– Spacious living spaces
– Fuel-efficient at lower speeds
Hopefully, this article has provided some ideas and examples of what your best Great Loop boat might be. Beyond a few hard limitations, it’s a matter of taste and style. There’s no right or wrong answer–you’ll often see many unexpected vessels doing the Loop.
If you’re considering the Loop, check out the America’s Great Loop Cruisers Association for more details.
There’s no set size limit for length, but all boats looking to complete the Loop must pass under a low fixed bridge in the Chicago area. If your boat is more than 19 feet, 6 inches above the water, thou shall not pass.
Some people have reported that boats as long as 70 feet have completed the Loop. But taking a vessel of this size is not recommended, as you must navigate numerous tight locks and low bridges along the route. Most Loopers choose boats less than 50 feet long.
The smallest boat is the one that you’re comfortable on. Jet skis have completed the Loop, but they’re limited to staying in hotels or camping. It’s best to have a boat that will be comfortable to live on for the better part of a year. Most people want a boat at least 35 feet long to do that.
Most cruisers take about a year to do the Loop. Several factors affect this plan, and it’s always an individual choice. Generally, you’ll be northbound in the spring to be westbound through the Great Lakes in the summer. Then you “fall down” the rivers in the autumn so that you can over-winter in Florida. But many people take breaks, leave their boats in storage, and complete the Loop in sections. Furthermore, many folks want to take their time and enjoy the scenery. It’s not a race, after all.
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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C hoosing between a sailboat and a catamaran for your sailing adventures is a significant decision that depends on various factors, including your sailing preferences, experience level, budget, and intended use. Here's an ultimate guide to help you make an informed decision:
In conclusion, both sailboats and catamarans have their advantages and disadvantages. Your decision should be based on your individual preferences, experience level, budget, and intended use. If possible, charter both types of vessels to experience firsthand how they handle and to help make a more informed decision based on your own preferences and needs.
The post The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Between a Sailboat or Catamaran for Your Sailing Adventures appeared first on Things That Make People Go Aww .
While strolling the docks of the Annapolis Sailboat Show each fall for, let’s say, at least the past decade, one thing has become abundantly clear: Between the rows of charter catamarans lining the docks of the so-called Vacation Basin and the ubiquitous lineup of cats (and trimarans) on display on the Spa Creek Marina piers, the twin-hull phenomenon continues to resonate, and it easily remains the fastest-growing segment of the sailboat universe. That anecdotal observation was backed up by hard numbers in the 2024 Boat of the Year fleet, with more than half the contestants being multihulls.
Fittingly, then, the most competitive category in this year’s contest was this class of four cruising cats. Amazingly, in features and layouts, each nominee was decidedly different from the others, a true benefit to potential owners, who now more than ever have real choices to ponder.
It’s hard to say if it’s a definite advantage, but in recent Boat of the Year contests, when inspecting boats with their owners aboard—folks who have put some hard miles under their keels, and who can speak with authority on the positives and negatives of their vessel—the track record shows that such nominees do very well. Which is the case with the Vision 444, whose owner took delivery of the boat at its building site in Knysna, South Africa, cruised to Mozambique, and then sailed it up the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean.
Judge Mark Pillsbury picks it up from there: “Many of the big cruising cats that we step aboard are a compromise by design because some of the fleet will go to private owners and the rest into charter. The Vision 444 was different, and after a 14,000-mile shakedown cruise, it clearly reflected the thinking of its owner, who was aboard every step of the way. This is a pure cruising cat, and a fine one. Gear was of good quality and well-sorted. Living accommodations were practical and proven. And build quality was readily apparent because the boat looked terrific after all those hard miles. I think it’s one of the only cats I can recall having a full and proper nav station. And the walk-in workshop forward in the starboard bow? Brilliant.”
Text> Pillsbury has sailed the complete range of Excess cats, a relatively new brand from Groupe Beneteau, and has a unique viewpoint on how the range has evolved: “Each of the first three Excess catamarans we looked at brought us something new to talk about, and the latest, the 46-foot Excess 14, didn’t disappoint. The builder says that they want to try new things as they expand the lineup, and with the 14, they let the design team of VPLP push off in a couple of new directions when it comes to hull shape, and the width and depth of the keels to improve sailing performance. Unfortunately, we had pretty light wind for our sea trial in Annapolis, but in under 5 knots of breeze, we were still able to see speeds in the 3-plus-knot range. Visibility from the helms was good—our entire judging team are fans of the steering stations, located well aft and outboard— and the boat was easy to move around on. The 14 fits very well in what the builder is aiming to accomplish.”
Text> Unfortunately, due to a shipping snafu, this latest offering from HH Catamarans arrived too late to Annapolis to be displayed at the boat show. But it did make it in time for the sea-trial portion of the Boat of the Year contest. The judges were very pleased that it did, for on a windy test sail, the 44 had the opportunity to strut its stuff, so much so that the panel awarded it with the Judge’s Special Recognition prize .
The Seawind collection of cats has seen more than its fair share of success in previous Boat of the Year contests. As judge Tim Murphy summarizes, the builder’s new 38-footer is carrying on with that positive tradition: “Our test boat, Hull No. 2, was built at the company’s primary facility in Vietnam, but going forward with the 1170, the line will be produced in a new plant in Turkey to service the European market. The infused hull is vinylester throughout with a PVC core; it’s a good, cost-effective choice that avoids osmosis. Foam is perforated and ‘double-cut’ with kerfs around curved surfaces. It has a Mastervolt lithium-ion battery system, no genset, but with 990 watts of solar power (an optional 1,320 watts is available). I like the cabin top/boom relationship: It doesn’t invite lounging guests to lounge in the boom’s path, but does give the operator easy access to the entire foot of the mainsail. The galley is down—a good layout on a smaller cat. The sail plan is simple but effective. This is a very solid couple’s boat.”
Duncan Kent picks the best second-hand sub-40ft sail and power boats for crossing the North Sea and exploring a Baltic summer
The LM27 is double ended with a long, shallow keel, making it quick under sail. Credit: David Harding Credit: David Harding
Sailing to the Baltic is quite demanding as you’ll be crossing the often-turbulent North Sea and some of the busiest shipping lanes in Europe.
So you’ll need a sound, seaworthy craft fit for the purpose and suitably equipped for long, open sea passages.
When you arrive, you’ll find the sailing season is fairly short within the Baltic Sea itself, so if you plan to keep sailing to the very limits of the season you’ll need to think about heating and cosy, well-insulated interiors.
A deck saloon yacht is often a good solution. That way you don’t have to leave the warmth of the inside helm other than to adjust your sails.
In certain areas, however, it’s not advisable to stay afloat too close to winter as the sea can often freeze up and severely damage your hull .
Although the sailing season is short in the Baltic, there is no shortage of places to explore. Credit: Jeremy Evans/YM
Some boats have even been sunk by the sheer weight of snow and ice on the decks, which is why most boats are hauled out and kept in heated sheds where possible.
Although there are effectively no tides in the Baltic, there are certainly plenty of rocks. Solidly constructed boats are a must in these waters.
