a used dinghy for as low as $1,000 or a top-of-the-line daysailer that costs over $20,000. Therefore, it's crucial to budget not just for the initial purchase but also for the ongoing costs like maintenance, insurance, and docking fees.

(To be continued...)

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Small Bluewater Sailboats

Definition and features.

When it comes to small sailboats, not all are built for the big leagues, aka open-ocean sailing. However, some compact beauties are fully capable of taking on the mighty seas, and these are commonly referred to as "bluewater sailboats." These boats generally have reinforced hulls, deep keels for added stability, and more robust rigging systems. They also often come with advanced navigation and safety features like radar and autopilot systems.

If you're serious about open-ocean sailing but don't want a massive boat, brands like Nor'Sea and Pacific Seacraft have some excellent offerings. These boats might be small in size (often under 30 feet), but they are big on features and sturdiness, designed to withstand challenging sea conditions.

Boats for Cruising

Characteristics.

A cruiser is like a comfortable sedan equipped for a cross-country road trip. Similarly, cruising boats are designed for longer journeys and typically feature amenities like sleeping cabins, cooking facilities, and even bathrooms. However, small cruising sailboats make these comforts available in a compact form, ensuring you don't have to compromise on luxury while also enjoying the benefits of a small boat.

The market offers various models to suit different cruising styles. If you prefer a classic, vintage look, the Bristol series offers some wonderful choices. Those who want a more modern flair might gravitate towards Hunter or Beneteau models. No matter your preference, there's likely a small cruising sailboat that fits the bill.

Very Small Sailing Boats

What makes them unique.

We're talking about boats usually under 10 feet, often even as small as 6 or 7 feet. These are the "motorbikes" of the sailing world—quick, nimble, and perfect for a joyride, albeit on water. What they lack in amenities, they make up for in sheer fun and the ability to go places bigger boats can't.

Very small sailing boats are perfect for specific types of water activities. You can use them for fishing, exploring secluded inlets, or just enjoying a peaceful day on the water. They are also excellent for teaching kids the basics of sailing due to their simplicity and ease of handling.

Small Ocean Sailboats

Ocean-capable small boats.

Yes, you read that right—there are small sailboats designed for ocean sailing. Unlike their cousins confined to more tranquil waters, these boats have features that make them seaworthy. However, don't assume that any small boat can be taken on an ocean voyage. Specific design features are essential for this kind of challenging adventure.

Essential Features

So what makes a small sailboat ocean-worthy? For starters, a strong hull designed to take on challenging sea conditions. You'd also want a deep keel for stability, a robust rigging system to withstand high winds, and multiple fail-safes like backup navigation systems.

Small Ocean Cruisers

Adaptability.

Ocean cruisers in a small size offer the best of both worlds—they are versatile enough for both coastal cruising and open-ocean voyages. These boats are like your all-terrain vehicles, capable yet compact.

Pros and Cons

While adaptable, small ocean cruisers may lack some of the luxury or speed that larger yachts can offer. However, their versatility and ease of handling often make them a popular choice for those who like a variety of sailing experiences.

Small Cruising Sailboats

Ideal for beginners.

If you're a rookie in the world of sailing, a small cruising sailboat could be your best bet. These boats are typically easy to handle, straightforward to maintain, and offer enough amenities for short trips—making them an ideal starting point.

Popular Models

If you're new to cruising, a couple of models might catch your attention. The Compac 16, known for its easy handling and classic look, is often recommended for beginners. Another excellent option is the Catalina 18, which offers a bit more room without compromising ease of use.

Setting sail on a small sailboat opens up a world of opportunities—whether you're a seasoned sailor looking for a weekend thrill or a beginner aiming for a long-term commitment to the sea. Understanding the types, features, advantages, and options in the small sailboat market will help you make an educated choice. The sea is vast and welcoming, offering adventures and tranquility alike, and a small sailboat can be your perfect vessel for exploration.

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11 Best Pocket Cruiser Sailboats to Fit a Budget

• By Cruising World Staff
• Updated: August 9, 2021

Looking for a trailerable pocket cruiser that offers that liveaboard feeling? This list features 11 small sailboats with cabins that have the amenities often found on larger vessels. They may not be ocean crossing vessels, but they’re certainly capable of handling big bays and open waters.

What is a pocket cruiser? It’s a small trailerable sailboat, typically under 30 feet in length, that’s ideal for cruising big lakes, bays, coastal ocean waters, and occasionally bluewater cruising. Pocket cruisers are usually more affordable, compact, and offer a level of comfort that’s comparable to bigger liveaboards.

Small cruising sailboats are appealing for many reasons, but if you’re like most of us, you want to maintain a certain level of comfort while on the water. We took a poll and these are what we found to be the best cruising sailboats under 30 feet.

Open and airy below deck, the Andrews 28 doesn’t sacrifice comfort for speed. Designed by Alan Andrews, the Southern California naval architect renowned for his light, fast raceboats, this 28-footer will certainly appeal to the cruiser who also enjoys a little club racing. Sporting a total of 6 berths, a galley, head and nav area, you might forget you are on a boat small enough to be easily trailered. The retractable keel allows the Andrews 28 to be easily launched and hauled and ensures it’s as comfortable as a daysailer as it is a racer. Click here to read more about the Andrews28.

Beneteau First 20

Small sailboat with a cabin? Check! Fun to sail? Modern design? Capable of flying a spinnaker? Check! Check! Check! The Finot-Conq-designed Beneteau First 20, which replaced the popular Beneteau first 211 nearly a decade ago now, is a sporty-but-stable pocket cruiser suitable for newcomers to the sport who are eager to learn their chops before moving up to a bigger boat or for old salts looking to downsize to a trailerable design. The boat features twin rudders, a lifting keel, and a surprisingly roomy interior with bunks for four. Click here to read more about the Beneteau First 20 .

Conceived as a way to bridge the gap between a safe, comfortable, family cruiser and a competitive racer, Gary Mull’s Ranger 26 does exactly as it was designed to. Undeniably fast, (one won the 1970 IOR North American Half-Ton Cup) the boat sails as well as it looks. However speed isn’t the Ranger’s only strong-suit, with over 7 feet of cockpit there’s plenty of room for socializing after an evening of racing. The Ranger 26 sports a nice balance of freeboard and cabin height ensuring that a handsome profile wasn’t sacrificed for standing headroom. Click here to read more about the Ranger 26.

Catboats were once a common site in coastal waters, where they sailed the shallow bays as fishing or work boats. Their large single and often gaff-rigged sail provided plenty of power, and a centerboard made them well-suited for the thin waters they frequently encountered. In the late 1970s, Canadian builder Hinterhoeller introduced the Nonsuch 30, a fiberglass variation of the catboat design, with a modern Marconi sail flown on a stayless mast, and a keel instead of a centerboard. The boat’s wide beam made room below for a spacious interior, and the design caught on quickly with cruising sailors looking for a small bluewater sailboat. Click here to read more about the Nonsuch 30 .

Debuted in 1971 in California, the Newport 27 was an instant success on the local racing scene. For a modest 27-footer, the Newport 27 has an unusually spacious interrior with over 6 feet of standing headroom. With 4 berths, a table, nav station, head and galley the Newport 27 has all the amenities you might find in a much bigger boat, all in a compact package. While quick in light air, the drawback of the tiller steering becomes apparent with increasing breeze and weather helm often leading to shortening sail early. Click here to read more about the Newport 27.

First splashed in 1969, the Balboa 26 continues to enjoy a strong following among budget-minded cruisers. Built sturdy and heavy, all of the boat’s stress points are reinforced. The spacious cockpit comfortably seats 4 and is self bailing, ensuring that sailors stay dry. While only 26 feet, the Balboa still has room for a double berth, galley with stove and freshwater pump, and an optional marine head or V-berth. The Balboa has the ability to sleep five, though the most comfortable number is two or three. Under sail, the Balboa is fast and maneuverable, but may prove a handful in heavy breeze as weather helm increases. Click here to read more about the Balboa 26.

Cape Dory 28

While the sleek lines and the teak accents of the Cape Dory 28 may grab the eye, it is the performance of the boat that make it unique. The Cape Dory comes with all amenities that you might need available, including a V-berth, 2 settees, and a head. Safe, sound and comfortable as a cruiser it is still capable of speed. Quick in light wind and sturdy and capable in heavy air, it is off the wind where the Cape Dory 28 shines with a balanced helm and the ability to cut through chop and still tack perfectly. Click here to read more about the Cape Dory 28.

Islander Bahama 28

On top of being a real eye-catcher, the Islander Bahama 28, with its 5-foot-6-inch draft and 3,300 pounds of ballast, sails beautifully, tracks well, and responds quickly to the helm. Inspired by the International Offshore Rule, it is unusually wide, offering stability in breeze without sacrificing the sheer and lines that make it so attractive. Below deck, the Islander Bahama 28 comes standard with plenty of berths and storage space and a galley complete with stove, icebox and sink. Click here to read more about the Islander Bahama 28.

Much like its older sibling, the S2 8.6 still holds its contemporary style, despite its 1983 introduction. Like all other S2 Yachts, the 8.6 is recognized for the quality craftsmanship that allows the boat to hold up today.The S2 8.6 is a very comfortable and easily managed coastal cruiser and club racer. It’s relatively stiff, its helm feels balanced, and it tracks well. On most points of sail, it compares favorably with other boats of similar size and type. Click here to read more about the S2 8.6.

Contessa 26

When the Contessa 26 was released in 1965, it immediately proved itself to be a strong, seaworthy vessel. The Contessa has continued to prove itself throughout its lifetime, being the boat of choice for two solo circumnavigations under the age of 21. While upwind performance leaves some wanting, the boat is sturdy and can carry full sail in up to 20 knots of breeze. Suited more for single-handing, the Contessa lacks standing headroom and the accommodations are sparse. Nonetheless, the Contessa 26 performs well as a daysailer with guests aboard. Click here to read more about the Contessa 26.

The Hunter 27 perfectly encompasses the pocket cruiser ideal. Even if you don’t want a big boat, you can still have big boat amenities. With the generously spacious layout, wheel steering and a walkthrough transom the Hunter feels much larger than 27 feet. Step below deck and any doubts you had that the Hunter was secretly a big boat will be gone. The amenities below are endless; a full galley including stove, microwave and cooler, head with full shower, several berths and not to mention a saloon with seating for 6. The Hunter 27 has reset the benchmark for 27-footers. Click here to read more about the Hunter 27.

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11 Best Small Sailboat Brands: How to Choose Your Next Daysailer or Pocket Cruiser

12th oct 2023 by samantha wilson.

Sailing is a relaxing, invigorating pastime that allows you to harness wind and waves in a unique and historic way without requiring a 50-foot yacht to enjoy what’s special about the experience. In fact, small sailboats allow a delightful back-to-basics experience that often gets lost on larger, systems-heavy sailboats.

On a small sailboat you can connect with the sea, feeling the boat move beneath you. The boat is typically easy to rig, simple to sail, and can even be sailed solo. Small sailboats give you the freedom to trailer your or car-top your boat and go anywhere, and they’re perfect for learning the nuances of sailing. There are many excellent brands and models of small sailboat, each with their own appeal, and here we narrow down some of our favorite in the daysailer and pocket cruiser categories under 30 feet. 

