best 10m yacht

TOP 2019: here are 7 unmissable boats from 9 to 10 meters

• September 12, 2019
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Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Best luxury yacht: 7 ultimate luxury cruisers you can buy

• Toby Hodges
• March 14, 2024

Toby Hodges takes a look at all the nominees and the winner of the best luxury yacht category in the European Yacht of the Year Awards

The definition of the best luxury yacht will differ according to personal opinion and from boat to boat. This year’s nominees in the luxury yacht category of the European Yacht of the Year Awards proved that perfectly.

The European Yacht of the Year awards are selected by a broad panel of expert judges from across the globe. These are people who spend their professional lives sailing and comparing yachts, so you can be certain that the yachts which stand out in this field are truly the best of the best on the market.

The best luxury yachts

Best luxury yacht winner 2024 – arcona 50.

When you enter the fiercely competitive 50ft luxury performance yacht market you better get it right. And the jury felt Arcona managed that. This watershed design for the traditional Swedish brand, by X-Yachts co-founder and former designer Niels Jeppesen, is a big, contemporary new Arcona, one that sees it move away from its cruiser-racer heritage and classic interiors.

The on trend styling inside and out is backed up by a premium level of build and finish quality and sailing performance – particularly if you have the performance sails, traveller and deep (2.95m) keel options the test boat carried, although the latter does limit your berthing and anchoring options.

While I doubt it’ll be raced or will suit typical bluewater use, it offers a purity of performance push-button sailing: a handsome prospect upwind in a light breeze, it transforms into a powerful reaching machine with stacks of control.

As chairman of our jury, Jochen Rieker, puts it: “The boat certainly did not win for her somewhat borrowed looks. She wins by checking all the boxes in all other respects. Slipping along gracefully in the lightest of airs, holding her stride and her balance in more demanding conditions, offering warmth, light and this reassuring feeling of utter quality down below – there simply isn’t anything to fault.”

Contest 50CS

The Contest 50CS, for example, is an archetype luxury cruising yacht, one built to the highest standards and that could take you to most waters in impeccable comfort. This model is, uniquely, available in two versions: this more conventional 50CS with aft master cabin, or the forward owner’s suite version on the aft cockpit Contest 49CS . We ran a full test on the latter after spending two days aboard in the North Sea, where that noticeably high freeboard, which may not aid boarding nor windage, helped keep us dry on deck in a steady Force 6 gusting 7.

As the 50CS proved, this Judel/Vrolijk design keeps slipping along in the light stuff too, providing enjoyable sailing in 6 knots breeze under a code sail. The centre cockpit offers a deep protected guest area, but also links well to the spacious aft deck.

And the Wetzels-Brown-designed interiors of Contests today are stunning and hard to match. The engineering, access to usable stowage, details and finish on the 50CS is first class and to get this level of quality at this size is special.

Both Contest and X-Yachts are early adopters of hybrid power, offering their bluewater cruisers with optional electric drives. For the XC 47 this was designed-in from the start to offer Oceanvolt’s award-winning new 25kW regenerative drive.

The XC 47 is another wonderfully engineered and thought out yacht for distance cruising, in particular for those who also enjoy hands-on helming pleasure. That should come as no surprise to any X aficionados, but what really struck me most about this yacht was the stowage, and the forethought needed to create that, together with how practical it has been made.

That may sound slightly anticlimactic but ask any long-term cruiser and stowage is always a priority. On deck, this constitutes a huge lazarette and sail locker, plus clever systems for launching a dinghy via davits and a liferaft canister, while below decks every square inch of space has been used effectively, with lockers hinged with gas struts.

It’s clear the Danish yard went to considerable time and effort, even building a full mock up of the interior that could be canted 20° each way.

If the deck saloon style looks didn’t sell this model to all – this is the first full non-Jeppesen designed X – the jury were converted once they’d taken the helm. ‘Quirky’ became ‘muscular and bold’. The ease with which it can be sailed from the cockpit was also appreciated.

While I understand many offshore cruisers like a protected centre cockpit and more sun protection, the attention to detail, stowage and practicalities, combined with the direct steering, motion and enjoyable sailing this X offers make it a standout new offering.

Jeanneau Yachts 55

Meanwhile the Jeanneau Yachts 55 stands out for different, unique reasons in this category, offering a completely new concept in comfort on deck while at anchor and a novel accommodation layout. Its focus is on outdoor living space.

What helps place this in a luxury bracket is not simply the price or the creative input of superyacht specialist design duo Philppe Briand and Andrew Winch, rather that its layout creates a palatial amount of private space for the owner’s suite. Guest cabins have their own direct access from the extensive cockpit via gullwing doors.

It certainly makes sense for solo owners or couples using it as a warm water apartment. How many people this will suit is another question, as it segregates any guests, crew or children from the galley and saloon.

I used the term monocat when I first viewed it, as the 55 really does attempt to mix the two worlds, particularly in terms of providing owner privacy and lounging space. Choose the rigid hard top and windshield and there’s a vast amount of covered area including a dinette and chart table – plus a bimini can shade all that extensive aft deck too.

The penalty comes in additional weight and wetted surface, and is felt in the handling and performance, the latter particularly in lighter breeze with the optional in-mast furling, self tacking headsail and shallow draught package we had. However, it’s set up to be easily managed from the mid cockpit with good visibility from the twin helms and easy circulation thanks to the ramped side decks. Full report in YW February 2024.

Best luxury yacht 2023

Best luxury yacht winner – oyster 495.

It is hard to imagine that the decor of a yacht can change its look and feel quite this much, yet the layout of this second 495, Eddie Jordan’s dramatic looking Tuga , is in fact identical to the first boat that I spent several days aboard last summer.

At its heart is a wonderfully (Humphreys) designed and engineered luxury bluewater cruiser conceived from the ground up, built in a new dedicated facility to a repeatable quality very few yards are capable of.

The 495 offers consistent passage making speeds in real voluminous comfort – whether enjoyed from the deep cockpit or the best-in-class aft cabin. Deck stowage and mechanical space is also superb.

Then factor in the family appeal of Oyster’s after sales and world rally programme and you start to appreciate the premium world this sub 50-footer gives access to.

The first yacht fully conceived under CEO Richard Hadida’s reign, this is also the smallest completely new Oyster 495 since 2005 – and it’s a triumph. It was our September 2022 cover star in which we featured the full review from our Oyster 495 three day test .

Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 60

The Oceanis Yacht 60 is a very different beast indeed to the 62 it replaces as flagship for the Beneteau range. The yard has learned plenty from the success of the First 53/OY 54 and wanted to create a 60 in this style and with the same deck layout (albeit larger and wider) and ease of circulation.

The construction experience of the smaller model clearly helped too, as this is a whopping five tonnes lighter than the bulky OY62 and with a deeper (2.6m) keel. The telling result is on the water. It feels sporty to helm and we averaged a knot slower than the single figure 6-8 knot windspeeds upwind and matched them reaching with Code 0 and a slight swell.

The vast cockpit works well, sheltered below the semi rigid bimini, it has plentiful lounging space with sailing systems led aft to the twin helms. The interior sees a 3+3 layout, where Beneteau wanted to get rid of the corridor effect of the OY62. The galley is forward to help open out space, while the forward suite with offset berth and headboard aft works well to give space with privacy.

This is an attractive, voluminous yacht that leaves a good overall impression whether under sail, on or below decks.

Ice 62 Targa

It all looks pretty funky below decks on the Ice 62 Targa too, especially if you’re watching the masthead fore and aft cameras (plus bow and prop cam) on central displays mounted in the saloon while you slip out of the dock! The Ice is a seriously impressive, contemporary yacht, one that in looks, performance and execution, won over many of the judges.

The first to launch is a highly customised project for a passionate sailing owner who covers long distances solo – he’d already sailed it 3,000 miles around the Med that autumn. It’s impressively stiff, sails handsomely and, thanks to a telescopic keel, points well. We matched single figure windspeeds, and clocked up to the high 9s in 12 knots wind.

Umberto Felci’s team spent 4,000 hours on the design, providing lots of space and light to the interior and a chillout zone in the semi raised saloon. This was easily the coolest looking yacht, with its aggressive reverse bow, chamfered gunwales and carbon T-top bimini, and all engineered and built to a high standard.

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14 Great Pocket Cruisers in 2023

• By Victor Tan
• Updated: July 20, 2023

Pocket cruisers and mini yachts are generally vessels under 50 feet in length overall, and can include express cruiser designs, flybridge yachts as well as either monohull or catamaran hull forms. They are cruising boats easily handled by a small, or even shorthanded, crew. Pocket cruisers generally have wave-taming hull designs and have the ability to take on sporty seas, offer comfortable accommodations belowdecks with one or two staterooms for extended voyages, “homelike amenities,” and the ability to cruise as slowly or as quickly as an owner desires with inboard- and outboard-power options. These pocket-cruising boats have the range for longer voyages , can pull up in skinny water at the sandbar thanks to shallow drafts, and head over the horizon where cruising adventure awaits. Pocket cruisers are true multitasking yachts. When it comes to family and couples cruising, it’s hard to beat a well-built and well-equipped and pocket cruiser.

Best Cruising Boats Under 50-Feet

The following 14 pocket cruisers and mini yachts are all vessels we’ve seen, been aboard, and tested. They are listed in no particular order.

• Hood 35 LM: high-tech, family-friendly pocket cruiser
• Galeon Yachts 375 GTO: mid-size boat with plenty of below-deck space
• Aquila 42: sleek power catamaran ready to entertain
• Azimut Verve 42 : small, yet mighty yacht ready for open water
• Hinckley Yachts 35: luxury picnic cruiser with range
• Beneteau Gran Turismo 45: sleek cruising yacht with all the amenities
• Solaris Power 48 Open: eye-catching power yacht with 360-degree views
• Cruisers Yachts 42 GLS: luxury cruiser yacht with powerful outboard options
• Back Cove 34O: modern outboard power combined with classic Downeast styling
• Picnic Boat 40: speedy and fuel-efficient vessel with great looks
• Aquila 36: comfortably seat up to 20 guests for fun on the salt
• Boston Whaler 350 Realm: multitasker built for fishing and entertaining
• MJM 35z: sporty, aesthetically pleasing, cruising-conscious features and elegant lines
• Greenline 39: sturdy-looking lines and environmentally-friendly power

When Android co-founder, Rich Miner, wanted a new family-friendly pocket cruiser , he turned to a custom-penned C.W. Hood design and a Lyman-Morse-built 35-footer, which has a timeless Down East profile matched to seriously modern technology under the hood.

This yacht looks like a traditional, cold-molded Down East dayboat, but actually, it has everything, from Hamilton HJX Series water-jet drives to a planned Sea Machines autonomous command-and-control system . Top speed: 40-plus knots.

Quick Specifications

Galeon Yachts 375 GTO

Even the remnants of Hurricane Ian, couldn’t dissuade the Galeon Yacht 375 GTO from its cruising mission. The small yacht’s wave-splitting hull form is paired to torque-filled 600 hp Mercury Verado outboards , giving this fun-in-the-sun boat a 47-knot top hop.

The 375 GTO is a speedster, to be sure, but it’s also so much more. Just about every aspect of the main deck seating is transformable and multifunction, from the aft seating to the alfresco dining abaft the helm, and beyond. It also has a family-size and eminently cruise-worthy belowdecks space for four guests, all while providing a foredeck entertaining lounge too.

The Galeon Yachts 375 GTO ticks all the boxes for an easy-to-handle and sporty cruiser.

