Explore More of Cruising World‘s 2026 Boat of the Year Competition

It was the concluding day of the Annapolis Sailboat Show in Maryland. Along with longtime sailing mates and colleagues Tim Murphy and Ralph Naranjo, I was the third member of the judging panel for Cruising World’s 2026 Boat of the Year contest, with sea trials scheduled to commence on Chesapeake Bay the next day. And yet, all I could think of was the early Bob Dylan classic A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall.

Unbeknownst to Dylan, he’d nailed the short-term forecast. An early autumn nor’easter was spinning up the mid-Atlantic coastline, accompanied by serious breeze and heavy precipitation to match. Cruising World Editor-in-Chief Andrew Parkinson had already called off the next day’s full sailing schedule for the contest’s 14 current nominees, and was scrambling to assemble a workable plan B for the rest of the week. (We did manage a windy, truncated test sail aboard the intriguing Leopard 52 hybrid-power catamaran in the pelting rain, but will hope to line up another spin in better conditions at a later date.)

As it turned out, though, good things—and for our purposes, exceedingly sweet sailing conditions—come to those who wait. A ridge of high pressure filled in across the bay after the storm, pumping in ideal northwesterly winds under sunny skies for the remainder of the week. We put the entire slate of entrants through their paces in the sort of steady breeze they were intended to sail. And once underway, we were in for one treat after another. The official sea trials of the 2026 competition may not have featured the largest Annapolis contingent ever, with just 14 of the nominees present, but it was an incredibly diverse, intriguing and well-rounded roster of yachts.

Personally, I’ve had a long and intimate history with the Boat of the Year contest. Indeed, I organized, established the rules for, and conducted the testing for the very first competition in the early 1990s. Since then, with the exception of a few years near the turn of this century when I was off on my own sailing adventures, I’ve participated in every contest as the director or a judge. I’ve sailed, inspected and reviewed hundreds of boats, nearly every production sailboat introduced in the United States the past several decades.

As a cruising and racing sailor, being part of this contest has been a huge privilege and significant opportunity to review and sail the latest offerings consistently, often in the company of their builders and designers. It has also given me the chance to witness firsthand the latest trends in designs, building practices, evolving systems and emerging technology.

With all of that perspective, I can tell you that weather isn’t the only thing changing on Chesapeake Bay. So, too, are the locations where U.S. imports are being built, how their systems are evolving, and what sailors prioritize when shopping for new vessels. 

Crunching Numbers

The fleet of new boats for 2026 was manufactured in China, Denmark, France, Germany, Slovenia, South Africa and Thailand. The rather glaring, obvious omission? For the first time in the long history of the contest, there was not a single production boat from the United States. (To add insult to injury, during the boat show, longtime industry stalwart Catalina Yachts announced that it was ceasing production, at least temporarily, at its Florida facility.)

The reasons behind the collapse in American boatbuilding are worthy of an entire article, but if you’d told me as recently as a year ago that Slovenia (with an interesting pair of Boat of the Year nominees) would surpass the United States in creating production sailboats, I wouldn’t have believed it.

The cost of new boats also made me blink twice. At $200,000, the sweet-sailing Beneteau First 30 was the least-expensive boat in the fleet; at the opposite side of the ledger was the Balance 580, with a price tag of $3.6 million. But the Balance had plenty of company up in the stratosphere, with the asking price of a half dozen nominees cresting the million-dollar mark. In fact, the average price of new boats for 2026 is close to a rather remarkable $1.3 million.

As judges, one of our standard questions to builders is: “Who do you see in the marketplace as your main competition?” This year, one of the marine-industry veterans we’ve sailed with over the course of many contests took a long moment before answering: “Used boats.” It was the first time I’d heard that one, and it turns out part of the reason why is that many of the brokerage boats sold during the pandemic are now back on the market. More than a few first-time owners have come to the realization that when you buy a boat, that first check you write will be far from the last. Discerning buyers, as always, will consider all their options, perhaps now more than ever.

On the docks of Annapolis this year, we also heard a new word being bandied about: “tariffs.” A sign prominently posted on one of the imports we inspected stated: “This vessel is not for sale. It is under temporary import bond and is on display only as a sample of the builder’s prospect.” (It was, of course, for sale, but the transaction could be a relatively complicated one.) Similar signs, with slightly different language, appeared on other Boat of the Year entrants.

The tariff situation is obviously a moving target, and many overseas builders expressed their cross-fingered hope that it’s a temporary obstacle. In the meantime, everyone affected is approaching it steadfastly and in different ways. For European imports, at press time, the tariffs add 15 percent to the cost of a new boat. For the many catamarans now being built in South Africa, that figure rises to 30 percent. Some builders have folded that tariff number into the bottom-line cost of the boat with the duty included and paid; others are delivering yachts ultimately destined for U.S. ports to offshore locations to work around the tariffs. Everyone is being creative. In challenging economic times, it’s one more challenge.

Last, my fellow judge Tim Murphy’s “day job” is serving as education director at the American Boat & Yacht Council. His technical expertise and insights are always enlightening. One of the design vectors he applies when evaluating new boats on his detailed spreadsheets is what he labels “$/Disp.” It’s is quite simply the cost per pound to produce any given boat.

By that metric, the most expensive yachts in the 2026 contest were the Dragonfly 36 trimaran ($89.71 per pound), the HH52 catamaran ($97.70 per pound) and the aforementioned Balance 580 ($97.95 per pound). These are all produced in relatively limited numbers.

At the opposite end of the scale, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 415 ($28.38 per pound) and Beneteau First 30 ($29.85 per pound) were the least-costly boats to produce. That makes sense. They will have significantly higher production runs and benefit from operations that purchase materials, engines, hardware and equipment in much higher numbers.

Still, Murphy cautions that these figures should be viewed in their proper perspectives, and with a close look at the boats themselves. “Those $/Disp figures accurately depict the quality of construction,” he said. “The three boats in the $90 $/lb category are unquestionably the best-built boats in the fleet on a strength/weight basis: lots of carbon, and post-cured epoxy or vinylester resin. Still, that $/Disp figure has long been a controversial one. The key is to hold each boat’s respective D/L ratio in your mind at the same time. Together, they tell you a lot about how to compare boats in the fleet.”

Between 2000 and 2008, production boats came in between $12 and $15 per pound. After 2010, boats from high-production builders were in the low $20s per pound. Since the pandemic, they’re near $30 per pound.

A Hybrid Revolution?

The rapid advancement of lithium-ion battery technology has led to its widespread use in everyday life, including marine applications. Compared to lead-acid batteries, deep-cycle 12- and 24-volt lithium-ion batteries offer significant benefits: They can be deeply discharged to a 10-percent state of charge (compared to 50 percent with lead-acid batteries) and they take charging current much faster than lead-acid counterparts. In real life at anchor, that means much less engine run-time to charge batteries. It’s your basic win-win proposition with a true quality-of-life improvement.

