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.

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Saffier Yachts has introduced the latest addition to its performance-minded line of luxury daysailers, announcing the new SE 28 Leopard ahead of its world premiere at Boot Düsseldorf in January 2026.

Designed for spirited sailing with the ease of singlehanded control, the 28-footer pairs clean lines with the brand’s hallmark simplicity. A reversed bow, broad beam and flat underwater sections speak to its focus on speed and balance, while a deep spade rudder promises grip and responsiveness.

Owners will have the choice of a Yanmar 15 hp diesel or a 7.5 kW electric drive, along with a tiller or dual-wheel setup. Sail controls run below deck to the helm, keeping the cockpit clean and focused. Saffier notes that the boat’s new hull form is built to enhance both upwind and downwind pace while maintaining confident handling.

Inside, the SE 28 Leopard features a compact cruising layout with a V-berth forward and settees to either side of the saloon. Optional equipment includes refrigeration or a marine toilet. On deck, the cockpit can seat eight, with a large sunpad and stow-away table to create a relaxed social space after returning from an afternoon blast across the bay.

Light weight and a trailerable design open the door for sailors looking to explore new waters, with the boat designed to be launched and rigged easily.

“This new hull offers faster sailing upwind and downwind, with stability and control in all conditions,” the yard said in its announcement. “She is more than just a daysailer. She is your invitation to sail faster and further.”

The SE 28 Leopard joins a growing list of modern performance daysailers capturing attention among cruisers who appreciate the feel of a spirited boat and the convenience of less-demanding systems. For sailors who want weekends of simple fun or midweek evening racing, the Leopard lands squarely in that sweet spot.

The boat will make its international debut at Boot Düsseldorf in 2026.

Youth & High-Performance Pathways

Across many sailing hubs in Europe and North America, lightweight performance boats like the SE series are becoming part of a broader pathway for young sailors transitioning from dinghies to keelboats. Many clubs and sailing schools now mix Optis, ILCA/Lasers and high-performance daysailers in training fleets to help youth sailors develop tactics, boat handling and confidence across a range of platforms. For families looking to grow young racers or simply enjoy fast, manageable weekends on the water, compact sport-forward keelboats continue to play an important role.

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Boat-show season is back with a boom. After several years of supply-chain snarls and pandemic-related delays, boatbuilders have regrouped and come out swinging. This year’s lineup includes nimble pocket cruisers, carbon-powered speedsters, hybrid-electric bluewater explorers and floating living rooms with sails. There is something this year to excite every sailor.

What’s most striking is the blend of tradition and innovation: classic hull shapes reimagined with carbon composites, refined rigs paired with hybrid propulsion systems, and interiors that revolutionize life aboard both underway and at anchor.

As you scroll through this preview, picture yourself walking the docks, running your hand over a flawless epoxy finish, marveling at the hidden strength of a carbon mast, or sinking into a cockpit designed for comfort on long days at sea. Many of these models will be making their North American debuts at the fall and spring U.S. boat shows, giving enthusiasts a first chance to see them in person. With this year’s offerings, the opportunity to make dreams reality and time on the water better spent has never been more accessible.

Small but Mighty: Pocket Cruisers with Big Ambitions

Not every great sail demands a long hull. Some of this year’s standout designs prove that serious capability and comfort can come in compact packages.

Take Artisan Boatworks’ Ha’Penny 20, a 20-footer designed by Tom MacNaughton with global voyaging in mind. Eschewing the traditional open cockpit, the Ha’penny has a pilothouse with 6-foot-6 -inch headroom, a rarity in such a small craft. The lightweight, sturdy hull is constructed from strip-planked Alaskan cedar. It carries a single junk rig on a carbon mast, a setup known for simplicity, durability and ease of reefing. Intended for solo sailors or couples dreaming of far horizons, the Ha’penny blends classic aesthetics with modern materials and thoughtful design.

The Sirius 35 DS also punches well above its size. Debuting stateside this year, this deck saloon yacht brings a split-level layout for comfort and natural light. Available in two-, four- or six-berth versions, it has 360-degree panoramic views and multiple keel options for everything from shoal cruising to offshore passages. The helm area is set up to be suitable for coastal exploration or open-water adventure.

