As if to prove the old saw “good things come to those who wait,” sailboat builders are poised to introduce a stunning array of new models as boat shows here in the States open their doors for the first time in nearly two years.
Looking through the lineup that’s set to make a debut at venues this fall and winter, the assortment of designs and options is impressive, to say the least. For our 2022 New Sailboat Showcase, we count entries from builders in a dozen countries, from the US to Europe to the Far East to South Africa. One country, France, dominates the water-
front with 13 new models ready to make a splash.
But nationality isn’t the only element bringing variety to the new-sailboat market. Buyers will be able to choose from 23 monohulls and nine new multihulls, ranging in size from 24 to more than 66 feet. And designs span daysailers to performance cruisers to a number of long-legged bluewater voyagers, featuring one hull or two (or three), your choice.
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And that’s not all. Remember, the new boats you’ll see when you venture out this coming year also include the more than three dozen models we counted in last year’s Showcase, most of which were on display only through virtual events or at private showings put on by individual dealers.
All in all, sailors have any number of reasons to head for the waterfront to check out a wide assortment of fresh ideas about how to have fun on the water. From accommodations to sailhandling, there will be a lot to talk about—and choose from if you’re a buyer. Enjoy!
Alubat Cigale 16
With its hard chine, twin rudders and tall rig, the all-aluminum, 54-foot Cigale 16 is an impressive long-range cruiser. Naval architect Marc Lombard has maximized the waterline but kept the displacement light, which translates to power upwind and planing speeds on a screaming reach. A single helm or twin wheels are available, and choose three or four cabins as well.
Balance 482
A collaborative design effort between champion cat racer Philip Berman and award-winning naval architect Anton du Toit, the Balance 482 is all about grace and performance. Go-fast features include forward-raked wave-piercing bows, foam-cored hulls and decks, and carbon reinforcement throughout. Choose either daggerboards or fixed keels.
Bali Catspace
When it comes to cruising comfort and amenities, there are spaces galore to choose from on the 40-foot Bali Catspace. The integrated deck layout boasts an aft platform with bench seats and a forward cockpit with a dedicated lounge and room to stretch out in the sun. Or head up topside to the expansive flybridge/helm station for a broader view of the horizon.
Bavaria C38
With its distinctive V-shaped bow, hard chines, substantial beam and dual wheels, the 36-foot Bavaria C38 is a sharp-looking, compact cruiser. The beamy hull is carried well aft, where owners have a choice of a single stateroom or a pair of them. Either way, the expansive owner’s cabin forward is certainly one of the largest available in the midsize-cruiser category.
Beneteau First 27
Big fun and thrills in a small, smart package:
That’s what the Beneteau First 27 is all about. With a vacuum-infused hull, a lead T-bulb deep keel, and balanced twin-rudders, this nifty racer/cruiser was laid out to get there quickly. The open cockpit is superb for competition or daysailing, but the real surprise is the sweet layout below for coastal cruising.
Bluewater 56
The Bluewater 56 is a Germán Frers-designed long-range cruiser that is built for Bluewater Yachts by Xiamen Hansheng Yacht Building in China. With watertight bulkheads fore and aft, a solid composite hull, top-notch hardware, dual headsails and optional hard dodger, the 56 is intended for the cruiser who wants to see the world in comfort.
CNB 66
At a shade longer than 67 feet, this formidable offshore thoroughbred from the powerhouse French duo of designer Philippe Briand and the CNB shipyard was conceived as the largest sailing yacht that could be handled by a family crew. The optional hydraulic roller-furling boom for the mainsail, developed with Hall Spars, is one feature that makes it possible.
Dufour 47
Looking for options in your next cruising boat? Search no further than the Dufour 470, which the builder pitches as “three models in one,” with a trio of versions: Easy, Ocean and Performance. The Easy layout keeps things simple and straightforward. The Ocean model brings critical running rigging close to the helm. The Performance package is upgraded for the racer.