This has prompted more and more builders to explore hybrid solutions to address auxiliary propulsion and battery-charging options, including parallel diesel engine/electric drive tandems; and electric motors in concert with a standard diesel genset. Each of these options is almost always supplemented by solar arrays, and sometimes wind and water generators. These hybrid approaches are rapidly gaining traction and popularity, and were on display aboard several 2026 Boat of the Year contestants.

These systems are inherently complex, but the percentage of yachts with dedicated or optional hybrid approaches increases every year. For 2026, nearly half the nominees offered varying approaches to electric-drive systems: the Balance 580, Dufour 48 Smart Electric, HH52, Island Spirit 525e, Leopard 52 Hybrid and Royal Cape Majestic 530 Hybrid.

“We’re seeing a trend toward high-capacity 24- and 48-volt DC power systems with the goal of eliminating or at least mitigating genset usage,” Murphy says, drawing on his work at the ABYC. “This includes the 400- and 480-volt DC management systems like the Joool OneBox system with a charger and controller that we’re seeing from Dufour and Leopard. The outermost example we reviewed was on the RC Majestic, an approach largely conceived by its owner, a former Microsoft software engineer. It generates or consumes 25 to 30 kW-hours per day and stores 90 kW-hours. Just for comparison, my marginally insulated, 1850 farmhouse in Massachusetts consumes 17.3 kW-hours per day, and that includes an EV car charger. Seeing the new consumption rate on today’s boats is stunning. But today’s lithium-ion technology makes it possible to live on the water as you would at home.”

For me, at least, all this comes with a steep learning curve, as I suspect it will for many owners. And it comes with some growing pains. In a recent Boat of the Year contest, we inspected the first HH44 all-hybrid cat, and at the end of our test sail, Murphy predicted there would be some blips along the way as the tech came online. That proved to be a prescient observation.

“In some of these instances,” Murphy says now, “I’d boil down the question to prospective owners to this: Are you willing to be part of the builder’s experiment? Some owners are. But you need to go in knowing that’s what’s happening.”

It all begs the question: Is the growing hybrid-power approach revolutionary? It remains to be seen. The late, great Gil Scott-Heron once proclaimed that “the revolution will not be televised.” But if the builders advancing this emerging technology have a say, it will be marinized.

Performance and Perspectives

At the end of the day, at least for me, the best part of the Boat of the Year experience inevitably happens when the sails are raised, and we all get the chance to take the helm. I always get a completely different perspective when testing a yacht once we’re untethered from the dock, free from the boat-show mobs, and happily underway. For 2026, as always, the real insights and excitement came from the simple act of going sailing.

And this year, there were a series of standout moments. The sheer variety of this latest collection of new boats was notable and outstanding.

It’s always a thrill sailing the latest offering from Balance Catamarans, and driving the 580 as the breeze crested into the high teens and we trucked along at nearly 13 knots was not something I’ll soon forget. It was also the perfect opportunity to really check out the company’s dual Versa-Helm arrangement, which provides two driving options. A raised wheel accesses the heightened steering station; when it’s lowered, you drive at cockpit-deck level and have excellent sightlines forward, which was a welcome arrangement once the spray started to fly. And I always learn something when sailing with Balance’s Phil Berman. For instance, I never knew that raising the leeward daggerboard on a cat in breezy conditions equates to tucking a reef in the mainsail.

It’s also always educational when I’m testing one of the latest Dragonfly trimarans from Denmark’s Quorning Boats, because builder and designer Jens Quorning is the sailor putting the boat (and us) through its paces. The Dragonfly 36 is exquisitely rendered and crafted, and it hauls the mail under sail. In about 12 to 14 knots of true wind, we sliced to weather at 8 and 9 knots. But the real fun came when we swapped the jib for a code zero and went into power-reach mode, zipping along in the low teens. The best part was Quorning’s infectious, joyous response to it all: “You feel alive on this boat!” he shouted, with a huge smile. “You feel like you’re really sailing!” Yes, I did.

The smallest boat in the fleet, the Beneteau First 30 (one of those two Slovenian-built craft, the other being the Pegasus 50) punched way above its weight with performance chops, and justified its nickname as a “planing cruiser.” I’ve always been a sucker for a tiller-steered boat, where I’m more or less linked directly to the rudder, and every small adjustment elicits an immediate response. This is a minimalistic boat, something I really relate to, and is an absolute blast to sail. Once we cracked off and unfurled the screecher, the “joy of planing” wasn’t just a slogan, but a reality.

The Slovenian cousin, the 50-foot Pegasus, is the polar opposite of the Beneteau, and there’s nothing minimal about it: The yacht is a true all-oceans cruiser with a “tandem keel” that is basically a pair of deep fins connected by a substantial lead bulb. I loved just about everything on this boat, from the triple-headsail rig and twin rudders to the innovative, spacious, protected cockpit to the well-thought-out technical locker below. The fact that the boat sailed like a witch—8.5 knots to weather under jib, nearly 10 knots on a tight reach with the code zero deployed—was icing on the cake. This was my first exposure to the Pegasus brand, and I sincerely hope it wasn’t the last.

Finally, I’d be remiss without a shout-out to a quartet of boats that also left me with positive and lasting impressions.

When it comes to production-sailboat performance, I’ve always been especially fond of the Jeanneau line, and we had a wonderful sail on the Sun Odyssey 415. It was so good, in fact, that I couldn’t help myself and tacked right under the Severn River Bridge, much to the dismay of the company’s reps. (Sorry, guys!)

The Sirius 35 DS was a remarkable little yacht in every way, an innovative testament to German engineering with true bluewater capability.

It’s always fun testing the latest Excess offering with the builder’s enthusiastic French team, and the 42-foot Excess 13 continues their legacy: a sailboat by and for sailors.

And taking command of the tiller of the fast, light HH52 cat in the aft, outboard bucket seat—creaming along at double-digit speeds with the water ripping past—is an experience I wish every true sailor could enjoy.

The prizes for the 2026 Boat of the Year contest are yet to be determined, but I came away from the latest competition with one surefire impression. After several days of sailing on this gleaming collection of new boats, I was a bona fide winner.

The post Boat of the Year 2026 Preview: Changes in the Weather appeared first on Cruising World.

The week after the Annapolis Sailboat Show, I found myself at the helm of a brand spanking new Balance 580 with a stiff northerly breeze pumping the sails full on a glimmering Chesapeake Bay. I had a feeling that never gets old: that surge of excitement when everything aboard is new, clean and working exactly as it should. After years of sailing older, well-worn boats, it reminded me why our Cruising World team does what we do, continuing our Boat of the Year program every year.

