Toby Hodges and François Tregouet consider the best bluewater multihulls and look at the options for sailing the oceans in spacious comfort

What are the best bluewater multihulls for long term cruising? The one you own, or the one you can afford is the simple answer.

There is a wealth of proven designs to suit bluewater sailing and a variety of budgets. While we have focussed here on the best bluewater multihulls in production, we’ve also included some cracking pedigree multihulls which tour the planet and might occasionally pop up on the brokerage market.

If you can afford to, then pushing towards the 45-50ft length will buy you space, pace and that extra payload capacity needed to take all the items you’d want on your home afloat.

When looking at the best bluewater multihulls, the choice will come down to that perennial balance between comfort/space and speed/weight. Choosing a lighter weight performance design will obviously help you cover distance voyages more rapidly and potentially allow you to outrun weather systems. It means you can sail faster, with less sail up and less load and stress. But you’ll have to sacrifice some luxuries and need to be quite scrupulous about keeping weight down and centralised in order to maintain high average speeds.

For the majority of cruisers, however, it is the amount of space multihulls offer once you’ve reached your destination that really appeals. As well as the non-heeling living area and real estate they provide, they’re well suited to typical tradewind sailing.

If you’re considering your first or next multihull, we hope the following will serve as a taster.

Best bluewater multihulls for performance cruising

Outremer 51/55

When you think of multihulls designed for bluewater cruising, Outremer will likely be one of the first names that comes to mind. Its heritage lies in building catamarans that can sail fast and are built strong enough to do laps of the globe.

The 51, the current version of which launched three years ago, is an archetypal example of what to look for in terms of blending speed and space is a dream design for a family circumnavigation.

The French yard’s new 55ft VPLP design may look boldly different from its past models, but the philosophy behind it remains the same. It is designed to match windspeed up to 12 knots and Outremer reasons that its ability to sail in 5 knots of breeze will allow it to sail for 95% of the time on a circumnavigation.

Read more about the Outremer 51 and Outremer 55.

Photo: Diego Yriarte

Seawind 1600/1370

For nearly four decades the Australian Seawind brand and its founder Richard Ward have been gearing catamarans around safe bluewater sailing, including performance, protection and ease of handling. Its Reichel Pugh-designed 1600, which launched three years ago, is an elegant looking cat with relatively low, long lines and some smart solutions for fast bluewater sailing.

Seawind also launches its new 1370 later this year, a staggering 60 of which have sold on plans alone.

Windelo 50

This first 50 is built from a composite sandwich of basalt fibre, a cloth made from volcanic rock, and PET foam from recycled plastic bottles, which helps to reduce carbon emissions by nearly 50% when compared with traditional glassfibre methods.

Rapido 50

This new 50 footer is perhaps a more appealing and practical prospect than Rapido’s previous 60 (with its significant fixed beam), particularly as the amas on this new model can fold to reduce beam to 18ft.

Infused carbon foam sandwich construction is used, along with beams, daggerboards and rudder in pre-preg carbon to keep displacement to 8,200kg.

Read more about the Rapido 50

HH OC50

This OC50 is designed as a more affordable cruising alternative, than the HH models which have preceeded it. This model targets ocean sailing.

It’s still stiffened and strengthened by carbon, but built in vinylester composites with a gelcoat finish. This adds an additional 300kg or so over a full carbon HH50, but cost savings are in the region of $400,000.

Balance 526

he 526 launched four years ago, designed to suit short-handed sailors and families looking to sail long distances, hence it can carry large payloads and promises easy maintenance. It looks good too.

Berman’s Versahelm design is a key feature. The wheel cantilevers, allowing the helmsman to steer from outboard with clear sightlines or from the hardtop protection of the aft cockpit.

Photo: Christopher White

Atlantic 47

The A47 suits short-handed fast ocean sailing at an approachable size. Lengthening it to 49ft allowed for an aft cockpit. It is available as a sloop or with White’s patented MastFoil ketch rig – rotating aerofoil masts designed for easy short-handed cruising without sacrificing performance.

Read more about the Atlantic 47

ITA 14.99

A combination of sharp design from François Perus and high build quality brings plenty of appeal to this sporty Italian-built cat. The first example launched three years ago with a light displacement of 10.5 tonnes, thanks to an E-glass epoxy-infused build with carbon strengthening. The yard offers semi-custom construction and full hybrid packages.

Catana 53/Ocean class 50

Catana’s performance model from 2017, sports twin aft helms (which may not suit ocean sailors), reverse bows and carbon daggerboards. The high topsides help create good bridgedeck clearance and plenty of accommodation. Its new Ocean Class 50 seems more in the shipyard’s bluewater DNA. The light weight, and dynamic and modern shape with slim hulls and a relatively short nacelle suggests a seaworthy nature and high speeds.

Read more about the Catana 53

Best bluewater multihulls for pedigree performance

Gunboat 48

Veteran multihull designers Morrelli & Melvin designed this smaller model for the Gunboat range. It was built to be more manageable for an owner-driver yet still capable of up to 300-400 mile days.

The Gunboat 48 is something of a rare breed, just six 48s were built between 2004 and 2009. Oh, to have a spare €1.3m right now… one of them is actually on the market

Catana 47

At the start of the Millennium, Catana offered fully equipped boats as standard for long distance cruising. The Catana 471 or 472 (one or two helms respectively), represented at the time the optimum in ocean-going catamarans.

Chincogan/Lightwave

Tony Grainger has been drawing fast multihulls for 35 years, including racing trimarans and the Lightwave and Chincogan cruisers. The popular Lightwave 38 has admirable performance and comfort, and the Chincogan 52 (pictured) has the length to clock high average speeds.

Outremer 45 G. Danson

With its characteristic roof, narrow hulls and daggerboards, the Outremer 45 is a standout design which has become somewhat iconic. Despite a rather spartan interior, it has been a great success with fast cruising enthusiasts. On board, family ocean crossings at an average of 10 knots are the norm.

Best bluewater multihulls for family cruising

Photo: Nicolas Claris

Lagoon 450

The Lagoon 450 remains the most popular model in Lagoons already popular range. It exemplifies the VPLP/Nauta design partnership which has made these the very definition of modern mid-size cruising catamarans which can appeal to families and charterers alike.

Indeed the 450 marked the modern look of Lagoon and was the first with interior styling from Nauta. It originally launched over a decade ago as a flybridge design with central helming position (450F), before this ‘sport top’ option (450S) was offered with a starboard helm station and lower boom.

Photo: Guilain Grenier

Fountaine Pajot Saona 47

The 47 has a modern shape, with straight bows and a reverse sheer line. It incorporates significant volume in the hulls below the bridgedeck to create room for the optional athwartships cabins. Cabin space is a prime selling point, particularly the owner’s suite to port, where there is also abundant natural light and headroom.

Photo: Tui Marine

Leopard 45

Leopard Catamarans, together with designer Simonis Voogd and builder Robertson and Caine, produce the archetypal dual-purpose owner-operator or charter boat in their modern catamaran range. Key features of the 45 are the amount of light in the saloon and the incredible volume and space on offer in the cabins above the relatively narrow waterlines. Vast social living areas include the flybridge, saloon and dual cockpits.

Photo: www.jfromero.fr

Nautitech Open/Fly 46

During the 1990s and noughties Nautitech earned a good reputation for its elegant catamarans. The 441 is a timeless example and the 44 can be credited with the ongoing trend in hardtop biminis. While its acquisition by Bavaria seven years ago helped Nautitech implement industrial build techniques, the French brand has retained its DNA at its Rochefort sur Mer yard.

The modern Marc Lombard designs have tall rigs with generous square-top mainsails. Twin wheels in the aft quarters of the Open 46 offer a direct feel on the helm, however those spending long periods in the tropics may prefer the shade of the bimini-equipped flybridge option. The layout is also open, with a saloon more outside than in. Styling is clean, modern and simple, and the standard of build and finish are good.

Photo: Olivier Blanchet

Neel 51

First impressions of the Neel 51 are sure to centre on its sheer size and space inside. But as you’ll see from our review of the Neel 43 on page 83, when you sail one overriding impressions quickly centre on its performance.

These trimarans are becoming a popular mass production-built option.

Photo: Christophe Launay

Excess 11

The Excess 11 packs plenty of potential as the smallest yacht offered by the big production yards. A little like the Lagoon 380 of old, it presents a good value new entry-level boat for genuine cruising in a more sporty, modern and enticing design. Some may argue against aft helms for ocean sailing, but those coming from monohulls will appreciate the more direct steering they offer.

Broadblue 385S

Broadblue is a UK brand which offers a distinct line of cruising and Rapier performance catamarans. Its staple 385 packs a lot of cruising comfort into its length, including generous tankage, and has been sailed all over the world. Broadblue built its first electric drive catamaran 12 years ago and offers the only all-electric production sailing catamaran under 40ft in Europe.

Photo: Christophe Breschi

Bali Catspace

For those looking for maximum volume within 40ft, it’ll be hard to beat the Catspace – although it is more of a holiday apartment than a traditional bluewater cruiser. Bali’s garage style sliding aft door does help offer an enormous amount of enclosed (or open) living space.

Best bluewater multihulls for luxury cruising

Photo: Nico Krauss

Privilège 510 Signature

The 510 is designed to take a serious amount of cruising gear – up to six tonnes of it in fact. The excellent helm station now has a fixed windscreen and all lines lead to hand. Finish quality including the electrical installation is first class and Privilege’s trademark, an admirable full beam (26ft) forward cabin, is sumptuous.

Photo: Jérôme Houyvet

Garcia Explocat 52

Garcia Yachts has cornered the market for series-built aluminium monohulls and multihulls in the last decade and this new Explocat 52 is sparking real interest. We ran a full test report in our February issue, describing it as a go-anywhere cat with an enticing combination of space, pace and rugged construction.

Antares 44

Built in Argentina, the Antares 44 is the ultimate evolution of a model launched 21 years ago. Entirely dedicated to bluewater cruising, it is the yard’s only model and is constantly being improved according to owner feedback.

Time seems to have no hold on this boatyard and, against the trend, the standard equipment of the Antares 44 is extremely complete

Photo: Richard Langdon

Discovery Bluewater 50

This luxury Bill Dixon design may be a decade old now and into its third iteration, but the concept behind its original appeal remains. For those used to sailing high-end thoroughbred monohulls, here is an option to consider for a comparative level of build quality and fit out when moving to a multihull.

Read more about the Discovery Bluewater 50

St Francis 50 MKII

With this latest version of its original model, this experienced South African builder has optimised a catamaran cut out for the unforgiving seas of the Indian Ocean and the South Atlantic. The MKII allows for an increased load capacity, an important point in long distance cruising.

Xsquisite X5

Intelligent features on the X5 include the protected helm station with glass windscreen, integrated rainwater catcher, UV-protective glass and generous tankage.

Best bluewater multihulls for size & speed

McConaghy MC52

The MC50 (now MC52) was the first and promises some high speed sailing, but it’s the open plan main living deck which will attract the majority. It incorporates an intelligent centreboard system, which hardly affects interior space, but arguably its exposed helms at the aft end of the flybridge will not suit serious ocean cruising.

Photo: Florian H. Talles

HH 55

HH in Xiamen is building some really impressive large, luxury fast cats up to 90ft. This was its second model to launch, a high-end, high performance Morelli & Melvin design capable of rapid passagemaking speeds and enjoyable regatta sailing. Features include C-shaped boards and central or aft helms.