Aquila 42 Yacht Power Catamaran

Following the success of its 44-, 54- and 70-foot power catamaran models, Aquila has launched the stable-as-a-table, owner-operator-ready Aquila 42 Yacht Power Catamaran .

The Aquila 42 is the entry point into the builder’s yacht line and is noteworthy for its ability to accommodate anywhere from a two- to four-stateroom layout, depending on the owner’s cruising requirements. There are alfresco spaces to manage the sunset cruise with friends and family, including a foredeck lounge area that can be accessed via centerline steps from the flybridge. The Aquila 42 is available with several Volvo Penta diesel-engine options .

Azimut Verve 42

Want to cruise from Florida to Bimini in about an hour? The Azimut Yachts Verve 42 can do that thanks, in part, to triple 450 hp Mercury Racing outboards and a hull designed to dice-and-slice a seaway. Top hop: 45 knots. The Verve 42 also has style for miles with a fine entry, raked hardtop, and a razorlike sheerline accented by sweeping hull glass from bow to stern. It’s striking.

With accommodation for a family of four, the Verve 42 is also solid under the hull tokeep everyone safe on those passages. The Verve 42’s hull is built of fiberglass and uses vinylester resins for blister protection. The yacht’s deck and hardtop are comprised of carbon fiber for strength without added weight. This all means that the Azimut Verve 42 is built to CE Classification Type A , making it suitable for sea voyages where winds can exceed 45 mph and seas to 13 feet.

Hinckley Yachts 35

The Hinckley Yachts 35 takes everything that yachtsmen like about this pedigreed-brand’s classic profile and infuses today’s modern outboard power to create 40 knots of sheer fun wrapped in sheer luxury.

This 35-foot Hinckley is built on a Michael-Peters-penned hull form with a fine entry, wider-than-average chines and a moderate deadrise. While the boat is built to sprint when desired, it’s also a relatively economical cruiser. For instance, a comfortable 24-knot cruise the Hinckley Yachts 35 has a 276-nautical-mile range.

It also has a tech-build thanks to vacuum-infused carbon-fiber composites and epoxy resin. An integrated interior structure is infused with the hull adding rigidity. The hull is then post-cured in an 80-foot oven, further strengthening the structure.

Beneteau Gran Turismo 45

The Beneteau Gran Turismo is the flagship of the builder’s four-model GT series, which also includes 32-, 36- and 41-foot models.

The Gran Turismo 45 ’s cruise-centric layout includes two staterooms and two heads belowdecks, as well as a galley down. There is also a dinette for meals and a settee for rainy-day lounging. Entertaining guests and enjoying the sun is the primary mission of the main deck.

Solaris Power 48 Open

The Solaris Power 48 Open was the first powerboat from this longtime builder known for its sailing yachts, ranging from 40 to 110 feet length overall. The Solaris Power 48 Open is notable for its wave-slicing plumb-bow design, high freeboard forward and 32-knot-plus speed. Power is twin 480 hp Volvo Penta IPS650 diesels.

The high freeboard keeps the deck dry and help creates sizable volume belowdecks with an average 6-foot-6-inch headroom. This enables real estate for either one or two staterooms. With the single-stateroom setup, there is a forepeak master stateroom while an L-shaped settee converts to sleeping accommodations for family or occasional guests. Interior wood options are oak or walnut.

Cruisers Yachts 42 GLS

Outboard-power cruising aficionados will appreciate the triple-engine options for the Cruisers Yachts 42 GLS . The 42 GLS we got aboard had the triple 400 hp Mercury Verados , which produced a top hop of 45 knots, but triple 450 hp Verados are available. Triple 350 hp Mercury Verados are the standard engine option. No matter the power arrangement, this express cruiser can easily be used for wakeboarding and tube towing. The 42 GLS is designed to handle the rough stuff too, with a fine entry and 21-degree transom deadrise.

For cruising enthusiasts, the 42 GLS has a master stateroom with an athwartships and a nearly queen-size berth, and the lower salon’s U-shaped dinette converts to a queen-size berth for the kids.

Back Cove 34O

Combining modern outboard power with classic Downeast styling, the Back Cove 34O touts award-winning standards with cruising in mind. The 34O is equipped with twin 300 hp Yamaha outboards, engines that allow the Newport International Boat Show’s 2018 Best Powerboat Under 35 Feet winner to travel up to 214 nautical miles at 24 knots on a 250-gallon fuel tank.

Belowdecks, the 34O has an island double berth and a split-head arrangement with the toilet to port and a separate shower stall to starboard. On the main deck, a U-shape dinette to port accommodates four or more guests on the Back Cove Yachts vessel. The 34O’s galley is equipped with a Cuisinart microwave, a two-burner Kenyon electric cooktop and a Vitrifrigo fridge and freezer.

Picnic Boat 40

Hinckley Yachts unveiled its first Picnic Boat more than two decades ago. Now, after two previous, sub-40-foot models, the Maine-based boatbuilder has developed its largest and most advanced model to date: the Picnic Boat 40.

Twin 480 hp Cummins diesel engines paired to twin Hamilton 322 jet drives propel the yacht to a 30-knot cruising speed and 34 knots on the pins. With optional twin 550 hp Cummins diesels, cruise and top-end speeds jump to 35 and 38 knots, respectively.

There is an L-shaped settee with a table and a wet bar on the main deck to port. The helm station is forward and to starboard with a benchseat for two. There is also a companion seat across from the helm. Belowdecks, there is 6-foot-2-inch headroom, and the dinette table drops to form a California-king berth for overnights and weekending.

Aquila Power Catamarans started its line with 44- and 48-footers, and now the builder’s Aquila 36 takes the line into the midsize market.

The 36 features a single, main-living area from bow to stern, helped in part by the vessel’s 14-foot, 7-inch beam. The boat can comfortably seat up to 20 guests for fun on the salt. Several Mercury Verado engine options are available for the Aquila 36, including twin 250-, 300- and 350-hp four-strokes. With the 350s, the Aquila has a top-end speed of 37 knots.

Other notable features include a fiberglass hardtop, a dinette, a cooktop, a fridge, a sink and a smokeless grill. Belowdecks, there are two staterooms with nearly queen-size berths, en suite heads and 6-foot-6-inch headroom in each.

Boston Whaler 350 Realm

From fishing and entertaining guests to diving and overnight cruising, Boston Whaler ‘s 350 Realm is a multitasker. And it’s fast, too. It’s powered with either triple 300 hp or triple 350 hp Mercury Verados. The 350 Realm can reach a top speed of 46 knots.

At the helm, two Raymarine displays provide vital navigation data. The captain can take in the displays’ view from a doublewide helm seat. There’s a flip-down platform for standing when needed and a footrest when desired.

There is a V-shaped berth that converts into a double berth with a filler cushion. The separated head has a VacuFlush MSD and a hot-and-cold shower. Owners also have the option to add a microwave and a flat-screen TV.

The MJM 35z can reach a top speed of 44 knots and a cruising speed of 33 knots on its optional 350 hp Mercury Verado outboards; twin 300 hp outboards are standard on this MJM Yachts vessel. Additionally, the 35z can travel up to 304 nautical miles on its 250-gallon fuel tank.

The 35z has a flush-deck layout and to port is space for an electric grill, a baitwell, a sink, an ice maker and a fridge. There are two Stidd helm seats—one for the helmsman and the other for a copilot—that rotate to face the rest of the seating aft. In the cabin is V-shaped seating forward that can be converted to a berth.

Owners also have the option of adding a Seakeeper 3 gyrostabilizer and a full-length Bimini top to shade the cockpit.

Greenline 39

Greenline Yachts ‘ vessels are aptly named for their environmentally friendly means of moving about; the Greenline 39 is no different. The Slovenian yacht manufacturer produces two types of this model: hybrid and solar.

If owners opt for the latter, the 39’s four solar panels atop the salon power all of the vessel’s systems for three hours. With the power of the sun, the 39 can achieve a max speed of 6.5 knots and a cruising speed of 4 knots. The hybrid type uses those same panels to help power a 220 hp Volvo Penta D3 with a Mahle electric-drive system. Owners have the option of replacing the standard engine with a 370 hp Yanmar 8LV diesel.

Belowdecks, scissor berths provide accommodations for long weekends.

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Used Yachts For Sale Under $10,000,000

100' Custom Tri-Deck Explorer Yacht 2026

$ 10,000,000

Unknown, United States

145' Cheoy Lee 145 Global Series Long Range TriDeck 1996

$ 9,999,995

Fort Lauderdale, United States

145' Cheoy Lee Global Series Long Range Tri­Deck 1996

Miami, United States

80' Viking 80 Convertible 2024

$ 9,995,000

Lighthouse Point, United States

110' Johnson 110' Flybridge w/On-Deck Master 2025

$ 9,970,000

Kaohsiung, Taiwan

127' Burger Full Displacement Tri-Deck Motor Yacht 2007

$ 9,950,000

Saint Augustine, United States

98' Ferretti Yachts Ferretti 1000 2022

Miami Beach, United States

96' CL Yachts CLX96 2022

$ 9,900,000

80' Viking 80 Convertible 2023

$ 9,850,000

106' Inace 2025

$ 9,798,000

Ceará, Brazil

143' Palatka Shipbuilding Custom 1984

$ 9,750,000

Marina del Rey, United States

80' Viking 80 Sportfish Convertible 2023

$ 9,695,000

Orange Beach, United States

Description

Finding a used yachts for sale under $10,000,000 that fits your needs when it comes to number of passengers, horsepower, inside accommodations, and other features on board can be a challenge with so many options available on the market today. There are many types of boats available under $10 million like  cruising yachts ,  motor yachts ,  Trawlers , and  fishing boats , with many good options across all length ranges. Still, there are plenty of opportunities with brands like  Princess ,  Azimut ,  Sunseeker ,  Viking ,  Ferretti ,  Ocean Alexander ,  Benetti , Westport Yachts , and others. Let the team at United Yacht Sales help you find the right vessel that fits your needs under $10 million.

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25 Sailboats Under 40′

• By Cruising World Staff
• Updated: March 25, 2014

Catalina 275 Sport

“This is a complete package; it’s a good sailing boat and well-thought-out. It’s definitely ready for prime time,” says Boat of the Year judge Ed Sherman. Click here to read why the Catalina 275 Sport won Best Pocket Cruiser in 2014.

Beneteau First 30

As they approached the First 30 to conduct their dockside evaluation during the boat show, the BOTY judges may have been just a little skeptical of this performance-oriented 30-footer’s cruisability. But that skepticism turned into appreciation as soon as they stepped below, and they were downright enamored with how the boat sailed. Click here to read why the Beneteau First 30 won Best Small Cruiser, 20 feet and Under in 2011.

The Presto 30 is an innovative, well-built, good looking cruising boat that satisfied its stated design brief as well as any other boat the judges looked at, though it’s not what you might expect from an average cruising boat. Cruising World judges also noted that this easy-to-handle boat may attract new sailors to the sport so they can learn the ropes and then trade up to another model, an approach that’s important to the health of the entire industry. Click here to read how the Presto 30 won the Cruising Spirit Award in 2011.

Catalina 309

“I think that for the purpose it was put on the water, to be able to walk down, jump aboard, and simply go enjoy it on a weekend, the boat not only hit the price in terms of value but also hit the mark in terms of use,” remarked judge Alvah Simon, a world voyager. Click to read why the Catalina 309 won Domestic Boat of the Year for 2007 .

