As boat show season begins, a generally positive U.S. economy is creating strong demand for new sailboats, and many builders are positioning themselves to take advantage. European manufacturers in particular are targeting North America to offset slow home markets still affected by the Greek bailout, while the weaker euro makes imported boats more attractive for American buyers. Expect new entries from Italia Yachts and Turkish brands such as Euphoria and Azuree, along with fresh models from U.S. builders including J/Boats, Marlow-Hunter, US Watercraft and, after about a decade, Hinckley.
Speed and multihulls will also be well represented. Highlights include Bavaria’s first multihull influence in the trailerable Dragonfly 25 trimaran and, at the cutting edge, the foiling Gunboat G4—a 40-foot cat designed to combine performance with cruising amenities. Whether you’re ready to buy or just curious, a walk along the docks this fall will reveal many tempting options.
Manufacturers and importers supplied approximate pricing for the models in this roundup; some quoted base prices while others listed fully equipped boats. For precise pricing and option details, contact company representatives.
Monohulls
Hinckley Bermuda 50
The Bermuda 50 marks Hinckley’s return to new sailboat design after roughly ten years. Bill Tripp’s custom racer/cruiser blends high-end materials and systems—hydraulic lifting keel, carbon-Kevlar composite hull, carbon deck and spars, laminate sails—and a wide array of modern electronics. The boat delivers Hinckley’s signature mix of performance, comfort and refinement, while owners can personalize the yacht’s final character.
BOAT SHOWS: Newport, Annapolis
LOA: 49 feet, 10 inches LWL: 44 feet, 11 inches BEAM: 14 feet, 3 inches DRAFT (keel up/down): 6 feet, 6 inches/11 feet, 6 inches DISPLACEMENT: 25,400 pounds SAIL AREA: 1,624 square feet ENGINE: Nanni 4.60 60-hp diesel FUEL: 79 gallons WATER: 118 gallons PRICE: upon request. hinckleyyachts.com
Azuree 46
After the striking Azuree 33 and 40, Sirena Marine returned to a more classical approach with the Azuree 46, this time penned by Rob Humphreys. The design features an elegant hull with a long waterline and a beam carried well aft, plus carbon reinforcements and high-end construction to reduce weight and improve strength. The boat offers a comfortable three-cabin layout with two heads and makes its U.S. debut with sailing performance in mind.
BOAT SHOWS: Newport, Annapolis
LOA: 45 feet, 11 inches LWL: 42 feet, 7 inches BEAM: 13 feet, 11 inches DRAFT: 8 feet, 6 inches DISPLACEMENT: 23,600 pounds BALLAST: 8,800 pounds SAIL AREA: 1,340 square feet ENGINE: 55 hp FUEL: 57 gallons WATER: 98 gallons PRICE: $550,000. azuree.com.tr
Beneteau Oceanis 60
The Oceanis 60, successor to the Oceanis 58, preserves similar overall dimensions but features a redesigned stern that includes a dinghy garage and an expanded sunbathing area aft of the twin steering wheels. The mainsheet runs to the top of the cockpit arch, which tidies the cockpit and serves as a secure point for a Bimini and sprayhood. The Oceanis 60 is available with multiple rig and interior layout options to suit cruising preferences.
BOAT SHOWS: Newport, Annapolis
LOA: 62 feet, 3 inches LWL: 53 feet, 11 inches BEAM: 16 feet, 9 inches DISPLACEMENT: 21.6 feet DRAFT (deep/shoal): 28 feet, 10 inches/7 feet, 3 inches BALLAST (deep/shoal): 14,187 pounds/15,763 pounds SAIL AREA (120 percent genoa): 1,913 square feet ENGINE: 140 hp FUEL: 127 gallons WATER: 187 gallons PRICE: $766,000. beneteauamerica.com
Euphoria 54
Designed by German Frers and produced at Sirena Marine, the Euphoria 54 channels a Swan-like pedigree—no accident given the designer and management team’s background. Its U-shaped hull and clean deck layout are intended to balance performance, ease of use and onboard comfort. Built with premium materials and available with performance-enhancing options such as a carbon rig and square-top main, the 54 targets cruisers who value elegance and sailors who want extra speed.
BOAT SHOWS: Newport, Annapolis
LOA: 54 feet LWL: 48 feet BEAM: 15 feet DRAFT (standard/shoal): 10 feet/8 feet DISPLACEMENT: 39,500 pounds BALLAST: 13,700 pounds SAIL AREA: 1,790 square feet ENGINE: 75 hp FUEL: 105 gallons WATER: 145 gallons PRICE: $1.15 million. euphoriayachts.com.tr
Dufour 350 Grand Large
The Dufour 350 expands the builder’s Grand Large cruising line with a modern look—angular cabin tops, larger windows and a beamy stern with swim platform. Designer Umberto Felci added a fixed short bowsprit and chined hull to increase interior space aft, and a repositioned mast allows the mainsheet to be handled with a bridle system. The model is offered in two- and three-cabin versions to suit a variety of cruising needs.