Difference Between a Daysailer and a Pocket Cruiser

While there are many different types of sailboat on the market and there is no single definition of either a daysailer or a pocket cruiser, they are used in a particular way, as the names imply. The term daysailer covers a huge array of sailboats, smaller and sometimes larger, and is generally defined as any day boat used for local sailing, with a simple rig, and easy to get underway. A pocket cruiser typically offers a cabin and head, and adequate accommodations for an overnight stay and sometimes longer cruises. Having said that, there is a large overlap between the two in many instances, so the lines may become blurred. 

What Size is a Small Sailboat?

Small is a relative term of course, but in general—and for the purposes of this article—a small sailboat is one that could be sailed by a small crew, often with one or two people aboard. It will have a simple rig and be trailerable, and it might be either a daysailer or pocket-cruiser style vessel as above. Within those categories, there are many models and styles, but when it comes to length we consider a sailboat as small when it’s under 30 feet in overall length. 

The Best Sailboats Under 30 Feet

Pocket cruiser: Beneteau First 27.  The Beneteau First 27 is a modern example of a pocket cruiser, earning Cruising World ’s Boat of the Year award in the Pocket Cruiser category in 2022. With space for up to six people accommodated in a separated bow-cabin and open saloon, it offers families the chance to go farther, explore more, and cruise in comfort. There is a galley with freshwater and a head, adding to the interior home comforts. The sailboat itself is modern, fast, and stable, designed by Sam Manuard, and has been designed to be incredibly safe and almost unsinkable thanks to its three watertight chambers. The handling is also refreshingly intuitive, with a well-designed cockpit, simple deck controls, and double winches allowing it to be sailed solo, by two people, or a small crew. 

Photo credit: Beneteau

Daysailer: Alerion 28.  You’ll certainly turn heads cruising along in an Alerion 28, a daysailer whose forerunner by the same name was designed by Nathanael Herreshoff in 1912 and then updated with a modern underbody for fiberglass production by Carl Schumacher in the late 1980s. This pretty daysailer manages to combine a traditional silhouette and classic feel, with very modern engineering creating an excellent package. Over 470 of these sailboats were built and sold in the past 30 years, making it one of the most popular modern daysailers on the water. With a small cabin and saloon, complete with miniature galley area, it offers respite from the sun or wind and the option for a night aboard. The cockpit offers a beautiful sailing experience, with plenty of space for the whole family. 

Photo credit: Alerion Yachts

The Best Sailboats Under 25 Feet

Pocket cruiser: Cornish Crabber 24.  British manufacturer Cornish Crabber has been producing beautiful, traditional style small sailboats for decades, ensuring they honor their heritage both in the construction style and appearance of their boats. The Cornish Crabber 24 is the most iconic of their range and dates back to the 1980s. It offers a simple yet surprisingly spacious interior layout with cabin, galley, and head, and a good sized cockpit, as well as seating for up to six people. It’s the perfect family sailboat, with clever use of storage as well as just under 5000 pounds of displacement providing stability and easy tacking. Aesthetically the 24 is simply beautiful, with a traditional silhouette (combined with modern engineering), finished in hardwood trims. 

Photo credit: Cornish Crabber

Daysailer: Catalina 22 Capri.  Catalina sailboats need little introduction, and are one of the world’s best-known, most-respected brands building small sailboats. The Catalina 22 Capri (also available in a sport model) is a great example of what Catalina does so well. While we’ve classified it as a daysailer, it could easily cross into the pocket cruiser category, as it offers excellent sailing performance in almost all conditions as well as having a small cabin, galley, and head. Loved for its safety, stability, ease of handling and simple maintenance, it makes for a good first family boat for getting out onto the bay or lake. 

Photo credit: Catalina

The Best Sailboats Under 20 Feet

Pocket cruiser: CapeCutter 19.  This is another model that combines the beauty of the traditional silhouettes with modern-day advancements. The design originates from the classic gaff cutter work boats, but today offers excellent performance—in fact it’s one of the fastest small gaffers in the world. The interior is cleverly spacious, with four berths, two of which convert into a saloon, as well as a simple galley area. With quick rigging, it can be sailed solo, but is also able to accommodate small groups, making it a capable and hugely versatile pocket cruiser. 

Photo credit: Cape Cutter 19

Daysailer: Swallow Yachts’ BayRaider 20.  Classic looks with modern performance are combined in Swallow Yachts’ beautiful BayRaider 20. This is one of the most capable and safest daysailers we’ve seen, but also incredibly versatile thanks to the choices of ballast. Keep the ballast tank empty and it’s light and fast. Fill the tank up and you’ve got a stable and safe boat perfect for beginners and families. While it’s got an eye-catching traditional style, the engineering is modern, with a strong carbon mast and construction. While this is a true daysailer, you can use the optional spray hood and camping accessories to create an overnight adventure. 

Photo credit: Swallow Yachts

The Best Sailboats Under 15 Feet

Pocket Cruiser: NorseBoat 12.5.  Can we truly call the NorseBoat 12.5 a pocket cruiser? Yes we can! The sheer versatility of this excellent little sailboat has convinced us. These beautiful hand-crafted sailboats offer exceptional performance and are described by the manufacturer as ‘the Swiss Army Knives of sailboats’. The traditionally styled 12.5 can be sailed, rowed, and motored. It can be trailered, easily beached, and even used as a camp cruiser, allowing for overnight adventures. There is no end to the fun that can be had with this easy-to-sail and easy-to-handle boat, which makes it a dream to learn in. With positive flotation, lots of clever storage, and a full-size double berth for camp cruising, it really is the perfect mini pocket cruiser. 

Photo credit: NorseBoats

Daysailer: Original Beetle Cat Boat 12: All across the bays of the US east coast cat boats have long been part of the ocean landscape. Able to access shallow rocky coves yet also withstand the strong coastal winds, these traditional New England fishing boats have an iconic shape and gaff-rigged mainsails. Beetle Cat have been producing elegant wooden cat boats for over 100 years – in fact they’ve made and sold over 4,000 boats to date. Their 12 foot Cat Boat 12 is one of their finest models, offering lovely daysailing opportunities. It has a wide beam and centerboard that lifts up, allowing it to access shallow waters, as well as a forward mast and single sail gaff rig in keeping with the traditional cat boats. To sail one of these is to be part of the heritage of New England and Cape Cod, and to honor the ancient art of hand-made boat building. 

Beetle Cat official website

Photo credit: Beetle Cat

The Best Small Sailboats for Beginners

When it comes to learning to sail, it’s important to have a boat that is easy to handle. There’s no quicker way to put yourself or your family off sailing than to start off with a boat that is either too big or too complicated. When choosing your first boat we recommend the following characteristics:

• Small: The benefits of starting off with a small boat are many, as we’ve seen above. They’re easier to control as well as to moor, and they react more quickly to steering and sails. They can be trailered and launched easily, and the loads generated are much lower than on bigger, heavier boats.
• Easy to sail: You want a boat that is stable and forgiving of mistakes, doesn’t capsize easily, and isn’t too overpowered in a stronger breeze. Keep things simple and learn as you go.
• Simple sail configuration: Choosing a boat that can be rigged by one person in a few minutes, and easily sailed solo, makes it easier to take along inexperienced crews. With regards to the rig, all you need are a halyard to hoist the mainsail and a sheet to control the mainsail.
• Tiller steering: We recommend boats with tiller steering over wheel steering when starting out. The tiller allows you to get a real feel for the boat and how the rudder works as it moves through the water. 

For more information on choosing the best beginner sailboat check out our full guide. There are many popular brands of beginner boats including Sunfish, Laser, and Hunter Marlow. Some of our favorites include;

Hobie 16: The classic Hobie catamaran has been a well-loved beginner sailboat for years, and the Hobie 16 started life back in 1969. Since then they’ve made and sold over a staggering 100,000 of the 16s. It has twin fiberglass and foam hulls, a large trampoline, and a pull-up rudder so it can be sailed straight onto the beach. The basic package comes with an easy to handle main and jib with plenty of extras available too such as a spinnaker and trailer. The Hobie 16 promises a great learning experience and lots of fun in a very nifty and inexpensive package. 

Photo credit: Hobie

Paine 14: You’ll immediately fall in love with sailing when you step into a beautiful Paine 14. Made from seamless epoxy cold-molded wood, the P-14 is simply beautiful and offers the classic sailing experience with the design and innovation of a more modern hull and rig. Two people will be able to enjoy getting out on the water together and learning the ropes. The Paine 14 has a lead ballast keel that accounts for nearly half her weight, giving her the feel of a much larger boat, but is still trailerable and easy to manage offering the best of both worlds. 

Photo credit: Chuck Paine

High-Performance Small Sailboats

Small sailboats generally become high performers if they are light, have a lot of sail area, or they have more than one hull. More recently, some of have been designed with foiling surfaces, as well. For the purposes of this article, we’d like to close by pointing out one model that is super fast and has versatile pocket-cruising capabilities.

Corsair 880 trimaran : The Corsair 880 trimaran is the grandchild of the company’s F27, a model that launched the popularity of trailerable leisure trimarans about 40 years ago. The 880 has taken the model to new heights and exemplifies the incredible space benefits you can achieve in a 29-foot sailboat. We’re talking an aft cabin, room to sleep 5 people, an enclosed head, and standing headroom in the galley and main saloon. It brings many of the opportunities that a much larger yacht plus the ability to cruise in extremely shallow water. Whether you want to cruise to the Bahamas or enjoy a high-adrenaline race, the Corsair 880 offers incredible performance and unlimited adventures in a truly pocket size. 

Photo credit: Corsair

Written By: Samantha Wilson

Samantha Wilson has spent her entire life on and around boats, from tiny sailing dinghies all the way up to superyachts. She writes for many boating and yachting publications, top charter agencies, and some of the largest travel businesses in the industry, combining her knowledge and passion of boating, travel and writing to create topical, useful and engaging content.

More from: Samantha Wilson

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Home » Blog » Buy a boat » 5 best small sailboats for sailing around the world

5 best small sailboats for sailing around the world

By Author Fiona McGlynn

Posted on Last updated: April 19, 2023

A small sailboat can take you big places

Small sailboats are the ticket to going cruising NOW — not when you retire, save up enough money, or find the “perfect” bluewater cruising boat. In fact, it’s the first principle in Lin and Larry Pardey’s cruising philosophy: “Go small, go simple, go now.”

Small yachts can be affordable, simple, and seaworthy . However, you won’t see many of them in today’s cruising grounds. In three years and 13,000 nautical miles of bluewater cruising, I could count the number of under 30-foot sailboats I’ve seen on one hand (all of them were skippered by people in their 20s and 30s).

Today’s anchorages are full of 40, 50, and 60-foot-plus ocean sailboats, but that’s not to say you can’t sail the world in a small sailboat. Just look at Alessandro di Benedetto who in 2010 broke the record for the smallest boat to sail around the world non-stop in his 21-foot Mini 6.5 .

So long as you don’t mind forgoing a few comforts, you can sail around the world on a small budget .

What makes a good blue water sailboat

While you might not think a small sailboat is up to the task of going long distances, some of the best bluewater sailboats are under 40 feet.

However, if you’re thinking about buying a boat for offshore cruising, there are a few things to know about what makes a small boat offshore capable .

Smaller equals slower

Don’t expect to be sailing at high speeds in a pocket cruiser. Smaller displacement monohulls are always going to be slower than larger displacement monohulls (see the video below to learn why smaller boats are slower). Therefore a smaller cruiser is going to take longer on a given passage, making them more vulnerable to changes in weather.

A few feet can make a big difference over a week-long passage. On the last leg of our Pacific Ocean crossing, our 35-foot sailboat narrowly avoid a storm that our buddy boat, a 28-foot sailboat, couldn’t. Our friend was only a knot slower but it meant he had to heave to for a miserable three days.

