french sailing yacht brands

Top 15 French Sailboats (and Catamarans) for 2022

France is undoubtedly one of the homelands of sailing. Monohull or multihull, every year the French shipyards present models that are successful all over the world. This is why we decided to select our top 15 French sailboats (and catamarans) for 2022; we choose them between the new ones and the slightly older ones. And you? What’s your favorite model?

Top 15 French sailboats for 2022: monohulls

Allures 51.9.

The Allures 51.9 innovates with its full-beam aft owner’s cabin. This model disrupts the codes of the yard also outside with its cockpit of 6 meters long with sunbath and swim platform for comfort; the navigation space can be protected by a hardtop to navigate in any security. The boat has a length of 51.9 feet (15.8 meters) and a beam (width) of 15.4 feet (4.7 meters). It is equipped with a fixed keel and a composite hull, which provides good stability and seaworthiness. The Allures 51.9 is available in a variety of configurations, including a three-cabin layout with a spacious owner’s cabin and two guest cabins, or a two-cabin layout with a larger owner’s cabin and a smaller guest cabin. It is also equipped with a well-equipped galley, a large saloon, and a navigation station. The boat is designed to be comfortable and easy to handle, with a simple sail plan and a self-tacking jib. The Allures 51.9 is a popular choice for sailors looking for a high-quality, reliable, and seaworthy yacht for extended cruising. Allures official website .

With this 15-meter unit , the La Rochelle shipyard opens the Amel concept to a new category of clients, thanks to more accessible dimensions. While they are not abandoning the emblematic ketch design of the La Rochelle shipyard, Amel has chosen the sloop for this unit. However, this is not a new format as such, as a number of sloops have already left the shipyard in the past. Among the innovations on this new model, the choice of a straight, powerful bow is a break from the shipyard’s habits. The waterline is extended to improve performance, making the front part of the boat more spacious. The addition of a bowsprit makes it possible to tack an additional sail such as an asymmetric spinnaker or a code-0. Amel official website .

Beneteau First 36

The Beneteau First 36 has a mission to bridge the gap between high-tech development in the world of racing and mainstream racer-cruisers. To be specific, even the standard version of First 36 will fully plane in a moderate breeze. Positioning six winches, steering wheels, and other deck gear was thoroughly tested on several mock-ups and a full-scale testbed sailboat to enable the sailing experience promised on the previous page.

Details like an offshore hatch on the foredeck or removable cockpit benches show the priority of sailing functionality over style used throughout the design process. Standard aluminium rig and cast iron keel were chosen to keep the boat accessible. Yet, Sam Manuard brought his experience and focused on perfecting the shape and design of these two key ingredients for a great sailing experience. The draft of 2,25 m was chosen as a compromise between performance and ease of use.  Beneteau official website .

The new Dufour 32, designed by  Umberto Felci,  has been developed in the same spirit as all the  latest models  in the Dufour range: it’s a sporty, innovative yacht that is easy to handle, both with a crew and single-handed. All the spaces have been completely redesigned to create a multitude of playful and intelligent uses. For the first time on a 32-foot  sailboat , you can now enjoy an aft sunbathing area … sheltered by a fabric shade that can be adjusted in moments. The inflatable and removable aft door of the cockpit folds down to complete this large friendly space. Dufour official website.

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 380

Designed by naval architect Marc Lombard with interior styling by Piaton Bercault, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 380 complete with the award-winning walk-around deck, follows the same design trend of its predecessors the Sun Odyssey 410, 440, and 490. On the interior, while the design features the hallmarks of this line, careful consideration was given to the perception of space and the simplification of lines, with the objective of creating sensations of peace and calm. Jeanneau official website .

For this fast cruising yacht , the shipyard has once again entrusted the Finot-Conq naval architecture firm to apply the very successful design of the Pogo 36 to a larger model. As for the hull, the Pogo 44 features a wide, chine hull, which guarantees high performance in planning and comfort when sailing at all speeds. The bow has a large volume, which is reminiscent of the Pogo 3. The keel of the Pogo 44, still made with a vacuum infused Monolithic Fiberglass veil and a lead ballast, receives the same hydraulic system as the Pogo 12.50 or Pogo 50. Pogo official website .

The French yard is well known not only among ocean sailors but also to those who love short-handed sailing and are looking for seaworthy and easily driven boats, both safe and comfortable. This last aspect is where Fora Marine has made great progress in the last few years, shedding some of the spartan image that characterized their products for many years.

What has not changed, and what is still the RM range’s defining characteristic, is the twin-chined hull, made of Okumé plywood impregnated with epoxy resin (the deck is in fiberglass sandwich). Below the hull, the yard offers two options, a single deep keel or double shoal draft keels. The RM are designed by Marc Lombard , probably one of the architects most able to transform the fashionable chine into an important element in cruising design. A chined hull, when properly drawn, gives both better hull shape and interior volumes. RM Yachts official website .

Top 15 French sailboats for 2022: catamarans

The new  Bali  4.4 offers interesting living spaces, both inside and outside. With an optimized sail plan, sailing should gain in performance. The French shipyard is constantly developing its range and, after the 5.4, the fleet’s flagship, and the recent 4.2 and 4.6, the Bali 4.4 joins this renewed family. The Bali 4.4 replaces the 4.3 and 4.5 from the Bali catamaran range. With the same origins (designer Olivier Poncin, architect Xavier Fay and Lasta Design for the interiors) the Bali 4.4 has the DNA of the last models with slender bows, a silhouette lightened by the presence of long hull portholes and vast living spaces. The latter are divided between the spacious rigid forward cockpit between the two hulls, the flying bridge with its saloon and solarium, and finally the tilt-and-turn door joining together the cockpit and saloon. Bali official website .

Excess 15 (bluewater sailing configuration)

The  bluewater  sailing configuration of the  Excess  15 consists of twin  Deep Blue  50 kW electric saildrives in cooperation with ZF, two Deep Blue high-capacity lithium-ion BMW i3 batteries, and a full energy management system for harvesting green energy and charging the boat’s batteries while underway. On the yacht’s long test sail, the hydro generation system easily provided enough electricity to power one hundred percent of the onboard hotel loads at a cruising speed of seven to eight knots. Adding solar photovoltaics, planned for phase two of the Excess 15 with Deep Blue Hybrid project , will extend the system’s range and provide even more hybrid power and comfort on board. Excess Catamarans official website .

Fountaine Pajot Isla 40

The 12m Isla 40 embodies the spirit of French yard  Fountaine Pajot  and is distinguished by invigorating lines. The catamaran features inverted bows and a particular saloon where the chart table is accessible from the entrance. Her performance is complemented by optimal liveability with the option of three or four double cabins plus the possibility of a skipper’s cabin if required. Olivier Racoupeau Yacht Design , in collaboration with the engineers at Fountaine Pajot, has designed this new model, taking inspiration from the strengths of the other models in the range, and giving this 40-foot catamaran even more space and storage. Fountaine Pajot official website .

Garcia Explocat 52

The Garcia Explocat 52 is custom made with aluminum hulls and structures and fiberglass composite deck roofs. Aluminum shipbuilding has been Garcia’s strength for over 40 years. In Normandy (France), the Garcia shipyard has built more than 300 monohulls, catamarans, and trawlers up to 102 feet in length. Garcia Explocat 52 is specially designed for owners who want to walk in high latitudes and / or in the tropics. In addition to the three versions offered, the aluminum structure allows the yard to customize the yacht to meet all the expectations of the owner. Available in 3 or 4 cabin versions, each Explocat 52 is uniquely adapted to fit your cruising dreams. Garcia Yachts official website .

With nearly 6,000 units produced since the French shipyard began in 1987, Lagoon remains by far the world leader in the multihull market. To celebrate this international success, the shipyard launched last year the Lagoon 55. Designed by the VPLP team on the naval architecture side, this 16.56-meter long and 9-meter wide multihull was designed by Patrick le Quément for the exterior and Nauta Design for the interior. This 55’ model is equipped with an extra-large 25 m2 (269 sq ft) cockpit, including a large dining area; two large loungers at the stern, a comfortable deck chair in the shade of the roof; as well as a bar area perfectly equipped to ensure comfort on board.  Lagoon official website .

Nautitech 40 Open

The redesigned roof enhances the streamlined silhouette and “Open Concept” of this award-winning yacht. The remodeled structure with large windows has optimized the helmsman’s 360-degree view from both helm stations. A skylight window in the cockpit roof provides the helmsman a clear view of the mainsail’s trim. The lounge area with a U-shaped sofa can now be found on the port side. And for those who don’t want to lose touch with the office on long trips, a desk can be included in the lounge area, if so desired. Nautitech official website .

Outremer 55

The Outremer 55, a liveaboard catamaran, is easy to maneuver, whether short-handed or even solo. The Outremer 55 features twin helms but they can be switched from on deck in a new double helm seat with full outdoor visibility for fun sailing, or switched down into the cockpit for fully protected sailing in bad conditions. The Outremer’s design team from VPLP have used CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) to reduce drag ad forward resistance, while allowing for higher carrying capacity hen blue water cruising. At just 13.5t and combined sail area of 172 sm (Mainsail & Genoa) sailing in light winds will be a joy, but if needed the twin 60hp diesel motors are ready to engage. Outremer official website .

Windelo 50 Adventure

Designed in partnership with the architects Christophe Barreau and Frédéric Neuman, this fast blue-water cruising catamaran features an electric propulsion system that includes great hydro-generation facilities, solar panels, and the possibility to work under generator when it’s a necessity. With the development of an eco-composite in basalt fiber and PET foam, this is definitely an eco-friendly boat. Behind the mast, the forward cockpit has two helm stations protected from the wind and spray, a good view of the sails and the bows, and all the running rigging at hand. At anchor, the cockpit can be well protected from the elements and opens up to the stern. The self-tacking facilitates maneuvers also with limited crew; the lifting daggerboards are placed at the center of the hull to optimize their hydrodynamic performance. Windelo official website .

So, this is the selection of our top 15 French sailboats (and catamarans) for 2022. And you? What’s your favorite model?

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10 Best Sailboat Brands (And Why)

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

December 20, 2023

‍ There's no denying that sailors are certainly a passionate bunch. We’re so passionate about our boats that we always try going for the best sailboats. To make it a lot easier for you, here are the best sailboat brands.

Owning a sailboat is an indulgence that many of us only dream about but very few ever have the privilege of sailing the seas in what they can actually call their own.

While there's nothing wrong with renting a sailboat, the honor of owning one is certain what many sailors dream of.

With a perfectly crafted sailboat as company, gliding through the water, waves, and wind brings some sort of unmatched comfort and peace.

Add this to the fact that sailing takes you far away from the daily hustles and bustles that we've become accustomed to in our daily lives and you'll see why the life of sailing is very appealing to the masses.

But without a proper sailboat, all this fun and the good life of sailing are thrown out of the window.

Contrary to the widespread opinion, owning a sailboat isn't beyond anyone's reach. It's something that we can all achieve. But before getting into that, it's important to know some of the best sailboat brands.

The best sailboat brands will make your life as a sailor a lot easier and more fun. The best sailboat brands have, for decades if not centuries, mastered the art of woodworking. They've dedicated their skills and immense amount of their time to designing and manufacturing nothing but the best quality of sailboats in the industry.

So if you've been looking for the best sailboat brands from all over the world, you've come to the right place. We'll discuss the best of the best, something that will give you a perfect getaway from your normal life.

Table of contents

‍ Must-Have Features for Your Sailboat

Before highlighting the best sailboat brands, it would be appropriate to jog your mind a little with some of the features that must be available in your sailboat.

Choosing a sailboat can sometimes be a matter of compromises. In other words, it's sometimes sensible to accept that a sailboat cannot have all the features that you desire.

As such, it's all about going with a sailboat that has the features that matter to you most.

For this reason, let's look at the most basic features that can make the difference in both safety and comfort while improving your sailing experience.

A Safe and Comfortable Sailing Cockpit

You'll most definitely be spending a huge amount of time in the cockpit. Whether you're keeping watch, trimming sails , helming, or just enjoying the scenery, there's no better place to do all these than from the cockpit. That being said, a good cockpit should have the following.

• Have a good depth for safety reasons and adequate drainage
• Should give you a quick and easy access to jammers, cleats, and other important parts of the winch system
• Should have a seat or seats that are about 35 cm high, 50 to 55 cm wide to provide ideal support
• The seats should be adjustable to offer maximum comfort and allow you to change your position

GPS Chartplotter

Use a GPS Chartplotter once and your sailing will never be the same without it. It not only allows you to map a course but is also a great way of ensuring that your sailboat exactly follows that course. It also gives you constant updates on ocean conditions, weather conditions , and potential hazards such as deadly currents and sandbars.

A GPS Chartplotter is also an important safety device that can help you in some very critical situations while out there on the water.

For instance, it has a man-overboard button that is essentially meant to allow you to receive coordinates of the exact location should someone fall off your boat.

Electric Winch System

This is an amazing addition to any sailboat. It allows you to sheet a jib even in high and strong winds with a simple press of a button. It also gives you the chance of trimming a mainsail easily while still carry out other essential tasks in the sailboat.

An electric winch system can be of great importance, especially if you're short on crew. This is because it can free up some crew members to carry other important tasks. In other words, it can make duties that would otherwise require more crew members a lot easier.

More importantly, an electric winch system can maintain safety even in the roughest of conditions, thereby preventing you and your crew from getting injured. In essence, an electric winch system will make your sailing a lot safer, less stressful, and more enjoyable.

Reverse Osmosis Watermaker

This is a very valuable accessory, especially if you're going on long sea voyages. You can spend days on end without drinking clean and safe water.

As the name suggests, you can use this accessory to turn seawater into purified drinking water. It uses the reverse osmosis method that's essential not only in removing bacteria and parasites from the water but also in turning the water into purified and safe drinking water.

Even though this device is pricey, it's a great way to mitigate the over-reliance on huge water tanks. All you have to do is to ensure that it's properly maintained and you'll have an endless streak of safe drinking water no matter where you are.

Wide and Clutter-free Deck

While the deck is often an overlooked feature of a sailboat, it can be the difference between a great sailing experience and a stressful one. In essence, the deck of a sailboat should be wide enough and clutter-free.

This is significant as it can enable you to quickly access different parts of your sailboat with hindrance or getting tangled. As you can see, this is particularly important in improving safety and reducing stress.

With that in mind, make sure that the deck is organized in such a way that you can have easy access to sails, masts, and winches.

You should, therefore, avoid sailboats with decks that are designed in such a way that you have to climb on top of the cabin just to access these features. Needless to say, this can be quite unstable and very dangerous especially when conditions are rough.

The Best Sailboat Brands and Why

1. hallberg-rassy.

Hallberg-Rassy is a Swedish yacht maker that's very well-known in the blue water cruising circles for making some of the highest quality and sturdiest sailboats. For many sailors, this is the number one sailboat brand as it offers absolute comfort, utmost safety, and good and easy handling.

