Cruising World has identified the official nominees for its 2025 Boat of the Year award. Sixteen boats in all, eight monohulls and eight multihulls, have been named finalists for this year’s Boat of the Year competition.
Nominees set to compete in the 2025 Boat of the Year competition are: Allures 51.9, Catalina 356 (6 Series), Catalina 426 (6 Series), Dufour 44, Hanse 360, J/Boats J/40, Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 350, Lagoon 43, Leopard 46, Moody DS48, Nautitech 48 Open, Neel 52, Seawind 1370, Vision 444 ES, Windelo 54 and Xquisite Yachts Sixty Solar Sail.
In-show inspections and on-water sea trials to determine this year’s winners are set to take place during and after the U.S. Sailboat Show in Annapolis, Maryland, which begins October 10 along the shores of Chesapeake Bay. The annual award contest, selected by an independent judging team, recognizes the best new cruising monohulls and multihulls laid out and equipped for coastal and offshore sailing and voyaging.
“This year’s Boat of the Year competition promises to be exceptionally exciting,” said Cruising World Editor-in-Chief Andrew Parkinson. “The nominees represent a diverse range of cruising philosophies, with innovative features and designs catering to sailors seeking comfort, performance, or both. We’re particularly impressed by the strong showing in the multihull category, reflecting the growing popularity of these versatile platforms for coastal exploration and extended voyages. With such a competitive field, the judging process will be rigorous, and the ultimate winners are sure to be exceptional boats.”
This year’s judging panel will include American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) Education Director Tim Murphy, and veteran sailors, editors and esteemed marine journalists Mark Pillsbury and Herb McCormick.
“The slate of nominees for the 2025 Boat of the Year competition is varied and intriguing, with a solid mix of multihulls and monohulls,” said longtime Boat of the Year judge Herb McCormick. “Conducting sea trials on Chesapeake Bay each fall is always fun and challenging, and we’re expecting very tight competition across the board with this very eclectic fleet of contestants.”
The 2025 Boat of the Year award winners will be announced on December 5, 2024 and featured in the January/February issue of Cruising World. Learn more about the nominees below.
Cruising World’s 2025 Boat of the Year Nominee Finalists
Allures 51.9
The French builder’s 51.9 is a third-generation aluminum centerboard cruising sailboat, following in the wake of the Allures 51 and Allures 52. The cockpit and sunbathing area is nearly 20 feet long and has easy access to the side decks. A rigid Bimini top gives protection from the elements, and the sugar scoop transforms into a swim platform with tender stowage. Inside, the chart table is a proper desk and the U-shaped galley is laid out to be practical underway. A companionway aft leads to the full-beam owner’s stateroom. Construction is an aluminum hull with a composite deck, and a watertight aluminum forward bulkhead for added safety. The rudders also are designed for protection against impact, for bluewater cruising.
Catalina 356 & 426 (6 Series)
Catalina has introduced the 6 Series, an evolution in its line of sailboats derived from both in-house R&D and direct owner feedback. Applicable to Catalina models from the 276 to the 446, features of the 6 Series include upgraded keel designs for improved performance and stability, a new Seldén mast and rigging for enhanced control and efficiency, a new mainsheet system, and modern comforts such as upgraded ports, steering pedestals, a monitoring system, diesel heating system options and more.
Dufour 44
In a collaborative effort with Felci Yacht Design, Dufour Yachts has unveiled its latest model, the Dufour 44. The idea is to provide a balanced cruising experience of equal parts performance and onboard living. Sleek hull and responsive handling? Check. Loads of interior space? Check. Inviting cockpit for line handling and entertaining? Check. Versatile layout options to accommodate the whole family? Check. Luca Ardizio’s interior emphasizes natural light. The owners’ stateroom is plush, with social spaces throughout to share with guests.
Hanse 360
If you’ve ever been to a boat show, you’ve likely heard a salesman say, “It has space comparable to a much larger boat.” Here, a builder lives up to it. The interior of the Hanse 360 is intended to impress shoppers looking at 40-footers. From the cockpit to the staterooms, the 360 strikes a nice balance between form and functionality. Handling should be a breeze for solo sailors or families thanks to a self-tacking jib and an advanced control system. The naval architects at Berret-Racoupeau have designed an able performer, with a hydrodynamic hull and efficient sail plan. The option for electric propulsion and sustainable sailcloth is a plus for environmentally conscious cruisers.
J/Boats J/40
The J/40 is a versatile sailboat conceived to match offshore capability with cruising comfort. Designed for speed and stability, this 40-footer from the Newport, Rhode Island-based builder should excel in light- and heavy-wind conditions. Its user-friendly sail plan and balanced helm make it an option for experienced sailors and novices alike. The spacious cockpit, with 360-degree visibility, is intended for entertaining as much as sailing. Belowdecks, the J/40 has modern interiors with loads of natural light and thoughtful layouts aimed at cruising and racing. Built with J/Composites’ infusion technology, the J/40 is as durable as it is enjoyable to sail.
