ocean going sailboat

Yachting World

Digital Edition

The best bluewater multihulls of all time: a complete guide

Toby Hodges
October 6, 2021

Toby Hodges and François Tregouet consider the best bluewater multihulls and look at the options for sailing the oceans in spacious comfort

What are the best bluewater multihulls for long term cruising? The one you own, or the one you can afford is the simple answer.

There is a wealth of proven designs to suit bluewater sailing and a variety of budgets. While we have focussed here on the best bluewater multihulls in production, we’ve also included some cracking pedigree multihulls which tour the planet and might occasionally pop up on the brokerage market.

If you can afford to, then pushing towards the 45-50ft length will buy you space, pace and that extra payload capacity needed to take all the items you’d want on your home afloat.

When looking at the best bluewater multihulls, the choice will come down to that perennial balance between comfort/space and speed/weight. Choosing a lighter weight performance design will obviously help you cover distance voyages more rapidly and potentially allow you to outrun weather systems. It means you can sail faster, with less sail up and less load and stress. But you’ll have to sacrifice some luxuries and need to be quite scrupulous about keeping weight down and centralised in order to maintain high average speeds.

For the majority of cruisers, however, it is the amount of space multihulls offer once you’ve reached your destination that really appeals. As well as the non-heeling living area and real estate they provide, they’re well suited to typical tradewind sailing .

If you’re considering your first or next multihull, we hope the following will serve as a taster.

Best bluewater multihulls for performance cruising

Outremer 51/55.

When you think of multihulls designed for bluewater cruising, Outremer will likely be one of the first names that comes to mind. Its heritage lies in building catamarans that can sail fast and are built strong enough to do laps of the globe.

The 51, the current version of which launched three years ago, is an archetypal example of what to look for in terms of blending speed and space is a dream design for a family circumnavigation.

The French yard’s new 55ft VPLP design may look boldly different from its past models, but the philosophy behind it remains the same. It is designed to match windspeed up to 12 knots and Outremer reasons that its ability to sail in 5 knots of breeze will allow it to sail for 95% of the time on a circumnavigation.

Read more about the Outremer 51 and Outremer 55.

Photo: Diego Yriarte

Seawind 1600/1370

For nearly four decades the Australian Seawind brand and its founder Richard Ward have been gearing catamarans around safe bluewater sailing, including performance, protection and ease of handling. Its Reichel Pugh-designed 1600, which launched three years ago, is an elegant looking cat with relatively low, long lines and some smart solutions for fast bluewater sailing.

Seawind also launches its new 1370 later this year, a staggering 60 of which have sold on plans alone.

This first 50 is built from a composite sandwich of basalt fibre, a cloth made from volcanic rock, and PET foam from recycled plastic bottles, which helps to reduce carbon emissions by nearly 50% when compared with traditional glassfibre methods.

This new 50 footer is perhaps a more appealing and practical prospect than Rapido’s previous 60 (with its significant fixed beam), particularly as the amas on this new model can fold to reduce beam to 18ft.

Infused carbon foam sandwich construction is used, along with beams, daggerboards and rudder in pre-preg carbon to keep displacement to 8,200kg.

Balance 526

The 526 launched four years ago, designed to suit short-handed sailors and families looking to sail long distances, hence it can carry large payloads and promises easy maintenance. It looks good too.

Berman’s Versahelm design is a key feature. The wheel cantilevers, allowing the helmsman to steer from outboard with clear sightlines or from the hardtop protection of the aft cockpit.

Photo: Christopher White

Atlantic 47

The A47 suits short-handed fast ocean sailing at an approachable size. Lengthening it to 49ft allowed for an aft cockpit. It is available as a sloop or with White’s patented MastFoil ketch rig – rotating aerofoil masts designed for easy short-handed cruising without sacrificing performance.

Catana 53/Ocean class 50

Catana’s performance model from 2017, sports twin aft helms (which may not suit ocean sailors), reverse bows and carbon daggerboards. The high topsides help create good bridgedeck clearance and plenty of accommodation. Its new Ocean Class 50 seems more in the shipyard’s bluewater DNA. The light weight, and dynamic and modern shape with slim hulls and a relatively short nacelle suggests a seaworthy nature and high speeds.

Best bluewater multihulls for pedigree performance

Veteran multihull designers Morrelli & Melvin designed this smaller model for the Gunboat range. It was built to be more manageable for an owner-driver yet still capable of up to 300-400 mile days.

The Gunboat 48 is something of a rare breed, just six 48s were built between 2004 and 2009. Oh, to have a spare €1.3m right now… one of them is actually on the market.

Chincogan/Lightwave

Tony Grainger has been drawing fast multihulls for 35 years, including racing trimarans and the Lightwave and Chincogan cruisers. The popular Lightwave 38 has admirable performance and comfort, and the Chincogan 52 (pictured) has the length to clock high average speeds.

Outremer 45 G. Danson

With its characteristic roof, narrow hulls and daggerboards, the Outremer 45 is a standout design which has become somewhat iconic. Despite a rather spartan interior, it has been a great success with fast cruising enthusiasts. On board, family ocean crossings at an average of 10 knots are the norm.

Best bluewater multihulls for family cruising

Photo: Nicolas Claris

The Lagoon 450 remains the most popular model in Lagoons already popular range. It exemplifies the VPLP/Nauta design partnership which has made these the very definition of modern mid-size cruising catamarans which can appeal to families and charterers alike.

Indeed the 450 marked the modern look of Lagoon and was the first with interior styling from Nauta. It originally launched over a decade ago as a flybridge design with central helming position (450F), before this ‘sport top’ option (450S) was offered with a starboard helm station and lower boom.

Fountaine Pajot Saona 47

The 47 has a modern shape, with straight bows and a reverse sheer line. It incorporates significant volume in the hulls below the bridgedeck to create room for the optional athwartships cabins. Cabin space is a prime selling point, particularly the owner’s suite to port, where there is also abundant natural light and headroom.

Photo: Tui Marine

Leopard Catamarans, together with designer Simonis Voogd and builder Robertson and Caine, produce the archetypal dual-purpose owner-operator or charter boat in their modern catamaran range.

Key features of the 45 are the amount of light in the saloon and the incredible volume and space on offer in the cabins above the relatively narrow waterlines. Vast social living areas include the flybridge, saloon and dual cockpits.

Nautitech Open/Fly 46

During the 1990s and noughties Nautitech earned a good reputation for its elegant catamarans. The 441 is a timeless example and the 44 can be credited with the ongoing trend in hardtop biminis. While its acquisition by Bavaria seven years ago helped Nautitech implement industrial build techniques, the French brand has retained its DNA at its Rochefort sur Mer yard.

The modern Marc Lombard designs have tall rigs with generous square-top mainsails. Twin wheels in the aft quarters of the Open 46 offer a direct feel on the helm, however those spending long periods in the tropics may prefer the shade of the bimini-equipped flybridge option. The layout is also open, with a saloon more outside than in. Styling is clean, modern and simple, and the standard of build and finish are good.

Photo: Olivier Blanchet

First impressions of the Neel 51 are sure to centre on its sheer size and space inside. But as you’ll see from our review of the Neel 43 on page 83, when you sail one overriding impressions quickly centre on its performance.

These trimarans are becoming a popular mass production-built option.

Photo: Christophe Launay

The Excess 11 packs plenty of potential as the smallest yacht offered by the big production yards. A little like the Lagoon 380 of old, it presents a good value new entry-level boat for genuine cruising in a more sporty, modern and enticing design. Some may argue against aft helms for ocean sailing, but those coming from monohulls will appreciate the more direct steering they offer.

Broadblue 385S

Broadblue is a UK brand which offers a distinct line of cruising and Rapier performance catamarans. Its staple 385 packs a lot of cruising comfort into its length, including generous tankage, and has been sailed all over the world. Broadblue built its first electric drive catamaran 12 years ago and offers the only all-electric production sailing catamaran under 40ft in Europe.

Photo: Christophe Breschi

Bali Catspace

For those looking for maximum volume within 40ft, it’ll be hard to beat the Catspace – although it is more of a holiday apartment than a traditional bluewater cruiser. Bali’s garage style sliding aft door does help offer an enormous amount of enclosed (or open) living space.

Best bluewater multihulls for luxury cruising

Photo: Nico Krauss

Privilège 510 Signature

The 510 is designed to take a serious amount of cruising gear – up to six tonnes of it in fact. The excellent helm station now has a fixed windscreen and all lines lead to hand. Finish quality including the electrical installation is first class and Privilege’s trademark, an admirable full beam (26ft) forward cabin, is sumptuous.

Photo: Jérôme Houyvet

Garcia Explocat 52

Garcia Yachts has cornered the market for series-built aluminium monohulls and multihulls in the last decade and this new Explocat 52 is sparking real interest. We ran a full test report in our February issue, describing it as a go-anywhere cat with an enticing combination of space, pace and rugged construction.

Read our review of the Garcia Explocat 52

Built in Argentina, the Antares 44 is the ultimate evolution of a model launched 21 years ago. Entirely dedicated to bluewater cruising, it is the yard’s only model and is constantly being improved according to owner feedback.

Time seems to have no hold on this boatyard and, against the trend, the standard equipment of the Antares 44 is extremely complete

Photo: Richard Langdon

Discovery Bluewater 50

This luxury Bill Dixon design may be a decade old now and into its third iteration, but the concept behind its original appeal remains. For those used to sailing high-end thoroughbred monohulls, here is an option to consider for a comparative level of build quality and fit out when moving to a multihull.

Read more about the Discovery Bluewater 50

St Francis 50 MKII

With this latest version of its original model, this experienced South African builder has optimised a catamaran cut out for the unforgiving seas of the Indian Ocean and the South Atlantic. The MKII allows for an increased load capacity, an important point in long distance cruising.

Xsquisite X5

Intelligent features on the X5 include the protected helm station with glass windscreen, integrated rainwater catcher, UV-protective glass and generous tankage.

Best bluewater multihulls for size & speed

Mcconaghy mc52.

The MC50 (now MC52) was the first and promises some high speed sailing, but it’s the open plan main living deck which will attract the majority. It incorporates an intelligent centreboard system, which hardly affects interior space, but arguably its exposed helms at the aft end of the flybridge will not suit serious ocean cruising.

Photo: Florian H. Talles

HH in Xiamen is building some really impressive large, luxury fast cats up to 90ft. This was its second model to launch, a high-end, high performance Morelli & Melvin design capable of rapid passagemaking speeds and enjoyable regatta sailing. Features include C-shaped boards and central or aft helms.

Photo: Mike Jones/Waterline Media

Ocean Explorer 60

If Nautor’s Swan made catamarans, they may look like this… The Ocean Explorer 60 uses the same designer in German Frers and some of the same builders who worked at the famous Finnish yard to produce this world cruiser. The resultant quality shines through. A new OE72 is due soon.

Kinetic KC54

A young company with plenty of experience, Kinetic produces custom fast ocean cruisers, which can occasionally race. Its 62 is a serious performance vessel with carbon hulls, rigs and rigging, daggerboards or centreboards. With fast bluewater cruising the goal, carbon is used to minimise weight so features/toys can still be added. The swim platform and hardware on the newly launched 54 weighs just 90kg, and the generous sized tanks are all in carbon too. Views from the saloon and forward cockpit also look special.

Best bluewater multihulls for ultimate performance

Marsaudon ts4/orc 42.

Few catamaran builders produce genuine performance cruisers at this ‘smaller’ size: this one is kept minimalist and light weight (around 6 tonnes) – the yard’s philosophy is ‘simplicity, then add lightness.’ The 42 is a cruiser-racer with the ability to outpace most yachts across the Atlantic, win a regatta and still offer some space for island hopping. Standard tankage is minimal however. Marsaudon recently rebranded its TS range to Ocean Rider Catamarans (ORCs) and has an ORC 57 in build.

Dazcat 1495

Dazcat builds fast, seaworthy cats from its Multihull Centre in Cornwall. The 1495 is a true ocean cruiser-racer, which is stiff and rewarding to sail, with direct steering linked to carbon rudders. The 1495 can hit 20+ knot speeds with relative ease, but it is the consistent high average speeds which will attract those looking to cover serious miles. Weight is centralised including engines, tanks, and systems all located amidships to help reduce pitching. Dazcat has a semi-custom build approach and creates all sorts of weird and wonderful craft for all abilities.

Dragonfly 40

Dragonfly trimarans are known for their high quality construction and ability to delight sailors with their ease of planing speeds. For those who can live without the space of similar length cats, the new flagship 40 is large enough to offer cruising space, while folding outriggers and retractable appendages mean you can dry out where others wouldn’t dare.

Looping 45/Freydis 48

These two designs by Erik Lerouge both offer a high-performance vision of ocean cruising. The Loopings were built individually and the Freydis in small series, and on both you can sail as fast as the wind in complete safety. Interior quality depends on whether finished by an amateur or by a shipyard.

Swisscat 48

An attractive combination of luxury, comfort and performance, the S48 is a stiff, go-anywhere premium cat that is easy to manage single-handed. The lightweight build (11t) is in epoxy infusion with carbon reinforcement.

Schionning Designs

Jeff Schionning has catamaran design in his blood. His designs exude performance and seaworthiness with flowing, even aerodynamic lines. On all tradewind routes you’ll find a G-Force (models from 12m to 23m) or an Arrow (12m to 15m) sailing more quickly than the rest. His latest venture is with Current Marine in Knysna, South Africa.

Best bluewater multihulls for pedigree cruising

The long-time best-seller from the world leader in catamarans, with more than 1,000 produced over almost 20 years from 1999. With its characteristic vertical windows, the 380 and its big brother the 410 made the purists scream when they were presented. But the 380 proved a pioneer of its kind. Safe bow volumes and light displacement (7,260 kg) helped its seaworthy behaviour. The high number of boats on the market makes this the most affordable bluewater cruising multihull for its size, even if price range is as wide as condition is variable.

Casamance 44/46

Between 44ft and 46ft depending on the year of construction and the length of its transoms, the Casamance was an impressive catamaran on launch in 1985. The design by Joubert/Nivelt offered good volume and load capacity. Of the 490 units produced, many joined the charter fleets. The exterior of the Casamance is dated, but the interior in grey ceruse oak has retained plenty of charm.

If you enjoyed this….

Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams. Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

Outremer 45
Outremer 4X
Outremer 4.zero
Outremer 52
Outremer 55
Outremer 51
Outremer 5X
All the Outremer Fleet
Personalized support
Blue Water Sailing Seminars
Our concept
The Outremer team
Our commitments
Construction principles
Our catamaran services
After-sales customer service & Quality control
Offshore Connected Catamaran Maintenance
Concierge Services
Our owners’ stories
FAQ – Outremer catamarans

Brokerage: used catamarans for sale
Privacy Policy
Legal Notice
Grand Large Yatching

Virtual tour

Characteristics, technical specifications.

Ideal ocean-going catamaran with a concentration of know-how

Request information.

Ultimate comfort without compromising on performance

An overachiever, pushing the boundaries of blue-water cruising

Over 35 years of experience in the design of offshore sailing catamarans and millions of miles covered on every ocean allow us today to present an exceptional blue water cruising catamaran.

The best naval architects and designers have been able to work in complete freedom to achieve the ideal compromise between quality of life, performance and sailing comfort, all combined into one ocean-going catamaran.

The Outremer 55, a 55-foot liveaboard catamaran, is easy to maneuver, whether short-handed or even solo. It offers living spaces, circulation, light and ventilation that set new standards.

Download the brochure

Innovations that make life easier

This ocean-going catamaran offers it all. Tilting helms to combine steering pleasure, visibility and perfect protection from the elements. Whether you want to enjoy the view of the water and your sails, comfortably installed on the double bench seat, or protected from the elements in the cockpit, you keep perfect control of the boat. Comfortable seating on each side, standing supports in the middle position, or even sitting sheltered in the cockpit, you’re sure to need thousands of miles to decide on your favorite helm position! To each his own…

Easy movement and unobstructed views

With its wide saloon opening on the cockpit, its flush floor and its bay windows disappearing completely behind the coachroof bulkhead, the Outremer 55 has been designed to ensure ergonomic continuity of space and make moving around on board easier.

The 360° view from the saloon and cockpit allows exceptional visibility of the water and the environment, and greatly contributes to comfort on board. From the chart table, of course, but also when cooking or during meals, the forward vision is never interrupted. A crucial factor for a serene cruise on your ocean-going catamaran!