Dufour 61
Dufour’s new flagship 61-footer is an impressive yacht on multiple levels, and fittingly, offers owners a selection of several interior layouts. For example, there are two cool galley options: one forward and one longitudinal, to port. Topside, the look is clean and modern, particularly the sleek coach roof and expansive foredeck. And the cockpit Bimini is a delight.
Elan GT6
Measuring in at just inches under 50 feet, the Elan GT6 (the GT stands for “Grand Tourer”) is an elegant-looking craft. Humphreys Yacht Design was responsible for the hull design, while Studio F.A. Porsche handled the styling, particularly the handsome accoutrements below. These include a forward galley, a sumptuous saloon, and a roomy forward owner’s suite.
FountainE Pajot Isla 40
The worthy successor to FP’s popular Lucia 40, the new Isla 40 is the latest creation from the prolific naval architects at Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design. For this crafty midsize cat, the designers specified inverted bows to stretch the waterline, and extended the coach roof well aft, where it serves as a hard Bimini over the shaded cockpit—a lovely space for a happy crew.
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Fountaine Pajot Samana 59
It’s easy to identify the signature feature of the French cat builder’s fresh new flagship: It’s the breathtaking flybridge at the center of it all, which the company notes is the largest in its class. But that’s just the beginning of the innovations. Take, for example, the saloon. Would you prefer the Lounge layout, with the galley down, or the Classic, with galley up? Choices, choices!
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Grand Soleil 42 LC
It’s a grand year for imports, and that includes a pair of new offerings from Italian builder Grand Soleil. The 42 LC is available in two versions: standard or sport. The former features a carbon arch over the cockpit to clear the area of a mainsheet traveler; the sportier option has a cockpit laid out for racing and cruising. Below, there’s a choice of two or three staterooms.
Grand Soleil GS 44
Make no mistake about it: The GS 44 is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Like the 42 LC, there is a choice between two versions—in this case, race and performance. The former, a Grand Prix racing machine, needs no explanation. The latter, perhaps obviously, is focused on performance cruising, with a deck layout optimized for smooth shorthanded cruising.
Hallberg-Rassy 50
Somehow, designer Germán Frers and builder Hallberg-Rassy have found a way to launch a thoroughly modern center-cockpit sailboat that still has the look and feel of the HR family of bluewater cruisers. The 50-footer includes a walk-in engine room, twin rudders, tons of storage space, and an in-mast furling carbon-fiber rig and versatile sail plan.
Hallberg-Rassy 400
Longtime Swedish builder Hallberg-Rassy has just launched a sporty-looking 40-footer, designed by Germán Frers. The HR 400 features a sizable aft cockpit, twin wheels and rudders, and a wide array of choices, including slightly overlapping genoa or self-tacking jib, one or two heads, and a two- or three-cabin layout down below.
HH44
HH Catamarans is jumping into green sailing with its in-house-designed HH44. The carbon-fiber cat’s parallel hybrid system features robust solar power and lithium batteries to fuel a pair of electric motors, plus twin 30 hp diesels for conventional motoring. Add solid performance under sail, and the horizon just got a lot more distant.
Hylas 57
Hylas says its new Bill Dixon-designed 57 represents a “new era,” and it’s hard to argue. Twin wheels and rudders ensure an easy, precise helm. A light, cored hull promotes both notable strength and superb insulation. A solent rig with a pair of headsails lets you shift gears in shifty breeze. It’s designed to be sailed by a couple, and with three or four cabins, the open ocean awaits.
Italia 14.98
With the Italia 14.98, you have options. Keep it simple with a self-tacking jib, electric Rewind winches, and luxury Bellissima interior. Or spice it up for ORC-style racing with a carbon spar and mast jack, split backstay, six-winch cockpit layout, asymmetrical kites and bowsprit, and the weight-conscious Fouriserie finish
down below.
J/Boats J/45
The team at J/Boats certainly knows a ton about performance cruising, and with their new 45-footer, they’re taking their program to the next level. The carbon, double-spreader fractional rig means business. The SCRIMP resin-infused molding process for the foam-cored hull and deck translates to one strong, sleek yacht, ready for oceanic adventures.
