Yacht design has made enormous strides in the past decade: the best of today’s new boats are safer, easier to handle, faster and a lot more spacious than older models…
Boat tests
Beneteau Oceanis 523 review: from the archive
When most yards talk of success in this size range they’re talking of tens, maybe scores of boats built. Beneteau talk in hundreds. The predecessor of the Beneteau Oceanis 523,…
Bavaria 55 Cruiser review: Better by Farr – from the archive
Without meaning to be cruel, a recession can sometimes be a mixed blessing for the consumer. It ensures the survival of the fittest among manufacturers, who have to sharpen up…
Beneteau Oceanis 323 review: from the archive
The appearance of the Beneteau Oceanis 323 suggests simple, economical family sailing, lots of room and a modest performance – or does it? Closer inspection makes you think again, because…
Bénéteau Sense 50 review: It all makes sense – from the archive
Yachting World’s test of Beneteau’s voluminous new chined cruiser – a boat that’s sure to divide opinion
Beneteau First 34.7 review: from the archive
Beneteau are clearly very proud of the new Beneteau First 34.7 have issued several bold statements about the complexity of the new boat in their ever expanding stable. How could…
X-35 review: from the archive
When it comes to serious numbers in one design yachts, the X-99 rates as one of the most successful designs of modern times, with 600 built since 1985. But after…
Beneteau First 47.7 review: from the archive
The Beneteau First 47.7 looks set to follow in the footstep of the latest yachts that have come before. Cost has clearly been a big factor but there are other…
Beneteau First 40.7 review: from the archive
Their prevalence at regattas shows how much the design has caught the imagination as a performance boat at a good price. Nowadays there’s another reason for its success-with so many…
X-Yachts X-41 review: from the archive
Although they are clearly from the same stable, Niels Jeppesen has given her a deep T-keel for stability. But the X-Yachts X-41 carries a comparatively lower sail area than her…
Beneteau Oceanis 473 review: from the archive
Is the Beneteau Oceanis 473 just another average white boat? On the face of it, yes. But as I eased the throttle forward and her engine revs climbed there was…
Beneteau Oceanis 42CC review: from the archive
Love ’em or loathe ’em, there’s no denying the popularity of centre cockpit yachts. Beneteau’s current range spans sizes from 36ft to 44ft and the Beneteau Oceanis 42CC, which started…
Bénéteau First 45 review: from the archive
Her looks mirror the First 50, Bénéteau’s flagship performance cruiser launched in 2006, notably owing to the long sleek coachroof and moulded ‘eyebrows’ over the side windows. And the similarity…
Beneteau Oceanis 58 review: from the archive
Lost in translation Something was being lost in translation, but I at least felt it must be something special. When we did finally get some graphics through, however, I was…
Beneteau Oceanis 373 review: from the archive
The Beneteau Oceanis 323 uses a well-proven, race-bred hull. She’s a mainsail driven design, with outboard rigging and a close-sheeting headsail. By contrast, the Beneteau Oceanis 373 is brand-new, conceived…
Hanse 371 review: Different by design – from the archive
Time was when people expected to get what they paid for. Paying good money meant getting a good boat, but can a boat like the Hanse 371 stand up against…
Hallberg-Rassy 44 review: from the archive
Stepping aboard the new and comparatively modern Hallberg-Rassy 44, conducting a two-day test during the Swedish winter, the bitterly cold wind is cutting through my four layers of technical clothing…
Boréal 47.2 review: a proven concept refined
Boréal is not afraid to forge its own path and its distinctive aluminium cruising yachts have gained a strong reputation over the past 15 years. The latest model, the Boréal…
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 469 review – from the archive
Last in Jeanneau’s comprehensive upgrades of the Sun Odyssey range, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 469 offers an impressive package, which benefits from the experience gained from earlier revamps. Compared with…
Bénéteau Oceanis 55 review: Space versus pace – from the archive
Since they launched the radically different Sense range three years ago, French builders Bénéteau have marketed their other cruising brand, Oceanis, as more of a traditional sailor’s boat, but does…