This brand is not only synonymous with sturdy construction but you won't worry getting soaking wet while out there on the water. This is because it has a well-protected deck and cockpit, finished with nice woodwork, and has a powerful engine with a big tankage just to ensure that you can go on long voyages.

When designing its sailboats, this brand has made it a norm to add some features that stand out from the rest. For instance, the bowsprit is an integral feature that makes sailing a Hallberg-Rassy quite easy and much enjoyable. This is because it grants easy access to and from the deck. Its electric anchor winches facilitate smooth maneuvering. Even more, its large steering wheels makes it much easier to control the boat even in the roughest of conditions. In essence, this brand has features that provide good control and an extra sense of safety.

Although this brand has evolved over the years, you'll easily recognize it even from a distance. And why is this? A Hallberg-Rassy never goes out of style. This is a unique sailboat brand that has always stayed true to its principles and concept. No matter which part of the world you go, Hallberg-Rassy will remain the undisputed king of blue water cruising.

2. Nautor's Swan

For over 50 years, Nautor's Swan has endlessly raised the sailing levels by designing and manufacturing new sailboat models that not only push the boundaries but also meet that many requirements and demands of sailors across the world. Thanks to its wide range of seaworthy, timeless, elegant, and highly-performing sailboats, the Nautor's Swan remains one of the best if not the best sailboat makers in the world.

Based in Jakobstad, Finland, this brand has severally set the industry standard with its speedy and sleek models such as the Swan 48, Swan 65, Swan 98, Swan 78, and Swan 120. These models have one thing in common: they never compromise on safety. As a brand that puts safety first, it ensures that its models are made of foam-cored glass fiber and reinforced both with carbon-fiber and epoxy. In essence, Nautor's Swan is widely revered for its unmatched seafaring and safety records.

Additionally, Nautor's Swan models are incredibly responsive. You can easily tell this just by the feel of the wheel. This brand has models that will gracefully slice through the biggest of waves with ease. That's not all; the interior of these models that are very comfortable even when the going gets tough. This is, without a doubt, a brand that strives to create self-contained worlds with each model.

3. Beneteau

This is perhaps the most selling sailboat brand in the world. For over a century now, this brand has based its models in a combination of simplicity and performance. This is a brand that will serve you just right across all latitudes and in all circumstances. Whether you prefer the Oceanis Yacht 62 or the Figaro Beneteau 3, this brand will never let you down on all fronts.

This brand revolves around a simple concept of creating a link around the world. From the deck space to its design and light, this brand does everything possible not just to uniformly transform life at sea but also to open doors to new horizons in a very luxurious yet practical way. Its models are designed with clear deck plans, stable hulls, simplified maneuvering and interior materials and equipment that can be easily personalized.

Whether you're looking for a racing sailboat or something that's designed to explore and enjoy the world in the company of friends and family, Beneteau is a true combination of sensations and simplicity. This is a brand that brings to the seas fun, simplicity, smartness, toughness, safety, intuitiveness, as well as dazzling reinvention.

4. Amel Yachts

Based on the ethos of designing and manufacturing comfortable, robust, and easy-to-handle boats, this French brand has, for over five decades, offered sailors and other sailing enthusiasts the perfect opportunity to explore the seas with the utmost quality, comfort, and more importantly, safety.

Using 100% French know-how, this brand has brought to the sailing world some of the best boats such as the Santorini, the Mango, the Super Maramu, and the Maramu. We would be doing this brand total injustice if we said that they're distinctive. Truth be told, there's nothing comparable to an Amel model. Well Amel was and still is, the ultimate standard by which other sailboat models are measured.

From items such as electric winches and furling, to generators, Watermaker , and washing machine down to the simplest of items such as towels. Spare filters, bathrobes, deck brush, and a boat safe, the Amel is in reality with what the real life of a sailor is and should be.

Although some may say that Amel still has room for improvement in terms of specifications and personalization, it cannot be denied that the Amel is a serious brand that designs and manufactures complete boats. With this brand, you'll be guaranteed of a higher degree of reliability, safety, and an edge of fun while out there on the water.

5. Hinckley Yachts

Based in Maine, United States, Hinckley Yachts is a brand that has been building robust, luxury, and safe sailboats for more than 90 years now. In its sailboat class, you'll find several sailboats that have classic shapes, inner strength, dramatic lines, and features that are absolutely essential in dealing with the challenges of the North Atlantic.

This brand has been successful in integrating impeccable craftsmanship with new technologies to ensure that their models always stand out while articulating advanced sailing practices, timeless aesthetic, robust construction, and the utmost safety. Whether you choose the Bermuda 50, the Sou'wester 53 or any model for that matter, you'll never be short of advanced performance based on the best design and technology.

In terms of features, this brand provides sailboat models with modern performance hulls. These hulls are constructed with inner layers of carbon, outer layers of Kevlar, and are aligned with computer-designed load paths. Every feature is designed without compromising comfort.

To this end, this brand offers you a perfect combination of both fun and sail. This brand offers more than just sailing. Instead, it offers a unique sailing experience that's combined with the pure joys of sailing in the blue waters with an ease of ownership and maneuverability.

6. Oyster Yachts

If you've been looking for luxury more than anything else, Oyster Yachts provides you with numerous solutions. This British brand is widely known for manufacturing a wide range of luxury cruising sailing yachts. Its sailboats are among the finest in the world and are immensely capable of taking you to some of the far-flung places in the world without having to worry about high winds and hellish waves.

Whether you choose the iconic Oyster 565 or the immense Oyster 595 you never fall short of experiencing the new world like never before. These are models that will enable you to own your adventure, choose your destination, set your courses, pick your anchorage, and stay safe at all times. If you want to hold the wheel and pull the sail while feeling the tang of salt spray on your face, Oyster Yachts is the way to go.

This is, unquestionably, a brand that's meant for you if you want to explore the seas in comfort, luxury and utmost safety. From craftsmanship, sailboat design, to hull, deck, and keel configurations, everything is designed to allow you to circumnavigate the world in comfort, elegance, and style.

7. Tartan Yachts

Based in Fairport Harbor, Ohio, there's arguably no better to begin your sailing adventures than with a sailboat designed and manufactured by Tartan Yachts. With several award-winning designs and construction, this brand is widely known for providing easy handling, great performance, and an ultimately stable platform.

This brand always strives to deliver a unique and the best possible experience to every sailor. As a brand, Tartan fully understands that every sailor has his/her unique sailing needs. As such every component of their models is designed with engineering levels that guarantee optimum performance, excellent on-deck visibility, and luxurious interior.

From the Tartan 5300, the Tartan 4300, the Tartan 345 to the New 365 and the Fantail, this brand makes it a priority to ensure that its models are among the strongest, lightest, and more importantly, the safest in the sailing industry. In essence, this brand can be ideal if you appreciate performance. It has rewarding sailing features both in narrow water lines and wider passages. Add this to its easy handling and you'll have a top-notch performer in virtually every condition.

8. Catalina Yachts

As one of the most popular boat manufacturers in the world, this American brand is widely revered for building the sturdiest boats that can hold up perfectly well in real-world conditions. These are generally family-oriented boats that are intelligently designed to ensure that your entire family can have fun out there on the water.

Some of the models include the cruiser series such as the Catalina 315, the Catalina 385, the Catalina 425 while the sport series include the Catalina 12.5 Expo, the Catalina 16.5, and the Catalina 14.2 Expo. As the current winner of the "Boat of the Year" Cruising World, you'll rarely go wrong with a Catalina model.

It offers a wide range of sailboat sizes that suits your lifestyle. This brand makes it a priority to ensure that all their models are not only safe but offer the best ownership and sailing experience. If anything, this brand is widely known to have one of the most excellent resale values in the sailing industry.

9. Island Packet Yachts

From the IP 525, the IP 439 to the IP 379, the Island Packet Yachts is a brand that encourages its customers not to keep the world waiting. This brand is meant for sailors who want to explore the world in utmost comfort and safety.

The first thing you'll notice in an IP sailboat is its large aft deck. This is not only perfect for sunbathing but can also serve you well if you want an impromptu dinner with friends and family while out there on the water. The living space is also large enough to carry most of your belongings, which is an added advantage especially if you've been planning to spend longer periods in the seas.

With modern evolution and refinement, as well as proven features, this brand is known to offer sailors maximum comfort, luxury, and safety. You'll have better access to the cockpit, have enough space, and are excellently designed to provide superior seafaring and the best features to enable you to spend extended periods when cruising.

10. Sparkman & Stephens

For more than 90 years, Sparkman & Stephens has been at the forefront of the belief that sailboat excellence goes beyond hull lines and deck plans. Instead, this brand believes in excellent naval architecture, innovation, sophistication, and beauty. This is a brand that has laid the foundation of sailboat as a sport not just in America but all over the world.

These models have graced the world for decades and bring immense pleasure to their owners in terms of innovation, performance, and excellence. Though rooted in tradition, the brand has pushed sophistication, technology, and sailing experience to a whole new level. You'll be a proud owner of the Sparkman & Stephens model.

There you have it; these are the best sailboat brands in the world. Although there are several other sailboat brands to choose from, the-above described brands stand shoulder above others in terms of quality, safety, performances and luxury.

Hopefully, you're at a much better place when it comes to choosing a sailboat that suits your lifestyle, needs, and budget .

Happy sailing!

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Common Issues With Island Packet Yacht Sailboats

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.

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BENETEAU - Designed to be remarkable

A remarkable anniversary.

Let's celebrate 140 years of audacity, passion, transmission and conquest.

Discover the entire BENETEAU agenda and don't miss our boat shows, maritime events and private meetings.

Fox's Official Opening Days

Next events, berlin in water, hiswa boatshow, floating boat show "allt på sjön".

Discover the latest BENETEAU sailing yachts and motorboats.

Making a successful boat purchase means planning ahead and being well prepared. BENETEAU has an extensive range of useful tools that will help you focus your searches and define your project. From the initial introduction up to one-to-one contact with a Beneteau brand dealer, take a few minutes to find the boat that suits you best and, why not, book a sea trial! 

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Embark on a remarkable voyage with the new Swift Trawler 54

BENETEAU, the world’s leading marine brand, celebrates 140 years of expertise and innovation with this new addition to the successful Swift Trawler range.

Limited offer on the First 36 model

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Preparations are ramping up for this mesmerising single-handed round the world race

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Yachts & motorboats

BENETEAU has been building sailing yachts and  motorboats  for all types of boating practices since 1884. Would you like to  buy a new boat ? Leisure boating, short trips, cruising, competitive sailing – whatever type of sailing you envisage, there is a boat to suit you at your local BENETEAU  boat dealer .

BENETEAU: A LONG STORY THAT BEGAN IN VENDÉE 

The story of BENETEAU began in 1884 in the shipyards of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie in Vendée, inspired by Benjamin Bénéteau.  At the time, BENETEAU had close ties with the fishing industry and, at the start of the 20th century, the brand launched its first sailing trawlers and motor tuna fishing boats. 

In the 1960s BENETEAU turned towards the building of recreational craft. In making this choice, BENETEAU actively focussed on  sailing yachts  and motorboats . 

In the 1990s, BENETEAU expanded becoming the umbrella brand of GROUPE BENETEAU. 

WIDE RANGE OF SAILING YACHTS AND MOTORBOATS 

Today, BENETEAU offers a wide range of sailing yachts, ranging from small boats, like the First 14, to big boats, such as the Oceanis Yacht 62, a large monohull as well suited to coastal cruising as she is to ocean navigation. The same is true of the motorboats, with lines of outboard and inboard motorboats for leisure boating, as well as big yachts ideal for cruising. 

This versatility contributed to BENETEAU’s international reputation as a brand, both in the water and at the major boat shows in Europe, the United States and Asia-Pacific. It also helped BENETEAU become a historical player in offshore racing, supplying three generations of one-design boats for the Solitaire Le Figaro single-handed race. BENETEAU also won renown with the First sailing yachts in well-known international races such as the Fastnet, the Sydney Hobart and the Middle Sea Race. 

MORE THAN A BOAT DEALER 

Our BENETEAU boat dealers are also present on international shores, so our after sales service can intervene worldwide. Thanks to our global network a BENETEAU boater can find the best possible assistance wherever he is boating. 

Buying a yacht, sailing yacht or a BENETEAU outboard motorboat is also a chance to join the brand’s community, with BENETEAU boat owner gatherings or rendez-vous, regattas, competitions, rallies, etc. 

You will have realized by now that BENETEAU offers you much more than buying a  new boat . It offers you a real boating experience and shares with you your passion for the sea.

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Guide to French Sailboat Manufacturers

Published by sail on january 18, 2023 january 18, 2023.

The production of high-quality, cutting-edge, and aesthetically pleasing sailboats is a specialty of the French sailing industry. The French sailboat manufacturers are renowned for their strength, efficiency, and opulent features. The French sailboat industry, its history, and the most well-known brands currently available on the market will all be examined in further detail in this article.

The 1800s mark the beginning of the long and illustrious history of the French sailboat industry. French shipbuilders have a reputation for constructing some of the best sailing yachts in the world because of their skill and attention to detail. As they continue to innovate and push the limits of design and technology, French sailboat manufacturers are now a top choice for sailors all over the world.

This article’s main goal is to give readers a general overview of the French sailboat business as well as a detailed list of the most well-known French sailboat brands currently on the market. Additionally, we will evaluate the various brands according to their performance, popularity, price, and availability. For sailors wishing to buy a French sailboat or for anybody else curious to learn more about the French sailboat business, this article intends to be a useful resource.

List of French Sailboat Brands

French sailboat manufacturers are renowned for their sophisticated designs, fine craftsmanship, and cutting-edge technology. In the French sailing market, some of the most well-known names are Beneteau, Jeanneau, and Dufour .

A French sailboat manufacturer with over 136 years of experience, Beneteau is renowned for its capacity to integrate cruising and racing features without sacrificing luxury. They provide a variety of sailboats, from small daysailers to big luxury yachts, and are renowned for their premium materials, cutting-edge designs, and outstanding sailing capabilities. The First 36, a full-scale sailboat that gives sailors a safe and fashionable way to get out on the water, is one of the most well-known Beneteau models. The First 36 is a great option for sailors of all skill levels because of its sturdy hulls and light weight.

Another French brand of sailboats, Excess, focuses on high-performance catamarans and is now owned by Beneteau. They are renowned for their distinctive design elements, like the “flying bridge,” which makes it simple to navigate around the boat, and their emphasis on comfort and performance. Excess catamarans are particularly well-liked by sailors seeking a high-performance boat that is also cosy for long-distance sailing since they are built to be both quick and simple to control.

Since its founding in 1957, Jeanneau has grown to rank among the most well-liked French sailboat manufacturers. A variety of sailboats, including family cruisers, high-performance racers, and luxurious yachts, are available from the company. Their boats are renowned for their cutting-edge technology and premium finishes.

