Boat-show season is back, and manufacturers are bringing their A game. With the pandemic slowdown now a fading memory, the industry has a fresh lineup of sailboats. Whether you’re in the market for a weekend cruiser, an island-hopper or a bluewater passagemaker, there’s plenty to explore on the docks this fall.
This year’s new models include a fusion of tried-and-true designs and technological innovations. Expect to find improvements in safety, performance and layout as well.
The following pages offer a preview of significant launches you’re likely to see on the docks this fall and in the coming year. Several of these vessels are scheduled to be included in the judging for Cruising World’s 2025 Boat of the Year contest. You can follow the URLs for a deeper dive into boats that pique your interest, and inspect them in person at some of this season’s major boat shows.
Allures 51.9
A powerful 52-footer that begs for bluewater cruising, this aluminum monohull is designed for families or couples. Its hull, penned by the team at Berret-Racoupeau, is defined by lightweight construction, twin rudders, and a centerboard for easy handling. Below, the interior sports a modern vibe with lots of natural light, a well-appointed galley, and a full-beam owners’ stateroom aft. Safety features include a watertight bulkhead and protected rudders, making the Allures 51.9 worth a look for oceangoing cruisers, with points awarded for style. allures.com
Bali 5.8 Open Space
Catana Group is touting the feeling of spaciousness aboard the Bali 5.8. It’s a 59-footer with nearly 20 percent more room than its peers, according to the builder. The master stateroom’s shower is a size more typically found in landside homes, and the guest staterooms are spacious enough to rival the master’s on some competing boats. The boat’s layout includes a galley big enough to feed owners and plenty of guests, a salon that’s a social hub, and outdoor spaces to spread out and relax. Sailhandling is intended to make life on deck easy and efficient. bali-catamarans.com
Bavaria C46
Bavaria’s C46 builds on the strong foundation of the C Line. Penned by Cossutti Yacht Design, which is known for fast regatta and racing yachts, the 46 has a revamped rig-sail concept. Don’t be fooled by the size; it’s reportedly friendly to handle, whether singlehanding or with crew. Belowdecks, the C46 has clever layout options with a focus on privacy. There’s an owners’ stateroom, a utility room and a salon filled with natural light. Notable details on this model include an integrated bowsprit and thoughtfully placed instrument displays. bavariayachts.com
Catalina 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. catalinayachts.com
Current Marine 46
Light, fast and agile, the CM46 is a performance-oriented catamaran designed for cruising and racing. Conceived from a groundwork of more than 40 multihull projects, the 46 is an example of the Knysna, South Africa-based builder’s expertise in lightweight construction. Its efficient hull and balanced sail plan are tuned for speed and responsiveness, even in light winds. Twin outboard helms provide good visibility and ease of handling. Inside, accommodations are for eight people in three or four double-berth staterooms, with enough stowage for liveaboard cruising. currentmarine.com
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. dufour-yachts.com
Elan GT6 Explorer
The GT6 Explorer builds on the platform of the award-winning Elan GT6, a shorthanded Mediterranean midrange fast cruiser. In collaboration with Studio F.A. Porsche and Humphreys Yacht Design, the builder made key enhancements, including a 3D Vail hull; increased stiffness and enhanced hull mechanics; watertight bulkheads; a staysail forestay; and a sturdy cockpit arch, allowing better protection from the elements. Interior modifications for long-range living include lee cloth installation mounts, a washing machine and dishwasher, and integrated grab rails. The Explorer can also be equipped with a 1,187-watt-peak solar array. elan-yachts.com
Fountaine Pajot Thira 80
Anyone in the market for a private island should first have a look at Fountaine Pajot’s Thira 80. This French builder’s new flagship has innovative side deck lounges with retractable balconies that create a superyacht ambience. Customizable interiors allow owners to personalize the space with premium materials such as Pierre Frey upholstery. The owners’ stateroom has the option for a sauna, hammam or whirlpool. And the boat still sticks the landing under sail, as a Fountaine Pajot should. fountaine-pajot.com
Grand Soleil 52 Performance
Penned in a collaboration with Matteo Polli and Nauta Design, the Grand Soleil 52 Performance line is available in two versions: Performance and Race. On the Performance version, owners get an “easy-sailing” deck and sail plan with four aft winches, mainsail sheet with fixed point, self-tacking jib and carbon bowsprit as standard. The Race version gets 6 winches, longitudinal rails for the jib, recessed mainsail traveler, larger sail plan and a longer carbon bowsprit. Recessed rigging means a more comfortable cockpit. The plush interior features a large dinette, loads of storage, an ergonomic and fully equipped C-shaped galley, and three staterooms including a master suite forward. grandsoleil.net
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, twin helms 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. hanseyachts.com
Island Packet 42 Motor Sailer
After years of hinting about a bold new tack, Largo, Florida-based Island Packet has unveiled its Motor Sailer 42. A cruiser’s cruiser that honors the brand’s heritage, the 42MS blends the comforts of a stout trawler with the cruising characteristics of a pedigreed sailing yacht. Light and livability reign supreme on the dual-level design. Up top, an open-concept plan marries the salon and galley into a social space. On the lower level, privacy awaits with a variety of accommodation configurations, stowage solutions and easy engine-room access. ipy.com