A central island that can be transformed into a high table

Nothing is more pleasant than preparing a meal, having drinks and entertaining around the island table, which offers an extra sitting area thanks to the fold-up shelf.

Testimonials

« Cat Greatcircle » Marijke and Mark

Former owners of a Lagoon 52, this Dutch couple is more than happy to continue the adventure on an Outremer 55, which was delivered to them in 2021. Looking for comfort and sailing pleasure above all, they are delighted by this 55-foot catamaran, which combines performance and ergonomic innovations that make her both comfortable and easy to maneuver.

Do you have any questions?

Can you add tillers to the outremer 55, is an electric version of the outremer 55 available, why did you redesign the deck seat.

Beyond building your boat, Outremer brings your dreams to life by being by your side at every stage of your project. To always better support you, we have created Outremer Services. This structure, integrated within Grand Large Services is able to meet all your needs, from the start of your project to the resale of your catamaran.

Seminars on the theme of blue-water cruising, training on land and at sea, charter, concierge services, refit, a network of approved partners around the world, OCM ™ e-maintenance and lastly brokerage. We offer complete and personalized support according to best fit your needs.

Impatient, not sure you can invest in a new catamaran or simply curious? See our latest second-hand boats on offer. Please note that the demand is high, don’t wait to contact us.

Charter an Outremer

SHORT TERM CHARTER WITH SKIPPER

From the legendary Outremer 45 to the acclaimed Outremer 55, not to forget the 51 and the 4X, you will find a wide range of Outremer catamarans to charter, depending on your model of interest.

The Best Beginner Sailboats for Ocean Cruising (under $25,000)

You have fallen in love with sailboats and can't resist the call any longer. I feel ya. The upfront cost is quite something, right? Both in money and skill level. Well, your dream isn't necessarily that far away. Let me show you a few of the best sailboats capable of crossing vast oceans, boats that are beginner-friendly and that won't cost over $25,000.

So what are the best beginner sailboats for ocean cruising?

Cape Dory 28

Let's have a closer look at these. You want to know more about these to pick the right one for you. Read on!

An affordable boat doesn't have to be cheap

Similarly, don't think a cheap boat is not seaworthy. Seaworthiness is again more about design rather than anything else.

It also doesn't mean you will get a low-quality boat. Sure it won't be new or large, but as far as build quality goes, no compromises have to be made.

An ocean cruiser is stable and comfortable

Stability is important. Waves get bigger out there, and some coastal cruisers may not be prepared for that.

Storage and long term comfort. An ocean cruiser needs to accommodate you for more than a week, as island hoppers do. That means enough storage and layout such that allows for a long term stay.

The matter of buoyancy calls for attention too - you want to be able to load the boat with all you need for a few weeks' stay and still have it perform well.

We made sure that all the boats mentioned below tick the right bluewater boxes.

Let's get into it, shall we?

The name of the game here is good quality. Which is an incredibly important aspect for a beginner. They say long passages are often more about maintenance than about actual sailing skills. And you want to do as little maintenance as possible.

As far as construction ethics of production boats go, Sabre 28 is hard to beat. All the elements that need to hold something, like cleats, are backed by a solid steel plate here, bolted through, there is no exposed fiberglass, everything is gel coated… it isn't an exaggeration to claim you will not find many production boats of this build quality.

Below the deck, you will find solid six feet of headroom, closed off V berth in the front cabin, and space for (theoretically) four more of your mates.

Now let's see some negatives. Even despite the generous sailing area of this boat, performance is its possible downside. You won't break speed records. This means that your longer passages will require better planning and more supplies. Not a problem per se, but something to keep in mind.

Also, this boat was designed as a coastal cruiser and it shows. Not that it couldn't undertake a proper ocean passage, but purely practically speaking, for instance, its tanks are rather small, as the designers expected frequent refills.

On that note - pleasure cruisers often favor the cockpit space, decreasing the under the dock space. They also don't necessarily try to use the space with the utmost efficiency in mind. And since long crossings will require long stays, you will feel this isn't a huge boat.

But all in all, expect a boat solid on all sides, and jaw-droppingly well built. It will set you back as little as $3,000 and as much as $30,000 on the other side of the spectrum. With a below $25,000 budget, you will have absolutely no issues finding one.

And if you start comparing with similar models and can't help but feel it is a bit pricier per foot, know that this is due to the extraordinary build quality. You will get a lot for your money.

We will talk about the 28 model but if you go two feet up in size to the Cape Dory 30, you will be able to get it for about the same price.

Just as the Sabre above, Cape Dory is solidly built. It is simple, robust, no cut corners, no little luxuries, straight to the point. Which is what you want from a reliable boat, if you don't have much experience.

Another mark up goes for sturdiness stemming from its full keel. As is the case with full keels, they make the boat robust, if you run aground, it isn't such a big deal as you are less likely going to damage the boat, and the propeller is better protected.

Similarly, if the weather gets tricky, full keels are more stable, they track better and thus handle easier, all of which is a big plus for someone who is just learning the ropes.

Below the deck, you will find a V berth, heads, sink, plenty of storage space, and generally as much space as you would expect from a boat this size. It's a looker, genuinely nice place to be at, both outside and inside.

A word of warning that keeps popping up - owners of the older models say the fuel tanks don't age well on this boat. They tend to rust, so be sure to check that out and be ready for a replacement.

There were quite a lot of these models built during its production lifespan, which means there is no shortage of used Dories - something that drives the price down and makes this boat start at around $10 000 on average. The most expensive ones are generally around $30 000, so if you spend the $25 000 on it, you will not be far away from the top of the line.

Long story short, this is a cute little boat that will most definitely have your back and is quite forgiving when under sail - partially to its full keel. It won't house many people, I wouldn't go on it with more than two, if the passage is long, but how big of a crew do you need anyway, right?

We are stretching the limit with this one since the prices start a bit above $20 000 and go easily to $50 000. So with our limit, you will not have an incredible array of options - but it will be enough to get you in the game, and what a game this is!

First of all, it's a full keel, so expect all the benefits listed in the Cape Dory above. Second of all, it's a nice looking boat that has a cozy feeling inside and outside. This is important since it isn't the fastest one. Especially in lower winds, it has been described by some owners as a 'wet snail'.

So go for this one if you are a person in no rush, but one for whom the journey is the destination, as the cliché goes. And as mentioned before, pay attention to the higher amount of supplies you will inevitably need for longer passages.

Once you are on it, prepared to take it slow and comfy, it will warm your heart. The interior is lined with hardwood, pretty little round windows with cast bronze rims, wide hull that has space and comfort in mind, rather than racing.

In other words, it's a pleasure cruiser, but not a coastal one, rather one sturdy enough to circumnavigate the world.

It was born from a genuine market need since it's larger and older sister, Westsail 32, was quite successful but too expensive for many. The manufacturers listened and thought the 28 into existence, describing it as a “hearty little offshore cruiser”.

After this boat was rolled out, about a tonne was added to the ballast, the rudder was enlarged, and to make up for the extra weight, nearly a hundred square feet of sails were added. This happened after about seven models were released, so you can see that it was a work in progress to the last moments.

What this tells you is that it is no engineering miracle, but a boat that listened to people and was made for them. Which resulted in something that won't win races, but will win hearts. I should sell that as a slogan.

This boat has fiberglass molded wine bottles. That tells you all you need to know about this french boat. And it can be yours for as little as $7,000.

Dufour 29 stood at the forefront of European racer-cruisers, it contributed to paving the way for this particular class. It's a beamy boat, so you will get more space than you would expect. And it has a front cabin only, which allows for quite a lot of space back - the cockpit lockers are immense.

The storage space is one of its largest strengths, which helps with longer passages. Since it probably won't be more than two or so people, you can bring as much as your heart desires.

The downside is that although this boat is built to last and the quality shows, it usually features Volvo engines, which means pricey parts. So although the upfront cost isn't necessarily large, the engine will inevitably break with usage and need significant investment.

A nice thing is that although we are talking about a French brand, most of these specific models were exported to the US, so if you live out there, you won't be hard-pressed to find one. And you will stand out from all the Catalinas.

And last but absolutely not least, here is this little hero. We have mentioned it in our article 'The Cheapest, Smallest Boat to Sail Around the World' and the title alone should tell you why it deserves to be here.

You can get it for as little as $3,000 and I'm not talking about a worn-down one that needs months of work before being sailable - I mean a fully functioning one. The most expensive one I saw was for $7,000 and it was so polished and kept up it was a joy just to look at it.

Aside from the price, it's benefit is in the way it's built. It knows it is a small boat and it is on a mission to squeeze as much from the space as possible. It doesn't waste space on being a weekend cruiser but intends to serve as a liveaboard, or at least a boat capable of housing its sailor for weeks on end.

This means you will get a toilet, proper dining table, space for two people (comfort) or four (if you really like each other), and storage space for a circumnavigation.

As is the case usually, it doesn't come without its drawbacks, be it an engine that has a habit of choking itself or mast fitting that tends to give up on life if stressed. But trust me that if you invest in a top of the line model and spend a couple of thousand on refitting and tinkering with everything you can think of, you will end up with a boat cheaper than most of the above and in a bulletproof condition.

So you see it isn't out of reach for the average Joe to get into sailing. Both when it comes to price or skills. So if the idea has been dormant in your head, wake it up. You'll thank yourself.

Jon Stivers

Re: The Cape Dory 28. Yes, full-keel boats track better when going forward, but are more difficult to control in reverse than fin-keel boats. Docking is very challenging for beginners, no matter how well the boat handles. When you test drive a boat, make sure you include going forward and reverse under power.

Thanks for the article, cheers.

Own your first boat within a year on any budget.

A sailboat doesn't have to be expensive if you know what you're doing. If you want to learn how to make your sailing dream reality within a year, leave your email and I'll send you free updates . I don't like spam - I will only send helpful content.

Ready to Own Your First Boat?

Just tell us the best email address to send your tips to:

Ocean-Going

Luxury yachts.

Stunning woodwork and craftsmanship

customizable luxury

Efficient Long Range

Ocean-Tested Strength

faster delivery

Ocean Explorer

Ocean Explorer 60

Ocean Explorer 72

Ocean Explorer 78

Classic explorer.

Classic Explorer 45

Classic Explorer 49

Classic Explorer 54

Classic Explorer 60

Classic Explorer 72

Ready to customize, ultimate yacht.

News - Find out about the latest news and events

2024 Selene Boat Show Schedule, Get your Discount Code & Come See Us!

Expanding our Factory - Building out an Additional 200,000+ Sq Feet of Modern Facilities

East Coast Selene Rendezvous 2023

See what our happy customers are saying.

“My Selene 80 Ocean Explorer ticks all the boxes! We like fishing offshore and Howard Chen has beautifully extended the cockpit, adding working space, waterline and speed to this powerful fishing machine. I am also delighted with the very professional layout of the engine room with its twin Cummins and two generators. Hydraulic windlass, stabilizers and thrusters were also a must in my view. The bespoke interior general arrangements is also perfectly adjusted to our family lifestyle… South-East Asia, the Celebes sea, Torres straight, Australia and the Pacific Ocean are definitely on my bucket list!”

“Our love for the ocean has always driven us to seek the best experiences. With Selene Yachts, we found that and so much more. Their blend of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design resonates with our taste. Being able to customize elements to reflect our personality made our yacht feel even more special. Kudos to the entire Selene team for always exceeding expectations!”

“Ever since I stepped aboard my first Selene, I knew there was something special about these yachts. You can see and feel the passion in the craftsmanship, and the woodwork is just breathtaking. What truly impressed me was the strength and stability of the yacht out in open water. And the fact that I could tailor some of the interiors to my liking? That was the cherry on top. Every voyage just feels like a dream.”

“We've had our fair share of experiences with different yachts, but Selene stands out. The Caribbean trip we took last summer was nothing short of luxurious. The decks, the interiors, the entire build screams quality. And I must say, getting our yacht delivered faster than expected was a delightful surprise. If you're looking for the perfect blend of comfort and adventure, Selene is where you find it.”

Selene has a 25 year tradition of building elegant long range cruising trawlers for active adventures. Selene Yachts Americas is dedicated to connecting you with a Selene customized to meet your requirements and getting you on the water for experiences of a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions

We are the Selene Distributor for North America covering the US, Canada and Mexico.

We welcome the opportunity to have you involved and updated with each step of building your yacht including seeing your Selene while under construction at the factory.

A Trawler combines a more comfortable ride due to it's heavy full displacement hull and fuel efficiency that enables long-range cruising capability.

High quality woodwork, luxurious interiors, rugged build and a low profile design and that provides increased stability in a seaway.

Yes, there are many customizations available beyond what we display here including additional size boats and configuration options. Please contact us to learn more.

Stay Afloat with Selene Updates

Welcome aboard.

Home » Blog » Buy a boat » 5 best small sailboats for sailing around the world

5 best small sailboats for sailing around the world

By Author Fiona McGlynn

Posted on Last updated: April 19, 2023

A small sailboat can take you big places

Small sailboats are the ticket to going cruising NOW — not when you retire, save up enough money, or find the “perfect” bluewater cruising boat. In fact, it’s the first principle in Lin and Larry Pardey’s cruising philosophy: “Go small, go simple, go now.”

Small yachts can be affordable, simple, and seaworthy . However, you won’t see many of them in today’s cruising grounds. In three years and 13,000 nautical miles of bluewater cruising, I could count the number of under 30-foot sailboats I’ve seen on one hand (all of them were skippered by people in their 20s and 30s).

Today’s anchorages are full of 40, 50, and 60-foot-plus ocean sailboats, but that’s not to say you can’t sail the world in a small sailboat. Just look at Alessandro di Benedetto who in 2010 broke the record for the smallest boat to sail around the world non-stop in his 21-foot Mini 6.5 .

So long as you don’t mind forgoing a few comforts, you can sail around the world on a small budget .

What makes a good blue water sailboat

While you might not think a small sailboat is up to the task of going long distances, some of the best bluewater sailboats are under 40 feet.

However, if you’re thinking about buying a boat for offshore cruising, there are a few things to know about what makes a small boat offshore capable .

Smaller equals slower

Don’t expect to be sailing at high speeds in a pocket cruiser. Smaller displacement monohulls are always going to be slower than larger displacement monohulls (see the video below to learn why smaller boats are slower). Therefore a smaller cruiser is going to take longer on a given passage, making them more vulnerable to changes in weather.

A few feet can make a big difference over a week-long passage. On the last leg of our Pacific Ocean crossing, our 35-foot sailboat narrowly avoid a storm that our buddy boat, a 28-foot sailboat, couldn’t. Our friend was only a knot slower but it meant he had to heave to for a miserable three days.

Small but sturdy

If a pocket cruiser encounters bad weather, they will be less able to outrun or avoid it. For this reason, many of the blue water sailboats in this list are heavily built and designed to take a beating.

Yacht design has changed dramatically over the last 50 years. Today, new boats are designed to be light and fast. The small sailboats in our list are 30-plus year-old designs and were built in a time when weather forecasts were less accurate and harder to come by.

Back in the day, boat were constructed with thicker fiberglass hulls than you see in modern builds. Rigs, keels, rudders, hulls and decks – everything about these small cruising sailboats was designed to stand up to strong winds and big waves. Some of the boats in this post have skeg-hung rudders and most of them are full keel boats.

The pros and cons of pocket cruiser sailboats

Pocket cruiser sailboats present certain advantages and disadvantages.

More affordable

Their smaller size makes them affordable bluewater sailboats. You can often find great deals on pocket cruisers and sometimes you can even get them for free.

You’ll also save money on retrofits and repairs because small cruising sailboats need smaller boat parts (which cost a lot less) . For example, you can get away with smaller sails, ground tackle, winches, and lighter lines than on a bigger boat.

Moorage, haul-outs, and marine services are often billed by foot of boat length . A small sailboat makes traveling the world , far more affordable!

When something major breaks (like an engine) it will be less costly to repair or replace than it would be on a bigger boat.

Less time consuming

Smaller boats tend to have simpler systems which means you’ll spend less time fixing and paying to maintain those systems. For example, most small yachts don’t have showers, watermakers , hot water, and electric anchor windlasses.

On the flip side, you’ll spend more time collecting water (the low-tech way) . On a small sailboat, this means bucket baths, catching fresh water in your sails, and hand-bombing your anchor. Though less convenient, this simplicity can save you years of preparation and saving to go sailing.