Founded in 1964, Dufour is a well-known French sailboat manufacturer. The business specialises in producing sailboats with exceptional racing and cruising capabilities. The elegant designs, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional craftsmanship of Dufour boats are well renowned.

Founded in 1973, Alubat is a French company that produces aluminum cruising yachts. The company’s Ovni brand of yachts, which are renowned for their seaworthiness, sturdiness, and distinctive design, are well-known. Ovni yachts are especially well-liked by sailors who are looking for a sturdy and seaworthy boat that is also simple to maintain. They are built for long distance journeys in comfort and safety.

Privilège/Kirie

When they first started making sailboats in Rue de la Forêt in 1912, the Kirie sailboat brand had a long and illustrious history. They began with smaller boats and subsequently switched their attention to racing boats, which became their area of expertise. The Feeling, which is available in different sizes and has earned numerous honors, including “Boat of the Year” in 1987, is one of their most well-known models. However, given that Privilège bought the Kirie brand, it might be challenging to find one nowadays. Catamarans in particular are among the high-end, custom-built sailboats that Privilège is renowned for building. The public can purchase their Signature Series catamarans, which are renowned for their superb performance and premium build.

A French sailboat company named Windelo is the industry leader in clean energy technology. The electronic motors on their catamarans can be fuelled by hydrogen production. With this state-of-the-art technology, Windelo’s catamarans may be environmentally responsible without sacrificing comfort or performance. They are well known for their Windelo 50 Adventure model. Even with a small crew, these catamarans are simple to handle. Windelo is a great option if you want a catamaran that performs well and is environmentally friendly.

Sailing enthusiasts of all skill levels can enjoy the high-quality, cozy, and simple-to-sail boats made by the French company Amel. Amel has become one of the top brands and set the bar for performance and quality in the French sailboat industry over the past 50 years. The Amel 50, one of their most well-known models, is renowned for its strong and comfortable ride, making it ideal for both short and long journeys. Amel places a high focus on safety, which is why they construct dependable hulls and include features that guarantee enjoyment and safety on the water. Amel boats preserve the French nautical tradition and culture in addition to being high-quality products.

Since 1984, the French sailboat company Outremer has been assisting sailors in realizing their desire to live on the water. The business has produced more than 400 catamarans that are used for sailing all around the world. Sailors hold Outremer’s designs in high regard, with the Outremer 55 being one of their personal favourites. Even with a tiny crew, this catamaran is made to be completely livable and simple to manage. High-quality catamarans are available from the respected French sailboat manufacturer Outremer.

French sailboat manufacturer Wauquiez is committed to assisting sailors of all skill levels and sailing preferences get out on the water. The company has built a solid reputation over the past 20 years for producing great sailboats with cutting-edge interiors, beautiful hulls, and exceptional performance. Due to their distinctive deck layouts, they offer three well-liked models: Pilot Saloon, Centurion, and Optio. Each one is meant to offer lots of room and comfortable space. Wauquiez sailboats are renowned for their high-quality construction, superb sailing performance, and well-designed interiors that offer the ideal balance of elegance and comfort, whether you’re searching for a tiny daysailer or a large cruising yacht.

The well-known catamaran brand Lagoon was founded in France. As of 1984, they were well-known for their racing sailboats and swiftly rose to prominence. Their offshore catamarans, including the Lagoon 55 and 47, are renowned for being fast, agile, and competitive. Lagoon is a member of the Beneteau Group, a well-known name in the sailing sector.

French catamaran manufacturer Nautitech is renowned for its capacity to handle long-distance sailing. Dufour had previously controlled the business, but Bruno Voisard purchased it in 2002. They relocated their business to La Rochelle, France, and have since established themselves as a market leader for coastal catamaran boats. The Nautitech 40 Open is one of their most well-known designs.

Pogo Structures is a French boatyard that has been producing both racers and cruising yachts since 1987. In 2000, they started producing sailboats under their own name, and more recently, in 2017, they introduced a range of powerboats under the same name. They are a reputable shipyard that builds nearly 60 boats each year for customers and has over the years produced a number of reputable sailboats of their own, including the Pogo 40, Pogo 10.50, and Pogo 44. The company’s headquarters are in Combrit, France, and they serve many sailors throughout the country, mostly along the Atlantic coast, where they may find these boats sailing. Pogo sailboats are an excellent option for sailors looking for a dependable and seaworthy vessel because of its outstanding quality, performance, and longevity.

Those who adore catamarans frequently choose Bali sailboats. These boats are renowned for their high-quality construction in addition to their remarkable aesthetics. Bali has a cooperation with the renowned French shipyard Catana, known for producing top-notch yachts and catamarans. Bali catamaran features include rigid cockpits, sunbathing places, sliding windows, and enough of room for lounging on the roof in order to cater to the luxurious needs of passengers. Since its debut in 2014, Bali has rapidly risen to the top of the sailing market.

Founded in 1974 by brothers Jean-Louis and Jean-Pierre Garcia, Garcia Yachts is a French company. Both brothers were skilled metalworkers with a passion for creating steel boats. In France’s Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, they established a first-rate shipyard where they built a line of sailboats, including the Explocat and the Exploration series. The Garcia yachts are renowned for their solid build and longevity.

Fountaine Pajot

French luxury catamaran manufacturer Fountaine Pajot is renowned for its dedication to assisting sailors in making memories while experiencing the pinnacle of comfort and design. Their catamarans are renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship, with inverted bows that are simple to recognise and add visual attractiveness as they ply the sea. The Astrea 42, one of their most well-liked models, is renowned for its outstanding performance and roomy interior. Some variants of Fountaine Pajot catamarans include big windows below the deck that let natural light enter the interior, giving it a feeling of openness and airiness. These models are made to offer the utmost in comfort. Fountaine Pajot catamarans are perfect whether you’re seeking for a boat to take you on an incredible sailing trip or just to unwind on the water.

RM Yachts is a prominent French shipyard that has been producing sailboats for more than 20 years. The business has produced boats not only for its own brands but also for others. They have a reputation for building comfortable, easy-to-handle boats with high-quality workmanship. The business unveiled the RM900, its first creation, in 1989. This model included interior metal reinforcements and was made of plywood that had been dipped in epoxy. These days, their boats are also built from fibreglass.

Comparison of French Sailing Brands

When comparing French sailboat brands, it’s important to consider the following factors: design and style, performance and handling, price and value, popularity and reputation, and availability and distribution.

Design and style – These brands are known for their elegant and sleek designs. Each brand has its own unique style, but all are characterized by high-quality finishes and advanced technology.

Performance and handling – They are renowned for their performance and handling. They are designed to be fast and comfortable, and are known for their advanced technology and superior craftsmanship.

Price and value – These sailing boats vary in price, but are generally considered to be high-end. However, the high price point is often reflected in the advanced technology and superior craftsmanship found in these boats.

Popularity and reputation – The brands are well-respected in the sailing community, and are known for their quality, elegance, and technology. Each brand has its own dedicated following, with some models being more popular than others.

Availability and distribution – They are available worldwide, but availability may vary depending on the region. Many brands have a wide distribution network, making it easy to find and purchase a French sailboat.

In conclusion, French sailboat brands offer a wide range of models to meet the needs of sailors of all skill levels and preferences. They are known for their elegant designs, high-quality craftsmanship, and advanced technology. When choosing a French sailboat, it’s important to consider factors such as design and style, performance and handling, price and value, popularity and reputation, and availability and distribution. Ultimately, the right French sailboat for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

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RM Yachts: French plywood sailboat manufacturer

Over 30 years of plywood yacht building expertise.

Welcome to RM Yachts!

French sailboat manufacturer since 1989, our shipyard based in La Rochelle is specialised in the construction of fast cruising yachts of 30ft to 45ft in plywood and epoxy – approximately 9 to 14 meters.

Whether you are looking for a coastal cruising sailboat, or planning longer open sea trips, such as Atlantic, Pacific crossing, or round-the-world sailing, there will always be an RM yacht fitting your project.

We are actually the sole shipyard and manufacturer having built over 500 monohull sailboats using this material and this sailing yacht building technique. Needless to say, we know plywood-epoxy in-and-out.

This material’s benefits are numerous: lightness and stiffness, for increased performance under sail, and a dry and sane interior atmosphere, thanks to its thermal and phonic specifications.

Not to mention its reduced impact on the environment, compared to other materials usually found in naval construction (GRP, polyester, etc.).

Designed by award-winning architect Marc Lombard, RM yachts are 100% made in France, and then sail around the world. Our clients frequently share their anecdotes and logbooks from their solo or family adventures on our modern sailing boats.

Available in different appendage versions (single-keel, twin-keel, lifting-keel, single or twin rudder), RM Yachts are customisable, starting with their hull colour and interior design.

Advising you to choose the best cruising sailboat

Thanks to our many years of experience as a sailing yacht manufacturer, we have designed our website to provide you with all the information you need to select your next cruising yacht :

• What is important when choosing a cruising sailboat?
• What is the best size for a coastal or bluewater cruising yacht?
• How to choose the best sailboat to live on?
• What options are to be considered when preparing an ocean crossing or a circumnavigation?

Our F.A.Q. section is also a great source of information to help you find the ideal sailing boat according to your needs and sailing plans.

You are more than welcome to visit our premises, and we can also set up a sea trial! Our team will be more than happy to help you configure your brand-new sailing yacht

Alternatively, you can also have a look at our previous models and see how high our used monohull sailboats are on the market. Our expert brokers remain available for additional information.

Finally, acquiring an RM also means you have access to a panel of services, provided by Grand Large Yachting group’s dedicated subsidiary: Grand Large Services. Whether it’s about training lessons, spare parts, maintenance, or refit before slipping lines, our specialists are here to help!

Bring your own dreams, we’ll take care of everything else.

Looking forward to meeting you soon,

The RM Yachts team.

Keep in Touch' Restons en contact

We will send you RM Yachts News (Only) to make sure you are up to date. Recevez (seulement) nos infos, pour être sûrs de ne rien rater !

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Dufour Shipyard : the french luxury boats builder

One of the major luxury sailboat manufacturer worldwide.

Established more than 50 years ago on the Atlantic Coast, Dufour plays an important role in the region and is one of the main employers in La Rochelle.

With a production capacity of more than 18.000 m² and 420 full-time employees, Dufour counts among the biggest shipyards in the world.

In 1957, young engineer Michel Dufour discovered the new material, polyester. At the time, he was a keen competition sailor with a real passion for yachts , class rules and hydrodynamics. This sparked his idea to build a yacht made of polyester . In 1964, Michel Dufour started to design the “Sylphe” transportable yacht. He took a lot of financial risks to make the yacht, rented a hangar and started to make the “Sylphe” under the aegis of his newly formed company, Le Stratifié Industriel.

The famous Italian naval architect Umberto Felci and the designers of Dufour Yachts work in very close cooperation to get hulls of the very best quality. The worldwide reputation of our yachts does not need to be reminded.

100% made in France, all Dufour Yachts models are thinked, designed and produced in La Rochelle, in the company headquarters. With near 400 sailboats built by year, Dufour Yachts controls the whole supply chain, from the project development to expedition, passing from the mounting and wood work.

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List of 50 Popular Sailboat Brands (With Examples)

Every industry has its allstars - showbusiness, sports, cars, clothing brands… This article talks about 50 of the most popular sailboat brands. Feast your eyes!

So what are the most popular sailboat brands?

Nautor's swan, baltic yachts, hallberg-rassy, sparkman & stephens, island packet yachts, c&c yachts, pacific seacraft, tartan yachts, hans christian yachts, amel yachts, marlow-hunter, alloy yachts, bowman yachts, ericson yachts, melges performance, oyster yachts, mirage yachts, aloha yachts, dragonfly trimarans, aegean yachts, alsberg brothers, bristol yachts, cavalier yachts, jensen marine, grampian marine, pearson yachts, tanzer industries, jeremy rogers, holland jachtbouw, seacamper / if, have a look at what we've got for you.

Already I hear the screams of those whose favorite brand I have not listed. I plead for mercy - if I made such a list of cars, it would be the same. Boat preferences are such a personal matter that although I think this list is a crowd-pleaser, I still expect a few stones being thrown my way.

This list goes in no particular order - although I have reserved the first ten places to the most popular brands around. That being said, keep in mind I sail mostly in Europe. Thus a certain bias is to be expected. For instance, in the Adriatic sea, the most popular brand is Bavaria, Jeanneau, Beneteau and such, whereas I haven't seen a single Catalina so far.

Anyway, let's get into it.

Oh Wally. Subjectively the most beautiful sailboat designs out there. Each custom made, each a unique, gorgeous concept. Their sailboat Angel's Share, built in 2009 will take your breath away with the deck couch design alone. The rest is just as good.

Sailing made the Finnish way. The idea here is to offer both luxury and performance. They've been successful at that so far, if you ask me. If you spot one, count yourself lucky. Since 1966 only 2000 have been made.

Finns again. Similar idea to Nautor's Swan, though they do specialize in bigger sizes, starting at 50ft, all the way up to almost 200. And when it comes to the luxury to performance ratio, Baltic yachts kind of lean towards speed.

The Bavaria is the mainstream king. They are good at making affordable midsize cruisers of reasonable quality. Though a dedicated sailor would find plenty to criticize, as moderately priced holiday cruisers they do a fantastic job. Their Bavaria 46 is among the most sought after models.

Great quality mainstream - a step up from Bavaria. Though both of these brands are oftentimes considered by soon-to-be sailboat owners, since they are somewhat in the same area, Hanse offers more in terms of build quality and performance.

Beneteau sits at the same table as Bavaria, Hanse and the no.7 - Jeanneau. Beneteau has a few lines, the First focusing on racing, Sense being semi-luxury cruisers and Oceanis, the everyday cruiser. They are among the oldest brands, being established in the 1800s.

Feel free to mistake Beneteau for Jeanneau, as many do - they are essentially the same thing, as they are manufactured by the same company. They differ in their design team, that's about it. But it could be argued that Jeanneau is a bit more sporty.

Dufour is a French brand that has a better reputation than Beneteau and Jeanneau (both French too), but if one looks under the skirt of these, one finds that they are all owned by the same company. Dufour is a bit more expensive but not significantly better or worse.

Let's get back to the Baltic region with the Danish X-Yachts . They produce three lines of sailboats, cruisers, racers and performance cruisers. They were nominated for the European yacht of the year award, so if you decide to buy or charter one of those, you will be in good hands.

Considering that Slovenians have only 29 miles of coastline, their sailboat producer Elan has a respectable place in the sailing world. You will spot this brand in many European marinas as it offers good quality considering its relatively low price.

Back to Europe. Scandinavians know how to make good quality bluewater boats, given their geographical position they kind of have to. Owned by the Rassy family, Hallberg-Rassy does exactly that.

