The best bluewater sailboats (we analyzed 2,000 boats to find out)
The 10 best bluewater boats. 1. Westsail 32. Photo credit: SailboatData.com. The Westsail 32 is one of the most iconic bluewater cruisers and 19 have set out to cross the Pacific in the PPJ rally since 2009. In 1973, this small cruising sailboat garnered a 4-page spread in Time magazine.
43 of the best bluewater sailboat designs of all time
Arcona 435. The Performance Cruiser winner at the 2019 European Yacht of the Year awards, the Arcona 435 is all about the sailing experience. She has genuine potential as a cruiser-racer, but her ...
Twelve Top Bluewater Cruising Boats
Top 10 Best Boats 2025 Nominees Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 350, Lagoon 43. Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 350 Designed by Lombard Yacht Design and Piaton Yacht Design, the Sun Odyssey 350 is a successor to 2013's Sun Odyssey 349. The design brief aims to bring the line's notable performance elements to a more cruiser-friendly model.
Editor's Choice: 18 Bluewater Sailboats We Love
The J/Boats J/45, is a true bluewater sailing yacht, designed and built for the sea by life-long sailors. The J/Boats and J/Composites teams have collaborated to create a special design for discerning sailors seeking an exceptional sailing experience. The J/45 can be sailed solo, cruised by 2-3 couples or large family, and pleasure sailed or ...
40 Best Sailboats, Types of Sailboats & Manufacturers
30. Swan 44. A strong, robust cruising boat built for high-seas, blue water adventures, the Swan 44 was designed by Sparkman & Stephens, and the yacht's well-known Finnish manufacturers, Nautor Swan, produced 76 boats in a production run that lasted from 1972-1975.
17 Legendary Bluewater Sailboats Under 50 Feet (with Photos)
The Sweden Yachts 45 is designed for comfortable long-distance cruising, with features such as a bow thruster and a cutter rig for versatility in sailing. If you're planning to sail solo, here are the best solo bluewater sailboats. Boreal 47. The Boreal 47 is an aluminum sailing yacht designed for bluewater cruising in heavy conditions.
7 Legendary Solo Bluewater Sailboats Worth Considering
The most legendary solo bluewater sailboats are the Contessa 32, Westsail 32, Hallberg-Rassy 42F, Pacific Seacraft 37, Island Packet 38, Tayana 42, and Amel 54. These boats have it all: from robust designs to a world-renowned reputation for performance and reliability. They are known for their seaworthiness, durability, and comfort.
12 Best Catamaran Sailboats
Gunboat 62. gunboat_catamarans. An original performance catamaran cruiser from the iconic Gunboat manufacturer, the Gunboat 62 has truly cemented its place as one of the best catamaran sailboats to ever grace the oceans. Honestly speaking, this cat-inspired a whole range of other incredible boats including HH66 Catamaran and the Balance 526.
The best bluewater sailboats under 40 feet (we analyzed 2,000 boats to
The best bluewater sailboats under 40 feet. 1. The Westsail 32. Westsail 32. Photo credit: sailboat data.com. The Westsail 32 is one of the most iconic bluewater cruisers. Built by the Westsail Corporation in the 1970s, this plucky, small sailboat has developed a cult following over the decades. Since 2009, 19 have set out to cross the Pacific ...
5 Of The Best Bluewater Cruising Powerboats In 2022
Above: A 2022 Silent 62 triple deck catamaran yacht for sale on YachtWorld by Silent Yachts. Photo by Silent Yachts. This beautiful trans-ocean yacht is the ultimate in both luxury and design. With fully solar powered electric motors, it has an unlimited range, zero emission, and noiseless cruising. Multiple layout options offer 4-6 cabins ...
SAIL Top 10 Best Boats for 2023
For almost 20 years, we've called this awards program SAIL Best Boats, but this year, we're refining and renaming this program to better and more fairly represent the boats we've selected. Restricting boats to categories and labels—such as Best Cruising Monohull 30-40 feet and Best Performance Monohull 40-50 feet—doesn't bring our readers the full picture.
5 Best Liveaboard Bluewater Sailboats
Here are the best liveaboard sailboats for bluewater cruising. 1. Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20. cdmech. The Flicka 20 is the smallest and most interesting sailboat on our list. At only 20 feet overall in length, the interior accommodations of this vessel are spartan at best and suitable for minimalist living.
5 best small sailboats for sailing around the world
Vancouver 28. Photo credit: YachtFathom.co.uk. A sensible small boat with a "go-anywhere" attitude, this pocket cruiser was designed with ocean sailors in mind. One of the best cruising sailboats under 40 feet, the Vancouver 28 is great sailing in a small package. Hull Type:Full keel with transom hung rudder.