I know what you’re thinking. Nice, buddy. But that boat costs more than a house. And you’re right. For most of us, new boats, especially some of the million-dollar stratosphere models in this year’s contest, aren’t exactly practical purchases. They’re aspirational, and maybe a little intimidating.

But that doesn’t mean they’re irrelevant. Far from it.

Here’s the thing: Watching and sailing these boats gives every boat owner a yardstick. Whether we’re buying used or dreaming of someday upgrading, we can see what’s working in design. We can tell which innovations are genuinely improving life aboard. We can identify the systems that will eventually filter down to the wider market. When you see a hybrid drive quietly charging batteries while under sail, or a well-planned deck layout that makes single-handing a breeze, it’s a glimpse into the future of cruising.

During our week of sea trials with the Boat of the Year judges, including sailing and systems experts Herb McCormick, Tim Murphy and Ralph Naranjo, we sailed a fleet built all over the world: France, Denmark, Slovenia, South Africa, Thailand. And yes, the prices made me blink more than once. The least-expensive new boat in the fleet was a spry Beneteau First 30 at $200,000. At the other extreme, the Balance 580 came in at $3.6 million. Yet even within that diversity of sizes, rigs and designs, there were lessons for everyone.

I learned a lot about myself too. Sitting at the helm of the Dragonfly 36 trimaran, zipping along in low teens of wind, I couldn’t help but grin as the boat’s designer, Jens Quorning, leaned in with that infectious energy sailors know well. He shouted: “You feel alive on this boat!” He spoke for all of us.

For the rest of the week, I toggled between 14 nominee boats, from the minimalistic, tiller-driven thrill of the Beneteau First 30 planing under a screecher, to the sprawling, technically sophisticated Pegasus 50’s tandem keel, triple-headsail rig and twin rudders. Each boat, in its own way, reminded me that cruising is about choices: sometimes subtle, sometimes monumental. Design matters as much as the dream.

The best new designs do more than dazzle. They influence everything we buy tomorrow. Builders are competing with used boats more than ever. Systems, ergonomics, hull shapes, sail-handling innovations—they start here, and over time, they appear on brokerage docks around the country. In a practical sense, knowing what’s coming lets you evaluate older boats with a sharper eye. You start to see why a certain rig choice matters, or how a particular electrical arrangement can save headaches down the line.

But beyond the tech and the specs, there’s another reason to celebrate new boats: inspiration. You don’t have to write a million-dollar check to appreciate ingenuity. The thrill of seeing what’s possible is contagious. Even a small tweak, a smarter layout or a cleaner power system can transform life aboard.

And then there’s the communal aspect. How many dockside friendships have started with, “Hey, I noticed your solar panel setup…” or “How are you liking that mast furling so far?” Whether it’s sharing knowledge, lending a hand or swapping stories over sundowners, the community we love is built on curiosity and collaboration. And seeing the next generation of designs keeps that conversation alive.

So yes, I spent a week sailing some of the priciest, flashiest boats on the market. And yes, it was exhilarating. But here’s the takeaway for every Cruising World reader: You don’t need a million-dollar yacht to get something out of this. You can look, you can learn, you can be inspired. And when you return to your own boat, you’ll do so with fresh eyes and maybe a few ideas to make your time aboard even better.

So step aboard and take the helm, and save the math for another day.

The post Eyeing What’s Possible: New Boats, Fresh Ideas appeared first on Cruising World.

Every year, Cruising World’s Boat of the Year awards put the newest generation of cruising sailboats through their most important test: real sailing, in real conditions, with no marketing spin. For 2026, our judges have already sea-trialed a remarkably diverse portion of this year’s fleet, from performance monohulls and bluewater cruisers to cutting-edge multihulls and hybrid-powered designs, revealing not just stand-out entries for the best boats of the year, but the major shifts shaping how and where sailboats are built, how they’re powered, and what modern sailors truly value.

An early autumn nor’easter nearly derailed Cruising World’s 2026 Boat of the Year first sea trials, but what followed became one of the most revealing contests in recent memory. After the storm passed, ideal conditions on Chesapeake Bay allowed judges to put 14 new nominees through their paces at the Annapolis Sailboat Show, exposing standout contenders and deeper trends reshaping the sailboat industry, from the absence of U.S.-built production boats and rising prices to the growing impact of tariffs and the accelerating shift toward hybrid and electric propulsion…

Continue Reading

Read longtime Boat of the Year judge Herb McCormick’s full feature for a behind-the-scenes look at the boats, the sailing and the forces quietly redefining the future of cruising.

Arey’s Pond Caracal 19

This elegant daysailer channels classic lines and wooden craftsmanship in a refined, small-boat package that’s built for pure, simple sailing enjoyment close to home.

Beneteau First 30

A compact performance cruiser that honors Beneteau’s racing heritage while offering modern comfort, the First 30 delivers big-boat feel and responsive handling in a nimble, 30-foot planing hull.

Beneteau Oceanis 47

The Oceanis 47 combines smooth Biscontini lines and Nauta’s smart interior with accessible elegance, making it an ideal choice for sailors who want to stretch their cruising range in style.

Beneteau Oceanis 52

With a refined hull by Biscontini and a light, plush interior from Nauta Design, the Oceanis 52 sets a new benchmark for comfort, precision, and ease of cruising under sail.

Contest 50CS

Dutch pedigree meets offshore confidence in the Contest 50CS. This semi-custom bluewater cruiser blends traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation for sailors who value quality and seaworthiness.

Dufour 48

A lively, sleek design that pairs generous sail area with signature Dufour comfort, the 48 is built for sailors who crave performance and liveaboard luxury in equal measure.

Dufour 54

Spacious, powerful, and refined, the Dufour 54 delivers long-legged cruising comfort with a bright, contemporary interior and a deck plan designed for effortless control.

Ha’Penny 20

Compact, handsome, and full of charm, the Ha’Penny 20 brings traditional craftsmanship to the pocket-cruiser category, delivering simplicity and joy on the water.

Island Packet 42 Motor Sailer

Blending comfort and practicality with range, the 42 Motor Sailer offers the best of both worlds: steady passagemaking under power or sail, with Island Packet’s hallmark livability.

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 415

Smart, sexy, and sailor-friendly, the new Sun Odyssey 415 combines Marc Lombard’s performance design with Jeanneau’s focus on comfort, control, and easy cruising versatility.

Pegasus 50

Designed by sailors for sailors, the Pegasus 50 is a world voyager’s dream: efficient, ergonomic, and engineered for effortless, short-handed passages across any ocean.

Sirius 35 DS

The Sirius 35 Deck Saloon redefines all-weather cruising with a rich, panoramic interior and thoughtful German engineering tailored to serious voyagers and liveaboards.