BOAT SHOWS: Annapolis
LOA: 33 feet, 6 inches LWL: 29 feet, 6 inches BEAM: 11 feet, 6 inches DISPLACEMENT: 12,300 pounds DRAFT (standard/shoal): 6 feet, 3 inches/5 feet, 1 inch BALLAST: 3,400 pounds SAIL AREA (jib/genoa): 592 square feet/645 square feet ENGINE: 19/30 hp FUEL: 42 gallons WATER: 58 gallons PRICE: $140,000. dufour-yachts.com
Hanse 315
The Hanse 315 returns to a back-to-basics approach for entry-level cruising: tiller steering (with wheel optional), a generous sail area and control lines run aft for short-handed sailing. The interior is open and customizable in mahogany, cherry or oak finishes, and the aft berth is arranged athwartships for comfortable accommodation aboard a compact hull.
BOAT SHOWS: Annapolis
LOA: 31 feet, 6 inches LWL: 28 feet, 5 inches BEAM: 11 feet DRAFT (standard/shoal): 6 feet, 1 inch/4 feet, 5 inches DISPLACEMENT: 10,400 pounds BALLAST (standard/shoal): 3,300 pounds/3,637 pounds SAIL AREA: 506 square feet ENGINE: 12 hp FUEL: 160 gallons WATER: 230 gallons PRICE: $105,000. hanseyachts.com
Hanse 455
While visually similar to the Hanse 445, the 455 benefits from a longer waterline and taller hull, creating more volume on deck and below and a wider cockpit. Available in three- or four-cabin layouts with Hanse’s typical choices of colors and trims, the 455 also adds leisure features aimed at cruisers, including a wet bar, barbecue and a foredeck sun lounge.
BOAT SHOWS: Newport
LOA: 45 feet, 7 inches LWL: 40 feet BEAM: 14 feet, 4 inches DRAFT (standard/shoal): 7 feet, 4 inches/5 feet, 8 inches DISPLACEMENT: 25,600 pounds BALLAST: 7,700 pounds ENGINE: 53 hp FUEL: 220 gallons WATER: 450 gallons SAIL AREA: 1,108 square feet PRICE: $385,000. hanseyachts.com
Dufour 382 Grand Large
New to the U.S. market, the Dufour 382 Grand Large emphasizes interior volume and flexibility. It comes with a standard inline galley and multiple layout choices, including two- and three-cabin configurations and an optional second head. With its beamy hull and available taller rig, the 382 offers responsive sailing with an option for a sportier feel.
BOAT SHOWS: Annapolis
LOA: 36 feet, 10 inches LWL: 32 feet, 5 inches BEAM: 12 feet, 7 inches DISPLACEMENT: 15,081 pounds DRAFT (standard/shoal): 6 feet, 4 inches/5 feet, 4 inches BALLAST (standard/shoal): 4,100 pounds/4,300 pounds SAIL AREA (jib/genoa): 623 square feet/690 square feet ENGINE: 30 hp FUEL: 53 gallons WATER: 95 gallons PRICE: $190,000. dufour-yachts.com
Marlow-Hunter 31
Glenn Henderson’s Marlow-Hunter 31 blends contemporary construction with classic comfort, featuring the brand’s signature cockpit arch and a hull with hard chines aft. The interior emphasizes handcrafted details—teak furniture, Corian countertops and quality hardware—while offering optional rig configurations including a standard or furling mainsail.
BOAT SHOWS: Annapolis
LOA: 32 feet, 4 inches LWL: 29 feet, 8 inches BEAM: 11 feet, 10 inches DRAFT (standard/shoal): 5 feet, 5 inches/4 feet, 5 inches DISPLACEMENT (standard/shoal): 11,900 pounds/12,000 pounds BALLAST (standard/shoal): 3,379 pounds/3,525 pounds SAIL AREA: 581 square feet ENGINE: 21 hp/29 hp (Saildrive) FUEL: 21 gallons WATER: 50 gallons PRICE: $144,500. marlow-hunter.com
Grand Soleil 43
Claudio Maletto’s Grand Soleil 43 is designed for performance that matches its sporty appearance: a hull with minimal wetted surface, a wide stern and a T-keel with a lead bulb. Twin steering stations, a recessed traveler and concealed control lines keep the deck clean, while a carbon-reinforced fiberglass structure takes rig loads straight to the chainplates for strength and lightness.