Small but sturdy

If a pocket cruiser encounters bad weather, they will be less able to outrun or avoid it. For this reason, many of the blue water sailboats in this list are heavily built and designed to take a beating.

Yacht design has changed dramatically over the last 50 years. Today, new boats are designed to be light and fast. The small sailboats in our list are 30-plus year-old designs and were built in a time when weather forecasts were less accurate and harder to come by.

Back in the day, boat were constructed with thicker fiberglass hulls than you see in modern builds. Rigs, keels, rudders, hulls and decks – everything about these small cruising sailboats was designed to stand up to strong winds and big waves. Some of the boats in this post have skeg-hung rudders and most of them are full keel boats.

The pros and cons of pocket cruiser sailboats

Pocket cruiser sailboats present certain advantages and disadvantages.

More affordable

Their smaller size makes them affordable bluewater sailboats. You can often find great deals on pocket cruisers and sometimes you can even get them for free.

You’ll also save money on retrofits and repairs because small cruising sailboats need smaller boat parts (which cost a lot less) . For example, you can get away with smaller sails, ground tackle, winches, and lighter lines than on a bigger boat.

Moorage, haul-outs, and marine services are often billed by foot of boat length . A small sailboat makes traveling the world , far more affordable!

When something major breaks (like an engine) it will be less costly to repair or replace than it would be on a bigger boat.

Less time consuming

Smaller boats tend to have simpler systems which means you’ll spend less time fixing and paying to maintain those systems. For example, most small yachts don’t have showers, watermakers , hot water, and electric anchor windlasses.

On the flip side, you’ll spend more time collecting water (the low-tech way) . On a small sailboat, this means bucket baths, catching fresh water in your sails, and hand-bombing your anchor. Though less convenient, this simplicity can save you years of preparation and saving to go sailing.

Oh, and did I mention that you’ll become a complete water meiser? Conserving water aboard becomes pretty important when you have to blue-jug every drop of it from town back to your boat.

Easier to sail

Lastly, smaller boats can be physically easier to sail , just think of the difference between raising a sail on a 25-foot boat versus a 50-foot boat! You can more easily single-hand or short-hand a small sailboat. For that reason, some of the best solo blue water sailboats are quite petite.

As mentioned above small boats are slow boats and will arrive in port, sometimes days (and even weeks) behind their faster counterparts on long offshore crossings.

Consider this scenario: two boats crossed the Atlantic on a 4,000 nautical mile route. The small boat averaged four miles an hour, while the big boat averaged seven miles an hour. If both started at the same time, the small boat will have completed the crossing two weeks after the larger sailboat!

Less spacious

Living on a boat can be challenging — living on a small sailboat, even more so! Small cruising boats don’t provide much in the way of living space and creature comforts.

Not only will you have to downsize when you move onto a boat  you’ll also have to get pretty creative when it comes to boat storage.

It also makes it more difficult to accommodate crew for long periods which means there are fewer people to share work and night shifts.

If you plan on sailing with your dog , it might put a small boat right out of the question (depending on the size of your four-legged crew member).

Less comfortable

It’s not just the living situation that is less comfortable, the sailing can be pretty uncomfortable too! Pocket cruisers tend to be a far less comfortable ride than larger boats as they are more easily tossed about in big ocean swell.

Here are our 5 favorite small blue water sailboats for sailing around the world

When we sailed across the Pacific these were some of the best small sailboats that we saw. Their owners loved them and we hope you will too!

The boats in this list are under 30 feet. If you’re looking for something slightly larger, you might want to check out our post on the best bluewater sailboats under 40 feet .

Note: Price ranges are based on SailboatListings.com and YachtWorld.com listings for Aug. 2018

Albin Vega 27($7-22K USD)

The Albin Vega has earned a reputation as a bluewater cruiser through adventurous sailors like Matt Rutherford, who in 2012 completed a 309-day solo nonstop circumnavigation of the Americas via Cape Horn and the Northwest Passage (see his story in the documentary Red Dot on the Ocean ). 

• Hull Type: Long fin keel
• Hull Material: GRP (fibreglass)
• Length Overall:27′ 1″ / 8.25m
• Waterline Length:23′ 0″ / 7.01m
• Beam:8′ 1″ / 2.46m
• Draft:3′ 8″ / 1.12m
• Rig Type: Masthead sloop rig
• Displacement:5,070lb / 2,300kg
• Designer:Per Brohall
• Builder:Albin Marine AB (Swed.)
• Year First Built:1965
• Year Last Built:1979
• Number Built:3,450

Cape Dory 28 ($10-32K USD) 

This small cruising sailboat is cute and classic as she is rugged and roomy. With at least one known circumnavigation and plenty of shorter bluewater voyages, the Cape Dory 28 has proven herself offshore capable.

• Hull Type: Full Keel
• Length Overall:28′ 09″ / 8.56m
• Waterline Length:22′ 50″ / 6.86m
• Beam:8’ 11” / 2.72m
• Draft:4’ 3” / 1.32m
• Rig Type:Masthead Sloop
• Displacement:9,300lb / 4,218kg
• Sail Area/Displacement Ratio:52
• Displacement/Length Ratio:49
• Designer: Carl Alberg
• Builder: Cape Dory Yachts (USA)
• Year First Built:1974
• Year Last Built:1988
• Number Built: 388

Dufour 29 ($7-23K)

As small bluewater sailboats go, the Dufour 29 is a lot of boat for your buck. We know of at least one that sailed across the Pacific last year. Designed as a cruiser racer she’s both fun to sail and adventure-ready. Like many Dufour sailboats from this era, she comes equipped with fiberglass molded wine bottle holders. Leave it to the French to think of everything!

• Hull Type: Fin with skeg-hung rudder
• Length Overall:29′ 4″ / 8.94m
• Waterline Length:25′ 1″ / 7.64m
• Beam:9′ 8″ / 2.95m
• Draft:5′ 3″ / 1.60m
• Displacement:7,250lb / 3,289kg
• Designer:Michael Dufour
• Builder:Dufour (France)
• Year First Built:1975
• Year Last Built:1984

Vancouver 28 ($15-34K)

A sensible small boat with a “go-anywhere” attitude, this pocket cruiser was designed with ocean sailors in mind. One of the best cruising sailboats under 40 feet, the Vancouver 28 is great sailing in a small package.

• Hull Type:Full keel with transom hung rudder
• Length Overall: 28′ 0″ / 8.53m
• Waterline Length:22’ 11” / 6.99m
• Beam:8’ 8” / 2.64m
• Draft:4’ 4” / 1.32m
• Rig Type: Cutter rig
• Displacement:8,960lb / 4,064 kg
• Designer: Robert B Harris
• Builder: Pheon Yachts Ltd. /Northshore Yachts Ltd.
• Year First Built:1986
• Last Year Built: 2007
• Number Built: 67

Westsail 28 ($30-35K)

Described in the 1975 marketing as “a hearty little cruiser”, the Westsail 28 was designed for those who were ready to embrace the cruising life. Perfect for a solo sailor or a cozy cruising couple!

• Hull Type: Full keel with transom hung rudder
• Hull Material:GRP (fibreglass)
• Length Overall:28′ 3” / 8.61m
• Waterline Length:23’ 6” / 7.16m
• Beam:9’ 7” / 2.92m
• Displacement:13,500lb / 6,124kg
• Designer: Herb David
• Builder: Westsail Corp. (USA)
• Number Built:78

Feeling inspired? Check out the “go small” philosophy of this 21-year-old who set sail in a CS 27.

Fiona McGlynn is an award-winning boating writer who created Waterborne as a place to learn about living aboard and traveling the world by sailboat. She has written for boating magazines including BoatUS, SAIL, Cruising World, and Good Old Boat. She’s also a contributing editor at Good Old Boat and BoatUS Magazine. In 2017, Fiona and her husband completed a 3-year, 13,000-mile voyage from Vancouver to Mexico to Australia on their 35-foot sailboat.

Saturday 1st of September 2018

Very useful list, but incomplete - as it would necessarily be, considering the number of seaworthy smaller boats that are around.

In particular, you missed/omitted the Westerly "Centaur" and its follow-on model, the "Griffon". 26 feet LOA, bilge-keelers, weighing something over 6000 pounds, usually fitted with a diesel inboard.

OK, these are British designs, and not that common in the US, but still they do exist, they're built like tanks, and it's rumored that at least one Centaur has circumnavigated.

Friday 31st of August 2018

This is a helpful list, thank you. I don't think most people would consider a 28' boat a pocket cruiser, though!

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Small Sailboat Sizes: A Complete Guide

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

October 30, 2022

‍ Key Takeaways

• Small sailboats are easy to sail, rig, and are affordable
• They are usually under 20 feet to be considered small
• Might not fit a particular sailing goal

‍ There are plenty of small sailboat sizes to accommodate any sailing experience. But what kinds of small sailboats are there?

Small sailboats are generally under 20 feet in length, come in a variety of designs, and have different hulls. These include monohulls, catamarans, and trimarans. As long as they have a mast, rudder, sail, and are under 20 feet, it is considered a small sailboat.

According to experienced sailors that use a smaller boat, it is best to have one that is easy to handle and accommodates their sailing goals. When searching for the best small sailboat, it will likely differ from one person to the next.

Table of contents

‍ 23 Small Sailboats to Compare

When looking at different types of small sailboats, it is important to see how they are designed. Depending on the sailing goals a person has will ultimately affect how they intend to sail.

If I have a Hobie catamaran, I am likely going to use it for recreational purposes like coastal cruising instead of racing. For shallow drafts, I would need something that can handle entering that territory and not risk damaging a keel on some monohulls.

Marblehead Daysailer

The Marblehead 22 daysailer is a traditional looking monohull perfect for everything related to small sailboats. Even though it is compact, there is enough room for guests on board.

It has almost a 12 foot cockpit to seat several people, along with a stowaway cuddy in the front to put some gear into. With its bulb keel, however, I would not take it into shallow waters.

A Laser is a great small sailboat that is commonly raced. In fact, they have been used in the Olympics every year since 1996.

Laser’s have a tendency to capsize if mishandled by inexperienced sailors in rough conditions, but are good to learn how to sail. I would recommend taking them out on lighter days and calmer conditions.

Catalina Sport

The Catalina 22 Sport has earned the reputation for the best small sailboat for years. It has simple amenities for different sailing goals, but also has a retractable keel to allow for shoal draft exploration.

For a boat this size, it can sleep four people and has a swim ladder in the back. Sailors that are used to simple designs will be happy that it has a roller furling jib, a fractional rig, and a mainsail. For a boat that is under 25 feet, it is arguably the epitome of small sailboats.

Cape Cod Daysailer

The Daysailer by Cape Cod was a first of its kind back in the 1950’s. It could travel however a sailor saw fit, with capabilities of racing, cruising, or simple pleasure.

Roughly a thousand were built by various shipyards, but Cape Cod still continues to produce them. For a 16 foot sailboat, it packs a punch with an affordable price and enough room for a few people.

The BayRaider from Swallow Yachts is another great example of a small sailboat that is easy to navigate and to put on a trailer for transport. What I love about it is that just about all of the 20 feet of the boat is an open cockpit.

If I were consistently using it in rougher waters, I would recommend adding a spray hood to help keep sections of the boat dry. In addition, I would look for the option to add stability with 300 pounds of water ballast.

