Boat Reviews

Hunter 50AC

by Sail Staff, Posted August 3, 2010

The 50AC is the long-awaited aft cockpit version of Hunter's popular 50CC (center cockpit) cruiser. Belowdecks excellent use has been made of the hull's considerable volume, with all the deft touches Hunter owners have come to expect. The cabintop styling is reminiscent of the Hunter 39 introduced last year.For more information, visit

Southerly 49

by Sail Staff, Posted August 3, 2010

Picture a bluewater-capable cruiser that can dry out on a beach as easily as it can ride out a gale at sea and you know what sets the Southerly 49 apart. As well as a swing keel that lets it float in less than 3 feet of water, the British-built boat has a luxurious interior and a powerful, easily handled sailplan.SPECS:LOA 49ft 7in LWL 44ft 3in BEAM 13ft

Hanse 375

by Sail Staff, Posted August 3, 2010

Impressive performance combined with Hanse's unique take on styling mark the latest mid-size cruiser-racer from the German builder. A deep T-keel and bendy fractional rig will please the speed freaks; family crews will appreciate the self-tacking jib and spacious cabins.For more information, visit

Delphia 47

by Sail Staff, Posted August 3, 2010

Poland has a long boatbuilding tradition, and Delphia Yachts is its premier sailboat builder. The new 47 is a fast cruiser with a self-tacking jib and bright, welcoming accommodations. There is a choice of three or five sleeping cabins.For more information, click here. SPECS:LOA: 46.2ft

Jeanneau 409

by Sail Staff, Posted August 4, 2010

Replacing the long-lived Sun Odyssey 39i, the Sun Odyssey 409 is a handsome midsized performance cruiser. Drawings show a new cabintop style with angular portlights, a deck layout where headsail and main sheets are led aft to the twin helms, and a sailplan with a small non-overlapping jib.For more information, visit

Delphia 40.3

by Duncan Kent, Posted August 4, 2010

This versatile midrange boat from Poland can be ordered with single or dual wheels, deep or shallow-draft keels, or with a swing keel. There are three layout options, one of which has four sleeping cabins.

Radical Bay 8000

by Charles J. Doane, Posted August 4, 2010

Having long been interested in the concept of putting a parallel or “biplane” rig on a catamaran, I was very happy to have a chance to sail the new Radical Bay 8000 catamaran after the 2010 Annapolis sailboat show. The cool thing about sailing the boat was that I really had no idea what I was doing.

Lagoon 450

by Sail Staff, Posted August 4, 2010

This impressive new offering from the French builder succeeds the long-lived 440. It is one big cat, over 25ft wide and with a cast interior fitted out in light woods to make the most of the sunlight filtering through the plentiful ports and windows.For more information on the Lagoon 450, click

Outremer 49

by Sail Staff, Posted August 4, 2010

This fast cruising cat from France looks sharp and reportedly performs well too. Twin wheels and a clever hard/soft bimini design are notable features. There are several layout options, and the yard claims to have kept weight down to enable a decent cruising payload to be carried.For more information on the Outremer 49, click

Beneteau First 35

by Sail Staff, Posted August 4, 2010

Over the last three years Beneteau has completely replaced its ageing First line of performance cruisers. The First 50 and 45, launched in 2008, were joined in 2009 by the First 40 and last year by the First 30 and 35.The Juan Kouyoumdjian-designed First 30 stole the headlines last year, which meant that it overshadowed its bigger (and in many ways as deserving of accolades) sister. Like