BOAT SHOWS: Annapolis (U.S. premiere)
LOA: 43 feet, 5 inches LWL: 36 feet, 4 inches BEAM: 13 feet, 2 inches DRAFT (standard/shoal): 7 feet, 11 inches/6 feet, 6 inches DISPLACEMENT: 20,100 pounds BALLAST: 6,830 pounds SAIL AREA: 1,035 square feet FUEL: 58 gallons WATER: 95 gallons ENGINE: 55 hp PRICE: $475,000. grandsoleil.net
Jeanneau 54
Derived from Jeanneau’s flagship 64, the Jeanneau 54 emphasizes natural light with large coach-roof windows and generous interior volume. Philippe Briand and Andrew Winch shaped the cockpit coamings to extend forward for extra seating by the companionway, and the design includes a forward sun lounge and retractable dinghy davits. Multiple rig choices and three- or four-cabin interior plans allow buyers to tailor the boat to cruising or liveaboard use.
BOAT SHOWS: Newport, Annapolis
LOA: 53 feet LWL: 46 feet, 9 inches BEAM: 16 feet, 1 inch DRAFT (standard/shoal): 7 feet, 4 inches/5 feet, 9 inches DISPLACEMENT: 37,840 pounds BALLAST (standard/shoal): 10,240 pounds/11,000 pounds SAIL AREA: 1,324 square feet ENGINE: 75 hp (110 hp optional) FUEL: 63 gallons WATER: 192 gallons PRICE: $475,000. jeanneau.com
Dehler 46
The Dehler 46, introduced in Europe the previous year, impressed reviewers with its strong sailing characteristics and flexibility. The Judel-Vrolijk design is offered with options ranging from a carbon rig and deep T-keel to a fold-down swim platform and bow thruster, making the boat suitable for racing, sporty cruising or family passages.
BOAT SHOWS: Newport, Annapolis
LOA: 47.2 feet LWL: 42.3 feet BEAM: 14.2 feet DRAFT (standard/race/shoal): 7.3 feet/8.2 feet/6 feet DISPLACEMENT (standard/race/shoal): 24,691 pounds/23,589 pounds/25,463 pounds BALLAST (standard/race/shoal): 7,716 pounds/6,944 pounds/8,487 pounds ENGINE: 53 hp FUEL: 55 gallons WATER: 118 gallons PRICE: $327,000. dehler.com
Italia 13.98
Italia Yachts’ Italia 13.98 won the European Yacht of the Year award in the luxury cruiser category in 2013. The design keeps deck lines clean by stowing the swim ladder and sprayhood and hiding the furling system below deck, giving the boat a sleek appearance. The 13.98 also received high marks for its sailing performance.
BOAT SHOWS: Newport, Annapolis
LOA: 46 feet, 11 inches LWL: 40 feet, 11 inches BEAM: 14 feet, 1 inch DRAFT: 7 feet, 11 inches DISPLACEMENT: 21,000 pounds BALLAST: 6,900 pounds SAIL AREA: 1,345 square feet FUEL: 63 gallons WATER: 126 gallons PRICE: $465,000. italiayachts-america.com
Alerion Sport 30
Building on the classic daysailer tradition, the Alerion Sport 30 updates Nathanael Herreshoff–inspired lines with modern appendages and sail handling. A direct descendant of California designer Carl Schumacher’s Alerion Express 28, the Sport 30 adds space and performance options such as a carbon bowsprit and roller-furling A-sail to enhance both daysailing and coastal cruising.
BOAT SHOWS: Annapolis
LOA: 30 feet, 1 inch LWL: 24 feet, 5 inches BEAM: 8 feet, 9 inches DRAFT: 5 feet DISPLACEMENT: 6,400 pounds BALLAST: 2,650 pounds SAIL AREA: 465 square feet ENGINE: 20 hp PRICE: $199,500. alerionyachts.com
J/112E
The J/112E—where “E” stands for elegance and evolution—is a 36-foot performance cruiser aimed at sailors who want versatility. With a two-cabin layout, a powerful sail plan, a retractable bowsprit and an elongated waterline, the design balances spirited performance with everyday comfort, from club racing to weekend family cruising.
BOAT SHOWS: Annapolis
LOA: 36 feet LWL: 31.75 feet BEAM: 11.75 feet DRAFT: 6.9 feet DISPLACEMENT: 11,300 pounds SAIL AREA: 699 square feet ENGINE: 30 hp FUEL: 18.5 gallons WATER: 53 gallons PRICE: $274,000. jboats.com
Multihulls
Bali 4.3
The Bali 4.3 emphasizes generous living spaces across its forward cockpit, open saloon and aft cockpit, plus lounging space on the hardtop behind the helm. A practical electric glass door opens the passage between the saloon and the aft deck. Offered in several layouts, the Bali 4.3 suits tropical cruising and relaxed coastal passages alike.
