Stepping aboard the new and comparatively modern Hallberg-Rassy 44, conducting a two-day test during the Swedish winter, the bitterly cold wind is cutting through my four layers of technical clothing…
Boat tests
Boréal 47.2 review: a proven concept refined
Boréal is not afraid to forge its own path and its distinctive aluminium cruising yachts have gained a strong reputation over the past 15 years. The latest model, the Boréal…
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 469 review – from the archive
Last in Jeanneau’s comprehensive upgrades of the Sun Odyssey range, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 469 offers an impressive package, which benefits from the experience gained from earlier revamps. Compared with…
Bénéteau Oceanis 55 review: Space versus pace – from the archive
Since they launched the radically different Sense range three years ago, French builders Bénéteau have marketed their other cruising brand, Oceanis, as more of a traditional sailor’s boat, but does…
Hanse 575 review: Impressive home comforts – from the archive
When I went aboard the new Hanse 575 at the Southampton Boat Show, there was a couple in their mid-40s sitting in the saloon looking comfortably at home discussing the…
Hanse 415 review: Economical family cruiser – from the archive
Are you in the market for a new, economical family cruiser of 40-45ft? Then you’re in luck, the Hanse 415 could be everything you are looking for. Some of the…
Garcia Explocat 52 review: A go-anywhere aluminium catamaran
In recent years there have been two clear trends in serious long-term cruising yachts. Firstly catamarans have become mainstream, to the extent that professional racing sailors talk of ‘buying a…
Bavaria C42 review: The Ford Model T of 40ft yachts
What constitutes ‘good value’? What you get for your money in any market segment often comes down to size – be that square feet of real estate area or gigabytes…
Elan GT6 review: This Porsche-designed yacht is something to be proud of
A few decades ago having a supercar was a real status symbol, a prominent way of shouting ‘look at me!’. Times and trends have changed, as has, arguably, the appetite…
Moody 41DS review: Could this model win you over to the decksaloon lifestyle?
Whatever your opinion of decksaloons, there’s something extremely civilised about being able to walk ‘inside’ from the cockpit, staying on the same level and looking out through big windows. Of…
Allures 40.9 vs Ovni 400: French aluminium centreboarders go head-to-head
Back in the mid-2000s the niche market for aluminium centreboarders was disrupted by the arrival of a new upstart, Allures Yachting. Until then, the undisputed market leader was French company…
Discovery 50 review: This British bluewater catamaran could win over monohull purists
Many of us who dream of long-term cruising want to do it in comfort, preferably in a quality build from a respected brand. With monohulls, we’d be spoilt for choice…
Hallberg-Rassy 40C review: Is this really the Swedish yard’s best boat yet?
“This is the best sailing boat we’ve ever built,” enthuses Magnus Rassy about the new Hallberg-Rassy 40C. The company CEO is bound to be biased, but that’s a big claim…
Fountaine Pajot Elba 45 review: This could be the yard’s most popular catamaran yet
Such was the hype surrounding this yacht that Fountaine Pajot had sold over 100 Elba 45 hulls before the first one even emerged from the mould. The customer response persuaded…
Italia 11.98 review: This Alfa Romeo of the seas strikes a fine balance
I’m a soft touch for a well-balanced boat with a light feel and the ability to change gear easily. Be it it a cruiser or racer, performance and handling are,…
Tofinou 9.7 review: This Peugeot-designed daysailer is a thing of great beauty
There are some too-rare boats that turn every head, and everything about them attracts your attention. The new Tofinou 9.7 is, without question, one of these. You can assume a…
Dehler 30 yacht test: This one-design racer has a real double appeal
Talk to those who have switched to short-handed offshore racing and you’ll be hard pressed to find many who want to go back to a weather rail stacked with crew.…
Beneteau First 53 review: This French cruiser backs up its bold first impressions
There is big talk and bold talk, but often it is no talk that speaks loudest when it comes to a new launch. As I walked down the quay towards…
Amel 60 review: This modern cruiser is a true benchmark for quality
I’m guessing that rival manufacturers of bluewater cruisers know when their prospective clients have been to Amel. They realise when their prospects come to them to discuss the detail, and…
Y Yachts’ Y7 review: This powerful carbon cruiser is guaranteed to excite
What is your idea of simple sailing? To a wooden yacht enthusiast it may be the pleasure of hand hoisting and trimming sails via block and tackle alone, where an…