Oh, and did I mention that you’ll become a complete water meiser? Conserving water aboard becomes pretty important when you have to blue-jug every drop of it from town back to your boat.

Easier to sail

Lastly, smaller boats can be physically easier to sail , just think of the difference between raising a sail on a 25-foot boat versus a 50-foot boat! You can more easily single-hand or short-hand a small sailboat. For that reason, some of the best solo blue water sailboats are quite petite.

As mentioned above small boats are slow boats and will arrive in port, sometimes days (and even weeks) behind their faster counterparts on long offshore crossings.

Consider this scenario: two boats crossed the Atlantic on a 4,000 nautical mile route. The small boat averaged four miles an hour, while the big boat averaged seven miles an hour. If both started at the same time, the small boat will have completed the crossing two weeks after the larger sailboat!

Less spacious

Living on a boat can be challenging — living on a small sailboat, even more so! Small cruising boats don’t provide much in the way of living space and creature comforts.

Not only will you have to downsize when you move onto a boat you’ll also have to get pretty creative when it comes to boat storage.

It also makes it more difficult to accommodate crew for long periods which means there are fewer people to share work and night shifts.

If you plan on sailing with your dog , it might put a small boat right out of the question (depending on the size of your four-legged crew member).

Less comfortable

It’s not just the living situation that is less comfortable, the sailing can be pretty uncomfortable too! Pocket cruisers tend to be a far less comfortable ride than larger boats as they are more easily tossed about in big ocean swell.

Here are our 5 favorite small blue water sailboats for sailing around the world

When we sailed across the Pacific these were some of the best small sailboats that we saw. Their owners loved them and we hope you will too!

The boats in this list are under 30 feet. If you’re looking for something slightly larger, you might want to check out our post on the best bluewater sailboats under 40 feet .

Note: Price ranges are based on SailboatListings.com and YachtWorld.com listings for Aug. 2018

Albin Vega 27($7-22K USD)

The Albin Vega has earned a reputation as a bluewater cruiser through adventurous sailors like Matt Rutherford, who in 2012 completed a 309-day solo nonstop circumnavigation of the Americas via Cape Horn and the Northwest Passage (see his story in the documentary Red Dot on the Ocean ).

Hull Type: Long fin keel
Hull Material: GRP (fibreglass)
Length Overall:27′ 1″ / 8.25m
Waterline Length:23′ 0″ / 7.01m
Beam:8′ 1″ / 2.46m
Draft:3′ 8″ / 1.12m
Rig Type: Masthead sloop rig
Displacement:5,070lb / 2,300kg
Designer:Per Brohall
Builder:Albin Marine AB (Swed.)
Year First Built:1965
Year Last Built:1979
Number Built:3,450

Cape Dory 28 ($10-32K USD)

This small cruising sailboat is cute and classic as she is rugged and roomy. With at least one known circumnavigation and plenty of shorter bluewater voyages, the Cape Dory 28 has proven herself offshore capable.

Hull Type: Full Keel
Length Overall:28′ 09″ / 8.56m
Waterline Length:22′ 50″ / 6.86m
Beam:8’ 11” / 2.72m
Draft:4’ 3” / 1.32m
Rig Type:Masthead Sloop
Displacement:9,300lb / 4,218kg
Sail Area/Displacement Ratio:52
Displacement/Length Ratio:49
Designer: Carl Alberg
Builder: Cape Dory Yachts (USA)
Year First Built:1974
Year Last Built:1988
Number Built: 388

Dufour 29 ($7-23K)

As small bluewater sailboats go, the Dufour 29 is a lot of boat for your buck. We know of at least one that sailed across the Pacific last year. Designed as a cruiser racer she’s both fun to sail and adventure-ready. Like many Dufour sailboats from this era, she comes equipped with fiberglass molded wine bottle holders. Leave it to the French to think of everything!

Hull Type: Fin with skeg-hung rudder
Length Overall:29′ 4″ / 8.94m
Waterline Length:25′ 1″ / 7.64m
Beam:9′ 8″ / 2.95m
Draft:5′ 3″ / 1.60m
Displacement:7,250lb / 3,289kg
Designer:Michael Dufour
Builder:Dufour (France)
Year First Built:1975
Year Last Built:1984

Vancouver 28 ($15-34K)

A sensible small boat with a “go-anywhere” attitude, this pocket cruiser was designed with ocean sailors in mind. One of the best cruising sailboats under 40 feet, the Vancouver 28 is great sailing in a small package.

Hull Type:Full keel with transom hung rudder
Length Overall: 28′ 0″ / 8.53m
Waterline Length:22’ 11” / 6.99m
Beam:8’ 8” / 2.64m
Draft:4’ 4” / 1.32m
Rig Type: Cutter rig
Displacement:8,960lb / 4,064 kg
Designer: Robert B Harris
Builder: Pheon Yachts Ltd. /Northshore Yachts Ltd.
Year First Built:1986
Last Year Built: 2007
Number Built: 67

Westsail 28 ($30-35K)

Described in the 1975 marketing as “a hearty little cruiser”, the Westsail 28 was designed for those who were ready to embrace the cruising life. Perfect for a solo sailor or a cozy cruising couple!

Hull Type: Full keel with transom hung rudder
Hull Material:GRP (fibreglass)
Length Overall:28′ 3” / 8.61m
Waterline Length:23’ 6” / 7.16m
Beam:9’ 7” / 2.92m
Displacement:13,500lb / 6,124kg
Designer: Herb David
Builder: Westsail Corp. (USA)
Number Built:78

Feeling inspired? Check out the “go small” philosophy of this 21-year-old who set sail in a CS 27.

Fiona McGlynn is an award-winning boating writer who created Waterborne as a place to learn about living aboard and traveling the world by sailboat. She has written for boating magazines including BoatUS, SAIL, Cruising World, and Good Old Boat. She’s also a contributing editor at Good Old Boat and BoatUS Magazine. In 2017, Fiona and her husband completed a 3-year, 13,000-mile voyage from Vancouver to Mexico to Australia on their 35-foot sailboat.

Saturday 1st of September 2018

Very useful list, but incomplete - as it would necessarily be, considering the number of seaworthy smaller boats that are around.

In particular, you missed/omitted the Westerly "Centaur" and its follow-on model, the "Griffon". 26 feet LOA, bilge-keelers, weighing something over 6000 pounds, usually fitted with a diesel inboard.

OK, these are British designs, and not that common in the US, but still they do exist, they're built like tanks, and it's rumored that at least one Centaur has circumnavigated.

Friday 31st of August 2018

This is a helpful list, thank you. I don't think most people would consider a 28' boat a pocket cruiser, though!

Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy

Articles and Guides

Best Ocean Boats: Types and Brands to Buy

15th nov 2023 by samantha wilson.

What makes a good ocean boat ? It’s a valid question, commonly asked, but as with many boating questions, there is no one answer. In fact, there is no best ocean boat either. Only the best ocean-going boat for you and what you want it to do. Whether it’s offshore fishing, sailing around the world, coastal cruising, or extended voyages, there will be good boats for the task—and others, not so good.

Of course there are many characteristics that ocean-going boats will need to have that are different from those designed to ply gentler inland waters where breaking seas, long distances, and inclement weather rarely if ever are a factor. Here we’ll take a look at the types of boats that are designed for the ocean and also look at some of the best ocean boat brands on the market today.

What Characteristics Do the Best Ocean Boats Have?

Seaworthy in open water and stormy weather: A boat tackling ocean waters needs to be sturdy enough, large enough, and/or nimble enough to navigate the bigger seas and stronger winds that can arise. If you’re tackling oceans, you’ll typically want a boat that is 20 feet long or larger and built with strength. It’s important to know your boat’s limitations, to check the weather carefully before venturing out, and prepare accordingly. Knowing your boat’s range—is it a long-distance, bluewater voyager or a day-sailing coastal boat?—is also key to staying safe.

Deep-V hulls and deep draft: Most ocean-going boats have deep-V hulls and adequate draft to provide extra stability in turbulent waters, high waves, and bad weather. An exception to that are multihulls, which can offer excellent stability thanks to their multiple hulls and wide shape. In addition to a deep V hull, ocean-going boats are often designed with strakes—molded lines running down the hull of motorboats that help them reach planing speed and reduce the slap from large waves. If you don’t plan to venture offshore or undertake long voyages, a shallow or modified V hull is often ideal for more coastal ocean cruising in shallower waters.

Corrosion resistance : In contrast to fresh water, salt water is highly corrosive and damaging to boats, and they need to be designed for and maintained to cope with those damaging effects (see our guide to the differences between saltwater and freshwater boats for more advice). Boats designed for salt water will have marine-grade metals such as stainless steel, and must be built with corrosion-resistant hardware.

Power and fuel capacity : If you’re going to cruise farther, it makes sense that your boat will need a fuel-efficient engine as well as a larger fuel tank to allow you to carry on longer without refueling. Fast boats such as those used for offshore fishing commonly have large powerful engines, allowing you to get to the offshore fishing grounds in less time. For those crossing oceans, sailboats have long been the boat of choice since wind-power is free, if occasionally finicky.

Sleeping and storage capacity: If you’re cruising long distances, you’ll need to ensure that you have enough cabin space, living space, and storage space for supplies to accommodate all those on board. Bunks will typically be fitted with lee cloths to securely hold sleeping crew members in their berths. Ventilation is also critical, allowing fresh air below decks without bringing sea water along at the same time.

The Best Types and Brands of Ocean Boats

Ocean sailboats.

Sailboats bring the romance to cruising the oceans, and are able to sail motor-less for thousands of miles, making them the top choice when it comes to long range ocean cruising. The choice of sailboat is endless, but it depends how far you want to travel as to how big a sailboat you’ll need. Coastal sailing can be done in most sizes and styles of sailboat, while you’ll ideally be looking for a strong and sturdy sailboat over 35 feet to travel long distances (see our guide to bluewater sailboats under 40 feet for some exciting small sailboat options and what to look for in an ocean sailboat).

The best ocean sailboat brands

Hallberg-Rassy has been producing quality ocean-going cruising boats in Sweden for more than half a century. The company’s current lineup of comfortable, seaworthy, premium-priced yachts from 34 to 69 feet LOA. Hallberg-Rassy boats for sale
Beneteau ’s impressive range of Oceanis cruisers ranges from 31 to 60 feet and offers spacious, versatile layouts and sound performance at a moderate price. Beneteau boats for sale
Jeanneau has produced ocean-capable sailboats for more than 60 years and has a good reputation for building innovative boats that perform well. The company’s current range includes large yachts, small ocean racers, and 35- to 49-foot cruising models. Jeanneau boats for sale

Hallberg Rassy 400. Hallberg Rassy photo.

Trawler Yachts

Known for their long-range capabilities and excellent fuel efficiency, trawlers are becoming increasingly popular as ocean-going liveaboards. Unlike the fishing vessels from which they draw their name, this new breed of power-cruising yacht typically offers extensive living space, home comforts, and even luxury living, which is highly regarded among many cruising great distances or spending extended periods of time living aboard.

The best trawler yacht brands

Nordhavn is a long-standing, all-American brand producing some of the best trawler yachts on the market today. Ranging from 41 feet all the way into superyacht classification sizes, Nordhavn trawlers balance robustness with comfort. Nordhavn yachts for sale
Selene is a Dutch brand, building up to 100 world class boats every year. Their impressive inventory includes boats from 40 feet to 128 feet, with their mid-sized models in particular offering excellent use of space and a classic styling. Selene boats for sale
American Tugs is one of the best smaller shipyards, with 20 years’ experience producing high quality coastal cruisers under 45 feet. American Tugs boats for sale

Nordhavn 475. Nordhavn photo.

Center Console Boats

Center consoles boats are high-powered vessels, commonly used for offshore fishing due to their open deck layout allowing for 360 fishability. Fast, stable, roomy, and well-equipped, they are wonderfully versatile and are available from trailerable 17-foot models up to 45 feet and longer, with cabins and heads. They are typically able to handle big seas and weather, but don’t have the sleeping, living, and storage space of longer-range types of ocean boats.

The best center console boat brands

Boston Whaler have been around since 1958 and have one of the best reputations in the center console industry for both their fishing and recreational boats. Boston Whaler boats for sale
Everglades is a brand offering 23- to 45-foot center consoles with a clear focus on fishing offshore. It is known equally for premium quality finishings and strong hull construction using high-density foam core to offer a smooth ride in waves. https://www.rightboat.com/boats-for-sale/everglades Everglades boats for sale
For more check out our article on the best center console boat brands and the best center consoles over 40 feet .

Boston Whaler 250 Dauntless. Boston Whaler photo.

Sport Fishing Yachts

Powerful, robust, and equipped to take anglers on deep sea fishing adventures, sport fishing boats are more than capable when it comes to big ocean conditions. They’re capable of cruising up to 100 miles offshore where the big pelagic creatures such as bluefin tuna and marlin live, allowing anglers to fish for several days at a time in comfort. With all the equipment needed for fishing, storing, and living, sport fishing yachts aren’t inexpensive, but you can buy a seriously high-performance yacht for the money.

The best sport fishing yacht brands

Viking Yachts has a huge range of world-class sport fishing yachts ranging from towable 38 footers all the way up to 90 feet, although the majority fall within the 45 to 70 feet range. Impeccable finish and extremely high performance is the norm throughout the fleet. Viking Yachts for sale
Hatteras Yachts bring elegance and innovation to sportfishing with their four convertible sport fishing yachts from 45 to 70 feet. For more than 60 years, the firm has been creating high-performance sport fishing boats that ooze luxury. Hatteras Yachts for sale
Bertram has a long history of building fishing yachts focused on seaworthiness, stability, and safety. The company offers serious blue water fishing machines, as well as smaller, capable boats ranging from 28 to 61 feet. Bertram boats for sale

For more top fishing boat brands, see Best Offshore Fishing Boat Brands .

Viking 68C. Viking Yachts photo.

Cabin Cruisers

Cabin cruisers make up one of the most versatile and popular of ocean boats as they are multifunctional, seaworthy, and well-designed for coastal cruising. While not normally suited to prolonged periods at sea or long-range cruising, this style of boat features home comforts, modest galley areas, and cabins that can be used for extended trips.

The best ocean cabin cruisers

Sea Ray are masters in producing small, luxurious cabin cruisers that offer weekends at sea, plenty of home comforts, and reassuring seaworthiness. Their Sundancer range is from 26 feet to 37 feet, and the SLX series goes up to 40 feet. Sea Ray boats for sale
Chris-Craft has been producing elegant, traditionally styled cabin cruisers (as well as center consoles) for decades, and their range of boats certainly turn heads. Offering pocket-sized luxury and packed with amenities, they remain one of the best brands in the industry. Chris-Craft boats for sale
Grand Banks Yachts is a brand that has shifted over the years from producing what was the iconic ocean-going trawler yacht to a higher-performance luxury motoryacht that fits better in the cabin cruiser category. Design and construction attend to hull shapes, weights, and materials to produce a capable, quiet boat in rough conditions. Grand Banks Yachts

Grand Banks 54. Grand Banks photo.

Cruising Catamarans

Cruising catamarans are fast gaining popularity for their long-range capabilities as well as their stability and huge amounts of extra living and storage space compared to monohulls of the same size. With salons and cockpits that stand well above the water line you get wrap around sea views, as well as huge cabin and galley space. They’re extremely capable blue water cruisers, but also perfect for coastal adventures with larger groups than you could comfortably get on a monohull. They don’t keel over in the same way as sailboats, offering impressive stability and speed, and are fast becoming a popular choice for around the world cruisers and charter companies.

The best cruising catamarans

Fountaine Pajot is one of the biggest names in the cruising catamaran world and are instrumental in shaping this new industry of long range, high performance blue water multihulls. Fountaine Pajot Catamarans for sale
Lagoon Catamarans have a huge inventory of cruising catamaran models throughout the size ranges, and are one of the top choices for charter companies. Lagoon Catamarans for sale
Leopard Catamarans offer a huge range of top-of-the-range sailing and motor cruising catamarans through boat builders Robertson and Caine. In their 50 years of business they’ve delivered an impressive 2,500 vessels, making them one of the most popular cruising catamaran brands out there. Leopard Catamarans for sale

Leopard 40 Powercat. Leopard Catamarans photo.

Written By: Samantha Wilson

Samantha Wilson has spent her entire life on and around boats, from tiny sailing dinghies all the way up to superyachts. She writes for many boating and yachting publications, top charter agencies, and some of the largest travel businesses in the industry, combining her knowledge and passion of boating, travel and writing to create topical, useful and engaging content.