Being quite shallow and rocky close to the edges, bow-to-mooring is commonplace to protect your rudder – most local boats have open pulpits and a sturdy bow plank.
Another popular method of mooring in the Baltic is the ‘box’ berth , whereby you tie the bows ashore and the stern to two posts, one on each of your aft quarters.
If this is the case you need to keep your quarter rails free from too much clobber that can be accidentally dislodged as you berth.
Although there are only a few sub-25ft boats I’d consider seaworthy enough to sail from the UK to the Baltic, if you select a decent weather window, pencil in plenty of fallback ports along the way, and take the inland waterway routes where you can, you should be fine in almost any well-found yacht.
As with most small boats, how safe she is more often depends on the skipper and crew than the boat itself.
Beneteau’s Evasion 22 is a tough little motorsailer built well enough to withstand a North Sea crossing in fine weather, especially the fin keel model.
What she lacks in length she gains in stability, her 40% ballast ratio keeping her nicely stiff in a blow and her flared bows keeping the spray off the decks.
Below, she is nicely bright thanks to myriad windows. She has a second helm station and a comfortable four-person dinette with views outside when seated.
Headroom is a reasonable 5ft 8in, but six-footers can stand upright under the main hatch.
The Evasion 22 had twin-steering positions. An inboard diesel means she performs well in a foul tide. Credit: Beneteau
She has berths for four with the convertible dinette, but is ideal for two sleeping in the roomy forecabin. The galley is OK for a 22-footer.
Workspace is limited, but fortunately, the dining table is close to hand. The heads are a bit of a squeeze but at least it’s private, unlike on most small boats.
Most importantly, she came with an inboard diesel engine , usually a 2-cylinder Yanmar, that is more than capable of pushing against a foul tide if needed.
Those wanting a little more space might prefer the slightly larger Evasion 25, which is equally well-designed and constructed.
Definitely up to a North Sea crossing, the ketch-rigged Fisher 25MS is loosely based on an offshore fishing boat and, for a small boat, is surprisingly well-found.
Similar to her larger sisters, she has a tall wheelhouse with big windows all around.
Her long keel and deep rudder offer good directional stability, even in a big following sea, plus the deep-vee forefoot, pronounced sheer, flared bows and deep bulwarks combine to keep the waves and spray off the decks.
Accommodation is practical and sensibly laid out, making living aboard under sail comfortable for a cruising couple.
Even in big following seas, the Fisher 25MS has good directional stability due to the motor-sailer’s long keel and deep rudder. Credit: David Harding
The vee-berth forward takes up all of the forecabin with the infill in place and a narrow quarter berth is also available, accessed by hinging the chart table up.
She has a narrow, private heads compartment and a decent size galley, with an L-shaped settee around the small dining table opposite, capable of seating three to four at a push.
The 25 boasts a powerful 27hp, 3-cylinder, shaft-driven diesel engine to get you safely into port should the weather deteriorate and she motorsails comfortably at an economical 1,200rpm.
One of many ‘Nelsonesque’ style motorboats, the Jersey-built semi-displacement Seaward 23 soon earned an enviable reputation for build strength, comfortable accommodation, and the ability to power through big seas without wavering from her course.
Available with single or twin diesels, the latter usually two 75hp Yanmar 4JH4-TEs, she has sufficient power to cruise at gentle revs or battle against an oncoming sea if the plan goes awry.
The cockpit of the Seaward 23 can be fully enclosed with a canvas enclosure
Inside the open wheelhouse is businesslike, with a very practical helming station and nav seat with a chart table opposite.
In addition to the fixed part of the wheelhouse, a full canvas enclosure creates a good size area for relaxing in any weather or it can be opened up to provide a very roomy cockpit capable of seating up to six on padded benches around a central removable table.
In the cabin forward, twin settees/forepeak berths provide inside seating with padded backrests around the same table or convert to a double berth with the infill in place and the table removed.
The heads, surprisingly large, has its own private compartment complete with a sink. There’s a well-equipped galley opposite.
The Danish-built LM27 is a round-sterned, heavy displacement, long-keeled motorsailer not unlike an early Colin Archer lifeboat design.
First launched in 1975, she proved very popular due to her enviable seakeeping abilities.
The model went through various upgrades and name changes throughout its long life, finally morphing into the Scanyacht 290 (thanks to the addition of a 2ft-long bowsprit) when production moved to the UK.
Inside the wheelhouse, it’s cosy and a bit busy as it houses the helm station and galley.
The LM27 was first launched in 1975. Credit: David Harding
Sat at the wheel you have an excellent all-round view through the big windows and it’s not far from the kettle!
Stepping down into the saloon you find the heads immediately to port, while to starboard is a large hanging locker.
The two long and straight saloon settees allow at least six to sit for dinner around the long table and also make excellent sea berths with lee cloths.
There’s also a roomy vee-berth in the forecabin, along with useful stowage.
The LM27 has a simple masthead rig with slab reefed mainsail and a large furling genoa. For those wanting fresh air, she can be tiller-steered, although visibility over the wheelhouse is not good.
She has a surprisingly good sailing performance for such a weighty, bluff-bowed boat, provided you reef before she heels too much.
Being so seaworthy makes her easily capable of averaging 5-6 knots on a long, challenging offshore passage under sail.
The 27 was typically equipped with a shaft-drive, 27hp inboard Bukh DV36 diesel engine, although the smaller 2-cylinder 20hp DV20 was standard.
Both give her a comfortable 6.5 knots in flat water, the larger offering some extra oomph for battling big seas.
Another small pilothouse yacht, the UK Hunter Pilot 27, was equally well conceived.
All of the halyards and sheets on the Hunter Pilot 27 come down the port side of the coachroof to a single winch. Credit: Graham Snook/YM
A development of David Thomas’s Hunter Channel 27, she was said to be available with a fin keel, although I’m pretty sure they were all produced with twins which, being asymmetric and toed-in, performed not unlike a fin but with the bonus of a shallower draught and the ability to dry out if required.
She doesn’t have a wheelhouse as such, just an optional raised inside steering position to augment the cockpit tiller helm when the weather is grim.
The headroom is over 1.83m/6ft in the spacious and bright saloon, where there’s a good linear galley to starboard and a comfy, raised U-shaped dinette opposite.
In the forecabin are a large vee-berth and hanging locker.
There’s also a decent double cabin in the starboard aft quarter plus a surprisingly roomy heads compartment with a shower to port.
Her spacious cockpit is made even more roomy by hinging up the tiller when at anchor, and getting about on deck is made considerably easier by the raised coachroof handrails and wide side decks.
Her fractional rig with a conservative sail plan and self-tacking jib makes her a doddle to tack in a hurry without leaving the comfort of the inside helm.
She sails upwind remarkably well and is really easy to handle. Her transom-hung rudder is large and effective, though a little heavy if over-pressed.
Downwind she really kicks up her heels with the big gennaker hoisted.
In all, she’s a remarkably seaworthy yacht for her length.
