It’s not every year that the Boat of the Year judging panel has the opportunity to review cool little boats that totally accentuate the pure joy of sailing, and that get a bonus point if they offer simple but functional camper-cruising accommodations. For manufacturers, the all-too-frequent dearth of these boats is a result of Economics 101: Building boats is a tough business, it’s not always easy to make a buck, and the greater profits to be had make a strong case for building larger vessels. 

But at their very core, the BOTY judges are, first and foremost, sailors. So, when not one but a pair of nifty mulithulls received nominations for the 2024 awards, it was a happy occasion indeed. Better yet, once under sail on the Chesapeake, these crafty pocket entries proved to be as much fun to drive as they appeared on the dock. 

Winner: Xquisite 30 Sportcat

The South African brand Xquisite Yachts was familiar to the BOTY panelists; the builder’s fully found X5 range of highly sophisticated cruising cats have earned a pair of awards in the past: Most Innovative in 2017 and Best Cruising Catamaran in 2022. But Xquisite’s latest entry in the contest caught the judges by surprise. It’s a trailerable 30-footer with the most basic of accommodations that bears little resemblance to the other models in the Xquisite quiver. 

Tim Murphy summarized the thinking behind the design: “The Xquisite 30 Sportcat is a vinylester, foam-core-infused structure designed for training, racing and cruising with occasional overnights. The prototype we sailed was built in Poland; the actual production run will be in Portugal. The design was a senior project from noted multihull designer François Perus when he was finishing his mechanical engineering degree in Brest, France. The purpose for this boat is to have two or three available at the Xquisite Yachts base in Freeport, Bahamas. Builder and owner Tamas Hamor recognized that many buyers of the Xquisite X5 or X5 Plus [sophisticated 50-foot cruising cats] might not come with much prior sailing experience. The SportCat would give them direct, sporty feedback of pure sailing in Bahamian waters while they learn to operate their larger cruising cats.”

Judge Mark Pillsbury added: “This was a really fun boat to sail once you got the hang of handling its long tiller extension and crossing back and forth across the nearly 16 feet of beam, hull to hull. The boat is intended, in part, to be a training vessel for Xquisite’s big-boat owners. One thing’s for sure: They’ll get a taste of the pure joy of simply sailing.”

Judge Herb McCormick had his own take: “It’s a niche boat, for sure, and at $250,000, I think that the broader market for it is pretty limited. That said, I’d love to own one. It would be a perfect boat for gunkholing around Narragansett Bay and New England waters. The accommodations are pretty spartan, but there are berths in the hulls, and you could rig a boom tent on the trampolines and have plenty of room to camp. And the joyful experience under sail would make up for the rustic one under the stars.”

Runner-up: Astus 20.5 Sport

The BOTY judging team had a unanimous verdict for this unusual little trimaran: For a compact boat, it has grand ambitions, most of which it meets or exceeds. 

Tim Murphy provided the overview: “This is a 20-foot trimaran sportboat built in Brittany, France, by a company that’s been in business since 2004. Astus builds four trimaran models (14.5, 16.5, 20.5, 22.5); its sole US importer is Red Beard Sailing, a Chesapeake Bay dealer. This boat is designed by VPLP Design, named for founders Marc Van Peteghem and Vincent Lauriot Prévost, which now has a staff of some 30 designers who specialize in everything from Lagoon cats to America’s Cup winners to foiling Open 60 IMOCAs. Astus’ goal is to offer multihull sailors a boat in a size range smaller than Corsair offers.” 

Judge Herb McCormick said: “That VPLP connection is huge. They’re a big-name player, and the fact that they’ve put their reputation and blessing on this design is a major positive. The hardware and Selden spar they use is first-rate. They’re not cutting any corners. Under sail, it felt like a good, stable platform. I think it’s a great entry-level boat for someone who wants to get into multihull sailing.”

Judge Mark Pillsbury also gave the Astus his thumbs-up: “The Astus tri is a simple little boat with a high fun factor. We sailed the boat in about 10 knots of breeze, and with four of us aboard, we were probably a bit overloaded. But with the screecher set, we saw lots of speeds over 7 knots, and flirted with 8s in the puffs. And sitting on the tramps watching the waves right under us was a real hoot. The amas are mounted on tubes and can be pulled in and out for docking and sailing. I was aboard as they were being deployed, and the process was pretty simple: Sit on the center hull and push out on each ama with your legs (or step in on the tramp to pull it in) until a set pin can be dropped into place. Engage the pins fore and aft for each ama, and you’re off to the races, simple as that.”