Photo: Mike Jones/Waterline Media

Ocean Explorer 60

If Nautor’s Swan made catamarans, they may look like this… The Ocean Explorer 60 uses the same designer in German Frers and some of the same builders who worked at the famous Finnish yard to produce this world cruiser. The resultant quality shines through. A new OE72 is due soon.

Kinetic KC54

A young company with plenty of experience, Kinetic produces custom fast ocean cruisers, which can occasionally race. Its 62 is a serious performance vessel with carbon hulls, rigs and rigging, daggerboards or centreboards. With fast bluewater cruising the goal, carbon is used to minimise weight so features/toys can still be added. The swim platform and hardware on the newly launched 54 weighs just 90kg, and the generous sized tanks are all in carbon too. Views from the saloon and forward cockpit also look special.

Best bluewater multihulls for ultimate performance

Marsaudon TS4/ORC 42

Few catamaran builders produce genuine performance cruisers at this ‘smaller’ size: this one is kept minimalist and light weight (around 6 tonnes) – the yard’s philosophy is ‘simplicity, then add lightness.’ The 42 is a cruiser-racer with the ability to outpace most yachts across the Atlantic, win a regatta and still offer some space for island hopping. Standard tankage is minimal however. Marsaudon recently rebranded its TS range to Ocean Rider Catamarans (ORCs) and has an ORC 57 in build.

Dazcat 1495

Dazcat builds fast, seaworthy cats from its Multihull Centre in Cornwall. The 1495 is a true ocean cruiser-racer, which is stiff and rewarding to sail, with direct steering linked to carbon rudders. The 1495 can hit 20+ knot speeds with relative ease, but it is the consistent high average speeds which will attract those looking to cover serious miles. Weight is centralised including engines, tanks, and systems all located amidships to help reduce pitching. Dazcat has a semi-custom build approach and creates all sorts of weird and wonderful craft for all abilities.

Dragonfly 40

Dragonfly trimarans are known for their high quality construction and ability to delight sailors with their ease of planing speeds. For those who can live without the space of similar length cats, the new flagship 40 is large enough to offer cruising space, while folding outriggers and retractable appendages mean you can dry out where others wouldn’t dare.

Looping 45/Freydis 48

These two designs by Erik Lerouge both offer a high-performance vision of ocean cruising. The Loopings were built individually and the Freydis in small series, and on both you can sail as fast as the wind in complete safety. Interior quality depends on whether finished by an amateur or by a shipyard.

Swisscat 48

An attractive combination of luxury, comfort and performance, the S48 is a stiff, go-anywhere premium cat that is easy to manage single-handed. The lightweight build (11t) is in epoxy infusion with carbon reinforcement.

Schionning Designs

Jeff Schionning has catamaran design in his blood. His designs exude performance and seaworthiness with flowing, even aerodynamic lines. On all tradewind routes you’ll find a G-Force (models from 12m to 23m) or an Arrow (12m to 15m) sailing more quickly than the rest. His latest venture is with Current Marine in Knysna, South Africa.

Best bluewater multihulls for pedigree cruising

Lagoon 380

The long-time best-seller from the world leader in catamarans, with more than 1,000 produced over almost 20 years from 1999. With its characteristic vertical windows, the 380 and its big brother the 410 made the purists scream when they were presented. But the 380 proved a pioneer of its kind. Safe bow volumes and light displacement (7,260 kg) helped its seaworthy behaviour. The high number of boats on the market makes this the most affordable bluewater cruising multihull for its size, even if price range is as wide as condition is variable.

Casamance 44/46

Between 44ft and 46ft depending on the year of construction and the length of its transoms, the Casamance was an impressive catamaran on launch in 1985. The design by Joubert/Nivelt offered good volume and load capacity. Of the 490 units produced, many joined the charter fleets. The exterior of the Casamance is dated, but the interior in grey ceruse oak has retained plenty of charm.

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Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.

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Bill Tripp and Winch Design combine to stunning effect on YYacht's latest carbon build. Yachting Word's Toby Hodges toured this bespoke YYachts Tripp 90 during the Cannes Yachting Festival 2021

Over the past few years YYachts has cemented a reputation for producing large composite yachts that are remarkably uncomplicated and therefore easy and fun to sail. The German yard’s latest launch is a custom YYachts Tripp 90, which was unveiled at the recent Cannes boat show, where she was on display next to the existing YYachts Y7 and Y8 models.

The new boat was developed for an American owner who plans to use it for both worldwide cruising and racing. Key requirements included the ability to operate with only three sailors when cruising, yet be competitive in regatta mode.

YYachts tends to eschew deck saloons with huge expanses of glass, as these heat the boat’s interior, placing a greater dependence on air conditioning systems. However, a key part of the brief for the YYachts Tripp 90 was to be able to look out to sea when sitting in the saloon.

The solution designer Bill Tripp developed is a relatively low profile New England-style coachroof with extensive vertical glazing.

Nevertheless, when the sun is almost overhead this will not contribute significantly to heating the accommodation.

Winch Design drew on both US East Coast and mid 20th century Scandinavian influences for the interior styling. This combines soft leather with a mixture of timbers to produce an atmosphere of understated elegance.

Key features include a split-level saloon, hand-crafted companionway steps that evoke a waterfall, impressive sightlines running the length of the boat, ‘freestanding’ mid-century inspired pieces, and a real continuity of style and materials throughout.

Article continues below…

Y Yachts’ Y7 review: This powerful carbon cruiser is guaranteed to excite

What is your idea of simple sailing? To a wooden yacht enthusiast it may be the pleasure of hand hoisting…

Maxi 1200 boat test

Before this test, when I thought Maxi, the words that came to mind were ‘traditional’, ‘sturdy’ and ‘homely’, but the…

The deck saloon features wraparound views, materials including polished steel and carbon, and mid-century inspired furniture. Photo: YYachts

During the summer of 2021 the boat was undergoing sea trials on the Baltic, from where Tripp reported “the yacht sails exceptionally well… we have set a standard here.”

The owner’s suite combines luxurious deep navy and chestnut leather with classic white panelling. Photo: YYachts.

YYachts Tripp 90 specifications

LOA: 29.77m 97ft 7in
LWL: 27.46m 90ft 1in
Beam: 6.80m 22ft 4in
Draught: 4.64m 15ft 3in
Displacement: 55,700kg 123,000lb
Ballast: 20,000kg 44,100lb
Price: POA
Builder: yyachts.de

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Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.

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The post Video tour: YYachts Tripp 90 appeared first on Yachting World.

With its lift keel option, the Jeanneau SO410 has a potent trump card: It has the draught of a Class 40, yet can also nose into the shallows. Toby Hodges was intrigued

If you sail in tidal harbours or shallow waters, your choice of midsize new production yachts is more limited than you may realise. While most manufacturers offer a shallow draught version of their fixed keels by adding more weight to the bulb to compensate for the reduction in righting moment, this is not a compromise all sailors are willing to make. Jeanneau, on the other hand, has long offered a lift keel on its smaller models, yet by doing so on something the size of the new Jeanneau SO410, it has established a clever niche.

The Vendée yard certainly didn’t follow the status quo when it developed its eighth-generation Sun Odyssey line three years ago and the Jeanneau SO410 adds to a string of innovations for this latest range.

First came the groundbreaking bow and hull shape, together with the walkaround deck design on the SO440 and SO490. Now comes this lift keel option, which is technically a hinging ballasted keel. It is a similar concept to that employed by Pogo for its performance yachts, yet Jeanneau is the only large scale cruising yacht manufacturer to offer such a system.

A powerful hull shape makes for enjoyable sailing. Photo: Josh Tarr

Consider the fact that the standard draught of a Jeanneau SO410 is a conservative 2.25m and the shoal keel version just 1.6m deep. Alternatively, this lift keel version reaches down to 2.97m/9ft 8in, which is the draught of a Class 40 race boat and a substantial difference in potential pointing ability. Then, at the push of a button at the helm, this swings up to reduce it to just 1.37m/4ft 5in.

This €20,000 option is therefore a prospective game-changer for those wanting to sail efficiently to windward. For example the owner of the test boat, which is the first lift keel version of this model in the UK, wants to sail regularly from Falmouth to the Isles of Scilly with his large family. So he wants to cut passage times when sailing against the prevailing westerlies yet be able to tuck into the coves on arrival.

We had a brief opportunity to sail his new boat with agents Atlantic Yachts in Plymouth before it was handed over the following day.

Jeanneau SO410 under sail

The SO440 and SO490 were the forerunners for this modern trend in hull shapes and first impressions of the Jeanneau SO410 are of another contemporary, powerful, aggressive-looking design.

This Marc Lombard interpretation continues and refines that full bow, chined and chamfered look – elements which help give maximum internal volume yet keep the wetted surface narrow. The forefoot and first 0.5m below the dreadnought bow is also noticeably dry.

Chines help create volume and stability, while twin rudders give the beamy hull plenty of grip. Photo: Josh Tarr

A bow thruster is an option most owners reportedly take and while that sounds like overkill for this length of boat, I can understand why. The light, voluminous bow gets taken by the wind easily when under motor, which makes manoeuvring tricky, particularly in reverse.

Typical British summer conditions greeted us in Plymouth Sound, with 15-20 knots westerly winds that were really puffy under the dark clouds. It was the first time the boat had sailed, so I was surprised and impressed with how quickly and easily the Jeanneau SO410 found its groove. It never felt pressed and was easy to maintain good speeds (very close to the polars in fact).

We averaged 7 knots beating and 9 reaching. It was also a fun yacht to sail off the wind, deep reaching with the swell, where we nudged 9.5 knots with the Code sail. I was left wanting more, which is always a good sign.

The bowsprit integrates the bow roller, an option needed to keep the anchor clear of the reverse stem. Photo: Josh Tarr

Worthy of note were the form stability of the hull shape and the ability this keel gives you to point high to the wind (tacking through 70°). It remained very light on the helm, yet with enjoyable and direct control. Marc Lombard is a veteran designer of race yachts around this length, so the performance and handling of the SO410 should perhaps come as no surprise.

The grip of the deep twin rudders and deep keel gave me plenty of confidence to sail around the moored yachts in Cawsand Bay. Sailing heeled and powered up on the wind is addictive. The mainsheet and genoa sheets are on neat bridle systems and while the latter allows for adjustment to lead the sheets inboard for tight pointing, the lack of a traveller option means it’s almost impossible to trim the main to a similar high angle.

The deep swing keel lifted. Photo: Josh Tarr

Managing the sheets from the two aft winches is a little fiddly. You need to pre-plan tacks to ensure the new working genoa sheet will be on the correct winch, swapping it with the German-led mainsheet. However, a real benefit the ramped side deck design brings is the option to stand outboard to work the winch yet with the security of over 1ft of bulwark to brace against.

Both sheets on the test boat had clutches, which allow you to free up the winch, but can cause issues for genoa sheets during tacks if accidentally left on. We also found these sheets consistently snagged the forward mast base cleat during tacks, so moving or covering that cleat would be prudent.

The winches and pedestals are positioned right aft to maximise cockpit space, leaving a compact space behind the helms. However, you do have the option to either sit athwartships, or take the unique position of sitting facing forward with your legs outstretched on the side deck.

The resultant cockpit size is impressive, as is the protection afforded by the deep coamings and large sprayhood. There is no stowage for sheet tails so bags would need to be fitted to keep things tidy. Elsewhere, deck stowage is adequate in two shallow bench lockers, a quarter locker and a sail locker.

Jeanneau SO490 down below

The SO410 offers plenty of accommodation options, from two cabins and one heads to three cabins with two heads, and it is arguably the excellent proportions and the amount of space it provides in all areas that help it stand out from the competition.