The Norwegian-built, semi-displacement Saga 29LS (aka: the Sea Saga in the UK) has a fully enclosed, cosy wheelhouse with large sliding doors aft that can be left open to include the cockpit into the lounging area.
However, the HT (Hard Top) model was completely open at the back (although fully covered by a canvas canopy), which really made the cockpit feel like an extension of the wheelhouse saloon.
Either way, the large cockpit makes an excellent entertaining area.
The Saga 29 began as the LS Coupé before being replaced by the Saga 29 HT with a cockpit canopy instead of sliding doors. Credit:Asbjorn M. Olsen/Alamy
Well-built with plenty of attractive teak joinery, the deck saloon has a comfy helm station with easy access to all the controls and instruments from the seat, plus an excellent 360° view through the large windows.
Beside it, is a twin navigator bench with a reversible backrest that can form additional seating around the four-seater dinette.
The linear galley, directly opposite the table, is well equipped with plenty of worktop and stowage.
Below decks are two sleeping cabins, a private forecabin complete with a good-sized vee-berth, and a midships double underneath the saloon with seating and clothes lockers.
A spacious heads compartment has a shower and full-standing headroom.
They were equipped with a single, shaft-drive 170hp Yanmar diesel engine, which delivered around 15 knots cruising speed, or the larger 230hp option, which gave her a few more knots and a top speed of closer to 20 knots.
From the cockpit, there is direct access to a large, teak-covered bathing platform and deck shower.
A bow platform and open pulpit greatly facilitate boarding from the bow.
Requiring only a few feet of water to float, the Southerly 100 is a truly versatile yacht that can be motored through the canals, sailed up shallow creeks, parked on a beach or driven hard through heavy seas.
Stoutly built, the hulls are solid laminate below the waterline, doubly reinforced around the keel, with balsa/GRP sandwich topsides and decks.
The hull is moulded with a recess at the bottom, into which is bolted a massive, 1.25t cast-iron ballast plate that provides two-thirds of the total ballast and offers protection when taking the ground.
Like all Southerlys, she has a raised deck saloon offering good protection from the elements under way, and an excellent view of the anchorage or mooring once you have arrived at your destination.
The raised coachroof opens up the interior, giving it the feel of a much larger yacht, and the numerous large windows keep it bright and airy.
The Southerly 100 can float in just a few feet of water, making her ideal for exploring the shallower waters of the Baltic. Credit David Harding
The raised deckhouse has over 1.83m/6ft headroom and features an inside helm station with a chart table, from which the helm can see right around the boat, including the sails, through the well-raked forward windows.
Opposite is a really good size, L-shaped galley, while aft, at the same level, is a roomy heads and a narrow quarter berth.
Her cosy saloon offers seating for six around a large table, which slides up the mast support when not in use.
The U-shaped port settee also creates a double berth utilising the table as the infill while the forecabin has twin, overlapping bunks, a large hatch and plentiful stowage.
In the cockpit, most of the essential control lines are within easy reach.
The small wheel allows the helmsman to trim the genoa easily, although the main sheet is on the coachroof. She sports a masthead rig with a powerful 140% genoa.
Upwind she is quick to get in the groove, her deep centreplate and ample ballast keeping her reassuringly upright and firmly on course.
Though not a particularly sparkling performer, the Southerly 100 is a sound and steady cruising yacht and a comfortable passage maker.
Said to resemble a traditional, double-ended Nordic fishing boat, the Finnish-built Nauticat 33 is the archetypal motorsailer designed for battling across the Baltic in all weathers.
Pre-1977 boats had a wooden wheelhouse with inside steering and a long, shallow keel.
Later models gained a raised afterdeck with a secondary steering position. In 1979 an all-GRP version was introduced, with a deeper fin keel and skeg .
She is surprisingly roomy inside thanks to her having a constant beam throughout her length.
This enabled two good-sized cabins and heads to be included. Frequently used as liveaboard boats, they are endowed with quality woodwork , giving them a warm and cosy feel.
Rarely were two boats the same, as she was fitted out by hand, often to the owner’s preferences.
The elevated poop deck on the Nautical 33 gives good all-round view, except under the genoa. Credit: Graham Snook/YM
You enter through one of the two narrow sliding wheelhouse doors, over the sill and down a step.
Using the leeward side door when heavily heeled is not recommended. Inside you are cocooned from the elements but remain in touch with your surroundings through the large windows.
Although her bulwarks rise noticeably, your view forward is unrestricted and there are wipers on all three windscreen panes.
She has a central wheel and a huge chart table with chart stowage.
Instruments are above, mounted on a deckhead console, and the sails can be viewed via a sliding hatch. In addition, there’s a small settee and a coffee table.
Later models had a U-shaped dinette in the saloon, which converted into a double berth.
There are deep bookshelves and cavernous lockers above and under the settees. The water tanks are under the cabin sole.
Opposite is a large, well-appointed linear galley. The Nauticat 33 has reassuringly high bulwarks and teak handrails, but narrow side decks.
Moving aft onto the raised afterdeck, you’ll find a second helm station and the sheet winches
. The aft deck is a long way up and a tad precarious, especially on early models without seating.
Beneath the wheelhouse was a powerful, 90hp shaft-drive Ford Lehman diesel turning a fixed three-blade prop .
Ketch-rigged, her mainmast and mizzen are both deck-stepped and firmly stayed. Under sail, she is a little ponderous but rarely knocked off her course.
Not dissimilar in layout to the Saga, the Swedish Nimbus 345 has all the warm woodiness common to Scandinavian-built motor cruisers but with enough space and accommodation for six people.
The wrap-around windscreen offers an excellent view of the way ahead; the helm station is practical yet truly comfortable and all the important controls and instrument displays are within easy reach.
The saloon and galley are separated from the large cockpit by sliding glass doors.
This enables the helmsman to see behind, especially when docking, as well as offering good access to the outside.
She has a large U-shaped dinette and a well-appointed galley.
Ventilation and natural light inside the wheelhouse are plentiful thanks to two large overhead hatches and two oval window hatches on the sides.
Stepping below past the helm, you find the luxurious heads compartments immediately to starboard and the entrance to the midships double cabin opposite, with a seat and lockers.
The master cabin forward has a large island berth and numerous lockers and drawers.
The 345 was fitted with twin, shaft-drive 230hp Yanmar 4LH-STE diesel engines, capable of 20 knots at full throttle and an economical cruising speed of around 16 knots.
The centre cockpit Rasmus was Hallberg-Rassy ’s first proper cruising yacht.
Designed by the legendary Olle Enderlein, she is a traditional heavy displacement, long-keeler, most notable for its windscreen (now a Hallberg-Rassy trademark), separate aft cabin and substantial 75hp diesel engine.
Built to Lloyd’s classification, scantlings and workmanship were to the highest standard. The hull is solid GRP with longitudinal stringers and an encapsulated cast-iron keel.
A total of 760 were produced between 1967 and 1978. As expected, the interior is warm and woody, but large windows dispel any gloom.
The accommodation comprises three twin cabins and one spacious head. Her saloon features a large, convertible dinette above which are lockers and deep shelves; further stowage is behind the seatbacks.