To summarize: easy, fast and fun. Hard to beat that trifecta. 

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For the first time ever in the 29-year history of Boat of the Year, we’re introducing a new class to the proceedings: Performance Trimarans. To make things spicier, the two nominees not only shared the same length overall of 40 feet, but they also came in at the near-identical price point of around $800,000 for the base boat. 

Beyond those two parameters, however, the different approaches from these disparate brands were interesting and exciting. Cruising trimarans, though rare, are nothing new; the well-established Neel line of French-built trimarans has enjoyed plenty of success in previous BOTY contests. With that said, the judging panel was champing at the bit to put these fresh three-hull whizzes through their paces. And once under sail, we were definitely not disappointed. 

Winner: Dragonfly 40

Let’s cut right to the chase: The Dragonfly 40 had judge Tim Murphy swooning straight from hello: “This is an exquisite yacht in every detail. When you step aboard, the new-boat smell was not of styrene but of a wood shop. Built in Denmark by the Quorning family (designer and builder Jens Quorning took us on the test sail), it’s just a beautiful boat to look at from across the water. The wheel steering—no tiller here—was butter-smooth. Thanks to the boat’s extremely fine hulls, on our test sail we hardly felt any jerks or deceleration as we passed through several Severn River boat wakes. There were AGM batteries on this boat, but a lithium-battery system is an option. The kick-up centerboard and rudder are ingenious: Quorning as much as invited us to ground the boat on a shoal. From barber haulers to boom preventers, it’s full of great sailing details.”

Judge Mark Pillsbury was equally impressed: “As we finished up our all-too-brief sea trial aboard the Dragonfly 40, I scribbled ‘Top shelf!!!’ in my notebook. We had the benefit of sailing the boat with its thoroughly detail-oriented builder, who pointed to the seemingly endless features he’d employed to make this maybe the most memorable sailing boat of the year. At one point, I looked down at the GPS speed-over-ground number, which read 6 knots, then glanced at the true wind gauge: 5.2! Faster than the wind! The interior of the Dragonfly was elegant, with the furniture rendered in elm—not a wood we often see. But most impressive was the walk-in aft cabin instead of the crawl-in bunk often found in the narrow confines of a tri’s slender center hull.” 

Judge Herb McCormick was as astonished as his colleagues: “There isn’t a thing on the Dragonfly that Quorning hasn’t thought long and hard about, and then executed to a stellar degree. Take that centerboard arrangement, which is built into the central dining table and is integrated so well into the interior that it’s a functional piece of furniture as well as a foolproof cruising solution. What else can we say? It’s a magnificent freaking boat.”

Runner-up: Rapido Trimarans 40

The design brief for the Rapido 40 is straightforward: fast cruising and racing for a couple or crew; ocean-ready but able to sail and moor in shallow water. Nobody was more psyched to sail the boat than judge Herb McCormick, who was not disappointed. 

“I was first exposed to the brand at a multihull regatta in the Caribbean, where a larger Rapido 50 was in attendance,” he said. “I was on another boat, and we spent a lot of time looking at the Rapido’s transom. Then I stepped aboard the Rapido 40 for our trials and was handed the tiller extension; under the code zero, in about 15 seconds, we were making 14 knots. Whoa!”

Judge Mark Pillsbury said: “From stem to stern, the Rapido 40 came packed with features, including a double-taper carbon rotating mast, a Park Avenue-style boom for easy sail handling, daggerboards for upwind performance, and a very comfy cockpit. There’s an optional all-carbon version of the boat, including the drawers in the galley. The layout, with a comfortable V-berth and raised table in the salon—offering outstanding views of the great outdoors—is cruising-couple friendly.”

Judge Tim Murphy added: “The Rapido 40 is built in Vietnam by Paul Koch, the previous owner of Corsair Marine who started Rapido Trimarans in 2014. Rapido builds three models, all designed by the renowned team of Morrelli & Melvin. Our test boat had the standard infused construction, which is mostly E-glass with vinylester resin and a PVC core. There’s also carbon fiber near the bulkheads where the crossbeams meet. Carbon-fiber C-foils in the amas are intriguing and provide lift in two directions: up (to reduce sailing displacement but not fly) and to windward. Sailing the boat on the raised web seat with the tiller extension is gorgeous. It feels very sporty. Rapido’s latest claim to fame: The YouTube channel Sailing La Vagabonde has taken delivery of a Rapido 60, which will definitely raise the profile of the brand.”