The Best Flats Boats Brands, Special Boats for Skinny Waters

21st Feb 2024

Best Lake Boat Brands for Fishing, Cruising, and Watersports

15th Feb 2024

Best Aluminum Fishing Boat Brands: Tougher, Lighter and More Affordable

2nd Feb 2024

Aluminum vs Fiberglass Boats: Which is Best and Why?

Explore Rightboat
Boats for Sale
Boating Articles
Buyers Guide
About RightBoat
Sell Your Boat
Boat Selling Advice

Enter your email to keep up to date with the latest news

Join for free

Sign up now for free and discover how easy it is to keep up to date with THE latest boats for sale. Find your right boat, and tailor your voyage to finding your next boat.

Benefits of becoming a member:

Set up tailored alerts
Personalise your experience
Download full specifications and broker details
Keep tabs on your favourite boats

Are you a broker? Join as a Broker

Rightboat - join for free.

Do you have an account already? Login

Save this search

Save your search and receive new boats in your email..

You can unsubscribe from your alerts whenever you like. By pressing the button you accept the Legal Terms and conditions

All Selene Yachts

ALL SELENE YACHTS

From our Selene 38 Voyager Aft-cabin luxury pocket-yacht to our Selene 128 super Expedition Yacht, Selene Yachts has the boat which will be perfect for your sailing plans… Sailing in the fast lane with our Artemis line, enjoying family coastal cruising on a Selene Voyager or contemplating a circumnavigation with one of our beautifully appointed Ocean Explorer, let’s talk about your dream…

Selene Voyager

Selene 38 Voyager Aft-cabin

Selene 42 Voyager Aft-cabin

Selene 42 Voyager Sedan

Selene 50 Voyager Sedan

Selene Classic Explorer

Selene Ocean Explorer

Selene 60 Ocean Explorer

Selene 72 Ocean Explorer

Selene 78 Ocean Explorer

Selene 92 Ocean Explorer

Selene 128 Ocean Explorer

Selene 98 Ocean Explorer

Selene 62 Ocean Explorer

Selene ocean explorer bi-hull, selene ocean clipper, legacy selene ocean yachts.

The Selene Advantage
Download Yacht brochures
Howard Chen
Interview with Howard Chen
The Selene People
News & Events
Testimonials
Construction details
Press Articles
Video Channel
Selene Family Album
Selene Rendezvous
Selene Yachts Routes
Meet John and Tracey
Meet Captain Joël Marc
Meet the Gulledges

10 Best Sailboats for Solo Sailing (One Person)

10 Best Sailboats for Solo Sailing | Life of Sailing

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

December 27, 2023

The idea of single-handed sailing or solo sailing appeals to racers and cruisers alike. But what are the best sailboats for solo sailing? Well, let's find out.

Whether you've been thinking of going for a day's sail without assistance or dreaming of a solo passage to Bermuda, the desire and the magic of venturing out alone at the sea is something that any sailor can experience. It doesn't matter if you're cruising or racing, solo sailing, of course, requires you to change your thinking as you'll be solely responsible for the entire operation of the boat. More importantly, choosing a well-founded boat is critical to solo sailing.

When sailing with a crew, things may seem a little easy because you share the responsibilities among the crew and support each other in case of anything. But what happens when you decide to venture out alone or sail single-handedly? Whatever motivates you to go out sailing solo, you should choose a good boat that you can perfectly operate single-handedly.

In this article, we'll highlight 10 best sailboats for solo sailing, their prices, their best rigs, and everything else that you might need to sail them comfortably and safely.

Table of contents

General Features of Best Sailboats for Solo Sailing

Here are the general features to look for when choosing the best sailboat for solo sailing.

The Availability of Automation Systems

The forces that you sometimes have to deal with when out sailing can be extreme, to say the least. It doesn't matter whether you're sailing solo or with a crew, it's always very important not to underestimate the power of the wind and tide. While you can do a lot on your own, having some automation systems in place is an important feature if you're planning to sail single-handedly. In other words, a good sailboat for solo sailing should have various automation systems to make your work a lot simpler.

So if you're planning to go solo sailing, it would be great to consider a boat with the following systems:

‍ Autopilot for steering
Lines running aft (running to the cockpit)
Roller furling
Electric windlass
Hydraulic bow/stern thrusters with remote

Stability and Ease of Use

Again, the best sailboats for solo sailing are generally not known for their speeds. This is because they typically have wide beams and short waterlines, which are vital in providing stability thereby limiting their speeds. In short, the best sailboats for solo sailing usually sacrifice speed and additional performance for ease of use and stability.

Boat Features

When it comes to the structure of the boat itself, it's important to go for a boat that is close to the water, relatively small when compared to the wave height, and has lighter ballast, especially when compared to the displacement ratio. The idea here is that these features can combine to increase the boat's performance when you're sailing solo.

Additionally, a good solo sailing boat should be designed with a flat profiled aft bottom section. This is to ensure that the boat can come up on a plane when the wind conditions are breezy or marginal.

When it comes to the best sails for solo sailing, you can go for the unique sail design that combines both a Bermuda sail and a gaff sail. This can be essential in giving you a more sail area on a shorter mast than is possible when using either a gaff sail or a Bermuda sail. More importantly, the combination of a gaff sail and a Bermuda sail not only gives you a greater sail area on a shorter and easy to control mast but can also reduce the heeling force that's common in boats with taller and narrower sails.

Still on sails, it makes a lot of sense to choose easily operated sail controls. You certainly want a sail that one person can tuck a reef in quickly and be able to easily adjust the sheets. You should, therefore, prioritize the reefing and sail handling systems.

In terms of rigs, the gaff rig is arguably the best when solo sailing. Although the Bermuda rig is the most common, especially in modern sailboats, you can lose some windward abilities because of its lower aspects. As such, you can choose to use the gaff rig thanks to its ease of use and superior downwind performance.

10 Best Sailboats for Solo Sailing

There are numerous sailboats out there that can be easily and properly handled by a skilled and experienced sailor. To make it a lot easier for you, the following boats are great choices when solo sailing. Whether you're just looking to experience how it feels to solo sail or short-handed, they all offer easy, comfortable, and safe sailing.

Jeanneau Sunfast 3200

From the outset, it's easy to see that the Jeanneau Sunfast 3200 is designed with offshore short-handed sailing in mind. In addition to being a purist's sailing boat, this boat is a small and light boat that can be easily handled. Even better, it has the stability and strength to handle long passages and that's exactly why it was initially designed with the Trans-Atlantic race in mind.

With this boat, you can easily attain double figures in terms of speed even if you're sailing downwind. In essence, the Sunfast 3200 is designed with some of the latest technology to afford you the best strength-to-weight ratios. It has all the necessary features to allow you to easily adapt it to perform perfectly either as a cruising or racing sailboat. Some of its greatest features include the two double cabins, the chart table, a galley, and a head compartment.

This boat is particularly impressive when sailing off the wind and it's designed to ensure that it's functional and reliable even when solo sailing. This is perhaps because it's designed and set up for racing, so it can be great for you especially if you're looking for a coastal cruiser that can be easily handled.

Using the sloop Marconi can be the best way to go given that this vessel has a keel-stepped mast. Its maximum beam begins at 60% aft of the stem before extending to the transom, which can result in the sled hull being driven by a mainsail-heavy rig. This can then fly the masthead asymmetrical off a short sprit.

Given that the Jeanneau Sunfast 3200 is a very modern boat that's equipped with some of the latest boating technology; it comes with a base price of about $160,000. This is a vessel that's built by one of the world's premier builders and offers an intriguing blend of technology, reliability, functionality, practicality, and performance.

Having been the European Yacht of the Year for 2008, the Sunfast 3200 may just be the godsend boat for your solo sailing dreams.

If you're looking for a slippery cruiser-racer that's always ready to sail single-handedly, you might perhaps want to take a serious look at the Hanse 371. Introduced in 2003, the Hanse 371 is a mid-sized boat that was designed in a true blend of old and new boating technology. Thanks to its furling and self- tacking jib, the Hanse 371 becomes an instant single-handed sailing vessel that takes much of the strain out of your solo sailing adventures. That's not all; this boat is more popular as a result of its autopilot system. Press a few buttons and you'll be ready to go.

Although it's a little bigger and not one of the smallest boats out there, it can be a great option if you're planning to sail solo but on a vessel that offers a tremendous amount of space. Whether you love a boat with a shallow or deep center of gravity, the Hanse 371 has a commendable large galley and a spacious cabin layout.

Everything about rigging this boat is designed to be easy. Again, the jib on a roller furler is self-tacking. In essence, everything is standard and easy to use, which makes this boat a dream when sailing single-handed.

Already a classic that's known for its stylish interior, timeless look, and ultimate performance, the Hanse 371 is a coveted vessel that may cost you around $60,000.

Hunter Channel 31

Launched in 2001, the Hunter Channel 31 is structured with a hull and keel design that makes it easy to sail single-handed. This is a British-made vessel that has steadily moved from the racing scene to become a well-respected cruiser, especially among the solo sailing community. Thanks to its faultless handling and impressive turn of speed, the Hunter Channel 31 provides near uncomplicated sailing without losing its impeccable handling features.

Its well-balanced hull shape can either be structured with a low or deep center of gravity. It also has an efficient twin keel to give it more stability, which is perfect for solo sailing. This is, without a doubt, one of the main reasons why Hunter Channel 31 has proved popular among solo sailors trying to sail across narrow channels.

The Hunter Channel 31 is also designed with a great standard deck layout, as well as a non-compulsory self-tacking jib that comes with a single line mainsail reefing. That's not all; the tiller steering is also efficient if you're sailing single-handed as you can steer it with your legs while trimming sails.

It should, therefore, not come as a surprise that owners of the Hunter Channel 31 keep them for a long time, so finding them on the market will be a long shot. But if you're lucky enough to find one, you'll be getting a great vessel that will never let you down if you want to sail solo.

Like many Hunter designs, the Hunter 31 can be fractionally rigged given that it has a relatively large mainsail to give it a more sail area in light winds and a small headsail with a lower sheet load. In other words, you can efficiently and easily reef from the cockpit.

At about $35,000, the Hunter Channel 31 is quite affordable and is a great bargain in its category.

The J/109 is unquestionably one of the best single-handed or double-handed sailboats that money can buy. Whether you're looking for a coastal cruiser or a long-distance single-handed vessel, the J/109 will rarely disappoint. That's essentially why its single-handed offshore capabilities remain popular with sailors looking to make North Atlantic crossings.

Even though it is widely categorized as a planing sailboat, this vessel is too heavy for simple planing. Instead, this is a superb boat that offers an all-round performance. It doesn't matter whether you're solo sailing or sailing with a crew, its performance is always top-notch.

Thanks to its asymmetric spinnaker, you can easily jib it from the cockpit, especially in light wind. But when the wind is on the north of 20 knots, you can pole out the jib to give you a quick downwind speed. No matter which type of rig you choose to use, the J/109 offers a fair degree of control.

In terms of price, the J/109 is one of the relatively expensive sailboats out there, though this is compensated with the high standard equipment and outstanding quality of construction. For about $58,000, you can get a great boat that offers excellent solo sailing adventures.

West Wight Potter 19

Designed for safety and easy handling, the West Wight Potter 19 is a great sailboat for solo sailing. Although its name might not be one of the catchiest in the sailing scene, it's been around for over three decades and is steadily becoming a popular pocket cruiser. The original design draws inspiration from the U.K. but is currently built by the International Marine in California.

Over the years, this boat has seen several improvements even though its original look and features still attract a large and dedicated group of followers. This is not only a tough little boat but its hard-chine hull offers incredible stability. This makes it a very easy and ultimately forgiving sailboat. Whether you're looking to sail from California to Hawaii or across the Atlantic, the Potter 19 is outstanding for solo sailing.

This is a Bermuda-rigged sloop. Its sail plan is huge enough to propel the sailboat in various conditions. This makes it a perfect single-handed boat as you can easily set it up or take it down with no special equipment.

This is a remarkably affordable boat. At around $5,000 you can get a superb solo sailing sailboat. But if you want a new Potter 19 with additional features, you could pay about $25,000.

Beneteau 31

As a small cruiser keelboat, this French-designed boat is primarily built of fiberglass and is perfect if you want a vessel that's great for solo sailing while still offering maximum space for comfort. Its galley is equipped with superb stowage and counter space and even a sit-down navigation station with a small table.

Maneuvering this boat under power is quite easy and is well worth it for any solo sailor who is in the market for a coastal cruiser.

It has a fractional sloop rig, which makes in-mast furling a great option. This makes it easy to handle but also powerful in light winds. If you're sailing the boat off the wind, bow pulpit and an optional asymmetric cruising chute can keep things lively.

The new 31 can cost around $115,000, which is quite expensive but certainly worth it if you want to cruise the world in this French masterpiece.

Catalina 315

This is a nifty pocket cruiser that raises the quality bar for solo sailors with extreme comfort and performance. With just a 9.45 meter hull, the Catalina 315 has more internal room than most classics and remains superb for solo sailing.

Although it's a much bigger boat, it has little but significant features that make all the difference. For instance, the split backstays are great for balance and functionality. This is one of the main reasons why it won the Cruising World's 2013 Boat of the Year Best Inshore Cruiser award.

With a masthead sloop, rigging the Catalina 315 is a lot easier as it is equipped with both an in-mast roller furling mainsail and a roller furling genoa.

Even though the Catalina 315 will exceed your expectations when sailing solo, it's a high-end sailboat that will cost you north of $175,000. But if that seems expensive, you can look for a used model, which will cost you slightly lower.

A boat that has become a staple in the Olympics Games, the Laser may be simple and small but a real-go to boat if you want a vessel that will rarely let you down for your solo sailing escapades. As one of the world's most popular single-handed sailboats, its main feature is its sheer simplicity. This might not be the best boat for you if you love those fussy, big boats. But if you're looking for an amazing boat with a two-part free-standing mast and a sleeved sail, the Laser should be on top of your list.

The fact that it has a lightweight hull and is easy to rig makes it one of the most popular racing sailboats in the world with over 200,000 boats in over 140 countries. This is undoubtedly a perfect boat that's specifically designed for solo sailing.

This boat can be rigged using various rigs, so you should go with whatever works for you. We, however, prefer cat rigging the boat since it has no headsail and only has one mainsail. This is a boat that is designed for speed, particularly in high winds. It's also easy to set up, which makes it a marvelous option for solo sailing.

For around $7,000, this is probably one of the most affordable solo sailing sailboats you could ever get your hands on. You should, however, keep in mind that its price may widely vary depending on their availability in your area.

A real classically-styled sailboat, the Rhodes 19 is an ideal family daysailer that can be perfect for you if you're a spirited solo sailor. Whether you're planning to sail in heavy weather or fast, the Rhodes 19 is designed with a forgiving hull and is an accomplished heavy-weather performer. For over 5 decades, and with more than 3,500 boats built, this sailboat has proven time and time again that it has the characters for both beginners and experienced sailors.

With a low center of gravity, this boat remains a classic beauty that's very fast, easy to trailer, and will get many compliments whenever you're solo sailing. No wonder it is still actively raced throughout the United States.

A simple sprit rig can work greatly on this boat but you can also consider Bermuda-Rigged sloop, which is efficient in propelling the boat in various wind conditions.

Its price may vary depending on your location but something around $20,000 will get you a sailboat that's still in tip-top condition.

If like most Americans, you have a soft spot for finely engineered German automobiles, the Dehler 29 can be a great option for your solo sailing escapades. Even though the Dehler 29 hasn't attracted a huge following in the American shores, it remains an excellently-structured German sailboat, especially for sailors looking for a stable, agile, adaptable, and comfortable sailboat.

Whether you enjoy a smooth and solo cruise on a breezy afternoon or is energized by speed, the Dehler 29 is one of the most adaptable sailboats. This is certainly why it has received numerous accolades in the boating scene including the 1998 Cruising World Magazine Boat of the Year, as well as Sailing World Boat of the Year award.

Given that it's a single-handed sailboat, you can tiller steer it and cat rig it with ease to give you easy maneuverability, confidence, and absolute versatility.

With powerful dynamics and maximum safety, the Dehler 29 is one of the best German-produced sailboats that will set you back around $55,000.

I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

by this author

Best Sailboats

Most Recent

What Does "Sailing By The Lee" Mean?

