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J/95

by David Schmidt, Posted June 17, 2009
It’s no secret that J/Boats is an industry leader when it comes to fast, innovative sailboats; the retractable sprit pole introduced with the J/105 gave new life to the asymmetric spinnaker, and the company practically invented the sport-boat genre. Now the Rhode Island-based company has done it again, this time with the sporty J/95, a 31-footer with twin rudders, a

Morris M52

by Peter Nielsen, Posted June 22, 2009
It’s been quite a year for Morris Yachts. In January the yard launched the baby of its daysailer line-up, the M29, and in May the new flagship, the M52, was gently lowered into the chilly Maine water. I sailed the $1.3m yacht two weeks after her launch.Like the other M-series boats – the M29, M36, and M42 - the M52 is designed by legendary naval architects Sparkman &

Weta Trimaran

by Kimball Livingston, Posted July 7, 2009
The breeze was mild, but still it made an impression to see Dave Bernsten walk away from the tiller of his 14-foot trimaran, step to the bow, fiddle with an adjustment, then mosey back aft and resume his duties at the helm. The moment speaks to the value proposition of the Weta as stable and forgiving, a viable family playground that will crank out speed thrills when the

Catalina 445

by Kimball Livingston, Posted July 7, 2009
There are certain things you can count on in a Catalina. It will sail well. Not like a world beater, but like an honest boat. It will be built to a price point, but not the lowest price point. And a Catalina will incorporate scads of the value-add notions of in-house designer Gerry Douglas, who also gleans ideas from endless conversations with Catalina owners.The new

Rustler 24

by Sail Staff, Posted August 14, 2009
This British import arrives on this side of the Pond with an impressive pedigree. Her builders are renowned for hardy, seaworthy cruising boats, which may be why this daysailer manages to look both elegant and tough. The powerful yet easily-handled sailplan is balanced by a full keel, and build quality is first-class; this little Rustler is a welcome addition to the daysailer

Grand Soleil 54

by Sail Staff, Posted August 14, 2009
Italy’s Cantiere del Pardo has been producing fast, handsome yachts for many years. The Grand Soleil 54 is the work of Luca Brenta, who has emerged as one of Italy’s leading yacht designers. Long, low and sleek, it is a performance cruiser that will also be a satisfying racing ride. Belowdecks there are three large sleeping cabins, each with en suite heads compartments, and

Hunter 39

by Sail Staff, Posted August 14, 2009
Hunter Marine’s latest boat hadn’t yet been launched as this issue went to press, so details were sketchy. We can surmise that the performance edge that’s crept into the line over the last few years will continue with the 39, which has short overhangs and a long sailing waterline. A new direction in styling is also evident in the swoop of the cabintop portlights. Twin wheels,

Hanse 630

by Sail Staff, Posted August 14, 2009
Designed by German partners Judel/Vrolijk, who have been drawing fast raceboats for a generation, the Hanse 630 is a big, brash playground bully of a boat that’ll muscle right through a typical cruising fleet. Quick and easily handled thanks to its big fully battened mainsail and self-tacking jib, the 630 also bears the stamp of Hanse’s inhouse design and styling department, which can be relied

Lipari 41

by Sail Staff, Posted August 14, 2009
Fountaine-Pajot’s new model is available in three- or four-cabin layouts, and if you want to load up the boat with friends and family, the saloon (which can seat eight) and the large cockpit can hold a few more. The saloon and galley open into the large cockpit, which features a raised helm position. LOA 39ft 2in, LWL 38.8ft, beam 22ft 1in, draft 3ft 8in, displacement 16,755

Jeanneau 33i

by Sail Staff, Posted August 17, 2009
It’s great to see boatbuilders investing in smaller boats again, and this new baby of Jeanneau’s North American range looks like just the thing for a young family. She’s a simple boat, with double cabins fore and aft and the possibility of sleeping two people amidships on the settees. The heads/shower looks to be a good size and there’s a decent galley and a small nav table.
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