The J/95’s retractable centerboard and dual rudders make it possible to sail in just 3 feet of water. During our dockside visit, designer Rod Johnstone told us that he wanted to build a comfortable coastal cruiser that could keep people sailing by providing “high performance in shallow water,” and the J/95 did exactly what Rod said it would. Click here to read how it won Best Weekender and Domestic Boat of the Year for 2010.

Catalina 315

This nifty pocket cruiser raises the Catalina quality bar with more comfort and better performance. It’s the little things that make this boat special, including the tall rig, the wide cockpit, the large anchor locker, the sprit for the asymmetric kite, and the clever use of space below. Click here to read how the Catalina 315 won Best Inshore Cruiser for 2013.

The Delphia 33 is a boat that’s maximized every inch of available space, and the overall fit and finish, from the joiner work to the systems installation to the structural integrity of the boat, is well done. Click here to read why the Delphia 33 won Import Boat of the Year in 2008.

“With this introductory cruiser, Hunter is trying to bring people up through its ranks and into cruising from trailer-sailers and smaller boats,” said Alvah Simon. “And the company has done that with a 33-footer that has quality and affordability but is still manageable and unintimidating.” Click here to read why the Hunter e33 won Best Compact Cruiser for 2012.

C&C 101

The 33-foot C&C 101 boasts thoroughly modern lines and a nice turn of speed but also features a fine layout belowdecks, with cherry furniture and a teak cabin sole. Click here to read why the C&C 101 won Domestic Boat of the Year and Best Performance Cruiser in 2013.

This dual-purpose cruiser is both easy to handle and zippy on the racecourse. Click here to read why the X-34 won Best Racer-Cruiser for 2009.

Beneteau 34

This affordable performance cruiser is a blast to sail, with details often lacking on more expensive boats. Click here to read a boat review of the Beneteau 34. Click here to read why the Beneteau 34 won the award for Best Value in 2009.

Tartan 3400

The Tartan 3400, with double cabins fore and aft, was still sufficiently nimble and distinctive to cop the 2006 Boat of the Year award for Best Production Cruiser from 31 to 36 Feet. Click here to read more.

The BOTY judges found lots on which to agree as they proclaimed the Najad 355 to be the Best Small Cruiser of 2008: great sails, solid motion through the water, practical interior, well-laid-out deck. Click here to read more.

Catalina 355

Two themes—consideration and principles—epitomize the Catalina 355. Click here to read why it won Domestic Boat of the Year in 2011.

Sabre Spirit

Andrew Burton found the 36-foot Sabre Spirit boat not only easily handled and fast but also a sheer delight to sail; no wonder it won the Judges’ Choice Award in Cruising World’s 2008 Boat of the Year contest. Click here to read more .

Island Packet Estero

Comfortable surroundings are easily driven by a fully self-tending and roller-furling rig on the 36-foot Island Packet Estero. Click here to read why it won Best Midsize Cruiser Under 40 feet in 2010.

Hallberg-Rassy 37

Like the Swedes who manufacture it, the Hallberg-Rassy 37 is a hardy sailer. The boat’s seakindly performance gives the assurance that it can take you anywhere, and once you get aboard, that’s exactly where you’ll want to go. Click here to read why it won Import Boat of the Year in 2006.

Malö 37 Classic

This purpose-built craft is a dream to steer and a delight to the eyes. Click here to read how it won Import Boat of the Year for 2009. Click here to read a full boat review.

Catalina 375

Solid construction and thoughtful amenities make life onboard this boat more comfortable. Click here to read why the Catalina 375 won Best All-Purpose Cruiser, 30 to 40 Feet in 2009.

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 379

This midsize offering from Jeanneau has a modern look and is ready for sea. Click here to read why it won Domestic Boat of the Year and Best Midsize Cruiser for 2012.

“This very responsive sailboat scoots along quite nicely, I think as well as anything we sailed in this fleet,” says Boat of the Year judge Mark Schrader. Click here to read why the Dehler 38 won Best Cruising Sailboat Under 38 Feet in 2014.

Better-than-expected performance, good design ideas, and follow-through in their execution led to the Hunter 38 winning Best Production Cruiser Under 40 feet for 2005. Click here to read more.

Who says a cruising cat under 40 feet isn’t big enough for comfortable accommodations? The 38’s hulls are narrow where they meet the water for performance purposes but flare out to create ample interior space. Click here to read why the Leopard 38 won Import Boat of the Year in 2010.

Seawind 1160

This 38-foot cat will appeal to cruisers who want a well-built boat that can sail away in a hurry. Click here to read why the Seawind 1160 won Best Multihull Cruiser and Most Innovative Boat for 2007.

“The company is mixing traditional aesthetics with modern gear–from the carbon rudder to tweakers on the jib tracks, and it works really well,” said Boat of the Year judge Steve Callahan of the Sabre 386. Click here to read why it was named Domestic Boat of the Year for 2005.

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RM 970+: our 32-foot / 10m sailboat

The ideal 32ft yacht for family cruising.

With the RM970, you’re entering the serial cruiser category! Conceived as the perfect family liveaboard, this 32-foot sailboat will be your best companion to create great memories.

Port-hopping in the Med, coastal cruising in Ireland or Brittany, whatever your sailing plans, the RM970 will take care of your entire family in an optimum comfort, by providing true sensations of a lively, fast, and fun yacht to all crew members.

“THE RM970+, a concentrate of elegance and performances in a 32-footer”

Bright and modern interior, where everyone will find their own place

The RM970 embodies the RM Yachts fundamentals: a large and soft companion way, a 180-dregree visibility from the saloon (for comfort, safety and natural light), a pattern of soft and elegant tones for the furniture, and a massive volume for a yacht of about 10 meters!

The standard layout offers two cabins: a large aft one, closed by a door, and an open one at the front. Add to these two lateral bunks around the saloon table, an en-suite head with shower and toilets, and a large technical storage area. Loads of light and space, for all family members to find their own space on board of this comfortable liveaboard yacht.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

The RM970+’s hull has been designed for performance: volume at the bow and raised forefoot will increase planning capacity. Have a look at the numbers below, and you will see how her specific design speaks for itself.

Marc Lombard Design Group

Edouard Delamare Deboutteville

hull length

Single keel draft, twin keel draft, light displacement, engine in board sail drive.

Volvo Penta 20 CV

fuel capacity

Water capacity, holding tank capacity, furling genoa, asymmetric spinnaker, virtual tour.

Enter the saloon, find out about space and light, the soft and dry atmosphere, the perfect proportions of the interior of this modern 32-foot sailboat.

A powerful hull, with a modern and elegant design

At first glance, you can see that the RM970 is not the ordinary sailing yacht. Her hull volume, her raised forefoot, her reverse sheer line, her large transom, are many distinctive apparels of a performant yet elegant cruising yacht.

Certainly modern, and clearly seducing, the design of this beautiful plywood 32-footer immediately captures the attention. Then, you understand that this seduction is primarily serving performance and comfort at sea. Although she has been designed for families, the RM970 remains a seriously capable yacht!

GUIDED TOUR RM970+

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• Cruising Yachts 30' to 35'

Popular Cruising Yachts from 30 to 35 Feet Long Overall Their Physical Properties & Key Performance Indicators

Welcome to this ever-growing gallery of some of the most popular cruising yachts between 30 and 35 feet (9.1m to 10.7m) long overall.

30'-35' Cruising Yachts featured on this page...

Medium sized cruising yachts like these are capable of serious offshore passage making, whilst being reasonably economic to maintain and operate.

And for competitive types, 30-35 foot cruising yachts are a popular size for club racing under handicap rating rules.

Behind each of the cruising yacht images there's a lot more information, including:

• Dimensions & Specifications; 
• Design Ratios;
• A summary analysis of the boat's predicted sailing characteristics in terms of performance, stiffness, heaviness, comfort in a seaway and resistance to capsize.

To see it all, just click on the relevant image...

Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 311

Pearson 303

Pearson 323

Allied Seawind MkII Cutter

Jeanneau Sun Light 30

Grand Soleil 343

Feeling 850

Westerly Tempest 31

Bavaria 31 Cruiser

Westerly Kestrel 35

Westerly Berwick 31

Dehler 35 CWS

Westerly Vulcan 34

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32-1

Elizabethan 33

Westerly Seahawk 35

Nicholson 32

Westerly Ocean 33

Hunter Channel 323

Island Packet 350

Corvette 31

Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 343

Hallberg-Rassy 94

Many thanks to Richard Stuckey for the great pic of his cruising yacht  'Tango II' , shown here  at anchor off Porqeurolles Island in the Mediterranean South of France.

Wauquiez Gladiateur 33

Jeanneau Attalia 32

Thank you Paul Wright , for submitting this pic of your cruising yacht 'Tallulah'.

The owner of 'Second Star' tells us...

"This one is my Hunter 33e (now Marlow-Hunter 33e) "Second Star".  The "e" stands for extended cockpit.  It has a drop-down, walk-through transom that opens up the cockpit significantly and serves as a helm seat when up.  I bought the boat new in 2014 and my longest cruise to date was from Annapolis MD to its slip in Alexandria, VA with my daughter. Of course, my intent is to take it on longer cruises like circling the DELMARVA peninsula, which would give me offshore time off the Delaware coast.  It's a very comfortable cruising yacht of moderate size."

Aphrodite 101

With their long, narrow and light hull and tall fractional rig these elegant sailboats have had many successful single and double-handed victories in distance races both coastal and offshore. 

The owner of 'Averisera ' tells us:

"She has a very narrow hull with two good sea berths amidships.  The galley is just aft of the berths, sink to starboard and cooker to port.  Step down from companionway just aft of galley; seating to change into or out of wet gear without making sleeping area wet. Head all the way forward is OK but not great.  Low free board means sink does not drain on port tack. Hull form is very, very sea kindly.  Beautiful sailor, easy to steer in wide range of conditions and points of sail.  For a small boat she is a competent cruising yacht."

Beneteau First 30E

Westerly 33

Have you got a cruising yacht in this size range?

If so, and you'd like to see an image of her on this page, please click here to send your pic to sailboat cruising.com and we'll do the rest.

Albin Nova 32

Contessa 32.

Nicholson 32 (Mark 10)

The Nicholson 32 Mk 10 cruising yacht in the pic is very dear to me;  'Jalingo 2' she's called - and I used to own her. Dick McClary, previous owner.

Westsail 32

Southern Cross 31

Thank you, Vern Bastable , for submitting this pic of your cruising yacht 'Mischief'.

Willard 30/8t

Vancouver 32

Nauticat 33

Thank you  Phillip Caputo , for submitting this pic of your cruising yacht ' See Life ' .

Allied Seawind 30

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Top 5 Best Yachts From 10 to 12 Meters (33-40 ft) in 2024

Let’s talk about the favorites of 2024 yachts from 10 to 12 meters (33 to 40 feet) in length, and also rate them. A difficult task, since sailboats and motor vessels, monohulls and catamarans all participate in the competition. All have a different purpose, a different level of seaworthiness and comfort on board. But everyone has something that unites them - the recognition of the community of yachtsmen from all over the world, as well as the fact that all participants in the list have prestigious titles and regalia received at the most popular yacht exhibitions of the past few years.

So, the mixed fleet regatta begins, no holds barred, and we will start immediately from the final stage of the race – the top 5 boats. Therefore, even the last ones here are the undisputed leaders among those who did not make it to our final list.