October 3, 2023

The Best Sailing Schools And Programs: Reviews & Ratings

September 26, 2023

Important Legal Info

Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.

Affordable Sailboats You Can Build at Home

September 13, 2023

Best Small Sailboats With Standing Headroom

December 28, 2023

Best Bluewater Sailboats Under $50K

Best Liveaboard Catamaran Sailboats

Can a Novice Sail Around the World?

Elizabeth O'Malley

June 15, 2022

Best Electric Outboard Motors | Life of Sailing

4 Best Electric Outboard Motors

How Long Did It Take The Vikings To Sail To England?

10 Best Sailboat Brands | Life of Sailing

10 Best Sailboat Brands (And Why)

December 20, 2023

7 Best Places To Liveaboard A Sailboat

Get the best sailing content.

7 Best Trailerable Sailboats for Cruising

Many sailors balk at the idea of leaving their boat in the water at a marina. Slip fees are expensive, and maintenance bills get bigger the longer you leave a boat in the water. However, if you want a boat under 30 feet long, there are trailerable sailboats that will fit the bill.

Like any boat purchase, you’ll need to analyze precisely what kind of trailer sailer you want. Will a simple weekend sailboat suffice, or do you really need the best trailerable cruising sailboat you can find?

Here’s a look at some of the pros and cons of the best trailerable sailboat. Plus, we’ll look at how to compare them for your purposes.

Best trailerable sailboats, easy to launch trailerable sailboats, quick setup time, towing weight, catalina 22/25 “pop-top”, com-pac horizon cat for classic coastal cruising, marshall sanderling — small, portable, classy, west wight potter 19 — the tiny go-anywhere sailboat, seaward 26rk with retractable lead keel, corsair f-24 trimaran – sporty sailing, macgregor 26m — maximum speed meets maximum living space, long-range cruising boats, 7 best trailerable boats – a recap, what’s the best trailerable sailboat for a cruise, trailerable sailboats faqs.

Catalina 22/25
Com-Pac Horizon Cat
Marshall Sanderling
West Wight Potter 19
Seaward 26RK
Corsair F-24 Trimaran
MacGregor 26M

We’ll get into more detail about each brand in my post today, so hang tight!

What Is a Trailerable Sailboat, Exactly?

For this article, the priorities for a trailerable sailboat are:

Easy to launch
Require minimum setup to launch and store
Lightweight enough to be towed by the average vehicle

Before you can really classify a sailboat as trailerable, you need to evaluate and narrow your search criteria. Truthfully, 50-plus-foot ocean-going sailboats are regularly put on trailers. But that’s done commercially, on a big rig, with special permits for oversized loads, and even led cars.

That probably isn’t what most people mean when they think of a trailerable sailboat. But what is the priority here, the trailerable part or the sailboat part? Compromises are going to have to be made somewhere.

If you’re looking at the 20-foot-and-under sailboat crowd, finding a trailerable example should not be hard. Most sailboats this size are designed for trailers anyway since they aren’t the sort of boats people want to pay to leave in a slip year-round.

Things get more interesting when you look at the 20 to 30-foot boats. In this class, there are stout ocean-going cruisers with deep keels and lightweight centerboard trailer sailboats designed from the get-go to be trailered by the average car or SUV. The differences between these boats are night and day.

Sailboats often have a hard time at boat ramps. First, deep keels mean that the trailer must extend farther into the water than the average boat ramp allows. This means the ramp needs to go back far enough, and the trailer tongue needs to be long enough not to swamp the car.

If you have a boat like this, you’ll need to find the right boat ramps. Unfortunately, not all ramps are created equally. If your boat draws more than two or three feet on the trailer, you’re going to be limited to steep, paved, and high-quality boat ramps. Unfortunately, those aren’t standard features, so your cruising grounds are going to be limited.

Usually, ramps aren’t built steeply because they are often slippery. Your tow vehicle will need excellent traction and torque to pull your fully loaded boat out of a steep ramp. The steeper the ramp, the more trouble you’ll have.

The alternative to finding steep ramps is to use a trailer tongue extender. This lets you get the trailer into deeper water without swamping the tow vehicle. But it also means that the ramp needs to extend deep enough. Many ramps end abruptly. Allowing your trailer to sink off the edge is an excellent way to get stuck or pop a tire.

Pick a boat as easy to launch and retrieve as a similarly sized powerboat to remove all of these boat ramp problems. The soft chines of most sailboats will always require a little more water, but a swing keel and the hinged rudder raised mean that the boat can sit low on the trailer bunks. That way, you only need one or two feet of water to launch, an easy feat at nearly every boat ramp you can find.

The next consideration for a sailboat to be portable enough to call it “trailerable” is the amount of time it takes to step the mast and get it ready to cruise.

To accomplish this, you need a mast that can be stepped by a two-person team–maximum. Ideally, it will have some tabernacle hardware to enable one person to do the task for solo sailing.

There is an entire family of pocket cruisers that could ideally fit on trailers. But you won’t find the Fickas or the Falmouth cutters on my list, simply because they aren’t easy to launch or easy to rig. But, of course, they’re also too heavy for most vehicles to tow, which leads us to the final point of excluding them this trailable pocket cruiser’s list.

One of the most significant financial burdens the trailer sailer faces is their tow vehicle. You are all set if you already drive a two-ton dually diesel pickup truck. But if your daily driver is an SUV or light pickup, you need to think long and hard about the math of the towing equation.

Whatever boat you buy cannot exceed the towing rating limits of your tow vehicle. If you don’t have a tow vehicle, you’ll need to buy one. This will double or triple the cost of getting a trailer sailer in most cases. For the same money, you may want to look at a boat that stays in the water at a traditional boat slip. For the cost of a trailer sailer and a tow vehicle, you can probably step into a nice boat that is larger and more comfortable than any towable.

If you have a tow vehicle, you need a light enough vessel for it to tow. Most modern SUVs tow less than 2,500 pounds. Anything more than 5,000 will require a full-size pickup. Remember that the tow weight isn’t just the boat’s displacement—it’s the empty hull weight, plus the weight of the trailer and any extra gear you need to pack into the boat.

Finding a vessel that fits these limitations on weight isn’t easy. If the manufacturer’s goal is to make it towable, immediate limits are placed on the materials they can use. This means less seaworthiness since boats are built light and thin. As far as stability goes, lead keels are generally out, and water ballast systems or centerboards might be used instead. It doesn’t mean these boats aren’t safe and fun, but they aren’t designed for rough conditions, crossing oceans, or living on in the water full-time .

Trailerable sailboats are usually limited to the best paved ramps

7 Best Trailerable Cruising Sailboats

There are more trailerable sailboats out there than you might imagine. Here’s a look at seven popular options of all shapes and sizes to give you a taste of what you might want to take to sea.

The boats here are selected for their storage and living space. With these boats and a little outfitting, you can spend weeks gunk-holing in the Chesapeake Bay or island hopping the Bahamas. If you broaden your scope to include daysailers with no cabin space, there are countless more options.

One of the worst parts of a small trailerable sailboat or pocket cruiser is the lack of stand-up headroom. One clever solution that you’ll find on some weekend sailboat types is the pop-top.

The pop-top is simply an area around the companionway hatch that extends upward on struts. So when you’re at the dock or anchor, you get standing headroom down below—at least right inside the pop-top.

You can build a canvas enclosure for your pop-top to use it in all weather. A pop-top makes your boat feel much larger than it is and allows you to move freely to cook or get changed down below or even do a nice boat bed area.

Later models of the Catalina Sport 22 and Capri 22s lacked this cool pop-top feature, so if you want it, you’ll need to seek out an older model on the used market.

Com-Pac has been building small sailboats since the early 1970s. They currently sell two lines, each with various-sized boats. All are well built, and a majority of their boats are trailerable.

Most interesting at the Com-Pac traditional catboats . The rigging is more straightforward than modern sloops, with only one large mainsail. Com-Pac boats come with a unique quick-rig system to make getting on the water fast and simple.

The Horizon Cat Coastal Cruising has a displacement of 2,500 pounds with a 2’2″ draft when the board is up. She has a separate head forward and space to lounge either topside or down below. The smaller Sun Cat has slightly few amenities but shaves off a few feet and pounds, making it easier to tow and it is one of these amazing small sailboats. Com-Pacs features stub keels, so their centerboard and hinged rudder do not take up space in the cabin.

On the sloop rig side, the Com-Pac 23 comes in a 3,000-pound traditional sailboat or a very interesting pilothouse. Both are incredibly livable for their size , with shallow two-foot-long fixed keels and high-quality construction.

Another option if you like catboats is the Marshall Sanderling. This salty 18-footer oozes traditional charm , all while being easy to sail and easier to tow. And while she has wooden boat lines, she has a modern laminated fiberglass hull.

The Sanderling has a 2,200-pound displacement, so tow weights will be around 3,000 pounds. At only 18-feet, she’s on the small side for cruising. The cuddy cabin has no galley, and the portable toilet is not enclosed. But that small size means a simple boat that’s easy to maintain and take anywhere.

An electric motor package is an exciting option on this weekend sailboat!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by @marshallmarinecat

You can’t mention tiny trailer sailers without touching on the famous West Wight Potter . These 15 and 19-foot pocket cruisers have earned a worldwide reputation as the ultimate go-anywhere coastal cruiser.

The West Wight Potter 19 offers the most living space for staying aboard and cruising. So even though its dimensions are diminutive, this little boat packs a lot in. There’s a single burner hotplate and sink and a porta-potty tucked under a cushion. Yes, it’s tight—but the company claims the little boat can sleep five people. Any more than two will feel pretty crowded, however.

The boat comes standard with a mast-raising system that a single person can manage alone. It has a daggerboard for a shallow draft of a half-foot when the board is up. The total towing weight is around 1,500 pounds, which means nearly any car can tow a West Wight Potter.

This little-known trailer sailer is produced at the same Florida factory that makes Island Packet Yachts. That should give you a little bit of an idea of what sort of boat it is—trailerable, yes, but also high-quality, beautiful, and built for cruising. In other words, it’s one of the nicest all round pocket cruisers and it feels like a much larger boat.

The Seaward is easily the saltiest boat on this list . It’s beefy and seaworthy. Instead of a lightweight centerboard, Seaward fits the RK with a bulb-shaped retracting keel. Other big-boat items include a Yanmar diesel inboard motor and an enclosed head. The spacious cabin of the boat features a double berth and is ready for salt water cruising.

According to sailboatdata.com , the tow weight of the 26RK is 6,000 pounds. With the keel up, the draft is 1.25 feet.

Multihull sailors need not feel left out from the trailer sailer club and the pocket cruiser. Beyond the ubiquitous beach Hobie Cat, there are not many options for catamarans. But trimarans are uniquely suited to be towed.

Why? For one thing, performance oriented boats like trimarans are based on it being built light. There is no ballast—a trimaran’s stability comes from its two outer hulls. Additionally, the living space is entirely housed in the central hull–the outer floats are small and sometimes foldable. Finally, there are no keels on tris, so they are extremely shallow draft and perfect for trailering.

If you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping sporty and fun sailing, it’s impossible to beat what a trimaran will offer. Let’s not beat around the bush—most of the trailer sailers on this list have hull speeds around five knots. The Corsair has no such limits, routinely sailing at 15 knots or more .

The new Corsair 880 trimaran has an unloaded weight of 3,659 pounds. It is trailerable behind a big SUV or small pickup and is probably the most fun sailing option that is trailerable at all.

An even more portable option is the older Corsair F-24. It has a light displacement of under 2,000 pounds—so nearly any SUV can tow it.

MacGregor owns the market on trailerable motor sailers since they more or less created the product to fit the bill. The MacGregor 26 is not like other boats. The design combines a planing powerboat with a centerboard sailboat. Imagine scooting along at 20 knots or more when the wind is down or enjoying a sporty sail on a breezy day–in the same boat.

The entire boat is built from the ground up for towing and long-range sailing. So if you want a big sailboat that you can tow behind pretty much any SUV, the MacGregor has to be on your list.

Depending on the model, the 26-foot-long boats have incredibly light dry weights of between 1,650 and 2,350 pounds. Considering the massive volume of the roomy cabin, the ability to tow such a large vessel opens up an entire world of opportunities for owners.

It’s not all good news, of course. MacGregor owners love their boats, but they are built light and are not ideally suited for offshore cruising or rough weather. But in bays and for coastal sailing on nice days, few boats can get as much use as a MacGregor.

The motorboat capability of the 26M and 26X might not appeal to hardcore sailors, but for those looking to maximize their use of the boat depending on the weather, their mood, or location, it makes a lot of sense.

MacGregor shut down in 2015, but the daughter and son-in-law of the original owners took over production and renamed the boat the Tattoo 26 . The company will soon release a smaller version, the Tattoo 22 .

If the 26 is a bit big to make your list of best trailerable small sailboats, consider the smaller Powersailer 19. It’s nearly identical to the 26, just smaller and lighter.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dale Roddick (@droddick33)

What Do You Want Your Trailer Sailer To Do?

After you’ve settled on how you will tow and launch your trailer sailer, now it’s time to dream about what you want it to do. Where will it take you?

The beauty of a towable boat is that you can travel anywhere. A boat in the water might take weeks or months to move a few hundred miles. But if you can attach it to your car and do 65 mph on the interstate, you could sail on the Pacific on Monday, the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday, and the Atlantic on Friday.

We can divide our trailerable sailboats into three groups – daysailers, weekenders, and cruisers.

These are designed with open cockpits and no space to sleep. This is a majority of the sub-22-foot boats on the market. They are designed to be launched, play for the day, and return to the ramp or dock.

A weekender will have rudimentary sleeping facilities. Think of it as a floating tent—it’s not a five-star hotel, but you can sleep under the stars or get out of the rain. Conceivably you could stay aboard indefinitely, but it doesn’t have much room for gear. So most people are ready to get off after a day or two.

A cruising boat has sleeping, cooking, and toilet facilities built-in. These might be small and simple, but in any quantity, they mean you can disconnect from shore for a long time. Unfortunately, squeezing all of this into a tow-friendly package isn’t easy, and very few boats do it well.

The best trailer sailor for your adventures will depend on many factors. Like any boat, whatever you decide on will be a compromise – boats always are. But there are plenty of choices out there, no matter what size your tow vehicle is and no matter what sailing adventures you have in mind.

What size sailboat is trailerable?

Even large yachts are routinely transported by towing across land, so the question is more of how big a sailboat can you tow? Your tow vehicle will be the limiting factor. The upper limit for most large SUVs and trucks is usually a sailboat around 26 feet long.

Sailboats are generally very heavily built, with ballast and lead keels. Sailboats specifically made to be trailer sailers are lighter. They may use drainable water ballast tanks instead of fixed ballast and have fewer fixtures and amenities.

To find the best trailer sailer, you need to balance the total tow weight, the ease of rig setup at the boat ramp, and the boat’s draft. Shallow draft boats with centerboards are the easiest to launch and retrieve.

Is a Hunter 27 trailerable?

No. The Hunter 27 is a one of those fixed-keel larger boats built from 1974 to 1984. The boat’s displacement is 7,000 pounds, not including trailer and gear. That alone makes it too heavy to tow by all but the beefiest diesel trucks.

Furthermore, the fixed keels had drafts between 3.25 and 5 feet, all of which are too much for most boat ramps. In short, the standard Hunter Marine 27 is too big to tow for most people.

On the other hand, Hunter has made several good trailer sailers over the years. For example, the Hunter 240 and 260 were explicitly designed for trailering. They have drainable water ballast and shallow keel/centerboard drafts less than two feet.

Is a Catalina 22 trailerable?

Yes, the Catalina 22 is easily trailerable and makes a wonderful weekend sailboat. In fact, there were over 15,000 Catalina 22s made and sold over the years.

The boat’s displacement is 2,250 pounds, which means your total tow weight with trailer and gear will be under 3,000 pounds. This is within the capabilities of most mid to full-size SUVs and light trucks. Be sure to check your vehicle’s towing capacity, of course.

The centerboard on the Catalina 22 is another factor in its easy towing. With the board up, the boat draws only two feet. This makes it easy to float off the trailer at nearly any boat ramp. You should avoid fixed keel versions of the 22 for towing unless you have access to extra deep ramps.

Matt has been boating around Florida for over 25 years in everything from small powerboats to large cruising catamarans. He currently lives aboard a 38-foot Cabo Rico sailboat with his wife Lucy and adventure dog Chelsea. Together, they cruise between winters in The Bahamas and summers in the Chesapeake Bay.