If it is true that people with large boats compensate for something, then the Perini Navi builders … well, let's just say they seem to have a penchant for enormous boats. Their most famous one is none other than one of the world's most recognized sailboats, the Maltese Falcon.

Simple, affordable, good. Catalina is a U.S. based behemoth that has produced tens of thousands of boats. It is similar to Bavaria, sometimes dubbed its overseas counterpart. Though they aren't the prettiest, they do the job.

Hinckley produces beautiful, stylish sloops. Not one is like the other since both the interior and exterior is built in a way so that it is customizable by the owner. They resemble classical designs and are for the true connoisseurs of elegance.

Sparkman & Stephens is a naval architecture firm that has its fingers in many famous designs. These designs have brought them quite a few victories in sailing cups. By the way, they were involved in military activities, designing amphibious jeeps, for instance.

Hylas yachts are set on their center cockpit designs with wooden lining and huge space in the aft. Oddly enough, they claim their boats are, thanks to the use of a special kind of fiber material, bulletproof. Make of it what you will.

The Floridians are extra in every way, including their own Island Packet Yachts . Easily recognizable by their signature Full Foil Keel, a modern take on traditional designs, which provides enormously spacious accommodation units.

When an ambitious project designing a fighter jet failed, two Canadians named George became unemployed. So they formed C & C Yachts and soon gained a reputation thanks to their success in racing. No wonder plenty of C&C's sail the oceans of the world.

Though famous for luxurious motor yachts, Sabre , an American company, made its name building recreational sailboats. Taking their motor yachts know-how to sailing, I gotta admit they know a thing or two about comfort.

The beautifully named Pacific Seacraft make seaworthy cruisers that are a bit … overbuilt. Their noticeable overhanging stern makes it obvious that relaxation and pleasure is the name of the game for them.

Tartan Yachts make classically looking fiberglass monohulls. If you feel like getting transported a few decades back in style when sailing, this brand is for you.

Heavy, slow, comfortable, solid. Hans Christian Yachts . If you are looking for a boat to live on, this would be easily made into a home. Their goal is to make 'ultimate cruising sailboats,' and if they aren't already there, they are on a good path.

Najad specializes in boats that can go anywhere and are operational with a two-person crew. Calling their boats 'mini superyachts' they want to put the name bluewater, or seaworthy, to the test.

Let's stay in Europe for a while and look at the French Amel Yachts , who make bluewater fiberglass ketches. Modern looking, notable for their raised bridge, they focus on bigger size boats around 50 feet.

Marlow-Hunter sailboats have a minimalist, distinct design. They make sailboats in the 30-foot range. You will recognize them by their signature steel cockpit arch. This one is definitely a looker.

Alloy Yachts are a famous manufacturer of superyachts. As long as 67 meters, their products catch your eye no matter if you want it or not. And yes, they are made of aluminum.

This is an interesting one. Cal Yachts specialized in fiberglass monohulls aimed at performance, and although they are out of business since 1989, their boats are still racing to this day. Way to keep the name alive.

The first Brits on the list! Bowman Yachts produces high-end sailboats. Nothing unusual so far - but they do it by hand. Handcrafted, old school looking, fully customizable by the owner who determines the layout.

Columbia sailboats are produced in sunny California. This company was once the largest fiberglass sailboat producer in the world. One of its leaders then left to form the aforementioned Catalina shipyard.

Remember Hanse? No. 29., Dehler , is owned by them. Germans make great cars and good boats, Dehler is no exception. Dehler focuses on performance cruisers, and although these words are oftentimes just a phrase, in case of Dehler it actually makes sense.

So you know how I mentioned fiberglass boats a couple of times? Ericson Yachts was among the first to use this technology and helped to pave the way for the rest of the world. They are no longer in business, but their designs are still the foundation of boats of other shipyards.

Well, you probably won't sleep on any boat made by Melges Performance since they are made purely for racing. They were founded by the father of the former Olympic sailor Buddy Melges and the racing genes clearly show in the company.

Vanguard sailboats are mostly known for their small (around 20 ft) performance dinghies. The Vanguard 15 is their iconic model oftentimes used in sailing schools or as a leisure sailboat great to learn on.

This is a big one. Oyster Yachts are luxury superyachts. This British icon is a name recognized anywhere in the sailing world in the big boys league. And by the way - deck saloon is their invention. Without Oyster, today's sailboats would likely look quite different.

Mirage Yachts was founded by a salesman of the aforementioned C & C Yachts. He didn't like that C & C doesn't offer anything below 27 feet so he created his own company that filled that gap. Though they were doing great in sales, it was a company based on business, not a passion for boats, and so as soon as the owner sold the firm, they went out of business within a year.

Aloha Yachts is one of many sailboat companies that didn't survive the 1980s crisis and went out of business. But before it did, it became a love brand for its owners and is a sought after brand for prospective buyers up to this very day.

At least one spot should be dedicated to a trimaran builder. Dragonfly Trimarans make boats that can operate as a triple hull sailboat and thanks to their patented SwingWing, they can shrink to a monohull so that it is marina friendly. Talk about the best of both worlds.

Huge, double or triple mast behemoths the biggest of which is over 160 ft long. That's Aegean yachts. This Turkish boat manufacturer prides itself in custom designs so whatever the buyer dreams of is possible.

The Alsberg Brothers were in it for the speed from the very beginning. They founded their company just to make one racer with their revolutionary vacuum bagging building process. People liked what they saw, and so a shipyard was born.

The fact that Bristol Yachts was one of the first companies to produce fiberglass sailboats with commercial success and still went out of business eventually just goes to show how tricky these ventures are. They had a great thirty-year run though, producing cutaway full keel and keel centerboard boats for the mass market.

Cavalier Yachts, a New Zealand born company, was once the largest production boat builder in the southern hemisphere. Their Conquero won the 200 miles half-ton South Pacific Trophy ocean race. It's a pity a new tax surcharge policy of New Zealand rendered the company bankrupt eventually.

Although Jensen Marine sailboats are out there, enjoyed by many seaworthy humans, make no mistake, it is actually the same company as Cal Yachts, or rather it's the original name it got after it's founder Jack Jensen.

Grampian Marine was a successful fiberglass monohull producer with boats ranging from dinghy sized to 30 feet. It refused many offers for mergers and acquisitions but eventually went out of business due to competitive pressures.

Nauticat , born in Finland, produces traditional designs built in a way so that they can withstand a trip to any destination. Though they were famed for their great quality builds, they went out of business in 2018.

Starting as a garage company making dinghies in the founder's backyard, Pearson Yachts made a 28-foot long boat literally in their garage, borrowed money to transport it to the New York Boat Show and returned home with seventeen orders. Talk about a rocket start.

Tanzer Industries was a Canadian manufacturer, building 8000 boats over its lifespan. Ranging from 16 to 31 feet, their fleet was quite impressive. The model Tanzer 22 was the most popular one and many of them still sail to this day.

Another Dutch star here - with boats in sizes from 66 to 160 feet, Jongert makes luxurious, custom sailboats. You won't find fiberglass here. These beasts are mostly made of aluminum or steel. Though they have been through some financial issues for many years, to this day they are still operational.

Jeremy Rogers is a boat manufacturer from Britain, making handmade, seaworthy designs. Their most famous creation is the Contessa 32, the most successful one-design cruiser and racer ever, which is known for its ability to withstand cruel weather.

Holland Jachtbouw go big and beautiful. Though this Dutch producer dipped their toes in a smaller 46 ft model, they usually stay within the 100 ft range and make modern, great looking designs. This one is a true eye-candy.

Let's close this list with custom boats. There are many sailboat designers who operate without a shipyard behind them and this flexibility gives birth to fantastic designs oftentimes. Let's list the Young Yacht Design here as an example. Look at those beauties.

Saffier is a Dutch Yacht Builder that designs beautiful classic boats that handle really well.

In Conclusion

Many of the names mentioned here went bankrupt eventually. Selling boats is a tough cookie and it is impressive for a brand to stay alive for more than a couple of decades. Competition is tough, price pressures high, new innovations can render a whole company obsolete within a year. Even the mighty Bavaria came close to demise. Luckily, boats last for a long time. So even if the name is not in the business registry anymore, the offsprings still cruise the seas of the world for many years after.

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25 Best Sailboat and Catamaran Manufacturers (By Type)

Asking a sailor to pick the best sailboat brands is like asking a car enthusiast to pick the best sports car. Boaters are connected to their boats and share a personal attachment to them that goes beyond the practical. Boats are close to living things. For millennia, sailors have personified their vessels and labeled them “she.” Whatever pronouns you choose to use with your boat, there is no doubt that he or she will earn a special place in your heart.

So how does a humble writer go about breaking down the “best” sailboat manufacturers? Is it of all time? Or are only companies still producing boats today? We must set some limits, and they will no doubt seem arbitrary–but here they are.

First, we are dividing this list up to cover coastal cruisers, luxury monohulls , voyaging bluewater cruisers , cruising catamarans , and performance catamarans. Yes, there is some overlap between these categories. For example, many big “coastal cruisers” have crossed oceans, and many seawind catamaran brands are more than capable cruisers.

So what makes a boat “the best.” The best boat for you is not going to be the best boat for the next guy. There’s simply no way to define what the best manufacturers are going to be. The reason we chose these boats are specified below. It’s not arbitrary, but, at the same time, you don’t have to agree with them.

Finally, nearly all of the brands listed below have one thing in common—you can still buy a new vessel from their yard. In the world of boating, it’s not uncommon to purchase a vessel that has been out of production for decades. There are hundreds, probably thousands, of great manufacturers who went out of business during major economic downturns. Building boats is always a tricky business, but with the economy suffering no one buys new boats.

Table of Contents

5 best coastal cruiser sailboat makers, 5 best luxury sailboat manufacturers, 5 best voyaging bluewater cruising boats, 5 best cruising catamaran manufacturers, 5 best performance cats.

Coastal cruisers are entry-level sailboats built affordably so that nearly anyone can buy one. Another term that gets used is “production boat.” A production boat is designed to be mass-produced in an assembly-line-like factory for maximum cost savings.

The alternative is the custom or semi-custom built voyage yachts. Every element of the build is overseen by expert shipwrights. So the implication is that the production yacht has less quality—but this argument doesn’t always hold blue water if you can forgive the metaphor.

The manufacturers who make the most popular production coastal cruisers also make some larger yachts capable of crossing oceans. But one thing about these boats needs to be made clear—while some can be modified, improved, and outfitted to cross oceans, they do not leave the factory ready to do so.

And while some of them look very sharp, they do not contain the gorgeous hardwood joinery and craftsmanship that fills the hulls of hand-built yachts. These brands make their boats appealing to the mass market, and that market is not the voyaging bluewater cruisers or the luxury yacht.

So are they the “best sailboat brands?” If you’re looking for the best, most affordable coastal cruiser you can get, then yes—these are the best boats for you. However, if you’re looking for the best built, the best outfitted, or the best engineered or designed—then you’d best keep reading farther down the list!

Catalina Yachts

Catalina builds simple sloops ranging in size from fun 12.5 Expo dinghy to their 545 Flagship. There are more Catalinas in the world than any other types of sailboat . The company was founded in California in the mid-1970s.

Of the many wonderful models that Catalina has made popular, the Catalina 30 was an all-around winner. The beamy 30-footer has a cavernous interior that makes it a great entry-level liveaboard. The Catalina 38 is a popular racer/cruiser designed by none other than the famous Sparksman and Stevens (S&S).

Beneteau & Jeanneau

The French marine conglomerate Groupe Beneteau makes many different labels of boats, but their two most popular production sailboat brands are Beneteau and Jeanneau. They also make the Lagoon catamarans. 

Like Catalina, the company makes production boats at an attractive price. They are roomy and comfortable to stay on or even liveaboard. In addition, Beneteau’s are known for their distinctive lacquered wood interiors, which add an air of sophistication to an otherwise average boat. 

Beneteau has a long history. The company was founded in 1884 and has been building fiberglass boats since the mid-1960s. Notable models include the Beneteau Oceanis series, especially the models made after 1995. The most famous Jeanneaus come from the Sun Odyssey lineup.

Hunter Marine (Marlow-Hunter)

Hunter is another American builder and is Catalina’s primary domestic competitor. It is based in Florida and was formed in the early 1970s. Most Hunters have been racing boats or small trailer-sailors , but over the years, there have been quite a few larger liveaboard boats and long-range cruisers. They currently make boats from 15 to 50 feet long.

Dufour catamarans are another French company that makes larger cruising boats. The company was founded in 1964.

Bavaria Yachts

Bavaria Yachtbau is the largest German shipyard. The company makes sail and powerboats, as well as the French-made Nautitech catamarans. The company was founded in the 1970s and was acquired by US investors in 2007. Their monohull sail designs range from 31 to 57 feet long.

If the coastal cruiser category is reserved for the Fords and the Toyotas, let’s look at a few Cadillacs and Lexuses.

The boats below take things up a notch. These are beautifully designed boats with hand-built cabinetry and upgraded fixtures. They’re going to come with everything you need to cruise the boat in style.

Boats in this category are more likely to be built on a semi-custom basis. In other words, these yards might only be putting out a handful of boats per year. If you’re the first owner, you can likely visit and watch your sunreef yachts progress from fiberglass molds to rigging and launching.

Finally, the build quality of these yachts is generally exceptional. The designs usually come from the drafting boards of world-renown sunreef yachts designers, and their timeless beauty shines in every port they visit.

Morris Yachts

If you’re looking for a sailboat that’s also a work of art, Morris Yachts has the one you’re looking for. The company is based in Maine and produces semi-custom boats built to order. All boats are made by hand by expert craftsmen. Since it first opened in 1972, the company has made about 300 boats.

Their present offerings range from the M29 to the M42, but they have built hulls larger than that in the past. The most famous Morris boats, like the 36-foot Justine, were designed by renowned yacht designer Chuck Paine.

Island Packet

Island Packet has always made sturdy blue water cruisers with old-school looking (although technically updated) full keels. Some people may argue that IPs are production boats not quite worthy of the “luxury” title, but it is undebatable that the quality of their boats is above average.

Packets are built-in in Largo, Florida, near Tampa, and their shallow drafts and large living spaces make them perfect for living aboard in Florida or the islands. The first Island Packets rolled off the assembly line in 1980.

IP’s one-piece hulls do not feature the bolted-on keel and fractional rigs so common on many production boats now. Instead, you will find a robust design that is seaworthy and comfortable at sea.

Oysters are recognized worldwide as one of the most beautiful high-end cruising boats you can get your hands on. They focus on larger ocean-capable yachts with luxurious and cavernous interiors.

Oyster is a British yacht builder founded in 1973. Their claim to fame is the unique deck salon layout, which features large central windows around the living space that make the space feel much larger and more comfortable. The company is also known for its excellent attention to detail and outstanding build quality.