Balance 580

A light, fast, and seaworthy bluewater catamaran built in South Africa, the Balance 580 merges comfort and performance for sailors who demand both luxury at anchor and confident speed under sail.

Comar C-Cat 48

This Italian-built cat pairs modern style with a performance-oriented design, offering sailors a refined balance between spirited sailing and contemporary comfort.

Dragonfly 36

A high-performance folding trimaran that packs thrilling speed and versatility into a trailerable platform, ideal for adventurous sailors who want it all.

Excess 13

Sporty, bright, and built for sailors who crave connection to the sea, the Excess 13 combines youthful design energy with dependable cruising capability.

Fountaine Pajot 41

Compact yet spacious, this 41-footer from Fountaine Pajot is designed for families and couples seeking easy handling, modern amenities, and efficient cruising comfort.

Fountaine Pajot 44

A fresh new design that blends open living spaces with strong sailing performance, the 44 brings new energy and innovation to mid-size cruising cats.

Fountaine Pajot 55

Expansive, luxurious, and effortlessly stylish, the Fountaine Pajot 55 is a flagship cat designed for long-range adventures with friends and family in comfort.

HH52

With its advanced carbon construction and cutting-edge design, the HH52 delivers high-performance cruising without compromise—an ideal platform for sailors who love to push limits.

Island Spirit 525e

Built in Thailand and fully powered by electric propulsion, the Island Spirit 525e reflects a new era of sustainable multihull cruising with space, comfort, and clean technology.

Knysna 550

As a versatile platform for cruising and charter, the Knysna 550 blends high-performance sailing with modern luxury in a bluewater catamaran built for style, safety, and easy handling.

Lagoon 38

Compact, comfortable, and classic, the Lagoon 38 remains a beloved choice for cruisers seeking reliability, simplicity, and timeless Lagoon design DNA.

Lagoon 60

Bold, luxurious, and modern, the Lagoon 60 elevates the brand’s signature living space and style, making it a standout for sailors ready to go bigger and farther.

Leopard 52

Built for passagemaking comfort and ease of operation, the Leopard 52 continues the brand’s tradition of robust, reliable catamarans with smart livability and efficient systems.

Majestic 530 Hybrid

The Majestic 530 Hybrid combines long-range cruising capability with hybrid-electric propulsion for a quiet, efficient, and forward-thinking multihull experience.

St. Francis 500

Strong, elegant, and South African-built, the St. Francis 500 offers ocean-tested performance, smart ergonomics, and the confidence of a proven bluewater platform.

Boat of the Year: How It Works

Every boat that enters the Boat of the Year program is evaluated with one mission in mind: to understand how well it serves the cruising sailor. For this year’s contest, testing began with focused sea trials on the Chesapeake Bay immediately following the 2025 Annapolis Sailboat Show. Our judges climbed through bilges, opened wiring panels, traced plumbing runs, hoisted sails, reefed early, reefed late, tested feel on the helm, shook out noise and vibration, and dug into the details that separate “good” from “built for the cruising sailor.”

In our judging process, every system and decision matters—just as it does at sea. The result is the most thorough and respected sailboat evaluation program in North America, and one we’re proud to elevate yet again this year.

The post Boat of the Year 2026 appeared first on Cruising World.

Replacing the successful Leopard 50, the all-new Leopard 52 brings a fresh wave of innovation and versatility to the world of bluewater cruising. Designed with both private owners and charter operators in mind, this next-generation catamaran blends performance, comfort, and sustainability in a way that defines modern cruising.

At first glance, the Leopard 52 embodies the builder’s DNA—open, functional, and easy to move through. Its redesigned aft cockpit seamlessly connects to the main salon, creating a unified space that invites easy socializing and effortless flow between indoor and outdoor living areas. Sliding glass doors and vertical windows flood the interior with natural light, while thoughtful circulation ensures safe and comfortable movement around the boat whether at anchor or underway. Inside, flexibility reigns. The Leopard 52 can be configured in multiple layouts, from a spacious three-cabin liveaboard version with a utility and laundry room to a six-cabin, six-head charter-ready design with a dedicated skipper’s cabin. Each arrangement emphasizes livability, storage, and the ability to tailor the space to different needs—from private voyaging to luxury charter operations.

True to Leopard’s commitment to innovation, the 52 also embraces the future of hybrid propulsion. Offered as an optional system under the “Joule” platform, the setup replaces traditional diesel engines with dual electric pods and a large lithium battery bank. The system allows regenerative charging under sail and doubles the solar capacity for greater self-sufficiency—a forward-thinking step toward sustainable cruising. At the helm, sailors will find the Leopard 52 as capable as it is comfortable. All sail controls lead cleanly to the flybridge, ensuring easy single or short-handed operation. With options for downwind sails like the Code 0 or Code D, the catamaran maintains strong performance even in light winds—proof that Leopard’s focus on sailing enjoyment remains intact.

Whether for liveaboard adventurers or fleet operators, the Leopard 52 sets a new standard for adaptable, energy-conscious cruising. It’s a boat built to bring the comforts of home to the world’s most remote anchorages—without compromising the thrill of the sail.

The post A New Era of Comfort and Capability: Introducing the Leopard 52 appeared first on Cruising World.

At the Annapolis Boat Show, Cruising World’s Editor-in-Chief Andrew Parkinson toured the all-new Island Spirit 525E, a 52-foot sailing catamaran designed from the keel up for electric propulsion and world cruising. Joined by Phillip Winter, CEO of Inspired Yachting—the exclusive dealer for Island Spirit—Parkinson explored how this next-generation multihull blends strength, efficiency, and social design.

Purpose-built for long-range cruising and charter versatility, the 525E features a robust vacuum-infused, foam-core construction that delivers durability without excess weight. Despite its solid feel underfoot, the boat weighs just 17.5 tons. The E in its name stands for electric: the 525E is powered by an advanced all-electric drive system with the largest battery bank in its class, offering silent, extended motoring capability.

On deck, standout features include a spacious flybridge with seating for up to 30 people, full helm controls within easy reach, and a 1,905-square-foot upwind sail plan. Forward, a generous cockpit and secure side decks make for comfortable, confident movement underway. Inside, the bright, open salon features an island galley, large refrigeration options, and customizable layouts from three to six staterooms—all with en suite heads.

From its efficient hull form to its expansive social spaces, the Island Spirit 525E reflects a clear vision: sustainable cruising with no compromise on performance or comfort. It’s no surprise this groundbreaking catamaran is a 2025 Cruising World Boat of the Year nominee.

The post Island Spirit 525E: Electric Innovation Meets World-Cruising Comfort appeared first on Cruising World.

