Boat Reviews

Waterwitch 48

by Charles Mason, Posted September 28, 2006

As president of the New York Jets football team, Jay Cross puts in his share of long hours. When it’s time to decompress, chances are he’ll be found out on the water. That’s nothing new. As a young sailor, Cross competed in 470 dinghies at the Olympic level and also designed and raced International 14s; in the early ‘80s his Cross III design was a world standard for the class. But his subsequent

J/65

by Kimball Livingston, Posted September 28, 2006

In the business world, planners often wonder whether a given model will “scale.” In the sailing world that’s not critical, but it’s interesting when it happens, and rarely has a design concept been carried as far as J Boats has gone with its new J/65. Two are in the water now, in the hands of experienced owners. While the interior spaces and systems were customized for each owner, the

Berret Racoupeau

by Sail Staff, Posted September 29, 2006

Any notion that the demand for large sailing yachts is slackening should be put to rest by this latest project from the board of Jean Berret and Olivier Racoupeau. This 118-foot sloop has large picture windows that feature insulated liquid-crystal glass with variable opacity that can change the interior mood from full natural lighting to a cosy and intimate shaded effect.The cockpit is

Southerly 46RS

by Sail Staff, Posted September 29, 2006

Northshore Yachts has led the way in developing swing-keel designs that sail well in all conditions. Their newest and largest model is this new 46-footer designed by Jason Ker in conjunction with the Northshore design team. The yacht’s key feature is a cast-iron grounding plate that ties into a web of frames and longitudinal stringers to create a strong and light structure that supports the keel.

Reichel/Pugh 62

by Sail Staff, Posted September 29, 2006

A very experienced bluewater cruiser commissioned this fast carbon/epoxy cruising yacht and believes that even with all unnecessary weight removed, the yacht will be comfortable and seaworthy. Lyman Morse is using pre-preg carbon and SCRIMP resin infusion to build the vessel. The design features a full range of onboard systems, including a complete hydraulic package for operating the sailhandling

Warwick 80

by Sail Staff, Posted September 29, 2006

Large catamarans are starting to look very attractive, and this latest addition to the line of Warwick–designed catamarans is no exception. This design focuses on accommodating charter groups or an owner’s invited guests. The forward-facing saloon has a secondary steering station. Farther aft is a circular dining table with overhead skylights. The expansive aft deck behind the main saloon is

Wally 148

by Sail Staff, Posted September 29, 2006

Commissioned by an experienced yachtsman who wanted a high-performance bluewater passagemaker, this 148-foot Wally was developed by Bill Tripp from the lines of a 143-foot Tripp design now being finished by Wally after a two-year build. The yacht displaces 309,000 pounds, and its lifting keel allows draft to vary from 19 feet, 9 inches to just over 13 feet. The standing rigging will be of PBO

Najad 405

by Sail Staff, Posted September 29, 2006

When naval architects Judel/Vrolijk and interior designer Dick Young teamed up with this well-known Swedish builder, the result was bound to be stimulating. This 40-foot center-cockpit yacht has improved sailing performance and interior styling that enhances the cruising experience.The cockpit is well configured, teak decks are standard, and a very nice cockpit table

Lagoon 420

by Sail Staff, Posted September 29, 2006

Even though the first Lagoon 420 is being launched only this month, this cat has attracted much attention and many purchase orders since it was first announced a little over a year ago. What makes this yacht so newsworthy is that it comes equipped with electric propulsion as standard equipment; diesel engines are available, of course, but only as an option. The standard setup consists of a

Briand 78

by Sail Staff, Posted September 29, 2006

Whimsy, designed by naval architect Philippe Briand, was launched by Vaudrey Miller Yachts late last summer. The owner, an experienced racing yachtsman who formerly managed a major British design agency, was deeply involved in the project, whose guiding principle was “less is more.” The end result is a very contemporary cruising yacht, which has a modern hull shape,