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Addressing growing American demand for more environmentally friendly performance multihulls, Windelo Catamaran—a French shipyard specializing in eco-advanced performance catamarans—and US-based dealer Just Catamarans, have announced a new partnership to better serve the United States. Just Catamarans, who specialize in the performance cruising segment, will take a strategic role in the growth of Windelo Catamaran within the US market. 

The new partnership will be in place as the Miami International Boat Show kicks off in February 2024, where the Windelo 50 Yachting is set to make its US premiere, after its successful launch in Europe in 2023. 

Designed in collaboration with the architects Christophe Barreau and Frédéric Neuman, and designer Charlotte Schiffer, the Windelo 50 is a fast, bluewater cruising catamaran that features an electric propulsion system, which includes two electric engines and an inventive hull construction technique that utilizes volcanic basalt laminates, presenting a more sustainable alternative to traditional fiberglass matting.   

“Our entire team looks forward to working with Windelo,” said Thomas Chambers, president of Just Catamarans sales. “Representing a bespoke brand of performance multihulls that focuses more on sustainability and introducing electric-hybrid propulsion in this market is exciting for us and our clients.”   

Founded in 2004 and based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Just Catamarans is a recognized catamaran service specialist that also offers sales for brokerage and new boats for clients across the full spectrum of catamaran ownership.

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Just Catamarans aboard the Windelo family,” said Gautier Kauffmann, founder of Windelo. “The reputation of Just Cats in the US, and their expertise in developing and supporting high-end performance cruising multihulls, will be an undeniable strength for the development of Windelo in the US market. Just Catamarans will be a key partner to the service footprint for all of our clients visiting the US and the Bahamas aboard a Windelo. While Just Catamarans will boost the visibility and service of our brand in the territory, we understand how important it is for our customers to maintain direct contact with the shipyard throughout the lifecycle of their boat. This is why, together with Thomas’ team, we set up a partnership that [creates] a joint approach to sales and service of our owners’ catamarans.”

Windelo Catamaran is a French boatyard based in Canet-en-Roussillon. It builds innovative, eco-advanced performance catamarans. After three years of research on eco-friendly materials and guided by strong family values, Olivier and his son Gautier Kauffmann, both passionate about sailing, founded Windelo in 2018 to build comfortable, environmentally friendly recreational craft.

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While strolling the docks of the Annapolis Sailboat Show each fall for, let’s say, at least the past decade, one thing has become abundantly clear: Between the rows of charter catamarans lining the docks of the so-called Vacation Basin and the ubiquitous lineup of cats (and trimarans) on display on the Spa Creek Marina piers, the twin-hull phenomenon continues to resonate, and it easily remains the fastest-growing segment of the sailboat universe. That anecdotal observation was backed up by hard numbers in the 2024 Boat of the Year fleet, with more than half the contestants being multihulls. 

Fittingly, then, the most competitive category in this year’s contest was this class of four cruising cats. Amazingly, in features and layouts, each nominee was decidedly different from the others, a true benefit to potential owners, who now more than ever have real choices to ponder. 

Winner: Vision Yachts 444

It’s hard to say if it’s a definite advantage, but in recent Boat of the Year contests, when inspecting boats with their owners aboard—folks who have put some hard miles under their keels, and who can speak with authority on the positives and negatives of their vessel—the track record shows that such nominees do very well. Which is the case with the Vision 444, whose owner took delivery of the boat at its building site in Knysna, South Africa, cruised to Mozambique, and then sailed it up the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean. 

Judge Mark Pillsbury picks it up from there: “Many of the big cruising cats that we step aboard are a compromise by design because some of the fleet will go to private owners and the rest into charter. The Vision 444 was different, and after a 14,000-mile shakedown cruise, it clearly reflected the thinking of its owner, who was aboard every step of the way. This is a pure cruising cat, and a fine one. Gear was of good quality and well-sorted. Living accommodations were practical and proven. And build quality was readily apparent because the boat looked terrific after all those hard miles. I think it’s one of the only cats I can recall having a full and proper nav station. And the walk-in workshop forward in the starboard bow? Brilliant.”

Runner-up: Excess Catamarans 14

Text> Pillsbury has sailed the complete range of Excess cats, a relatively new brand from Groupe Beneteau, and has a unique viewpoint on how the range has evolved: “Each of the first three Excess catamarans we looked at brought us something new to talk about, and the latest, the 46-foot Excess 14, didn’t disappoint. The builder says that they want to try new things as they expand the lineup, and with the 14, they let the design team of VPLP push off in a couple of new directions when it comes to hull shape, and the width and depth of the keels to improve sailing performance. Unfortunately, we had pretty light wind for our sea trial in Annapolis, but in under 5 knots of breeze, we were still able to see speeds in the 3-plus-knot range. Visibility from the helms was good—our entire judging team are fans of the steering stations, located well aft and outboard— and the boat was easy to move around on. The 14 fits very well in what the builder is aiming to accomplish.”

