2022 Boat of the Year: Best Pocket Cruiser/Daysailer
The sporty Beneteau First 27 turned in a winning performance dockside and out on the water.
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Cruising World’s team of expert judges put the best of this year’s boats through their paces.
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.
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 »
The sporty Beneteau First 27 turned in a winning performance dockside and out on the water.
In a building breeze, the Hallberg-Rassy 340’s overall performance and good looks made it a winning design.
The stylish and quick Grand Soleil 44 caught the judges’ eyes at first glance. Then they went sailing, and the racer/cruiser from Italy was named a winner.
Stocked with sophisticated systems and upscale accommodations, the Hylas H57 is a bluewater winner.
An uncompromised, ready-for-anywhere global thoroughbred, the CNB 66 is a reasoned, refined “yacht” in every good sense of the word.
From the proven partnership and collaboration between South African builder Robertson and Caine and the Moorings, the Leopard 42 is an ideal platform for private ownership and/or bareboat chartering.
Quick, fast and fun, the South African-built Balance 482 is a cat that will get up and go, but offers plenty of comfort once the hook is down.
A unique cruising cat with cool features galore and an impressive commitment to customer service, the Xquisite X5 Plus won the judges over and earned a victory.
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.