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 350
The Sun Odyssey 350 is a user-friendly cruiser that carries forward from the Sun Odyssey 349. Its innovative design prioritizes comfort and sailing pleasure. A new hull enhances performance and maneuverability, while walkaround side decks and twin helms improve safety, ergonomics and control. The spacious, light-filled interior creates a welcoming atmosphere for family cruising. With a focus on practicality, the 350 is a nice package for coastal cruisers.
Lagoon 43
VPLP Design, Patrick Le Quement and Nauta Design have proved a winning combination on previous Lagoon models, and the Lagoon 43 has a similar pedigree in spades. Intended for cruising couples or young families, the third-smallest model in Lagoon’s lineup can be ordered in a three- or four-stateroom version that’s outfitted with six to 13 berths—and the staterooms are larger than on previous models, meaning there’s room for families to grow or to welcome friends on board. (In the three-stateroom version, the entire starboard hull is an owners’ suite.) Redesigned access via an extra aft entryway for each hull makes movement around the boat easier.
Leopard 46
The Leopard 46 is an evolution from its predecessor, the 45, blending robust bluewater capability with cutting-edge design. While maintaining Leopard’s signature seaworthiness and easy handling, the 46 introduces a refined interior and enhanced performance through stepped hulls and a powerful rig. A standout feature is the integration of the aft cockpit and salon, creating a vast, versatile living space when needed. Four spacious double cabins are standard, with an optional fifth cabin or a utility room. Optional electric drives offer eco-conscious cruising and silent running.
Moody DS48
The Moody DS48 follows in the footsteps of its award-winning predecessor, the DS41, offering a blend of luxury and performance. This 48-foot yacht combines the spaciousness of a catamaran with the agile handling of a monohull. Its rigid hull, chines, and 1,680-square-foot sail area deliver speed and stability. Dual helms and a secure deck layout enhance safety and control. The Decksaloon concept includes an open living space that integrates the galley, salon and cockpit on a single level with panoramic views. Belowdecks, the DS48 has accommodations options including an owners’ stateroom. With a focus on customization, this yacht is designed for extended cruising and leisurely exploration.
Nautitech 48 Open
The Nautitech 48 Open, the final design from naval architect Marc Lombard, is also the award-winning French builder’s flagship. This performance-oriented catamaran has light displacement and nimble handling thanks to long, slim keels. Its reverse bow and chine hull yield the brand’s trademark low profile and impressive performance. The 48 Open has nearly 1,400 square feet of sail area, and is easily managed by electric winches and well-placed controls. A standout feature is the twin outboard helms, providing excellent visibility. The interior is spacious, with a living area that focuses on functionality.
Neel 52
Also penned by naval architect Marc Lombard, the Neel 52 is a high-performance trimaran designed for fast cruising. With an average cruising speed of 10 knots—capable of reaching up to 18 knots in favorable conditions—and its ability to cover 200 nautical miles in a day, this boat is intended for serious sailors. Its hull design, inspired by racing trimarans, reduces drag and enhances maneuverability. Constructed with a composite sandwich core, the Neel 52 prioritizes strength and water resistance. Yet, this trimaran also caters to leisure cruising, with a spacious cockpit, a “cockloon” living area and panoramic salon views.
Seawind 1370
Light and nimble through meticulous design and advanced lightweight construction—but capable of being heavily loaded with the minimum of impact on performance—the Seawind 1370 is a cruising catamaran that aims to think forward in terms of catamaran design. The 1370 is built to a well-defined balance of the sea-handling performance and live-aboard comfort levels sought after by modern cruising sailors.
Vision 444 ES
The Vision 444 ES is an extension on the original flagship 444 model with an Extended Scoop, hence the ES. The boat offers similar features to the Vision 444, but the extended scoop allows for easy access from the dock, easier loading and off-loading and additional space for diving, fishing and swimming. The result is a bluewater sailing catamaran that’s incredibly strong, sails efficiently, is spacious and is forgiving—with cruising characteristics you might not expect from a catamaran in this size and class.
Windelo 54
Bigger sister of the Windelo 50, the Windelo 54, making its North American debut, is a bluewater cruising catamaran designed by architect duo Christophe Barreau and Fréderic Neuman. The Windelo 54 catamarans are environmentally friendly, seaworthy, and designed for long-distance cruising. Presented as a world premiere in April 2024 at the International Multihull Show at La Grande Motte, the Windelo 54 Yachting was named Multihull of the Year 2024 in the IMS Premiere category.
Xquisite Yachts Sixty Solar Sail
The Xquisite Sixty Solar Sail is an eco-friendly, sun-powered sailing machine. With its solar panels and battery bank, owners can kiss diesel generators goodbye. Sail controls are laid out for singlehanding, and there’s a carbon-fiber boom and furling mainsail, along with an electric traveler. Amenities for feeling at home on board include a multizone Fusion Apollo sound system, a full-height double-door fridge/freezer, a dishwasher and a vented washer/dryer. Up top, a drawer-style drink fridge means nobody has to go below to grab a cold beverage.