Runner-up: HH Catamarans HH44

Text> Unfortunately, due to a shipping snafu, this latest offering from HH Catamarans arrived too late to Annapolis to be displayed at the boat show. But it did make it in time for the sea-trial portion of the Boat of the Year contest. The judges were very pleased that it did, for on a windy test sail, the 44 had the opportunity to strut its stuff, so much so that the panel awarded it with the Judge’s Special Recognition prize.

Runner-up: Seawind Catamarans 1170

The Seawind collection of cats has seen more than its fair share of success in previous Boat of the Year contests. As judge Tim Murphy summarizes, the builder’s new 38-footer is carrying on with that positive tradition: “Our test boat, Hull No. 2, was built at the company’s primary facility in Vietnam, but going forward with the 1170, the line will be produced in a new plant in Turkey to service the European market. The infused hull is vinylester throughout with a PVC core; it’s a good, cost-effective choice that avoids osmosis. Foam is perforated and ‘double-cut’ with kerfs around curved surfaces. It has a Mastervolt lithium-ion battery system, no genset, but with 990 watts of solar power (an optional 1,320 watts is available). I like the cabin top/boom relationship: It doesn’t invite lounging guests to lounge in the boom’s path, but does give the operator easy access to the entire foot of the mainsail. The galley is down—a good layout on a smaller cat. The sail plan is simple but effective. This is a very solid couple’s boat.”

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In just about every Boat of the Year contest, seemingly out of the blue, a nominee is so unique in its design and execution that the judging panel decides to honor its bold vision and innovation with the Judge’s Special Recognition prize. For 2024, this prize goes to the HH44. 

Judge Herb McCormick provided the overview: “We almost didn’t have the opportunity to sail the HH, which was offloaded from a freighter and rigged up near the close of our test days. Our test boat was Hull No. 2, called Titan, owned by a vastly experienced Caribbean sailor who was on board for our trial. He was one of more than three dozen sailors who purchased the boat sight unseen, from renderings, and was clearly thrilled with his choice. After our inspection and test sail, we could understand why. Unfortunately, we didn’t have any off-wind sails to truly put the boat through the paces, but we were still making close to 10 knots with just the working sails. So, as a high-performance cat, the boat gets high marks. Amazingly, with everything else going on with the boat, the sailing prowess was almost secondary.”

Judge Tim Murphy added: “It was far and away the most sophisticated hull-deck structure in the 2024 fleet: epoxy-infused E-glass and carbon fiber over thermoformed foam core. It featured the most sophisticated house systems and propulsion, starting with what the builders called ‘parallel hybrid’ drive. I have never seen this system on any boat before this one, with electric motors on the same shafts as the Beta Marine diesels (a marinized Kubota block). There are no alternators, but there’s 43 kilowatt-hours of solar on the cabin top. It’s possible that this was the best boat in this year’s fleet, but because there’s so much here that we’ve never seen in any boat before, I feel that we need a year to watch these boats and customers in the field and ask how they’re doing.”

Finally, judge Mark Pillsbury offered this assessment: “After stunning the Boat of the Year judges several years in a row with its carbon-fiber high-end cats, HH Catamarans introduced a second generation of cruising boat this year with a powerful sail plan and a unique hybrid form of propulsion. The 44 has both diesel and electric engines connected to its two prop shafts, and a lithium battery bank that can provide energy-efficient electric power or be recharged quickly when running in diesel mode. It’s an interesting boat for anyone looking to ride on the cutting edge when it comes to marine technology. But the propulsion systems aside, the HH was just a ball to sail. Tiltable wheels let you lean out in the breeze or stand inboard under cover, with a clear view through the salon’s vertical windows. With daggerboards, the boat handles well to windward. Cracked off to a reach, well, sit back and enjoy the puffs.”

Club Boat Charter and Highfield RIBs: A Sweet Ride

For our 2024 Boat of the Year contest, the judges arrived for our test sails in style, aboard a 2023 Highfield Patrol 540 with a four-stroke 90 hp Yamaha outboard, dual jockey seats and a rear tow/roll bar. Our team wishes to thank sponsor Club Boat Charter Company, which provided the sweet ride. 