For those that enjoy a solo ride, the Beetle Cat is one to consider. This boat has a draft of two feet and is roughly 12 feet long, which makes it perfect for coastal cruising or much tighter spaces.

With its single gaff-rigged sail, it offers tons of power even with lighter air. It is also nice to use when the conditions become rough and it is easy to reef down.

West Wight Potter

The West Wight Potter has a particular model, the P19, that is on many sailors’ lists of great small sailboats. A lot of sailors prefer this boat due to a variety of features for its size.

At just under 20 feet, it has four berths, galley, sink, stove, and even a cooler. This boat also has closed-cell foam on the fore and aft, making it virtually unsinkable.

The Norseboat 17.5 is the perfect sailboat in mind when it comes to rowing and sailing. Whether it has one or two people, there is plenty of room to sail comfortably.

While it is not the best boat to probably have in rough conditions, I would likely use this to find coastal areas with good camping spots. With its excellent load capacity, there are plenty of opportunities to bring all kinds of gear without fear of weighing the boat down.

Even though the Montgomery 17 is advertised as a trailerable pocket cruiser, it packs a punch for a smaller sloop rig. It even comes with a centerboard keel that can be retracted to make the boat draft just two feet. This is great for those that want to cruise along the coast or beach it and go exploring.

The cuddy cabin has plenty of headroom and two bunks for guests. There are other models that Montgomery offers such as the 15 and 23, but the 17 is arguably the most attractive for tighter spaces navigating and the best bang for buck scenario.

The CW Hood 32 is somewhat misleading for a small sailboat since it is roughly 32 feet in length. However, sailors will only use about half of the boat in the cockpit with seating and navigating.

This boat is specifically designed for day sailing in mind, with nothing on board to distract anyone from sailing. It is a perfect sailboat for a family without being too large to handle.

The 17 foot and half Sun Cat from Com-Pac Yachts is a great looking small sailboat. With its gaff-rigged mainsail, it powers easily with light conditions.

It can be for solo sailing or a small group that wants to share twin six foot berths. It has a handful of amenities to make this a great boat to have on the weekend or small trips.

There was a time that the Sunfish was the most popular small sailboat in existence. But price and competition flooded the market and other top names are pushing them away from the top.

However, this might be a good opportunity to find one at a discount. The Sunfish is excellent for those wanting to day sail or learn how to sail, meaning anyone can enjoy time on the water with this simple 14 foot setup.

The Catalina 16.5 is considered the middle child between its models of 12.5 and the 22. It can come in two different models, one with a centerboard or another with a shoal draft fixed keel.

At slightly over 17 feet, the centerboard model can draft as low as five inches on the water or a little over four feet with the board down. It also features plenty of room in the cockpit and a waterproof hatch for storage.

For those that want a taste of stability from a catamaran and a small sailboat that is easy to trailer, a Hobie 16 is the right boat. Since 1969, there have been plenty of models from that brand but over 100,000 have been made with the 16 alone.

All catamarans can be beached, but some might need some attention beforehand to ensure so. For example, this one will need rudders kicked up before beaching.

The Hunter 15 is the pinnacle of simplicity and functionality. This boat, whether an experienced sailor or newbie is navigating, is one of the best boats without having to think too much about while underway.

With its kick up rudder, any sailor can relax as they enter shoal drafts. This 15 footer is great for day sailing since there are not any special features on board.

Super Snark

The Super Snark has been around since 1970 and has proven to be successful at just 11 feet in length. It is easy to transport, either on a trailer or on top of a vehicle.

The boat weighs just 50 pounds and has a payload capacity of about 310 pounds. For those that want a small unsinkable boat built for two people, it is hard to pass up a Super Snark.

Flying Scot

The Flying Scot is another great small sailboat that is just under 20 feet in length. Not much has changed since it was produced in 1957 with its sloop rig and spinnaker.

Even though it is a good racer for just one or two people, it can comfortably be used as a family boat for up to eight people. It also has a centerboard keel that can be retracted to make it have an eight inch draft.

RS Sailing typically builds racing dinghies, but the Venture model is a 16 footer that is great for those newer to sailing. This boat is commonly used in training classes across the U.S.

The cockpit can comfortably hold a handful of people or a group of smaller kids. It also features an outboard motor mount and a swim ladder in case anyone wants to take a swim.

The RS Sailing brand needs one more mention due to the amount of small sailboats they put out. The RS Aero, for example, is an award winning racing dinghy just shy of 14 feet that has been used in competitions all over the world.

It is not a boat that can be easily learned for a newbie to reach top speeds, but experienced racers love the performance it offers. It only seats one, but it is perfect for those that have sailing experience, whether they are young or old.

Topaz makes a variety of smaller sailboats, but the one that is most popular is the Taz. At just under 10 feet in length, it is one of the smaller sailboats out there that can accommodate an adult and maybe a small child.

This could also be used for larger boats that need a dinghy to make it to shore. For the price point, it will be difficult to ignore for a compelling dinghy.

The WRTango by WindRider is a perfect trimaran at 10 feet that is easy to sail and to transport. It is the smallest edition of trimarans offered by this brand, just behind the WR 16 and 17.

Since it has forward facing seating, steering with a foot pedal, and a lower center of gravity, sailors will feel like they are sitting in a kayak. It has a six inch draft, a single sail, and heavy duty outriggers that are designed to take a beating.

Minicat has a special line of inflatable catamarans available in various sizes. These come equipped with a multi-piece mast and even a trampoline, along with the inflatable hulls of course.

It is arguably the easiest small sailboat to travel with, as it can be put away in one or two bags for transport. As for sailing, it rivals the speeds and handle of other popular small catamarans.

Vancouver 28

The Vancouver 28 is outside the range of what would be considered a dinghy, but it still offers a lot of value for being a smaller bluewater sailboat. At 28 feet, there is a little something for everyone.

This boat is considered a pocket cruiser that can essentially go anywhere. For those that are trying to downsize from other larger sailboats, they should strongly consider a change with the Vancouver 28.

Pros and Cons to Small Sailboats

Small sailboats have become more popular over the last few decades. Smaller bluewater sailboats have a lot to like, but also present some disadvantages that might not fit into a sailor’s category to sail.

It is important to figure out what sailing goals a sailor wants to take part in. Whether it is cruising, weekend sailing, or day sailing, small sailboats are potentially a good fit.

There are a handful of pros to look at for small sailboats. The key is to find one that fits specific to a sailing goal, such as racing or cruising.

It is easy to see why small sailboats are common, especially since they cost much less than larger ones. They are even less expensive models if a sailor can find a used one.

Depending on how long a boat is will determine how much it costs to build. It is easier and costs less to make repairs on smaller boats since the damaged areas are smaller as well. So finding a small, yet functional sailboat will be the most cost effective.

Simpler Systems

Small sailboats are easier to maintain and have a lot less issues than larger boats. This is simply because they have a lot less to offer, such as a watermaker or an electric anchor windlass.

Some are just bare bones when it comes to sailing, while others have galleys or berths. Depending on the model and brand will determine how easy it is to maintain.

Easy to Sail

Inexperienced sailors often gravitate to smaller sailors simply because they are easier to sail. Imagine the difference between raising a sail between an 18 footer and a 48 footer, or even the difference between one or a few sails.

These boats are also meant for solo sailing or for smaller groups, making it easier to handle functions on board. These are also used in training schools that teach how to sail. There is also less stress on the boat in general, making it easier to maintain.

Easy to Rig

Whether a sailor wants to put a small sailboat on a trailer or the top of their car, no one can deny how convenient it is to move around. No special tricks are needed for these types of boats, as they are simple to put up once they are done being used.

When looking at the inflatable catamaran for example, it is one of the easiest to set up and put away. Larger boats require to be parked at a dock or will be more difficult to pull out of the water.

Easy to Find Parts

Every sailboat will need something replaced or fixed at some point. For small sailboats, it will be easier to find parts or replacement items because these boats are often made in bulk.

Smaller boats can be found everywhere and a lot were made back in the early 1950’s and 60’s. Some will have compatible parts to newer ones and the other way around.

As good as small sailboats might be to some, sailors might choose to look elsewhere if their sailing goals do not fit what a small sailboat offers. If sailors are simply wanting to get out on the water and not have a lot of amenities, this could work for them. So depending on what a sailor is expecting to get out of a boat makes the biggest difference.

Much Slower

If sailors were to travel the same distance at the same time in different sized boats, more often than not the large boat will win. While some small sailboats are only meant for racing, a lot of them are not meant to travel very fast.

The hull speed is in conjunction with the square root of the length of the water, meaning you need more hull to go faster. This could become an issue when trying to evade a storm and get to safety quickly.

Larger boats tend to average between seven to 10 knots while small sailboats average less. Depending on how much the difference is in length and sail area will determine the speed.

Not as Much Space

Small sailboats under 20 feet are difficult to live aboard or travel long distances with a lack of gear or food. There are some that can cater to one or two people for full time sailing, but these have limited space as well.

Unless sailors are able to effectively downsize from larger boats to smaller boats, there will likely be some issues with the amount of gear or other items they are taking on board. In addition, it makes it difficult to travel with a crew or even a pet.

Not as Comfortable

There will be some debate between how comfortable small sailboats are, but the argument can be made that they are not as comfortable as larger sailboats. Generally, anything over 20 feet is recommended to live aboard or engage in bluewater sailing long term.

For those that want to be as comfortable as possible while sailing, smaller sailboats might lack in that regard. Since there is not as much seating and a lack of a galley or berth, sailors might pass on small sailboats for comfort.

Why A Small Sailboat Could Be Beneficial

A variety of factors will contribute to a sailor wanting to select a specific boat to sail in. These include budget, sailing goals, and availability nearby. Small sailboats have proven to be effective for a variety of purposes.

For newer sailors, small sailboats are definitely the way to go to learn how to sail without blowing tons of money on a larger setup. After sailors have developed a comfortable amount of experience with their small sailboat or if their sailing goals have changed, then it would be ideal to move onto a larger boat to fit their needs.

Small sailboats definitely have their place in today’s market. From racers to cruisers, or daysailers to weekenders, small sailboats can fit any category that a sailor could possibly want to experience.

It is ultimately up to the individual on how they want to approach a small sailboat and its capabilities. In the best scenario, one should find a boat that is in good condition, is affordable for their budget, and is easy to handle based on their sailing goals.

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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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UK Sailboat Brands: The Top 21 Sailing Yachts and Brands of Britain

Published by sail on february 8, 2023 february 8, 2023.

The UK has a long history of excellence in shipbuilding and sailing, producing some of the most cutting-edge and stunning sailing ships in the world. There are several UK Sailboat Brands, each with a distinct specialty and set of talents. You can locate a firm in the UK that can match your needs whether you’re searching for a traditional wooden yacht, a contemporary GRP sailboat, or a custom-built power catamaran. The UK is a fantastic destination to find your next boat because of its rich nautical history, reputation for excellence, and commitment to innovation.

In this post, we’ll examine the top UK Sailboat Brands, each of which has distinctive characteristics and features.

One of Oyster Yachts’ flagship models, this magnificent yacht provides a roomy and opulent sailing experience. For discriminating sailors who appreciate comfort, style, and performance, the Oyster 885 is the ideal option thanks to its elegant lines, cutting-edge technology, and contemporary design.

A gorgeous sailing boa t from Spirit Yachts, the Spirit 100 offers a high-performance sailing experience with a dash of grace and beauty. This 100-foot yacht is perfect for sailing, racing, or just lounging on the water thanks to its lovely carbon-fiber hull and roomy deck.