• Brand: Dufour Yachts
• Hull type: Sailing yacht
• Overall length, m: 10.77
• Width, m: 3.8
• Draft, m: 1.9
• Displacement, T: 6.747
• Keel weight, T: 1.86
• Water tanks, l: 180
• Exterior design (Architect): Felci Yacht Design
• Interior design: Felci Yacht Design
• CE Certification: A
• Mainsail type: Fully battened
• Jib type: Furling genoa
• Mainsail area, m²: 33
• Jib area, m²: 25.9
• Engine, HP: 18.8
• Fuel tanks, l: 160

The fifth number in the regatta is occupied by our good friend from the Dufour Yachts family - Dufour 37 monohull sailboat, which became the owner of Boat of the Year 2022 award.

Dynamic lines and excellent sea performance have endowed this boat with a sporty character, despite an increased level of comfort that is not typical of sailboats that are just over 10 meters long. As always, the shipyard responded to the demands of the maritime community, this time for a comfortable racing cruiser with compact dimensions and an affordable price, yet with good seaworthiness.

The shipyard has done its job with flying colours, using its win-win technique: to select the best from previous models and to complement this best with innovations in technology and design.

All the advantages of Dufour's DNA were left intact, but the changes were also significant. This is noticeable immediately from the stern. Here the platform has been reduced to fit the dimensions of the yacht, and it is now less likely to damage the transom due to its weight.

You can now enter the cockpit via two ladders from different sides of the platform, by folding the wings, which can act as additional seats. Between them is a capacious locker, in which you can place a life raft or a rolled-up inflatable dinghy .

The skipper’s position became much more convenient for the skipper at the left helm due to the folding wing. Now you can also sit there resting on your back and legs.

The deck shower, a folding table, as well as the grill (or plancha) with a sink, which everyone loves, remained unchanged in the cockpit, allowing you to cook and dine outdoors. Under the sofas there’s more lockers. One of them will perfectly fit all the equipment for fishing, spearfishing, diving and other water activities.

Full Review Dufour 37 »

Yachtsmen around the world have welcomed the innovative helm station. The double steering wheels remained in the same place, but panels were installed directly on them: here the controls for all the important instruments and equipment of the yacht are displayed - the thruster, autopilot, anchor winch, anchor chain controls, etc.

Some were disappointed that the chartplotter remained in the same place - at the end of the table. But if it is really problematic to see the image on the screen at such a distance on a boat 14 meters long, then the size of the Dufour 37 cockpit eliminates this problem. In addition, there is space left on the panel for additional equipment, and a chartplotter may fit just right.

Winches are very conveniently located - at the helm and at arm's length. Winches for controlling the boom with a sheet are placed on the roof of the saloon. The choice of drive - manual or electric - is left to the buyer of the sailboat.

The built-in fender was replaced by a bulwark, which was noticed and appreciated by all Dufour fans. With this replacement, the architects not only facilitated the maintenance of the boat, but also solved an important design problem - providing additional rigidity to the entire hull.

Comfort in driving and living on board has become the goal of architects and designers. They pushed it as far as possible for a 10-meter boat.

A spacious cockpit, safe decks, a spacious bow create conditions for free movement and control of the boat, relaxation with family or friends, sunbathing, and a platform is great for comfortable launching and swimming.

Increased comfort also includes access to natural light even in rooms that are below deck level, not to mention the saloon. This task is performed by numerous hatches and large windows.

This sailboat continues one of the shipyard's traditions - to allow passengers on their yachts to take on board everything that will provide them with comfort on a cruise. To do this, there are many cabinets, shelves, lockers and compartments.

The saloon offers a beautiful view not only of the sea around the yacht, but also of the sails above it. So, the skipper can continue to drive without interrupting a lunch at the convertible table. And you can cook this lunch in a well-equipped L-shaped galley.

In the toilet room of the saloon there is a washbasin, a toilet bowl, a hand shower and shelves with mirrors.

Despite the small size of a monohull sailboat, you can choose from two cabin options:

• version with two cabins, one of which is a master cabin in the bow of the boat with a full double bed, and the second is a guest cabin in the stern for two berths, the area of which is increased with the help of poufs;
• the three-cabin version includes a master cabin in the same design, as well as two forward cabins with 2 berths each.

Thus, the capacity of the boat is up to 6 people, and if you use a transforming table in the saloon for a bed, then 8 passengers can settle here, although, of course, it will be cramped. The cabins have ample headroom, natural light and plenty of storage space.

You can also choose finishes - designers offer natural mahogany or white oak veneer.

The basic configuration of the Dufour 37 already provides for an installed bowsprit and rollers, which not only give the hull swiftness, but also make it possible to increase the sail area by shifting the center of sail. This allows active use of downwind sails. An automatic jib is also included in the standard sailing equipment, but the genoa is an optional item.

• Overall length, m: 11.88
• Width, m: 3.96
• Draft, m: 1.82
• Keel weight, T: 2.6
• Water tanks, l: 250
• Interior design: Ardizio Design
• Engine, HP: 50
• Fuel tanks, l: 250

Here comes another representative of the Dufour family - the latest racing cruiser produced by the Dufour Yachts shipyard. The Dufour 41 monohull sailboat develops a range of cruising sailboats of various sizes. This model is a little short of 12 meters in total length, but its width is almost 4 meters. It was these dimensions that made it possible to make an unprecedentedly comfortable cruiser out of a 41-foot racer.

To combine these qualities, naval architects used early designs and introduced a number of innovations. The latter include a decrease in the area of the wetted surface of the hull due to the raised stern.

For the same purpose, the capabilities of the bowsprit were used. Moving forward the sail center of the boat allows you to increase the area of sailing rig. The bowsprit and rollers allow you to set sails for downwind, which increases the speed of the boat.

The folding fenders at the entrance to the cockpit remained unchanged, which received general approval from yachtsmen on the previous 37th Dufour model. This ensured the convenience of steering the helm on the port side.

Naval architects remained committed to the single-feathered rudder on the Dufour, which, when brought to both helms, makes it easier to steer the boat by reducing hydrodynamic drag.

Full Review Dufour 41 »

The increase in the size of the boat has affected the level of natural light in the interior due to the increased number of side windows. This has also resulted in a level of comfort that is unbelievable for a 12 m monohull sailboat .

The developers have heard the wishes of yachtsmen, and on the Dufour 41 we see chartplotters located directly on the steering panels, and not on the end of the table. The choice of brand and screen size is up to the buyer.

The location of the winches behind the steering wheels and on the cabin roof has not changed, since it is optimal. The ropes do not get underfoot; an experienced skipper can handle the controls alone.

The very roomy cockpit is designed for 10 people, who will find a place behind two helms and on benches around the table, which, when unfolded, triples in area.

The grill with a sink remained in the same place, so even the skipper can have a bite to eat without looking up from the controls.

For a more substantial meal, you will have to go down to the saloon, where the linear galley is located. This is also an example of what the developers have heard from boaters and their dissatisfaction with the L-shaped galley layout. Few people will not bump into each other here. The rest, while waiting for dinner, will be seated at a large folding table. Ten people can eat here. And the table, if necessary, can be converted into a double bed.

Soft sofas and a bench, natural veneer trim add coziness to the cabin, and it is all filled with natural light that comes through the windows. By the way, the ceiling porthole is also a source of fresh air, as well as an opportunity for the skipper to control the sails without leaving the company of diners.

Thanks to the expanded volumes of the Dufour 41, you can now choose from 4 options for completing the cabins, the diagrams of which are presented below.

In different options, in addition to the number of cabins and beds, you can choose how to dispose of the additional space - leave it for storage or equip a shower room or toilet there.

Due to the increased size of the sailboat, additional lockers are provided in its bow.

It remains to be hoped that the shipyard has forever abandoned the solid side fender, in the 41st it was also replaced with a bulwark, increasing the rigidity of the overall structure of the boat, which improves its maneuverability.

Boat performance is also benefited by the manufacturing technology of Dufour, pioneers in the use of fiberglass for yacht hulls. Now improved technologies are being used to minimize the effect of osmosis - filling sandwiches with special resins under pressure.

Fountain Pajot Isla 40

• Architect: Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design
• Length overall, m: 11.93
• Beam overall, m: 6.63
• Displacement unloaded, T: 9.5 (approx.)
• Draft, m: 1.21
• Sail area, m²: 59
• Genoa area, m²: 36
• Standard Power, HP: 2 x 20
• Option Power, HP: 2 x 30 HP
• Fresh Water, l: 2 x 265
• Fuel, l: 300

The middle of the list is occupied by a 40-footer from Fountaine Pajot - Isla 40 sailing cruiser. She is a cat that’s far from the average. This model made a splash on the day of the presentation and continued the shipyard's glorious tradition in the production of sought-after cruising 40-foot (12-meter) catamarans, including such bestsellers as the Lucia 40 and Lavezzi 40.

If we compare the new cat with its predecessors, then the continuity is already noticeable from the cockpit. In Isla 40, this area is still considered the largest in terms of area among all the cats of this size. A life raft and a davit occupy their traditional places there.

The dining area is still cozy and comfortable with this L-shaped sofa around the table, a large aft sofa and a comfortable lounger. Almost all the seats have lockers where you can hide all the equipment for fun on the water and underwater.

Full Review Isla 40 »

Transformer table for 10 people or a regular table for 6-8 diners, grill or plancha - this choice is left to the buyer and depends on the purpose for which the yacht is purchased. The catamaran with its comfort is perfect for both family cruising and traveling with friends, as well as for commercial use.

You have to climb several very wide steps to get to the control panel.

The helm is located on the hull of the control station, here, in direct access there are 4 winches, which can be either electric or manual, depending on the wishes of the future owner of the yacht.

On the panel, there are screens of measuring instruments and a radiotelephone, control of some equipment is also displayed here: a thruster, an autopilot. An optional small screen chartplotter is also located next to the helm.

See the roof cutout to the left of the chartplotter? This is done for a better view of the bow of the left float.

But the interior of Isla 40 is completely refurbished. Here the usual location of the skipper's place has been changed, and now it is a loft living room , with the same luxury and comfort. The entire loft is divided into recreation, cooking, dining and work areas.

The large galley includes all the necessary equipment for storing and processing food. In the recreation area there is a large modular soft sofa with pouffes and a low table. It easily transforms into a dining room and then the recreation area also becomes a dining area.

The skylight in the cabin roof can be opened, providing, in addition to natural light, ventilation and the ability to control the sailing equipment of the cat.

There are 4 options offered to the future owner regarding the cabin layouts on the Isla 40: two Maestro and two Quatuor. Their features are shown in the diagrams below.

Maestro versions include a mother cabin for the owner with a private bathroom and 2 double cabins with 1 or 2 bathrooms.

Quatuor version is 4 double cabins with bathroom options - there can be 2 or 4.

For charters you can order an option with a separate cabin for the crew. It will be located in the bow, the entrance is from the deck.

The master cabin contains a real island bed, plenty of storage for clothes, shoes, books and other belongings that will provide the necessary comfort on long passages. All cabins have natural light and the possibility of ventilation.

• Brand: Lagoon
• Hull type: catamaran
• Overall length, m: 11.74
• Width, m: 6.76
• Draft, m: 1.35
• Displacement, t: 10.885
• Air draft, m: 18.4
• Water tanks, l: 300
• Exterior design (architect): VPLP design
• CE Certification: A: 10 - B: 12 - C: 16 - D: 20
• Mainsail type: square top
• Jib type: self-tacking
• Mainsail area, m²: 80
• Jib area, m²: 32
• Code 0 area, m²: 63
• Engine: 2 x 29 HP
• Fuel tanks l: 2 x 200

Sailing catamaran Lagoon 40 is said to be the most comfortable 40-foot double-hull vessel. It is no coincidence that it takes the second place in our list. 40-foot yachts are one of the most competitive sections of the market. Yet the Lagoon company and the VPLP bureau involved in the development coped with the task so successfully that they were able to block the dubious success of the Lagoon 39 and equal the triumph of the Lagoon 42 catamaran. If the latter had not exceeded 12 meters in length, it would have taken this place in the ranking.