Hylas make sailboats ranging from 46 to 70 feet long. They are built in Taiwan by Queen Long Marine and were introduced in 1984. Most of their designs were created by renowned naval architect German Frers, although their first designs came from Sparksman and Stevens.

Tartan Yachts

Hailing from the Great Lakes port of Painesville, Ohio, Tartan has made sturdy and beautiful yachts since 1971. The company’s current lineup features everything from a tiny 24-foot day sailor to an ocean-capable 53-footer.

Tartans are set apart from other production boats by their beautifully crafted interiors. Thoughtful designs make these boats great cruisers and liveaboards.

Some boats are made as an accessible weekend cruisers for everybody, and some are exclusive showpieces that light up the harbor with their polished teak. Others are built tough to take on the elements at sea.

These boats are some of the best-built examples of marine engineering out there. These boats don’t come cheap, but that’s because their makers pay special attention to creating vessels strong enough to take on anything. They spend extra time making super-thick and strong hulls, and they use the best most robust equipment throughout the design.

The hull designs come from the drafting boards of world-renown naval architects. Their designs are heavy and built for a comfortable motion on big seas. In most cases, rudders are skeg-hung for extra security, and props are well-protected behind long keels.

These boat manufacturers routinely crop up on the lists of vessels that have circumnavigated successfully. These boats can cross oceans, and their crews never worry about their safety at sea.

Unfortunately, Texas-built Valiant Yachts ceased operations in 2011. The company built a series of canoe-sterned offshore sailboats from the drawing board of Bob Perry. The Valiant 40 is regarded as one of the best modern offshore sailing vessels. Many have circumnavigated, and the owners are a tight-knit group who love their boats.

Pacific Seacraft

Pacific Seacrafts are built in Washington, North Carolina. Many of their designs came from designer Bill Crealock, including the salty but comfortable PS 34 and PS 37. Other well-known models include the tiny 20-foot Flicka and the 24-foot Dana, both of which have serious offshore cred not given away by their diminutive statures. 

Pacific Seacrafts are hand-built and regularly recognized as some of the best sailboats available. Build quality and thoughtfulness in design are second-to-none.

Hallberg-Rassy

Hallberg-Rassy is a Swedish shipyard that makes very sturdy and capable bluewater cruisers since 1943. Over the years, the company has made everything from small 24-footers to the flagship HR 64. Their best-known yacht was the smaller HR 35 Rasmus, of which they built 760 hulls. The 44 and 50 are their most popular current models.

Amel is the French maker of extremely well-regarded and modern bluewater ketches. This once common rig configuration, with two masts, reduces sail size to keep the lines more manageable on larger vessels. They also allow for more sail configurations to suit a broader spectrum of ocean conditions.

Famous sailing YouTubers SV Delos sail an Amel. The motor boats are large and capable of any voyage you can imagine. They feature thoughtful designs, including fully motorized sail control and a comfortable and protected center cockpit.

Winner of many best boat of the year awards, Passport yachts make spacious and comfortable offshore sailing machines. The first Passports were launched in 1979. The company is based in Annapolis, Maryland. Some of their early models, which Bob Perry designed, are excellent used sailboat options. Today, the company makes boats from 48 to 61 feet long.

And now for something a little different—the sailing catamaran categories. Sailing catamaran brands have become wildly popular in the sailing world because they are so comfortable to live on and offer a significant performance advantage over monohulls. Whether tucked safely in a marina or living off the grid by a tropical beach, sailing catamarans represent a fantastic upgrade to boat life.

You can argue about whether sailing catamarans or monohulls are the best sailboats all day long. But there will always be a place for each one, and there will always be people who love one but not the other.

The best catamaran brands below are the big and comfortable ones that most people will consider the “best” ones to cruise and live on. However, there are two types of sailing catamaran sailors—those that choose these boats because they have wonderful living space and those that choose sailing catamarans for the performance. If you’re the second type of person, you’ll want to move on to the next section about performance catamarans.

Antares Catamarans

The Antares began life as the PDQ 44. It’s a stout sailing catamaran with a few uncommon features that set it above most cruising catamarans—it has a high bridge deck for smoother rides, and it features maintenance-free traditional shaft-drive engines. The company currently builds boats in Argentina and is launching a hybrid model for the 2022 model year.

Knysna Yachts

The Knysna 500 is one of the most beautiful sailing catamarans that you’ll ever lay eyes on. Unfortunately, there aren’t many of these semi-custom boats in the world. The factory in South Africa has only made about 100 of these boats, but they’re well worth taking the time to seek out. Their overall craftsmanship and attention to detail are unmatched in the sailing catamaran industry.

Nautitech Catamarans

The French-built sailing catamaran arm of Bavaria Yachts, Nautitech catamarans makes boats that blend beautiful living spaces and solid offshore performance. Current models range from 40 to 54 feet long.

This Australian manufacturer of fast cruising cats has focused on performance while offering comfortable sailing catamarans suitable for cruisers. The Seawind 1000, first offered in the 1990s, set the standard for the small, simple, yet capable cruising catamaran. They currently produce boats from 38 to 52 feet long.

The Big Three— Lagoon , Leopard , and Fountaine Pajot  

The three big names in cruising cats can’t be left out, but they aren’t particularly distinct enough to warrant individual shout-outs. Each company makes production cruising and charter sailing catamarans of average build quality. In car terms, these companies are making the Honda Civics of the sailing catamaran world. In monohull terms, these companies are Beneteau, Catalina, or Hunter.

Fountaine Pajot and Lagoon are French-built, while Leopard catamarans come from South Africa. All of the companies began gaining popularity in the late 1990s, and all of them are popular in the charter boat market. They all compete with one another closely, and their designs follow distinct trends. They often have functional layouts that are pleasant to liveaboard, but their build qualities are mixed.

One of the most common advantages that sailing catamaran companies want you to know about is their performance. Foot-by-foot, sailing catamarans are faster than monohulls. Regular cruising cats can still be sluggish in light winds, though.

But companies below take performance to another level. State-of-the-art rigging, sails, and weight-savings composites turn some of these boats into rocket ships. The vessels are big enough and outfitted well enough for voyages of any length. Many have circumnavigated. In short, these performance cats can move.

Catana is very similar to Lagoon or Fountaine Pajot—French-built charter sailing catamarans with lots of living space. However, the company’s designs feature retractable daggerboards instead of the more common mini-keels. This gives them better downwind performance and an advantage on big seas.

Regardless of the actual performance of the vessels, Catanas are built with sailing in mind. Aft helms provide a beautiful clear view of the sails and the conditions.

If you’re looking for a floating rocketship, Gunboat has your number. These carbon fiber-built miracles of space-age technology regularly zip along at speeds higher than the true wind. Carbon hulls and masts and the latest in rigging technologies make them tick.

They’re as fast as race boats but comfortable liveaboards, too. In their words, “Life is too short to sail a slow boat.” Since they opened in 2002, Gunboat has made fewer than 40 boats, ranging from 48 to 90 feet long. They’re made in La Grande-Motte, France.

The now-famous Outremer is featured on the YouTube channel Sailing La Vagabonde. It’s a fast boat. Current designs range from 45 to 55 feet long. Like all boats in this class, these are fast cats that still maintain enough space for comfortable living at sea. Outremers are built in France, and the company has been making performance catamarans since the 1980s.

HH Catamarans

Awarded several best boat the year awards by Cruising World and Sail magazines, the HH is a thoroughly modern take on the traditional cruising catamaran. More emphasis is placed on speed and performance, using daggerboards and super light composite construction. HH Cats are built in Xiamen, China. The company currently offers HH44, HH50, and HH88.

The sleeper of the performance cat category is Maine Cat, hailing from Lincolnville, Maine. Their boats are built lightweight with a focus on light air and upwind performance. Daggerboards are used along with simple, intelligent designs.

Of the boats on the performance list, the MC 30 is the smallest sailing cat offered. It features an impressive feature set, however, and a unique combination of traits. For one thing, these boats are designed to be straightforward and light instead of filled with luxuries. For more living space, the MC 41 offers speed and space with none of the frills. 

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.

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Better Sailing

Best Sailboat Brands

There’s no denying that sailors are passionate about their sailboats. So, are you in the search of buying a new yacht or sailboat? In order to help you, here you can find the best sailboat brands. There’s definitely an indulgence of owning a sailboat! Some of us only dream about it but few can sail the seas in their own yacht or sailboat. With a fine-crafted sailboat, sliding through the waves and wind is unquestionably an enjoyable experience. Contrary to most people’s opinion, owning a sailboat can be something affordable that many of us can achieve. Owing a proper sailboat is of high importance so it’s advisable to know beforehand some of the best sailboat brands.

Groupe Beneteau

Beneteau remains the most popular and best sailboat brand in the world and produces both sail and powerboats. For over a century now, this French company managed to make models combining simplicity and performance. Whether you prefer the Figaro Beneteau 3 or the Oceanis Yacht 62, Beneteau will fulfill your needs just right across all latitudes. From the deck space to its design, a lot of Beneteau models come with the 360 systems. This facilitates life at sea but also offers a luxurious but practical voyage. They also make the hull finer to cut through the water better, which results in less movement – something that helps with comfort.  Its models are designed with stable hulls, clear deck plans, and simplified maneuvering. Are you are looking for a sailboat to explore the seas or for a fast-sailing one? In any case, Beneteau can meet your needs.

Jeanneau is a French boat brand located in Les Herbiers, established in 1957 by Henri Jeanneau, who started by racing and then building small powerboats. The shipyard’s first fiberglass model was made in 1960, and the first sailboat in 1964, the Alizé, which became an instant success in the French market. In 1985, Jeanneau opened a separate division called JAT (Jeanneau Advanced Technologies), and they were the boatbuilders of the Lagoon range of catamarans. Jeanneau (and Lagoon) became part of the Bénéteau group in 1995; however, all brands are still producing their boats under their own brand name. 

Hallberg-Rassy

Hallberg-Rassy is a Swedish yacht maker who has a reputation for making some of the sturdiest and highest quality sailboats. According to many sailors, this is a well-known sailboat brand that offers comfort, utmost safety, and easy handling. Their sailboats have a well-protected deck and cockpit, designed with nice woodwork, and powerful engines with big tankage to ensure that you can go on long voyages. Furthermore, their large steering wheels make it much easier to control the sailboats, even in the toughest conditions. In essence, this brand has features that provide control, safety, and comfort.

Bavaria is the main diet of many Meditteranean sailors. The sailboats are practical and affordable due to their manufacturing process as well as their production, which is more streamlined. Bavaria sailboats are based on reliability, affordability, and ease of use. These are aspects that guide the design decisions here, a fact that makes them so prevalent in charter companies.

The mission of Catalina is to make boats as practical as possible for everyone. In other words, this means practical handling, a practical interior layout, and last but not least, a reasonable price. As Catalina owners say they make, robust and honest boats that endure real-world conditions, perform well and cost less to maintain. The company’s stability allowed for excellent manufacturing facilities, something that contributed to massive production and affordable prices.

Wallys are considered to be costly sailboats! But despite their price tag they certainly are pioneers in many aspects. Wally company manufactures high-end sailboats along with exquisite build quality. However, these cruisers and hi-end racers aren’t really user friendly. Not all sailors, especially beginners, are able to navigate the seas with a Wally. Their superyachts are focused on sporty cruising, comfort, and design. Buying a used one would be a safe situation. It should be noted that they hold up even after a long time both in terms of quality and performance.

Nautor’s Swan

Nautor’s Swan has met many requirements and demands of sailors, all over the world. The company has raised sailing levels by manufacturing highly-performing models. Models such as the Swan 98, Swan 120, and Swan 65 are speedy, sleek, and ensure safety. One of Nautor’s Swan commitments is that they never put at risk your safety. Its models are made of foam-cored glass fiber and are reinforced with epoxy and carbon-fiber.

Island Packet Yachts

The sailboat brand Island Packet Yachts encourages its customers to discover the world, on board. Furthermore, Island Packet Yachts is meant for adventurous sailors that want to travel around the world in utmost safety. From the IP 439, the IP 525 to the IP 379, the first thing you notice is their large aft deck. In addition, there’s a large capacity in the living space for your belongings. This design is especially for those that are planning to spend a lot of time on the seas. To sum up, they provide superior seafaring and excellent features that allow you to spend comfortably extended periods while traveling.

Sparkman & Stephens

Sparkman & Stephens supports the belief that a sailboat’s excellence goes beyond hull lines and deck plans. For more than 90 years, this brand believes in the finest naval architecture, sophistication, and innovation. Moreover, Sparkman & Stephens has laid the foundation of sailing as a sport, all over the world. The models are rooted in tradition but also provide the excellent performance of sailing on the seas.

Tartan Yachts

Tartan Yachts have won several awards in terms of design and construction. This brand is widely known for providing an ultimately stable platform and easy handling. Furthermore, Tartan always tries to serve every sailor’s needs. For example, every component of their sailboats is designed with engineering levels that guarantee excellent on-deck visibility and optimum performance. Basically, Tartan models can be ideal if you appreciate the performance. In conclusion, they provide more than satisfying sailing features both in wider and narrow passages. 

Hinckley Yachts

For more than 90 years, Hinckley Yachts has been building robust and safe sailboats. In its sailboat category, you can choose between several models that have inner strength and functional features. In essence, if you travel in the North Atlantic then a Hinckley Yacht is definitely a must, to deal with the challenges of the ocean! Whether you choose the Sou’wester 53 or the Bermuda 50,  this brand integrates impeccable craftsmanship. Last but not least, they provide state-of-the-art construction and ensure that their models provide advanced sailing practices.

Amel Yachts

This French sailboat brand offers easy-to-handle sailboats for over five decades. They use 100% technical French know-how and manufacture robust sailing boats. Some of their best models, for example, are the Super Maramu, the Santorini, and the Mango. Furthermore, Amel models provide handy items for every sailor such as electrical winches, spare filters, and generators. However, some say that Amel has a deficiency in terms of personalization and specification. Either way, Amel can guarantee safety, reliability, and quality.

Final Thoughts

The above-listed brands are some of the best sailing boat brands in the market. Although there are plenty of other brands to choose from, these brands distinguish from others in relation to safety, quality, and performance. Finally, when it comes to choosing a sailboat or yacht, always think carefully about your needs, budget, and preferences!

Peter is the editor of Better Sailing. He has sailed for countless hours and has maintained his own boats and sailboats for years. After years of trial and error, he decided to start this website to share the knowledge.

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Best Cruising Catamarans

• By Cruising World Editors
• Updated: July 1, 2021

Cruising catamarans have been around for decades, but early models—often plywood and fiberglass vessels built by their owners from plans and kits, kept the boats on the fringes of mainstream sailing. That all changed, though, as big roomy cats were discovered by sailors who went off to charter in the Caribbean, where the multihulls proved their worth as comfortable liveaboard and party boats.

