PHOTO The details that matter (and make a boat better)

We went hunting for all the eye-popping details of the new boats, seen last summer or at boat shows. We realized that, more and more, it is the details that make the difference. Often design and function become the distinctive element that makes a boat unique, unmistakable, and apt. And, ultimately, a better means to navigate.

THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Hidden details. A curved line called a foil, a sharp blade ending on a tapered bulb, together traverse the fluid without leaving any turbulence. These are the sunken secrets of ClubSwan 36. (photo by Stefano Gattini)

Lines in motion. Part of the stern of the Italia Yachts 11.98 from dead work becomes alive. The knee curve is high on the water but dips when the wind picks up, lengthening the boat’s buoyancy, making the stern of this sporty unmistakable. (photo by Fabio Taccola)

Textiles work miracles. Thanks to modern synthetic fibers, finishes will be achieved to maneuvers that were once the exclusive domain of steel. In this image, with a small loop in textile, the fixed point on which the mainsail sheet of a 65-footer works. (photo by Mauro Giuffrè)

Always under cover. The hard top on the fly bridge (aboard a cat Leopard), the flagship of cruising catamarans: it “cleans” the cockpit of rigging, gives the helmsman a high view of the water. (photo by Mauro Giuffrè)

Night boat. In the shelter of the Amel 50’s glassed-in deckhouse, it is like experiencing the night inside a transparent dome under the sky. (photo by Jean-Sébastien Evrard)

You never slip. Tried and tested on ocean racing boats, today they are punctually finding their way onto cruising boats as well. The toe board is a must-have accessory when helming a heeled boat. And a more comfortable helm is often more accurate as well. (photo by Mauro Giuffrè)

The boat at the tip of the click. On the Mylius 60 CK, the helmsman has all maneuvers at the console, even the “finer” sail adjustments such as cunningham or trolleys. In this case from the wheelhouse, the canard dive, the centreboard that works in tandem with the canting keel, is also controlled. Like having a 60-foot sportsman literally “in your hand.” (photo by Mauro Giuffrè)

You steer as you wish. On the latest Outremer catamarans every type of sailor can be accommodated. From a seat reminiscent of ocean racing multihulls, you can choose between wheel or tiller depending on the conditions. (photo by Mauro Giuffrè)

No steps on deck. On Jeanneau’s new Sun Odysseys, there is no longer any step from the cockpit to the deck, and the passage to the bow is unobstructed. A functional detail that also redesigns the deck lines. (photo by Bertrand Duquenne)

Better than a house. Aboard Southern Wind 96, it is like being at home. It is not only a matter of space, but also of attention to detail and colors that recall the home environment.

Look at that boom! A carbon boom with a double core. When cruising it is accessorized with a side superstructure that accommodates the lazy bag and folded mainsail. The attachment on the boom disappears in racing to create the best possible aerodynamic surface. (photo by Mauro Giuffrè)

Mauro Giuffrè

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