Spacious, light and airy in the main saloon with a practical C-shaped galley. Photo: Bertrand Duquenne

This space allows for the inclusion of a proper navstation, ample aft cabins and an impressive en-suite owner’s forecabin. The slab topsides between the upper and lower chines helps create the beam in the galley, saloon and forward cabin.

Rectangular berth in the huge forward cabin. The lift keel version angles this berth. Photo: Bertrand Duquenne

Below decks has a modern apartment feel and I liked the fabric on the bulkheads and neat stowage solutions throughout. The central galley configuration, which has a practical C-shape for working at heel, is one of the main differences over the old SO409. It includes a deep fridge and ample stowage.

The door to the forward cabin has been offset to allow space for the keel box, which removes the option of a convertible double berth in the saloon. The central chaise longue is a great feature and makes clever use of the keel box. A very comfortable seat in the heart of the boat, it also extends out flat to make a nice child’s berth. The manual pump for the keel ram is mounted below and there is a spy glass for checking the ram position.

The forward cabin has an intelligent layout too. By angling the headboard and berth against the forward bulkhead it creates room for a proper rectangular berth (as opposed to a typical V-shape) as well as a good en-suite heads and shower compartment offset to port, which is the same size and configuration as the aft heads.

There is also plenty of space and light in the near identical aft cabins, which have low berths, modest stowage, and large side access panels into the engine room. The curved and fiddled joinerwork, notably the central stowage unit between navstation and galley, provide good support when walking around at heel. Dampeners and spacers are used on the soleboards to prevent some creaking, but unfortunately much of the plywood endgrain has been left exposed and unsealed.

If you enjoyed this….

Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.

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The post Jeanneau SO410 review: lift keel opens up options appeared first on Yachting World.

Among the increasing numbers of multihulls and catamarans designed for bluewater sailing comes the new Seawind 1370, which follows hot on the heels of the elegant Seawind 1600. Toby Hodges and François Tregouet take a look

The first Seawind 1370 is not yet on the water, but comes with a strong heritage of bluewater multihull design.

For nearly four decades, the Australian Seawind brand and its founder Richard Ward has been gearing its catamarans around safe bluewater sailing, including performance, protection and ease of handling. Since purchasing Corsair trimarans in 2010 it has ramped up production and new model releases. 

Its Reichel Pugh-designed 1600, which launched three years ago, is an elegant looking cat with relatively low freeboard and some smart solutions for fast bluewater sailing.

It has narrow, kevlar-reinforced hulls, combined with daggerboards that don’t protrude through the deck and is capable of 20+ knot speeds. The boards and rudders lift to reduce draught to 54cm for accessing shallow anchorages. We were impressed by its attention to detail and safety considerations. 

The Vietnam yard has now fully updated the 1600 to a Passagemaker model, with new beamier hulls, increased bridgedeck clearance, larger windows and more ventilation. Stowage and bed space has increased and carbon boards and rudders come as standard. 

Seawind launches its new 1370 later this year, a staggering 60 of which have sold on plans alone. This was undoubtedly helped by the fact this was the ‘winning’ model in a comparison of the best bluewater multihulls by YouTube sailors Terysa Vanderloo and Nick Fabbri on their channel Sailing Ruby Rose, who were looking to step up to a catamaran after selling their Southerly 38.

The forthcoming Seawind 1370

This 45ft model, a contemporary design with higher freeboard and reverse bows, looks like an appealing option for a couple cruising long distance. We like the look of the twin protected helmstations.

Seawind 1370 Prices

ex VAT: US$699,000 

Read our full list of the best bluewater multihulls of all time.

If you enjoyed this….

Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.

Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

The post Best bluewater multihulls: Seawind 1370 and 1600 appeared first on Yachting World.

South African catamaran builders Balance launch a new 482, while the Balance 526 earns its place in our list of the best bluewater multihulls, by Toby Hodges and François Tregouet

Balance is a shrewd name for these catamarans, which target that elusive balance of comfort, speed and space, typified by the Balance 526.

Founded in 2013 by Phillip Berman, Balance has its headquarters in Florida and shipyard in South Africa.

After selling hundreds of brokerage catamarans, Berman found most cruising catamarans too sluggish, yet felt performance cats lacked the suitable liveability for long term voyaging. Hence, Balance was born.

The Balance 526 launched four years ago. Designed to suit short-handed sailors and families looking to sail long distances, it can carry large payloads and promises easy maintenance. It looks good too – the Balance 526 was our cover star on the September issue of Yachting World, which features our list of best bluewater multihulls.

Berman’s Versahelm design is a key feature. The wheel cantilevers, allowing the helmsman to steer from outboard with clear sightlines, or from the hardtop protection of the aft cockpit. The helm seats and platforms also adjust for optimum views forward. 

Builds involve infused or vacuum-bagged epoxy, carbon reinforcements, foam composite bulkheads and foam cored furniture. The Balance 526 is available with retractable daggerboards or fixed keel options.

The first Balance 482 launches this autumn, and features raked wave piercing bows, and daggerboard or fixed keel options.

The new Balance 482 catamaran

It carries 1,432 sq ft of canvas, with a blade jib and reefing station designed for ease of short-handed sail handling.

Balance 526 price

Ex VAT: US$1.54m

Read our full list of the best bluewater multihulls of all time.

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Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.

Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

The post Best bluewater multihulls: Balance 526 and 482 appeared first on Yachting World.

Fountaine Pajot has a strong track record in the mid-40ft cruising catamaran sector, continued by the Saona 47 and updated Tanna 47 models, Toby Hodges and François Tregouet take a closer look.

In a similar fashion to market leaders Lagoon, the area of mass appeal lies in the mid-40ft sector for Fountaine Pajot – now captured by the Fountaine Pajot Saona 47.

The Fountaine Pajot Helia 44, now replaced by the Elba 45, was long the go-to model and size. Indeed the Helia built on the runaway success of the Belize 43, over 200 of which were built in the early 2000s.

However, as appetites for larger cats have increased in recent years, the focus for bluewater multihull cruisers has shifted to this larger model. Seven Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 cats crossed the Atlantic with the ARC between 2017 and 2020 alone.

The 47 has a modern shape, with straight bows and a reverse sheer line. It incorporates significant volume in the hulls below the bridgedeck to create room for the optional athwartships cabins.

Cabin space is a prime selling point, particularly the owner’s suite to port, where there is also abundant natural light and headroom.

The mast is comparatively far forward for a sailplan that has both a powerful main and an overlapping genoa for modest performance under white sails.

The Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 has now been redesigned into the Tanna 47, which boasts additional flybridge and sundeck lounge space.

The interior has also been reworked in the Tanna 47. There is significantly larger and reconfigured galley, which is now in a seaworthy U-shape formation and offers an impressive 300lt of storage space. Layout options include three, four and five cabin formats.

Fountaine Pajot Saona 47s price:

Used price: €500,000

Fountaine Pajot Tanna 47 price:

ex VAT €580,000

Read our full list of the best bluewater multihulls of all time.

If you enjoyed this….

Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.

Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

The post Best bluewater multihulls: Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 appeared first on Yachting World.

The new Solaris 60 is said to offer a superyacht experience in a 60ft package. Toby Hodges stepped onboard at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2021 to take a look

The first example of this stunning Javier Soto Acebal Mini Maxi, the Solaris 60, is now on the water and it’s fair to say Solaris maintains their reputation as a luxury builder with this latest model.

The stated aim of the Solaris 60 was to provide a mini-superyacht feel in terms of comfort and style, while incorporating innovative features that improve the owner’s experience when under sail. With an overall length of 18.31 m the Solaris 60 will be able to take part in offshore racing in the Mini-Maxi class, including main event in Porto Cervo that takes place every year, the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup.

Article continues below…

Karma: The Maxi Dolphin 75 cruiser with Mini-Maxi looks

Translated literally, karma does not mean fate, as it is commonly misused, but action. It’s the actions you have taken…

Video: On board with Bella Mente, a grand prix 72ft Mini Maxi, at Cowes Week

Bella Mente is a Judel Vrolijk design, built by New England Boatworks, and launched in 2012 for American owner-driver Hap…

Contributing to the sense of comfort on deck, twin full-size wheels are mounted well outboard, where there’s a good view of the headsail luff. Careful consideration has been given to ergonomics at the helm stations, including providing a comfortable position to sit on the side deck, as far outboard as possible, while steering upwind.

The vast amount of aft deck space, upon which the wheels sit, is a key selling point of the Solaris 60. It is the sort of open, spacious layout usually reserved for truly huge superyachts, again contributing to the mini-superyacht feel.

Below deck its a pretty typical Solaris layout, which includes a galley slightly hidden by two steps forward. For the first time on the Solaris 60 there are two aft cabins with single or double beds, with a wide porthole facing the interior of the cockpit.

The owner’s cabin, situated in the bow, is very wide and owners can choose either an off-centre bed (as in the video above) or a central bed.

Solaris 60 specifications:

LOA: 18.31m / 60ft 0in
LWL: 17.4m / 57ft 0in
Beam: 5.28m / 17ft 4in
Draught: 2.80m or 3.20m / 9ft 2in or 10ft 6in
Displacement: 25,800kg / 56,900lb
Price ex VAT: €995,000
Builder: www.solarisyachts.com

If you enjoyed this….

Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.

Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

The post Video: Onboard the stunning Solaris 60 appeared first on Yachting World.

Stuck for Christmas gift ideas for the sailor who has it all? Yachting World is here to help with dozens of great ideas

Are you wondering what to get the sailor in your life for Christmas? Here is our pick of the best products that would make perfect a Christmas gift for a keen sailor:

Garmin Quatix 6 sailing watch

The latest generation of Garmin’s sailing smartwatch adds optional Bluechart g3 cartography enabling it to function as a standalone plotter. It also gains a larger 1.3in always-on screen and a MOB detection feature. As with previous generations, it can be used to interface with Garmin chartplotters and instrument data, as well as controlling autopilots and on-board entertainment.

RRP: £573 / $699

Buy it now on Amazon 

Buy it now on eBay (UK)

Buy it now on eBay (US)

Read MBY’s full Garmin Quatix 6 review.

If your budget quite won’t stretch that far, read YBW’s guide to the best sailing watches available right now.

With each product is a ‘Buy it now’ link. If you click on this then we may receive a small amount of money from the retailer when you purchase the item. This doesn’t affect the amount you pay.

Standard Horizon HX210E

This affordable 6W waterproof and buoyant handheld VHF is compact yet feature packed. The lithium battery-powered radio has chunky keys, a bright backlit screen, a water-activated strobe and an integral FM radio.

RRP: £114.95 / $150

Buy it now on Amazon

Buy it now on eBay (UK)

Buy it now on eBay (US)

Looking for more options? Check out YBW’s guide to the best fixed marine radios and best handheld VHFs.

Yeti Drinkware

When two fishermen brothers couldn’t find a robust icebox/cooler, they started Yeti, which produces coolers you can stand on, throw around a boat and that will keep ice cold for days.

The drinkware range looks just as practical, whether water bottles, the ramblers to keep your coffee hot, or the wine tumbler to keep your Côtes de Provence ice cold.

The Rambler gallon/half gallon jugs make a lot of sense for day sailing racing, either for warming soups hot or keeping your Dark’n’Stormy fresh!  See Stones/Yeti for options

RRP: £129 / $129

Buy it now on Yeti

Buy it now on Amazon

Buy it now on eBay (UK)

Yachting World subscription

Christmas gift ideas: A Yachting World subscription

A hardcopy of the world’s favourite sailing magazine every month for 6 months from £25 (or ipad/iphone digital issues for £16.99) – now that’s a Christmas gift that delivers long into the new year!