Today’s bluewater catamarans roam the globe, carrying families to exotic destinations across the Pacific and beyond. Just as with their monohull cousins, there is no best catamaran. Instead there is a wide variety of designs, ranging from small catamarans that offer the ease of maintenance a couple might enjoy to performance catamarans capable of easily knocking off 250-mile days. Today, the best catamaran brands offer a range of size models and layouts that can be optimized for an owner sailing with family and friends, or for the charter market, where there’s a demand for four, five and even six cabins worth of accommodations.

The most prolific catamaran manufacturers are in France and South Africa where yards include both large-run production builders and niche companies building fewer than 10 boats a year.

The best cruising catamarans offer good load-carrying ability and respectable performance. As with any sailboat , a modern catamaran’s design is a result of compromises. Daggerboards or keels? Galley up or galley down? Spacious owner’s cabin or extra bunks? There are lots of options to choose from—and that’s what makes looking at these sailboats fun!

Here, then is an eclectic A to Z list of some of the best catamarans that have helped shaped the evolution of how we live and sail on two hulls.

Antares 44i

Now built in Argentina as a full-fledged, bluewater catamaran and cruiser that can be safely operated by a shorthanded couple or family crew, the Antares 44i features a fully covered cockpit with a quartet of big, standard solar panels recessed within the hardtop, one example of a yacht capable of long-range passagemaking.

Atlantic 42

Almost 30 years ago, yacht designer Chris White revolutionized catamaran design with the first in his series of Atlantic cats, the primary feature of which was the innovative mid-ship sailing cockpit forward of the main cabin. The smallest in the Atlantic line, the 42 remains White’s most popular design ever.

Fountaine-Pajot has built so many outstanding cruising catamarans that it’s difficult to narrow down any single boat, but we’ve always been fans of the good-looking, well-thought-out Bahia 46. At 46 feet, the boat is large enough for offshore forays and has plenty of volume; with its simple but powerful sail plan, it’s also an excellent performer.

Beginning around 1996, the French builder Catana was one of the first companies to manufacture fully found cruising cats for private ownership, and this Christophe Barreau design, which enjoyed a nearly 10-year production run from 1997-2006, was emblematic of this first generation of safe, fun, long-legged offshore voyagers.

Click here to see more cats from Catana.

When it comes to speed, light boats are fast ones. And if you wish to save weight, that means exotic modern materials like carbon. Catana now infuses the laminates of their entire production line with carbon fiber, and for this list, we’ve chosen the Catana 50 Carbon, one of the zippiest cats now crossing oceans.

Click here to read about a couple’s charter aboard a Catana 50.

Gemini 105M

Pioneering catamaran sailor, builder and designer Tony Smith launched the first of his 33-foot Gemini 105M’s (10.5 meters = 33′) in 1993, and soon after found a ready and willing stream of sailors enamored of the boat’s compact size, affordable price tag, and such innovations as the nifty lifting rudder and transom steps.

Click here to read about the Gemini Legacy 35.

Built between 2000-2005, the Gunboat 62 firmly established the Gunboat brand: go-anywhere cats that applied race-boat technology to a world-cruising platform. Hull no. 1, Tribe, was built for company founder Peter Johnstone, who then spent a year-and-a-half cruising with his family, smiling all the way.

French builder Henri Wauquiez is best known for his long career building monohulls, but the Kronos 45 cat, which he launched in 1992, was ahead of her time. Classic lines, the aft “targa bar” over the cockpit, the louvered coach roof windows, even the distinctive stripes on her hull: the Kronos 45 remains timeless.

No roundup of cruising cats would be complete without several Lagoon entries, and the best of that impressive bunch might well be the Lagoon 380. Originally launched in 1999, and revered for its combination of quality, volume and performance, with over 740 boats built the 380 is still going strong.

Launched five years after the breakthrough 380, the Lagoon 440 was an evolutionary design that featured a raised flybridge helm station, a unique “gullwing” configuration below the bridge deck, expanded windows in the hull and much more. With 400 boats built in a 6-year production run, the 440 was an unqualified success.

How big can a production cat, still operable by a short-handed crew, really be? The builders at Lagoon discovered that 62-feet hit a sweet spot in the marketplace, and have sold over 70 boats since its introduction in 2010. The centerpiece of this design is the sensational steering station atop the flybridge, with expansive views of the sea and sky.

Click here to see more cats from Lagoon.

With an unmatched pedigree – designed by premier multihull naval architects Gino Morelli and Pete Melvin, built by the prestigious Robertson & Caine boatyard in South Africa, and commissioned by chartering giant The Moorings – the Leopard 40 was, perhaps unsurprisingly, Cruising World ’s Import Boat of the Year in 2005.

Louisiane 37

Based on the famous French racing cat Charente-Maritime, the Louisiane 37, designed by Joubert/Nivelt and launched by builder Fountaine-Pajot in 1983, was a light, fast liveaboard cruiser with full accommodations that represented a radical departure from the hefty British cats that preceded it.

Maine Cat 30

One of the more versatile and clever cats ever created, the central feature of the cool Maine Cat 30 is the open bridge deck/living room sandwiched between the hulls and canopied by a rigid, permanent hard top (the comfortable accommodations/ staterooms are stationed in the hulls). Ideal for a winter in the Bahamas but with the ability to sail offshore, it’s a boat for all seasons and reasons.

Built in Florida and beloved by the owners of the over 120 boats built during the company’s existence from 1993 to 2009, the Manta Catamarans range included 38-, 40- and 44-foot cats. For this exercise, however, we’re heralding the original Manta 42, which won the Best Value Overall prize in CW’s 2001 Boat of the Year contest.

Moorings 4800/Leopard 48

Another Leopard/Moorings collaboration built by the wizards at Robertson & Caine (though this boat was designed by fellow South African Alex Simonis), the Leopard 48 was another CW Boat of the Year winner with all the contemporary bells and whistles: forward cockpit, flybridge helm station and solid hardtop dodger, just to name a few.

Click here to read more about the Leopard 48, and click here to see more images.

Nautitech 441

The Best Multihull Under 45 Feet: So said the CW judging panel in the 2013 Boat of the Year competition, regarding the Nautitech 441. But what makes this versatile platform so intriguing are the different helm set-ups. The 441 employs a single wheel, to starboard, ideal for solo sailors, while the 442 has a pair of helm stations aft.

Click here to see more Nautitech Catamarans.

Outremer 5X

A state-of-the-art all-oceans cat that exemplifies how far multihull design has come, the 59-foot Outremer 5X was a winner on both sides of the Atlantic, taking top honors in the European Boat of the Year competition in 2013, and following up as the Best Full-Size Multihull in CW ’s contest a year later.

Click here to see more cats from Outremer.

St. Francis 50

The flagship of the proud St. Francis line – built in South Africa since 1990 to designs by local legends Lavranos Marine Design – the St. Francis 50 is another “luxury cat” that shares much in common with an earlier 48-foot sister-ship, but packs even more payload into its roomier lines.

Click here to read more about the St. Francis 50

Seawind 1000

Founded by Aussie surfer and sailor Richard Ward in 1982, the 33-foot Seawind 1000 is easily the most popular cruising cat ever built in Australia (the company has since moved its manufacturing and management operations to Vietnam). Roomy and airy, these cats dot the coastline of eastern Oz.

Seawind 1160

If the Seawind 1000 was a minimalist approach to cruising cats, the 38-foot Seawind 1160 is the flip side of the coin, a full-fledged long-range voyager. Among the reasons it was named CW ’s Most Innovative boat for 2007 is the unique “tri-folding” door that stashes overhead to open up the saloon and cockpit into a spacious living area.

Click here to read more about the Seawind 1160.

Sunsail 384

Every sailboat is a compromise, and in the case of the Sunsail 384 (also sold privately as the Leopard 38) that’s a good thing, because designers Morrelli & Melvin and builder Robertson and Caine got the balance just right with this relatively small catamaran. With four cabins, the 384 can carry the same size bareboat charter crowd as her larger siblings, but does so with a decided bounce in her step. Named CW’s Import Boat of the Year in 2010, you can gauge the success of the design by the grins on the crew as they barrel down Sir Francis Drake channel in the British Virgin Islands.

Victoria 67

The French design office of Berret Racoupeau drafted the lines of Fountaine-Pajot’s new flagship, introduced in 2013, a magnificent world-girdling voyaging catamaran. Like other giant cats launched in recent years, the boat features a sensational upper deck with all sail controls, helm and lounging stations.

Click here to see more images of the Victoria 67.

Wharram Tanaroa

No list of influential multihulls would be complete without the work of James Wharram, and while Tangaroa wasn’t a production cat by any means, it showcases the British designer’s respect for ancient Polynesian craft. Wharram sailed this 23-foot-6-inch “double-hulled canoe” across the Atlantic in the 1950s, and sold countless plans for similar boats for decades afterwards.

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Top 10 French Sailboat Brands In 2024

Are you an experienced sailor or a sea-loving beginner who dreams of embarking on a sailing adventure? 

In both cases, a good sailboat brand is essential to make the journey comfortable, safe, and enjoyable. The French sailboat industry has a global reputation for manufacturing some of the top sailboat brands in the world. 

In this blog post, we will explore ten of the best 10 French sailboat brands and help you choose the one that best suits your needs.

What are the best French sailboat brands?

Brand #1 – beneteau.

Beneteau is a reputable French sailboat manufacturer known for its well-built and highly reliable models. 

Its Oceanis, First, and Sense lines reflect its tradition of innovation and quality. They offer various leisure sailing or racing designs, with models boasting comfortable interiors and efficient layouts. Their sailboats are also renowned for excellent performance, stability, and seaworthiness. 

With a broad range of sailboat sizes, Beneteau caters to small and large crew sailing needs. The company’s dedication to sustainability and innovation makes it a good choice for conscious and modern sailors.

Brand #2 – Jeanneau

Jeanneau is another globally recognized French sailboat brand, particularly liked for its performance and aesthetics. The company’s range includes top-quality Sun Odyssey, Sun Fast, and Jeanneau Yachts line, equally suited for casual sailing and competitive racing. 

Attention to detail regarding efficient design, luxurious finishes, and advanced technologies is a hallmark of Jeanneau. Their sailboats are also known for their comfort and performance, durability, and excellent value for money. 

Whether for family or solo sailing, there’s a Jeanneau that can cater to everyone’s needs and tastes. From novice sailors to experienced seafarers, Jeanneau promises an enjoyable and reliable sailing experience.

Releted: The 10 Most Popular Boat Brands

Brand #3 – Fountaine Pajot

Fountaine Pajot is a world leader in luxury catamaran sailboats. Their models are characterized by elegant design, roomy living spaces, and an emphasis on safety and performance. 

Fountaine Pajot’s commitment to high-quality craftsmanship and advanced technologies results in catamarans demonstrating excellent seaworthiness. Their sailboats provide a perfect balance of comfort and speed, offering a sleek design and optimal sailing performance. 

Owning a Fountaine Pajot means enjoying comfort on the seas without compromising on speed or safety. Look no further for those who appreciate luxury catamaran cruising combined with the spirit of adventure.

Brand #4 – Amel

Amel is well-reputed in the sailing community and is known for building ocean-going yachts with a focus on easy handling, safety, and robust construction. 

Its vessels are designed for long-distance journeys, offering unparalleled comfort and superior performance. High-quality materials and close attention to construction detail contribute to Amel boats’ overall durability and reliability. These boats are perfect for deep-sea exploration and global circumnavigation, providing reliable and comfortable living quarters. 

The brand stands for uncompromised quality and as such, it attracts the sailor seeking a vessel that can endure extensive use with minimal wear. With an Amel, you’re not just buying a sailboat, you’re getting an effortless sailing experience.

Releted: The Top 9 Best-Reviewed Boat Brands

Brand #5 – Dufour

Dufour Yachts is a premium sailboat manufacturer that delivers excellent craftsmanship and performance. The brand’s focus on creating a sleek design and a comfortable interior without compromising the boat’s racing abilities sets it apart. 

Their sailboats range from smaller, sporty models to larger cruising models ideal for family adventures, combining durable construction, user-friendly controls, and high-quality materials. 

Dufour stands for sailing pleasure, consistently delivering aesthetic appeal, comfort, excellent sailing abilities, and craftsmanship in each product line. Its uncompromised commitment to innovation, performance, and comfort makes it a popular choice for sailors worldwide.

Brand #6 – Pogo

Pogo Structures is renowned for its high-speed sailing boats that combine comfort and performance for long-distance cruising. 

The brand utilizes unique construction designs like sandwich structures to achieve lightweight yet robust boats. Their sailboats, designed for plane sailing and equipped with swing keels, offer excellent stability and speed. Pogo sailors are usually those seeking thrill and speed on the water and their boats are widely used in single-handed or short-crew races. 

Despite their sporty nature, the interiors of the Pogo boats are minimalist yet comfortable, making them suitable even for family cruising. Owning a Pogo sailboat means a unique combination of simplicity, performance, innovation, and efficient design.

Releted: Best 7 Offshore Fishing Boat Brands to Consider

Brand #7 – RM

RM Yachts produces high-performance cruisers with an alluring blend of performance, comfort, and seaworthiness. 

The uniqueness of RM lies in its distinctive design and construction method: the use of plywood epoxy makes their boats durable and lightweight. From design to construction, the aim is to enhance seaworthiness and speed, with an exciting range of models suitable for casual cruising and blue-water sailing. 

RM boats are for those who love sailing, whether coastal cruising or offshore, offering the perfect synthesis of comfort and performance.

Brand #8 – Bali

Bali Catamarans is an innovative brand known for designing catamarans that break the norm. Bali Catamarans are well-regarded for their innovative designs with an open space concept, leading to unparalleled comfort and a panoramic view of the sea from the living area. 

The self-tacking jib, onboard technological systems, and vast relaxation spaces ensure comfort, simplicity, and pleasure on the sea. 

The company’s continuous innovation in design and practicality make their models ideal for relaxed cruising or worldwide adventures.

Brand #9 – Excess

Excess Catamarans has carved a niche by offering a fresh take on catamaran sailboats. Pushing the boundaries of design, Excess catamarans blend performance and comfort, renowned for their sporty nature and modern design elements. 

Their sailboats feature a double helm position, a signature design choice that leads to greater sailing sensations. The brand strives to balance comfort and sailing performance perfectly, offering stylish models that cater to a new generation of sailors. 

With an Excess catamaran, you’re in for dynamic sailing with an unimpeded view of the sea.

Releted: The 7 Best Saltwater Boat Brands

Brand #10 – Garcia

Garcia Yachts is synonymous with robust and luxurious aluminum sailboats, designed especially for blue water cruising. 

Known for their high-quality construction techniques and meticulous attention to detail, Garcia Yachts offers reliable and trustworthy vessels perfect for long-distance journeys. The brand’s commitment to safety, comfort, and robustness has made it a popular choice among seasoned sailors around the globe.