Differences from its predecessor are noticeable at first glance: the roof is more inclined towards the deck, and the freeboard has lost its former massiveness due to the portholes built into the hull niche. The yacht not only looks lighter, faster and more modern, it really has become more maneuverable and easy to manage. This is not surprising, since the converted catamaran has become almost a ton lighter than its predecessor.

Of course, not only the efforts of architects, but also technologists, who developed innovative sandwiches made of polyester and balsa to manufacture the cases, affected the "weight loss". But the architects preferred to leave the bottoms of the structures monolithic, and remove some of the modular structures. A careful approach to the selection of equipment also made it possible to free the cat from excess weight, and without any loss of comfort.

The ability to increase the sail area by more than 5 m² also influenced the improvement in maneuverability - this makes a difference on sharp courses.

The shift of the mast towards the stern widens sail’s angle of attack, increasing the response of the catamaran to the actions of the skipper due to increasing the lift and facilitating the control of the sails.

Excellent ergonomics are inherent in all areas of the catamaran, and this commitment of the shipyard architects is evident from the moment you enter the cockpit. From the very transoms to the saloon and beyond, the deck has no ledges or steps. There is no platform, and there is no need for it - the cat has very wide steps of two ladders, along which you can go down to the water.

In place of the platform there are davits for an inflatable motor boat, which can be hung there and transported unassembled. There is also room for a folding bike. Under the sloop there is a niche for a life raft and a pump.

The cockpit accommodates 10 people at the table, if you add additional seats in addition to the sofas, which are located on both sides. The entire cockpit can be protected from sunlight and rain by a bimini, a detail typical of the Lagoon that the designers have kept intact.

From the cockpit and from the deck you can climb to the control station, raised by several very wide steps. The skipper can simultaneously control the catamaran and communicate with family or friends in the cockpit. And those, on demand, can serve a cooling drink to the helmsman.

All running rigging is concentrated at the control post, which is very convenient. But to view the bow on the port side, you will have to get up from the seat.

In the cabin, the windows overlooking the cockpit are shifted, through which cooked dishes can be passed. The saloon's L-shaped galley is thoughtfully equipped with all the essentials and yet is compact.

In front of the cabin there is a navigation table with the appropriate equipment. Sitting in front of it, the skipper can turn to the dining table to take part in a family or friendly feast.

The electrical panel and fuses are located under the skipper's table, which guarantees its safety from accidental presses by passengers during rolling.

There are two opening portholes above the soft sofas in the panoramic windows of the saloon, which provides this area not only with natural light, but also with fresh air.

The upholstery, textiles and accessories are chosen with great taste and at the same time are quite practical for a marine vessel.

The shipyard provides the opportunity to choose from several versions of the cabin configuration:

• The owner's version includes a comfortable master suite fully given over to port float with island bed aft and forward bathroom, work desk, extra sofa and a set of furniture to store clothes and other things, as well as two cabins in the starboard float, each - with a separate toilet room;
• The 4-cabin version has two cabins with shared bathrooms in each float.

In the bow, you can organize an excellent large solarium, if you lay out mats and sun loungers here, using the deck area and two trampolines.

Fountain Pajot MY4.S

• Brand: Fountain Pajot
• Overall length, m: 11
• Width, m: 5.1
• Draft, m: 0.8
• Displacement, t: 13.5
• Water tanks, l: 350
• Exterior design (Architect): Daniel Andrieu
• Interior Design: Pierangelo Andreani Studio
• Engine: YANMAR 2x150 hp
• Optional engine: YANMAR 2x250 hp
• Fuel tanks l: 2x600

The leader of our conditional regatta turned out to be the catamaran MY 4.S - the most inexpensive and compact sea cruiser from the entire line of this brand from Fountaine Pajot. The shipyard launched its production in 2021, meeting the needs of yachtsmen for a motor catamaran of increased comfort at an affordable price. Yes, yes, you understood correctly: this is a motor yacht, and no sails. As we said, we have a mixed fleet regatta without a handicap.

Renowned naval architect Daniel Andrieu has significantly redesigned the previous model MY 37, in particular by removing the flybridge. Some yachtsmen took this with hostility, but a flood of applications poured in from countries where they have to pass under bridges while sailing.

Length of MY 4.S is 11 m (36 ft), draft is 0.8 m, hull made of fiberglass.

Dimensions, excellent sea performance and an unprecedented level of comfort on a vessel of this size make it possible to use a motor catamaran for long passages with all the amenities. Its design, equipment and safety level are designed for long cruising in a close family circle, even with young children or in the company of best friends.

An example of the variability of the layout jumps at you immediately on the approach in the cockpit. The electric platform has several modifications: movable, fixed and with dinghy davits on it. Platform management is both stationary and remote.

The cockpit is covered with natural teak. On the starboard side there you can find a stern shower with hot and cold water. Opposite is a small grill.

The entrance from the platform to the cockpit is blocked by stainless steel gates. The cockpit can be completely covered with an awning with windows.

The table in the cockpit is not stationary, it can be removed and installed if necessary.

The lack of stairs to the missing flybridge allowed to significantly expand the cockpit compared to the already mentioned predecessor. At first glance, just the standard sofas are located here. But these have folding backs, and as a result you get an option of very comfortable beds.

On the port side of the cockpit is the engine compartment with good access and soundproofing, two Yanmar 250 hp engines , a water boiler and an autopilot drive. Further along the deck there is a locker with a life raft for 8 people, a pump and fire extinguishing equipment.

A sliding transparent door leads from the cockpit to the saloon, which unites both areas into a common large space.

On the port side is a well-equipped linear galley. For a 37-foot boat, it has a considerable size and a convenient approach for several people at once. Cabin furniture has rounded corners.

Above the galley of MY 4.S are large spacious wardrobes, since its lower part is the ceiling of the owner's cabin.

Between the galley and large soft sofas there is a folding table. Sofas and individual seats are located throughout the starboard side of the saloon. The entire interior is flooded with natural light, which enters through the glazing around the perimeter. This opens up a great view from the cabin.

A large overhead window adds light and space to this rather large cabin.

A control panel is situated in front of the central windows. In front of the helm and the working panel there is a comfortable chair for the navigator and assistant with lifting seats, which allows you to control the yacht both sitting and standing.

The steering wheel itself is more like a car steering wheel, only more powerful. The panel, of course, looks beautiful in this black color, but the prints remain on it quite easily. The panel contains the entire standard set of instruments that controls the yacht's equipment: engines, autopilot, electrics, etc. There is also a marine display that combines a chartplotter and an echo sounder. So, it is a “smart yacht” system by analogy with a “smart home”.

In the cabin there is a USB and AUX connection panel, an HDMI socket block and an electrical equipment control unit.

Motor yacht MY 4.S can be chosen from two options:

• three cabins - the master cabin, which is given over to the entire port float, with a separate bathroom and two full-fledged guest cabins in the starboard float with a large shared bathroom;
• four cabins - two cabins in each float with bathrooms for each pair of cabins.

The master cabin resembles a compact comfortable apartment with a bedroom and a living room (do not forget that we are on a catamaran!) A high ceiling, a comfortable double bed 1.6x2 m with a locker, a panoramic window, shelves - this is how the sleeping area of this “apartment” looks like.

In the living area there is a soft sofa and a wardrobe for outerwear. It also has natural light through the porthole.

At the entrance to the bathroom, you can see cabinets and shelves. The shower and toilet are quite comfortable to use.

The forward guest cabin has a smaller bed but plenty of storage space and natural light through the porthole. The aft cabin has the same size bed as the master cabin.

In addition to a shared bathroom with a shower and toilet, guests in the guest cabins can use a freezer for ice cream or drinks.

The huge space on the foredeck fully compensates for the lack of a flybridge. With plenty of reclining mattresses and loungers and a table with recesses for glasses and bottles, this sunbathing area is a great place to spend time with family or friends.

Under the mattresses there is a large locker, which acts as a chain box and contains a water tank, you can also store a cockpit table here. The perimeter railings are made entirely of 22 mm stainless steel tube, which provides additional safety for the passengers of the motor yacht MY 4.S.

It is an ideal catamaran for family cruising due to its stability, safety and the ability to reach 800-1000 miles at 7-8 knots.

Congratulations, MY 4.S, for winning in our list too, additional to all the international acceptance. And if you got this far through the article, you should congratulate yourself too: you are a real yacht enthusiast - make sure to not miss out on our next top 5 list then.

Fair winds and following seas to you!

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60′ “10-Metre Yacht”

Heyman Yachts

Nothing ordinary

YACHT RACING IN THE EARLY 1900s

Cannot resist a Duesenberg

Sailors are not only rational people but have sentiments, too, and while many are drawn to ultra-light racers on foils, others wouldn’t go to sea in anything less than a heavy pilot cutter. But some sailors feel that the most attractive yachts were built between the wars when the perfect cruiser was at the same time a flush-decked racing yacht. This was in the days when even cars and motor yachts had style and the owner of a major racing yacht in Long Island Sound would go to his office downtown in a Duesenberg or, in summer, in his fast commuter.

In those days, around-the-buoys racing usually took place in those slender, white, gleaming one-off, flush-decked yachts with their billowing cotton sails. The Gold Cup was one of the desired trophies, the racing grounds changing between Hankö, Cowes, Genua and Sandhamn; while the America’s Cup was raced off Newport, Sir Thomas Lipton challenging Mr Vanderbilt.

Shamrock racing against Reliance in 1903 under a previous rule, the Seawanhaka rule

These one-off yachts obviously didn’t just come in any size or shape but were designed to a measurement rule, the idea being to assure that the speed of the yachts would be more or less the same, in spite of different length, sail area, displacement or other characteristics.

In international racing, two rules became dominant in the beginning of 1900:

The  Universal Rule , devised by the great Nathanael Greene Herreshoff of Bristol, Rhode Island in 1905, was used for the the huge America’s Cup contenders, including the J-boats raced in America’s Cup until 1937.

The International Rule was first laid down in 1907 by British and Scandinavian naval architects in collaboration with German and French and produced a number of “Metre” class yachts – the 6-metres, 8-metres, 10-metres and 12-metres were some of the most prominent classes. These yachts were raced in the Olympics and, when the America’s Cup was resumed again after the war, 12-metres replaced J-boats in the 1958 Cup.

Waiting for the morning breeze, Stockholm Olympics 1912

Sans Atout, 1912

I don’t have much of a personal bond with Metre Yachts even though it seems to run in the family. In the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm, Bengt Heyman won a silver medal in his 8-metre ‘ Sans Atout ‘, designed by Norwegian Johan Anker.

Another and very close relative, my grandfather Hugo Heyman, bought the 6-metre ‘ Borgila ‘ in 1925. Borgila was designed by Charles Nicholson and built in 1924 at Ängholmens Varv for a consortium at the Royal Yachting Club in Gothenburg, GKSS.  Borgila  was first owned by shipowner and Naval Minister Dan Broström but was bought by grandfather Hugo H after Mr Broström suddenly died in 1925, only 55 years of age. 

Hugo Heyman

Both Mr Broström and grandfather were active members of GKSS but the two gentlemen knew each other from business as well, because Hugo Heyman was one of the driving forces in the development of Götaverken, the great ship yard in Gothenburg. Dan Broström was the biggest shareholder of the yard  and his shipping company Broströms ordered most of its ships from Götaverken .