Buy it now on Magazines Direct

INFL8-5 Inflatable VHF Antenna

If you’re planning a trip a little further out to sea or just want the safety of a powerful emergency antenna without cluttering up your deck this could be the low space answer for you. The Galaxy®-INFL8 VHF 3dB is an inflatable antenna that can be rapidly deployed via a CO2 cartridge to 5ft (1.6m) to offer a full 3dB antenna with a range of up to three times greater than any existing helical emergency antenna.

RRP: $130 

Buy the inflatable VHF Antenna from Amazon

Sea Fever

For those of us with land locked loved ones in our lives that are keen to take to the high seas Meg and Christopher Clothier may have the gift for you. Sea Fever is a book stacked to the gunnels with interesting facts, practical advice and esoteric seaside lore – once you’ve read it, you’ll never feel like a landlubber again.

RRP: £9.99

Buy Sea Fever now from Amazon

Creative Ropecraft: A treasure trove of knots, hitches, bends, plaits and netting

the updated edition of Creative Ropecraft: A treasure trove of knots, hitches, bends, plaits and netting by the late Stuart Grainger.

Now in colour for the first time, this compendium of all things knotty is a great collection of practical nautical knots and decorative rope work.

RRP: £10.99 / $15.99

Buy Creative Ropecraft from Amazon

Reeds Nautical Almanac

This year sees the 90th-anniversary edition of the Reeds Nautical Almanac. An annual compendium of all the navigational data you might need to plot a course around the Atlantic coast. It includes the UK and Europe all the way from Denmark to Gibraltar.

RRP: £49.99

Buy Reeds Nautical Almanac 2022 from Amazon

The Nautical Puzzle Book

How much do you really know about the oceans? The National Maritime Museum has packed this book with hundreds of questions and a mix of maps, world games and trivia. Available in hardback or Ebook form this stocking filler is designed to suit veteran sailors and armchair navigators alike.

RRP: £14.99 / $19.99

Buy it now on Amazon

Quench manual watermaker

Hydro Wind Energy is aiming to produce 100 million Quench Sea desalinators in the next seven years! This unit has triple pre-filtration and a small state-of-the-art reverse osmosis replaceable membrane rated for the production of 18,000lt of fresh water. It weighs 0.7kg and produces 2lt of water an hour.

Note: the first units aren’t scheduled to ship until October 2021, but a voucher for one could be welcomed as a Christmas gift with a difference.

RRP: £988

Buy now from Quench Sea

Sealey power pack

This lithium ion power back offers a potential solution to the problem of keeping gadgets charged while on board. It’s compact and weighs only 1.5kg, but has a 31,200mAh capacity that’s sufficient to deliver half a dozen full charges for a smart phone, or to fully charge a typical laptop twice.

RRP: £168 / $185

Buy it now on Amazon

Buy it now on eBay (UK)

Buy it now on eBay (US)

Zhik ECO Wetsuit

Many cruising yachts carry wetsuits, whether for emergency underwater work, swimming in cold Atlantic waters or watersports. However, there are long-standing environmental problems with conventional neoprene, an oil-based synthetic rubber that will never biodegrade and requires a massive amount of energy to produce. A number of companies have developed alternatives, including Zhik with this ECO Wetsuit made from sustainable plant-based materials and recycled plastics.

RRP: £170 / $225

Buy it now on Amazon

Best sailing calendars

Rick Tomlinson

After 34 years of producing calendars, renowned sailing photographer Rick Tomlinson knows how to pick an optimum blend of art and action for your wall. This year’s selection ranges from Hugo Boss to Maserati and the latest Club Swan 125 Skorpios.

RRP: £19.95 (wall calendar) / £9.99 (desk calendar)

Buy it now on Amazon

Buy it now on eBay

Ultimate sailing

After 40 years behind the lens afloat, Sharon Green has a top reputation for capturing race boats in colourful action, whether it’s the powered up supermaxi Comanche or an Optimist atop a wave. In this 40th anniversary edition Sharon has curated the best of the best from the last 4 decades.

RRP: $28.95

Buy it now on ultimatesailing.com

A knot a day

With lockdowns and travel restrictions ongoing, what better time to further your skills? Nic Compton has set the tempting task of 365 different knot challenges for all ages and abilities, so you can hitch, bend, whip and splice your way through 2022 and maybe pick up some magic tricks on the way.

RRP: £16.99

Buy it now on Amazon

Oakley Split Shot sailing sunglasses

Wearing a good set of UV-protected sunglasses with polarised lenses year-round can help protect against serious eye damage. But it can be painful and expensive if, like me, you are prone to losing glasses over the side. Oakley’s Split Shot glasses come with Prizm lenses and provide a detachable lightweight and ultra thin wire leash attachment to its wraparound glasses to suit watersports in particular.

RRP: £142 / $210

Buy it now on Amazon

Looking for a different style? Check out YBW’s guide to the best sailing sunglasses on the market.

Wuzzos personalised deck shoes

Wuzzos are offering personalisation on their boat shoes for free in the run up to this Christmas. 

Customers for these high spec boat shoes, for both men and women, can add their names, initials, sail racing numbers and eventing numbers to their shoes.

The offer to have these personalised for free (Usually £20)  just adds a nice touch to a neat Christmas gift. 

We reviewed their latest Corinthian Pro shoes earlier in the year here.

RPR: £100-£120

Buy Wuzzos deck shoes from Wuzzos

For more options, from deck trainers to leather moccasins, check out YBW’s guide to the best boat shoes available right now.

Bark & Rock journal

What do you get the sailor who has everything? Tablets are so last year. A journal made out of wood perhaps? These luxury journals are handmade by a family-run business in the UK. A range of styles is available from the more traditional oak to an Indian Ebony or a more exotic Bubinga Kewazinga from Equatorial Africa.

Just don’t let your kids draw in or on them…

RRP: £190

Buy it now on barkandrock.com

Christmas gift ideas: Ocean Signal rescueMe MOB1

Ocean Signal rescueMe MOB1

The more portable personal rescue devices are, the more likely they will be worn or carried. Ocean Signal’s new MOB1 is 30% smaller than competitor AIS MOB devices.

It can alert any AIS-equipped vessels in the vicinity to the precise location of a casualty in the water, and it will fit on any inflatable lifejacket’s oral tube. It also includes DSC alerting so can both pinpoint a MOB location via AIS, plus trigger the yacht’s own VHF alarm.

RRP: £248

Buy it now on Amazon

Buy it now on eBay

Henri Lloyd neoprene sailing gloves

Christmas gift ideas: Henri Lloyd Cobra Winter Glove

Sailing with cold hands sucks. We tested a selection of winter gloves and these came out top. The full-fingered gloves have neoprene thermal insulation, which means that even when they (inevitably) get wet, they keep your hands warm.

The grippy surface on the palms proved particularly good when handling intricate jobs and overall we were really impressed with this glove. Tough, flexible and easy to get on and off even when wet.

RRP: £35

Buy it now on eBay

Musto BR2 Coastal Jacket

Warm, waterproof, and ideal for both winter sailing or walking the high street, the BR2 jacket is lined with heat-retentive Arctec fleece that keeps much of its insulating power even when wet. We included the BR2 in our best in shore sailing jackets list earlier this year. 

RRP: £250

Buy the Musto BR2 coastal jacket from Musto

Christmas gift ideas: Gill Tarp Barrel Bag

Gill Tarp Barrel Bag

All sailors need a decent kit bag. This 60L no-nonsense barrel bag is made from durable waterproof tarpaulin and features a two-way zip and padded shoulder strap.

RRP: £60 / $75

Buy it now on Amazon

Buy it now on eBay

Red 40lt Kit Bag

This waterproof bag is stylish and lightweight, with smooth zips designed not to snag, and the best part is that it’s made out of recycled plastic bottles (TPU). And the zips and seals really work too. We tested a selection of waterproof bags and this was our favourite blend of style and practicality.

RRP: £129.95 / $195

Buy Red 40lt Kit Bag from Red Original

Garmin Virb Ultra 30

If your choice of action camera is more defined by durability, audio and picture quality, consider Virb cameras. Garmin continues to upgrade its rugged and waterproof (to 50m) Virb cams with increased resolution and a variety of mounting options.

RRP: £389.99

Buy it now from Garmin

Christmas gift ideas: Splash Drone

Splash Drone

This is the first fully waterproof quad copter – and it floats. The drone is not only designed to carry a GoPro, but has a payload release feature for carrying and releasing other items, including safety gear. SwellPro has released the 3^rd generation of the SplashDrone, with improved features, including a ‘follow me’ mode. Use it to capture some unique footage of your yacht, take a beer to a friend, or even drop a life-ring to a casualty in the water.

RRP:  £2,188/ $1,378

Buy it now on Amazon

Christmas gift ideas: Proshot case waterproof phone housing

ProShot Touch Waterproof iPhone housing

GoPros and similar action cameras are great devices, but they are both expensive (some more than £500) and need charging. Recent smartphones have a camera that is just as good as a high-end action camera. This neat case turns an iPhone into a fully waterproof action camera.

It’s waterproof to 50ft or 130ft, depending on model, and is compatible with all GoPro mounting accessories. Full control of the phone’s camera is achieved via the volume buttons.

RRP: £89 / $119.99

Buy it now on Amazon

Buy it now on eBay

Christmas gift ideas: Carboteck bracket

Carboteck bracket and bezel

An upgrade for the dinghy sailing enthusiast in your life. This forged light and impact resistant carbon bezel is designed for use with a Velocitek Prism or a Raymarine Tacktick Micro Compass. The forged carbon is created by mixing paste fibres with resin, then squeezing the material into the desired shape.

RRP: Bezel £49.99; Compass bracket £89.99.

Buy it now on carboteck.com

Christmas gift ideas: Red inflatable paddleboard

Red Limited Edition SUP

Red’s 10ft 6in Ride model is the most popular and arguably most versatile all round inflatable stand-up paddleboard. Having relied on one on our boat for the last couple of summer seasons, I can vouch for it being a fantastic edition to the sail locker.

It’s ideal for getting to or from the beach, exercising/paddling or surfing when at anchor and it provides a dive platform and extra floating space for the kids. It comes with cargo tie-downs and three fins attached – and the pumps and backpacks supplied are also superb.

RRP: From £999

Buy it now on redpaddleco.com

Christmas gift ideas: Lume-On

Spinlock Lume-On

The simple ideas are the best. These compact LEDs stick to the underbelly of each bladder, which uses the large fluorescent surface like a diffuser to maximise the visibility of the flashing light.  Once activated, the Lume-On provides up to two hours of intense flashing light. It adds very little extra weight, has a smooth profile so will not chafe the bladder, and is very simple to retrofit to most lifejackets.

RRP: £25.99 per pair

Buy it now on Amazon

Buy it now on eBay

Christmas gift ideas: Spot X

Spot X satellite messenger

A neat two-way satellite messenger, with communication via SMS or email. The Spot X has a Qwerty keyboard, can be linked to Facebook and Twitter accounts, and has tracking and SOS functions. Satellite coverage is via the Globalstar system.

RRP: £286 (+subscription from €11.95/month)

Buy it now on Amazon

Buy it now on eBay

Christmas gift ideas: Esa sailing smartwatch

Astra esa smartwatch

The esa is the first smartwatch designed for sailing, fusing the sailor’s thirst for gadgetry with high-street technology. The esa watch uses wifi to display information from onboard instruments on your wrist. As well as the ability to show performance sailing data including speed and polar target data, the watch is still essentially a smartphone, offering full Android capabilities.