J/Boats’ J/7 brings the fun and performance of the company’s signature line to a modern 23-foot daysailer. Trailerable behind a midsize SUV, this boat seats five people in its cockpit. Stability comes from a fixed keel and a balanced hull design, while simple sail controls and a walk-through transom make for easy day sailing or casual weekend racing. It’s a boat built for families and beginners without sacrificing the crisp handling that J/Boats fans expect.

The Speed Set: Blurring Lines Between Racer and Cruiser

Performance remains a compelling draw in sailboat design, and this year offers a range of models that combine speed with liveaboard comfort.

At the top end is the Grand Soleil 52 Performance, with a 55-foot hull redesigned by Matteo Polli, and with interiors by Nauta Design. Offered in Performance and Race variants, it balances a powerful sail plan with stability-enhancing hull forms. Three staterooms and spacious living areas mean owners can push hard on passage but still unwind in style when anchored.

The Pegasus 50 is built for serious offshore cruising with a carbon-reinforced composite structure and watertight compartments. Its deep cockpit and modern hull lines help maintain stability and comfort, while 360-degree salon views and open-plan interiors provide a sanctuary for extended cruises. The versatile rig and composite build make this boat equally at home in club races or transoceanic runs.

On the multihull front, Quorning Boats’ Dragonfly 36 trimaran is blends speed and versatility. The Swing Wing system folds the beam from 26.5 feet to about 12 feet for marina docking. Wave-piercing floats minimize drag, while twin helms and electric winches ease handling. Belowdecks, two private staterooms and a galley create a surprisingly spacious environment for cruising.

Beneteau revives its classic First 30 with a bold new vision: the “planing cruiser.” Designed in collaboration with Seascape, this 30-foot sailboat planes easily, offers simple handling, and suits both shorthanded crews and family cruising. The uncluttered cockpit, low-load rig, and accessible controls make sailing effortless at double-digit speeds. Inside, 6-foot headroom, two staterooms, a functional galley, and sustainable cork flooring create comfort without compromise. Optional Premium Pack upgrades include high-end upholstery, mood lighting, and magnetic doors. With versatile deck layouts for day sailing or racing, the First 30 aims to redefine small-boat fun and performance.

The Excess 13 strips catamaran cruising down to its essentials with asymmetrical hulls and a carbon-infused structure for stiffness without excess weight. At 42 feet, 7 inches long, it’s a nimble and lively platform with an airy salon and cockpit that invite socializing while offering dedicated hulls for privacy.

Carbon fiber and epoxy resin technology, once reserved for racers, are filtering down to accessible bluewater designs.

Two leading-edge performance cats come from Balance, which raises the bar with the Balance 502 and 580. The 502 replaces the 482 with a vacuum-bagged carbon substructure, high-aspect daggerboards and 1,544 square feet of sail area. The VersaDrive hybrid propulsion system reportedly cuts fuel consumption by 25 percent, charges batteries quickly and integrates solar panels for sustainable power management. The 580 is a carbon-reinforced, all-epoxy performance cruiser designed for speed and seakindliness. Its dual daggerboards, cutter rig and VersaHelm steering system let solo or shorthanded crews take full command. Panoramic windows flood the open-plan cockpit and salon with light, blending luxury with offshore capability.

Hybrid Horizons: The Electric and Hybrid Revolution

Sustainability is no longer an afterthought. It’s integral to modern cruising designs, with hybrid and electric propulsion coming to serious offshore-capable platforms.

Robertson and Caine’s Leopard 52 Hybrid combines upgraded sailing performance—including a lengthened rig and 17 percent more upwind sail area—with 1.6 kW of integrated solar power and an optional hydro-generating hybrid drive that recovers energy under sail. Panoramic views, multiple stateroom layouts and an ergonomic helm design help this modern cruiser to blend speed, comfort and performance.

Some of this year’s standout designs prove that serious capability and comfort can come in compact packages.