Long, lean, and built for sailors who prize speed without giving up comfort, the Balance 580 arrives in North America fresh from a South African build yard with pedigree and ambition. Designed by Phillip Berman and Du Toit Yacht Design, the 580 builds on Balance’s ethos of combining true offshore performance with the liveaboard refinement and storage volume long-range voyagers demand. With carbon reinforcement throughout, daggerboards, and the brand’s VersaHelm system, the 580 aims squarely at owner-operators who want to cover miles quickly, handle weather confidently, and still enjoy the comforts of a contemporary cruising home.

Nine hulls are already spoken for (at time of press), with boats scheduled through 2027, a sign that the appetite for performance cruising catamarans remains strong. 

Overview & Notable Options

The Balance 580 sits at the crossroads of lightweight epoxy construction, refined ergonomics, and thoughtful offshore systems. Her foam-core hulls keep weight low, while high-strength carbon is used strategically in beams, davits, and structural elements to improve stiffness and reduce flex offshore. Dual daggerboards offer upwind bite and agility, and a cutter-rigged sail plan with powered furling makes reefing and sail changes efficient from the helm.

Inside, the open-plan salon and cockpit flow together, delivering indoor/outdoor living suited both for passagemaking and life at anchor. Layout options range from three-cabin owner versions to four- and five-cabin crewed arrangements, all with generous storage, luxury finishes, and panoramic sightlines for watchkeeping in any weather.

Key Options Include:

• “Carbon Cross+” construction package with additional carbon throughout
  
• Daggerboard upgrade package
  
• VersaDrive hybrid diesel/electric charging system
  
• Interior layout choices: 3-cabin, 4-cabin, or 5-cabin crew configuration
  
• Conversion dinette berth in salon
  
• Expanded solar package (up to 3,400 watts)

Designed to be sailed comfortably by a couple, the 580 also includes a drop-down bow thruster for tight-quarter maneuvering and line-management solutions at the helm for simpler sail handling.

Construction & Design Notes

• 100% epoxy construction with carbon reinforcement
  
• Foam-core sandwich hulls and furniture to reduce weight
  
• Elevated under-wing clearance for offshore comfort
  
• Dual daggerboards and balanced hull lines for high-performance sailing
  
• All-glass window system for visibility and strength
  
• Hand-crafted joinerwork and wood-veneered foam-core cabinetry to reduce weight and increase durability

Systems & Safety

• Cutter rig with three headsails and electric furlers
  
• Lithium battery bank with optional hybrid regeneration
  
• Available VersaDrive hybrid with high-output DC charging
  
• Massive deck storage and secure gear stowage
  
• Robust tankage for long-range independence
  
• Outstanding watchstanding visibility inside and out
  
• Solid bulkhead integration and carbon structural grid for stiffness offshore

Builder Walkthrough

Join Balance Catamarans for a full walkthrough of the new 580, highlighting build quality, layout options, and systems design.

Performance

Balance says the 580 will hold windspeed or better in light air and climb comfortably into the teens and twenties when the breeze fills in. With daggerboards down, she points high with minimal leeway, a rare trait in a luxury cruising cat. When the breeze fades, efficient diesels and regeneration technology keep the boat moving responsibly without sacrificing performance.

This is a catamaran meant to be sailed rather than motored from island to island.

Specifications — Balance 580

Layout & Living Aboard

The Balance 580 is built for life at sea and at anchor, with a focus on visibility and connectivity to the environment. The salon’s seating height keeps sightlines forward and outboard, ideal for watchstanding in foul weather. The island galley blends indoor/outdoor living, and the salon table converts to a queen berth, useful for passagemaking or hosting guests. Large forward cabins, generous heads, and abundant cabinetry make long-term provisioning practical. Owners can choose layouts that suit private cruising, charter, or crewed operation, without sacrificing the upscale finishes that define the Balance brand.

Construction & Weight Strategy

Balance builds the 580 with a performance brief at its core. Foam-core hulls, all-epoxy laminates, and selective carbon reinforcement yield high strength and rigidity without piling on weight. Furniture is foam-core, hand-faced with wood veneers to maintain a warm interior aesthetic without compromising the weight budget. Underwing clearance is generous, reducing slamming offshore. With this approach, the 580 stands apart from mid-market catamarans that prioritize volume at the expense of efficiency. Here, light displacement equals more sailing time and less reliance on auxiliary power.

Systems & Hybrid Sailing

The 580 is offered with a conventional twin-diesel setup or the VersaDrive hybrid package. In hybrid form, high-output alternators generate up to 15kW per engine to quickly recharge lithium banks, reducing or eliminating the need for a standalone generator. Paired with optional 3.4kW of solar, the 580 promises quiet passages and efficient hotel loads without sacrificing range. Electric furlers, thoughtful line-stow solutions at the helm, and multiple headsails allow singlehanded sail selection and reefing. The end result: a technologically forward platform that keeps sailing fun and responsive, while bringing systems redundancy and reliability offshore cruisers expect.

Sailing the Balance 580

Enjoy a stunning montage of the Balance 580 catamaran Windigo as she sails in the waters off St Francis Bay:

About the Builder

Balance Catamarans, founded by circumnavigator and multihull broker Phillip Berman, builds semi-custom bluewater catamarans in South Africa with a focus on performance sailing, ergonomics, and premium construction. Their philosophy centers on efficiency without austerity, delivering yachts that can be handled by a couple, sail aggressively across oceans, and serve as refined homes afloat.

Editor’s First Take

From the dock, the Balance 580 reads like a statement of intent: lean hulls, daggerboards, carbon everywhere you look, and that signature VersaHelm ready for tropical afternoons or cold-weather passages. Step aboard and the story continues with thoughtful weight savings, natural light, and an honest-to-goodness sailor’s cockpit. There’s storage where you want it, handholds where you need them, and enough refinement to enjoy the little moments as much as the big crossings. This cat is clearly built by sailors who’ve logged real miles and understand how to balance performance with comfort. It’s fast, modern and unapologetically purposeful. —CW

The post New Boat Preview: Balance 580 appeared first on Cruising World.

The Dragonfly 36 Performance Cruiser marks a bold evolution in multihull design, blending blistering performance, thoughtful comfort, and ingenious versatility. This new 36-foot trimaran from Quorning Boats makes its North American debut after a successful world premiere at boot Düsseldorf 2025, where 19 boats sold before hull number one even hit the water. Designed by Jens Quorning and Steen Olsen, the Dragonfly 36 features a unique signature Swing Wing system that reduces the 26.5-foot beam to 12 feet for docking, while wave-piercing floats and dual rudders ensure speed, stability, and safety in nearly any conditions. Whether you’re chasing offshore thrills or family-friendly coastal cruising, the Dragonfly 36 delivers on all fronts.