Gunfleet 74

For individuals who desire the utmost in performance and luxury, Gunfleet Marine has created the exquisite Gunfleet 74 sailing yacht. The Gunfleet 74 is a top pick for sailors who desire the best of both worlds because of her svelte carbon-fiber hull, cutting-edge technology, and roomy living quarters.

A traditional sailing yacht by Rustler Yachts, the 44-foot Rustler provides a safe, pleasant, and traditional sailing experience. This 44-foot yacht has a stunning wooden hull, traditional lines, and cutting-edge technology, making it a great option for individuals who value sailing’s timeless beauty.

Discovery 67

A beautiful sailing yacht from Discovery Yachts, the Discovery 67 provides a roomy and comfortable sailing experience with a dash of innovation and ingenuity. This 67-foot sailing boat is the ideal option for individuals looking for a sailing yacht that stands out from the crowd thanks to its distinctive and inventive design, state-of-the-art technology, and roomy interior.

Arbor Yachts

The Arbor 26 is the company’s signature product, and Arbor Boats is a maker of wooden yachts. Another boat manufacturer in the UK is Blaxton Boats, which offers dayboats and yachts with sail and engine options. Modern GRP yachts between 35 and 48 feet in length are the focus of Bowman Yachts. The Parker 235 GRP daysailer, available from BP Sailboats, is ideal for individuals seeking a high-performance boat for day outings.

Bristol Classic Boat

Your boat will be distinctive and long-lasting thanks to the custom wooden boats and restoration services offered by Bristol Classic Boat Co. The 20-31 foot modern GRP yachts produced by British Hunter are well renowned for fusing traditional design with cutting-edge technology. Sailing and power catamarans are the company’s specialties, and they offer adaptable and sturdy boats for a variety of boating activities. Butler & Co. is a wooden boat builder that upholds the enduring beauty of wooden boats by providing traditional boatbuilding services.

If you want to have more details about UK sailboat brands then here you can find a comprehensive range of sailboat data for over 10000+ boats.

Cape Cutter

The CC19 traditional daysailer, a small and capable sailboat ideal for day voyages, is the focus of Cape Cutter, a UK Sailboat Brands boat manufacturer headquartered in the UK. Unique wooden yachts are created by Cockwells to the greatest standards and according to the requirements of their owners. A selection of GRP pilot-cutters and traditional-style GRP yachts, ranging in length from 17 to 43 feet, are available from Cornish Crabbers/Mystery. Wooden boats of the highest caliber that are both attractive and useful are made by David Moss.

Demon Yachts

Smaller yachts and keelboats are Demon Yachts’ specialty, and they are built to order to meet the individual requirements of their clients. Drascombe constructs traditional GRP yawls, offering vessels that fuse traditional design with contemporary engineering. Custom yacht builders Farrow & Chambers produce high-quality, long-lasting boats out of wood and epoxy. A variety of dinghies, dayboats, and kayaks are available from Fyne Boat Kits, making them ideal for individuals wishing to construct their own boats.

Gaffers & Luggers

The classic wooden working boats offered by Gaffers & Luggers range in length from 23 to 28 feet. The 43-foot modern GRP cruiser from Gunfleet Marine is ideal for individuals looking for a high-performance boat for longer voyages. With a focus on traditional GRP dayboats, Honnor Marine combines traditional design with cutting-edge engineering. Traditional wooden boat builder Ian B. Richardson upholds the enduring beauty of wooden boats.

British Hunter

The UK-based company British Hunter produces contemporary GRP yachts. Their boats, which range in length from 20 to 31 feet, are built for both comfort and efficiency. The newest materials and technology are used in the construction of British Hunter yachts to provide you with a comfortable and safe sailing experience. They are the ideal choice for individuals who want a boat that is simple to manage and that gives an exceptional sailing performance.

BroadBlue is also one of the UK Sailboat Brands. They offer catamarans for sailing and propulsion are their areas of expertise. In order to give you a safe and enjoyable sailing experience, their boats are made with the most up-to-date materials and technology and are designed to deliver exceptional performance and handling. Broadblue provides the ideal boat for your needs, whether you’re searching for a powerful and roomy power catamaran or a quick and maneuverable sailing catamaran.

Butler & Co

This specialized in making old-fashioned wooden boats. Their boats are created to the greatest levels of quality and craftsmanship, and they provide a variety of services, including new builds, restorations, and repairs. Butler & Co. can assist you in finding the ideal boat for your requirements, whether you’re looking for a historic boat that has been refurbished or a classic sailing yacht.

Blaxton Boats

A company called Blaxton Boats sells a variety of sail- and power-powered dayboats and yachts. You may be sure to discover a boat that meets your requirements and aesthetic preferences because they come in a range of sizes and types. In order to give you a safe and enjoyable sailing experience, their boats are made with the most up-to-date materials and technology and are designed to deliver exceptional performance and handling.

Bowman Yachts

Modern GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) boats are the focus of the UK-based company Bowman Yachts. Their boats, which range in length from 35 to 48 feet, are built for both comfort and efficiency. For individuals looking for a boat that combines historic style with contemporary technology and materials, Bowman Yachts are ideal, and their boats are constructed to the highest standards.

BP Sailboats

GRP daysailer boats are the company’s area of expertise. The Parker 235, a sleek and fashionable yacht ideal for day outings and weekend sailing excursions, is their most popular model. The Parker 235 is developed with the most up-to-date materials and technology to give you a pleasant and joyful sailing experience. It is designed to deliver exceptional performance and handling.

Stirling & Son

A UK-based business called Stirling & Son specializes in creating unique wooden ships. The company is dedicated to providing custom boats that satisfy each client’s particular demands and requirements, with a concentration on traditional designs and construction methods. They assist clients to realize their ideas by providing a full design and build service. One of the top wooden boat builders in the UK, Stirling & Son is renowned for its attention to detail and high-caliber craftsmanship.

Swallow Boats

This business specializes in the creation of Bay Cruisers. These boats include contemporary amenities and technologies while maintaining a timeless and traditional design. They are ideal for exploring the shoreline, inland waterways, or estuaries because they are built to be both functional and fashionable. Swallow Boats offers a variety of models, each with a distinctive style and set of characteristics, and can also build custom boats to satisfy certain needs.

Swallowtail Boatyard

There is yet another business that specialised in classic Norfolk Broads boats. They provide a variety of services, such as boat construction, maintenance, and rental. Because Swallowtail Boatyard is dedicated to upholding the history and customs of the Norfolk Broads, their boats are made in a manner that reflects this. Their boats are renowned for their fine craftsmanship and attention to detail, and they employ traditional methods and materials.

T. Nielsen & Company

This business specializes in the construction and repair of tall ships. They provide the whole spectrum of services, from the initial concept to the final building and launch. With years of expertise in building and renovating tall ships, T. Nielsen & Company’s team of talented craftsmen and engineers guarantees that every job is executed to the highest standards. They are dedicated to conserving the UK’s maritime legacy and have worked on a variety of projects, from major commercial vessels to tiny traditional sailing ships.

Voyaging Yachts

Custom sailing yacht design and construction are the focus of the UK-based business Voyaging Yachts. They provide a wide variety of services, including design, construction, and refitting, and their team of professionals can assist clients in realizing their ideas. With years of experience producing high-quality sailing yachts, Voyaging Yachts is dedicated to providing clients with custom boats that are tailored to their individual requirements. They are renowned for their attention to detail, superior craftsmanship, and creative designs, and sailors from all over the world like their yachts.

In conclusion, these UK Sailboat Brands are just a fraction of the amazing sailing ships built by Britain’s skilled shipbuilders. You’re sure to discover the ideal yacht among these high-caliber ships, whether you’re searching for performance, luxury, or just a gorgeous sailing experience. Why then wait? Start your next sailing journey right away to experience the finest Britain has to offer.

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On boatsforsale.co.uk you will find a huge range of Sail and Sailing Boats for sale from all the leading manufactures such as Sarum, Hunter, Jeanneau, Colvic and Beneteau plus many other leading brands. Why not have a browse and find your dream sail boat today.

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• ALLIAURA MARINE PRIVILEGE 495 for sale

• Category: Sailing Boats, Catamaran Built: 2007 Length: 14.95 m Country: Guadeloupe City: Marina Bas-du-Fort (Pointe-à-Pitre/Le Gosier), Poi
• € 480,000.00
• Bali Catamarans BALI 4.3 for sale

• Category: Sailing Boats, Catamaran Built: 2018 Length: 13.1 m Country: Greece City: Athènes, Athènes, GREECE
• € 485,000.00
• Nautitech NAUTITECH 46 FLY for sale

• Category: Sailing Boats, Catamaran Built: 2018 Length: 13.79 m Country: Greece City: Athènes, Athènes, GREECE
• € 530,000.00
• Lagoon LAGOON 450 LAGOON 450 F for sale

• Category: Sailing Boats, Catamaran Built: 2017 Length: 13.96 m Country: Greece City: Athènes, Athènes, GREECE
• € 505,000.00

• Category: Sailing Boats, Catamaran Built: 2016 Length: 13.96 m Country: Greece City: Athènes, Athènes, GREECE
• Lagoon LAGOON 42 for sale

• First launched in France in 2021, and now berthed in Noumea, \'Vaite\' is a one owner, current model Lagoon 42 in excellent condition and exclusively for sale with YOTI. Ordered as a three cabin owners\' version this 42 was specified with the larger Yanmar 57hp diesels, a 1220w Victron solar array on a custom solar arch, invertor and a good-sized battery bank allowing easy and self-sufficient blue water cruising. Her layout is perfect for family/couples cruising. She has a dedicated owners\' hull to starboard with a large island berth, upgraded additional storage and full and spacious heads compartment in the bow. In the port hull are two other cabins each with their own heads with showers. Vaite was ordered with a full suite of B&G instrumentation including plotter, radar and AIS all displayed at the helm. Her helm station was upgraded with a composite bimini cover and a full cover package both from the factory. She has also been specified with a full wardrobe of cruising sails and safety equipment designed for extended, safe and comfortable passage making. Freshly antifouled in January 2024, Vaite is ready to set sail.  Reprise de LOA possible pour les résidents français - current lease finance agreement can be transferred to a French resident buyer. Contact us for more details. Please contact Tim Vine to discuss this very well cared for, current and complete 2021 Lagoon 42.
• Category: Sailing Boats, Catamaran Built: 2021 Length: 12.8 m City: Nouméa, Nouméa, New Caledonia
• € 555,000.00
• Bavaria BAVARIA 40 for sale

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• Custom GULET SEA JOGGER 25M for sale

