Boat of the Year 2016, the most beautiful ones according to Cruising World / 2

The prestigious Cruising World magazine published at the U.S. Sailboat Show in Annapolis its list of nominations for the Boat of the Year 2016 (Boat of the Year). Which one is your favorite? In this second and final installment we analyze Full Size Cruisers (above and below 50 feet) and catamarans. Instead, at this link you will find the first installment devoted to midsize cruisers and performance cruisers.

FULLSIZE CRUISERS (UNDER 50 FEET)
Azuree 46 – A quick glance from the dock immediately reveals Rob Humphreys’ new touch, which, while retaining decidedly oceanic characteristics (the edge remains pronounced running along the hull, the double rudder blade, the wide maximum beam that maintains significant dimensions all the way to the stern), has made the new 46-footer less aggressive than its smaller brothers 33 and 40 and more projected toward Mediterranean and cruise use. Length. 13.99 m; width. 4.25 m; disl. 10,700 kg

Hallberg-Rassy 43 Mk III – The Hallberg-Rassy 43 is an evolution of the most recent models designed by German Frers for H.R. Compared to the previous design, the increased waterline length along with slimmer hull lines is immediately noticeable. This infers the boat more speed and better seaworthiness. Interior habitability is also improved with good height in the passage to the aft cabin and a separate shower in the forward toilet as well. Length. 13.57 m; 4.08 m; disl. 12,700 kg

Oyster 475 – The elongated hull gives a wider aft deck, as well as a host of other improvements, both in styling and armor: the Oyster 475 represents the evolution of the Oyster 46. It has the DNA of its illustrious predecessors: the Oyster 46, 435, 45/47 and the 485 of which nearly 200 were built, designed by Holman & Pye. Length. 14.81 m; width. 4.41 m; disk. 16,000 kg

FULLSIZE CRUISERS (ABOVE 50 FEET)
Beneteau Oceanis 60 – The hull line of Beneteau’s new flagship is designed to reduce the heeling angle and optimize sailing performance. Completely unprecedented, the rear deck extends the outdoor living area. Below the deck, the bathing platform automatically encloses the dedicated compartment for the tender. The flagship is offered with three- or four-cabin layouts, and the interiors are meticulously designed in every detail, with special attention paid to the research of volumes and materials. Again they are by Nauta, while the naval architecture is by the Berret-Racoupeau firm. Length. 18.24 m; width. 4.99 m; disl. 21,658 kg

Jeanneau 54 – A model with attractive lines, characterized by the large fenestration on either side of the deckhouse, which manages to maintain a low profile without limiting interior brightness (the four portholes on the broadside also intervene here), a distinctive feature of the Philippe Briand and Andrew Winch pairing, already authors of the 64-footer. The extra-large cockpit is even more livable thanks to the fold-down transom, which not only doubles as a swim platform but is equipped with cushions to create two real sunbeds. Length. 16.16 m; width. 4.92 m; disl. 4,645 kg

Passport 545 – An American-style cruiser, almost reminiscent of a motorsailer, but it is very marine and has a central cockpit. The hull is made of composite, and its running is made as easy as possible even in the basic version equipped with a furling jib and mainsail. Length. 16.61 m; width. 4.61 m; disl. 17,460 kg

CATAMARANI
Bali 4.3 Loft – The name Loft recalls one of the strengths of the Bali 4.3: the main deck is in fact a large 30-square-meter open space equipped with an upward swinging door that, if desired, separates salon and cockpit (but when open, the two spaces complement each other, even in terms of materials). The external wheelhouse is in the center of the fly, the bow is without a net, and the jib is self-tacking. Length. 13.10 m; wd. 7.12 m; disl. 11,300 kg

Bavaria Catamaran Open 40 – The latest creation, in order of time, from the Nautitech shipyard, acquired by Bavaria, is the Open 40, the brainchild of Marc Lombard: a spacious 12-meter offering two interior layouts (three- or four-cabin), ideal for long sailing. Length. 11.98 m; wd. 6.91 m; disl. 7,800 kg

Fountaine Pajot Ipanema 58 – Relying once again on Olivier Racoupeau (Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design), Fountaine Pajot continues with this model the path taken with the Helia 44 and Saba 50. Everything is played on the “sharing” of space between outside and inside, between cockpit and square. A quest for relaxation highlighted, in the Lounge version, by the entirely cleared square, with a real lounge and areas for receiving guests. In this case, the kitchen is set up in the hallway so that the spaces are completely separated. The sail plan will have an area of 169 square meters. The presence of an imposing flybridge allowed the shipyard to double the outdoor space, because up here, in addition to the wheelhouse, there is a real second cockpit. Length. 17.02 m; width. 8.88 m; disl. 23,000 kg

Leopard 40 – Like its other predecessors, the 12-meter is made in the South African Robertson & Caine shipyards. The design, which communicates solidity first and foremost, comes from the pencils of architects Simonis & Voogd. What is new about the Leopard 40 is the internal layout. The galley is moved toward the bow and the lounge is located aft, next to a sliding glass door that separates it from the aft cockpit but at the same time provides panoramic views. This fusion of the inside and outside allows guests easy movement and communication between the living room and the cockpit. Length. 11.99 m; width. 6.72 m; disl. 10,530 kg

Voyage 480 – Ideal for Caribbean chartering, the Voyager 480 is designed to be durable and easily maintained. The large hard top, open cockpit and a diving board complete this decidedly cruising boat. Length. 15.10 m; width. 7.65 m; draught. 1,10 m.

Instead, these are the performance boats nominated for Boat of The Year awards by Sailing World:
Melges 14
RS Quest
Nacra 15
FarEast 28
Whisper Catamaran
Seascape 18
Salona 41
Italy Yachts 13.98
Dehler 46
Grand Soleil 43
X-Yachts Xc-45
Hanse 315
Gunboat G4