The Island Spirit 525e takes things further as a fully electric 52-foot catamaran. Powered by high-efficiency lithium batteries and integrated solar panels, it offers silent, zero-emission cruising with more than 100 nautical miles of electric-only range and up to 1,800 miles in hybrid mode at 6 knots. At under 18 tons, it balances strong sailing performance with quiet anchoring and reduced maintenance.

Xquisite’s 54 E-Plus blends hybrid propulsion with a 60 kWh lithium battery bank and 4.75 kW of solar panels. A furling mainsail, a hardtop helm with weather protection, semi-flush deck hatches, and a retractable swim ladder add to this boat’s style and efficiency. Its black painted rig and North Sails laminate sails complete the style.

Royal Cape’s Majestic 530 Hybrid can be spec’d with as many as six ensuite staterooms. This boat has ocean-crossing capabilities, supported by 6.4 kW of solar, lithium storage and a high-output watermaker. Safety is inherent to the boat’s design, with wide walkways and solid rails, while twin 110 hp Yanmars and a full sail plan ensure power and reliability for extended cruising.

The St Francis 460 Hybrid is a resin-infused, foam-core cruising catamaran built for bluewater liveaboard life. Its three- and four-stateroom layouts include protected helm stations and open salon-cockpit flow. Yanmar diesels, Sparcraft rigs, North Sails, lithium batteries, Victron power management, Spectra watermakers and full AC systems make this boat ready for serious offshore work.

HH Catamarans’ HH52 evolves the builder’s award-winning HH50, while also adding electrification options. Built in carbon with a tall rig and daggerboards, she balances speed with comfort and eco-conscious ­hybrid systems. Hybrid power, regenerative sailing capabilities and a wide-open cockpit make this a catamaran designed for long, sustainable passages.

Comfort Kings: Bluewater Cruising with Luxury and Practicality

Long-term liveaboards and bluewater cruisers demand a level of comfort and practicality that few boats master, but this year’s crop hits the mark with impressive consistency. 

The Contest 50CS blends ocean-ready lines with superyacht-inspired interiors. An advanced hull shape adds stability and speed with low heel angles, while twin helm stations and simplified sail handling are designed to make the boat safe and easy to manage. Inside, a master stateroom aft, a VIP stateroom forward and an optional third stateroom create flexible, voluminous living spaces.

American builder Island Packet’s 42 Motor Sailer has a full-keel fiberglass hull, Solent rig, and enclosed helm that’s intended for all-weather cruising. Powered by a 110-hp Yanmar and carrying up to 320 gallons of fuel, she has serious range for long passages. The deck-level salon opens aft to a cockpit for socializing or relaxing.

A pair of Beneteau models, the Oceanis 47 and 52, reflect the brand’s eighth generation of cruising DNA. The 47 leans toward nimble coastal sailing with a spacious cockpit, while the 52 emphasizes bluewater comfort and range. Both models have refined interiors and optional “First Line” performance rigs that bring the regatta spirit to cruising.

Dufour’s 48 and 54 expand on Umberto Felci’s modern, efficient hull designs. The 48 has a sun-drenched forward lounge and nimble handling, while the 54 has a sky-high cockpit, multiple sunbathing zones, and layouts ranging from private escapes to six-stateroom social hubs. Whether owners want to chase trade winds or fjords, the 48 and 54 combine seaworthy muscle and onboard comfort.

On the cat side, Lagoon’s 38 and 60 cover a broad spectrum of cruising needs. The 38 has extended transoms for safe water access and a cockpit/salon for entertaining as many as 10 guests, while the flagship 60 has aft and forward cockpits, a roomy flybridge and as many as 14 berths with more than 2,500 square feet of sail area. Both have proven cruising capabilities wrapped in bright, modern styling.

Voyage’s 510 is a luxury cruising catamaran with performance bones that is built for durability and comfort. This boat can be spec’d with as many as four ensuite staterooms and quarters for two crew. Twin 57 hp diesels, and substantial fuel and water tankage allow for serious offshore voyaging. The centralized helm station and open living spaces, including the flybridge, make her ideal for cruising and entertaining.