• Ref.-BYV2312007 Discover this schooner for sale SEA JOGGER that combines classic elegance with modern comforts, designed by Sparkman & Stephens and offering an incomparable sailing experience. This schooner has a length of 25 meters and a beam of 5.91 meters. With its classic lines and high quality finishes, this schooner is a masterpiece in itself. Every detail has been carefully designed to create a timeless aesthetic that captures attention in any port. She was built in 1989 and underwent two major refits in 2007 and 2014. Designed to deliver exceptional performance on the water, this schooner ensures smooth and stable sailing. Her hull design and advanced navigation technology make every crossing a pleasant and safe experience. Accommodating 12 guests during the day and 6 during the night, this gulet has three well-appointed cabins combining luxury and comfort (1 master, 1 vip and 1 double) with en-suite bathrooms with electric toilets. Every detail has been thought out to ensure not only a high-end sailing experience, but also a comfortable and relaxing stay. In addition, she has accommodation for a crew of 3 people.She is powered by a Mercedes 240HP engine with a consumption of 20 liters/hour. It has a 24KW ONAN generator and a 9KW CUMMINS auxiliary generator. Her mast and sail rigging consists of 2 masts with 2 mainsails, 1 genoa sail and 1 jib. Her galley equipment includes freezers, refrigerators, ice maker, oven and grill, fresh orange juice machine, complete galley equipment, etc.Her extra equipment includes WiFi, music system, CD player, music system in salon and on deck, air conditioning, TV in all cabins and 24V/220V electrical outlets, water heater, watermaker and complete safety equipment, etc. This gulet has been maintained to the highest standards, ensuring that she is ready to sail at any time. Every component has been checked and cared for to ensure reliable and long lasting performance.Equipment:- Mercedes 240HP engine- ONAN 24KW main generator- Auxiliary generator CUMMINS 9KW- 2 masts with 2 mainsails + 1 genoa sail + 1 headsail- Dinghy- Davits- Freezers- Refrigerators- Ice machine- Oven/Microwave- Grill- Orange juice machine- WiFi- CD player- Music system- Air conditioning- TV in all cabins- Water heater- Watermaker- Complete safety equipment- Complete electronic navigation equipment
• Category: Sailing Boats, Schooner Built: 1989 Length: 25 m Country: Turkey City: Marmaris, Marmaris, TURKEY
• € 975,000.00
• Moody MOODY 62 DS for sale

• Category: Sailing Boats, Sloop Built: 2011 Length: 19.3 m Country: Turkey City: Bozburun, TURKEY
• € 950,000.00
• FORMOSA 46 for sale

•  Vessel has gone through various costly upgrades since acquired in 2019, has no sign of osmosis and is very well maintained, she is ideal for live aboard or for daily high end tours. Seakeeping and rigid construction for safe passages, ample natural light in interior, a modernized yacht for the ones that love classic sailing yachts DISCLAIMERThe Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice. 5% plus VAT commission will be charged to the buyer.Mediazione del 5% + IVA a carico dell\'acquirente.
• Category: Sailing Boats, Sloop Built: 1982 Length: 14 m Country: Greece City: Grecia, Atene, GREECE
• € 95,000.00
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Better Sailing

Best Sailing Destinations in the UK

On a sailing holiday throughout the UK, you will be out on the open sea, soak up the sun, and discover new areas along UK’s coasts. You will enjoy this historic British pastime across the country, from Salcombe and Brighton to the wild Kyles of Bute in Scotland and the Hebrides Archipelago. Even if you are a beginner sailor or an expert one. In Britain, there are hundreds of great spots to sail. And, thousands of miles of lochs and stunning beaches just waiting to be discovered. So, where should you go sailing in the UK? In this article, I’m going to list the best sailing destinations in the UK in order to help you choose one or just all of them!

The Hebrides Islands

Scotland and its islands, with more than 10,000 kilometers of gorgeous shoreline, offer something for everyone; history, wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and world-class whisky. Many believe that Scotland’s 750 magnificent islands are the crown jewels of the country’s vast coastline. There you will find secluded sea lochs, and sheltering coves, many of which are unreachable by land. Six new marinas have opened along the island’s east coast, from Stornoway to Barra, giving sailors plenty of options.

You can choose between fully serviced first-rate facilities or remote wilderness anchorages thanks to the network of marinas. The bustling Hebridean capital of Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, through Tarbert and Scalpay in Harris, Lochmaddy and Lochboisdale in Uist and beyond to the southernmost islands of Vatersay and Mingulay. You can do island-hopping to all of these and also sail down the more sheltered east coast. The west coast has white sand beaches, water lochs, and small island groups for the more adventurous. From there, you can sail to the renowned World Heritage Site of St Kilda.

The Sea of the Hebrides offers distant landscapes, historic monuments, indigenous cultures, and spectacular fauna. From the white sands of Iona to the lovely isles of Arran, Rum, Jura, and Islay. On the west coast, there’s also the Firth of Clyde on the mouth of the river Clyde. It is protected by the Kintyre peninsula and an archipelago of craggy islands.

The weather on Scotland’s west coast is notorious for its wrath. The region is located downwind of the Icelandic low-pressure zone, the Northern Hemisphere’s main weather maker, at 56 to 58 degrees north latitude. So, the best time to sail there is preferably in early summer, more specifically in May and June. And, as Scottish people say, there is no such thing as terrible weather in Scotland; only incorrect clothing.

The Broads, Norfolk and Suffolk

Many sailors select the Norfolk Broads for a sailing voyage. This is because it is one of the most photographed landscapes in the UK and a wildlife haven. The Broads are a 300-kilometer-long system of rivers and lakes. They provide plenty of space for you to enjoy some peace and quiet in this amazing natural setting. There are several ways to experience these calm reed-lined canals, whether by kayak, canoe, sailing boat, etc. The man-made Broads, a National Park with over 125 miles of navigable lock-free waterways is stunning countryside and it is interspersed with attractive and scenic towns and villages. It is, perhaps, Norfolk’s most famous feature. There are lots of spots to moor and hop out to explore charming villages and market towns. And, of course, visit a welcome pub, along the meandering canals.

The market village of Acle is the starting point for exploring the Norfolk Broads. The Norfolk Broads offer a unique sailing experience compared to the others on this list. This site has about 200 square kilometers of navigable rivers wide enough for sailing. This feature makes it a more unique sailing destination in the United Kingdom. The seas are as tranquil as may be due to their inland location. Sailing is one of the greatest ways to experience the Broads. This is because it allows you to glide over the marsh beauty and search out remote spots. For more demanding sailing conditions, head to the more active Norfolk coastline and settlements like Blakeney and Brancaster Staithe.

New Quay, Ceredigion, Wales

Many sailboats choose to explore the sheltered bay of New Quay. The beaches of New Quay stretch in a golden arc across the bay, perfect for relaxing and for coastal sailing. People visit New Quay in Ceredigion for a variety of reasons. Mostly because of its long, sandy beach, gorgeous harbor, and resident dolphins. The annual Cardigan Bay Regatta, which has been organized since the 1870s, is one of the area’s most well-known sailing events.

Milford Haven, Wales

Milford Haven’s estuary position and stunning natural harbor are what make it so beautiful. Furthermore, Milford Haven Waterway is noted for its diversity; there’s plenty of protected water for beginners, but the waterway’s mouth offers more demanding conditions. It is a European Marine Special Area of Conservation and a one-of-a-kind landscape in Wales. Milford Haven Waterway, Daugleddau Estuary, and Pembrokeshire Cliffs are all included in this single place. Note that the place was formerly a valley before being flooded at the end of the Ice Age, becoming one of the world’s deepest natural harbors. It is also Wales’ largest estuary, merging with the Daugleddau estuary upstream of the Cleddau Bridge to form the Daugleddau estuary. You may cruise along the spectacular Pembrokeshire cliffs, which are also home to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, after you leave the constraints of the waterway and estuary.

Balmaha, Glasgow

While officially only a village, Balmaha is the only direct way to Loch Lomond, and Loch Lomond is a great location for a fantastic sailing adventure in the United Kingdom. Despite being inland, this stretch of water in Scotland is a popular watersports destination around the world. The loch is the greatest stretch of inland water in the United Kingdom, with ideal sailing conditions. Loch Lomond enjoys a variety of circumstances, ranging from inlets and islands to wide water, particularly on the east bank near Milarrochny Bay. There is something for everyone, whether you want to sail along the longer sections or spend time visiting the islands.

Yorkshire is a diverse and interesting county with a wide range of sailing clubs along its coastline. The best part about sailing in Yorkshire is the magnificent scenery; the views can be really breathtaking. Many of Yorkshire’s sailing options are found in maintained lakes high in the hills, which means plenty of windy days and plenty of sailing time. The Yorkshire coastline also offers some wonderful sailing opportunities, as well as some literary legends, such as Whitby, the landing location of Count Dracula in England.

There isn’t a single spot in Cornwall where you should sail because there are so many great mooring spots and things to do. Cornwall is a sailors’ paradise when it comes to sailing places. Explore the beautiful Isles of Scilly, visit well-known smugglers’ coves, or grab a surfboard and join the thriving surfing scene. Falmouth is a lovely seaside town with a big harbor, popular sights such as Pendennis Castle, and a variety of independent shops and cafés along Falmouth High Street. If you prefer to stay on the water, Cornwall is noted for its dolphin sightings. There have been reports of Porbeagle Shark sightings, although they are extremely rare.

Padstow is endowed with spectacular landscape, big flocks of wading birds, and towering cliffs that are ideal for walking because of its location on the Camel Estuary. Chef Rick Stein, who owns a number of restaurants in Padstow’s small-town core, is responsible for some of the area’s popularity. If you’re searching for a sailing vacation with great meals, this is the place to go. There are plenty of places to eat local fish in the evenings. You can also sail to the estuary to neighboring Rock or Polzeath, where there are even more restaurants, surfing, and fewer people.

Dartmouth, Devon

Dartmouth has earned a reputation as a sailing paradise due to its unusual location at the confluence of the River Dart and the sea. Exploring the river by boat is a fantastic way to experience the scenery from a unique perspective. And, the choice of river or open sea sailing ensures some exciting days out. Dartmouth is one of the top sailing ports in the West Country, with a diverse range of sailing sports. The Dartmouth Royal Regatta Sailing Week, in particular, is a week-long regatta honoring Dartmouth’s maritime ties.

Portsmouth, Hampshire

Portsmouth is home to considerably larger, renowned, and historical boats such as the Mary Rose and the HMS Victory, as well as several mooring opportunities for small sailing boats. Moreover, there are plenty of fantastic locations to dine and have fun in Portsmouth. Next to the harbor lies Gunwharf Quays, which has a variety of shops and eateries to visit before setting sail for your next destination. Portsmouth is the place to go if you’re looking for a thrill. Because it is the UK’s only island city, it is surrounded by water, providing numerous opportunities for watersports. Portsmouth Watersports Centre offers a variety of activities for individuals looking for an athletic vacation, from powerboating to 13-meter climbing walls.

Channel Islands

These lovely islands are located on the English Channel, right off the coast of France. Sailing between Guernsey, Jersey, and Alderney is a short, peaceful cruise that provides enough challenge for enthusiastic and adventurous sailors. You will explore the various marine life the Channel Islands have to offer from one of the numerous protected areas along the coast if you have the proper technical clothing and equipment. Due to the effect of warmer water from the Gulf Stream, Basking Sharks, sometimes known as gentle giants, are prominent throughout the Channel Islands, as well as a diversified coral reef.

Brighton Marina is the UK’s largest marina, so you’ll have plenty of room to moor while you explore this exciting city. The Laines, Brighton’s cobblestoned highstreets, are noted for their unique mix of independent local shops and fantastic cuisine restaurants. The i360, the world’s tallest moving observation tower, is a new addition to Brighton. There is a thriving cuisine, music, and art culture in this city, and there is enough to see and do there. In addition, Brighton’s sailing choices emphasize learning. Meaning that there are courses are tailored for a variety of ability and experience levels. Brighton Marina is a safe area to learn before venturing out into the open water without supervision.