The Rasmus was the first Hallberg-Rassy to sport a windscreen, – now a trademark of the brand. Credit: Hallberg-Rassy
A long linear galley opposite has a full-size cooker and plenty of stowage.
The large, forward-facing chart table has ample chart stowage and instrument space, while the roomy heads is further forward, with a hanging locker opposite.
The forecabin is compact but the berths are adult size and there’s an infill for making a double.
The separate aft cabin is spacious and makes an ideal play area for the children when sailing.
Its U-shaped berth can make two generous 2m-long singles or a transverse double using the infill.
The downsides are there’s only sitting headroom and it’s a long way to the heads.
Reassuringly chunky, her attractive lines and gentle sheer give her a purposeful air. Deck access is good, with wide side decks and a clear foredeck, plus excellent handrails all along the coachroof and doghouse.
Models with the doghouse offer more protection for the helm but at the expense of having to duck if you’re tall.
She is a masthead sloop with a deck-stepped mast and stout rig, including a baby stay.
Typical of this era, a large genoa provides much of the power upwind.
All the sheet winches can be reached from the helm with halyards and reefing lines at the mast.
Under sail she’s predictable and steady, showing a very reasonable turn of speed for a heavy boat.
Her helm is light and precise, although it takes time and practice to haul the large genoa around the baby stay.
Jeanneau’s Sun Odyssey 41DS does a good job of combining performance under sail with luxury accommodation in a single package.
In many aspects, the boat is quite modern with flush hatches, twin wheels, a walk-through transom, and ‘eyebrow’ coachroof styling.
She was built using a modern vacuum-bagging, resin injection system to ensure accurate resin impregnation and to reduce environmental pollution.
The interior is spacious and comfortable but, despite the raised coachroof, headroom is still only just over 1.83m/6ft and the seating isn’t raised for all-round views.
Large windows provide plenty of light, however. There is only one layout, with two cabins and two heads.
The aft cabin is full-width with good headroom, plenty of stowage and a large double berth.
The heads has a separate shower stall and can be accessed from the cabin or saloon.
Helm positions on the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 41DS are comfortable ad well designed for sailing short-handed. Credit: Graham Snook/YM
The forecabin is again spacious and has an ensuite heads/shower, only smaller.
In the saloon, the folding table can be lowered to create a large double berth. Opposite is a short settee, which is also the chart table seat.
The galley has all the kit and stowage to provide meals for a large crew.
The 41DS uses the same slippery Philippe Briand-designed chined hull as the S/O 409, and as such she’s equally quick and agile.
The sail plan of the 41DS, however, is relatively conservative.
Jeanneau offered a self-tacking jib or a small furling genoa, while all featured a single-piece mainsheet enabling the mainsail to be trimmed from either helm. I’d recommend the self-tack option and a gennaker for light airs.
As standard, the primary winches serve both the mainsheet and jib/genoa, which annoyingly involves jamming off one to trim the other.
That said, her cockpit is spacious and well protected by tall coamings, the helming area is roomy and there are rope bins on each side.
She sails nicely, is well-balanced, light on the helm and keeps her course with minimum effort.
She gets into her groove quickly and you can safely leave the helm briefly without her drifting off course.
Upwind, she points high and tacking is dead easy, rarely requiring a winch. Her hull performs well in light airs, with the quarter chine biting in for extra stiffness in a gust.
Downwind, she needs a cruising chute or similar to maintain a decent speed.
The Broom 37 Crown superseded the Continental in 1978 but utilised the same semi-displacement hull. New features included a large, double island aft berth with a separate shower closet and heads.
Entering from one of the two sliding wheelhouse side doors, you step into the spacious saloon, which is bright and airy thanks to all-round windows and glass doors.
An L-shaped dinette seats four to six for dining and can be converted into another double berth for guests.
From the saloon, steps down forward take you to the superb, U-shaped galley; opposite is a spacious heads.
The upper helm position of the Broom 37 Crown offers excellent all-round visibility, and is close for working the stern ropes. Credit: Norfolk Yacht Agency
Further on is the large forecabin, with convertible twin berths and plentiful stowage. The master suite aft is also accessed via steps from the saloon.
It’s roomy and luxurious with an ensuite heads, a separate shower, a dresser, seats and beautifully crafted wooden lockers.
All Broom 37s have interior and exterior helms. Most owners prefer to helm from the better-situated command station above, accessed via a spiral staircase from the saloon.
Excellent, uninterrupted views from this position make close-quarter manoeuvring much less fraught.
Behind these is the after deck with seating around a large table, which is excellent for entertaining, especially al fresco when the canvas covers are opened up.
The Crown had twin 145hp Perkins shaft drive engines that offered a cruising speed of 10-12 knots and a maximum of around 15 knots.
She has a reputation for providing a smooth, slam-free ride.
Continues below…
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Catamarans are exciting and fast sailboats that offer some great features. With so many types and brands to choose from, it’s hard to find which is worth your investment. So, what are the top performance cruising catamarans ?
The best performance cruising catamarans are the Manta 42, Dolphin 42, Leopard 48, and Fountaine Pajot Elba 45. The McConaghy MC50, Privilege 435, and Nautitech 441 are also impressive models. The best offer optimal performance and can sail a 250-mile voyage easily.
Have you just begun your catamaran research but don’t know which to buy? Are you looking for a performance cruising catamaran that’s worth the investment? Let’s take a closer look at 20 performance cruising catamarans and what makes them the best.
Catamarans are racing ships that have slowly been making waves in the cruising world. The design focuses on lightness and simplicity. Combined, these two elements ensure a faster ship and make them great for long distances.
The multiple hulls on the catamarans offer optimal water displacement, allowing them to glide through the water with much less trouble than single-hull boats. Because of their design, a catamaran’s performance will vary depending on the conditions you sail them through. The ocean and wind will play a significant role in how fast your catamaran will go as well as how smooth the ride will be.
When comparing catamarans for speed, there are four numbers you’ll want to consider:
These numbers signify a cat’s performance so that you can pick the one that best suit your needs, whether you’re looking for a fast catamaran or not.
In addition to speed, your catamaran should have everything you need to be comfortable on your voyages. There should be plenty of living space for you and your crew or family members. When choosing the best catamaran for your needs, consider how much gear you will have with you on any given trip and if the ship you’re looking at has enough space for all of it.
The Manta 42 is a favorite of many sailors. Its beautiful design has a high bow and an incorporated curved crossbeam, the latter being unique and making the ship easy to spot from far distances and onshore.
Typically, aluminum crossbeams are used, and they allow for more movement in the bows. Since the Manta 42 doesn’t use aluminum ones, the ship is more susceptible to cracks in the bow caused by stress. However, the width of the Manta 42 makes the ship stable on the water, and the narrow hulls make it great for slicing through the water with speed and agility.
The Dolphin 42 has the best balance of performance and cruising comfort . What is truly special about these boats is that they come equipped with daggerboards . These bad ass features allow the ship to pull into just about any anchorage, including the shallow ones.