The Bali 5.2 continues the brand’s focus on inside-outside living with three- to six-stateroom layouts and customization options. Bali’s hallmark up-and-over door opens the salon to the cockpit, treating the interior to loads of natural light and ventilation. The hydraulic platform aft doubles as a swim deck and tender garage.

Light, Bright and Social: Open Living and Seamless Flow

Modern cruisers increasingly value spacious, light-filled interiors that erase the line between indoors and out. Several new designs push this trend forward with clever use of glazing, layouts and materials.

Fountaine Pajot’s 41 and 44 blend sexy French design with cruising autonomy. The 41 has bright, open interiors and smart deck layouts, while the 44 ups the ante with more space, a significant solar array and an optional full-beam owner’s stateroom. Both models balance performance with comfort and sustainability.

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 415 has an inverted bow and continuous hull chine that are designed to improve hydrodynamics and stability. Twin rudders with self-aligning bearings help to provide precise helm feel. Belowdecks, an L-shape galley and forward-facing chart table optimize workflow, and sizable hull windows let natural light pour into the salon.

Windelo’s 51 and 55 Sport are significant updates to previous models, with sharper bows, longer waterlines and carbon/Kevlar construction. Oversized carbon rigs and 3D membrane sails deliver a touted 10-percent speed improvement, while racing deck hardware and Dyneema lashings add some muscle. Inside, these boats are known for airy, social interiors primed for comfortable cruising or spirited daysailing.

The big picture: From pocket rockets to ocean-crossing flagships, this year’s new boats pack more speed, smarts and sustainability into every hull. For sailors, that means more ways than ever to match the right boat to the adventures ahead.

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Leopard Catamarans has unveiled its newest flagship sailing catamaran, the Leopard 52, which premiered at the Cannes Yachting Festival and will make its U.S. debut at the Annapolis Sailboat Show this fall.

Replacing the popular Leopard 50, the new 52-footer represents a significant step forward in design, comfort and performance. Built by Robertson & Caine in South Africa and designed by Simonis Voogd Design, the Leopard 52 adds more sail power, interior flexibility and eco-friendly features to the brand’s blue-water DNA.

“The Leopard 52 is without a doubt the most versatile catamaran in its class,” said Franck Bauguil, senior vice president of yacht ownership and product development. “From private owners and long-term liveaboards to charter guests and families, this yacht adapts to every lifestyle with unmatched flexibility.”

Layouts and Comfort

Owners can choose from a range of interior configurations, from a dedicated three-cabin liveaboard layout with a utility room to a six-cabin charter version, each with ensuite head and shower. Optional crew quarters and multiple cockpit table setups further personalize the onboard experience.

A fully opening saloon and aft cockpit create seamless indoor-outdoor living, while a watertight forward door provides direct foredeck access for safety, ventilation and circulation. Upgraded finishes, indirect lighting and refined details throughout the interior bring a residential feel to life aboard.

Performance and Sail Power

With a taller mast, overlapping genoa and optional square-top mainsail, the Leopard 52 offers 17 percent more upwind sail area than the model it replaces. Naval architects Simonis Voogd Design also refined the hulls and rig using advanced CFD modeling, resulting in reduced pitching, better seakeeping and improved agility.

“The new Leopard 52 belongs to a new generation of catamarans that achieve better stability and comfort while offering a larger rig and more sail power,” said Alexander Simonis of Simonis Voogd Design. “Owners can expect less motoring and more pure sailing pleasure.”

Eco Options and Smart Tech

Sustainability upgrades include optional integrated solar panels (four 400-watt panels), lithium battery systems and a hybrid electric propulsion package developed with Joool. This system can regenerate power under sail and enables fully electric cooking and appliances, reducing reliance on LPG and maximizing energy efficiency.

The Leopard 52 will also enter charter service as The Moorings 5200 through the company’s yacht ownership program.

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American sailors may soon become more familiar with ICE Yachts, the Italian yard known for its blend of modern design, advanced composites, and performance-oriented cruising yachts. At the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival (September 9–14), the company will showcase three models that highlight its diverse approach to offshore sailing: the ICE64 Explorer, ICE66 Sport, and ICE70 RS.

