Boat of the Year 2022

Cruising World’s team of expert judges put the best of this year’s boats through their paces.

2022 Boat of the Year

After a year in which boat shows and sail tests were upended in these pandemic times, an impressive fleet of 27 new monohulls and catamarans gathered on Chesapeake Bay for the 2022 Boat of the Year competition. It was the largest fleet in many years, and in absolutely stellar conditions, our team of independent judges put the gleaming new yachts through their paces. When the spray had settled, eight winners were crowned in size- and purpose-related categories, and another pair of superb craft were recognized for their overall excellence. Were there surprises? Oh, yes. The following pages tell the whole tale.

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Overall Boat of the Year for 2022

The top prize was awarded to the Hylas H57, an uncompromised blue-water cruising boat designed by prolific British naval architect Bill Dixon. “The Dixon-designed Hylas H57 is somewhat of a departure for the Hylas team,” said Herb McCormick, Cruising World Boat of the Year director, who noted that the judges were thoroughly impressed by its handling, with twin rudders, and the innovative cockpit layout.

Read More about the Contest, the Judges, and the Boat of the Year »

Winners by Category

Kinetic KC54

2022 Boat of the Year: Special Judges’ Awards

As deliberations wrapped up, Cruising World’s team of expert judges handed out two more prizes to boats that stood apart from the fleet. The Kinetic KC 54 earned a Judges’ Special Recognition award and the Voyage 590 was named Best Charter Boat.