Can someone tell me why no other manufacturer makes pop tops? Those who have them, love them. Makes sense for head space with a trailerable boat too. Catalina stopped making them decades ago, yet people still swear by them. So, why isn’t there any newer models?

MacGregor put pop tops on many of its trailerables

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Top 10 Sailboats for Crossing the Atlantic Ocean

Sailing through the Atlantic Ocean is a testament to a sailor’s knowledge and abilities. By reading this guide, you will know the Top 10 Sailboats for Crossing the Atlantic Ocean.

Also, you can know,

Introduction to the topic

Top 10 best sailboats for crossing the atlantic ocean, what do you need to have before sailing the atlantic ocean, is it safe to sail across the atlantic ocean, watch sailing across the atlantic ocean | watch, top 5 faqs & answers on sailboats for crossing the atlantic ocean.

Let’s start,

Top 10 Sailboats for Crossing the Atlantic Ocean

Sailing in the trade winds around the Atlantic – or returning to Europe one of the most challenging and thrilling sailing feats and adventures. A sailboat, also known as a sailing boat, is a smaller version of a sailing ship that is powered partly or entirely by sails.

The wind in its sails propels it, but an engine can also propel it. The definitions of sailing boats and ships differ depending on the area and maritime culture. In terms of numbers, the most famous yachts for crossing the Atlantic are regular production cruisers with standard equipment, typically with protection and power generation upgrades.

Sailing through the Atlantic Ocean will take 30 to 40 days, bringing with it a few dangers. Big waves and bad storms will disrupt your trip even if you sail outside of hurricane season. There are even freighters, boaters, and even whales to be aware of.

1. Catalina 30

Catalina 30 Top 10 Sailboats for Crossing the Atlantic Ocean

The Catalina 30 is one of the most popular production cruising sailboats of all time. Although they first entered the market in 1972, thousands of these reliable and robust fiberglass boats still sail. With all the accommodations on a large boat, this 30-ft boat is decorated with a modern and spacious interior.

Many models have a large, useful kitchenette and running water supplied with electric pumps. The Catalina 30 had a’suite’ layout, with a master bedroom V-Berth that was separated from the rest of the cabin by a door. It really is a nice boat to live on, with an enclosed shower and head. The Catalina 30’s layout included a dinette that doubled as a map table and workspace.

Specifications

The Catalina 30 is a beautiful boat that offers excellent value. It’s well-constructed. The boat has a typical modern look. The cockpit is spacious and comfortable. The Catalina 30 has a spacious and well-designed interior.

2. Prout Snow goose 37

Prout Snow goose 37 Top 10 Sailboats for Crossing the Atlantic Ocean

Look no further than the Prout Snow Goose 37 if you’re looking for a reliable sailboat. The double hulls of this big catamaran provide improved width and stability. It’s simple to drive, has good handling, and is very roomy.

There are larger catamarans available, but none are as capable as this one. It’s designed to be sailed over long distances in challenging conditions. Its fiberglass hull keeps it light and nimble while also keeping it solid. It’s a slightly older model, but it’ll complete the task. Since it is British-made, locating one in the United States could be difficult. If you come across one, you could take the opportunity to purchase it.

The Prout Snow Goose is a tried-and-true ocean sailor – a powerful, seaworthy, and cost-effective catamaran. She sails well for its length and does well in light winds. With her canoe sterns, it could withstand even the worst conditions. It’s easy to haul or beach, thanks to her flat keels and narrow beam, which saves you money on maintenance.

3. Islander 36

Islander 36 Top 10 Sailboats for Crossing the Atlantic Ocean

The Islander 36 is a versatile live aboard a sailboat with excellent cruising capabilities. The I-36 was the company’s greatest model, with approximately a thousand built until production ended in the 1980s.

Most Islander boats featured elegant wooden interior trim and had well-decorated cabins. The Islander 36, like the Catalina 30, has an enclosed head with a shower and flush toilet. The I-36’s interior layout is open and well-designed, with a long port and starboard settee that converts to a double berth for sleeping. It’s a well-rounded choice for cruising and living aboard, with an enclosed shower and a large master’s berth.

$44,000

Overall, the Islander 36 is a well-behaved, fast-sailing boat that performs best in light winds. A couple could easily do it for shorthanded cruising with proper, modern sail-handling equipment. It could also be a competitive PHRF club racer with decent sails and a smooth bottom.

4. Corbin 39

Corbin 39 Top 10 Sailboats for Crossing the Atlantic Ocean

The Corbin 39 is a stunning blue-water sailing vessel. It’s yet another vessel with a long and successful past. Just a few of these boats were completed in the factory; the vast majority were sold as kits to be assembled by the boat’s owner. Because of this development method, this model’s interior could differ greatly.

The interiors are all works of art and craftsmanship produced by the owners. This means that before buying a boat, you should take a thorough look inside. Since they were sold as a package, the exterior, particularly the hull, is likely to be consistent from boat to boat. If you don’t mind maybe having to remodel the interior, this could be the boat for you. The Corbin 39 is a big boat with a large deck that is ideal for carrying a large group of people. The boat is great, so you’ll have to spend a little more on maintenance.

The Corbin 39 is a comfortable and seaworthy sailboat. In light winds, these boats perform admirably. The deck is spacious and ideal for carrying a large number of passengers.

5. Contessa 32

Contessa 32 Top 10 Sailboats for Crossing the Atlantic Ocean

Contessa Yachts manufactured their venerable 32-foot cruising and racing sailboat from 1970 to 1990, but custom boat builders are still building the yacht today. Its cruising capabilities are well-known, but it still has much to offer as a life aboard.

A fold-up table enhances the thoughtful aspect of the traditional cabin in the center of the cabin floor. The Contessa 32’s space-conscious nature makes it ideal for the no-frills and well-organized sailor. This vessel has a separate master bedroom and a head and shower in the corridor between compartments.

$30,000 to $50,000

The Contessa 32 is a stunning vessel. On the wind, she’s a pleasure to sail, fast on a reach, and well-equipped for spinnaker work downwind. She was built to sail, and she does it so gracefully, cutting through the waves in a way that makes you like to keep her sailing. Within, she’s a cozy and welcoming boat, with some of the old charms that come with sitting in a Tupperware box.

6. Cabo Rico 38

Cabo Rico 38 Top 10 Sailboats for Crossing the Atlantic Ocean

“Everything came together best in the Cabo Rico 38 hull shape,” Bill Crealock wrote in his design notes. Few would argue that this 38-foot cutter, built-in Costa Rica, is flat-out stunning. He may have changed his mind later in life, given that the Cabo Rico was launched in 1977, and he designed several boats after that, but some would deny that this 38-foot cutter, built-in Costa Rica, is flat-out beautiful. The Cabo Rico 38, with its clipper bow, sweet sheer, and abundance of honey-colored teak, is a boat that will encourage even the most realistic among us to leave their work, buy this yacht, and head to the South Pacific.

Cabo Rico has been one of the outliers of time since serious cruise ships were built in Central America, but not in Taiwan. The whole keel is partially sliced, and the steering wheel has been fixed to the edge. The prop is in an opening and completely safeguarded but unsuitable for slips. An aperture secures the prop but isn’t well suited to backing into a slide. Although the CR 38 has an extremely soft drive in raw seas and heaves to effectively make several younger sailors new. It is also equipped with a sturdy fiberglass hull with an insulation layer. Often the hull is balsamic, but it isn’t.

Lead was used instead of iron for internal ballast after hull number 40. On the other hand, the deck is balsa-cored and has a substantial bulwark. Teak decks (which are used on the majority of 38s) and bobstay fittings should be avoided.

The 38 is a true cutter rig with just under 1,000 square feet of working sail area and outperforms most people’s expectations. Originally, the staysail was attached to a boom, which cluttered the foredeck and reduced sail shape. Many boats have been upgraded to have furling staysails without the boom, which is a good improvement. With a reefed main and staysail, the 38 tracks beautifully when the wind picks up.

$38,000.00 to $139,000.00

Cabo Rico 38s are low-cost, long-lasting offshore boats with a decent chance of speed. They’re easy to find in the anchorage; they’re lovely vessels.

7. Nordic 40

Nordic 40 Top 10 Sailboats for Crossing the Atlantic Ocean

This 40-foot cruiser is a true jack-of-all-trades vessel. This is the one for you if you’re searching for a solid middle-of-the-pack choice. It does everything well but excels almost exclusively in one area: scale. The Nordic 40 is a substantial size for the price, so you’re getting your money’s worth here. This boat is durable, strong, light, and agile.

It can move rapidly and agilely through the water in a light breeze, but it can also withstand more challenging conditions. This can be the boat for you if you’re searching for a cruiser that can be used for more than just sailing. Its larger size allows for more storage and living space. It has a wonderful bathroom, a large refrigerator, plenty of counter space, and comfortable sleeping quarters.

$120,000 to $150,000.

This boat is both spacious and fast. Impulse is spacious and fast, with a deep-draft fin keel that provides superior windward efficiency, plenty of water and fuel capacity, and plenty of storage space in the interior.

8. Oyster 56

Oyster 56 Top 10 Sailboats for Crossing the Atlantic Ocean

The Oyster 56 is a famous boat that many people might consider to be a dreamboat. The Oyster 56’s greatest benefit is its flexibility and ease of use, but the quality of the instruments and interior is simply breathtaking.

There’s not much else to tell because everything is made to such a high standard. The deck is designed to be small enough for two people to be part of the crew but spacious enough to cover large distances easily and comfortably. The systems could be manned by four to 6 individuals, with two to four being the optimal number.

It’s exactly the same condition below the decks. The luxurious interior is built to make you feel at ease. Finally, the Oyster 56 excels in almost every competition in which it competes. You are unquestionably purchasing a high-quality vessel!

£625,000 Vat Paid

The Oyster 56 is best described as a high-quality blue-water cruiser that was ahead of its time and blends excellent sailing performance with comfortable accommodations. Since there is so much room, it feels more like a home than a boat. Anything you might possibly need is readily available. Long-distance sailing is a dream come true with the 56.

9. Bavaria 42

The Bavaria 42 is the most widely used mass-produced ocean-crossing vessel. The sailboat is intended to be a straightforward, cost-effective, and adaptable cruiser. For the price, it is really excellent. A long waterline and a good sail area on the deck provide plenty of performance. However, when the cruising necessities are stored onboard, it is very hard. It’s important to remember this.

The cockpit is also located as centrally as possible to free up as much room as possible. The interior is simple and functional. Based on the style, there are two or three sleeping cabins. The sleeping cabins are usually regarded as adequate at best. It’s the standard to use a cruiser for circumnavigation. This is the sailboat to which you can compare everything!

$50,000.00 to $402,517.00

In a pleasant and family-friendly way, this is a really nice-looking cruise. It is a large double and could also be conveniently split into two large single berths. It has a high freeboard and a solid appearance, with a big beam and a lovely finish.

10. Tayana Vancouver 42

Ta Yang, the designer of Tayana sailboats, seems to have been designing capable cruising boats for a long time. Since its debut in 1979, the Robert Harris-designed Tayana Vancouver 42 has been a mainstay of the serious cruising fleet, and it is still in demand today. The company produced 200 boats, most of which were constructed in the 1980s and early 1990s, though a few V42s were produced into the 2000s. You could find boats for less than $100,000 with a little searching and haggling, but they’ll almost certainly be older models. As of this writing, yachtworld.com has eight V42s for sale, three of which are priced under $100,000.

The hull form, which is double-ended and has a fin-skeg underbody, is stiff and seaworthy, if not particularly fast. Nobody has ever accused Ta Yang of going light on its warships, given the robust construction, which includes a sturdy fiberglass hull and a balsa-cored deck. Internal iron ballast is a large single casting weighing 11,800 pounds. Later versions featured enhancements such as vinyl ester resin and larger Yanmar diesel, demonstrating Ta Yang’s progression as a builder.

The V42 is a real cutter with a double-spreader rig and heavy stays. To shed water, the seagoing deck is cambered. Teak decks were common, with all of their benefits and drawbacks. The V42, like the Corbin 39, was available with a center or aft cockpit, but most boats were aft-cockpit versions. Because of the volume sacrificed by the canoe stern, the aft cockpit is deep and secure, if a little cramped. While interior arrangements differ due to Ta Yang’s encouragement of owner input, this is a welcoming boat for living on. The aft-cockpit model includes one head and a conventional layout with excellent light and ventilation. A big owner’s stateroom is located aft on the center-cockpit model.

$80,516.00 to $119,000.00

She’s a sturdy vessel that could withstand bad weather, withstand 30-knot winds, and make good progress. Although the center cockpit is small, it provides excellent visibility. The interior is beautiful, with fine Taiwanese joinery.

Here are some important sailing things every mariner should have.

The crucial aspect is to ensure that you have enough fuel. You can carry at least 33 percent more fuel than you will need for the trip.

It is also easy to use more fuel than you realize, particularly if the winds are light and you need to keep your engine running to keep the batteries charged. You’ll want to know that you’ll have enough fuel to run the engine whenever you need it, so you can be sure you’ll be able to use your craft and equipment to their full potential during the trip.

2. Sailing clothing

It is necessary to pick the right sailing clothes for the conditions and the activities you will do while spending time on the water. The demands on your clothes will be determined by the weather conditions and the length of time you sail. If you’re going to be on a small boat, including a dinghy, on a cold day, wearing a wetsuit to keep your heart warm is a brilliant idea.

Waterproof clothing and also a jacket that blocks the wind would be needed in most other conditions. The combination of lightweight, waterproof and respirable characteristics favors the spray top of many sailors. It’s a great idea to have quick-drying clothing under your waterproof clothing because sitting in cold, damp fabric could be uncomfortable.

3. Navigation equipment for sailing

It’s smart to bring manual navigation equipment in addition to state-of-the-art navigation with a GPS and a map plotter in case they malfunction. If all else fails, you could rely on printed maps and a manual compass to guide you. A flashlight is often useful for several purposes, and you never know when you’ll need one. In addition, most sailing boats have a log in which you can record your itinerary and any maintenance performed.

4. Supplies

You do need supplies that could really add up with long trips. However, for one-day trips, you won’t need to think about anything other than the water because there will most likely be restaurants and stores nearby. You never know: a simple trip across the lake might end up with you staying the night. Since mechanical failures are common, you should bring some food and extra water with you.

Enough water for your survival is a key element. Dehydration could be incredibly detrimental to you and could even result in fatigue and other symptoms causing sailing blunders. If you go out in the exposed sun, you have a higher dehydration risk than you would otherwise drink, so you would need more water daily.

5. Seasick Medications

For any offshore travel, bring some seasickness prevention. In rough weather, more than 66% of all sailors experience some degree of seasickness (mild to severe). Even if you aren’t feeling well, you should be able to stand watch, assist with sail changes or reefing, and work with the sailing crew.

Use the mildest seasick remedy that has the greatest impact. Begin with normal, non-medication methods of seasickness prevention (ginger, EFT, wrist-pressure bands, etc.). Next, think of over-the-counter medications. Use prescription drugs if possible.

Before taking some seasickness medication, even natural ones, consult your doctor. You want to be safe because everyone’s body chemistry is different. Start taking your medicine at least 24 hours before you leave the pier so it can get into your bloodstream. To avoid being seasick, stay hydrated at all times.

It is not easy to sail across the ocean. Novice sailors must take precautions because mistakes on this voyage can be fatal. It is possible that the journey would not only be difficult but also nerve-wracking. Confidence in your abilities should help you relax, but you should consider how easily you are with your journey, tools, and sailing skills.

Avoiding travel during hurricane season is one of the most important precautions to take. This usually occurs between June and November. It’s best to travel before or after hurricane season.

Even if it’s not hurricane season, you must ensure you’re ready in case of a storm. Waves in the open ocean could be even bigger than those closer to shore. Many boats can withstand any weather threat if they have an experienced sailor on board.

Conclusion – S ailboats for Crossing the Atlantic Ocean

There are several fantastic sailboats for crossing the Atlantic on the market; the ones listed above are just an excellent to start. You will not be disappointed if you take the time to find the best boat for you. Purchasing a sailing sailboat is a significant financial investment; thus, you must go forward with your decision before proceeding.

Bottom up – S ailboats for Crossing the Atlantic Ocean

So, I hope you got the full idea on Top 10 Sailboats for Crossing the Atlantic Ocean .