RRP: €299

Buy it now from astrayacht.com

Christmas gift ideas: Free Wheeling manual prop

Ron Marks Free Wheeling Outboard

This Australian innovation blends rowing with outboard motors to produce a clever lightweight solution for your tender. It uses a 3:1 gear ratio contained in the collar by the handle, driving a high-pitch propeller to provide a smooth, silent and fuel-less means of manual propulsion in either direction. Time to ditch the outboard, oars or both?

RRP: £79

Buy it now on Amazon

Christmas gift ideas: Rokk ultimate cable

Rokk ultimate cable

If you’re going to get a waterproof case for your mobile device, you may want one of these charging cables too. The extra long (2m/6.5ft) and durable Ultimate cable is corrosion and tangle proof, and allows for waterproof phone charging when used with a compatible case.

RRP: £19.99

Buy it now on rokkstore.com

Sealskinz waterproof hat

Keeping your head warm and dry is vital to enjoying winter sailing. This waterproof hi-vis Sealskinz Bobble hat looks like the ideal way of achieving that, while making sure you can be spotted easily. It is water and stain repellent, with a Teflon coated acrylic outer fabric and micro fleece inner lining.

RRP: £20

Buy it now on Amazon

Buy it now on eBay

Looking for a different style? Check out YBW’s guide to the best sailing hats on the market.

Christmas gift ideas: Exposure XS-WR torch

Exposure XS-WR Torch

This compact, lightweight double-ended torch shines a powerful white beam from one end and a red light from the other. Both can be operated simultaneously for a variety of uses from onboard, to the tender ride or cycle home.

Accessories include a headband that allows either colour to shine forwards, a reflective neck lanyard, plus stanchion, helmet and magnetic mounts.

RRP: £125

Buy it now on exposuremarine.com

Christmas gift ideas: Touchscreen gloves

Mujjo touchscreen gloves

Those who need to swipe screens in colder climes can now keep their digits warm too with Mujjo’s latest fleece-lined touchscreen gloves. These nitted versions have black leather cuffs and anti-slip palms with silicon grip dots.

RRP: £54.99

Buy it now on Amazon

Christmas gift ideas: Tacking Master

TackingMaster

Race tactics involve decisions based on the wind direction and trends, gleaned from the yacht’s compass. This Danish TackingMaster helps make wind shifts quick and easy to gauge using a watch-style wrist mount.

Once the wind direction and course to the mark have been set, you can track any shifts by using its inner course dial. So you can easily see how a shift may affect the next tack or leg and keep track of the average wind trend.

RRP: $75

Buy it now from tackingmaster.com

Christmas gift ideas: Restube safety device

Restube

Anyone who partakes in extreme watersports will know there are times when wearing a lifejacket is simply not practical afloat. And others may simply want the comfort of a personal flotation device without the bulk, perhaps when taking a swim away from an anchored yacht.

The Restube is a personal lifebuoy developed by a kitesurfer that stows into a small bum-bag like pouch. It uses a vertical or horizontal belt attachment, and a sports model is available with a harness mount.

RRP: £75

Buy it now on Amazon

Buy it now on eBay

Dr Sails

If I were to recommend one piece of repair kit to carry aboard it would probably be this emergency epoxy adhesive. The fast curing epoxy can be used on sails plus most materials in virtually all conditions – including underwater – so it can even help patch a hole below the waterline. Watch the video here

RRP: €15.75 for 10ml

Buy it now on eBay

Christmas gift ideas: Satsleeve+ for smartphones

Thuraya Satsleeve+

A Satsleeve turns your mobile phone into a satphone. It wraps around the phone, utilising the mobile’s internal electronics and encodes and boosts the signal for connection to the Thuraya satellite network. The SatSleeve+ has a universal adapter, so the user can switch between most smartphone models from 58 to 85mm in width.

RRP: £447 / $550 or £5 per day to rent from globaltelesat.co.uk

Buy it now on Amazon

Buy it now on eBay

Christmas gift ideas: Fizzics beer tap

Fizzics portable beer tap

Sailors are discerning types with quality tastes. So why not ship a portable beer tap for draught-tasting beer with the perfect head? The founders of Fizzics have really delved into the science (or ‘fizzics’) of beer drinking, and created a device that they say will deliver the perfect pour, creating an ‘ultra dense, long-lasting foam head’ from any standard size beer can or bottle – and all beer types from lager and ale to stout.

It’s strictly for those who take their drinking seriously – I’ve asked Santa for one.

RRP: $129.99

Buy it now on Amazon

Buy it now on eBay

Christmas gift ideas: FlexSafe

FlexSafe – Keep your valuables safe

Keeping keys, passports, wallets and electronic gadgets safe when travelling can all too often be a challenge. The FlexSafe is a lockable bag made of slash-proof materials that cannot be cut open with a knife and incorporates a piercing 110db motion sensing alarm. When on shore simply attach the bag to a convenient tree, your folding bike, the dinghy or any other suitable structure.

RRP: $69.95

Buy it now on Amazon

Buy it now on eBay

Christmas gift ideas: Spinlock Chest Pack

Spinlock Essentials chest pack

Spinlock’s Essential Packs are snug fitting solutions for keeping accessories like a mobile phone, VHF, or personal EPIRB to hand on the water. They are available as belt, side or chest packs that attach with Velcro tie-downs, and neatly compliment Spinlock’s Deckvest 5D lifejacket.

RRP: £19.96

Buy it now on Amazon

Buy it now on eBay

Christmas gift ideas: Sugru

Sugru

Sugru is a new material that feels like play dough but acts like superglue and sticks to most objects and surfaces. It’s very user-friendly, highly malleable and waterproof and comes in 10 bright colours. It’s ideal for both fixing things and giving items a new lease of life as it sets like silicone rubber (flexible and insulated) – it’s also surprisingly fun to apply.

RRP: £15.99 / $12 for 8x 50g single-use packs

Buy it now on Amazon

Buy it now on eBay

Christmas gift ideas: Wichard Knife

Wichard knives

Wichard has produced knives in Thiers, the French home of knife making, since 1919. Its latest range includes Offshore and more economic Aquaterra models.

The Offshore knife has a serrated blade that can cut through Dyneema, and is available with a combined shackle key/marlinspike. The Aquaterra uses a conventional or serrated blade and has the accessory all sailors really need: a corkscrew.

RRP: £30 / $32

Buy it now on Amazon

Buy it now on eBay

Christmas gift ideas: TIWAL inflatable dinghy

Tiwal 3.2 inflatable dinghy

This French inflatable sailing dinghy stows into two compact bags and can be launched, assembled and sailed anywhere in 20 minutes. It looks like safe, enjoyable and family-friendly fun, ideal for getting kids into dinghy sailing.

It uses the same high-strength PVC material as stand-up paddleboards, inflated via a high-pressure pump. An alloy structure gives it a backbone and allows the helm or crew to sit out, and a freestanding carbon mast splits into four.

Keep in the locker or trailer sail – without the need for a trailer. Watch the video here

The 2018 models have been updated. They are now more streamlined, practical and comfortable. Hiking rack pads have been added to the accessories.

RRP: €5,490

Buy it now from tiwal.com

Christmas gift ideas: INO Block light

Ino-Block Light

Three years ago Ino-Rope brought out its revolutionary lightweight textile IB blocks with working loads from 800kg to 6T. It has now launched a Light range that uses a soft connector as both axle and connector, resulting in a sturdy and affordable block for smaller applications, boats or dinghies.

RRP: €16.50 for the IB 0.6 for rope up to 8mm

Buy it now on eBay

We can’t promise any of these products will be delivered in time – but we wish a Happy Christmas to all!

If you enjoyed this…

The post Christmas gifts for sailors: Our pick of the very best kit appeared first on Yachting World.

HH Catamarans are known for their lightweight flyers, but the new OC50 is designed for bluewater cruising couples, Toby Hodges and François Tregouet report

The Xiamen-built HH range of catamarans found popularity for its high-performance, all-carbon, hull-flying designs such as the HH66 and HH55. But the HH OC50 is designed as a more affordable cruising alternative, and one that targets ocean sailing. Hence it earns its place in our bluewater multihull listing.

The Morelli and Melvin-designed HH OC50 is still stiffened and strengthened by carbon, but built in vinylester composites with a gelcoat finish. This adds an additional 300kg or so over a full carbon HH50, but cost savings are in the region of $400,000.

Solid glassfibre fixed keels with winglets are used instead of daggerboards, which are independent of the hulls and are designed to take the weight of the boat.

HH describe the new Ocean Series as designed with cruising couples firmly in mind. The OC50 comes with a self-tacking staysail and genoa for ease of sail handling. Sail controls are led to a single raised helm station, which has a fixed bimini and canopies for full enclosure.

Practical features for bluewater cruising include plentiful deck stowage, generous tankage, removable transom washboards and tech spaces in the forward cabins.

There is a generous forward-facing navstation and a U-shaped galley with deep drawer fridges and freezers. 

HH Catamarans has also recently unveiled a new OC44 model.

OC50 prices

Ex-VAT US$1.3m

See our full list of the best bluewater mutlihulls

If you enjoyed this….

Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.

Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

The post Best bluewater multihulls: HH OC50 appeared first on Yachting World.

Families looking for a bluewater cruising multihull should have a look at the Lagoon 450. Toby Hodges and Francois Tregouet find out why

For those in any doubt as to what is the most popular cruising catamaran, it’s a Lagoon – and by a substantial margin. Over 120 Lagoons have crossed the Atlantic with the ARC in the last five years alone, three times more than any other manufacturer (the next being Fountaine Pajot at 40). And the Lagoon 450 is a great example of a family friendly bluewater multihull.

The Lagoon 450 remains the most popular model from Lagoon. It exemplifies the VPLP/Nauta design partnership which has made these the very definition of modern mid-size cruising catamarans which can appeal to families and charterers alike.

Indeed the 450 marked the modern look of Lagoon and was the first with interior styling from Nauta. It originally launched over a decade ago as a flybridge design with central helming position (450F), before this ‘sport top’ option (450S) was offered with a starboard helm station and lower boom.

More than 1,000 of the 450 have since splashed which, when you consider that more than 400 of its predecessor 440 were built, accounts for a large proportion of the 45ft catamarans floating around the world! It is the sweet spot of size, offering enormous volume for family living aboard, while still being manageable.

Lagoon 450 price

Guide price ex VAT: €439,200

See our full list of the best bluewater multihulls.

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Toby Hodges takes an overnight test of the Oyster 595 and finds out how this £2.3m yacht managed to pick up 16 buyers before the first one even hit the water

Your world becomes a very small place when the ease and convenience of travel is lost, a notion that has really hit home in the last couple of year, However, if uptake of the new Oyster 595 is anything to go by, many sailors are looking to set off to see a bit more of the world in the coming years.

That’s perhaps no bad thing for most sailors, particularly if it brings the realisation that we have the skills and desire to see more of this world in the best way possible – under sail. It seems for many it has forced the question, ‘why delay casting off’?

It’s evident that an increasing number of owners are not only impatient to set off, but they want to do so in the most comfort possible. That 16 deposits were placed on this £2.5m yacht before the first build was even finished is quite staggering. The new Oyster 595 is the fastest selling Oyster model to date and the British brand has clearly unveiled the right product at the right time.

Yet Oyster is not alone and, having heard similar sales results from other competitor yards recently, I’m convinced we’re seeing a new trend. Carpe diem is the theme of a new breed of wealthy sailors who want to set off bluewater cruising but in utmost comfort – whether that means a spacious multihull or a top end monohull.

