There is something quite majestic about standing atop the Knysna Heads, the prominent headlands fronting the town of Knysna along South Africa’s rugged southern shoreline. To ­seaward, the ­deep-blue waters of the wild Indian Ocean beckon. Inshore, the lagoon in the protected harbor is placid. It seems fitting that this port is where the Vision line of cruising catamarans is built and launched. The Vision 444 ES will be right at home in either venue—as a liveaboard cat in calm waters or knocking off steady miles in the open ocean.

In the past two editions of Cruising World’s annual Boat of the Year contest, we’ve had ­up-close opportunities to inspect a pair of Visions. For 2024, the Vision 444 earned top honors as the Best Cruising Catamaran Under 50 Feet. This past fall, for the 2025 competition, we inspected the company’s ­redesigned 44-foot sistership, the 444 ES. 

Those letters stand for “extended scoop,” an important addition for a couple of reasons. First, the scoops lengthen the waterline with a stretched transom for boarding, diving, fishing and swimming. Equally important, according to company co-owner James Turner, the longer waterline and reconfigured hull forms have improved the boat’s underway performance under sail and when motoring. 

Turner is a lifelong ­waterman. He grew up on all manner of boats before getting into the marine business—first in the charter trade and as a delivery skipper before transitioning to building high-performance sailboats and powerboats. With Vision, his latest venture, he’s aiming to create high-end, user-friendly bluewater cats expressly for cruising couples. His passion is evident, and he has clearly given plenty of thought to every element of his vessels, from the build and ergonomics to systems and rigging. The finished products are marvels of engineering in every facet, right down to the rudders, which are calibrated to ensure smooth tacks and jibes. Vision is currently producing about 10 boats annually.

The 444 ES is a good-looking craft with an almost futuristic mien. The waterline is maxed out, with slightly raked bows forward and those aforementioned extended transoms aft. The main cabin/coachroof is positioned well forward, with wraparound turret-style ­windows that are accented by a quartet of hull windows to port and starboard.

A hard Bimini top extends over the cockpit, offering plenty of protection from the elements, and serves as an ideal base for the suite of 75-watt solar panels mounted atop it. A side-access door in the hull for easy boarding is a fabulous feature. The raised helm station is to starboard, beneath its own dedicated hardtop, with all sailhandling controls and running rigging close at hand. Visibility from this perch is outstanding. The winches and clutches are from Harken, Garmin supplies the instrumentation, and the full set of excellent North Sails come from the Cape Town loft. 

The build is strong but light, with a resin-infused laminate that includes E-glass and a foam sandwich. The only carbon employed is in the steering wheel, davits and bowsprit. The 24-volt DC house ­system—with a standard bank of lithium-­ion batteries—is simple and straightforward. The twin Nanni diesels with saildrives are easily accessed through a pair of lifting lids. The diesels have their own dedicated toolkits and seats for service and maintenance. The fixed mini keels draw less than 4 feet. 

In the main cockpit, the galley is forward, handy to the U-shaped settee and dining table. To starboard, there’s an excellent forward-facing navigation station. The owner’s suite spans the length of the starboard hull, with a double berth aft and a terrific workspace/shop forward. It has its own vice, workbench and tools. 

The clear highlight of our Boat of the Year inspection, however, was the sea trial, conducted in 14 to 16 knots of northerly breeze on a fine fall afternoon on the Chesapeake Bay. Once the square-topped mainsail was hoisted via an electric winch, we commenced matters with the generous asymmetric kite, knocking off just under 10 knots on a romping beam reach. The helm required just a touch of the ­fingertips, and it was quite an appealing sensation to have that much power with such precise control. After ­dropping the kite, we unrolled the self-​tacking jib. Closehauled, the boat notched speeds in the mid-7s, but as the breeze gusted into the 20- to 25-knot range, we recorded better than 9 knots upwind. It was a great sail.

That test run added some ­focus and context to the Vision’s dual-purpose nature. Yes, it’s an excellent liveaboard home in a protected ­anchorage. But where it really comes to life—and where it will shine the brightest—is under full sail in the open sea. 

CW editor-at-large Herb McCormick was a 2025 Boat of the Year judge.

Take the Next Step

PRICE: $1.2 million (as tested)

CONTACT: visionyachts.com

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The Swedish boatbuilder Hallberg-Rassy has introduced a brand-new addition to its cruising lineup: the Hallberg-Rassy 370. Designed by Germán Frers and engineered for bluewater sailing, the 370 bridges the gap between the existing 340 and 400 models. Although still under construction, the boat is available for order now with a fixed delivery date and price—consistent with Hallberg-Rassy’s commitment to transparency and build quality.