Please comment below about your ideas and share this “ Top 10 Sailboats for Crossing the Atlantic Ocean ” article with your friends.

Stay tuned to our website to find out more exciting stuff. Don’t forget to check out our previous articles too.

Until then, Read about, How to Sell My Yacht Fast & Easily for Higher Price?

Have a good day!

How To Replace Boat Seat Pedestal Bushing?

How To Tie A Boat To A Dock Without Cleats

Top 10 best ocean cruise liners in the world | guide.

What Is The Bilge On A Boat?

Top 10 most expensive yachts in the world right now | yacht fun.

How To Buff A Boat: Beginner’s Guide

BOAT OF THE YEAR
Newsletters
Sailboat Reviews
Boating Safety
Sailing Totem
Charter Resources
Destinations
Galley Recipes
Living Aboard
Sails and Rigging
Maintenance
Best Marine Electronics & Technology

10 New Cruising Sailboats Under 35 Feet

By Cruising World Staff
Updated: November 3, 2020

It wasn’t so long ago that 30- to 35-foot cruising sailboats were likely to be the largest yachts found in many a harbor. And while 40-something and even 50-something footers are all the rage at boat shows today, there’s a lot to be said for setting sail on a boat big enough to carry family and friends, but still small enough to be easily maintained and handled alone from time to time. Small cruising sailboats are simple to dock or tie up to a mooring, and finding long-term marina space is easier as well.

Choosing a cruising sailboat, no matter the size, is a big decision. And it helps to have a trusted list of boats to get started. Here, then, is a look at 10 of the best daysailers , weekenders and coastal cruising sailboats under 35 feet that are all in production and can be purchased new.

Alerion Sport 30

A quarter-century ago, Garry Hoyt launched what would come to be known as the daysailer genre with the introduction of the Alerion Express 28, a boat designed by the late Carl Schumacher that featured a minimal interior and a large cockpit where an owner and guests could enjoy the simple joy of sailing. Traditional and lovely looking—but with a quite modern underbody and a powerful sail plan—Hoyt, ever the marketer, proclaimed the boat to be “the prettiest girl at the dance.”

Since then, a number of siblings ranging from 20 to 41 feet have been added to the Alerion family, including the Alerion Sport 30, which retains the graceful sheer line, oval ports and stylish overhangs of the original Schumacher design. Yet with input from naval architect Langan Design Partners, it also embraces a solid measure of performance-oriented DNA.

Bavaria Cruiser 34

In every Boat of the Year contest, it seems, a boat rises up after sea trials to make a lasting impression on the judges. For 2018, that boat was the Bavaria Cruiser 34.

Says Boat of the Year Judge Tim Murphy, “The Bavaria was a lovely boat to sail. It has a single rudder, and she answered her helm just beautifully in the conditions we had today. We started off with around 10 knots of breeze that built to 13 to 15 knots. As a sailboat, it was just a pleasurable sailing experience, among the best we had during our judging. It was among the boats that felt like a really happy sailing experience.

Read more about the Bavaria Cruiser 34 »

Beneteau Oceanis 30.1

Sailed as part of the 2020 Boat of the Year sea trials, the 31-foot-3-inch Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 was the compact yacht best-equipped and spec’d out as a dedicated cruising boat, and not coincidentally, it was also awarded the title of Best Performance Cruiser for 2020. But don’t let her cozy interior accommodations fool you; this is also one peppy little vessel.

Read more about the Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 »

The 2017 Boat of the Year (BOTY) contest featured a stellar crop of crossover cruiser/racers; however, when all the testing was said and done, our independent panel of judges was sold on the Dehler 34, naming it the year’s Best Performance Cruiser. Designed by the highly regarded Judel/Vrolijk naval-architecture consortium, whose reputation was fostered by longtime success in international yacht-racing circles, the 34-footer combined contemporary good looks and a sweet turn of speed with better-than-average comfort and accommodations below. It didn’t hurt that the boat, nicely equipped at $215,000, was the least-expensive entry in the entire 2017 fleet. All in all, it proved to be a winning formula.

Dufour Grand Large 360

Dufour Yachts introduced its new 360 Grand Large model to CW’s Boat of the Year team in 2018 as a coastal cruiser intended for a couple or perhaps a small family. With that in mind, judge Alvah Simon found numerous clever elements to praise within the boat’s 35-foot-2-inch hull—a relatively modest LOA compared to the many 40-, 50- and 60-footers on display at the U.S. Sailboat show in Annapolis, Maryland.

Read more about the Dufour Grand Large 360 »

After a roughly 10-year hiatus from the U.S. marketplace, the Slovenian builder Elan is back in a big way. For the 2017 Boat of the Year contest, the company launched a pair of new boats in the States, including the Elan E4, a 34-foot-9-inch performance cruiser with an emphasis on performing, designed by renowned British naval architect Rob Humphreys. The brand has been in business for seven decades and lately is perhaps even better known in America for its skis. Not surprisingly, given its complementary product lines—lots of sailors are fine skiers—its boats are as sleek and sporty as its boards.

Grand Soleil 34

Way back in the 1970s, when the well-known Italian boatyard Grand Soleil was just getting started, its first model was a Finot-designed 34-footer. With over 300 units sold, it was an instant success, and launched the company on an upward trajectory that spanned the intervening decades, mostly with an ongoing series of much larger, more complex racer/cruisers. For 2020, the builder decided to return to its roots with a completely revamped Grand Soleil 34, and it’s a terrific boat.

Italia 9.98

Of the performance cruisers that made their North American debut in 2020, in terms of sheer appearance, the futuristic 34-foot Italia 9.98 was easily the most distinctive. There are actually two versions of the boat: the 34 Club—which is the cruising alternative, the primary features of which are its twin wheels—and the 34 Fuoriserie—the racing model, and the one we tested, with its tiller steering being the identifying characteristic.

Sailboat Review: Tartan 455

Meet the Bali 5.8

Celebrating a Classic

New to the Fleet: Italia Yachts 12.98

Bitter End Expands Watersports Program

Miracle in a Bowl

Cole Brauer Completes the Global Solo Challenge

Digital Edition
Customer Service
Privacy Policy
Email Newsletters
Cruising World
Sailing World
Salt Water Sportsman
Sport Fishing
Wakeboarding

Published on March 19th, 2024 | by Assoc Editor

Ocean Globe Race: Slow and challenging

Published on March 19th, 2024 by Assoc Editor -->

It’s been a slow, challenging two weeks of racing for the 2023-24 Ocean Globe Race sailors up the Brazilian Coast for the entire fleet, but L’Esprit d’équipe’s decision to take the most Easterly route is paying off, for now. And, the crew is clearly delighted to finally be topping the fleet. “After 2 weeks of racing, L’Esprit d’équipe is at the forefront. A second youth for this boat full of history,” tweeted L’Esprit d’équipe.

West and just five nm ahead of L’Esprit d’équipe, is Pen Duick VI FR (14). Marie Tabarly and her Pen Duick VI crew took line honors in Punta del Este, so it’s not a title she’s going to hand over easily. Tabarly explained how she views the race to date, “In fact, a race in 4 legs is a bit like a horse-eventing competition. The first leg, the descent of the Atlantic. Equivalent to the dressage event. Finesse, rigor. No adrenaline or great danger, but a lot of precision and technique.

“The second and third legs, the great South. The Cross Country. Where we gallop like crazy at 550 meters per minute, jumping huge fixed obstacles, where the trust between rider and horse is paramount. Adrenaline pumping, the event is long, intense, and dangerous.

“Finally, the last event, show jumping. Mobile obstacles that can fall, to test the freshness, respect, and concentration of the horse after the other 2 events. For us, it’s the ascent of the Atlantic, with all its pitfalls and after 7 months at sea. Really full of traps: Cabo Frio, the Atlantic cold front, the Doldrums, the Azores anticyclone, the Bay of Biscay. The air is hot, the sails worn, their usage ranges are therefore different. The guys are tired too. To be taken into account in the decisions.”

The crew of Pen Duick VI sailing the much-loved 73ft Bermudan Ketch were keen to get back on the water and recommence their personal battle against Translated 9 ITL (09) who they see as their love/hate on-the-water nemesis. Translated 9, a Swan 65, formerly known as ADC Accutrac when sailed in the 1977 Whitbread, retired from Leg 3 after stopping in the Falkland Islands for essential repairs after discovering hull damage. They currently sit 3rd in IRC for leg 4 and 5th in line honours – something they will certainly want to improve on – another yacht that doesn’t like not being on top.

The French Swan 53, Triana FR (66) skippered by Jean d’Arthuys, ranks a provisional 1st in the combined IRC results but has been struggling since the start of Leg 4 continually falling into windless holes. One of the smallest yachts in the fleet, she is currently 10th in IRC and line honors. For Triana’s crew, who have impressed everyone with the performance in previous legs, their current slow progress is proving difficult to swallow. At the time of writing Triana was wallowing just 5nm ahead of White Shadow ES (17) and just 15nm ahead of Explorer AU (28) the last boat in the fleet – not somewhere they are used to being.

Jean D’Arthuys, skipper of Triana, said, “It’s not easy, we’ve had no wind now for 5 or 6 days. It’s beginning to feel long, so it’s a psychological battle. But we have to be patient and make the boat work with the wind we have. The wind is always changing direction and strength so this is very, very hard.”

Admitted skipper Jean d’Arthuys let it be known he and his crew were not enjoying being stuck and finding it hard to put in such enormous effort for just 50 nm of progress in 24hrs.

But in such fluky weather, things can change quickly, and nothing is certain for the French. Just days ago, the Finns were leading in both line honours and IRC rankings. Galiana WithSecure FI (06), a Swan 55 and oldest yacht in the fleet was leading in IRC with the former Whitbread entrant Spirit of Helsinki FR (71) leading in line honours, but their success was short-lived. We all know the saying about the fat lady.

“Deja vu from the 1st leg. Thought yesterday that we finally got into the trades with a stiff and stable NE breeze. Nope, TWD 330, 10kn, moving:).” reported Galiana WithSecure.

Meanwhile, Spirit of Helsinki has been keeping us fully informed of their fishing antics while struggling to catch the wind and stay on top of the leaderboard.

“Where are the “trade winds”? Argg, had a fight with a white marlin around 80lbs, marlin won. Reel was smoking. Dreaming about leg 5,” said Spirit of Helsink. They also just reported, “We lost the fridge today! Totally.”

Fickle winds have meant very slow progress for the whole fleet since the race start on March 5th, averaging around 118 nm a day!! And with no South Easterly trades the fleet is now split into three groups. And with more holes than a fisherman’s net, it’s been tactical choices that have produced the essential minimal race gains.

Maiden UK (03) who led in the first week has dropped back and now sits third in line honors. But they’ve had bigger issues than their ranking with a potential water crisis. With both their generator and inverter out of action just 3 days into the race, this meant their watermaker was not functioning. Concerning, not only for a yacht heading into the doldrums but the fact they rely primarily on freeze-dried food – requiring water.

One week out the skipper advised OGR they were down to just one week of water with over 5000 miles to go. Options discussed included a 48hr time penalty for opening their emergency manual desalinator or receiving water from SPIRIT OF HELSINKI which would knock them out of the rankings for leg 4. Fortunately, the next day it rained and filled their tanks.

Then after much radio communication and advice received from the rest of the fleet, a week of hard work resulted in the crew getting the generator back up and running. So now they’re asking for the rain to stop! But having got Maiden’s mechanics back up and running it is back to school.

“Celestial navigation is currently all the rage on Maiden! A constant frenzy around the nav desk, many students quickly becoming masters,” tweeted Maiden.

Neptune FR (56) and Evrika Fr (07), have both opted for the most Westerly option in the fleet. While progress is painfully slow, they’re still managing to enjoy every precious moment at sea. “Hairdresser session for some, St Patrick’s aperitif at sunset, it’s nice to be together in this beautiful atmosphere,” tweeted Neptune.

Outlaw AU (08) and Sterna SA (42) are also both suffering from broken fridges or freezers meaning the meat eaters onboard were forced to get busy! And might not be hungry for a while. “The galley freezer on Outlaw has decided to run out of gas! Half of our frozen meat is in there. Race is on to cook and eat it before it spoils,” said Outlaw.

“Who needs a freezer or fridge when survival is mainly ensured by the fan? Can you also make wind with it???,” tweeted Sterna.

Meanwhile, White Shadow ES (17), Sterna SA (42) and Explorer AU (28) are bringing up the rear of the fleet. But, with such slow progress to date, only 600 nm separates the fleet from leader to tail-enders. The coming week is going to prove very challenging mentally for sailors who still have the doldrums to endure.

And for the number crunchers amongst you, we have some OGR statistics! And boy are they interesting! Most impressive is the fact that almost 30% of the 243 OGR sailors are women, a great start for an inaugural event in a traditionally male-dominated arena. Progress, with more to do and the ideal race to do it in.

With five French yachts in the fleet, it’s hardly too surprising that there are 110 French sailors. The two Finnish yachts boost the number of Finns participating to 38. Sailors from 26 different nationalities have joined the OGR including sailors from Japan, Afghanistan, Netherlands, Ireland, Canada, Antigua, Belgium and the Czech Republic.

There are now 137 sailors who can boast that they’ve sailed around Cape Horn and by the end of Leg 4, there will be 81 hardy folk bragging about becoming Full Curcumnavigators.

RACE STATISTICS Number of sailors to take part in the OGR: 243 Number of women: 71 Number of French: 110 Number of Finnish: 38 Number of British: 22 Number of Nationalities: 26 New Cape Horner: 137 Round the Worlders: 81 Youngest sailor – 17 years old Oldest sailor – 73 years old

As part of the OGR Notice of Race each yacht has their waste weighed on arrival into port.

Average figures for waste in each stopover Plastic – 224.5 KG Metal – 161.5 KG Paper – 38.5 KG Glass – 83.5 KG Card – 8KG Mixed-Recycling – 248 KG Non-Recycling – 80 KG Total – 844 KG

Event information – Race rules – Entry list – Tracker

No longer racing: • Swan 51 Godspeed (USA) – retired after Leg 1

The 2023-24 Ocean Globe Race (OGR) is a fully crewed, retro race, in the spirit of the 1973 Whitbread Round the World Race, marking the 50th Anniversary of the original event. Racing without computers, GPS, and high-tech materials, they navigate with sextants and paper charts. Seven of the fleet are former Whitbread competitors.

Starting in Southampton (UK) on September 10, the OGR is a 27,000-mile sprint around the Globe, divided into four legs that passes south of the three great Capes. The fleet is divided in three classes with stop-overs in Cape Town, South Africa; Auckland, New Zealand; and Punta del Este, Uruguay before returning to Southhampton in April 2024.

2023-24 Ocean Globe Race: FIRST LEG: Start 10 September 2023. 7800 miles. First boats finish 9-21 October 2023. SECOND LEG: Start 5 November 2023. 7250 miles. First boats finish 14-23 December 2023. THIRD LEG: Start 14 January 2024. 6500 miles. First boats finish 9-14 February 2024. FOURTH LEG: Start 5 March. 6550 miles. Finish 1-10 April 2024.

Tags: Ocean Globe Race

Dramatic start for Ocean Globe Race →

Final leg for 2023-24 Ocean Globe Race →

Ocean Globe Race arrives in Uruguay →

Karma’s gonna track you down →

Privacy Statement
Advertise With Us

Get Your Sailing News Fix!

Your download by email.

Your Name...
Your Email... *
Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Contact The Author

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

She sailed her way into the history books.

A 29-year-old skipper from New York has become the first US woman to sail solo around the world.

Cole Brauer, from Long Island, tearfully reunited with her family in A Coruña, Spain, on Thursday after a gruelling 30,000-mile journey that took 130 days.

The 5-foot-2 trailblazer placed second out of 16 in the daring Global Solo Challenge, which kicked off in October off the coast of the port city, located in northwestern Spain.

“I can’t believe it guys. I sailed around the world,” Brauer said as she approached the finish line in an Instagram live video. “That’s crazy. That’s absolutely crazy. This is awesome. Let’s just do it again. Let’s keep going!”

She was the only woman in the event and also the youngest competitor. She sailed into A Coruña to a cheering crowd just a day before International Women’s Day on March 8.

Cole Brauer, a skipper from New York, completed a solo trip around the world on her sailboat.

“It would be amazing if there was just one girl that saw me and said, ‘Oh, I can do that too,’” Brauer told NBC of her history-making effort. More than half of the other competitors has dropped out as of Thursday.