ICE64 Explorer – Built for Autonomy and Ocean Voyages

Designed with long-range independence in mind, the ICE64 Explorer targets cruisers seeking extended voyages and self-sufficiency. Features such as hybrid propulsion, integrated solar panels, rainwater collection, and a 48V electrical system support weeks of off-grid sailing. Built in full carbon composite for strength and efficiency, the 64 offers a custom interior layout focused on comfort, storage, and ease of maintenance.

ICE66 Sport – Performance and Elegance Combined

The ICE66 Sport combines Farr Yacht Design naval architecture with interior styling from Micheletti & Partners. With a wide beam, clean deck lines, and minimalist coachroof design, the 66 strikes a balance between speed and liveability. Inside, an open-plan saloon with natural light, premium finishes, and thoughtful storage elevates comfort on long passages. Shallow draft and a versatile sail plan make the yacht equally suited to cruising or racing.

ICE70 RS – A Racer with Cruising Comfort

At the top of the range, the ICE70 RS delivers racing performance with a lifting keel that varies in draft from 2.75 to 4.50 meters. Designed by Felci Yacht Design, the carbon-built yacht features a powerful sail plan, optimized rig, and full suite of performance systems. While its DNA is competitive, the 70 RS still offers refined interiors and systems for offshore cruising.

An Italian Yard with Global Ambitions

For sailors in North America, ICE Yachts may be a newer name, but its approach to yacht building—lightweight carbon construction, custom design, and an emphasis on both autonomy and performance—positions the yard among Europe’s leading semi-custom builders. With the debut of these three models, ICE Yachts is signaling its intent to appeal to a broader international audience, including U.S. cruisers and racers.

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Catana is set to debut the Ocean Class², an updated edition of its popular 50-foot bluewater catamaran, at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival. With more than 20 hulls already sailing, the new version reflects direct feedback from owners while refining both performance and onboard comfort.

Developed with the Piaton & Bercault design studio, the Ocean Class² interior aims for a warmer, more inviting atmosphere with updated finishes and fabrics. The layout emphasizes open flow and functionality, starting with a widened sliding glass door that enhances the connection between the cockpit and saloon.

Owner-driven updates include a new storage and seating unit linking the helm station to the cockpit, as well as a redesigned saloon with deeper lounge seating and a modular table that shifts from berth to dining area to workstation. The galley gains 15 percent more counter space, a larger island, and improved storage, all positioned for sea views while cooking.

The central saloon, intended as the hub for long passages, now features a cocooning lounge seat adjacent to a reworked chart table with improved visibility and connectivity. Below, buyers can select from three- or four-cabin layouts.

Performance also receives attention. By incorporating new materials and weight-saving techniques, Catana has reduced displacement while preserving payload capacity. The result, the yard says, is a catamaran capable of carrying more gear and personal items without slowing down — a key factor for circumnavigators.

“This new edition builds on what already works,” said Benjamin Monier of Catana Sales. “What we wanted was to evolve it with customer feedback — to take it further and enrich the concept with concrete solutions.”

The Ocean Class² measures 14.99 meters overall (15.75 with bowsprit) with a beam of 7.98 meters. Draft ranges from 1.39 meters with boards up to 2.52 meters down. Sail area comes in at 140 square meters upwind, and twin 45-horsepower engines provide auxiliary power.

Pricing starts at €1,090,000 (excl. VAT). The Ocean Class² will be on display at Catana’s stand (SAIL 025) in Cannes.

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Construction is underway on the Mylius M72, a 72-foot carbon-fiber yacht designed by Carkeek Design and built by Mylius Yachts in Podenzano, Italy. The yacht promises a rare balance: regatta-level performance combined with refined interiors for extended cruising.

Intended for sailors who want to race competitively without giving up onboard comfort, the M72 is being billed as a new standard-setter in the performance cruiser category.

Designer Shaun Carkeek, whose work includes some of the world’s most competitive racing yachts, collaborated closely with the Italian shipyard. The M72 features aggressive racing lines with an inverted bow, a wide stern, twin rudders, a lifting keel, and 1,000-liter water ballast tanks. Built entirely from prepreg carbon fiber, the hull is optimized for stability and speed, even with a small crew.