Unlike many new boats that replace outgoing models, the 370 is a fresh design that fills a distinct niche. It combines modern performance with traditional craftsmanship, featuring twin wheels, twin rudders, and a refined hull form aimed at efficient passage-making and easy handling. A new feature for a yacht of this size: both bow and stern thrusters are available as options.

New Standards in Comfort and Versatility

The boat’s large aft cockpit is designed with liveaboard comfort and practicality in mind. Options include either a removable table or a more permanent teak cockpit table with folding leaves. The mainsheet traveler has been cleverly relocated to the forward end of the cockpit, ahead of the windscreen, to free up space during social time underway or at anchor.

Down below, the 370 offers a remarkably spacious and customizable interior. Two wood finishes—classic Khaya mahogany or light European oak—define the yacht’s character. The salon features 2.04-meter-long settees, tempered-glass hull portlights, and dual overhead hatches. A standout innovation in this size class is the option to replace the starboard settee with a pair of Hallberg-Rassy armchairs and a built-in bar cabinet.

Storage and utility spaces are well-integrated throughout. The galley has a variety of layout options, including front-loading refrigeration, a freezer box, or even a dishwasher. A dedicated worktable with its own seat and concealed electrical panel sits opposite. Both forward and aft cabins feature generous berths and clever storage arrangements. Buyers can also opt for a rare-in-class centerline berth in the forward cabin.

Built to Sail

With an overall length just under 40 feet including bowsprit and a waterline length of nearly 35 feet, the Hallberg-Rassy 370 promises long-legged speed and seaworthiness. Sailors can expect good performance under sail thanks to a powerful rig and a well-balanced hull. A self-tacking jib is optional, while the jib track on the coach roof allows for tight sheeting angles upwind.

Like all Hallberg-Rassys, the 370 carries CE Category A certification, meaning it’s rated for unlimited offshore voyages. The design shows a clear intention to deliver safe and joyful sailing on extended passages or weekend cruises alike.

The first three boats are under construction now and will be available to view at the Open Yard boat show in Ellös, Sweden, from August 22–24, 2025. Hallberg-Rassy says the first hulls will splash later that fall.

FYI

Ever wish your salon felt more like a living room?
The 370 is the first Hallberg-Rassy of this size to offer their signature armchairs—plus a built-in bar—where a settee usually goes.

Where in the world is this Swedish beauty being built?
In Ellös, a boatbuilding village on Sweden’s Orust Island, where Hallberg-Rassy has been launching ocean cruisers for generations.

Want to dive deeper into the specs and options?
Head to hallberg-rassy.com and click on “Yachts” to explore layouts, gear choices, and delivery details.

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Leopard Catamarans has unveiled the Leopard 46 sailing cat.

“The Leopard 46 is a testament to Leopard Catamarans and Robertson and Caine’s commitment to engineering excellence and elevated onboard living,” Franck Bauguil, global sales manager at Leopard Catamarans, stated in a press release. “We have meticulously designed and built a vessel that not only delivers exceptional performance but also provides an unparalleled level of luxury and comfort.”

The Leopard 46 has an exterior design inspired by powercats. Its wraparound coachroof windows allow for panoramic views and lots of natural light inside. The companionway sliding door fully retracts abaft the helm station, connecting the saloon and cockpit as a single area for relaxation and entertainment.

Other key features include a hybrid electric drive option and integrated solar panels, both of which have the potential to make cruising more sustainable and efficient.

Leopard allows owners to personalize the 46 by ordering one of several layouts. Options include three staterooms plus a utility room; or four- and five-stateroom variations. Owners also can choose the configuration of tables and furniture in the saloon and cockpit.

There’s an optional performance-sail package, as well as an optional lifting tender platform.

Where to see the Leopard 46: The boat is expected to be at the Annapolis Sailboat Show in October, where it will be a nominee for Cruising World’s 2025 Boat of the Year. It will also be available for charter through The Moorings and Sunsail.

Where to learn more: Click over to leopardcatamarans.com

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Nautor Swan has launched the ClubSwan 28—the Finnish shipyard’s smallest-ever design. It’s a One Design racer from Juan Kouyoumdjian in Valencia, Spain, that’s intended to be sailed with four or five crew.

The builder’s relationship with Kouyoumdjian’s naval architecture firm goes back a number of years. His team also had a hand in creating ClubSwan 80, 125 and 36 beginning in 2020. Kouyoumdjian is known for high-performance sailing boats with other builders as well, with designs that have won the Volvo Ocean Race, Olympic gold medals and more.

Know-how from those boats is packed into this smaller offering from Nautor Swan. With a carbon mast and no backstay, the ClubSwan 28 is designed to perform in varied conditions, particularly medium and light winds. Nautor Swan says the boat has been tailored for sailors who want close, high-performance racing in a user-friendly package. The boat can be considered an entry-level racer, according to the builder.