The Dolphin is made with a foam core, which is designed to make the entire ship lighter. However, this doesn’t compromise the performance of the boat. It makes it perfect for cruising through the ocean with high-performance levels.
One thing to keep in mind is those convenient daggerboards. If the ship were to run aground, the hull integrity could be compromised. And if the daggerboards are removed or lifted, they will expose the rudders underneath. These features don’t ruin the ship’s functionality, but it’s important to note them just in case.
The Leopard 48 is a catamaran that you’ll definitely want to see. The design uses some of the best techniques to ensure optimal speed, weight, and cruising performance. The hulls are narrow — like most catamarans — and are built to reduce the amount of water that flows on the deck. It also reduces the amount of sea spray along the sides.
The Leopard 48 has two bulkheads (one in the bow and the other in the stern) designed to keep water out of the ship in an accident. It’s designed for long journeys, and the vessel comes with everything you could want for everyday living.
The Fountaine Pajot Elba 45 is a fantastic powerhouse ship with luxury at its core. The living quarters of this catamaran are impressive and are sure to provide you with every comfort you could possibly want, no matter how long you sail it for.
The designers considered everything when designing this ship. They’ve simplified the prep work for the sails, making it easier than ever to get underway. The build of the Fountaine Pajot Elba 45 makes it fast when sailing or when under power.
The McConaghy MC50 is on the smaller side of catamarans in the McConaghy brand, but that shouldn’t disqualify it. This ship was designed with wide-open concepts and high bows. There’s no doubt it’s made for luxury but can hold its own in performance and speed departments.
Even with its luxury items (such as its full washing machine), this ship moves through the water gently. While it’s clearly designed for comfort, it’s still a relatively fast boat. However, there is a downside to the layout of the boat. The helms are much more exposed than other catamarans, which could be a potential safety hazard.
The Privilege 435 is a catamaran designed to go long distances. It uses a heavy displacement so that the ship glides through the water with ease. The vessel is also built with a low-slung structure to help prevent winds.
A slight drawback could be the heat buildup caused by the sun seeping in through the windows, as there aren’t any outside shades or ways to block the sun except for the internal shades. The other downside to this catamaran is that the Privilege’s bridge deck has low clearance . Other than that, the ship is an excellent option for those looking for a well-built cat.
The Nautitech 441 is another impressive catamaran to consider. The interior is slightly smaller than some others we have gone over, but don’t let that fool you. This boat is full of great features to make your trip comfortable and successful.
For example, the Nautitech 441 is equipped with a rain gutter situated around the entire coachroof. This gives you the option to collect the water for your freshwater tanks, or you can simply let it drain off the boat through the Y-shaped valve.
It’s a fast little boat that can use either the sails or fuel to reach 9 knots in moderate conditions. That’s not bad if you’re looking for a comfortable, decent-sized cruising ship with a bit of a kick.
The ICE Cat 61 is a catamaran designed and developed in Italy. The ship uses a carbon mast and is very easy to use.
The ship’s size and the power-to-weight ratio allow for reaching top speeds that isn’t possible with a monohull. The living areas are also large and are perfect for entertaining, making the ICE Cat 61 a great option to consider when shopping for your new catamaran.
The unique aspect of the Lagoon 440 is the engine. It doesn’t not have to run on diesel fuel because Lagoon offers a fully electric version. This is great for those who are looking for a more eco-friendly way to run their boat. This catamaran uses two electric motors, which are mounted on each hull of the ship, but the best part is that these engines are almost entirely silent.
The inside is just as luxurious as the engine is, designed with families in mind and for long-distance journeys. It’s a ship that would handle itself perfectly in deeper waters and even in harsh winds.
The Antares 44i is a well-designed catamaran that is meant for long-distance journeys like most catamarans are. The layout is engineered to give you the best views throughout your trip, and the cockpit is fully equipped in the event you’re sailing single handed.
The motors are installed in a discrete location and are almost completely silent, allowing for outstanding performance without sacrificing your comforts. There’s tons of storage available as well for all of the gear that comes with sailing.
The Catana 50 has a well-built design that is meant for high speeds and effective sailing. The daggerboards help the hulls cut through the water with little trouble. There is also excellent storage for your gear located throughout the boat.
What is genuinely superior in this catamaran is the ability it holds to turn itself around with ease and speed. There is no struggle to reverse the ship and maneuver it around the dock. Walking around on the boat is easy enough, but the cockpit setup and helm are situated awkwardly, so it requires a bit of walk around to use all of the ship’s controls.
The Voyage 44 is a performance cruising catamaran that is well-built for a bargain price. It’s something that you just can’t beat when looking for a new yacht because this ship has everything you could ask for.
It’s designed with day cruising in mind, but that won’t limit it to short distances. What’s also great about this boat is the amount of seating it offers, fitting 32 people comfortably. The ship is functional, and the layout is designed to make traveling onboard the vessel as simple and straightforward as possible.
The Atlantic 42 is a fan favorite. This loyal following stems from the Atlantic’s look and effectiveness, and consumers seem to love how easy this ship is to sail and how capable it is for deep ocean sailing.
The size of the Atlantic 42 is something fans of this catamaran love. It might look small from the outside, but the inside layout is well done and feels spacious. The cockpit location in front of the mainmast takes advantage of the rest of the ship’s structure, making it a more flexible design than some other catamarans available.
The Outremer 45 is designed a bit differently from other catamarans because the hulls are narrower than usual. This helps make the Outremer 45 a fast ship, but it’s done for safety reasons as well. The narrower hulls will prevent the vessel from skidding on the water as much as other catamarans. It also reduces any pitching you might experience from flying through the water at top speeds.
The interior is smaller than many other boats in this article, but the design doesn’t sacrifice your comfort. The cabin has an open concept to easily pull the outdoor seating into the indoor living space, meaning it’s perfect for entertaining and comfortable living.
The Bahia 46 is on the bigger side by catamaran standards. It’s designed by the brand Fountaine Pajot, which has been building catamarans for years. In fact, Fountaine Pajot is one of the leading brands in cruising catamarans.
The foam core’s overall design, the high bridge deck clearance , and the low center of gravity make this ship an excellent option for deep ocean sailing. It will hold its own on rough waters as well, and there’s also plenty of space for entertaining on the inside of the ship.
The Prout 45 is an excellent catamaran to consider if you plan to sail with a limited crew. The positioning of the mainsail and the mast make it simple to use and easy to reach. Also, the mainsail itself is smaller than other ships and easy to handle.
The interior isn’t like some of the newer models. In new catamarans, the concept is more open and free-flowing between inside and outside. In the Prout 45, things are more traditional but still comfortable. Don’t worry; you still have plenty of room to entertain and plot your voyage.
The Gemini 105MC is a unique catamaran. That’s because instead of being designed solely by the builder, it’s a collective effort from the builder and many sailors who used the vessel. They wrote in their suggestions to improve the Gemini, and the builder used the most relevant ones to build the newer models.