Each Garcia boat is designed to withstand harsh sea conditions, emphasizing sturdiness and comfort. A Garcia sailboat is an investment in top-notch quality for those who aim for extensive and challenging exploration without compromising comfort and safety.

What is the Market Like for French Sailboat Brands?

Owning a sailboat is quite prestigious in France, with a vibrant market that offers a wide range of locally crafted and imported sailboats. 

Prices can vary greatly, from as low as $14,000 up to extravagant yachts costing $16 million or more. Average prices sit around $240,000 depending on factors like brand, condition, and size. Top French brands such as Beneteau, Jeanneau, and Sunseeker contribute significantly to the market dynamics. 

It’s crucial for prospective buyers to thoroughly research pricing, including evaluating age, condition, and location of the vessel, to secure the best value for investment.

Why are French Sailboat Brands Popular?

French sailboat brands stand out due to their adherence to quality and their passionate commitment to mariner dreams. In the competitive sailing market, only brands offering top-notch sailboats thrive—the rest sink. 

Whether a seasoned family-owned business or a new entrant, brands must captivate their customers, an achievement many French brands have accomplished. Sailors worldwide often rank French sailboats among their favourites; Beneteau and Amel are often top contenders, illustrating the global popularity and respect French sailboat brands command.

What to Look for in a French Sailboat?

When considering a French sailboat, several key aspects should be examined:

• Comfort: French sailboats are renowned for their luxurious interiors and thoughtful design, ensuring high comfort. Look for generously sized living quarters, comfortable berths, and well-designed, functional spaces that provide relaxation and convenience amid the seas.
• Stability: Stability is a crucial factor in determining a sailboat’s safety and performance. French brands typically excel by utilizing innovative hull designs and advanced technologies to deliver excellent seaworthiness, even in challenging sea conditions.
• Ease of Use: French sailboats often feature user-friendly systems that simplify sailing tasks, making them ideal for experienced sailors and novices. Check for features like self-tacking jibs, efficient rigging systems, and intuitive control panels to help ease handling and navigation.

How to Buy a French Sailboat?

Buying a French sailboat involves carefully considering several factors:

• Location: Where you are buying from can impact availability. For instance, in the U.S., you may need a dealer who ships sailboats or look for a used one in a marina. It’s beneficial to research the local market before purchasing.
• Brand and Model Limitations: Some French brands produce limited models yearly, making specific boats harder to acquire. Therefore, conducting thorough research ahead of time can make the buying process smoother.
• Budget: Ensure you have sufficient funds for the purchase, possibly involving loans, savings, or selling assets. The costs can vary significantly based on the sailboat’s brand and size. Consider if extra space is worth the additional cost.
• Direct Purchasing: If you find a preferred French brand, you could try buying from their website directly. They might offer assistance in locating a dealer or shipping arrangements, potentially saving you time and money.

Are there affordable French sailboat brands?

Yes, many French sailboat brands offer sailboats at various price ranges to cater to different budgets.

Are there French sailboat brands that cater to customer satisfaction and comfort?

Yes, brands like Jeanneau, Beneteau, and Dufour focus on providing excellent sailing experiences and customer satisfaction.

What are some notable sailboat models from the top French brands?

Notable sailboat models include Jeanneau Sun Odyssey, Beneteau Oceanis, Dufour Grand Large, and Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40.

What are the advantages of choosing a French sailboat brand?

French sailboat brands are known for their quality construction, innovative designs, excellent sailing capabilities, and customer satisfaction.

More Article:

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I am a freelance writer passionate about watersports and the great outdoors. I have many years of experience in the marine industry, and I enjoy sharing my knowledge and expertise with others so that they can get the most out of their boating experiences. I like fishing, kayaking, and exploring new destinations by boat whenever I have time. Contact Us: Linkedin

Kaosar Ahamed

owner and writer, mylovelyboat.com

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Extraordinary boats: Cape Cod 767 is 25ft of fresh thinking

• Toby Hodges
• July 18, 2024

The Cape Cod 767 is a French-designed and built fun daysailer that’s jam packed with new ideas and features. Toby Hodges tests this new daysailer

Granted, it’s a novel-looking shape, but why all the fuss I wondered as a crowd formed around the transom of the Cape Cod 767 in La Rochelle? And then as I took in the numerous clever features being demonstrated on deck I began to understand the interest. The 767 packs plenty of new ideas into a 25ft daysailer and is certainly worth a closer look – or a sail if you can.

Unearthing a genuinely different design is a highlight of being longterm members of the European Yacht of the Year scheme. A fellow jury member nominates a design we’ve never heard of (typically French) and we get to sail a yacht we might never otherwise stumble across.

Given its particularly modern and quirky design, including the pronounced reverse sheer and chines, you may also find it surprising to learn that the Cape Cod 767 hails from a yard more used to building classical-style boats.

Hervé Nollet is the Rosewest yard’s founder and designer. Following design school in Paris and 25 years running an industrial design agency, Nollet drew a neo-classic daysailer for himself 20 years ago. Demand from friends grew this into a small series production, the Cape Cod 896, of which 30 have now launched. One glance at this daysailer , with its gorgeous traditional sheer, elegant counter and large oval cockpit, helps explain where the brand name comes from – it befits that New England sailing lifestyle.

The link with that yacht and the starkly different, contemporary Cape Cod 767 is that they’re both shoal draught daysailers that are easy to manage, with large cockpits, modern appendages and rigs. The Cape Cod 767 ramps up the ease factor: it’s easier to sail fast, with an integral centreboard that makes it easy to beach or trail, and you can rig it single-handedly.

The novel 767 trailable daysailer, with its large cockpit and surprising space under the foredeck, is easy and reactive to sail, particularly with the furling gennaker. Photo: Ludovic Fruchaud/imacis.fr/EYOTY

An ideas boat

The concept is a sporty daysailer, yet a fun, spacious boat that can be trailed (it weighs just over a tonne).

It’s clearly a design that suits fair-weather sailing and has a cockpit to entertain plenty for its size, while its raft of clever features has inspired many positive comments on Yachting World’s YouTube channel .

For starters, there is the ease with which it can take to the shallows. The kick-up rudder pivots on a single point on its casing head. At first glance I thought this was some sort of wind vane, until I got closer and saw it was the blade in its fully vertical ‘docked’ position.

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The 350kg swing keel uses hydraulic power to raise it from 1.8m to just 22cm at the push of a button by the throttle control. It takes 20 seconds to lift, and it has an inbuilt fuse so will automatically raise if you hit the beach too quickly.

When you are beaching, you want to be able to both lift the outboard and use maximum cockpit space. The retractable outboard – an electric Torqeedo or 5hp petrol – is offset to one side to avoid the rudder and mounted on a hingeing bracket. This lifts and rotates inboard directly into a cockpit locker. A box then seals the transom slot for when sailing.

Hulls and decks are infused polyester, with composites all designed and built in-house. Photo: Ludovic Fruchaud/imacis.fr/EYOTY

Telescopic swim steps also retract neatly into the transom, while another large cockpit locker in the sole swallows fenders and gear.

How to include a table large enough for the numerous guests the cockpit can host? The solution on the Cape Cod 767 is recessed into the cockpit sole and raises up on X-legs (like an ironing board). Similarly, cockpit cushions with folding backrests are built into the benches, so you can choose to have these raised for support or flush to the side decks.

The swing keel weighs 350kg and raises hydraulically at the push of button. It will also lift automatically if beached. Photo: Ludovic Fruchaud/imacis.fr/EYOTY

When I arrived for a sail on the Cape Cod 767, the rep was having a siesta on the foredeck sunpad, the hatch raised to act as a reclining position. But the real surprise lies beneath here in a forepeak area that is spacious enough to accommodate two single berths and a chemical heads. Admittedly there’s no natural light and it’s more a space meant for stowage (Nollet says his clients are as likely to sleep on their boat as in their car), but it shows how the full bow has been put to good use. Neat features abound, including the Seasmart recessed fittings on deck for attaching blocks easily or clipping on fenders one-handed and the cup holders in the tiller.

The Cape Cod 767 can be launched and rigged without needing a crane and comes with an aluminium mast with an option for carbon. A single Torqeedo battery provides two hours motoring at max speed (9.7km/h) and powers the keel. It can be recharged from the dock or taken home.

The large table is recessed into – and forms part of – the cockpit sole. It raises up on X-legs. Photo: Ludovic Fruchaud/imacis.fr/EYOTY

Reactive sailing

The Cape Cod is not just an ideas platform, it offers easy, fun sailing too. It’s designed to be narrow and flat enough to trailer, yet Rosewest has kept the composite build light and slippery. The single rudder proved nice and responsive, allowing you to feel each small increase in wind strength (we clocked 5-5.5 knots upwind and 7+ knots offwind).

The jib is on a curved track and can be sheeted inboard using the windward block, which is useful considering the full-bodied shape of her forward ends. The purchased mainsheet is controlled using a central ratchet block. You can also attach a block and tackle to this to aid fine trim and sheeting to windward.

The forepeak area below contains two berths, a large amount of stowage and a chemical heads. Photo: Ludovic Fruchaud/imacis.fr/EYOTY

Unfurling the gennaker is fuss-free with the furler line led underdeck and controlled from the pit. This reaching sail helped the Cape Cod 767 come alive and prove reactive to sail. You can cross sheet easily to trim all sails from the windward side. I’d look at fitting a simple tiller clamp so you could leave it locked off centrally while sailing solo and attending to the sails.

The helmsman has sturdy foot chocks and the natural place to sit at heel is up on the windward deck. But in heavier seas or winds you’d want more security in higher backrests. As it is there are no rails, an open transom, and little to keep you in the cockpit (or on the foredeck). And it could get a little wet in a seaway, which is why I consider it a design for calm weather (it’s RCD Cat C/four people).

But for a fun sail across to a beach or island to anchor up with friends for lunch and a swim, the Cape Cod offers a relishing prospect. Extraordinary? Perhaps not, but it’s certainly different and full of original features, which certainly got our attention!

Cape Cod 767 specifications

LOA: 7.67m / 25ft 2in Beam: 2.54m / 8ft 4in Draught: 0.22-1.8m / 0ft 9in-5ft 11in Light displacement: 1,100kg / 2,425lb

If you enjoyed this….

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The classic sailing brands every yacht owner should know

Whether it's competitive sailing  you're into or relaxing on board your superyacht as your cruise the Mediterranean , these are the best brands to ensure you fit right in on the choppy seas or at the superyacht regatta . From high-tech performance apparel for braving the elements to chic leisurewear for relaxing on deck, you'll look and feel the part in these brands.

With 50 years experience creating cutting-edge performance gear, few brands are more synonymous with sailing than Musto . With emphasis on practicality and innovation combined with quality crafting, Musto apparel is made for adventure with style.

The history: In 1964 the brand’s founder Keith Musto competed in the Tokyo Olympics as part of the British sailing squad. It was during the relentless training for the competition that he realised their uniform of Guernsey sweaters and flannel trousers wasn’t cutting it and set out to create a line of revolutionary technical sailing apparel.

To further develop its advanced materials, Musto teamed up with W. L. Gore to create a tough yet breathable waterproof fabric that could endure the brutal conditions of ocean sailing. Together the brands produced an extra-durable Gore-Tex membrane. Twenty years later the material is still at the core of Musto’s renowned HPX range.

For fair weather: Corsica BR1 Jacket, £160, musto.com

For stormy seas: MPX Gore-Tex Pro Offshore Jacket, £550, musto.com

Henri Lloyd

Henri Lloyd’s sailing collection lies at the heart of the brand. Its connection with the sea began when co-founder Henri Strzelecki designed the first sailing jacket with a Velcro fastener. Since then the brand has continued to blend heritage with modern style to create lines that are both practical and sophisticated.

The history: Founded in 1963 in the British city of Manchester, Henri Lloyd quickly found favour with the sailing community for its pioneering use of new technologies and man-made materials.

Just three years after its launch early circumnavigation adventurers such as Sir Francis Chichester, Sir Robin Knox-Johnson and Sir Ranulph Fiennes began to choose Henri Lloyd’s high-tech gear. This tradition continues today both on and off the water with Henri Lloyd being the choice of four-time Olympic gold medallist and America’s Cup competitor Sir Ben Ainslie .

For fair weather: Breeze Jacket, £84, Henrilloyd.com

For stormy seas: Freedom Suit bundle, £349.95, force4.co.uk

Famed for its iconic sailing footwear, Dubarry takes inspiration from Galway’s boating heritage with the tough elements of the brand’s homeland echoed in the durability of its products.

The history: In 1937 the Dubarry co-operative company was established to provide employment in the small town of Ballinasloe on the west coast of Ireland. Thanks to their comfort, water resistance and unbeatable grip, the brand soon became known for its signature sailing footwear.

Now a globally recognised brand, Dubarry’s heritage still continues to influence its future. Through combining traditional design with high-tech materials each product is meticulously designed to give the best performance.

For fair weather:  Fastnet Sailing Boot, £199,  dubarryboots.com

For stormy seas: Crosshaven Sailing Boot, £379, Dubarryboots.com

From creating the world’s first boat shoe to becoming a modern nautical icon, Sperry is renowned for the durability, comfort and timeless style of its designs.

The history: Founded in 1935 by avid sailor Paul Sperry, the ambitious quest to create the perfect sailing shoe began when Sperry slipped and fell overboard while out on the water off Long Island. Sperry spent months in his workshop in New Haven trying to perfect his non-slip sole when eventually inspiration came from an unlikely source - his dog. He patented a design that carved indentations into the soles of his shoes to replicate the grooves in his dog’s paws thus providing traction on the slippery surfaces of the deck.

After the launch of the first shoe, every single member of the Cruising Club of America wrote to Sperry requesting a pair of his innovative Top-Siders. Ever since Sperry has been the go-to brand for boating footwear and a key component in casual sailing style.

For fair weather: Authentic Original 2-eye boat shoe, £85, mrporter.com

For stormy seas: Cold Bay Duck Boot, £109, sperry.com

Helly Hansen

The original pioneer of the three-layer concept, Helly Hansen has a history of product innovation that blends Scandinavian design signatures with inspiration drawn from the practicalities of living in some of the harshest environments on earth.

The history: After years battling tough conditions on the Norwegian Sea, captain Helly Juell Hansen began to produce his own oilskin jackets, trousers and sou’wester hats. Each piece was made from a course linen soaked in linseed to make it weather proof.

From these humble beginnings on the fjords of Scandinavia in 1877, Helly Hansen has grown to become a leading global sailing brand. Offering the optimal combination of performance, protection and style, its progressive designs continue to protect and enable professional sailors around the world.