Club Boat Charter Company was started by Lindsay and Alfredo Lopez in 2021 when their home club in Virginia, the Hampton Yacht Club, needed a coach boat for the summer-camp season. The Lopezes quickly recognized that sailing coaches, clubs, regatta organizers and parents never have enough charter RIBs available for events. The Club Boat Charter Company offers its fleet of seven RIBs, which range from 15 to 23 feet, for any sailing event where there is a need. Or, if you’re looking to purchase a new or used RIB, the club and its dealership, Hampton Roads Inflatables, can help. As they demonstrated during our Boat of the Year tests, they are committed to supporting the sport of sailing.

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After dockside tours of this year’s two finalists for Best Performance Cruiser whet the collective appetite of the judging panel, we couldn’t wait to hoist sail and evaluate each of these boats’ sailing prowess. And in both cases, we were in for a treat. “Performance cruiser” can be a somewhat vague concept to define, but it’s instructive to note that our sister publication—the focused yacht-racing magazine, Sailing World—categorizes these boats as “crossovers.” In other words, they can seamlessly serve cross purposes, as inshore or offshore racers, or as dedicated cruising boats. In both instances here, that selective criteria is perfectly addressed. 

Winner: Italia Yachts 14.98

“Whoa,” judge Tim Murphy said. “I’ve never in my life sailed a boat like this. It pointed higher than any I can think of: an apparent wind angle of 24 degrees! Powered up under main alone, it pointed higher than most boats will with all sails set. The structure is infused vinylester employing E-glass with carbon reinforcements, with Divinycell foam of different densities. That carbon fiber was put to very good use; this boat was uncommonly stiff. The hull form was more curved, more pleasing than some of the slab-sided boats we’re seeing of this generation. A crew of 10 on an Italia came in third in the most recent Annapolis to Newport Race. This was one of the most powerful, close-winded sailing experiences I can remember. An exemplary performance sailboat.”

Judge Mark Pillsbury was equally captivated: “During our dockside visit of the Italia 14.98, the builder’s representative said that the boat was designed and fit-out for a cruising customer who likes performance and speed. He called the 14.98 an ‘upwind missile,’ and when we got to sail the boat a few days later on a breezy morning, we all could see just what he meant. What a great ride. At one point, in about 12 knots of breeze with the spinnaker up and the speedo pushing double digits, it was quite lively on deck. That’s when I stepped below and was struck by how smooth and peaceful it was in the salon. This was a boat where those on watch could crack off some miles while the off-watch could really rest up and be ready when it was their time on deck.”

judge Herb McCormick added: “I’ve met a few Italia owners,” judge Herb McCormick said. “Very successful guys who use their boats a lot and sail them well, and competition is a big reason they go sailing in the first place. They want to have a yacht where they can compete with anyone in events like the Newport Bermuda Race. These folks can have whatever boat they want, and they chose an Italia. And once I got on the wheel of the bloody thing, it was pretty evident why. In a week of great sails, this 49-footer may have set the gold standard.”

Runner-up: Solaris Yachts 44

Like its fellow nominee from Italy, the Solaris 44 is well-suited to the concept of performance cruising, and it too provided the judging team with a thrilling sail. “This is one of those boats that I had a hard time evaluating on the dock, but once underway, it really sailed beautifully,” judge Tim Murphy said.

“Yes,” judge Mark Pillsbury seconded, “as. “As a performance cruiser, the Solaris was well-suited to both missions. The three-cabin, two-head layout works well for an owner with occasional guests; there was plenty of storage; and underway, the boat was quiet and bright below. And the 44 sports a powerful, but manageable sail plan. I mean, talk about a boat that lights up under sail! The 44 was a dream to drive upwind and down. With the kite up in 10 to 12 knots of breeze, the speed hovered right around 10 knots. Upwind, cruising along with the self-tacking jib, the steering was silky smooth even in the gusts, and the twin rudders gave us really good control.”

Judge Herb McCormick also gave this boat good marks: “Like the Italia, with its long waterline, plumb bow and lovely transom, to my eye, this Solaris is a really lovely boat,” judge Herb McCormick said. “And I agree with my fellow panelists: It’s: It’s a terrific sailing boat. Unfortunately, it had the poor luck for this year’s contest to be matched up with the sensational Italia. But it should be noted that the Italia is priced at over $1.1 million, and this Solaris, at $700,000, comes in at about a half-million less. That’s a huge discrepancy. For many sailors seeking a dual-purpose alternative, this Solaris is well worth exploring and will meet their requirements just fine.”