J/Boats J/9
Billed as an offshore daysailer, the crew at J/Boats asks, “Is this the most comfortable cockpit ever?” On this smashing 28-footer, it just might be. The J/9 is simplicity personified; hoist the main and unroll the jib, and you’re instantly flying. That cockpit has four comfy corner seats and a perfect swim platform. And there are berths below for coastal cruising.
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 380
Just like its larger sisterships (the Sun Odyssey 410, 440 and 490), the latest model in the growing Sun Odyssey range, the 380, is complete with the innovative, award-winning walk-around deck, which has proved to be a revelation. Naval architect Marc Lombard is once again responsible for the hull design, so you know the ride will be fast and comfy.
Jeanneau Yachts 60
Get this: The latest, perhaps greatest, addition to the Jeanneau line is available in 19(!) possible interior configurations. All of them fit within a spacious package designed by the legendary Philippe Briand, with features including an inverted bow, a dedicated hull chine, an integral bowsprit, an elevated sheerline and walk-around side decks, to make the going easy.
Lagoon Sixty 5
A terrific successor to Lagoon’s highly successful 620 model, the new Sixty 5 has taken the flybridge concept, literally and figuratively, to a new level. Accessed via a wide, safe stairway, the bridge has not one but two helm stations for maximum visibility when underway. A rigid overhead Bimini is fitted with a glass window to see the set of the sails. A wet bar? Of course!
LM 46 performance cruiser
Not many builders are knocking out wood performance cruisers these days. But not many builders enjoy the stellar reputation of Maine’s Lyman-Morse yard. Designed by Kiwi Kevin Dibley, the cold-molded 46-footer is fashioned of Douglas fir and western red cedar, and it is spectacular. Double headsails and twin wheels make it a joy to drive under sail.
Neel 43
The newest member of the Neel family of cruising trimarans is the 43, and while it might be the smallest yacht in the lineup, it’s big on performance. Designed by Marc Lombard, it continues with the Neel tradition of being fast and safe, and easily operable by a shorthanded crew. The helm station, to starboard, has a triple seat for comfort and commanding views.
Oyster 495
With its new 50 footer, Oyster, in collaboration with Humphreys Yacht Design, has shifted gears to focus on couples and other shorthanded crews headed for bluewater adventures. An in-mast furling main and electric winches are standard,
as are twin wheels in the cockpit, located a bit forward on the clutter-free deck. The 495 features three cabins and creature comforts aplenty.
Salona 46
Built in Croatia to exceedingly high standards with vacuum infusion and vinylester resin, the Salona 46 is strong, stiff and reliable. Like every Salona, those traits are reinforced with an internal steel frame that anchors the keel and mast. An electric winch hoists the main, which drops into a sweet stack pack when the day is done. A fractional rig enhances sailhandling.
Tartan 245
When Tartan’s estimable naval architect Tim Jackett sat down to draw the next addition to the line, he had something substantial in mind. But when the opportunity arose to build a fleet of tidy craft for instruction, club racing and even adaptive sailing, he tacked in a different direction, and presto: the 245. Pretty and peppy, and of course well-built, it’s fun and alluring.
Vision 444
South Africa’s Vision Yachts has launched a 44-foot cat that’s designed to keep things simple for owners or charterers. A raised helm station ensures good visibility underway and when docking, while a self-tacking jib takes the effort out sailhandling. Among the notable features are side doors in each transom for better access from a dock.
Voyage 590
Voyage, a South African builder, has been crafting oceangoing cats since 1994. Voyage, the Caribbean charter company, maintains a fleet of those same boats, including the new 590, which can accommodate up to 14 guests on a sun-splashed holiday. The boat features an open floor plan, with multiple spaces to relax, including a flybridge.
X-Yachts X56
The X-Yachts X range of performance cruising sailboats just got a big new addition with the launch of the flagship X56, a vessel as sleek-looking on deck, with its twin wheels and solent rig, as it is luxurious below. Check out the considerable variety of options by clicking through the X56 configurator tool online. Warning: It can lead to serious dreaming.