The deck layout is all about safety and efficiency, with a clean cockpit, a full kite-retrieve system and a sliding hatch on the bow to enhance ease of operation during races.

A lifting keel makes the ClubSwan 28 easy to trailer.  Nautor Swan says the boat can be rigged within hours. Its sail plan—comprising a mainsail, jib, AP kite and reaching kite—is organized to allow for power and versatility on the water.

The rig has a single movement allowing adjustment through a straightforward hydraulic system. Mast bend and headstay tension are synchronized without the need for a backstay, thanks to the shroud configuration.

“Our goal was to create a vessel that prioritizes manageability and ease of sailing over pushing the boundaries of absolute performance,” Federico Michetti, head of sports activities and product manager, stated in a press release.

The ClubSwan 28 adds to an impressive legacy for Nautor Swan, which was founded in 1966 and has since built more than 2,350 yachts from 36 to 131 feet length overall. The company is based in Pietarsaari, Finland, with four hubs in the Mediterranean and 18 service points. Nautor Swan has four lines: ClubSwan Yachts, Swan Yachts, Swan Maxi Yachts and the motoryacht division, with Swan Shadow, Swan Overshadow and the recently announced Swan Arrow.

When will the ClubSwan 28 make its debut? In September at the Rolex Swan Cup. After that, in October, it will appear as part of the ClubSwan Invitational Sardinia Challenge.

Where to learn more: go to www.nautorswan.com.

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Pegasus Yachts has found strong momentum since the European premiere of its Pegasus 50. With the latest two hulls, Nos. 9 and 10, going to US owners, that momentum is now swinging over to North America. 

Located in Slovenia, Pegasus Yachts was founded in 2019 by the same team who, for more than 20 years, built large carbon-displacement ­cruising yachts with oceangoing capabilities. Miha Breskvar and Marko Paš established Pegasus Yachts for bluewater cruising. The Pegasus 50 is for clients who value fast, lightweight displacement, as well as comfortable living spaces. The Pegasus 50’s flexible layout forward of the salon allows for configurations tailored to cruising plans, crew preferences and the owners’ ­accommodations needs.

Among the Pegasus 50’s features are a convertible roof with retractable canvas over the cockpit. A tempered-glass sliding door protects the two-step entry to the salon from the cockpit. The living spaces take a note from catamaran design, with 360-degree views from the cockpit, salon and navigation station. Two technical lockers isolate the wet and dry onboard systems from the living space for quieter cruising.

A 75 hp Volvo Penta diesel engine is standard, though Pegasus offers an electric option, found on three of its existing hulls. The P50’s energy package includes a generator, a hydro-generator, and solar integrated into the deck with a 716-watt peak capacity. An optional third LiFePO4 battery adds a capacity of 600 amp-hours at 25.4 volts.

The Pegasus 50 also has an induction cooktop, a watermaker, heating and air conditioning, and a dinghy with an electric outboard that’s stored in the garage for launching from the swim platform.

Construction is vacuum-­infusion, with extensive use of carbon and composite for light weight and strength. Displacement is just over 29,000 pounds. A double wing keel reduces leeway, improving the upwind angle with less drag and enhancing close-quarters maneuverability. A carbon mast, performance full-batten mainsail, and self-tacking J2, larger J1 (650 SF) and asymmetrical furling spinnaker are standard. An optional furling reacher/code zero is available. 

The Pegasus 50 is rigged for short crew or solo sailing (a P50 won the 2022 OSTAR singlehanded race across the North Atlantic), with all working lines brought back to the helms, each equipped with two electric winches—a convenience for couples and families cruising offshore, as well as the solo speed-seekers who value a certain degree of comfort underway.

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Balance Catamarans is preparing for the premiere of its newest Balance 442 catamaran. The debut is scheduled to take place at the International Multihull Boat Show in La Grande Motte, France, from April 3-7.

The owners of the latest 442 model, which has been christened Lasai, are the couple known as the “Tipsy Nomads” online. They’ve been using the boat for the past few months in the Mediterranean, including cruising it to the Cannes Yachting Festival.

Their YouTube and Instagram channels include photos and videos from these first days on board Lasai.

On the Balance 442, Cruising World editor-at-large Herb McCormick described his experience aboard the model as “a 44-foot catamaran that punches above its weight, and a performance-oriented platform that’s also ideal for ocean sailing and living aboard.”

“Under sail … I truly began to appreciate the 442’s proportions, and came to realize what an ideal-size boat this is for a cruising couple,” said McCormick. “It’s large enough to address most any cruisers’ plans and itinerary, but not so big that you need to bring additional crew on board to go cruising.”