The explosion in remote working together with the increased reliability of communications afloat has also helped here, in that this is not a total cut and run decision for some, who can now continue to work from on board.

Oyster has ensured the 595 can be sailed and managed short-handed. Photo: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images

Still, 16 pre-launch orders is phenomenal at this market level. To put that in perspective if you signed up for an Oyster 595 today you’d already be waiting until late 2024 for delivery!

So is this model a victim of its own success, and what’s behind its popularity? An exclusive 24-hour trial on the first model to launch, Skye III, was an ideal chance to find out.

Family ethos

Paul Adamson, Oyster’s CCO, certainly agrees there is a ‘seize the day’ mentality behind this demand for the largest size yachts that can be owner-operated. He was on board with us for the trial and knows today’s range arguably better than any, having previously skippered the 885 Lush around the world.

He says that up to 10 orders off plan is common, but attributes this record demand for the Oyster 595 to the Richard Hadida factor [Oyster’s CEO]. “He’s put the family ethos back into Oyster,” by which he is referring to the revamped Oyster world rally, owner gatherings and the attraction of a younger dynamic.

There are 30 taking part in its rally later this year and the 2024 edition sold out in just two days.

There have also been 21 sales of the two-year old Oyster 565 now, which Rob Humphreys co-designed with the 595 and which shares an almost identical style and layout above and below decks. While this new pair is separated by only 3ft in length, the 595 costs a whopping £0.5million more. The main (and arguably deciding) difference then comes down to space – the Oyster 595 has 14% extra internal volume.

Lit up at anchor. A meal taken under the stars proved the comfort of the large cockpit. Photo: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images

Both yachts are based on Oyster’s tried and tested centre cockpit layout, with an aft owner’s cabin and walk-in engine room with adjoining workroom. An alternative layout is offered, with the owner’s cabin forward, albeit an unlikely prospect for Oyster owners who like to live aboard for long periods at sea.

At 62ft 6in/19.05m LOA, the Oyster 595 replaces the Oyster 625 and has a model name chosen in part to debunk the myth that a yacht over 60ft is too big to handle, Adamson explains. It is designed around a couple being able to manage it easily, including hydraulics and push button controls for most sailing and manoeuvring.

Article continues below…

Oyster 575 videos

Stylish footage taken during Yachting World’s delivery test of Oyster’s latest bluewater cruiser

First look: Oyster 495

The Oyster 495 is the first all-new sub 50ft Oyster model in 16 years and is one of the most…

The £2.3m starting price includes a very high level of spec as standard, such as retractable bow and stern thrusters, genset, hydraulics etc, down to the leading-edge lighting system. It’s impressive and on boarding the Oyster 595 you’re struck by the superyacht standard of design and finish quality. You also feel that extra size immediately.

Obedience

The ability to safely and easily berth such a large vessel is of paramount importance to those who cruise short-handed. You need to know you can put this 30-tonne yacht on a tight berth in a blow. Before departing Portland marina we did some practice berthing in a fresh breeze to see the fingertip control of using dual thrusters. It’s impressive and intuitive, puts you at ease and quickly makes you realise why these aids are a standard fit.

Powering towards France, the 595 kept a consistent speed through waves. Photo: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images

Our test boat Skye III also had another highly practical appendage fitted below the waterline. A fixed shaft hydrogenerator is installed between the keel and rudder. This Watt&Sea device proved its worth during our trials, consistently generating 20A once at or over 9 knots. That’s enough free juice to power the fridge and autopilot, and for minimal drag. The only downside is the vibration noise it creates in the interior, something Oyster is looking into.

Elsewhere the insulation is once again first class – were it not for the water rushing past the vertical portlights while I was still below decks, it would have been hard to tell we were underway doing 8 knots at just 1,800rpm.

Again it was just the fuss-free push of a couple of buttons on the pedestal to hydraulically unfurl the genoa and in-mast mainsail. Sailing along the Dorset coastline in the calmer stuff, typically making 7-8.5 knots close-hauled against a summer north-easterly was, unsurprisingly, very pleasant.

I noticed a marked difference when you only have single figure winds though, as the apparent wind reduces significantly, as does speed. Tom Humphreys tells me the 595 has slightly higher sail area and ballast ratios in comparison to the 565 so may take a bit more breeze to get powered up, but should then be slightly stiffer.

The test boat had an enticing light oak finish. Teak, ash, or walnut is offered. Saloon table butterflies open to reveal stunning marquetry. Photo: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images

On the helm it certainly feels like a larger yacht than the Oyster 565. We were grateful for the asymmetric spinnaker, which, although not the optimal size, helped provide plenty of enjoyment and in the lighter breeze and flatter water encouraged an average of 8-9 knots.

Performance for an ocean cruiser comes down to much more than figures of course: you want the legs to tick off miles, the handling to be easy and the motion comfortable. And it was during a marathon leg out to sea, chasing an elusive window of sun for the photographer, that I really felt we experienced some of these aspects and the offshore pedigree of this design.

The Oyster powered along magnificently towards a beckoning empty horizon. It was during that reach across a swell, which grew the further we got into the Channel, sailing with the kite in a Force 5 at 150° to the true wind, where I really felt the yacht’s passagemaking ability, as the log steadily clocked 9.5-11 knots.

The deep twin rudders provide stacks of grip yet let you know when they are loaded. With full sail up in a 2m swell and gusts topping 20 knots on the beam, we remained in control even though the helm felt laden. The motion remained very comfortable despite the power, and I was impressed with the consistent average speeds.

Indeed, when we finally gave up the chase, we were approaching the Traffic Separation Scheme mid-Channel. Were we not in travel restricted times, we’d have been tempted to plough on to France.

The mate, Johnny, prepares roasted vegetables while water rushes past the hull portlights. Photo: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images

The Oyster 595 has the displacement, shape and length to slice through waves effortlessly. And during the fetch/close hauled leg back to the coast, we averaged 9 knots, up to 9.5. In these conditions it felt like a relatively high angle of heel. This is particularly noticeable when you go below decks under sail, where it’s tricky to move forward across the saloon as the handrail on the deckhead is so high.

Arguably these are the downsides for those who choose this extra length and volume over the 565 – it’s that much more yacht to manoeuvre around at heel and it is not quite as rewarding to sail. That said, the heavy feel of the helm on the test boat is likely to do with the fact that the rudder bar and tow angles had not been optimised. Adamson has since reported: “After resetting the tow angle and with a slight adjustment to the geometry of the drag link, she is now super light on the helm”.

For those still concerned about the use of twin rudders for bluewater sailing, he says the yard has never had an issue with rudder damage. The blades are designed to sever in the case of a serious impact and there are watertight bulkheads each side of the stocks. They also allow for a shallow draught centreboard option.

The contemporary deck layout is practically identical to the 565, including the flush foredeck, excellent sail locker and generous lazarette, but with some extra space in those ends and in the cockpit. Again there’s a substantial bowsprit, which allows for the easy setting of a large anchor. An impressive 130m of stainless steel chain comes as standard, complete with a deckwash system.

The light show

Anchoring for the night below the embrace of the Purbeck hills at dusk gave us an ideal opportunity to experience many of the comfort features of the boat at rest. The windlass can be operated from the helm, while a touch of the screen at the pedestal changed the nav lights to anchor and spreader lights, illuminating the foredeck. Underwater lights then beamed into the deep like a space probe, attracting marine life.

New Guardian Angel touchscreen and lighting system is intuitive and forward-thinking. Photo: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images

The ability to change the lighting at the push of a button from the helm or below decks is a feature which quickly grew on me. Having said this, it still came as a surprise when the first thing Adamson wanted to show me on boarding was the lighting system. He says Hadida is adamant that if people spend millions on a yacht, they should have a decent lighting and sound system.

The LED spotlights, sunk into the deckheads so you don’t see the lenses, are a particularly neat touch. There are three different mood lighting settings as standard, encouraging you to instantly change the lights to a brighter/softer/night time mode at the push of a button.

C-Zone’s digital switching is at the heart of this and the electronics system. It has encouraged Hadida to also develop and integrate a ‘Guardian Angel’ system, which clearly displays all the yacht’s systems on touchscreen displays. In time this system will enable the yacht’s technical systems to be beamed live to Oyster HQ via the Yellowbrick tracker system.

“We will be able to push notifications to them and owners will be able to push a button to ‘request assistance’ – a concierge service,” says Adamson.
Prize layout

The 595’s interior shows Oyster at its best. Anyone who has sailed its midsize central cockpit designs in the last two decades will know the aft cabin, galley and engine room layout is hard to better for ocean cruising.

Granted, the seven companionway steps are a comparatively steep descent by today’s standards, but they help open out an impressively light and modern saloon and navstation. It’s a vibrant, bright, voluminous and modern interior awash with natural light. The ventilation is also excellent, particularly from the forward-facing coachroof windows.

The opulent master cabin is showered in light. Photo: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images

The spacious saloon is raised enough to create abundant machinery space below, but the open spaces and height present a challenge when trying to traverse it at heel. The navstation is set at 45º and has plenty of space for instruments, however it feels a little compact, particularly for those wanting to use it as an office too.

The backrest is very upright, and you can’t stretch your feet out properly, though it is possible to have a swing-out stool instead. Otherwise, however, it has a large chart table and an excellent layout of electronic systems, with easy access to the wiring behind.

The passageway galley is superb. With abundant worktop and locker space it is bright and practical to work at at sea. You can brace against the opposing countertop, yet it is wide enough for two to pass.

Formidable galley with space and stowage aplenty. Photo: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images

The test boat was brimming with domestic appliances including dishwasher, ice-maker, washer-dryer and microwave. Its GN Espace induction cooker set-up is an option but one Adamson is pushing to make standard.

World cruisers are always searching for gas bottles and different countries use different regulators, he comments. “With this you can use the generator and if you lose that you can run the microwave through the inverter and service batteries.”

I’d wager that it’s on viewing the aft cabin where the majority of cheques get signed. This cabin presents a supreme amount of space and natural light. The standout features are the triple vertical hull portlights and the ambient lighting. You lose standing headroom alongside the berth, yet there’s plenty at the forward end of the cabin (6ft 3in/1.90m).

The saloon the manifolds and systems are intelligibly installed for easy servicing. Photo: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images

Guests would feel pretty spoiled in the forward cabin too, where the stellar skylights harness so much natural light. Look closely at how well Oyster has integrated the dual blinds, the lee cloth attachments, ventilation and spotlights into the headlining alone, and you’ll appreciate the premium quality.

The forward cabin has its own access into the shared heads and shower. Given this will be used by crew in two or three cabins, it needs to be, and is spacious and practical, with a deep sink, good stowage and light. A heated rail or some method of drying towels and wet gear would benefit both heads compartments further.

The standard Oyster 595 has two bunks in the midships cabin. Skye III has been set up for the world rally and will be crewed by a professional skipper and first mate, who have a pilot berth cum workroom, which I think is ideal.

Lift the saloon sole panels and you’ll find the whole of the central section is an intelligibly laid out manifold network, as per the 565, with the portside for engineering (engine and genset) and the starboard side for services such as refrigeration and aircon. If one becomes blocked you can link to the other.
An aluminium grid provides a stiff structure for the floor panels.

Oyster’s current method of using monolithic carbon infused structures (as opposed to the foam-topped method of the past), creates additional bilge space above the deep keel sump. The Lloyds-approved structures are costly but create more structural stiffness.

