2012

Best Boats 2012 Winner: The Com-Pac CP 23 Pilothouse

by Tom Dove, Posted November 17, 2011

Among the many large, expensive sailing vessels at this year’s Annapolis show, the crowd-stopper was this diminutive 23-footer with a tall pilothouse. Something about it—perhaps the proportions, perhaps the novelty, perhaps the accessibility— made people pause, do double takes and smile.

Best Boats 2012 Nominee: Tartan 4000

by Peter Nielsen, Posted August 29, 2011

With its carbon fiber mast, infused epoxy hull, elegant lines and high-quality workmanship, the Tartan 4000 is a fitting successor to the 4100, which it replaces. The boat’s self-tacking jib and “pocket boom,” which helps gather in the main when it comes time to douse sail, make for a boat that can be easily handled by a couple, or even singlehanded.

Best Boats 2012 Winner: The Southerly 49 (Systems)

by Nigel Calder, Posted November 17, 2011

Britain’s Southerly Yachts has been building shoal-draft cruisers for decades, so the 49 has a serious pedigree. Designer Rob Humphreys also works for Oyster, so there is a generous splash of luxury in the 49’s detailing and accommodations.

Best Boats 2012 Nominee: Bavaria 40

by Peter Nielsen, Posted August 30, 2011

Farr Yacht Design gave the Bavaria 40 a fine entry and truncated ends in the interest of maximizing sailing length and speed under sail. Like the rest of Bavaria’s Cruiser line, the 40 offers tremendous volume belowdecks for accommodations. Twin helm stations and a split backstay provide easy access to a flip-down swim platform in the transom.

Best Boats 2012 Nominee: Catana 50

by Peter Nielsen, Posted August 30, 2011

Light weight and good performance are hallmarks of the Catana line. This sporty new 50-footer benefits from the liberal use of carbon fiber, which allows laminates to be made thinner yet stronger. catana.com SPECS LOA: 49ft, 11.6in Beam: 26ft Displacement: 27,400lbs. Draft: 9ft, 8in Sail area: 1076sq ft,

Bavaria Cruiser 45

by Charles J. Doane, Posted September 13, 2011

It wasn’t so long ago that German builder Bavaria Yachts was giving other mass-production sailboat builders a serious run for their money here in the United States.

Best Boats 2012 Nominee: Beneteau Oceanis 41

by Peter Nielsen, Posted August 30, 2011

One of two new models from the French builder, the Oceanis 41 echoes the styling of the bigger boats in Beneteau’s cruising lineup. Hull chines, a more angular look and a mainsheet arch are the most obvious new features. beneteauusa.com SPECS LOA: 40ft, 7in Beam: 13ft, 9in Displacement: 18, 624lbs.

Best Boats 2012 Nominee: Hanse 495

by Peter Nielsen, Posted August 30, 2011

Continuing the trend begun by last year’s Hanse 545, the Hanse 495 combines comfort below with performance underway, while a retractable bow-thruster—part of the boat’s SMS (Smart Mooring System)—makes tying up at the end of the day a snap. The boat’s twin helm stations and low cabin trunk create excellent sight lines, while the drop-down swim step provides a great platform for cooling off in an

Corsair Sprint 750 MK II

by Peter Nielsen, Posted September 14, 2011

This fast folding-wing trimaran is in its second incarnation, with a revised deck plan and rig and larger amas to improve sailing satisfaction and performance. Not changed: the adrenaline rush that comes with double-digit sailing speeds! corsairmarine.comSPECSLOA: 24ft 4inLWL: 23ft 1inBeam (folded)

Best Boats 2012 Winner: The Leopard 44 (Cruising Multihull Under 50ft)

by Peter Nielsen, Posted November 17, 2011

South African builder Robertson and Caine consistently hits the mark with its cruising/charter cats, designed by American firm Morrelli & Melvin. The new 44 combines practicality, volume and decent performance in a capable-looking package.