If you’re looking for a ship for a cross-ocean voyage, you may want to consider another catamaran. Due to the ship’s size and weight, it’s less likely to make it across the ocean. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not a great ship, and this vessel is perfect for sailing near the coast.
The Gunboat 62 is the first catamaran of this brand. The Gunboat 62 is an older model, but it’s still considered one of the fastest. These ships were also the first to introduce luxury to performance cruising.
The interior is slightly outdated, and technology has advanced since the brand launched these ships. However, this boat’s overall performance is unmatched, though there also isn’t as much space available for storage.
The Marsaudon TS5 is one of the fastest catamarans available. It’s designed with panoramic views from the interior, and the ship speeds up quickly due to its lightweight design and shape.
The ship can be challenging to maneuver, which makes it better suited for experienced sailors. While the interior still has plenty of luxuries, it can be considered bare. The designers want to keep the ship light to increase its speed, meaning some comforts have been sacrificed, such as space in the living quarters.
The Unlimited C53 is a fast racing catamaran with all the comforts of a cruising ship. The design uses a new technique of connecting the two hulls at 1.3m above the waterline. This is unheard of in most catamarans, and this feature minimizes how the ship handles rougher seas.
The ship uses all of the necessary tanks and equipment to keep the boat balanced on the water. Perfect weight displacement throughout the vessel makes it ideal for racing and long-distance sailing. The interior is also spacious and provides all of the comforts you could need.
In the end, the best performance cruising cat for you is going to come down to your personal preferences and what you want in a boat. Each catamaran on this list is going to provide you the best features you could ever imagine in a ship. Hopefully, the reviews of the top 20 performance cruising catamarans will help you find your dream boat!
Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!
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Readers in our annual “World’s Best Awards” survey for 2024 saved their highest marks for intimate cruise ships.
What readers loved, the full list.
Sometimes the best things come in small packages and Travel + Leisure readers say the same thing about the most intimate cruise ships . In fact, these ships with 150 or fewer cabins had some of the highest marks in the cruise category of our World’s Best Awards voting. See which ones came out on top in this year’s rankings.
Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Over 186,000 T+L readers completed the 2024 survey. A total of more than 700,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).
For the cruise category, respondents were asked to rate individual ships; the results were combined to generate scores for cruise lines in different categories based on number of cabins.
Ships were specifically rated on the criteria below:
For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.
Courtesy of Quasar Expeditions
All the intimate ships in this category received top scores in this year’s voting, readers showing delight in having a ship practically to themselves. Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) moved up from No. 4 last year to claim the No. 2 spot, voters citing friendly staff as a differentiator: “Every one of the crew was the most personable and helpful that I have ever seen,” said one reader.
Aqua Expeditions (No. 3), with vessels such as the 20-suite Aqua Mekong , held onto its same spot in the tankings. “Unique excursions and experiences that you could not get anywhere else,” praised one voter of the company. Rounding out the top five are well-known brands Lindblad Expeditions (No. 4) and the expedition ships of Seabourn (No. 5).
The top line once again this year is Quasar Expeditions, with its intimate exploration of the Galápagos.
Quasar Expeditions
With two intimate ships, the 32-passenger Evolution and 16-passenger Grace , Quasar remains a perennial favorite of T+L readers, many voters calling a cruise with the small company a trip of a lifetime. “The Grace was the best cruise I've ever been on and one of the top three travel experiences of my life (and I've traveled several million miles around the world!),” said one reader. “I travel extensively and can honestly say that my Quasar Evolution expedition was the most amazing vacation adventure I have taken in my life.” said another. “Service was first class, yet the entire trip was casual, friendly, and unpretentious.”
I travel extensively and can honestly say that my Quasar Evolution expedition was the most amazing vacation adventure I have taken in my life. Service was first class, yet the entire trip was casual, friendly, and unpretentious.
1. Quasar Expeditions
Reader Score: 97.81
2. Overseas Adventure Travel
Reader Score: 97.55
3. Aqua Expeditions
Reader Score: 94.81
4. Lindblad Expeditions
Reader Score: 94.40
5. Seabourn
Reader Score: 94.35
6. Celebrity Cruises
Reader Score: 93.94
7. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Reader Score: 92.86
8. Variety Cruises
Reader Score: 92.35
Reader Score 91.73
10. Silversea
Reader Score 91.33
Jul 15, 2024 • 9 min read
Whether you're a family of four or a solo adventure junkie, the Caribbean has a cruise for you. Walter Bibikow / Getty Images.
It feels like just about everyone is headed on a cruise ship, and for good reason. There’s a real appeal to embarking on a getaway where your travel plans are already sorted; you only have to unpack once and arrive each morning in an exciting port of call.
Plus, new ships are rolling out incredible bells and whistles that push the limits of fun at sea (think indoor skydiving, roller coasters, and go-karts). At the same time, the cruise industry has shifted towards sustainable efforts that have emerged as fundamental to modern cruising.
Recent statistics from CLIA (the official Cruise Line International Association) show an increase of nearly two million passengers in 2023 (totaling 31.7 million) compared to pre-pandemic numbers in 2019.
And there’s no more popular cruising region than the Caribbean , where upwards of 37 cruise lines with 154 ships rove the idyllic paradise of islands. With so many options, sorting out which ship and itinerary fits you best can be confusing.
Here’s a handy guide to help determine which cruises are best for you, along with tips and advice to ensure you’re setting yourself up for a smooth sail.
Sailing for adventure.
Whether you're into ziplining through the rainforest, scuba diving one of the world’s largest coral reefs or swimming at the base of a waterfall, cruises throughout the Caribbean offer excellent opportunities for adventure.
Cruise ports known for high-octane activities include St-Martin (known for its superb scuba diving), Belize (cave-tubing and ziplining throughout rainforest treetops) and St Lucia (the Sapphire Falls Hike).
Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises and Holland America have cruises that frequent these ports.
Look for larger ships with kid-friendly pools, expansive kids' clubs and family-friendly entertainment. Royal Caribbean’s fleet features action-packed decks great for families with water slides, laser tag and mini golf.
Disney Cruise Line’s fleet sails extensively throughout the Caribbean to ports that span from Cozumel , Mexico, to Willemstad , Curaçao. The line’s most common Caribbean offerings are shorter 3- and 4-night itineraries that are perfect for families looking for a short trip.
Cruise lines with private islands operate predominantly in the Bahamas , including Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line. These stops are great family destinations as they feature enclosed, private environments with kids' activities and the ease of charging everything to your sea pass card.
Cruises can be an excellent place for singles to mix and mingle. A standard cruise stateroom rate is usually calculated at a minimum two-adult rate. Singles wishing to book a standard stateroom are typically charged a single supplement fee ranging from 50% - 100% of their base fare.
As the demand for single cruise accommodations grows, new ship builds include solo staterooms, both interior and with balconies. Look to Celebrity Cruises, Virgin Voyages, and Norwegian Cruise Lines for some of the best accommodations for solo travelers.
The most relaxing cruises sailing through the Caribbean tend to be the smaller ships focusing on a more “resort at sea” vibe. The higher-end ships with all-inclusive rates offer the luxury of seamless vacations. Windstar, Seabourn and Viking are the best lines for a relaxing cruise.
