No other yard has been as consistently successful in producing iconic models as Nautor – historically Swans are invariably the very best yachts of their era and subsequently become design…
Rupert Holmes
First look video: Hanse 460 – the French-designed Hanse
Following a generation of Judel/Vrolijk designs, the new Hanse 460 is the first from Berret Racoupeau, which will surprise many as it forces closer comparison with French production yachts such…
Transat Jacques Vabre: lessons from the experts
Two boats achieved stunning victories in the latest edition of the Transat Jacques Vabre, establishing leads before the halfway mark that they extended to the finish: the 30-metre Ultim trimaran…
Fist look: Elan E6 – new flagship performance model
This new Elan E6 looks like a real weapon. Elan has collaborated with three key firms to try to ensure the new flagship of its performance line has the edge,…
Extraordinary Boats: the new 11th Hour Racing IMOCA 60
For decades the whole point of designing an IMOCA 60 has been to win the Vendée Globe solo round the world race. However, the adoption of the class by The…
Best boating products of 2022: The hot list
2021 has seen many new boating products come onto the market, despite the difficulties seen throughout the year, here’s our Yachting World roundup of the best boating products of 2022…
Flax 27: update to already impressive offering
The Flax 27 was one of the stand-out boats at Boot Düsseldorf in 2019. It’s a work of art that showcases what can be achieved with natural fibre and bio-resins.…
First look: Olympic 32 designed for double-handed racing
This short-handed one-design offshore race boat is a Finot-Conq design commissioned by the Ultimate Boat Company and aimed at the two-handed offshore class that was originally scheduled for the 2024…
The future of boatbuilding: a greener approach
When enjoying a glorious day on the water it’s easy to assume sailing must be one of the most sustainable activities on the planet. Yet in many respects the marine…
JPK 39FC review: new sporty 40 cruiser
I have long held that bluewater cruising yachts, especially those under 40ft, have much to gain from the way today’s smaller short-handed offshore raceboats are designed and set up and…
First look: Arcona 415 – electric production yacht
The new Arcona 415 is pitched as the first series-produced yacht with electric propulsion as standard. Arcona already has a long history of developing boats with optional electric motors, dating…
Extraordinary boats: Bluebottle – late Duke of Edinburgh’s boat
After an 18-month restoration to an impressively high standard, Bluebottle, the Duke of Edinburgh’s boat, is racing again for the first time in 60 years. Even better, the boat won…
First look: Beneteau First 36 – Sam Manuard designed performer
This Sam Manuard design is arguably one of Beneteau’s most important new models for years. The company’s First range used to dominate the performance cruiser/racer market. These were fast, yet…
Best Helly Hansen Sailing Jackets
Helly Hansen has a huge range covering all types of watersports and lists more than 100 sailing jackets, so picking the right one for you can be difficult. Here’s out…
First look: Spirit 30 – Spirit’s smallest ever yacht
The sleek classic style of all Spirit Yachts is guaranteed to turn heads and the Ispwich-based yard’s smallest new model for many years, the spirit 30 is no exception. The…
New Gear: Y on Watch – remote monitoring from watch or phone
Michael Schmidt has been a visionary in the marine industry for decades, starting with his 1980s Admiral’s Cup successes, the brokerage network that still bears his name, as founder of…
First look: Contest 49CS and 50CS
This Dutch builder of quality semi-custom yachts has two new models based on the same Judel/Vrolijk hull design in build. The 50CS is a centre cockpit sloop that replaces the…
Extraordinary boats: Pen Duick VI
Few yachts are more iconic, or have done more to inspire others, than the late Eric Tabarly’s Pen Duick series. Pen Duick VI, a 73-footer built for the 1973/4 Whitbread…
Best winter sailing gloves: from mittens to neoprene
Decent sailing gloves are an essential part of being both comfortable and safe when afloat in the winter months. Wet hands get cold very quickly, so it’s particularly important that…
Best safety flares: 9 options for raising a distress signal at sea
A decade ago few people would have predicted that carrying distress flares on board would become a potentially controversial subject. However, that’s what’s currently happening thanks to the development of…