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When you say performance bluewater multihull, the name Gunboat often springs to mind. Toby Hodges and Francois Tregouet selected the Gunboat 48 as their pick of the bunch

Gunboat is the forerunner of the ongoing current trend for fast composite carbon catamarans. The Gunboat 48 is a very popular model, despite only a handful being made – though huge numbers of any Gunboat model do not really exist.

It is the boat that surfing megastar, John John Florence selected for a beautifully shot travelogue-style video series, which he named after his Gunboat 48 Vela.

When Peter Johnstone conceived the first Gunboat 62 Tribe over 20 years ago, spawned from the discomfort his family felt sailing a large monohull, little did he know he would start a cult for cool cruising cats that can outpace maxis on a race course and have the legs to avoid a storm.

Veteran multihull designers Morrelli & Melvin followed up with this smaller model, more manageable for an owner-driver yet still capable of up to 300-400 mile days.

A rare breed, just six 48s were built between 2004 and 2009. Oh, to have a spare €1.3m right now… one of them is actually on the market.

Gunboat 48 price

Around €1.3m second hand

See our full list of best bluewater mutlihulls

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Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.

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Toby Hodges steps aboard the newly announced ICE 70 designed by Umberto Felci for high performance cruising and racing. Additional text by Rupert Holmes

The ICE 70 is a gorgeous Umberto Felci design and has been conceived for fast cruising and racing at the highest levels, both with full and reduced crews and promises to combine elegance with the latest technologies, high performance and versatility.

Three ICE 70s have been sold so far, to owners in Italy, Mexico and Germany. The first of these three, Thalassa2 made its public debut at the 2021 Cannes Yachting Festival.

It was at Cannes that Yachting World’s boat test editor, Toby Hodges, stepped onboard to provide a full tour of the yacht and take it for a brief sail.

The yacht itself features some beautifully crisp styling which contributes to a tremendously clean aesthetic, with huge unobstructed deck areas and a very low profile coachroof.

Visually the cockpit coamings are an extension of the coachroof line and even the large instrument pods at each helm station are shaped to echo the lines of the cabin top.

In  terms of the hull shape, Felci has created a very contemporary yacht with the ICE 70 featuring high form stability, but without excess wetted surface area, especially when heeled. Carbon fibre has been used extensively in the construction, and makes up something in the region of 30% of the fibres used in construction. All the structural components on the ICE 70 are of vacuum infused epoxy laminate.

As Toby found when touring the boat, the interior specified for this first boat is simple and uncluttered, underlining the yacht’s refined and streamlined nature.

ICE 70 out on the water

The owner’s cabin and a twin guest cabin are forward, ahead of a large and elegant saloon. Aft is the captain’s cabin, which has direct access to the galley, located in the port quarter.

We are told that the second ICE 70 to be built will have a slightly different layout, with more space for guests a key factor. As such, the second one will feature two large ensuite aft cabins that are convertible between twin and double configurations, plus a smaller Pullman cabin.

The galley in this boat is forward of the keel case, with the owner’s suite forward of this. There’s also a very compact ensuite crew cabin in the bows that can double as a sail locker when necessary. In all cases furniture is mostly of veneered sandwich panels to minimise weight.

Both boats have an unusually large tender garage, with space for a 4.2m (13ft) RIB, that reduces accommodation volume in the aft end of the boat.

ICE 70 Specifications:

Hull: length 21.3m / 69ft 11in
LWL: 19.8m / 65ft 0in
Beam: 5.75m / 18ft 10in
Draught: 2.75m-4.30m / 9ft 0in-14ft 1in
Displacement: 26,500kg / 58,400lb
Price: €2,580,000 ex VAT.
Builder: iceyachts.it

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The Privilège 510 Signature is a serious luxury bluewater multihull perfect for long-range cruising. Toby Hodges and Francois Tregouet find out why

Privilège was the creation of Vendée Globe founder Philippe Jeantot 35 years ago and with its yard in Les Sables d’Olonne has grown to be a leader in the luxury bluewater market. The new Privilège 510 Signature is a great example of a bluewater multihull from the French marque.

Privilège is now part of Hanse Yachts, and the 510 Signature is the first to be launched under its new ownership, though it retains the lines of redoubtable multihull designs Marc Lombard.

Privilege 510 on sea trials at Ile d’ Yeu

The Privilège range starts with this impressive 50-footer, which adapted the hulls and deck of the original Série 5 design.

Lombard has stretched the coachroof, giving good bimini protection and enlarged the portlights, while stowage and volume distribution has been improved. The 510 is designed to take a serious amount of cruising gear – up to six tonnes of it in fact.

An 88sq m square-top mainsail, mast raked aft and bowsprit for Code and downwind sails give the 510 its performance.

Privilege 510 interior

The excellent helm station now has a fixed windscreen and all lines led to hand. Finish quality including the electrical installation is first class and a Privilège trademark, the admirable full beam (26ft) forward cabin, is sumptuous. Larger windows in the saloon, with slimmer mullions, offer a near 360-degree view from the living quarters.

The list of finish choices is also substantial, giving a high degree of customisation, with two master/two guests, one master/three guest, and four double cabin layout options.

Like many builders, Privilège is enjoying a bulging order book at the moment and waiting times for a new build are lengthy, though they are ramping up production considerably to meet ever-increasing demand.

Privilège 510 Signature price

ex VAT: €1,035,000

Read our full list of the best bluewater multihulls of all time.

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Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.

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Anyone considering a performance bluewater cruising multihull should have a look at Chris White’s designs, typified by the Atlantic 47. Toby Hodges and Francois Tregouet find out why

Anyone considering performance bluewater cruising multihulls should have a look at Chris White’s designs, typified by the Atlantic 47.

The Dartmouth, Massachusetts-based designer has three decades experience of drawing fast cruising catamarans and some innovative rigs to go with them.

The Atlantic series of catamarans was first launched in 1985. They are instantly recognisable thanks to their fine hull entries, forward cockpit and aft pilothouse layout.

The midship pilothouse is designed to give the helmsman good all-round visibility from both the cockpit and inside helm position. Some might view elements of the coachroof and pilothouse design as the forerunner to the early Gunboat style. 

Article continues below…

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The Atlantic 47, originally launched in 2013, retains these much loved features and suits short-handed fast ocean sailing at an approachable size. The pilothouse is more voluminous than past models, which helps allow for a semi-raised galley.

The Atlantic 47 also has a dedicated workbench area in the port hull for ongoing maintenance projects.

Lengthening the design to 49ft allowed for an aft cockpit. Like the Atlantic 47, the A49 is available as a sloop, or with White’s patented MastFoil ketch rig – rotating aerofoil masts designed to be the easiest and safest sail plan possible for short-handed cruising without sacrificing performance.

Twelve of these MastFoil cats are sailing now, nine A47s and three of the newer A49s.

Atlantic 47 price

Guide US$1.1m

Read our full list of the best bluewater multihulls of all time.

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Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.

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Oyster’s latest launch, the Oyster 595, is its fastest selling model of all time as owners flock to ‘seize the day’. An overnight test proves the ideal chance to find out why

Your world becomes a very small place when the ease and convenience of travel is lost, a notion that has really hit home in the last couple of year, However, if uptake of the new Oyster 595 is anything to go by, many sailors are looking to set off to see a bit more of the world in the coming years.

The pandemic has forced us to look at our lives introspectively and what we want to get out of them. It seems for many it has forced the question, ‘why delay casting off’?

It’s evident that an increasing number of owners are not only impatient to set off, but they want to do so in the most comfort possible. That 16 deposits were placed on this £2.5m yacht before the first build was even finished is quite staggering. The new Oyster 595 is the fastest selling Oyster model to date and the British brand has clearly unveiled the right product at the right time.

The test boat had an enticing light oak finish. Teak, ash, or walnut is offered. Saloon table butterflies open to reveal stunning marquetry. Photo: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images

The Oyster 595 is about as high-end luxury you can go before entering a custom, crewed or superyacht level. From the contemporary yet practical deck and interior layout, to the engineering, electronics and joiner work, the finish is as good as it gets.

There is stiff competition in the 55-60ft luxury sector, but the phenomenal pre-sales of the Oyster 595 suggests it’s not just about the boat but the wish to join the brand: the Oyster experience. The Oyster World Rally shows there’s a growing desire to cruise the world in the largest manageable sized yacht in the most comfort with renowned support.

Given the choice, I’d still opt for the 565 for its slightly more manageable size and rewarding sailing experience. However, I appreciate that extra waterline length generates additional speed and the additional volume and entertaining space will make a larger difference to others.

For those owners who want a crew either permanently or to help with deliveries, that added space in the third guest cabin will be valuable.

Finally, apologies to anyone whose hopes we may have raised for owning one – unless you’re happy to wait another three years, of course. Seize the day indeed!

Oyster 595 specifications

LOA: 19.05m / 62ft 6in
LWL: 16.81m / 55ft 2in
Beam (max): 5.36m / 17ft 7in
Draught: 2.68m / 8ft 10in
Disp (lightship): 30,807kg / 67,917lb
Ballast: 9,150kg / 20,172lb
Sail Area (100% foretriangle): 186.1m2 / 2,003ft2
Berths: 7 or 8
Engine: Volvo Penta D3 150hp shaftdrive
Water: 1,140lt / 251gal
Fuel: 1,420lt / 312gal
Sail area/disp ratio: 19.3
Disp/LWL: ratio 181
Price: (ex VAT) £2.35m (test boat) £2.6m
Design: Humphreys Yacht Design
Builder: oysteryachts.com

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Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.

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Improved form stability and more interior space key features in the JPK 39FC, the latest cruiser from French yard best known for their offshore racers

Although best known for its extremely competitive smaller offshore racing boats, this Breton yard also has a range of serious, yet fast and lightweight, cruising yachts of which the JPK 39FC is the latest. Toby Hodges took it for a test sail to find out how she performed.

The 39FC is the company’s second generation model in this size bracket, following the existing 38FC. The new design has fuller forward hull sections that increase form stability and improve interior space, plus a distinctive reverse sheer. The latter is an inherently stiffer shape and adds internal volume in the middle of the boat, while keeping the ends light.

This extra interior volume gives enough space for an optional three cabin layout, an arrangement that wasn’t offered for the 38FC. Both layouts for the new boat have a large linear galley to starboard, while the two-cabin model gains a bigger heads compartment, as well as additional stowage space in the saloon.

A combination of a fixed windscreen and removable canvas hard top gives good protection for crew at the forward end of the cockpit. Deck layouts share many of the attributes of JPK’s racing yachts, which are configured for easy, efficient sailing. A choice of two fixed keels or a ballasted centreboard are offered.

A huge amount of effort, knowledge and experience has gone into developing this design and optimising the balances between performance and comfort. The result is a fast boat that’s beautiful to sail and well thought through in every respect. The JPK 39 will be enormously appealing to anyone with a competitive sailing background who is accustomed to top-notch deck gear and equipment.

At the same time it provides attractive accommodation with enough comfort to appeal to non-sailing guests and family members. The two-cabin version offers sufficient stowage, both on deck and below, to live on board in a civilised manner for extended periods.

There’s an options list to tailor the boat to your own needs, but a downside to the JPK 39 FC is that it’s clearly not only me who likes this new design – lead times already extend to more than two years!

JPK 39FC specifications

LOA: 11.72m / 38ft 5in
LWL: 11.0m / 36ft 1in
Beam: 3.98m / 13ft 1in
Draught (standard keel): 2.15m / 7ft 1in,
Draught (lift keel): 1.30-2.70m / 4ft 3in-8ft 10 in
Upwind sail area: 82m2 / 880ft2
Price: from €205,100 ex VAT
Builder: JPK.fr

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Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.