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 350
The Sun Odyssey 350 is a user-friendly cruiser that carries forward from the Sun Odyssey 349. A new hull enhances performance and maneuverability, while walk-around side decks and twin steering wheels improve safety 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. jeanneau.com
J/40
Designed for speed and stability, the J/40 from the Newport, Rhode Island-based builder excels in both 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 perfect for cruising or racing. Built with J/Composites’ infusion technology, the J/40 is as durable as it is enjoyable to sail. jboats.com
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. Intended for cruising couples or young families, the 43 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. (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. catamarans-lagoon.com
Leopard 46
The Leopard 46 is an evolution from its predecessor, the 45, blending 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. leopardcatamarans.com
Moody DS48
The Moody DS48 follows in the footsteps of its award-winning predecessor, the DS41, combining the spaciousness of a catamaran with the handling of a monohull. Its rigid hull, chines, and 1,680-square-foot sail area deliver speed and stability. 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 a private owners’ stateroom. With a focus on customization, this yacht is designed for extended cruising and leisurely exploration. moody-yachts.com
Nautitech 48 Open
The final design from naval architect Marc Lombard, the Nautitech 48 Open is a performance-oriented catamaran with 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, 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. nautitechcatamarans.com
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. Constructed with a composite sandwich core, the Neel 52 prioritizes strength and water resistance perfect for serious offshore passages. Yet, this trimaran also caters to leisure cruising, with a spacious cockpit, a “cockloon” living area, and panoramic salon views. neel-trimarans.com
Outremer 52
Long before winning Multihull of the Year at the European Yacht of the Year Awards for its 52-footer, Outremer had grown a serious fan base, and its boats are often crowd-pleasers. The 52 blends the best of its predecessors—the award-winning 51 and 55—into a stylish, seaworthy package. There is carbon-fiber construction for strength and lightness, roomy interiors with customizable options, and a layout that’s as practical as it is pretty. With features such as adjustable helm positions and a cockpit bar, this boat is built for comfort and adventure. catamaran-outremer.com
Pegasus 50
The Slovenian-built Pegasus 50 offers fast, capable bluewater cruising with livability in mind. It has a lightweight carbon-fiber hull and a double wing keel, which helps to reduce leeway and improve upwind performance. Its layout, including a convertible cockpit roof and open-plan living areas, makes it feel larger than its LOA suggests. The Pegasus 50 also has a powerful sail plan, paired with electric winches, making shorthanding a breeze. The watermaker, generator and solar panels prime this yacht for extended offshore passages. pegasus-yachts.com
St Francis 460 Hybrid Sailing Catamaran
The St Francis 46 is a bluewater catamaran designed for comfort cruising. In a collaboration with designers Anton Du Toit of Du Toit Yacht Design and Angelo Lavranos, the 460 focuses on performance and handling. Its interior has large windows and a versatile galley/salon area, and options are a three- or four-stateroom layout. The 460 is built with an epoxy-based hull and deck, and is equipped with premium brands, including Yanmar engines, Sparcraft masts and North sails. stfranciscatamarans.com
Tartan 335
Catering to the experienced sailor and the weekend cruiser, the Tartan 335 blends traditional aesthetics with modern technology. This couples cruiser has all the true Tartan contours: just the right amount of spring to the sheerline, a purposeful bow profile, and a classic transom, complemented by a deckhouse and cockpit coamings with sweet, sweeping lines. The 335 has an open-layout interior with stowage and amenities for real cruising. Advanced composite construction, including a carbon mast and rudder, contributes to the 335’s speed and responsiveness, while the well-balanced sail plan and low center of gravity enhance the sailing experience. tartanyachts.com
Vision 444 ES
Many big cruising cats are a compromise by design: Some go to private owners, while the rest go into charter. The Vision 444 is different. This is a pure cruising cat, and a fine one at that. The Vision 444 that won Best Cruising Catamaran Under 50 Feet in last year’s Boat of the Year competition was designed and built for bluewater challenges and self-reliant cruising couples. So is the next-gen 444 ES. It brings hull-design tweaks enabling positive buoyancy aft, along with a longer waterline and a better platform. It also removes a step in the transom, and allows for five carbon-fiber struts abaft the coachroof for better solar-panel placement. visionyachts.com
Windelo 50
The Windelo 50 is a French-built catamaran that blends performance with sustainability. It has a sleek new look, upgraded features, and a focus on eco-friendliness. The centerline helm amidships provides great visibility and control for easier maneuvering. There’s also an electric-propulsion concept, combined with solar and hydro power, allowing for autonomy and a reduced carbon footprint. The powerful rig and daggerboards create a catamaran that’s as fun to sail as it is friendly to the planet. windelo-catamaran.com
Xquisite Yachts Sixty Solar Sail
Xquisite’s 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. Homey amenities 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. xquisiteyachts.com