On these ships you’ll find daily activities that swap dance parties and poolside games for fitness-oriented activities like yoga and strength training classes, lectures on upcoming ports and ample lounge chairs to soak up the sun by the pool.
From your first step onboard, all your food and drinks (except for certain vintage wines and spirits), activities and sometimes your port excursions are included in your rate.
Itineraries like the Viking Ocean Cruises’ West Indies Explorer sail a 10-day itinerary roundtrip from San Juan, Puerto Rico, with stops that include Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. Kitts, Saint Kitts & Nevis and Roseau, Dominica. Rates for Viking Ocean Cruises include one shore excursion per port.
As the classic notion of cruising sunsets – goodbye white glove service, shuffleboard, Baked Alaska – a new era of fun is afloat.
Large ships are built to maximize fun, whether you're hopping pool parties, dancing the night away at late-night discos or cheering your team at rousing sports bars. Special interest cruises are also an excellent option for the most immersive fun at sea, whether that’s a full ship charter rock concert like the Rock Legends Cruise , a trip dedicated to Golden Girls fans , or an LGBTQ+ charter like VACAYA .
Favorite lines that feature an upbeat party vibe include Margaritaville at Sea (particularly on their new Islander), Virgin Voyages and Norwegian Cruise Line.
You’ll find cruise lines are leaning into shorter itineraries that offer weekend getaways to nearby ports in the Caribbean. Most of these sailings are roundtrip from Florida’s top cruise ports: Miami , Fort Lauderdale and Orlando (Port Canaveral). These are often 3- and 4-night sailings featuring a stop in The Bahamas or Bermuda .
The vibe onboard is often more upbeat and celebratory, as guests do their best to maximize their limited time at sea.
A few favorite lines for this style of travel include Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean (who is launching Utopia of the Seas this summer as its first-ever large-scale ship that will exclusively sail short getaways) and Disney Cruise Line.
Smaller cruise lines offer longer, extensive itineraries throughout the Caribbean; smaller ships can port far off the beaten path at more remote destinations. Itineraries like Seabourn’s “25-Day Captivating Antillean Treasures” sail to some of the lesser trafficked parts of the Caribbean including Marigot, St. Martin; Carambola Beach, Saint Kitts and Nevis; and Sopers Hole (Frenchmans Cay), BVI. Lines like Silversea, Windstar Cruises and Azamara are favorites that route to these idyllic destinations.
There are sailings throughout the Caribbean year-round, with high season running from November through April. This period is known for its optimal sailing conditions and weather.
You’ll find cheaper sailings during the hurricane season, typically July through September, though you risk the chance of your trip being canceled or rerouted to avoid inclement weather.
Holiday sailings (particularly during Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve) are also excellent times to sail as cruise lines curate impressive decor and holiday-themed activities.
Conservation efforts have become a vital tenet of the future of cruising, with the industry gearing towards carbon-zero sailings by 2050 . Efforts underway include ship engines that run cleaner on alternative fuels, advanced wastewater systems that can better clean sewage water and exhaust gas cleaning systems to improve air quality at sea and in port.
Friends of the Earth’s Cruise Ship Report Card is a great resource to assess a ship’s sustainability efforts.
A few lines at the forefront of sustainable sailing include Ponant, Disney Cruise Line and Hurtigruten. Ponant recently became the first maritime cruise line to receive Green Globe certification, which recognizes the line’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint. The line has shifted away from heavy fuel oil and installed catalytic systems to reduce atmospheric emissions.
Disney Cruise Line aims to operate with carbon emissions at net zero by 2030, in part by shifting to alternative fuels like liquefied natural gas (LNG) and hydrotreated vegetable oil.
Hurtigruten is currently developing a zero-emission propulsion ship, which is aiming to be unveiled by 2030.
There are still a large number of travelers who oppose the notion of cruise ships for not only their impact on the environment, but on local economies as well. Groups like Friends of the Earth , CLIA and Oceana are excellent organizations devoted to regulating the cruise industry.
Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when you’re booking a Caribbean cruise.
Book in advance...
Cruise lines offer better rates further from your sailing date, often making sailings available to book more than a year out. The earlier you book, the better the selection of staterooms to choose from.
Or take advantage of last minute deals
Cruise Plum is our go-to with a comprehensive overview of discounted inventories if you're angling for a last-minute getaway.
Opt for third-party travel insurance for hurricane season protection
Travel insurance is the best way to ensure smooth sailings on your Caribbean cruise. Typical cruise insurance rates hover around 5 to 10% of your total trip cost.
Don’t just opt into the cruise line’s designated insurance option; shop around on a platform like Squaremouth for the most value.
Look for a plan specific to cruise travel, with coverage that includes compensation for delays, cancellations (particularly helpful during hurricane season), emergency medical, and the premium option of canceling for any reason (CFAR).
Be hurricane-aware
Hurricane season in the Caribbean is typically July through September. The outlook for the 2024 season from NOAA’s (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) predicts an 85% chance of an above-normal season with the potential range of 8-13 hurricanes with winds of at least 74 mph.
Cruise lines work expeditiously to avoid sailing into the path of any major tropical storm or hurricane, often rerouting or shortening itineraries as threats arise. Cruises rarely encounter major storms as they’re able to chart the course of the weather and route accordingly.
In the event you encounter a major storm while at sea, head to the middle of the ship where you’ll feel the rolling of the ship less, take over-the-counter aids like Dramamine or Bonine and keep your eyes on the horizon for stability balance.
You don’t necessarily need a passport
Passports are not required for closed-loop sailings that begin and end at a US port. All you need is a boarding pass, a government photo ID (if you’re 16 years or older) and a certified birth certificate or certificate of US naturalization.
However, keep in mind that you might not be able to disembark the ship at certain ports (those ports include Barbados , Martinique and St-Barthélemy ).
Third-party excursions can be a better value play
If you want to stretch your dollar further, consider booking with local tour operators before arriving at each port. It’s important to note that third-party excursions are the best when they’re morning-only activities.
The ship won’t wait for you if you’re late returning from a third-party excursion. For full-day excursions, consider the line’s offerings, as the ship will wait for you, and there’s nothing worse than missing the boat.
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COMMENTS
Gunboat 62. Gunboat 62 Courtesy of Gunboat. 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.
The best catamarans for sailing around the world include: Lagoon 42. The Fountaine Pajot Ipanema 58. Manta 42. Catana 50. Dolphin 42. Gunboat 62. These cats focus on speed, safety, and comfort for longer journeys. This article will show you the seventeen best catamarans for long journeys, and why they're the best.
The BALI Catspace is the most successful catamaran in her class with the Catspace being the smallest of the BALI range, combining all the latest innovations in cruising. It was nominated for the Cruising World's best boat of the year: Catamaran under 50 ft, 2022.
Some of the best catamarans for cruising are the Sunreef 60, the Leopard 45, the Saona 46, the Manta 42, and the Antares 44i. A good cruising catamaran offers plenty of space, extended range and is optimized for comfort and safety. A cruiser is slower and less exciting to sail than a performance cat.