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The post Video: Onboard the JPK 39FC – 40 foot French cruiser appeared first on Yachting World.

Looks, build quality and really smart design – has the new Ice 70 got the full package? asks Toby Hodges after a maiden sail

Some yachts will always produce that instant spark of attraction. With others, the appeal may be slower burning, where facets or practicalities will help make the appeal more than skin deep. This new Ice 70 may just have that rare ability to combine both.

The opportunity for a first quick sail after its debut showing at Cannes Boat Show confirmed to me that, for a multitude of reasons, the Ice 70 is a standout new large yacht. It has the looks to stop you in your tracks, the performance and finish quality to really impress, as well as something else too, something more enduring: homogenous and harmonious design.

Why is that a big deal? Many yards have models at this market level, particularly in Italy. But a semi-custom or custom yacht will typically involve input from multiple sources. The naval architecture will come from one firm, the deck styling from another, then the interiors, structures, rig and engineering design will all come from different experts. While it can work wonders, the overall effect can also risk being a little disjointed and can certainly be an overwhelming prospect for an owner to manage.

Here, one designer and one shipyard have worked together for decades and the results on the Ice 70 are telling. “It took my team and I more than 4,500 hours for the design and the complete engineering of the boat,” Umberto Felci tells me. “This makes the difference in terms of quality and coherence of the project and efficiency of the construction of the future yachts.”

A slippery, powerful hull shape combines with plenty of sail area for enticing light wind sailing. Photo: The International Yachting Media

For those unfamiliar with Ice Yachts, it is a performance cruising brand established 10 years ago from the experienced CN Yacht 2000 shipyard near Milan, which has built around 80 semi-custom yachts over the last three decades. So while this new Ice 70 may be the longest yet for the Ice brand (which also has a 72ft cat in build), the shipyard itself has launched dozens of composite yachts of this size (mostly from the Felci board).

Stepping aboard the Ice 70

The Ice 70 is designed for robust, fast offshore cruising. This first example is a special version made for a client who usually sails alone with his permanent skipper, Bobo Innocenti, so it needed to be easy to manage.

Innocenti explained that they have moved up from a Solaris 50 and that 90% of their time is spent cruising in the Mediterranean. An essential feature therefore was the ability to have control of everything from the helms.

The sleek coachroof still provides plenty of light below and has portholes embedded in the aft coamings. Photo: The International Yachting Media

The pedestals are a work of art and appear to grow out of the side deck coamings to form sculpted branches on which to hold the crucial array of push button controls. All systems, from the sheets and halyards, down to the telescopic keel, lighting and the mooring gear, can be operated from these consoles.

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Then there is the bimini, so often an afterthought. Here the carbon framework was designed by Felci too and blends smoothly into the exterior aesthetic, like the spoiler on a car. With an owner who likes to actively sail for four or five hours a day before being able to relax out of the sun in the cockpit, it’s a crucial feature. It can be removed, given some time, and the sprayhood dodger can quickly be folded away.

The interior will likely appeal to the majority thanks to classy styling which fuses the traditional use of teak and leather with modern touches. The result is elegant, tasteful and peaceful, while the decision to avoid stuffing it full of cabins means it feels like a much larger yacht.

Of course the reason for choosing such a design is not just for looks, it needs to perform. Snapping up the brief chance to try Ice 70, Thalassa2 out in Cannes, I worried that by the time we made it out of the bustling Port Canto marina and through the Cannes anchorage there’d not be enough of the afternoon breeze left to give us any meaningful sailing experience.

The generous saloon has a bench which slides across to fill in as a daybed area to starboard. Photo: The International Yachting Media

I was (gratefully) proven wrong while being shown the real merit of having a large, performance-oriented yacht like this, one which is crafted around being able to maximise single figure windspeeds and still provide an engaging experience.

We were soon making 7 knots in 10 apparent close-hauled. The increase in stability you get at this size, shape and keel choice (telescopic) is impressive, as is the ability to sail close to the wind (up to 21° apparent). Felci, a performance cruiser maestro and a skilled dinghy racer, has produced a slippery, modern hull shape, combining high form stability with low wetted surface area.

A slippery, modern hull shape, combining high form stability with low wetted surface area. Photo: The International Yachting Media

When the Code 0 was released we were off and into a priceless spell of sailing, making 9-9.5 knots in 11 knots apparent at 60° to the apparent breeze while bathed in the golden evening light.

I imagined this to be the equivalent of driving a finely tuned Italian sports car – except with this Ice there are few boundaries, no speed limits, there’s plenty of space for your luggage/golf clubs, and you can sleep aboard in serious comfort.

70ft solo sailing

The steering felt light and direct and it was a pleasure to be able to feel pressure variances on the single carbon rudder blade. I was also impressed with how Innocenti can and does manoeuvre and sail this yacht himself and how well configured it is for him or the owner to do so.

All winches and furlers can be controlled from remote buttons on the pedestals. Even gybing the Code 0, for example, can be done short-handed from the cockpit. Although the huge headsail was furled to gybe, the neat part was having the endless line for the Code furler leading around the self-tailing jaws of the high-speed mast base winch, which is again controllable from the pedestal. Release the sheet, while pressing the winch remote button to furl, then activate the new primary winch to unleash the sail again on the other side. Impressive (when it all works smoothly)!

A sunset sail under Code 0 sold the sailing experience. The International Yachting Media

Innocenti says they fly the Code 0 until 13 knots true wind, then swap to the jib to make the same reaching speed of around 10 knots. They keep this until 20 knots before switching to the staysail.

He also says that despite this being a carbon composite build, there’s been no strict attention to weight and that comfort comes first. This is a 25-tonne fast cruiser which carries another three tonnes of water and fuel. That said, weight is certainly kept low and central. It has a full carbon rig, with hydraulic mast jack, in-boom furling mainsail sheeted to a traveller, Doyle cable-less jib and staysail and a Code 0.

The rig package alone costs more than my house, as does the lifting T-keel option – arguably the eye-watering prices required for high end performance at this size level today.

The decks are kept really clean including the single-level cockpit, flush foredeck and wide side decks, which are easy to access from the aft deck. The lead of the jib sheets to the primary winches does mar this slightly, however, by creating a tripping hazard on the side decks.

The galley is replete with domestic goods, plus three fridge-freezers which are keel/water cooled via transfer plates on the hull. Photo: The International Yachting Media

It seems a rare oversight in the otherwise slick design and I questioned if the turning blocks could be mounted inboard. Innocenti thinks this would need larger size reversible primaries to solve the problem, which would in turn create another by requiring more space.

Another slight annoyance and a downside to the cockpit protection is the need to duck below the sprayhood to move down the companionway, although the sprayhood can easily be folded away.

Below decks

When you do move below decks you’ll find a wealth of luxury and space. It really gives the impact and feel of a much larger yacht, with a layout more like an 85-90 footer – remembering that this one is designed largely for two to sail, so, other than the owner and skipper cabins there is only one guest cabin. A four cabin version is optional, as is a layout with an aft owner’s cabin.

Natural products and high quality finish give the cabins a clean, elegant feel. Photo: The International Yachting Media

The dark tones and classic styling with the abundant use of teak and burgundy leather is elegant, albeit quite masculine, and should age well. The furniture is sandwich-built with abundant use of solid teak veneers including the soles, which are punctuated with dark wenge strips.

The interior design involved plenty of owner/skipper input and shows the benefit of a genuine semi-custom approach. The aft part is particularly well conceived as the galley can be closed off from the saloon with a sliding door, yet is still accessible from the skipper’s cabin via a tech space walkway beneath the bridgedeck.

As well as conventional access to the 195hp Yanmar engine below the companionway steps, this tech space also helps allow for engine access panels from all three other sides. Innocenti’s cabin also has direct access to the machinery/genset space further aft.

Photo: The International Yachting Media

The owner’s cabin forward contains a relatively modest vee berth and practical surround stowage. The adjoining ensuite heads is particularly impressive, with a wonderful shower room with teak seat, in which you could imagine reclining and enjoying the luxury of 1,400lt water tanks. The tanks are built into the structure below the saloon floor, in composite for water and plastic for fuel.

A keelbox area for the lifting T-keel creates a longitudinal bulkhead, which is used wisely as the internal wall of the twin guest cabin and the screen area of the TV snug area to starboard.

Ice founder, Marco Malgara, thinks people don’t tend to move up from 50ft to 60ft but are more likely to opt for this size. “We said if we do a 70-footer it can’t be the same as a 60 but must have a real feeling of luxury,” he explained during our sail. I think his team achieved that handsomely. Numbers two and three are now in build.

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The Neel 51 has fast become a popular production trimaran with six completing the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) in recent years. Toby Hodges and Francois Tregouet find out why

Neel trimarans, and the Neel 51 specifically, blend the extreme space offered by the family/charter catamarans together with good average speeds. First impressions of the Neel 51 are sure to centre on its sheer size and space inside. But, when you sail one, the overriding impression quickly centres on its performance.

Neel has found a clever niche offering the performance benefits of a trimaran with the type of accommodation offered in a cruising catamaran.

The La Rochelle company argues its trimarans are more stable than cruising catamarans. Cats, it says, reach their peak righting moment at 12º heel, beyond which sail needs to be reduced.

That peak for a tri, however, is not until 27º heel – an unusually steep angle for cruising. Neel also argues that trimarans are faster, particularly upwind, thanks to a more rigid forestay (attached to centre hull) and more central weight management.

These trimarans are becoming a popular mass production-built option. Six of the 51 have completed the ARC in the last five years. Their appeal may be due to their direct steering, but more likely its the open plan living spaces and incredible views, especially from the owner’s cabin.

The Joubert-Nivelt designed Neel 51 incorporates the best assets of Neel’s previous 45 and 65 models – that of performance and comfort in a bluewater family yacht – and adds even more space for its size.

Neel 51 price

ex VAT: €749,000

Read our full list of the best bluewater multihulls of all time.

If you enjoyed this….

Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.

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The ITA 14.99 is a performance cruiser that offers high build quality and plenty of appeal to bluewater cruisers. Toby Hodges and Francois Tregouet find out why

A combination of sharp design from François Perus, whose Yacht Design Collective has worked with brands such as Catana and North Wind on their multihulls, and high build quality brings plenty of appeal to the sporty Italian-built cat the ITA 14.99.

The first example of this bluewater multihull, which sits comfortably in the performance cruiser category, launched three years ago with a light displacement of 10.5 tonnes, thanks to an E-glass epoxy-infused build with carbon strengthening. The yard offers semi-custom construction and full hybrid packages.

ITA Catamarans is a relatively new brand, but the team behind this 14.99 are no strangers to the trade and have experience from many of the major Italian shipyards.

The result is a sleek-looking craft with stylish dreadnought bows and refreshingly low-profile coachroof. Twin helm stations are perched on the aft coaming, which frees up the cockpit for socialising, without compromising the boat’s stability by putting the weight 
of the helm on the coachroof.

The dreadnought bows are designed to give extra waterline length for speed, while the long, fine underwater profile of the hulls is optimised for comfort through the waves.

The flatter sections aft mean that the ITA 14.99 should easily be able to plane at speed, and the winch-trimmed daggerboards improve performance to windward. High-tech foam sandwich lay-up and the use of carbon fibre in key areas keeps the hulls light and stiff.

ITA 14.99 price

€1.2m

Read our full list of the best bluewater multihulls of all time.

If you enjoyed this….

Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.

Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

The post Best bluewater multihulls: ITA 14.99 appeared first on Yachting World.