Outbound Yachts
Outbound Yachts Built For Offshore Sailing. Experienced sailors value the added safety that comes with good sailing performance. The ability to sail off a lee shore, shorten a passage to within the available weather window, and safely maneuver through heavy seas are all features that make Outbound Yachts some of the best cruising sailboats in the world.
2022 Boat of the Year: Best Offshore Racer
The Dehler 30 One Design is selected Sailing World Magazine's Best Offshore Racer in its Boat of the Year competition. The 30-foot pure raceboat is designed for racing with fewer crewmembers ...
10 Best Used Cruising Sailboats & Liveaboards
Tayana Vancouver 42. Tayana Vancouver 42 Dave Backus. Ta Yang, builder of Tayana sailboats, has been building capable cruising boats forever, it seems. The Robert Harris-designed Tayana Vancouver 42 has been a mainstay of the serious cruising fleet since the day it was launched in 1979, and is still in demand today.
10 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.
What are the Best Small Bluewater Sailboats? Cruisers Top Picks
The Baba 30 also offers a nice extra perk. According to Jack Hornon, she "continues to have one of the highest resale values of any boat of this type and size.". A quick look at Yacht World reveals Baba 30s from the mid-70s and mid-80s typically cost anywhere between $20,000 and $70,000.
Best lifejackets for boaters & sailors- tested
Editors choices : At a glance. Baltic Athena Auto Inflatable Lifejacket - Best women's specific lifejacket - Buy Now. Seago Seaguard 165N - Best budget friendly lifejacket - Buy Now. Crewsaver Crewfit+ 180N pro - Best premium costal lifejacket- Buy Now. Spinlock 6D Deckveset - Best offshore lifejacket.
25 of the best small sailing boat designs
Contessa 32. Assent 's performance in the 1979 Fastnet Race makes the Contessa 32 a worth entry in the 25 best small sailing boat designs list. Credit: Nic Compton. Designed by David Sadler as a bigger alternative to the popular Contessa 26, the Contessa 32 was built by Jeremy Rogers in Lymington from 1970.
Best sailing jackets: From inshore to ocean-ready waterproofs
Best offshore sailing jacket under £300 ... Equally, delivery crew will often be at sea in conditions that keep all but a handful of cruising yachts in port. How to choose the best sailing jacket.
Best waterproof jackets and salopettes for offshore sailors
Technology: MPX Gore-Tex Pro. Waterproof: 28,000mm. Cargo pockets: 4. Hand-warmers: 6. Women's Version: Yes, not drop seat. Musto Offshore suits have long set the standard for foul weather gear, and the MPX Gore-Tex has been around for a long time.
COMMENTS
The 10 best bluewater boats. 1. Westsail 32. Photo credit: SailboatData.com. The Westsail 32 is one of the most iconic bluewater cruisers and 19 have set out to cross the Pacific in the PPJ rally since 2009. In 1973, this small cruising sailboat garnered a 4-page spread in Time magazine.
Arcona 435. The Performance Cruiser winner at the 2019 European Yacht of the Year awards, the Arcona 435 is all about the sailing experience. She has genuine potential as a cruiser-racer, but her ...
Top 10 Best Boats 2025 Nominees Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 350, Lagoon 43. Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 350 Designed by Lombard Yacht Design and Piaton Yacht Design, the Sun Odyssey 350 is a successor to 2013's Sun Odyssey 349. The design brief aims to bring the line's notable performance elements to a more cruiser-friendly model.
The J/Boats J/45, is a true bluewater sailing yacht, designed and built for the sea by life-long sailors. The J/Boats and J/Composites teams have collaborated to create a special design for discerning sailors seeking an exceptional sailing experience. The J/45 can be sailed solo, cruised by 2-3 couples or large family, and pleasure sailed or ...
30. Swan 44. A strong, robust cruising boat built for high-seas, blue water adventures, the Swan 44 was designed by Sparkman & Stephens, and the yacht's well-known Finnish manufacturers, Nautor Swan, produced 76 boats in a production run that lasted from 1972-1975.
The Sweden Yachts 45 is designed for comfortable long-distance cruising, with features such as a bow thruster and a cutter rig for versatility in sailing. If you're planning to sail solo, here are the best solo bluewater sailboats. Boreal 47. The Boreal 47 is an aluminum sailing yacht designed for bluewater cruising in heavy conditions.
The most legendary solo bluewater sailboats are the Contessa 32, Westsail 32, Hallberg-Rassy 42F, Pacific Seacraft 37, Island Packet 38, Tayana 42, and Amel 54. These boats have it all: from robust designs to a world-renowned reputation for performance and reliability. They are known for their seaworthiness, durability, and comfort.