The sail plan reinforces the racing focus, with a nearly 30-meter Hall Spars carbon mast, running backstays, and a complete inventory that includes a square-top main, J2 jib, Code 0, and A3. Owners will also be able to specify smaller sails for cruising.

While the deck is laid out for efficiency and crew movement during maneuvers, Mylius also emphasized versatility. Options include a sunbathing area aft, a retractable bimini, a removable cockpit table, and a swim platform at the transom.

Inside, Mylius partnered with Studio Parisotto + Formenton Architetti to create a modern, customizable interior. The proposed layout includes three cabins, each with a private head, a spacious dinette, and a fully equipped galley. Smooth surfaces and soft curves contribute to the boat’s contemporary feel, while owners can choose materials, fabrics, and colors to suit their preferences.

“Today there is no other 72-foot yacht like this on the market,” said Francesco Bianchi of Mylius Yachts. “Full carbon boats of this size with lifting keel and water ballast are usually designed exclusively for racing and left empty inside. With the M72 we wanted to create a yacht that delivers exceptional performance together with refined, comfortable interiors. It is for sailors who do not want to choose between the adrenaline of racing and the pleasure of cruising.”

The first hull is already in an advanced stage of construction, with delivery expected after final customization by the new owner.

M72 Specifications

• Length overall: 22.24 m
• Beam: 6.2 m
• Displacement: 23.5 t
• Draft: 3.9 m / 5.7 m
• Upwind sail area: 366 sqm
• Code 0: 281 sqm
• A3: 480 sqm

For more details, visit mylius.it.

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Catalina Yachts has announced its most ambitious project yet: the Catalina 48, a new flagship cruiser born from a design collaboration with Tripp Design Naval Architecture. As Catalina’s first-ever production 48-footer, the yacht represents more than just a model launch. For many, it signals a shift in how America’s largest sailboat builder sees its future.

For more than half a century, Catalina has earned a reputation for building strong, simple, and affordable boats that carry families on their first daysails, extended coastal adventures, and full-blown liveaboard voyages. With the Catalina 48, the company aims to evolve that legacy while staying rooted in the values that made it a household name.

“This is not just a new boat. It’s the beginning of something bigger,” said Patrick Turner, president of Catalina Yachts. “The Catalina 48 brings together the best of who we’ve been and where we’re going. It’s American luxury, redefined for the sea.”

The yacht will feature sleek lines, expansive accommodations, and a deck layout shaped by both function and comfort. Tripp Design—celebrated globally for creating elegant, seaworthy yachts—has brought a fresh design language to the project. The partnership introduces a new dimension to Catalina’s range, one that emphasizes modern styling while keeping practical cruising needs at the forefront.

“We’re thrilled to bring a new voice to a brand with such a storied legacy,” said Bill Tripp, principal of Tripp Design. “There’s an authenticity in Catalina’s approach that aligns perfectly with our philosophy—beautiful, honest boats built for people who love to sail.”

Details of the Catalina 48’s interior are still unfolding, but the builder emphasizes generous living spaces, warm finishes, and thoughtful ergonomics intended to make long-term cruising more comfortable. Above deck, sailors can expect a cockpit engineered for handling ease and confidence underway.

As the first of several new-generation models now on the drawing board, the Catalina 48 marks a turning point for the builder. It’s American-designed, American-built, and a proud signal that Catalina is ready to shape the next era of cruising under sail.

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Cantiere del Pardo has unveiled the Grand Soleil 65 Performance, the sportier sibling to its Long Cruise model and the newest addition to its Plus Line. While the Plus designation speaks to yachts over 60 feet, it also signals a more personal approach: each yacht is tailored to the owner’s vision from the earliest design stages, blending handcrafted Italian boatbuilding with performance-driven naval architecture.

Designed by Matteo Polli with structural engineering by Marco Lostuzzi and interior and deck styling by Nauta Design, the 65 Performance aims to deliver speed and responsiveness while keeping the hallmark elegance and comfort that Grand Soleil owners expect. The sleek coachroof, optimized sail plan, and balanced hull form are intended to give sailors the thrill of performance sailing without sacrificing liveaboard comfort.