Design & Layout

Exterior

The Dragonfly 36 features a dual-zone cockpit designed for both relaxation and high-performance sailing. Forward cockpit seating provides ample comfort, while all sail controls are led aft to four electric winches near the twin helm wheels. Each helm pedestal accommodates up to a 12-inch GPS chartplotter, plus dedicated panels for windlass and bow thruster control. The streamlined deck layout keeps lines out of the way while maintaining complete operational efficiency.

Swing Wing System

Dragonfly’s revolutionary Swing Wing system folds the amas from 26.5 feet to 12 feet in seconds, without tools. The fully composite construction reduces weight, increases strength, and simplifies maintenance. This innovation allows convenient marina docking and trailer transport while maintaining the performance advantages of a wide multihull.

Interior

Step below the companionway into a spacious main cabin offering full standing headroom (6’6”) and panoramic natural light. The interior combines light ash wood or optional elm with hand-sprayed varnish for durability and elegance. Two private cabins accommodate family or crew, while the port sofa converts into a double berth. The galley includes a 2-burner stove with combined oven, an 85-liter fridge, large drawers, and a built-in garbage system. A separate forward head adds privacy, with an optional shower system.

Construction & Systems

The Dragonfly 36 is engineered in Denmark using high-tech composite construction with vacuum infusion, complex tooling, and rigorous strength testing. Core composite parts are optimized for weight, strength, longevity, and maintenance. Electric winches, a kick-up rudder, centerboard system, and a fixed bowsprit simplify sail handling and anchoring. Strategic placement of the sail drive and dual-blade propeller further protects the boat when grounding or drying out. Each float offers generous storage accessible via forward or optional aft hatches.

Sailing & Performance

The Dragonfly 36 is built for speed, stability, and effortless handling. Wave-piercing floats minimize drag, while twin rudders and a broad stern keep the boat balanced at all points of sail. A fixed bowsprit accommodates optional downwind sails like a Code-0, enhancing cruising and performance potential. With its shallow 65 cm draft and innovative hull design, the 36 can safely beach or explore shallow anchorages. Dual electric winches make shorthanded sailing intuitive, while the spacious cockpit allows full crew engagement without clutter.

VIDEO

Watch this quick highlight reel to see the Dragonfly 36 in action on the water:

Options & Configurations

• Versions: Dragonfly 36 Touring (standard) / Dragonfly 36 Performance (taller mast for increased sail area).
• Wood Options: Light ash standard, optional elm.
• Galley Upgrades: Additional storage, drawer systems, refrigerator placement.
• Sail Handling: Optional Code-0, twin tail sheets, racing-specific winch configurations.
• Technology: GPS/chartplotter integration, navigation displays, SEANAPPS monitoring system.

Highlights

The Swing Wing Advantage

Dragonfly’s Swing Wing system is a game-changer for multihull ownership. With a simple folding mechanism, the trimaran transforms from a 26.5-foot-wide performance cruiser into a 12-foot marina-ready vessel in seconds. This allows for easy docking, storage, and even transport on a trailer. Unlike traditional folding amas, the Dragonfly’s all-composite Swing Wing design is lighter, stronger, and easier to maintain. For sailors used to the challenges of wide multihulls, this system represents unparalleled convenience without sacrificing offshore stability or sailing performance.

Trimaran Living at 36 Feet

Despite its racing-inspired performance, the Dragonfly 36 offers a comfortable cruising lifestyle. Two private cabins, a convertible port sofa, and full standing headroom make life aboard surprisingly roomy for a 36-foot trimaran. The galley includes a double fridge, stove, and ample storage, while the main cabin is bathed in natural light through flush-mounted skylights and hull ports. At anchor, the expansive trampolines provide additional deck space for sunbathing, socializing, or kids at play. Smart interior design choices ensure that comfort doesn’t come at the expense of performance or functionality.

Safety & Ease of Handling

Safety is a cornerstone of the Dragonfly 36. The twin rudder setup, wave-piercing floats, and broad stern provide predictable stability across a range of conditions. A shallow draft, kick-up rudder, and centerboard system allow safe grounding or beaching. Electric winches, thoughtfully placed control lines, and a clean dual-helm cockpit make shorthanded sailing effortless. Optional Code-0 and other downwind sails enhance versatility while keeping handling manageable. These features make the Dragonfly 36 ideal for families, small crews, or adventurous sailors who want a high-performance trimaran without compromising safety or comfort.

About the Builder: Quorning Boats

Founded by Børge Quorning in Denmark, Quorning Boats has been a family-driven innovator in trimaran design for decades. The yard builds approximately 40 custom trimarans annually, combining traditional craftsmanship with advanced composite technology. Today, Quorning employs roughly 50 people and maintains a global reputation for stability, performance, and innovation. The Dragonfly line has been central to the company’s success, with each new model pushing boundaries in speed, safety, and living comfort. Quorning’s philosophy balances engineering excellence with hands-on sailing experience, making its trimarans both thrilling to sail and remarkably practical for coastal or offshore adventures.

Editor’s First Take

The Dragonfly 36 is the kind of boat that instantly makes you rethink what a multihull can do. The Swing Wing system alone is a revelation, bringing big-boat stability and speed into a package you can dock or trailer with ease. On the water, the trimaran feels light and responsive but remarkably solid, thanks to the wave-piercing floats and twin rudders. Below decks, there’s more space than you’d expect, with a cozy, modern cabin that makes weekend cruising truly enjoyable. This is a boat that balances adrenaline, family-friendly usability, and cutting-edge innovation, a rare combination in a high-performance cruiser. —CW

Dragonfly 36 Specifications

The post New Boat Preview: Dragonfly 36 appeared first on Cruising World.

The Beneteau First 30 is back, and it’s unlike any before it. Revived and reimagined in collaboration with Seascape, this latest evolution marks the birth of a new category: the planing cruiser. Designed by IMOCA and Class 40 naval architect Samuel Manuard and styled by Lorenzo Argento, the new 30-footer blends high-speed excitement with Beneteau’s trademark comfort and craftsmanship. Built for sailors who crave simplicity, speed, and adventure in equal measure, the First 30 delivers effortless handling, a cozy modern interior, and the unmistakable thrill of planing made easy.

Design & Construction

The First 30’s performance pedigree is clear the moment you step aboard. The hull, drawn by Manuard, who knows a thing or two about offshore rocketships, features a fine entry, broad beam carried aft, and twin rudders for stability under sail. Constructed with a fully cored vinylester laminate and vacuum-infused deck, the 30 achieves impressive stiffness and strength while keeping weight to just 6,700 pounds (3,040 kg). Structural engineering by Pure Design & Engineering, the same team behind cutting-edge raceboats, ensures efficiency without fragility.