Gunboat 62. gunboat_catamarans. An original performance catamaran cruiser from the iconic Gunboat manufacturer, the Gunboat 62 has truly cemented its place as one of the best catamaran sailboats to ever grace the oceans. Honestly speaking, this cat-inspired a whole range of other incredible boats including HH66 Catamaran and the Balance 526.
The best bluewater sailboats under 40 feet. 1. The Westsail 32. Westsail 32. Photo credit: sailboat data.com. The Westsail 32 is one of the most iconic bluewater cruisers. Built by the Westsail Corporation in the 1970s, this plucky, small sailboat has developed a cult following over the decades. Since 2009, 19 have set out to cross the Pacific ...
Above: A 2022 Silent 62 triple deck catamaran yacht for sale on YachtWorld by Silent Yachts. Photo by Silent Yachts. This beautiful trans-ocean yacht is the ultimate in both luxury and design. With fully solar powered electric motors, it has an unlimited range, zero emission, and noiseless cruising. Multiple layout options offer 4-6 cabins ...
For almost 20 years, we've called this awards program SAIL Best Boats, but this year, we're refining and renaming this program to better and more fairly represent the boats we've selected. Restricting boats to categories and labels—such as Best Cruising Monohull 30-40 feet and Best Performance Monohull 40-50 feet—doesn't bring our readers the full picture.
Here are the best liveaboard sailboats for bluewater cruising. 1. Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20. cdmech. The Flicka 20 is the smallest and most interesting sailboat on our list. At only 20 feet overall in length, the interior accommodations of this vessel are spartan at best and suitable for minimalist living.
Vancouver 28. Photo credit: YachtFathom.co.uk. A sensible small boat with a "go-anywhere" attitude, this pocket cruiser was designed with ocean sailors in mind. One of the best cruising sailboats under 40 feet, the Vancouver 28 is great sailing in a small package. Hull Type:Full keel with transom hung rudder.
Outbound Yachts Built For Offshore Sailing. Experienced sailors value the added safety that comes with good sailing performance. The ability to sail off a lee shore, shorten a passage to within the available weather window, and safely maneuver through heavy seas are all features that make Outbound Yachts some of the best cruising sailboats in the world.
The Dehler 30 One Design is selected Sailing World Magazine's Best Offshore Racer in its Boat of the Year competition. The 30-foot pure raceboat is designed for racing with fewer crewmembers ...
Tayana Vancouver 42. Tayana Vancouver 42 Dave Backus. Ta Yang, builder of Tayana sailboats, has been building capable cruising boats forever, it seems. The Robert Harris-designed Tayana Vancouver 42 has been a mainstay of the serious cruising fleet since the day it was launched in 1979, and is still in demand today.
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.
Here are the boats Kretschmer suggests: Contessa 32, Pacific Seacraft 34, Pretorien 35, Cape Dory/Robinhood 36, Valiant/Esprit 37, Prout Snowgoose 37, Alajuela 38, Privelege 39, Freya 39, Passport 40, Caliber 40, Baba 40, Hallberg Rassy 42, Taswell 43, Hylas 44, Norseman 447, Beneteau 456, Outbound 44, Hylas 46, Kaufman 47, Tayana 48, Hylas 49 ...
The Baba 30 also offers a nice extra perk. According to Jack Hornon, she "continues to have one of the highest resale values of any boat of this type and size.". A quick look at Yacht World reveals Baba 30s from the mid-70s and mid-80s typically cost anywhere between $20,000 and $70,000.
Editors choices : At a glance. Baltic Athena Auto Inflatable Lifejacket - Best women's specific lifejacket - Buy Now. Seago Seaguard 165N - Best budget friendly lifejacket - Buy Now. Crewsaver Crewfit+ 180N pro - Best premium costal lifejacket- Buy Now. Spinlock 6D Deckveset - Best offshore lifejacket.
Contessa 32. Assent 's performance in the 1979 Fastnet Race makes the Contessa 32 a worth entry in the 25 best small sailing boat designs list. Credit: Nic Compton. Designed by David Sadler as a bigger alternative to the popular Contessa 26, the Contessa 32 was built by Jeremy Rogers in Lymington from 1970.
Best offshore sailing jacket under £300 ... Equally, delivery crew will often be at sea in conditions that keep all but a handful of cruising yachts in port. How to choose the best sailing jacket.
Technology: MPX Gore-Tex Pro. Waterproof: 28,000mm. Cargo pockets: 4. Hand-warmers: 6. Women's Version: Yes, not drop seat. Musto Offshore suits have long set the standard for foul weather gear, and the MPX Gore-Tex has been around for a long time.