“The 65-footer is the result of a totally Made-in-Italy design process that brings together a team of professionals representing Italian excellence in the yachting sector,” says Franco Corazza, project manager for the Plus Line.

The yacht’s hull draws from the Grand Soleil 72 Performance, carrying a pronounced V at the bow and a low wetted surface to reduce resistance and improve performance in light air. The rig is stepped well aft to enlarge the foretriangle, improving aerodynamic efficiency while keeping the center of effort low. Sail handling systems, including a standard self-tacking jib, are designed for safe, shorthanded sailing—making it possible for an experienced couple to manage the boat without additional crew.

Underwater, a single rudder blade balances control and efficiency, while the inverted T-keel reduces ballast weight without compromising stability. Multiple keel options, including a telescopic version, allow owners to tailor the boat’s draft to their cruising grounds.

Nauta’s interior plan lowers the saloon to create a more seamless flow between cabins, while the deck layout prioritizes ergonomics and usable space. Owners select finishes from an exclusive materials palette, ensuring every Grand Soleil 65 Performance is unique.

Like all Cantiere del Pardo builds, the yacht incorporates sustainable materials and processes, including eco-resins, sustainably sourced teak, and solar power integration.

For sailors seeking a performance cruiser at the upper end of the size spectrum, the Grand Soleil 65 Performance offers an uncommon blend of speed, customization, and handcrafted Italian style.

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New-boat shoppers have long headed to Florida for a mid-winter look at what’s new on the market. But with the Miami International Boat Show cancelled by the pandemic this year, along with a number of regional winter shows across the country, a handful of builders have decided to host events on their own in the Ft. Lauderdale area over the next few weeks.

First up is Atlantic Cruising Yachts, which is planning its Las Olas Boat Show from Feb. 11 to 14. ACY is a dealer for French-built Fountaine Pajot sailing and power catamarans, and for Dufour sailboats. Models will be on display at the company’s docks at 1800 E. Las Olas Boulevard. Included in the show will be the Fountaine Pajot Isla 40, Elba 45, Samana 59 and the Dufour 360. Appointments are needed to attend; to register, visit atlantic-cruising.com/events/las-olas-boat-show/.

French builder Groupe Beneteau, meanwhile, plans to launch Sailaway Days a week later, from Feb. 19 to 21 at Seahaven Superyacht Marina, located near the Ft. Lauderdale airport. Participating brands include Beneteau, Jeanneau, Lagoon Catamarans, and Excess Catamarans, and each will have a range of their monohulls and multihulls on display. Attendees will need to preregister with each brand separately.

Beneteau’s lineup for the open house includes the Oceanis 30.1, Oceanis 46.1 and the Oceanis 51.1. To register to see these models, visit beneteauvip.com/events/2021-02-19-sailaway-days-seahaven-superyacht-marina-dania-beach-fl/.

Jeanneau also plans to have four of its models on display, including the 349, 410, 490 and 51. To register to see these boats, visit jeanneauamerica.com/en/articles/2026-sailaway-days-get-to-know-jeanneau

Excess Catamarans will have all three of its models on display at Seahaven, including the Excess 11, Excess 12 and Excess 15. To register to see them, visit excess-catamarans.com/our-events/sailaway-days-fort-lauderale-1.

Lagoon models at the open house will include the Lagoon 40, Lagoon 42, Lagoon 46 and the Sixty 5. Registration details for the Lagoons can be found at form.jotform.com/210114887797163.

Leopard Catamarans, built by Robertson and Caine in South Africa, is also planning a Ft. Lauderdale event with three of its sail models, the Leopard 45, Leopard 50 and the just-launched Leopard 42. The boats will be available for dockside visits and sea trials. The show takes place March 4 to 8 at Harbour Towne Marina. The Leopards are also available for charter ownership under the Moorings and Sunsail brands, and agents will be on hand to discuss ownership options and to book charters. To register for the event, and for more information, visit info.leopardcatamarans.com/cruising-world-open-house.

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