Isles of Scilly

The continuous hammering of massive swells pouring in from the Atlantic Ocean has resulted in a plethora of spectacular, rocky coasts on the Isles of Scilly — steep rock walls and deep inlets. It’s made up of five inhabited islands: St. Mary’s, St. Martin’s, St. Agnes, Bryher, and Tresco (with its world-famous Tresco Abbey Garden). Large lengths of uninhabited white sandy beaches, rocky coves, spectacular seascapes, incredible ancient sites, beautiful hikes and landscapes along miles of coastline and nature trails may all be found on these magnificent islands. The entire archipelago is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and it’s easy to see why!

Peter is the editor of Better Sailing. He has sailed for countless hours and has maintained his own boats and sailboats for years. After years of trial and error, he decided to start this website to share the knowledge.

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Channel crossings: More than 5,000 people have arrived in UK on small boats in 2024 as record start to year continues

Seven boats - bearing 349 people - arrived on Saturday 30 March, and 442 on nine craft the next day. This year has already recorded the busiest first quarter on record for crossings, which will make Rishi Sunak's pledge to "stop the boats" even more complicated.

Political reporter

Sunday 31 March 2024 17:32, UK

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The number of people to have arrived in the UK on small boats has risen above 5,000 by the end of March for the first time.

More than 100 small boats have crossed the Channel this year, according to government figures.

The January to March period of 2024 had already proven to be the busiest first quarter for crossings on record .

Seven boats - bearing 349 people - arrived on Saturday 30 March. That took the total number of vessels to have made past 100.

On Sunday 31 March 442 people in nine craft crossed, meaning more than 5,000 people have crossed this year.

The uptick in crossings will make Rishi Sunak 's "pledge" to stop the boats even trickier to fulfil before the general election.

James Cleverly , the home secretary, sent a warning to the Church of England over the Easter weekend about asylum seekers using religious conversion to avoid being returned to their home countries.

The row has come to prominence following the Abdul Ezedi case , where convicted sex offender Ezedi was granted asylum after a judge accepted he had converted to Christianity.

Ezedi was later the prime suspect in a chemical attack in London earlier this year. His body was recovered from the River Thames after a manhunt.

Writing in The Sun On Sunday, Mr Cleverly said: "Even the church has said they share our mission to stop the boats.

"We have met with the senior church leaders to explain Christian conversion is no guarantee of asylum being granted and we've stressed there is a real difference between welcoming new members to a flock and vouching for a person in an asylum tribunal."

He added: "Allowing people to exploit the system risks detracting from the invaluable work Christians and the church do every day for our society - today of all days."

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby used his Easter Sunday sermon to preach that "evil and pain" must be confronted - "whether it is the evil of people smugglers, or county lines in our schools, or the pain and suffering in a family riven with grief or rage or substance abuse".

He added that the "church is not party political".

Some 26 Church of England bishops - including Mr Welby - sit in the House of Lords as Lords Spiritual.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

They have been criticised for opposing the government's Rwanda plan, which seeks to deport all asylum seekers to Rwanda.

Mr Welby said in a debate in January that " we can as a nation do better " - and has said there is "no evidence" to support claims the Church of England is "subverting the asylum system" by allowing spurious conversions to Christianity.

Labour said the latest crossing figures show "there is a major tragedy waiting to happen".

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• James Cleverly
• Migrant crossings
• Rishi Sunak

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Rishi Sunak’s pledge to ‘stop the boats’ in tatters as Channel crossings top 5,000 in record start to 2024

Total of 5,435 asylum seekers arrived via small boats in the uk this year, home office figures showed, a 43 per cent increase from the same period last year, article bookmarked.

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Rishi Sunak ’s pledge to “stop the boats” is in tatters after figures showed a record number of migrants crossed the Channel in the first three months of 2024.

A total of 5,435 asylum seekers arrived via small boats in the UK this year, Home Office figures showed, a 43 per cent increase from the same time last year .

The figure is also around a fifth higher than the total by this point in 2022 , the year which saw the highest number of small boat crossings on record.

The total number of arrivals soared over the weekend amid calm weather in the Channel, making it the busiest Easter bank holiday weekend for Channel crossings on record.

Shadow immigration minister Stephen Kinnock said the Conservatives had “overseen an unprecedented level of dangerous Channel crossings this Easter bank holiday”.

Mr Kinnock said: “Over the Christmas break, they were quick to claim credit for the low number of crossings, so where are the home secretary and prime minister now, when we’ve seen almost 800 people arrive in small boats over the bank holiday weekend?”

After Christmas, James Cleverly boasted on social media that “there were no small boat arrivals over Christmas for the first time since they started in 2018”.

Mr Kinnock added: “This is complete chaos. It’s time the Tories got a grip.”

The Labour MP called for the government to adopt his party’s plan to chase people smuggling gangs and set up a new returns and enforcement unit.

Last January Mr Sunak set out his five pledges to voters, with one of them being to “stop the boats”.

A key plank of the strategy is the scheme to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, but the legislation to implement that plan was not passed before Easter because peers inflicted a series of defeats on the government and ministers did not seek to rush it through before parliament’s recess.

It will now be considered by MPs when parliament resumes on 15 April, with the Commons likely to undo the latest changes made by the Lords and send it back to the upper chamber.

The PM has claimed his plan to stop Channel crossings is working, as numbers fell by a third last year. But critics blamed poorer weather, and have seized on the record start to 2024 as evidence the pledge will not be met.

Illegal migration minister Michael Tomlinson said: “While Labour continue to snipe from the sidelines at our plan to tackle illegal migration, it is clear that they have no plan at all.

“In fact, Labour voted 118 times against measures that the Conservatives have created to secure our borders, and when Starmer chose his five missions for government there was no mention of immigration whatsoever. The numbers of illegal migrants would only go up under Labour who are determined to scrap a working deterrent in the Rwanda plan.

“By sticking to the plan, the Conservatives have brought small boats arrivals down by a third and 24,000 people were returned last year with more being removed every week. We need to stick to our plan, or we will go back to square one with Labour.”

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Horrific dangers that migrants face crossing the Channel revealed in new reports

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British rescuers plucked casualties from the water and came to the aid of small boats packed with almost 90 people at a time in the Channel and North Sea last year.

The crews attended dangerously overloaded dinghies attempting to make the perilous journey despite the French authorities tracking the crossings on nearly all occasions.   

In some instances, the occupants were taken back to British ports despite the flimsy boats having been spotted leaving French beaches in the direction of the UK. 

Logs obtained by Metro.co.uk show the atrocious state of the dinghies attempting to cross one of the world’s busiest shipping straits, with the rescuers having to pluck people from the water and navigate a notorious stretch of the North Sea.  

Rishi Sunak has made ‘stopping the boats’ a key plank of his premiership, signing a new multi-year financial package with France to stem the crossings and pressing on with the controversial Rwanda deportation scheme.   

However the logs released by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) after a Freedom of Information Act request by Metro.co.uk show large groups facilitated by people-smuggling gangs have continued to attempt crossings triggering multi-agency responses.

In the biggest single incident disclosed, 89 people, including ‘many children’, were recovered by the Border Force’s Ranger catamaran and taken to the Western Jet Foil holding facility in Dover.

The overcrowded dinghy was ‘accompanied by French vessel Apollo Moon’ on September 4 last year, according to the log. Some of those onboard were said to be ‘standing in the middle’ of the tightly packed vessel.

The boat had been spotted by French police and was tracked by the French authorities before British rescuers took responsibility for those onboard.

An urgent call came 10 days later when Kent police received distress calls from migrants in a notorious stretch of the North Sea who said that water was coming in through a hole in their boat, which had children on board.

The Ranger, supported by a drone, three sister vessels and an RNLI lifeboat, attended as a report came in of ‘persons in the water’.  

One update records the moment the mission entered a ‘distress phase’ due to the stricken boat being in ‘grave and imminent danger’.

One of the occupants who got through to the police was recorded as saying, ‘hello hello help me please’.   

Amid ‘windy and frantic’ conditions, the Ranger crew rescued 72 people from the boat and water near East Goodwin Lightvessel, which marks the treacherous Goodwin Sands, and transferred them to Ramsgate Harbour.   

Another major response involved the Border Forces’ Hurricane catamaran rescuing 75 people attempting to transit the Dover Strait.

The small boat was first spotted by the French authorities to the south of the beaches near Boulogne, according to the incident report.   

Raising the alarm, the occupants said there was ‘water in the boat and people in the water’. The vessel appeared to be having engine problems before the UK rescuers, including two Border Force vessels, a Coastguard helicopter and a drone, intervened after it had moved into their search and rescue zone while still outside UK territorial waters. 

One or more of the migrants jumped from the dinghy to get to the British ship because they were ‘impatient’ and the vessel was ‘overcrowded and in a poor state’, according to an update logged to the Hurricane. 

The small boat had been shadowed by French vessel Abeille Normandie which was the first rescue vessel on scene, the log shows.

In total, the MCA released 28 reports of rescues involving 70 people or more attempting to make the journey to the UK from France.   

The launches have continued despite the prime minister’s pledge and a series of tragedies which most recently included the deaths of five people trying to get into a boat which overturned in freezing water.

The loss of life occurred in the early hours of January 14 this year near Wimereux beach, Pas-de-Calais, according to local media reports.  

The MCA’s disclosure led to calls from two organisations for safe routes to enable people to claim asylum in the UK without risking their lives.

Asli Tatliadim, head of campaigns at Refugee Action, said: ‘People continue to squeeze into unsafe boats to cross the Channel because the government refuses to open safe routes for people to reach the UK to seek asylum.

‘No amount of expensive, unworkable and hostile deterrence policies such as its grim deal with the government of Rwanda will change that fact.’ 

Steve Ballinger, director of think-tank British Futures, told Metro.co.uk that ‘humanitarian visas’ could be part of a solution to breaking the grip people- smugglers hold on migrant flows.  

Mr Ballinger said: ‘Dangerous journeys across the Channel are nobody’s idea of a safe or effective asylum system. Threatening to detain and deport everyone who crosses the Channel makes news headlines, but it’s neither a workable nor a humane solution.   

‘Most of the public don’t think it will act as a deterrent. It’s time to look at new, practical approaches to asylum – including humanitarian visas that provide a safe route for people to claim asylum in the UK, undermining the business model of people smugglers.’  

In March last year, the prime minister announced that the UK would help to fund a new detention centre in France, with the French authorities deploying more personnel and enhanced technology, including drones and aircraft, to patrol beaches. 

Around £478 million was pledged over the following three years to pay for the plans, which were part of a package of measures also including work to combat people-trafficking gangs.

At the time, Mr Sunak reiterated that he had ‘made it one of my five priorities to stop the boats’ and the new deal meant ‘we have gone further than ever before to put an end to this disgusting trade in human life’.

The move, announced after Mr Sunak met French president Emmanuel Macron in Paris, followed a £55 million cross-Channel deal the previous year, which made provisions for increased security patrols and surveillance.   

However a record number of small boat crossings has been recorded this year. The number of people arriving in Britain via the Channel in the first three months of 2024 rose to 5,435 — a 43% increase on the same timeframe the previous year.  

The Home Office maintains that 550,000 people have made safe and legal passage to the UK since 2015 and a wide range of measures has been taken on all fronts to tackle the crossings since Mr Sunak took office. 

A spokesperson for the department said: ‘The unacceptable number of people who continue to cross the Channel demonstrates exactly why we must get flights to Rwanda off the ground as soon as possible.

‘We continue to work closely with French police who are facing increasing violence and disruption on their beaches as they work tirelessly to prevent these dangerous, illegal and unnecessary journeys.

‘We remain committed to building on the successes that saw arrivals drop by more than a third last year, including tougher legislation and agreements with international partners, in order to save lives and stop the boats.’ 