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With each passing year, it seems that top-end, fully found cruising boats become more powerful and sophisticated. They have ever-advancing construction techniques; major developments in charging systems, energy efficiency and propulsion; and fresh approaches to layouts and interior accommodations. All three of this year’s Boat of the Year nominees for Best Full-Size Cruiser well represented the state-of-the-art approach of their respective naval architects and manufacturers, and the fascinating results are a collection of all-oceans bluewater sailboats that can take us anywhere in the world we wish to go.  

Winner: Jeanneau Yachts 55

It’s not every year that the winner of the Full-Size Cruiser division wins the Overall Boat of the Year prize, and for 2024, the Jeanneau Yachts 55 had stiff competition from the likes of the superb Dragonfly 40, the versatile Italia 14.98, the long-legged Vision 444, and other category champions. But as the judges learned in our two visits to inspect and then sail this massive 55-footer, it’s a boat that grows on you. Familiarity doesn’t breed contempt, in this case; it instills respect. It takes a bit of time to appreciate exactly what transpires here, and it is certainly not a boat for everyone. But Jeanneau dared to do something different, and then doubled down with that conviction. And for that bold action, we rewarded the builder. 

Runner-up: Hanse 510

After a brief hiatus from Boat of the Year, the major German production builder reentered the fray with a voluminous 51-footer whose layout signals a growing trend in larger cruising boats: the separation of topside space from working areas and social ones. Judge Mark Pillsbury viewed it from the context of his own sailing experience: “Being primarily a New England sailor, I liked the cockpit options that we saw on the Hanse 510. The boat is available with the usual low-profile coachroof and open cockpit, but our test boat in Annapolis had a fiberglass arch over the companionway and a windshield, with a clear acrylic panel in between. The boat also had a solid fiberglass Bimini top with a panel that slides open on Ronstan cars, so it was easy to open and close. Together, this set extends the sailing season for cooler-climate types from spring to late fall. Under sail upwind, the self-tacking jib made the 510 easy to handle, and when cracked off to a reach, the code zero gave us plenty of power to see speeds approaching 8 knots in maybe 12 knots of breeze.”

Runner-up: Hallberg-Rassy 57

When not serving as a Boat of the Year judge, Tim Murphy serves as the curriculum and education director for the American Boat and Yacht Council. He not only brings a critical eye to his inspections, but he also looks at how boats comply with ABYC standards. He liked what he saw with the Hallberg-Rassy 57: “It’s an exquisitely built boat, and exquisitely fitted out. The systems installations are the ones I’ll feature in future ABYC study guides about labeling and organizing, with the heading ‘How To Do It Right.’ It’s been designed to be used and maintained to the highest standards. The house system (chart plotter, VHF radio, thruster, etc.) is a 24-volt lithium-battery package; it compares favorably with the HH44 we tested for innovation. The custom Selden carbon mast is as exquisite as the rest of the boat. It’s this year’s most expensive boat, but it deserves flagship status.”

Judge Mark Pillsbury added: “Anyone in the market for an elegantly built, powerfully rigged, go-anywhere bluewater cruiser will want to have the Hallberg Rassy 57 on their must-see list. Of all the boats we looked at this year, none better met the description of luxury yacht than this Swedish beauty. It was the most expensive boat we saw, but in this case, ‘you get what you pay for’ rings true—in a good way.”

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For many cruisers, especially cruising couples, the roughly 40-foot length overall is their sweet spot: a yacht voluminous enough for comfy accommodations; long enough to sport enough heft and features for inshore and offshore adventures; yet not so grand that it becomes daunting to sail, moor or maintain. These Midsize nominees represent the bread-and-butter offerings of their respective brands, which means they need to be smart and well-executed. All four nominees achieved that goal. 

Winner: Hallberg-Rassy 40C

Swedish builder Hallberg-Rassy is no stranger to the Boat of the Year winner’s circle. In fact, the company’s 40-foot sistership to this new center-cockpit offering is the HR 400, the aft-cockpit version of the Germán Frers design, which in 2023 that was named the Import Boat of the Year in 2023. 

About the 40C, judge Tim Murphy got straight to the point: “Arguably, this was the best-built monohull in the fleet. Systems-wise—with the electrical labeling, analog breakers, engine layout and access, sound insulation, the doubled Racor filters—it was definitely best in show. She sailed over to the United States on her bottom, some 10,000 nautical miles, and looked fresh from the showroom. The 40C has the same-size cockpit as the HR 44, which is a pretty neat trick. It has a longer waterline and more volume than the company’s 10-year-old 40-footer that it replaced. And more volume equals more-powerful sailing. I jotted down this note after our test sail: ‘Steering is absolutely divine.’ What else is there to say?”