Read his full report on the model HERE.

More about Hull No. 6 of the Balance 442: Phil Berman, founder of Balance Catamarans, calls Lasai a stunning catamaran with ecologically sourced bamboo veneers on its handmade cabinets. “We are looking forward to showing her off at La Grande Motte this year,” he said.

Where to learn more: click over to balancecatamarans.com

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A pair of silky new boats were tied up along the pink-carpeted docks at the most recent Cannes Yachting Festival. One was the Italia 14.98, an elegant crossover performer that, one month later, would sail its way to Annapolis, Maryland, and win Cruising World’s 2024 Boat of the Year award for Best Performance Cruiser. The other was the slightly more compact Italia 12.98, which would not reach the United States in time to compete, but which was clearly cut from the same cloth of the model that took home the hardware. 

The Italia 12.98 is a collaboration between the Italia Yachts Design Team, Cossutti Yacht Design, and Arbore and Partners Design. The yacht strikes a nice blend of speed, grace and comfort. Borrowing similar concepts from the Italia 9.98, the 12.98’s streamlined hull hints at a sexy sailing experience, with a dynamic waterline length that adjusts with speed, mitigating pitching for enhanced comfort. The maximum beam was reduced to minimize hydrodynamic resistance. The result is a hull that sails smoothly in medium- to light-air conditions and that notches improved speeds in sustained winds. 

Available in Sport and Bellissima versions, the yacht caters to race enthusiasts and comfort-seekers alike. 

The Sport version is lighter and more race-oriented. The number and positioning of the winches are functionally optimized for racing, and the deck-equipment layout can be customized according to the owner’s preference. 

The Bellissima version has an optional teak deck and a layout more suited to cruising, making navigation easier and comfortable for a family or a smaller crew, while retaining similar speed and handling characteristics. An ergonomic cockpit design elevates the comfort factor while maintaining optimal boathandling capabilities, whether cruising or racing.

Inside, the Bellissima’s interior takes a slightly more lavish tack, with fine wood finishes and upholstery, providing an essence of Italian luxury. The Sport version conveys a more race-oriented ambience with lightened interiors, yet with equal attention to contemporary style and craftsmanship.

Already seen popping up in US waters, the Italia Yachts 12.98 should be making its rounds on this year’s boat-show circuit. Fans of Italian style and exhilarating sailing should hop aboard the first chance they get.

The post New to the Fleet: Italia Yachts 12.98 appeared first on Cruising World.

The French shipyard Wauquiez has been turning out boats since 1965, when its first model was the Elizabethan 29. Many sailors know Wauquiez for its Centurion models, which established the brand name through the Centurion 32 in 1968. More recently, in 2014, an updated version called the Centurion 57 marked the return of that well-known line.

Now comes the Wauquiez 55, for which the builder offered a sneak peek during the recent boat show in Düsseldorf, Germany—and which is scheduled to make its debut in the flesh at the Cannes Yachting Festival later this year.

The Wauquiez 55 is the first model of a new range, with a design by Marc Lombard that screams fully modern sailing yacht. It’s intended for owners who want to head offshore, with light-filled living spaces and updated performance elements. Styling is clean and sophisticated, inside and out.

A hardtop protects the central cockpit, which looks (in the renderings) like it will have good visibility through the windshield. There are wipers to clear away the remains of afternoon showers. The navigation space also has opening panels for letting in fresh air.

Back in the cockpit, there’s a relaxation space for guests who want to stretch out in the two sunbathing areas. There’s also what Wauquiez calls a “leisure deck,” which could be used for putting on snorkeling equipment, fishing or preparing to head off and explore with kayaks or paddleboards.

Interior design is by Stéphane Roséo in La Rochelle, France. The layout incorporates stowage between the salon benches and sheer, with portholes on the hull for guests to enjoy views of the outdoors. Portholes are on the coachroof too.

Dining is to port, with a table surrounded by C-shape booth seating. Bench-style seating runs along the side closest to centerline. Across from there, to starboard, is seating for intimate conversations, working a bit on a laptop or tablet computer, or getting lost in a good book. The navigation station is abaft this seating area, with the galley also nearby for easy service inside and out.

The forward stateroom is down a few steps with a walkaround berth and a head. Another stateroom is aft, with a glass opening and direct access out onto the deck. 

Depending on what type of sailing owners want to do, they can opt for a lifting keel, carbon rigging and a furling jib. 

How does the Wauquiez shipyard fix the keel? By stainless steel bolts. The rigging and appendages are integrated into the structure of the boat, to ensure distribution of their forces.

Where to learn more: click over to wauquiez.com

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