Let’s not try to wind the world back to those days but it seems the world was smaller then, and Sweden was perhaps a bit bigger. Götaverken was the world’s largest shipyard in the 1930s and Hugo Heyman was later CEO of the yard, after the war.

Borgila, 1924

Anyway, grandfather Hugo Heyman kept the 6-metre Borgila  until the late 1940s.

Like most 6-metres, Borgila  was probably fine for taking the family out on a sunny Sunday but very very wet in a blow. My father who was a keen sailor described her as a torpedo with sails, running right through the short, choppy waves in the Kattegat.

I was born a little too late to remember her. But nothing of all this has anything much to do with the following design, anyway:

______________________________

A 10-METRE CLASSIC

(however not a racing yacht, and not according to the international rule), design study for a yacht of an era when times were not necessarily better, and boats were not necessarily inferior.

This design study was made in 1998, inspired by sailing clients and boat builders talking dreamingly about long, sleek yachts of the past. Being asked for my opinion of such yachts I would usually take time to explain why boats of more moderate proportions make more sense. Still, things are never that simple and the perfect yacht does not come in one shape only.

The merits of a narrow yacht with long overhangs can not be understood if it is simply compared to other yachts of the same overall length. Yachts of this kind should instead be compared to others of the same displacement or waterline length. This design is 60’ long, has the interior of a 50’+ Classic and sails like a sub-50’ modern cruiser-racer but with more easy, predictable handling qualities.

Racing in 10-metre yachts would certainly be an overwhelming experience. And if built on similar hulls, keels and rigs and with equal distribution of weights they can certainly be raced against each other. But the real beauty is that they would be equally suited for just ghosting along without much fuzz an afternoon when you simply cannot resist the breeze .

The main differences between this design and an old-time 10-metre are in the hull shape and materials, and these differences are so great that the two basic types of boat will show vastly different characteristics:

Hull building techniques including cored laminates with multidirectional rovings on PVC closed-cell foam core or, for a one-off hull, strip-planked red cedar. Whatever technique chosen, it will produce a hull with a quality, strength, stiffness, impact resistance, sound insulation, thermal insulation and low weight that simply was not conceivable in the old days. In addition, bulkheads and other large panels should be cored in order to bring unnecessary weight down. And a more modern rig and sails, with a carbon fibre mast in particular, will improve the yacht’s stability and motion in a seaway.

Looking back at this design now in 2016, almost 20 years later, there are a number of details I stumble upon. In order to preserve her standing headroom without making her unduly high, I think she ought to be a little longer overall, which would also allow her superstructure to be made a little lower. Apart from that I feel her counter stern should be longer, and her bow shape needs more character. My tastes appear to have changed over the years but she was also nothing but a quick draft when I made the design. I think, today, I would have made her between 64 and 68 feet.

In all, despite any rational objections one might have against classic yachts of her kind with slender hull shapes, flush decks and long overhangs, this design should prove functional and very rewarding to sail. And, given some work, she could also be made beautiful to behold.

A yacht of this kind could be built by any skilled European or North American yard but, because of the character of the design, it only makes sense to go for the best finished, highest quality product.

SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions: L.O.A. 18,30 m   60,0’ L.W.L. 13,10 m   43,0’ Beam, maximum 3,78 m   12,4’ Beam, waterline 3,28 m   10,8’ Draft 2,48 m   8,1’ Displacement 17000 kg   37500 lbs Ballast 7200 kg 16000 lbs Sail area (100% fore triangle) 145 m_ 1560 sq.ft.

Ratios: D / L 214 SA / D 22 SA / WA 2,7

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• Sails, Rigging & Deck Gear

Six-Brand Winch Test: Anderson On Top

Anyone who has been on the bitter end of the sheet when a big genoa starts to fill—whipping and shaking with terrifying violence—knows how important it is to have a winch to convert that flailing energy to forward propulsion.

Winches are to sailboats what the inclined plane was to the Egyptians.

They make the difficult easy, place the impossible within reach.

The equivalent of a dozen or more men needed to heave on a square rigger’s halyard or brace is represented on a modern sailboat by a small, precision-made, cylindrical machine packed with levers and gears.

The refinement of gearing and the development of smooth-operating self-tailers has promoted modern winches from two-man to one-man workhorses with amazing power.

Their only negative is their proclivity to induce fidgety idlers to rotate them mindlessly, just to hear the pawls ratchet. These idlers usually can be broken of this annoying habit by shouting, “Winchclicker! Winchclicker!! Winchclicker!!!” If that fails, they generally are put ashore (if in harbor) or put to death (if on a long sea voyage).

Let’s take a close look at two common sizes of winches. They’re all expensive, because they are well-made precision equipment. They’re also among the most frequently retrofitted items; it’s worth repeating here that an oft-heard saying aboard a lot of sailboats is that the winches they came with are not big enough.

In the two categories selected, these winches are from six manufacturers—Andersen (Denmark), Antal (Italy), Barton (England), Harken (United States), Lewmar (England) and Setamar (Germany).

Small Winches The first category is very small winches. Those represented in this evaluation are among the smallest made by five of the manufacturers. One maker, Antal, makes excellent small winches in several sizes, but could not supply one for testing.

Small, single-speed winches, either with a handle or simply snubbing winches, are invaluable on small boats, for halyards, jib sheets, spinnaker sheets, reefing gear, vangs, etc., and handy, too, for many tasks aboard larger boats. Small winches do not come with the self-tailing mechanism; most manufacturers (Andersen is the exception) start the self-tailers with #16s, which also happens to be the minimum size for two-speed gearing.

Small winches are said to have a gear ratio of 1:1. That means they are direct drive. The only power advantage is that provided by a winch handle. It’s simple leverage, with two sets of pawls (one pair to restrain the drum; the other pair to permit the handle to ratchet freely). One turn of the crank is one turn on the drum. On a small boat, the single-digit power ratio provided by the handle often is ample for sheets. Non-geared winches take in line rapidly. Such winches often are used for halyards on somewhat larger boats. (The power ratio is the length of the handle divided by the radius of the drum.)

Snubbing winches, which do not accept a handle, turn in one direction only. They need only a single set of ratchet pawls. If enough wraps are applied, snubbing winches give the user time to get a new grip or to simply hold the line lightly while friction between the drum and the line takes the load.

They provide little mechanical advantage, but snubbing winches facilitate a good utilization of intermittent muscle power, They also have good line retrieval speed, which always is a consideration when dealing with winches.

Simple and trouble-free, they are of great value when the line load is no more than one’s weight or pulling strength. A halyard can be sweated up very taut by the “heave and hold” method of pulling hard on the line perpendicular to the mast with one hand while grabbing slack on the winch with the other hand.

With either small, direct-drive winches with handles or simple snubbers, the line retrieval rate is an undiluted derivative of the drum diameter, i.e. one revolution of the winch hauls in a length of line equal to the drum’s diameter multiplied by that popular symbolic 16th letter in the Greek alphabet. As a practical matter, line in equals line out.

Because they are simple devices, these small winches were not tested.

The Roaring 40s The second category is the very popular “Number Forties.” Winches are given numbers that correspond to their lowest and most powerful gear ratio. The power ratio of a geared winch is the length of the handle divided by the radius of the drum, multiplied by the gear ratio.

The big winches in this test are Andersens, Antals, Bartons, Harkens, Lewmars and Setamars. We tried to include the Australian-made Murray bottom-action winches, but could not find a U.S. distributor.

The versatile #40s—or their close equivalents—serve as genoa sheet winches on 30- to 35-foot boats, for spinnaker sheets and mainsheets on boats up to 48′, and for halyards, topping lifts, vangs, etc., on much larger sailboats.

The #40s in this collection are all two-speed. Three-speed winches usually are found on racing boats; they come in bigger sizes and get complicated and expensive.

All but one of these winches are self-tailing. In the beginning, several decades ago, self-tailing winches were troublesome…as is usual with most new things. Now perfected, the self-tailing mechanisms represent the only way to go on either racing or cruising boats.

Because winches are such beautifully made gear and rarely get worn out, marine consignment shops across the country are clogged with standard winches—mostly Barients—that once were highly coveted (as well as highly priced). We know of at least one instance in which dozens of perfectly usable standard winches were sold as scrap metal.

There even are a few early-model self-tailers (from various manufacturers) showing up now in the consignment shops; they’re okay for moderate duty but, generally speaking, are not good buys because the self-tailing mechanisms often are not as refined as those on current models. In plain English, that means they slip under heavier loads. Many also have abrasive drum surfaces that devour line.

The Test The Practical Sailor test, designed to establish efficiency ratings for winches, involves mounting each winch on the workbench.

To measure the force exerted, a 15″ torque wrench was used instead of a standard 10″ handle. (The extra length of the torque wrench required adjustments in the calculations.)

Sta-Set X, a modern, rather slippery line, was used, with some of the early tests repeated using Regatta braid, a fuzzy-finish line. The theory that because of varying friction a slippery line might produce different numbers than a fuzzy line proved specious.

At the other end of the bench, a tripled length of 1/2″ shock cord held by two eye straps provided the resistance. Shackled to the shock cord was a carefully calibrated Dillon dynamometer with a handy red max needle. The Sta-Set was attached to the other shackle on the dynamometer and thence to the winch. Four wraps were used. A minimum of three generally is recommended for all but extreme loads. The exception was the Setamar, which requires just one partial wrap of at least 220°.

Pulls of 10 and 20 pounds were for the trimmer easy work. Additional pulls of 30 pounds produced some sweat. A pull of 40 pounds probably would be regarded by an average person as a maximum effort; 50 pounds would be something only a bench-pressing girlfriend would do without making some kind of noise.

The numerous pulls produced figures whose averages indicate how close each winch came to meeting its power ratio.

An additional step in the testing was to determine how easy it is to free the line from the self-tailer and ease the line, as one would do in easing a sheet or halyard when coming off a beat onto a reach or run. In the case of the Setamar, this becomes complicated and is controlled by the handle.

The Results First of all, the fact that the smooth-skinned Sta-Set performed the same as fuzzy Regatta braid indicates that the gripping action of the self-tailing mechanisms on all of these winches probably is no longer at issue. There were difficulties when self-tailers were first introduced; that was before it was recognized that the diameter of the drum and the base diameter of the self-tailer were very critical dimensions.

Click here to view the Winches Value Guide .

There appeared to be no slippage. However, the sharpness of the teeth on the self-tailers’ disks may well affect wear on the line.

Dealing first with the small winches, there are lots of places on small boats where the ultra-simple Barton snubbing winch (about $50) would be useful. The almost equally simple Lewmar #6 ($92 in anodized aluminum) has an efficient mechanism; it also comes (for more money) in chromed or polished bronze. The #6 Harken ($108 for aluminum) turns on sleeved bearings and is the smoothest operating.

For small-boat sheets or bigger-boat halyards and vangs, the small single-speed Setamar ($364) makes eminently good sense. The ability to ease a sheet or halyard by turning the handle in the opposite direction, before freeing the line entirely, constitutes, in our opinion, a valuable safety factor. As was pointed out in an earlier, more detailed review (in the February 15, 1997 issue), the drum-less Setamar winches are very ingenious and may represent the design approach of the future. However, they currently are too expensive.

The Andersen #6 ($102), all-stainless, beautifully made, with Andersen’s ribbed drum and needle bearings, commands categorization as top-of-the-heap and Best Buy.