Beneteau Oceanis 37.1

Judge Mark Pillsbury was immediately drawn to the spacious interior of this rangy 37-footer: “I think the Beneteau 37.1 is a viable option for a cruising couple or family in search of a manageable new boat at a relatively affordable price,” he said. “There are a few possible layouts, but I liked the one we saw on our test boat, which, with two cabins and a single head, was quite practical. The forward cabin is roomy without a second head crammed into one corner, and the large storage area that’s accessed through the shower or the starboard cockpit locker provides lots of storage space for gear and toys.”

Judge Herb McCormick said, “added: “Sadly, this was the perhaps the last design from noted French naval architect Marc Lombard, who recently died. Under sail, this was certainly a vintage Lombard creation. He was known for his fast, slippery hull forms. We had a cracking great sail on the boat; in about 10 to 12 knots of breeze with the code zero, the knot meter registered 7s and 8s. Perched to weather with the boat heeled over, the helm was light, and it was an absolute blast to drive. TrèsTrès bien, Monsieur Lombard. Thank you for some thrilling sailing.”

Dufour 41

A longtime admirer of the Dufour line, judge Herb McCormick found a lot to like about this new 41-footer. “Umberto Felci has been the principal naval architect for Dufour for quite some time, but in recent years, he’s taken the brand in new directions. This latest offering, with its rounded bow, takes some inspiration from the Open 60 monohulls so prevalent in shorthanded offshore racing. There are two chines, one above the waterline and the other higher up the topsides, almost to the sheerline, which carries the beam well forward. I liked it.”

Judge Tim Murphy had an interesting observation related to the boat’s single rudder, particularly under power: “Compared with the twin-rudder boats we tested, in close-quarters maneuvering, the single rudder provides a nicer experience, with more control. With twin rudders, unless you have a thruster, you need actual boatspeed over the rudders for close turns. With this single setup, you still have the traditional thrust over the rudder. You can spin very quickly.”

Elan Impression 43

The Slovenian builder has racked up an impressive list of entries in recent Boat of the Year competitions, and according to judge Mark Pillsbury, that solid track record has continued. He said: “The builder’s representative described the yacht as a family boat, and that made sense to me. It’s roomy enough for Mom and Dad to have some privacy in the forward cabin—there’s an option to add a fourth cabin with bunkbeds if needed—and with twin cockpit tables that can be lowered to make large sun beds, the whole clan can sit out at night and enjoy the stars. Most of all, I really liked the oak interior with a big, country-style dining table in the salon that even had a couple of folding chairs that could be stowed in their own locker. Moving around on deck underway felt secure, thanks to the 26-inch lifelines on top of solid bulwarks. High coamings in the cockpit were comfortable, and the cockpit seats were long enough to stretch out and take a nap if you were off-watch but wanted to stay on deck.”

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At first glance, there’s a certain familiarity to the Jeanneau Yachts 55. Once upon a time, 50-plus-foot cruising boats were a rarity in far-flung ports, but they are now quite common. And of all the production builders, Jeanneau has long enjoyed a strong reputation for building boats that sail exceedingly well.  

What separates Jeanneau’s new 55-footer—and ultimately sealed the deal as our pick for Overall Boat of the Year for 2024—is what happens when you step aboard. The experience brings to mind the title of that old Monty Python film And Now for Something Completely Different. Jeanneau’s design team, collaborating with naval architect Philippe Briand on the hull and interior designer Andrew Winch for the layout and accommodations, took a blank sheet of paper and created something fetching and unique.

But that’s not to say it was a slam dunk from the get-go. In fact, judge Herb McCormick said: “When I first stepped aboard and looked around, I was actually pretty confused. There were wide-open spaces topside, but the interior was compartmentalized. It just seemed rather incongruous. But once we got under sail and I spent some time getting familiarized on board, it all started to make sense.” 

Judge Tim Murphy said: “It goes back to something the team at Excess catamarans, Jeanneau’s Groupe Beneteau stablemate, said to us. There, they built a catamaran to attract monohull buyers. Here, they built a monohull to attract catamaran buyers. As a marketing ploy, it makes sense. Jeanneau has many clients who start with, say, a 34-footer, then buy larger models. The sales side noticed that when clients get into their mid-50s, they start looking at the space of catamarans. They took a real flier with the interior accommodations, in that they’re very different from what we’ve seen in other monohulls. From the companionway forward is entirely dedicated to the owners. The two guest suites are accessed separately from the cockpit. In the end, Jeanneau tried a really new thing. And I applaud them for it.”