A list of 10 older cruising catamarans that offer good value and liveaboard comfort including models from Leopard, Catana, Lagoon, Privilege and more. ... And best not get too focused on must-have features—what I jokingly call "surround-sound beds." Catamaran designs and interiors have gone through massive changes in the past 10 to 20 ...
Oct 8, 2020. Powercats continue to gain traction in the cruising-boat market offering owners more space, greater privacy and better fuel efficiency and seakeeping ability than monohulls of similar length. Here is a sample of some of the best cats (and tris) on the market today. NAUTITECH 47 POWER. Nautitech 47 Power.
Lagoon 380. The long-time best-seller from the world leader in catamarans, with more than 1,000 produced over almost 20 years from 1999. With its characteristic vertical windows, the 380 and its ...
The best high-speed performance cruising catamarans are the Outremer 4x, McConaghy MC50, Nautitech 44, Gunboat 62, Balance 526, and Marsaudon Composites ORC50. All these boats deliver outstanding speeds and are light in weight, relatively comfortable, and incredibly safe. If you are interested in knowing which catamarans are the absolute ...
Best catamaran and multihull winner 2024 - Outremer 52 My highlight test of 2023? Sailing this Outremer 52 for 200 miles over two days and nights! Quite how such a large vessel, one that is ...
Sailboats. 2022 Boat of the Year: Best Cruising Catamaran (Under 50') From the proven partnership and collaboration between South African builder Robertson and Caine and the Moorings, the Leopard 42 is an ideal platform for private ownership and/or bareboat chartering. By Cruising World Editors. December 15, 2021.
Toby Hodges takes a look at 5 launches in 2024. Explore the latest in ocean cruising catamarans for 2024 with our lineup of five exceptional boats. From the eagerly awaited Seawind 1370 to the eco ...
A winning balance, it turns out, with the Balance 482 securing its position as the Best Performance Cruiser for 2022. More: balance catamarans, Boat of the Year, Boat of the Year 2022, catamaran, Kinetic Catamarans, print 2022 jan, Sailboats, seawind catamarans. With a powerful, versatile sail plan—as well as light, solid construction and go ...
These cruise-centric yachts offer homelike livability for avid travelers, are fuel efficient and are fairly intuitive to run. Power cats are popular in the bareboat charter market too, for these very reasons. Here, we take a look at 12 catamarans ranging from a cruising-couple-size 36-footer to a 78-footer for friends, family and some more ...
Sunreef Yachts. Sunreef is the world's leading manufacturer of luxury sailing and power multihulls. Each catamaran, motor yacht, and superyacht they make is a custom vessel. The company was established in 2002 in Gdansk, Poland but a Frenchman and was the first brand to build a 74-foot bluewater cruising catamaran.
You can spec your boat with either mini keels (OC or "ocean cruising") or daggerboards (SC or "sport cruising"). The HH50 is the company's best bet for circumnavigating with a small family. There's also the capable, smaller sistership, the HH44. BOAT TOUR with OWNER - HH50-SC Synergy | Luxury Performance Catamaran.
1) Lagoon 42 sailing catamaran - From $365,000. Features: Self-tacking jib, 3 or 4 cabins layout, island bed in the master cabin, 6 to 12 berths, up to 4 heads, 2 45hp engines, up to 4 heads, 300L water capacity, 300L fuel capacity. If you value comfort over speed, then the Lagoon 42 is the best sailing catamaran for you.
Price: Roughly $100,000. The Wharram Tiki is one of the best small catamarans for cruising. We have lusted after the Wharram catamarans since our adventures began and would have opted for one of these if we had found one for sale this side of the pond. Designed by the legendary James Wharram, these small multihulls are pretty unique.
The best luxury catamarans include the 80 Sunreef Power Eco, the Lagoon Sixty7, the Fountaine Pajot Power 67, the Saona 47, and the Gunboat 68. Other premium cruising catamarans are the Aquila 79, the MC90, and the Catana 53. These cruising catamarans all fall into the 'luxury' category thanks to their outstanding passenger amenities and ...
Photo via Leopard Catamarans. Leopard is a catamaran brand that's been around longer than many, having launched its first 45 back in 1997. But they started with sailing catamarans and just began adding powercats a decade later; today there are three offerings in the power line at 40', 46', and 53'.
The Maldives has a light displacement of 3.3 tons thanks to the fiberglass and foam sandwich construction. Add in a sail area of 592 square feet, and the Maldives can cruise at up to 11 knots. The Maldives 32 is an excellent basic boat readily available well under our $100,000 price point.
As far as catamarans go, the 40 to 45-foot range is the perfect sweet spot for most cruising couples. A spacious interior plus excellent seakeeping abilities make these top picks. There are tons of boat choices out there, and most of the best cruising catamarans come from this size group.
5. Type of Boat. Trawlers, Sailboats (with a retractable mast for bridges), and Motor Yachts are popular choices because they balance living space, fuel efficiency, and navigability. Sailboats can offer the advantage of wind power but consider the need to lower the mast for certain sections of the Loop.
Sailboats: Monohulls can heel (lean) while sailing, which some sailors enjoy for the thrill but can be discomforting for others. Catamarans: Greater stability due to the dual hulls, providing a ...
Builder Outremer catamaran-outremer.com. As-tested $2 million. Grand Large Yachting, which owns Outremer Catamarans, is holding its Blue Water Sailing Seminar at the U.S. Sailboat Show in Annapolis on October 12, 2024.
That anecdotal observation was backed up by hard numbers in the 2024 Boat of the Year fleet, with more than half the contestants being multihulls. Fittingly, then, the most competitive category in this year's contest was this class of four cruising cats. Amazingly, in features and layouts, each nominee was decidedly different from the others ...
The 345 was fitted with twin, shaft-drive 230hp Yanmar 4LH-STE diesel engines, capable of 20 knots at full throttle and an economical cruising speed of around 16 knots. Boats for Baltic Sea sailing: 36-40ft LOA Sailing yachts. The centre cockpit Rasmus was Hallberg-Rassy's first proper cruising yacht.
The best performance cruising catamarans are the Manta 42, Dolphin 42, Leopard 48, and Fountaine Pajot Elba 45. The McConaghy MC50, Privilege 435, and Nautitech 441 are also impressive models. The best offer optimal performance and can sail a 250-mile voyage easily.
The majority of oceangoing cruise lines offer itineraries in Europe, crisscrossing the countries of Northern, Eastern and Western Europe. Princess Cruises, Celebrity, Norwegian, Regent, Azamara ...
Travel + Leisure Readers' 10 Favorite Intimate-ship Ocean Cruise Lines of 2024. Readers in our annual "World's Best Awards" survey for 2024 saved their highest marks for intimate cruise ships.
Travel insurance is the best way to ensure smooth sailings on your Caribbean cruise. Typical cruise insurance rates hover around 5 to 10% of your total trip cost. Don't just opt into the cruise line's designated insurance option; shop around on a platform like Squaremouth for the most value.