Summarizing now about the large winches, it’s tough to choose between Andersen and Lewmar. But first, let’s review the others.

The little Barton G23 is not comparable with the big 40s. It was included not only because it’s Barton’s biggest winch, but also because it may point to the future. An “Ugly Ducking”, if there ever was one (see photo), the Barton is made largely of reinforced plastic (including plastic needle bearing), but with a stainless steel axle, pawls and planetary drive gears made of sintered stainless, and a stainless sleeve on the plastic drum. The winch is a powerhouse and, along with being very light and corrosion free, requires almost no service. An occasional flushing with an optional light hit of WD40 is all it needs. It’s a $400 workhorse.

Although handsome winches and very finely made, both the Harken and Antal suffer from what appear to be unnecessarily complicated innards that produce some fall-off in efficiency. They suffer especially in their geared high speed modes and make the initial retrieval of line quite slow compared with the Setamar, Andersen and even the Lewmar.

In addition, the Practical Sailor tests revealed that the Harken drum surface caused abrasion on the Sta-Set line that was easily detected visually after only three or four “pulls.” The Harken and Antal have the most abrasive drums.

The Setamar? It’s so different, it’s difficult to compare with the more conventional #40s. It has a number of strong points. The principal ones are that it retrieves line fast (as fast as the Andersen) and easing of a loaded line can be controlled very safely with the handle (after shifting the top ring). Other benefits are that no wraps are needed; it is small and very lightweight, and line wear is the lowest of all.

The Setamar negatives: It is not a thing of beauty; is complicated to strip and clean (which it requires often); takes some “getting used to,” and it is far too costly.

Both the best and the Best Buy is the Andersen, but there’s almost no gap between it and the Lewmar.

The Lewmar, a first-rate value, is part of a line that was completely redesigned a few years ago to simplify the gearing, reduce the number of parts and make the winch both stronger and easier to service.

The Lewmar ranks first in efficiency, a hair ahead of the Andersen, and is easy to disassemble. If it had a drum as good as the Andersen, it would be a toss-up.

The Andersen has a direct drive high gear that retrieves line fast, a good low gear mechanism that may come second to the bearing-packed Harken, but its real forte is the polished stainless steel drum. The drum, a masterpiece of metal-working, is ribbed, which produces very little abrasion because it moves the coiled line up the drum much better than an abrasive drum. The drum should last virtually forever.

A peculiarity of the Andersen is that when the line is heavily loaded, easing the line can be a bit jerky as the line skips from rib to rib. Although initially disconcerting, it is not even a minor problem.

There’s nothing second-rate about any of these winches. They all work very, very well and last a long time if properly cared for. The choice may involve gear ratios, serviceability or even cosmetics (we still believe a good part of a sailboat’s appeal is aesthetic).

If it’s something different you want, try Setamar. If you don’t need a large winch, don’t overlook the “new-tech” Bartons. But for efficiency, serviceability, construction and appearance, our top choice is the Andersen.

Contacts- Andersen, Scandvik, Inc., 423 4th Pl. SW, Vero Beach, FL 32961-0068; 561/567-2877. Antal, Euro Marine Trading, Inc., 62 Halsey, Newport, RI 02840; 800/222-7712. Barton, Imtra Corp., 30 Samuel Barnet Blvd., New Bedford, MA 02745; 5008/005-7000, www.imtra.com. Harken, 1252 E. Wisconsin, Pewaukee, WI 53072; 262/691-3320; www.harken.com. Lewmar, New Whitfield St., Guilford, CT 06437; 203/458-6200; www.lewmar.com. Setamar, Setamar USA, Box 840, 17 Burnside St., Bristol, RI 02809; 401/253-2244.

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The best waterproof smartwatches you can buy: Expert tested

Swimming is a fantastic low-impact activity that can help you improve your health and wellness while also helping you relax thanks to the natural effects of being in the water. Water provides buoyancy but adds resistance, so it is light on your joints and helps you stretch and improve your flexibility.

One way to monitor your exercise activity in the water is with a waterproof smartwatch, and there are plenty of options available to buy today. At ZDNET, we've tested all of the best smartwatches on the market, evaluating factors like the ability to function while submerged in water, heart rate accuracy in the water, battery life, smart features, and more. 

Also:  The best Apple Watches we've tested

All of the watches in this list have at least a certification for 5 ATM and/or an IPX8 rating. ATM stands for atmosphere, and to be 5 ATM means that the watch can withstand pressure equivalent to 50 meters/164 feet. Lower ratings can withstand some water exposure, but the pressure associated with swimming means a 5 ATM rating is the minimum recommended for this activity.

What is the best waterproof smartwatch right now?

Based on both our hands-on testing and insights from experts, we named the Apple Watch Ultra 2 the best waterproof smartwatch overall due to its 10 ATM rating, diving certification, long battery life, storage capacity, high-quality titanium materials,  sleep-tracking capabilities , women's wellness features, and advanced workout metric feature suite. If you're not an Apple user, read on to see how watches from  Samsung  -- including its newest Galaxy Watch 6 Classic --  Garmin,  Coros, and Suunto compare, to find the best waterproof smartwatch for your needs and your wrist. 

The best waterproof smartwatches of 2024

Apple watch ultra 2, best waterproof smartwatch overall.

• Large bright display
• Automatic water depth utility
• 100m water resistance
• Extra button and emergency siren
• Long battery life
• No offline mapping
• May be too large for small wrists

The Apple Watch maintained the same form factor and basic design for eight years, but all of that changed in 2022 when Apple released the radical new Apple Watch Ultra , built and optimized for the outdoor adventurer. The Ultra 2 builds on the Ultra with a new processor, a much brighter display, twice the storage capacity, and the use of recycled titanium materials.

Also :  Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. Watch Ultra: Is it time to upgrade?

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the most rugged and capable Apple Watch to date and offers a bright, flat 49mm display made of scratch-resistant sapphire glass and 3000 nits maximum brightness. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is larger than the Series 9, but the titanium case helps keep the weight down, and it is far lighter than competing sports watches. 

The native support for water sports is evident as soon as you submerge the Apple Watch Ultra 2. The first time I saw the depth gauge, it was exciting, and it's clear that this watch is optimized for the pool. If you wear it in salt water, be very careful to rinse it off immediately in fresh water and avoid going too deep with the watch.

Apple Watch Ultra  2 tech specs: Display:  49mm, 410 x 502 pixels OLED sapphire glass |  Battery life:  36 hours |  Dimensions:  49 x 44 x 14.4mm |  Weight:  61.3 g |  Water/Dust resistance:  100m with IP6X |  LTE cellular option:  Yes    

Apple Watch Series 9

Best waterproof smartwatch for most iphone users.

• Temperature sensing for sleep and ovulation estimates
• Crash detection contacts first responders when you're in an accident
• WR50 water resistance
• New advanced workout metrics
• Less than two-day battery life

Released in 2023, the Series 9 model builds upon the Apple Watch legacy. Similar to the Ultra 2, the Series 9 supports a double tap gesture that allows you to control your phone by simply tapping your index finger and thumb together. With this feature, you can do everything from answering calls, snoozing your morning alarm, playing or pausing media, ending timers, and more.

\ With the Series 9, you no longer need an active connection for Siri, since the watch can now process requests without it. Due to Crash Detection, the watch can also detect when you are involved in a car crash and will connect you to emergency services. 

Also :  Apple Watch Series 9: Top 4 features that warrant the upgrade from Series 8

Among other features, the Series 9 is excellent for daily users and athletes looking to track their health journey. Former University of San Diego track athlete Emma Clark said she replaced her Garmin Forerunner with an Apple Watch when she retired from competition. 

"For someone who lives an active lifestyle but is no longer competing competitively, it makes the most sense to have a watch integrated with important things on my phone, like my calendar and messages," Clark said.

Apple Watch Series 9  tech specs: Display:  396 x 484 pixels OLED |  Battery life:  18 hours |  Dimensions:  45 x 38 x 10.7mm |  Weight:  38.8 g (Al) |  Water/Dust resistance:  50m with IP6X |  LTE cellular option:  Yes  

Garmin Quatix 7 Pro

Best waterproof garmin smartwatch overall.

• AMOLED display
• LED flashlight
• Extensive water sports support
• High-end materials

While most of these watches are focused on use in the water, the Garmin Quatix 7 Pro also excels for functions floating on top of the water. It supports connections to various marine electronics while helping you sail, maintain an anchored position, view the local tides, and more.

Having an LED flashlight readily available on your wrist in the marine environment is important, too. Things are often dropped into the bilges or in tight spaces on a boat, where a flashlight is key to finding items, flipping switches, and checking out the condition of the vessel. The LED flashlight also has red light mode to see things in dark conditions without ruining your night vision. Maintaining night vision on the bridge or helm is important to see navigation lights, buoys, and other objects on the water at night.

Also :  This is the perfect smartwatch for anyone who loves the water

The watch body is made with ocean-bound plastics while all of your favorite water sports are well supported. This includes open swimming, pool swimming, surfing, and more.

The Garmin Quatix 7 Pro also includes the whole suite of Garmin's  extensive health monitoring features , such as heart rate monitoring, stress tracking, pulse ox reading, women's health features, and more. 

Garmin Quatix 7 Pro  tech specs: Display:  416 x 416 pixels AMOLED |  Battery life:  16 days or 6 days with AOD |  Dimensions:  47 x 47 x 14.6mm |  Weight:  47 g (without band) |  Water/Dust resistance:  10 ATM |  LTE cellular option:  No    

Garmin Venu 3S

Best waterproof garmin smartwatch for most people.

• Brilliant AMOLED display
• More than week long battery
• Exquisite design, fit, and finish

Garmin's watches are GPS sports watches focused on helping you improve your health, fitness, and performance. There are often some features that rival traditional smartwatches, but the Venu 3/3S is clearly the best Garmin to take on the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch.

The Venu 3/3S is extremely well-built. It has a brilliant AMOLED display, its battery lasts for more than a week, it lets you accept and make calls from the wrist, and it supports voice assistants via a connected smartphone.

In addition to its smartwatch functions, the Venu 3/3S supports all of the amazing Garmin functions and vast ecosystem. This includes subscription music support, Garmin Pay, Connect IQ app support, and the superb Garmin Connect smartphone application.

Review:  Garmin Venu 3S

Garmin Venu 3S tech specs :   Display:  390 x 390 pixels AMOLED |   Battery life (GPS):  21 hours |  Dimensions:  41 x 41 x 12mm |  Weight:  27 grams (40 grams with band) |  Water resistance:  5 ATM |  LTE Cellular option:  No 

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic

Best waterproof samsung smartwatch.

• Brighter, bigger display
• Rotating bezel is unique to Samsung
• Upgraded One UI 5 software update
• Large display is likely to consumer more battery power

Samsung's latest smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, was unveiled along with the Galaxy Watch 6 at its 2023 Unpacked  event last summer. Both watches in the 6 Series offer  the One UI 5 software update , focusing more on sleep tracking, fitness, and safety features. However, the 6 Classic offers the most extensive Samsung Watch display (1.5 Super AMOLED), bringing back the Samsung-unique rotating bezel. 

After testing out the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic , the rotating bezel became one of ZDNET reviews editor Kerry Wan's favorite features -- it's "intuitive and seamlessly designed," and "there's more precision when setting timers and sifting through settings, as you always know that the next value or tab is a tick away," he writes. Wan adds that the watch's longer battery life and new sleep-friendly settings make it a great choice, too.

The Watch 6 Classic also has a water lock mode so you're safe to take it swimming.