The RNLI has also been involved in rescues as an independent charity that answers emergency calls from Her Majesty’s Coastguard.

In turn, the latter is part of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. 

An MCA spokesperson said: ‘HM Coastguard works with the French Coastguard in the English Channel to ensure people are recovered as safely as possible. HM Coastguard will continue to respond to those in distress at sea and in coastal areas of the UK, in accordance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea.’

MORE : Coastguard logs reveal ‘panic’ and people overboard on small boats crossing English Channel

MORE : Brother’s ‘heart is breaking’ as footballer remains missing a year on from Channel disaster

MORE : British crews backed by drones rescued 500 people from Channel in one day

MORE : French patrol ship ‘escorted small boats into UK waters for major rescues’

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Undeterred, unfazed, and uninterrupted: French police watch on as migrants cross Channel illegally

• Friday 12 April 2024 at 11:40am

Peter Smith

ITV News Correspondent

Evidence shared exclusively with ITV News shows that the large sums of government money poured into policing small boat crossings on the French side of the Channel, are failing to control the problem, Peter Smith reports

British-funded French police have been filmed watching as migrants board small boats to illegally cross the English Channel, an ITV News investigation can reveal.

Our team were near Dunkirk at a well-known launching point for the small boats, when a group of more than 50 migrants were able to cross the beach and get onto a dinghy directly in front of French officers, apparently unimpeded.

This occurred despite a £500m investment from the UK government as part of a three-year agreement with the French, which is supposed to help them stop these crossings.

The money is to be used on vehicles and surveillance equipment such as drones.

ITV News witnessed this hardware, which is paid for by Britain, being actively used by the French as they let the migrants pass them by.

The boat they boarded was already on its way to the UK and appeared full when it performed an audacious U-turn and headed back towards the beach where police were standing.

Brazenly, the boat was able to pick up these additional passengers, seemingly unconcerned by the police presence.

Migrants, including some holding children, are filmed running across the beach into a dinghy on the French coast

The dinghy became dangerously overloaded, with one French officer heard giving an estimate of 100 people in total onboard by the time it left France.

The UK Border Force dispatched a vessel to pick the people up in the Channel.

We filmed as they eventually arrived at the port in Dover, where they are already being processed - any claims for asylum being considered.

This evidence casts further doubt on the ability of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to deliver on his pledge to ‘stop the boats.’

It also raises questions for the French government about its commitment to a multi-million pound agreement being paid for by the UK.

There were two other attempted crossings filmed by ITV News in this one area on the same morning.

One group of around 45 were found hiding in the sand dunes before they could get to the beach.

They were rounded up by police, but nobody was arrested or questioned.

Instead they were led back to their camp near Dunkirk, from where they are free to continue trying again to cross the Channel.

Another boat was stopped - not because French police blocked it but because the dinghy sank.

French police told ITV News that on the day of filming, officers intercepted more than 600 migrants attempting to cross and made two arrests for suspected human trafficking.

The force added that it has to take the risk of physical assault against its officers on the beaches into consideration. It added that it has a policy of not interfering when people are in the water in order to prevent causing further chaos that could lead to drownings.

French police insist that they did attempt to intercept migrants, but evidence uncovered by ITV News still raises important questions on both sides of the Channel, as Peter Smith explains

Smugglers have started a new tactic to launch boats from the canals of northern France, rather than beaches, to evade police. But the canals have particular dangers.

All 40 people on the sinking boat had tried to jump out to save their lives, but they then became stuck, neck-deep in the muddy banks of the canal and had to be rescued.

A child died in the same canal just last month, but even death has not deterred other families trying.

Among those who were pulled to safety were Vietnamese migrants, trying to reach the UK where they would be put to work illegally in nail bars and cannabis farms, as highlighted in a previous ITV News investigation.

We went into a camp for Vietnamese near Dunkirk - about 50 people are there, living in tents, hiding from rain and police in the forest.

One man tells us he’s here because he owes a debt to the mafia in Vietnam.

He says they’re charging 4% interest per week, and they’ve taken control of his house.

I TV News have investigated Vietnam's people smuggling industry - starting in villages where these journeys begin, and following the route taken through Europe. Peter Smith reports

“Eventually they gave me an ultimatum,” he says.

“Either I goes to there to work for them and repay the debt, or they’ll sell my wife’s organs.”

Selling kidneys on the black market in Vietnam is a known practice, especially for impoverished families trying to clear a debt.

The UK is now specifically targeting Vietnam with a social media campaign.

A series of advertisements warn about the exploitation from gangs, the horrendous conditions in camps, and the dangers of the small boats.

If the intention was to deter people, the evidence we found in Dunkirk is it’s not working.

“I don’t expect people in your country to welcome me with open arms,” another Vietnamese man tells us.

“But I’ll still go - I have to work there and send money to my family.

“And it’s true the gangs do control everything. I’ve seen people beaten, and worse. We’re all scared.”

The smuggling gangs have their own social media campaign now too.

We found out they are asking some of those going on the boats to become ‘influencers’ - posting videos of the journey on TikTok, apparently showing how easy it is and with details on how to join them.

We were also given information about a specific encrypted messaging app being used by the smugglers to organise boats and recruit new passengers.

Our ITV News team set up a fake profile, pretending to be Vietnamese trying to reach the UK, and began contacting one smuggler.

We were quoted a price of £3,000 per person for a place on his boat, and he gave us the details for when his next boat was leaving.

He also gave us details about a ‘VIP package’: for £19,000 we could get a place inside a truck driver’s cabin for a crossing to the UK.

It is supposed to be the UK government’s defining mission: to stop the boats.

But from what our investigation in France has seen, they are still coming: undeterred, unfazed, and sometimes even uninterrupted.

A Home Office spokesperson said: “The unacceptable number of people who continue to cross the Channel demonstrates exactly why we must get flights to Rwanda off the ground in the Spring.

“We continue to work closely with French police who are facing increasing violence and disruption on their beaches as they work tirelessly to prevent these dangerous, illegal and unnecessary journeys.

“We also launched a social media advert campaign last month targeting Vietnamese nationals to deter them from illegally migrating to the UK, and we continue to work closely with Vietnamese authorities to prevent illegal journeys to the UK and remove those with no right to be here.”

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Blog Home Office in the media

https://homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/2024/04/12/latest-statement-in-response-to-small-boat-crossings/

Latest statement in response to small boat crossings

A Home Office spokesperson said:

“The unacceptable number of people who continue to cross the Channel demonstrates exactly why we must get flights to Rwanda off the ground as soon as possible.

“We continue to work closely with French police who are facing increasing violence and disruption on their beaches as they work tirelessly to prevent these dangerous, illegal and unnecessary journeys.

“We remain committed to building on the successes that saw arrivals drop by more than a third last year, including tougher legislation and agreements with international partners, in order to save lives and stop the boats.”

Background:

• Weather conditions for crossings recorded over the course of 2023 were similar to conditions in 2022, with only four fewer days likely for crossings recorded in 2023 compared to the previous year.
• We will do whatever is necessary to end these perilous and fatal journeys, encouraging people to seek safe and legal passage. Since 2015, over 550,000 people have done so.
• The decrease in crossing numbers is testament to the tough measures we have introduced, the hard work of our dedicated Border Force officers and our work with French counterparts.
• Illegal migration is an international challenge we are tackling on all fronts – including working upstream with international partners, clamping down on the criminal gangs with stepped-up enforcement, and working with the French to prevent more crossings.
• We have taken immediate action to speed up asylum processing whilst maintaining the integrity of the system. This includes simplifying guidance and streamlining processes. We have also introduced shorter, focussed interviews, making the interview process more efficient.
• package of measures agreed with France which will see the deployment of more than double the number of French personnel and enhanced technology to patrol beaches.
• a strengthened partnership with Turkey which includes UK and Turkish law enforcement officers stepping up joint operations to tackle Organised Immigration Crime and disrupt the supply chain of boat parts and other materials used as part of illegal migration journeys.
• a new partnership between social media companies and government to tackle people smuggling content online. Backed by a new Online Capability Centre, it will undermine and disrupt organised crime groups using the internet to facilitate these journeys.

Tags: English Channel , illegal immigration , small boats

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Number of asylum seekers left homeless after Home Office eviction soars

Exclusive: Data reveals 239% rise among those evicted from assigned accommodation, including hotels, in two years

There has been a 239% increase in homelessness among asylum seekers evicted from Home Office accommodation including hotels in two years, according to a report.

Data analysed by the Refugee Council found that 12,630 households in England faced homelessness after eviction from asylum accommodation in the two years to the end of September 2023.

When the Home Office has finished processing asylum seekers’ claims they are evicted from its accommodation. Many are granted refugee status.

The report, which is published on Thursday, finds that 970 newly granted refugees were facing homelessness in the last quarter of 2021, but the figure for the third quarter of 2023 had jumped to 3,290 households. Many of the households include children. The report states that the rise in homelessness among newly granted refugees is unprecedented and represents “a moment of significant crisis”.

The chief executive of the Refugee Council, Enver Solomon, said: “The process refugees go through when granted status is setting them up to fail from the very start. A mere 28 days to get on their feet and find a private tenancy with no income and no savings is completely unrealistic. This dysfunctional system is causing an entirely avoidable crisis of homelessness and destitution.”

The report calls for further support from government and local authorities for asylum seekers transitioning to refugee status.

The Home Office, however, said on Wednesday that it would close 50 more asylum-seeker hotels by the end of this month. It announced last month that 100 hotels had been closed with a reduction of 20,000 asylum seekers in hotel accommodation since the end of September 2023.

Despite the closures the number of asylum seekers accommodated since the end of September 2023 has not reduced, suggesting that more people are being squeezed into fewer hotels. The Home Office has previously announced a room maximisation policy in hotel accommodation requiring more people to share rooms.

The government’s use of the overseas aid budget to pay for supporting refugees in Britain is “wreaking havoc” with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s development partnerships , according to the Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) , which oversees international aid.

It found that loading the housing costs of UK asylum seekers on to a budget set aside to alleviate poverty abroad was creating “perverse incentives” and that the FCDO had in effect “to take the financial hit” for the Home Office’s overspending.

The chief executive of Care4Calais, Steve Smith, said: “Our volunteers have seen hundreds of people who have been granted refugee status being made homeless over recent months. We know that habitable housing, embedded in communities, provides the best foundation for those granted refugee status, who only want to integrate into society and move forward with their lives.”

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The director of the No Accommodation Network, Bridget Young, said: “The closing of hotels should be an opportunity to ensure that everyone awaiting a decision on their asylum claim is provided with accommodation that is safe and good quality, located within communities which are equipped to support them. Focusing solely on closing hotels and speeding up evictions just places people in the asylum system in ever worsening housing or increased risk of homelessness.”

Announcing the latest figures on asylum-seeker hotel reductions on Wednesday, the home secretary, James Cleverly, said: “We promised to end the use of asylum hotels and house asylum seekers at more appropriate, cheaper accommodation; we are doing that at a rapid pace. These closures deliver on the government’s plan to cut the use of hotels in the asylum system and we will keep going until the last hotel is closed.”

The shadow immigration minister, Stephen Kinnock, said Cleverly’s announcement was “celebrating failure”.

“So-called ‘asylum hotels’ didn’t exist before the Tories lost control of the asylum backlog, and Rishi Sunak promised to end them by the end of 2023,” he said. “Yet here we are with around 250 still in use come mid-April.”

• Immigration and asylum
• Home Office

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