Brauer’s sailing profile on Global Solo Challenge’s website said her goal has always been to be “the First American Woman to Race Around the World.”

“With this goal, I hope to show that this very male-dominated sport and community can become more open and less ‘traditional,'” it reads.

The East Hampton native didn’t even take up sailing until she decamped to the University of Hawai’i for college in 2014, her profile explained.

“I grew up on a nature preserve, wandering through the tall grass of the creek and playing in the mud watching the tide come in,” she said of her childhood in Suffolk County.

“When I moved to Hawaii for university, all I wanted was to get out on the water. Feel at home. Accessing the sailing community in Hawaii was the logical step,” she added.

Brauer turned pro after college, and started seriously chasing the idea of a round-the-world race after her mentor, Tim Fetsch, sent her a book by record-setting female skipper Dame Ellen MacArthur.

By the time she set sail on her global adventure on Oct. 29, Brauer was already a record-setter: Last summer, she became the first woman to win the Bermuda One-Two race, the Providence Journal reported at the time.

Brauer is the first US woman to accomplish the feat.

Brauer documented the treacherous Global Solo Challenge for her 459,000 Instagram followers from aboard her beloved 40-foot monohull racing boat, First Light.

Like her pint-sized, 100-pound owner, First Light has a quicksilver edge – and is only large enough to typically hold a one- or two-person crew.

The race path took Brauer down the western coast of Africa before she sailed into the Southern Ocean in early December, where she’d cement second place in the challenge.

She often showed fans her peaceful mornings and on-board workout sessions in the Atlantic Ocean.

“Cole wants to prove you can go around the world and watch Netflix every once in a while, and wear your pajamas,” her media manager, Lydia Mullan, told the New York Times of the realistic look at boat life.

Brauer finished the challenge in second place.

“As for her mental health, she’s really creating a space in her routine for herself, to create that joy she hasn’t seen in other sailors,” Mullan added.

But even Brauer’s tenacious outlook at times gave way for the hardships of living at sea.

In December, she suffered a rib injury when she was violently thrown across her boat because of broaching — when a boat unintentionally changes direction toward the wind — in the rough waters near Africa.

Despite the injury, Brauer said she had no other choice but to power through the pain and keep sailing.

“There’s no option at that point. You’re so far away from land that there’s no one who can rescue you or come and grab you,” she told the “Today” show Thursday. “You kind of just need to keep moving along and keep doing everything.”

Brauer’s grit during the journey recalled her time in Hawaii, when she borrowed from her background as a varsity soccer player, track and field runner, and cheerleader to thrive on the UH team — all while juggling her studies in nutrition science and a full-time job.

“It’s more strategy than anything,” she told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser in May 2016, when she captained the four-time national championship-qualifying team.

Brauer told NBC on Sunday that solo sailors “have to be able to do everything.”

“You have to be able to get up even when you’re so exhausted and you have to be able to fix everything on the boat.”

Brauer took on the challenge on her boat, "First Light," which battled rough waves throughout the journey.

She reached the Pacific Ocean on December 29 and traveled past the southernmost point of South America and back into the Atlantic on January 27.

As she missed the holidays back home, Brauer decorated First Light with decorations fit for the occasion — pumpkins and ghosts for Halloween, a small felt Christmas tree, and broke out a dress and champagne for New Year’s Day.

Brauer also told the outlet that she started to feel the boat “deteriorating” and “starting to break down” as she made her final push through the Atlantic.

She then deliberately slowed her arrival time near the finish line to coordinate with the “first light” — when light is first seen in the morning — in honor of her boat’s namesake.

“I’m glad that out of all times, I’m coming in at first light,” Brauer said. “It’s only necessary.”

As she crossed the finish line, Brauer held two flares above her head to signal an end to her over four-month-long campaign.

“Amazing finish!!!! So stoked! Thank you to everyone that came together and made this process possible,” she wrote on Instagram.

Following her second-place finish, Brauer received a fresh cappuccino and croissant, the breakfast she had been craving for months while at sea, she said.

French skipper Philippe Delamare, who started the race a month before Brauer, won the Global Solo Challenge on Feb. 24. Start dates were staggered based on performance characteristics.

A highlight of Brauer’s return to dry land will be reuniting with her mom, dad, and younger sister.

“They think I’m nuts,” Brauer told the Providence Journal of her parents’ response to her big sailing dream.

“I think that they’re much more proud of me now, especially because they’re starting to realize that this 10-year adventure I’ve been on isn’t just me gallivanting around the world…not really fulfilling what my mind and body was made to do, which is what my parents always wanted me to do,” she added.

Now, Brauer is joining a storied lineage of esteemed female skippers who came before her.

Polish skipper Krystyna Chojnowska-Liskiewicz was the first woman to sail solo around the world, traveling almost 36,000 miles from 1976 to 1978.

British sailor Ellen MacArthur became the fastest solo sailor to sail around the world in 2005 when she traveled over 31,000 miles in 71 days, 14 hours, 18 minutes 33 seconds.

Brauer hopes to serve as the same inspiration as the sailing pioneers.

“I push so much harder when someone is like, ‘you can’t do that.’ And I’m like, ‘OK, watch me,’” she told NBC. “It would be amazing if there was one other girl who saw me and said, “Oh, I can do that too.”

Share this article:

IMAGES

43 of the best bluewater sailing yacht designs of all time
Sailing on the Ocean
Sailing Between Hawaiian Islands
The Best 5 Small Bluewater Sailboats for Ocean Cruising (2023)
Sailboat Sailing on Water Near Island · Free Stock Photo
How to heave to in a sailboat ~ How to build a sailboat

VIDEO

SAILING OUT OF U.S. WATERS TO SAIL AROUND THE WORLD
#shorts 76
Going on an adventure in Sail Forth!!
Ep. 3 (Part 1/2)
Sailboat Windora Pounding on a Southern Ocean Reef on South Georgia Island, off Antarctica
So You Want to Buy a Boat. You Might Want to Watch This First

COMMENTS

43 of the best bluewater sailboat designs of all time
The Ovni 370 is another cunning new aluminum centreboard offering, a true deck saloon cruiser for two. The designers say the biggest challenge was to create a Category A ocean going yacht at this ...
5 Top Affordable Bluewater Cruising Sailboats
Tartan 3700. The Tartan 3700 is a design that has stood the test of time, and is still being built new today more than a decade since its launch. Although Tartan's have been around since the 1970s, Tartan's current designer, Tim Jackett, brought some unique features to the latest mix. The 12' 7" beam is carried well aft, providing good ...
Ocean Going Motor Yachts for Sale
An ocean going yacht is one built and equipped to cross oceans and could refer to both sailing or motor yachts. (In some respects, the term offshore yacht could be used interchangeably.) If you're planning an ocean voyage, ideally the boat could have a thicker hull and ample storage for water, fuel, and provisions.
The best bluewater multihulls of all time: a complete guide
The Catana 471 or 472 (one or two helms respectively), represented at the time the optimum in ocean-going catamarans. ... Some may argue against aft helms for ocean sailing, but those coming from ...
What are the Best Small Bluewater Sailboats? Cruisers Top Picks
The Pardeys are icons of small sailboat cruising. Having sailed over 200,000 nautical miles and circumnavigated both east and westbound on their home-built, engine-free, sub-30-feet cutters, they are among the most recognized sailors in the world. They're also known as "America's first couple of cruising.".
5 Of The Best Bluewater Cruising Powerboats In 2022
SILENT 62 3-DECK (Closed) Above: A 2022 Silent 62 triple deck catamaran yacht for sale on YachtWorld by Silent Yachts. Photo by Silent Yachts. This beautiful trans-ocean yacht is the ultimate in both luxury and design. With fully solar powered electric motors, it has an unlimited range, zero emission, and noiseless cruising.
Ocean Going Yacht Buying Guide 2023
The Atlantic Ocean, for example, is a journey of 3,000 nautical miles, so you'll want to ensure the yacht you are using to cross it is a sturdy, ocean going vessel. Many superyachts will make the Atlantic Ocean crossing twice a year - in the fall to head to the Caribbean, and in the spring to return to the Mediterranean.
Ocean catamaran, Outremer 55
The best naval architects and designers have been able to work in complete freedom to achieve the ideal compromise between quality of life, performance and sailing comfort, all combined into one ocean-going catamaran. The Outremer 55, a 55-foot liveaboard catamaran, is easy to maneuver, whether short-handed or even solo.
The Best Beginner Sailboats for Ocean Cruising (under $25,000)
Cape Dory 28. We will talk about the 28 model but if you go two feet up in size to the Cape Dory 30, you will be able to get it for about the same price. Just as the Sabre above, Cape Dory is solidly built. It is simple, robust, no cut corners, no little luxuries, straight to the point.
Selene Yachts Americas
Ocean-Going. Luxury Yachts. Selene has a 25 year tradition of building elegant, long-range cruising trawlers for active adventurers. Quote yours now Browse our models. Inspired. ... 2024 Selene Boat Show Schedule, Get your Discount Code & Come See Us! Check out the Selene 2024 boat shows where you can come meet us and see a Selene in Person.
Twelve Top Bluewater Cruising Boats
Hallberg-Rassy, Lagoon, Hanse, X-Yachts. > Most popular brands in the Caribbean 1500, 2008-2012: Jeanneau, Hallberg-Rassy, Hylas, Tayana, Beneteau, Island Packet, J/Boats, Amel, Lagoon, Catalina. Armchair admirals and chat-room bores may warn dolorously of lightweight structures failing in big seas and rigs crumpling at the merest hint of a ...
12 Best Catamaran Sailboats
The best catamaran sailboats can easily clock 250-mile voyages, offer incredible performance, and have layouts that can be easily optimized for individuals, charter markets, and great accommodation. In essence, the best catamaran sailboats offer respectable performance and offer good load-carrying ability. ... ocean-going capabilities, and ...
9 Best Trailerable Sailboats
The Flicka 20 is known to be a truly seaworthy ocean-going sailboat, which happens to be small enough to fit on an average-sized boat trailer. Conclusion. Wherever you choose to sail, a trailerable sailboat is often a great choice. The boats listed here are by no means the only options—in fact, there are dozens of excellent trailerable ...
5 best small sailboats for sailing around the world
Vancouver 28. Photo credit: YachtFathom.co.uk. A sensible small boat with a "go-anywhere" attitude, this pocket cruiser was designed with ocean sailors in mind. One of the best cruising sailboats under 40 feet, the Vancouver 28 is great sailing in a small package. Hull Type:Full keel with transom hung rudder.
Ocean sailboats for sale by owner.
1 diesel inboard. Location: Curacap Netherland Antilles, Outside United States. Asking: $225,000. Sailboat Added 15-Apr-2015 More Details. OCEAN 60 Cruising or Charter Sailing Yacht. Length: 60' Beam: 15' Draft: 8'.
Best Ocean Boats: Types and Brands to Buy
Beneteau boats for sale. Jeanneau has produced ocean-capable sailboats for more than 60 years and has a good reputation for building innovative boats that perform well. The company's current range includes large yachts, small ocean racers, and 35- to 49-foot cruising models. Jeanneau boats for sale. Hallberg Rassy 400.
Trawlers and ocean going motor yachts designed for passage making
Artemis. Artemis 43. Artemis 48. Artemis 56. Artemis 39. Trawlers and ocean going motor yachts designed for passage making and coastal cruising in comfort and safety at an affordable price.
10 Best Sailboats for Solo Sailing (One Person)
Catalina 315. nwyachting. This is a nifty pocket cruiser that raises the quality bar for solo sailors with extreme comfort and performance. With just a 9.45 meter hull, the Catalina 315 has more internal room than most classics and remains superb for solo sailing.
Pacific Seacraft : Making the Journey
sailboats; ps44; ps40; ps37; ps34; ps31 . Welcome to Pacific Seacraft. We believe the boat shouldn't just get you to your next port of call. The journey itself should be one of the real pleasures of the cruise. With that in mind we hand-craft each of our boats to reflect our commitment to quality and to your safety and comfort.
7 Best Trailerable Sailboats for Cruising
Quick Setup Time. Towing Weight. 7 Best Trailerable Cruising Sailboats. Catalina 22/25 "Pop-Top". Com-Pac Horizon Cat for Classic Coastal Cruising. Marshall Sanderling — Small, Portable, Classy. West Wight Potter 19 — The Tiny Go-Anywhere Sailboat. Seaward 26RK with Retractable Lead Keel.
Top 10 Sailboats for Crossing the Atlantic Ocean
Sailing through the Atlantic Ocean is a true testimony to a sailor's knowledge and abilities. Read & know, Top 10 Sailboats for Crossing the Atlantic Ocean. ... Nobody has ever accused Ta Yang of going light on its warships, given the robust construction, which includes a sturdy fiberglass hull and a balsa-cored deck. Internal iron ballast is a ...
10 New Cruising Sailboats Under 35 Feet
Dufour Grand Large 360. Dufour Grand Large 360 Jon Whittle. Dufour Yachts introduced its new 360 Grand Large model to CW's Boat of the Year team in 2018 as a coastal cruiser intended for a couple or perhaps a small family. With that in mind, judge Alvah Simon found numerous clever elements to praise within the boat's 35-foot-2-inch hull—a ...
Sail Catamaran boats for sale
Built by a wide variety of yacht makers, there are currently 1,800 catamaran yachts for sale on YachtWorld, with 438 new vessels for sale, and 1,362 used and custom yachts listed. These vessels are all listed by professional yacht brokerages and new boat dealers, mainly in the following countries: United States, France, Croatia, Italy and Greece.
Ocean Globe Race: Slow and challenging >> Scuttlebutt Sailing News
The 2023-24 Ocean Globe Race (OGR) is a fully crewed, retro race, in the spirit of the 1973 Whitbread Round the World Race, marking the 50th Anniversary of the original event.
NY skipper Cole Brauer overcame broken ribs, deteriorating boat to
She sailed her way into the history books. A 29-year-old skipper from New York has become the first US woman to sail solo around the world. Cole Brauer, from Long Island, tearfully reunited with ...

Yachting World

The best bluewater multihulls of all time: a complete guide

Best bluewater multihulls for performance cruising

Seawind 1600/1370

Balance 526

Atlantic 47

Catana 53/Ocean class 50

Best bluewater multihulls for pedigree performance

Chincogan/Lightwave

Outremer 45 G. Danson

Best bluewater multihulls for family cruising

Fountaine Pajot Saona 47

Nautitech Open/Fly 46

Broadblue 385S

Bali Catspace

Best bluewater multihulls for luxury cruising

Privilège 510 Signature

Garcia Explocat 52

Discovery Bluewater 50

St Francis 50 MKII

Xsquisite X5

Best bluewater multihulls for size & speed

Ocean Explorer 60

Kinetic KC54

Best bluewater multihulls for ultimate performance

Dazcat 1495

Dragonfly 40

Looping 45/Freydis 48

Swisscat 48

Schionning Designs

Best bluewater multihulls for pedigree cruising

Casamance 44/46

If you enjoyed this….

Virtual tour

Ideal ocean-going catamaran with a concentration of know-how

Ultimate comfort without compromising on performance

Download the brochure

Innovations that make life easier

Easy movement and unobstructed views

A central island that can be transformed into a high table

Testimonials

« Cat Greatcircle » Marijke and Mark

Do you have any questions?

Charter an Outremer

The Best Beginner Sailboats for Ocean Cruising (under $25,000)

Cape Dory 28

On this page:

An affordable boat doesn't have to be cheap

An ocean cruiser is stable and comfortable

Jon Stivers

Leave a comment

Ready to Own Your First Boat?

Ocean-Going

Ocean Explorer

Ocean Explorer 60

Ocean Explorer 72

Ocean Explorer 78

Classic Explorer 45

Classic Explorer 49

Classic Explorer 54

Classic Explorer 60

Classic Explorer 72

News - Find out about the latest news and events

2024 Selene Boat Show Schedule, Get your Discount Code & Come See Us!

Expanding our Factory - Building out an Additional 200,000+ Sq Feet of Modern Facilities

East Coast Selene Rendezvous 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

Stay Afloat with Selene Updates

5 best small sailboats for sailing around the world

A small sailboat can take you big places

What makes a good blue water sailboat

Smaller equals slower

Small but sturdy

The pros and cons of pocket cruiser sailboats

More affordable

Less time consuming

Easier to sail

Less spacious

Less comfortable

Here are our 5 favorite small blue water sailboats for sailing around the world