The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic comes in both 43mm and 47mm sizes, with the 47mm being the largest option of any Galaxy smartwatch the company has released. 

Also: Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic v. Watch 5 Pro: Which smartwatch is best for you?  

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic tech specs: Display:  1.5-inch 480x480 Super AMOLED (47mm) and 1.3-inch 432x432 (43mm) |  Battery life:  Up to 40 hours |  Dimensions:  46.5 x 46.5 x 10.9 mm (47mm) 42.5 x 42.5 x 10.9 mm (43mm) |  Weight:  59g (47mm) and 52g (43mm)|  Water/Dust resistance:  5ATM/IP68/MIL-STD-810H |  LTE cellular option:  Yes  

Coros Apex 2 Pro

Best waterproof smartwatch for long battery life.

• Lightweight design with premium materials
• Full-featured Coros Training Hub
• Digital knob for easy navigation
• Limited notification and app support

Since Coros launched its first GPS sports watch, stellar battery life has been a hallmark of its products, and the Apex 2 Pro continues that trend with an acclaimed 75 hours of battery life (with all GNSS enabled) and 25 hours with multi-band frequency enabled.

Coros is known for producing watches with premium materials at prices less than Apple and Garmin. The Apex 2 Pro is no different, with a scratch-resistant sapphire glass display and a grade 5 titanium bezel and back panel. The sides of the watch are constructed with a plastic material that, while not as shimmery as glass and metal, makes for a durable exterior.

Review:  Coros Apex 2 Pro review: Cheaper sports watches are getting good

Supported activities in the water include pool swimming, open water swimming, speed surfing, windsurfing, rowing, whitewater rafting, and flatwater stand-up paddle board. The watch isn't that big either, so it is comfortable to wear when participating in these sports in the water.

One aspect of the Coros experience that stands out from others is the smartphone application and powerful Coros Training Hub website that includes its EvoLab section for custom training plans, activity details, and more.

Coros Apex 2 Pro  tech   specs: Display:  1.3-inch, 260 x 260 pixels MIP |  Battery life:  75 hours |  Dimensions:  46 x 46 x 14 mm |  Weight:  53 grams (with nylon strap) |  Water resistance:  5 ATM |  LTE Cellular option:  No

Suunto Race

Best waterproof smartwatch with lap counter.

• Excellent GPS tracking accuracy
• Outstanding battery life
• Useful AI coaching
• Handy swimming functions
• Questionable heart rate readings
• One size available

The Suunto Race shines with accurate location tracking, useful health/wellness data, and solid hardware. There are a few areas for improvement, but the reasonable price makes it easier to accept compromises, especially with the assumption that future software updates can streamline its performance.

Many people who swim for exercise spend time in a pool. The Suunto Race supports pool swimming and includes the capability to count your laps with the swim timer. The Race can also be used for swim-run events, with automatic transitions between your open-water swim and your running segment. Surfing stats, including how many waves you surface and your surfing speed, are also supported on the Race.

Review:  One of the most gorgeous sports watches I've tested also has week-long battery life

Other data such as sleep tracking, HRV measurements, training load, and recovery metrics matched much closer to other watches I've been testing. I quickly picked up the watch user interface and found the rotating crown button to be useful for scrolling through lists, selecting to open more details, and moving around the colorful maps. I even found the bright AMOLED display useful even though I would love to have some brightness controls and red light options.

Suunto Race tech   specs:  Display:  1.43-inch 466 x 466 pixels AMOLED|  Battery life:  30 days |  Dimensions:  49 x 49 x 13.3 mm |  Weight:  69 grams |  Water resistance:  100 meters |  LTE Cellular option:  No

What is the best waterproof smartwatch?

My pick for the best waterproof smartwatch overall is the Apple Watch Ultra 2. It may be debatable if an iPhone is the best smartphone or not, but it is clear the Apple Watch is the wearable to beat -- especially for Apple users. The Ultra 2 is lauded by athletes and members of the press as the best Apple Watch ever made. 

If you're an Android user, you may prefer a Samsung Galaxy 6 Classic -- the newest of the company's smartwatch lineup. I picked up the LTE model that provides cellular connectivity independently from my phone, but when paired with the Galaxy Z Fold 5, it's a perfect combination of elegance and power. Plus, the battery life even exceeds that of the standard, and comparably priced, Apple Watch Series 9. 

Which is the right waterproof smartwatch for you?

If you're in the Apple ecosystem, we highly recommend the Apple Watch Ultra 2 or Apple Watch Series 9 due to the easy connectivity and convenience of features like Apple Pay and Apple Music. 

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is a great smartwatch built to last with stellar sensors and the ability to work with all Android phones, but optimized for Samsung phone users.

However, finding the best waterproof smartwatch for you can be more complicated, especially if you're looking for one that fits a specific use case. Check out my expert recommendations below.

Factors to consider when buying a smartwatch

Smartwatches serve as companions to our smartphones, and there are several things to consider as you explore the many options available to you. Several factors will help you quickly narrow down available candidates, so let's take a closer look and help you select the best smartwatch for you.

Primary smartphone : Start by looking at the phone in your hand. If you own an iPhone, then you can consider an Apple Watch, or a watch running an operating system that is not powered by Google's Wear OS. If you own an Android smartphone, forget about buying an Apple Watch, as they do not even work with an iPad or Apple computer, let alone your Android. Android users can consider Google Wear OS watches, as well as those running proprietary operating systems like those found from Garmin and Suunto.

Price: Most smartwatches are priced in the $400 to $800 range, so price is clearly a consideration for your waterproof smartwatch. Apple offers the high-end Apple Watch Ultra 2, while there are some specialized Google Wear OS and Garmin watches that can cost more than $1,000. 

Battery life: Expect your Apple or Samsung smartwatch to last a full day and night, so you can track your sleep and then charge it while you get ready for work. Other waterproof watches in this list last for days or even weeks so you have lots of options when it comes to figuring out your desired charging strategy.

Cellular connectivity: While smartwatches serve as companions to our smartphones, some models support cellular connectivity. If you buy one of these then you will need a watch line with your carrier, but these are typically $10 per month. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 only comes with LTE support, but you are not required to enable cellular service. Cellular capability is great for those who want to leave their phones behind and still remain connected for communications, application usage, and safety.

How we test smartwatches

All of the smartwatches included in this list were chosen based on how they performed when tested in the real world by the ZDNET team. When we test smartwatches, we typically follow the same routine for each one to see which performs best.

Daily wear : We wear the smartwatch as our primary watch with communications, applications, and other elements being tested as if it was our only smartwatch.

Application selection and performance : One aspect that makes smartwatches different than standard watches is the support for applications. We load up the watch with apps and then test the performance and functionality of those applications. Apple excels in the area of third party application support with Google's Play Store improving each year. Garmin, Suunto, and others also are expanding the number and selection of apps available on watches.

Workouts : Smartwatch makers have embraced health and fitness so we take our smartwatch out for swimming in the pool or local lakes, running with GPS, rowing on the Hydrow, biking on trails, and walking with the family. GPS and heart rate data is tracked and then we evaluate the accuracy against proven GPS sports watches.

• Sleep and activity tracking:  Sleep tracking has improved with smartwatches over time and we evaluate them as compared to smart rings and other watches. Night time is also a good time to charge your smartwatch so you may choose not to use your watch to track sleep so your watch can serve faithfully all day and into the night.

Can you use a Samsung or Google watch with an iPhone?

Google Wear OS watches used to work with both Android and iPhone devices, but the new Wear OS 4 and later watches from Samsung and Google only support Android smartphones. iPhone users should stick with the Apple Watch, while Android phone users should seriously consider a Google Pixel Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch model.

Garmin, Coros, and Suunto watches work flawlessly with both Android and iPhone devices.

Can I text from a smartwatch?

You absolutely can! However, most of their screens are too small to type on, so you'll compose messages with speech-to-text or other dictation functions or choose from several generic, auto-generated responses. 

Garmin watches support quick-response text messaging via a connected Android smartphone. Apple restricts third-party text messaging on the iPhone.

Can you use a cellular Apple Watch as a standalone device?

While you can leave your iPhone at home while you run, go to the store, or stroll on the beach, you must have an iPhone turned on and connected to the internet at this other location. This is one reason why connecting to an iPhone and switching to an Android makes the Apple Watch useless with an Android phone.

After initial setup, a cellular-enabled Samsung Galaxy Watch can act as a stand-alone mobile device. With the latest Galaxy Watch 6 or Watch 5 Pro running Wear OS powered by Samsung, many more apps can be used on the go, so you can leave the phone behind in most cases.

What are the hot new features in the latest smartwatches?

Health and fitness tracking have been the areas with the most innovations and improvements in the last few years. While these watches are not medical devices, they have sensors, algorithms, and applications that help you track trends in your heart rate, stress levels, and blood oxygen levels, even allowing you to detect when ovulation occurs. You can use it as a basic ECG to check if further investigation is needed. The latest Galaxy Watch 5 can also measure your body composition; testing indicates it matches other methods reasonably well.

These smartwatches can also serve as capable GPS sports watches to track the details of your outdoor activities. Exercise guidance is provided on the watch with connected health applications on your smartphone so you can keep track of your progress, too.

Are there alternative waterproof smartwatches worth considering?

There are many options if you're looking for a smartwatch to pair with your phone to keep up with calls and messages or track your swimming workouts. Here's a short list of choices that I thought were great options.

ZDNET Recommends

The best smartwatches you can buy: expert tested, the best garmin watches you can buy: expert tested, the best android smartwatches you can buy: expert tested.

Children's hospice to make splash with annual charity boat race

T eams of adventurous rowers are set to make a splash at Martin House Children’s Hospice’s annual Dragon Boat Race held in Roundhay Park.

Visitors to the biggest park in Leeds will see teams in colourful dragon boats race across Waterloo Lake, and battle to be crowned as champions, on Sunday, June 23.

The event, which is open to all to attend, will also be hosting a tug of war contest, family funfair, food stalls and a Martin House donation station to drop off your preloved items.

Maddie Massey, events manager at Martin House, said: “The Dragon Boat Race is always a great day out for families– there are races every 10 minutes, so there’s plenty of fast and furious action to watch.”

Teams of ten, plus a drummer to keep time, will paddle for victory in a series of heats, culminating in the grand final, which sees the winners taking home the Dragon Boat Race trophy. There are also prizes for the best fancy dress and highest fundraisers.

Maddie added: “Thanks to our headline sponsor HARIBO, more of the money raised at the Dragon Boat Race will go to supporting families when they need us most.”

Jon Hughes, managing director at HARIBO UK and Ireland, said: “The Dragon Boat Race is a hotly anticipated date in the calendar every year for the HARIBO UK team, as the lead sponsor of the event.

“We're proud to have been a partner for this important Yorkshire charity and its fundraising campaigns for over 15 years now, sharing our purpose of creating memorable moments of childlike happiness for children and families. The HARIBO team will be out in full force with our paddles ready!”

Martin House cares for babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions across West, North and East Yorkshire. Its specialist care includes planned respite, symptom control and emergency stays, end of life care and bereavement support.

The Martin House Dragon Boat Race takes place at Roundhay Park on Sunday 23rd June 2024. Entry costs start from £375, which gives you access to a minimum of three races, a team photo, and the chance to win best dressed and highest fundraiser.

Races start around 10am and go on throughout the day with spectators able to attend free of charge. To find out more about Martin House and how you can support it, visit: www.martinhouse.org.uk/events/leeds-dragon-boat-race/