The deck layout is also well-thought-out and innovative. “Under sail on a crisp day, I thoroughly enjoyed sitting out of the breeze under the big hard dodger and Bimini,” added judge Mark Pillsbury. “The on-deck nav station and plotter is ingenious. At the wheel, I liked the way you could step to the side deck, lean against the rail, and get a clear view of the sails with the wind in your face. For cruising, the three-headsail rig that they put on the 55 gives the crew lots of options to shift gears as the boat changes points of sail. The self-tacking jib makes upwind work effortless. And the genoa and code-zero sails provide lots of horsepower once you crack off and sail deeper. I came away feeling that the 55 would be a fun boat to sail and also to hang out on with a pair of couples or the family. And that was the point, right?”

McCormick also came around to his colleagues’ way of thinking: “We’ve seen Jeanneau take chances before, and they always seem to come up aces. Their little 34-footer was a BOTY winner, and they’ve sold hundreds of them. They were on the leading edge of the deck-salon craze and executed those models extremely well. The side-deck arrangement they introduced a couple of years ago was a ​ gamechanger that we’re starting to see adopted by other brands. And here they are again with something very fresh and new. I’ve learned to stop betting against them. I have the feeling that this yacht, above and beyond our contest, is destined to be a winner.”

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With the launch of its newest model, the Oceanis 37.1, French boatbuilder Beneteau has completed the seventh generation of its venerable Oceanis line, a popular range of cruising sailboats that was first introduced in 1986.

Designed by the Mark Lombard Yacht Design Group, the 37.1 lies at the center of a lineup of six boats that range in size from 30 to 52 feet. It was one of the last projects Lombard worked on before he passed away in 2023. It replaces the quite successful Oceanis 38.1, of which more than 750 were built.

At first glance, compared with the 38.1, the 37.1 has much more pronounced chines running from stem to stern, just above its waterline, and beam that’s carried farther forward as well. The result is increased interior volume, particularly toward the bow. The coachroof on the 37.1 is lower profile compared with that of the 38.1, a look shared across the seventh-generation line along with plum bows and sterns, and bowsprits for flying reaching sails and spinnakers.

Lombard is known for designing boats with slippery bottoms, and the 37.1 is no exception. Reaching in 10 to 12 knots of wind with a code zero set, the boat lopes along in the mid-7-knot range, with occasional sprints to 8 knots or more in any gusts. Closehauled, the 110 percent genoa—an optional headsail—has plenty of power, yet is still easily handled when tacking. The boat comes standard with a self-tacking jib.

The 37.1 is set up well for a shorthanded crew, with sheets for both main and genoa leading back to winches adjacent to the twin wheels. Halyards are the only sail-control lines that lead to the cabin top. Twin rudders provide plenty of control when the boat heels, and the steering is light and lively even when the ride gets gusty. The double-spreader rig has no backstays, making a square-top main possible for the performance-minded sailor. A traditional main and an in-mast furling sail are also options.

The 37.1’s cockpit is roomy, with a fiberglass and wood drop-leaf table on the centerline. At anchor, it’s a great place to entertain; underway, the table provides a brace when heeled. Iroko, a sustainable wood, replaces teak on the cabin sole.

Below, the interior is practical and bright, thanks to ports in the hull and cabin top. There are a couple of layout options available. Standard, which will work well for a cruising couple with occasional guests or a small family, is two cabins—one forward and the other aft, to port. In this design, there is a single head compartment to starboard at the foot of the companionway, with a spacious shower aft. Farther astern is a large storage locker accessible either through the shower or the cockpit seat above. For an owner who needs more bunks, the large shower and locker can be replaced with a second cabin aft. A second head can also be added in the forward cabin by skewing the bunk to starboard and eliminating a large hanging locker that’s located to port.

In all versions, a large dinette is to port in the salon with an in-line galley to starboard.

With a base price of $260,000, an owner can load the boat with options or keep things simple. A well-equipped boat, ready to sail away in North America, will run right around $370,000. All in all, for a buyer looking for a new boat that will be a comfortable retreat and that sails well, the Oceanis 37.1 is well worth a look.

For more information about the Oceanis 37.1, visit  www.beneteau.com/oceanis/oceanis-371.

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