Two cockpit configurations are available: a cruising version with a clean, open layout, and a racing version with traveler, fine-tune mainsheet, and adjustable jib systems. Both feature a German-style mainsheet setup that keeps control lines tidy and within easy reach. In the cruising layout, the mainsheet bridle and flush deck create a “barefoot-friendly” cockpit for relaxing underway or at anchor.

Underneath, a modern fin keel and high-aspect rudders keep handling light and precise. The boat is rated CE Category A, certified for offshore sailing, a testament to the balance of safety and performance that defines the First range.

Layout, Systems & Comfort

Belowdeck, the First 30 surprises with volume, light, and modern flair. Thanks to clever design by SITO and Beneteau’s Seascape division, the interior feels bright and inviting, with 6 feet of headroom, two private cabins, and a practical galley that includes a gimbaled stove, optional refrigerator, and foldable extension.

The forward cabin rivals that of the larger First 36, with a true double berth and generous storage. Aft, a cozy quarter cabin sleeps two, while amidships, the saloon seats four comfortably for meals or passage planning. A marine head with optional holding tank and magnetic doors lends a touch of refinement uncommon in this size range.

Sustainability was part of the design brief as well. Note the cork flooring, removable textile lockers, and modular furniture, all of which keep weight down while adding warmth and practicality.

Systems installations follow Beneteau’s latest production standards, including simplified access to plumbing and wiring runs, LED lighting, optional SEANAPPS connectivity, and minimal through-hulls for easy maintenance.

Safety, Handling & Performance

Planing once meant high effort, advanced skills, and strong breeze, but not anymore. The First 30 delivers the same rush with remarkable ease. With 60 square meters of upwind sail area and a hull designed to lift in 13-14 knots of wind, the boat accelerates smoothly and feels lively yet balanced.

The twin rudders offer surefooted grip even at high heel angles, while the broad transom provides stability and extra form buoyancy when surfing. Under power, a 14-hp diesel drives the boat efficiently and quietly, ideal for close-quarters maneuvering.

Most importantly, “fast is safe” here. The high stability, modern hull form, and responsive helm mean the First 30 remains under full control even when planing. Combined with solid build quality and category A certification, that makes this little speedster as trustworthy as it is thrilling.

Beneteau First 30 Specifications

VIDEO

Get a closer look at the Beneteau First 30’s design, layout, rig details and performance in this preview video.

The Birth of the Planing Cruiser

Beneteau’s new First 30 introduces a bold new category: the planing cruiser. By pairing raceboat design with cruising comfort, the brand aims to make fast sailing fun and accessible again. The hull shape lifts easily in moderate breeze, giving sailors that addictive “surfing” sensation without the stress or complexity of traditional high-performance rigs.

Two Cockpits, Two Attitudes

The First 30’s dual-deck options reflect two sailing styles. Cruisers will love the clean, open cockpit with hidden mainsheet and full-width lounging space. Racers can opt for the traveler and fine-tune controls for precise trim and crew ergonomics. Either way, the setup keeps lines tidy and sailing intuitive.

Interior Innovation

Inside, the First 30 redefines small-boat comfort. Lightweight modular furniture, magnetic doors, and removable storage systems keep things flexible. The use of cork flooring and sustainable materials balances modern style with eco-minded practicality, proof that speed and simplicity don’t have to come at the expense of warmth or charm.

About the Builder

Founded in 1884 in Vendée, France, Beneteau has evolved from a small fishing boat workshop into one of the world’s most recognized names in recreational boating. With models ranging from performance racers to luxury cruisers, Beneteau continues to push the boundaries of design and technology. The partnership with Seascape, a Slovenian builder known for sporty, lightweight craft, has infused the First range with fresh energy, bringing raceboat excitement to sailors of every skill level.

Editor’s First Take

It’s rare to find a 30-footer that promises this much fun without asking for full-time crew or Olympian reflexes. The new First 30 feels like a breath of fresh air—a boat that’s simple to rig, easy to drive, and genuinely fast. The cockpit is clean and confidence-inspiring, the interior feels bright and purposeful, and the overall vibe is pure sailing joy. This is a boat that could lure both lapsed racers and new sailors back on the water, reminding them what made sailing feel magical in the first place. —CW

The post New Boat Preview: Beneteau First 30 appeared first on Cruising World.

French boatbuilder Dufour is as regular as the tides on Chesapeake Bay. Dufour’s team arrives every fall in Annapolis, Maryland, with a new model, each one a few feet longer or shorter than the previous year’s, but reliably with a plumb bow and transom, chines that run essentially from stem to stern, a low-profile cabin top, dual helm stations, and a single rudder.

And notably, each and ­every Dufour I’ve been aboard as part of Cruising World’s annual Boat of the Year sea trials has sailed well, including the Dufour 44, which was introduced to North America in 2024.

Such is the benefit of turning to the same naval architect, Umberto Felci and his team of designers, exclusively since 2002. That is an impressively long period of collaboration in an industry where production builders routinely bring in new blood whenever it’s time to ­reinvent a model range.

Felci’s hulls are slippery through the water, which means sail plans can be kept manageable for shorthanded cruising sailors. In recent years, self-tacking jibs have been standard, though genoa tracks for slightly overlapping headsails are available for owners who want more horsepower. Sprits that double as anchor rollers also come standard, so off-wind sails such as a code zero or cruising spinnaker can be set on a flexible furler for reaching or running—a greatly beneficial feature on these modern rigs with big main sails and smaller headsails.

Our test boat was fitted with a genoa. In a moderate breeze that ranged from about 8 to 15 knots, we cruised at 6 to 7.5 knots closehauled and kept about the same pace off the breeze. Dufours employ a double-ended German-style mainsheet system, ­meaning sheets are led to winches adjacent to either of the boat’s twin wheels. They can be easily trimmed from either side. I like that setup because whoever is driving doesn’t need to leave the helm to attend to a mainsheet led to a winch set on the cabin top.

The cockpit on the 44 is roomy, with a teak drop-leaf centerline table that is also a handy place to brace one’s feet when heeled. The Annapolis boat had factory canvas that included a dodger and a two-piece Bimini top designed to allow the crew to step between supports when headed to the side deck. If I were a buyer, I would probably forgo the Bimini top to make the trip forward a bit easier. As a bonus, I’d get a clearer view of the main.

For several years now, Dufour has built a grill and sink into the center of the transom. New on the 44 are stairs to either side of it for stepping down to the ­fold-down swim platform; on previous models, there were stairs on only one side. Underway, fold-down seats cover the steps and provide a place for the driver to sit.

