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Each time the BOTY judges begin their dockside inspection of a boat, the builder is asked to outline its design brief. In the case of the Tartan 4300, designer Tim Jackett hit the nail on the head when he said that the company's latest hull is well suited to take a couple on an extended coastal cruise and, on occasion, a sail well offshore.

In fact, by the time our test sail on the 4300 came to an end a couple of days later, our judges concluded that the builder had matched the design brief so perfectly that they had no choice but to name the 4300 as the Best Midsize Luxury Cruiser as well as the 2008 Domestic Boat of the Year.

This is a boat that's fitted out on deck for serious sailing and below for sumptuous comfort. A solent rig provides a large reacher for off-the-wind performance and a self-tending staysail that makes shorthanded tacking simple. Lifeline stanchions are solid, with fairleads welded to their bases to handle furling lines. The cockpit is well laid out, with large primary winches located close to the helm. The dodger is ample and appreciated in a blow, and a door in the boat's transom folds down to create a swim platform and a boarding ladder

Below, the cherry interior woodwork is rich and light. Judge Stacey Collins noted that lights in the aft and forward cabins are ample in number and can be controlled by dimmers to achieve just the right mood for the crew. The nav station at the base of the companionway includes lots of room for instruments and an oversized chair where the skipper can collect his thoughts or join in the conversation in the adjoining saloon.

Under sail in a gusty, 20-knot breeze, the 4300's motion was steady through the water, and the boat was lively and fun to sail. The only lingering question the judges had once the sails were stowed was "When can we go cruising?"

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