BOAT SHOWS: Annapolis
LOA: 43 feet LWL: 41.4 feet BEAM: 23.35 feet DRAFT: 3.93 feet DISPLACEMENT: 14.255 tons (maximum) SAIL AREA: 1,011 square feet FUEL: 221 gallons WATER: 221 gallons ENGINES: twin 40 hp PRICE: $483,000. bali-catamarans.com
Dragonfly 25
Danish designer Jens Quorning continues his long-standing focus on compact, fast, trailerable trimarans with the Dragonfly 25. This small, agile design includes clever touches such as an off-center centerboard to increase saloon space, a rotating mast and high-volume amas. Available in touring and racing versions, it’s an option for sailors seeking easy transport combined with lively performance.
BOAT SHOWS: Annapolis
LOA: 25 feet BEAM (sailing/folded): 19 feet/7.5 feet DRAFT (board up/down): 1 foot/5 feet DISPLACEMENT: 2,315 pounds SAIL AREA (standard/sport): 366 square feet/441 square feet ENGINE: 5 hp outboard PRICE: $80,000. dragonfly.dk
Corsair Pulse 600
The Corsair Pulse 600 is a lightweight, folding trimaran built in Vietnam and inspired by designs like the Nigel Irens–penned Searail 19. With carbon-reinforced construction, wave-piercing bows, angled amas and a compact cuddy, the Pulse 600 is a beachable, trailerable platform that gets you on the water quickly.
BOAT SHOWS: Newport, Annapolis
LOA: 19 feet, 8 inches BEAM (sailing/folded): 14 feet, 9 inches/8 feet DRAFT (board up/down): 9 inches/3 feet, 11 inches WEIGHT: 1,000 pounds SAIL AREA: 282 square feet PRICE: $35,500. corsairmarine.com
Bavaria Catamaran Open 40
After Bavaria acquired French catamaran builder Nautitech, one of the first models to reach the U.S. market is the Open 40 by Marc Lombard. The design prioritizes outdoor living and sailing performance, with twin aft steering stations and a large aft cockpit that can be enclosed with soft panels. The saloon is compact by catamaran standards to maximize cockpit space.
BOAT SHOWS: Annapolis
LOA: 39 feet, 4 inches BEAM: 22 feet, 8 inches DRAFT: 4 feet, 5 inches DISPLACEMENT: 17,196 pounds SAIL AREA: 980 square feet ENGINES: twin 30 hp FUEL: 79 gallons WATER: 126 gallons PRICE: $390,000. bavariayachts.com
Gunboat G4
The Gunboat G4 brings foiling technology to cruising cats: this 40-foot foiling cat demonstrated exceptional speed—over 30 knots—during early season evaluations. Its dramatic performance and robust construction attracted intense interest, though the G4 demands experienced handling. Expect strong attention at upcoming shows.
BOAT SHOWS: Newport, Annapolis
LOA: 39.82 feet LWL: 39.82 feet BEAM: 22.24 feet DRAFT (boards up/down): 1.80 feet/8 feet DISPLACEMENT (light/loaded): 5,950 pounds/9,480 pounds ENGINES: 8-kW Oceanvolt electric drive WATER: 11 gallons PRICE: $950,000. gunboat.com
Leopard 40
The Leopard 40 modernizes the cruising-cat concept with a focus on interior volume and simplified operation from a raised helm. Practical touches like a forward saloon door for quick access to the foredeck and multiple cabin layouts (three-cabin for owners, four-cabin for charter) underline the model’s versatility.
BOAT SHOWS: Annapolis
LOA: 39 feet, 4 inches LWL: 38 feet, 1 inch BEAM: 22 feet, 1 inch DRAFT: 4 feet, 1 inch DISPLACEMENT: 20,600 pounds SAIL AREA: 1,032 square feet ENGINE: twin 29 hp FUEL: 95 gallons WATER: 206 gallons PRICE: $429,000. leopardcatamarans.com
Maine Cat 38
Maine Cat pursues a light, efficient design philosophy with the 38, using thermoforming and resin infusion to keep hull and deck weight very low. The semicustom boat features a bridge deck and retractable daggerboards for improved upwind performance and beaching capability, making it a practical, performance-oriented cruising platform.
BOAT SHOWS: Annapolis (tentative)
LOA: 37 feet, 10 inches LWL: 36 feet, 5 inches BEAM: 21 feet DRAFT (boards up/down): 19 inches/6 feet, 6 inches DISPLACEMENT (light): 8,100 pounds SAIL AREA: 812 square feet ENGINE: 50 hp FUEL: 50 gallons WATER: 62 gallons PRICE: $349,000. mecat.com
This article originally appeared in the October 2015 issue.