For fair weather: HP Racing Midlayer Jacket, £160, hellyhansen.com

For stormy seas: Aegir Ocean Jacket, £800, hellyhansen.com

This Australian apparel brand has become a household name for sailors and Olympians globally. Pushing the boundaries on design and evolving their technical clothing, Zhik caters for all weather conditions both in functionality and style.

The history : Founded in 2003, Zhik’s range of wetsuits and dinghy gear completely changed the design approach for performance clothing and have been rapidly adopted by sailors across the globe.

Since then Zhik has developed their own specialist proprietary and trademarked fabrics including Isotak® a breathable, waterproof offshore fabric that is four times more durable that equivalent fabrics, the lighter Aroshell® breathable fabric and Superwarm®, a four-way stretch, extremely warm and thin neoprene fabric. In 2019 Zhik launched a range of ECO wetsuits, made from entirely natural plant-based fabrics and recycled plastic bottles.

For fair weather : Z-Cru Jacket, £119.95, z hik.com

For stormy seas : Isotak 2 Jacket, £499.95, zhik.com

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Boats for sale in France

The history of the boat industry in France is long and varied. Boats have been produced in France since the Middle Ages, but the industry has not always been structured. For many years, France have colonies in the whole world and boat-building companies have been in constant growth. The industry has gradually developed over time into a more international sector. In 2017, there were 20 major manufacturers produce boats for sale in France that employ around 20,000 people.

Merry Fisher vs Antares

It is a quite common question: which Antares or Merry Fisher boat should you choose?

Merry Fisher diesel

Merry Fisher old models with inboard diesel engines.

French marine industry: history and the famous producers

The history of French boat building can be traced back to the 16th century when France started to colonize the world and its colonies had an abundance of natural resources such as wood. Sailors would build their own boats before leaving on journeys at sea. The development of the shipbuilding industry meant that the naval units had better and better nautical properties. The experience of European sailors was a flywheel for designing more and more hulls.

French boat manufacturers are well known for their quality and design. Beneteau and Jeanneau are two of the most popular French boat manufacturers. These companies were founded by sailors who wanted to create boats for sale that were attractive to sailors in France as well as travelers who wanted to discover new parts of the world. The boat builders designs boats for fishing, cruising, sailing, and powerboats.

Check boats from Henri Jeanneau company

Henri Jeanneau is a French boat designer, who specializes in monohulls, catamarans, and multihulls. He has been designing boats since the 1957s. In 1980 he founded his company Henri Jeanneau Design to manufacture custom-built powerboats for clients from around the world. In 2001 Ostroda Yachts of Poland began the production of offshore yachts slipway capable of accommodating.

Henri Jeanneau is best known for his Lagoon catamarans and multihulls. He specializes in the production of boats and provides boat design and construction services to customers in the marine industry. Jeanneau built his first boat which he sold for a profit of 100%. The unusual success pushed the then young designer to further work on his boats for sale France.

In 1884, an engineer named Benjamin Beneteau launched a boatbuilding company to produce sailboats and powerboats for French fishing fleets. Building on this initial success, Beneteau expanded its range of products to include yachts for private use as well as larger boats for public services such as fishing and tourism.

The French marine industry is one of the leading industries in France. The marine industry is composed of boat builders, shipyards, and marinas.

How boating looks like in France? Is it popular to have a boat in Paris?

France is one of the most beautiful countries in the world with its own culture and traditions that make it one of the best places to visit in Europe for a summer vacation, winter ski trip or any other time during the year when you want to get away from it all for a while without leaving Europe.

The rivers and canals are perfect for boating and water sports, so if you are looking to take your family on an exciting adventure or just want to spend some time on the water, France is an excellent choice for you! Boating is one of the most popular pastimes in France. With its many rivers, canals and lakes, boating is a great way to relax and spend time with family.

Boating in France is a characteristic part of the culture. The country has been boating since the late 1800s when it was invented as a leisure activity. Today, there are over 400 boat clubs that cater to all levels of boaters from beginners to experts. There are also several hundred kilometers of canal with a thriving waterway system where people can enjoy exploring on their boats.

Boat tours in France are also available on the water if you want to see some of this country’s beautiful landscape from the surface. If you enjoy being on the water, boat tours are a perfect way to spend your day. Ticket prices depend on what type of tour you decide to take, but they tend to be more affordable than their air-bound counterparts.

The following guide will give you information about what kind of boat to rent in France, what equipment you’ll need for your trip, and where you can find it. You’ll find that there are many options to choose from when it comes to boat rental – the type of boat itself ranges from traditional rowboats, sailboats, motorboats, catamarans just to name a few. Beyond the boat itself, it’s important to note that the boat’s equipment is also a major consideration for many people.

French yacht market: prices, offer, terms - everything about used and new boats for sale in France

Boats are a symbol of luxury and the French are very proud of their boat design. Most of the boats in France are made in Poland and France as well.

The south coast is known for its diverse waterways. Here you can find everything from speedboats to sailing yachts, catamarans, power boats, and houseboats alike. The north coast has some beautiful places to explore too, with its restaurants and fishing ports.

The boat show in Cannes has been held since 1950. The show is a great opportunity to get the latest on the French boats.

Jeanneau and Beneteau are two of the most popular brands in France. They build powerboats, sailboats, and catamarans with Yamaha and Suzuki engines. There is a large selection of boats for sale in France, but prices can vary depending on the size of boat and engine type.

Boat rental in France: where to find a good company?

Many seaside companies offer boat rental services. They have a wide range of boats for rent, from powerboats to catamarans. Some cities have significantly higher boat charter prices. This is probably due to the attractiveness of these places. Nevertheless, for people who appreciate silence, there are places with much better boats of the same class. This is especially true of the center of France.

These are just some of the things that you should know when you are out shopping for used boats in France. We will also be discussing what payment terms are available for this kind of purchase.

Parcs Nautiques de Paris is located in Paris, France and they offer boat rental services. Customers can choose from a variety of boats, including powerboats and sailboats. They have an on-site service center that provides boat maintenance and repairs to ensure the best possible customer service. Their prices start at €150 per day depending on the type of boat chosen by the customer.

Boats for sale France, find the perfect boat to buy with a few clicks!

Mentioned prices are EXW net EUR – do not include VAT, transport costs to the customer and other costs that may occur. All data and information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a binding offer.

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What Happened To Daisy Kelliher After Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 4?

• Daisy Kelliher, from Below Deck Sailing Yacht, is known for professional skills and a recent love triangle with Gary and Colin.
• Daisy's new platinum bob haircut has fans excited, showing off a confident look perfect for a hot girl summer.
• Daisy has been traveling the world post-season, exploring places like Greece and Los Angeles, embracing her adventurous side.

Daisy Kelliher has starred as Chief Stew on Below Deck Sailing Yacht for four seasons, and it's time to talk about what the yachtie has been up to since her tumultuous love triangle imploded. Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, the seasoned stew's onboard skills run in the family. Her parents also worked on yachts, with her grandfather even boasting an Olympic medal in sailing. The sunny 37-year-old is known for her hardworking and professional attitude, and there's hope she'll return for Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 5 .

Daisy's usual demeanor fell by the wayside when she found herself in a boatmance love triangle between Gary King and Colin McRae. During the season, Daisy hooked up with Colin, the Chief Engineer, despite having a long-standing connection with Gary, the First Officer. While a boatmance isn't out of character for most Below Deck franchise cast members, Daisy was known for being no-nonsense and focused on her job. Her performance suffered, leading to some disappointment from Captain Glenn Shepard.

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Daisy Is Rocking A Brand-New Look

Her new hair looks amazing.

Daisy chopped off her signature long blonde locks and traded them for a trendy platinum bob. The Chief Stew is ready for a hot girl summer with such a blunt, confident haircut. Fans in the comments were floored at her new appearance. " Nothing has ever been more meant for you. Looks incredible ," wrote one follower, while another gushed, " I just did the same thing with my hair!!! You're hair looks fabulous!!! " Daisy is one of the most popular Below Deck franchise members, with very few negative opinions surrounding the bright yachtie.

" I just did the same thing with my hair!!! You're hair looks fabulous!!! "

Daisy's drastic change in appearance was shocking, but she probably wants to shake off last season's mishaps. She also recently appeared on the red carpet for the premiere of Star Wars The Acolyte, looking super sleek and glamorous with her platinum hair and a golden-hued slip dress. Daisy expresses herself without apologizing, and it's great to see her play with style during the off-season.

Daisy Has Been Traveling

She loves to explore.

Daisy has been traveling the world since filming Below Deck Sailing Yacht . As a natural adventurer, it's no surprise that Daisy would want to explore during her time between seasons. " Last week ," followed by pink heart emojis, accompanied these fun photos from a recent trip to Los Angeles. Daisy looked super cute in a sundress while holding a drink in the pool. However, the yachtie's travels haven't been confined to California. She spent the night partying away for her birthday and dove into the blue waters of Greece for two weeks.

Daisy's honesty and lighthearted nature are part of what makes her such a likable Below Deck cast member.

Daisy has always enjoyed traveling but feels most at home in the UK. She attended school in Ireland before deciding to pursue higher education in London, where she studied Hotel Management. After completing her studies, Daisy gained experience working in various luxury hospitality settings , which helped her develop skills in customer service and management. Then, Daisy worked on several high-end yachts, traveling to exotic locations and catering to the needs of affluent clients, which is part of what made her such an amazing Chief Stew.

Daisy's Sister Bonnie Was In A Motorbike Accident In Thailand

Daisy was there for her sister.

Below Deck Sailing Yacht viewers met Daisy Kelliher's sister Bonnie in season 4, when she met up with Daisy and the crew for a night out. Daisy and Bonnie had not seen each other for a few years at that time due to their busy schedules and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, they remained very close. On June 18th, 2024, Daisy shared the first of two Instagram posts on the same day where she revealed to her 406,000 followers that Bonnie was in a traumatic motorbike accident in Thailand a few weeks prior.

"She has had several surgeries including her chest, face and brain and two emergency surgeries one when it happened and one over the weekend and a 12 hour surgery last week."

Daisy said Bonnie had been discharged from the ICU and was in a normal hospital room for a lengthy recovery. In her second post, Daisy cautioned her followers about the dangers of motorbikes, the importance of wearing a helmet, and how traumatic Bonnie's accident was for her and her family. Daisy flew to Thailand to be with Bonnie when she heard about the accident. Since her posts, Daisy has not made another post on her page to update fans on Bonnie's condition, but she has replied to comments from fans on other posts letting them know Bonnie is doing well.

Daisy's Journey On Below Deck Sailing Yacht Explained

She got all tangled up with colin and gary.

When Daisy joined the cast as Chief Stew, she brought a wealth of experience from the yachting industry. From the start, she demonstrated her ability to run a tight interior crew. Daisy's leadership style was firm but fair, earning her the respect of her crew. As her time on the show continued, Daisy maintained professional relationships while still engaging in the camaraderie and social aspects of yacht life. Nearly everybody liked Daisy.

Season 4 brought significant personal challenges for Daisy, marking a turning point in her Below Deck Sailing Yacht journey. The season was dominated by the dramatic love triangle involving Daisy, Colin, and Gary . Despite her typically professional and composed nature, Daisy was at the center of a complicated romantic entanglement.

While she and Gary had a long-standing connection, Daisy decided to explore a romantic relationship with Colin. This decision led to various complications, including jealousy and misunderstandings, especially when Gary accused Daisy of not being truthful about the nature of her relationship with Colin. Throughout the drama, Daisy's usual professionalism is tested as she struggles to stay on top of her duties as Chief Stew. However, she still has a good reputation in the Below Deck universe.

Will Daisy Return To Below Deck Sailing Yacht?

She's likely to come back for season 5.

While Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 5's premiere date hasn't been announced, Daisy will likely return . She's been an excellent Chief Stew aboard Parsifal III despite some personal drama last season, and Daisy's changed appearance and behavior is a sign that she's ready to turn over a new leaf. The Below Deck spin-off remains popular and is sure to return soon. However, Below Deck Mediterranean season 9 will air first. In the meantime, Daisy enjoys traveling and showing off her new look, and hopefully, she will return to screens soon.

Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 5 was supposed to air after Below Deck season 11, but Below Deck Med season 9 premiered instead.

Although the season has reportedly been filmed already, the hiatus is likely due to the sexual misconduct allegations against Gary stemming from a Below Deck production makeup artist claiming that Gary acted sexually inappropriately towards her.

The Below Deck franchise could be trying to edit Gary out of BDSY season 5, as they have done a similar thing with a troubled cast member before.

It's unclear a this point if and when Below Deck Sailing Yacht will get a premiere date, and whether Gary will be a part of it or in future seasons at all. Daisy seems to be a bright constant in the franchise who should by all accounts be a part of the next season with or without Gary. While Daisy focuses on her Bravolebrity status, travels, and sister, fans can anticipate seeing her in the future on their TV screens.

Below Deck Mediterranean airs Mondays at 9 p.m. EDT on Bravo.

Source: Daisy Kelliher /Instagram, Daisy Kelliher /Instagram, Daisy Kelliher /Instagram, Daisy Kelliher/Instagram

Cast Daisy Kelliher, Colin Macrae, Gary King, Glenn Shephard

Release Date February 3, 2020

Genres Reality-TV

Network Bravo

Franchise(s) Below Deck

Showrunner Rebecca Taylor Henning, Doug Henning, Mark Cronin

Main Genre Reality-TV

Rating TV-14

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• Azimut Is Backing Mark Anthony’s E1 Team in the First Electric-Powerboat Championship

The Italian yard has partnered with Team Miami for the inaugural UIM E1 World Championship.

Rachel cormack.

Digital Editor

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Azimut Yachts is diving into the world’s first electric powerboat league .

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For the unversed, E1 holds races in upscale destinations across the globe to help promote sustainability and innovation in the marine industry. Each thrilling faceoff sees futuristic, electric foilers, known as RaceBirds , fly across the water at up to 57 mph. Pilots go head-to-head in multiple heats to advance to the final. The current championship includes nine teams with two pilots each. The teams are helmed by big-name celebrities, such as NFL legend Tom Brady , actor Will Smith, tennis superstar Rafael Nadal , DJ Steve Aoki, Formula 1 driver Sergio “Checo” Pérez, and soccer great Didier Drogba.

Team Miami, which is helmed by Latin music icon Marc Anthony and food entrepreneur Robert Jakobi, recently secured a victory in Spain and is currently leading the championship. Still, the team saw an opportunity to push the boundaries of green technology and marine design even further with Azimut. “With Azimut Yachts, we are not just elevating our brand presence globally; we are also emphasizing our commitment to sustainability,” explained Jakobi. “It reflects our vision for a greener future in marine sports and luxury yachting.”

Fans of Team Miami and Azimut can look forward to exclusive events and experiences, showcasing the best of electric powerboat racing and marine craftsmanship.

Rachel Cormack is a digital editor at Robb Report. She cut her teeth writing for HuffPost, Concrete Playground, and several other online publications in Australia, before moving to New York at the…

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