The interior of the 44 is by Ardizio Design, and the overall look is bright and roomy. Earlier models in the current ­generation of Dufours had a galley-­forward layout down below, with the stove, fridge, ­freezer, ­counters and cabinets spread out athwartships, adjacent to the main bulkhead. That’s still an option on the 44, but the boat we saw has an inline galley that occupies the starboard side of the salon in place of a couch. In either layout, a hexagonal table is to port with seating for up to 10 people, using movable stools that stow under the table underway. 

The inline arrangement allows for lots of stowage in drawers and cupboards, and for a large countertop. For a cruising couple, I thought the setup would work pretty well. It gives the salon the feel of an ­apartment with open living space. If I was routinely sailing with other couples or friends, I might prefer having the forward galley, where the cook has space to work and guests have most of the salon to lounge. In the end, it comes down to personal preferences, and in my book, the more options, the better.

There are other layout choices to be made as well. Two aft staterooms are standard. They share a head and shower compartment to starboard of the companionway, and a shower compartment to port. The latter would make a handy place to ditch wet foulies when coming below. This space can also be set up with a desk and seat, creating an onboard office.

In the three-stateroom layout, the owner’s space is forward with an island berth. Separate head and shower compartments are on either side of the doorway from the salon. This owner’s space can also be split in two to create a four-stateroom charter-­friendly floor plan, with each forward double-berth ­stateroom having an en suite head and shower.

Base price for the Dufour 44 is just under $350,000. The boat in Annapolis had a price tag of just over $580,000, which included B&G electronics, an extra pair of Lewmar winches, and air conditioning.

Dufour builds approximately 300 boats a year. All are vacuum-­infused using polyester resin, with an outer layer of vinylester to prevent blistering. Hulls and decks are cored.

The 44 is powered with a 50 hp Volvo diesel, saildrive, and folding prop. Dufour and its sister company, catamaran builder Fountaine Pajot, also offer hybrid electric propulsion developed by OdSea+, a French company that is now part of the group.

When ordering a 44, an owner can also choose among a number of wood finishes and upholstery colors. Add that to the other options for layouts, sail plans and auxiliary power, and owners can sail away on a good-performing boat that’s set up just the way they like. 

CW editor-at-large Mark Pillsbury was a 2025 Boat of the Year judge.

Take the next step

Price:$580,000 (as tested)
dufour-yachts.com

The post Dufour 44: Evolution at Sea appeared first on Cruising World.

In the early 1980s, Marc Van Peteghem and Vincent Lauriot Prévost were a couple of young naval architecture students in Southampton, England. They decided to merge their talents, and their initials, to create their own design firm. Today, VPLP is a global ­powerhouse with more than three ­dozen employees. It has designed everything from America’s Cup winners to round-the-world record-setters.

VPLP’s first big break came in 1987, when a fledgling French boatbuilder called Lagoon commissioned the firm to draw the lines of a 55-foot cruising catamaran. It was the start of a long and productive relationship. VPLP has produced many more Lagoons since then, including the company’s latest model, the Lagoon 43. It’s a collaboration with exterior designer Patrick le Quément and interior ­designer Nauta Design. 

This background is important for a couple of reasons. First, it speaks to Lagoon’s distinctive, consistent look and style over the intervening years. Second, it helps to explain Lagoon’s DNA. It’s a builder whose cats combine plenty of creature comforts with the performance for which VPLP is known.

Interestingly, VPLP took ­until the late 1990s to introduce what I consider to be Lagoon’s signature design ­feature: the distinctive coachroof treatment that overhangs the ­forward windows and resembles a gun turret. It came with the introduction of the 410 and 470. It’s readily recognizable here on the 43, and the roof itself extends aft and over the cockpit to provide protection from the sun and elements. 

Aesthetically, the lines are clean and uncluttered. The ­waterline is maxed out, the freeboard is ample, and there’s a noticeable chine in the hulls—a nod toward expanded ­interior volume in the staterooms. The raised steering ­station, beneath a hard Bimini top, is to port. (For some unknown reason, this setup is to starboard on most cruising cats.) A series of sun pads and a wraparound settee are adjacent to the helm, a sensible solution to adding upstairs lounging space on a boat not really large enough for a flybridge. The side decks are wide and, with a molded-in bulwark, safe and secure. One of the cooler elements of the exterior plan is the cutouts aft in each hull for side boarding from a dock or dinghy. There are also nice sets of steps in the transoms for swimming or coming aboard.

The interior layout truly ­maximizes the space, making the boat feel much more expansive than its 45-foot-5-inch length overall. (A 25-foot-3-inch beam doesn’t hurt matters.) There are a few innovative items I haven’t seen before, starting with adjacent dining tables in the salon and cockpit that can be configured a dozen (yes, 12) different ways. For example, with the sliding doors open, they can be paired to seat a dinner party. With the doors shut, the salon table can be dropped down with cushions inserted to create a roomy berth. About half of the 43s built are expected to go into charter service, so this flexibility is a necessary feature.

Along those same lines, in the double-berth stateroom aft, there’s a “high-rise” single berth perched over the double. The single can fold down when not in use. Also, that stateroom and the owner’s space, to starboard, can each be accessed from separate entrances in the cockpit, along with access down a few stairs from the main salon. (A charter layout has four double-berth staterooms as opposed to the dedicated owner’s space on our test boat.) Forward is the commercial-grade galley with a four-burner stove. Nearby is a flat-screen TV that can be raised or lowered, and there are fridges inside and outside. Gracious living and entertaining were clearly top priorities. 

Construction is an infused laminate incorporating E-glass and polyester resin that employs a balsa core in the hull, deck and coachroof. The twin auxiliaries are 57 hp Yanmar diesels with saildrives. There’s a solar array topside as well as a generator to meet power needs, and all equipment is top-notch: Raymarine instrumentation, a Quick windlass, Harken winches, Spinlock clutches and Elvstrom sails (including a square-topped mainsail).

During Cruising World’s 2025 Boat of the Year ­contest, we sailed the 43 on a fall Chesapeake Bay afternoon with a pleasant northwest breeze of 10 to 12 knots. Closehauled, the cat clipped along to weather nicely, making just shy of 7 knots. Easing sails and falling off to a beam reach, the 43 still registered nearly 6 knots. The helm was light and responsive, and the boat was quite fun to sail. 

The 43 replaces the popular Lagoon 42 in the brand’s current lineup. That model is a tough act to follow: More than 1,000 of the 42-footers were launched after its introduction in 2016, making it one of the company’s all-time bestsellers. Lagoon has ambitious goals with the new boat, hoping to build a hundred a year. As of this past fall, the yard was off to a great start, with 70 units sold. 

The partnership of VPLP and Lagoon has been a long and lasting one. It shows no signs of slowing down.

Take the Next Step

Price: $710,000
catamarans-lagoon.com

Herb McCormick is a CW editor-at-large.

The post Lagoon 43: A Blend of Comfort and Performance appeared first on Cruising World.