Five outstanding “flagships” from the world of Classic Boats (15-16 m)

Today’s market offers hulls of all types and sizes, growing, however and often, in square footage compared to the past. A thirty-footer of today, or a thirty-five even, can in fact often be understood as a weekender, a hull less set toward long cruising and more in keeping with occasional use, day trips or extended weekends. This was not the case, however, back in the 1980s and 1990s, when a 35-footer was already a cruiser and a 60-footer was still and often a flagship. And, sometimes, these are the ones that may be worth looking at, even today; partly for nostalgia and culture, and partly because, at the end of the day, they are very valid options for those wondering about possible purchases.

5 Classic Boats that were outstanding “flagships”

If we look at the shipbuilding landscape today, the range of hulls between 50 and 60 feet, as ambitious as it may perhaps seem, is nothing new, no longer surprising, and certainly no longer the exception. One need only step back, however, as far back as the 1980s, to realize how, instead, this could be the exception. Even earlier, looking back perhaps to the 1970s, a 35- to 40-foot boat was already seen as a stately hull, with the 60- to 65-footers understood as exceptionally rare hulls, the luxury. The 1980s, on the other hand, began to see larger sizes appear as standard and, consequently, the 50/60-footers as boats that were, yes, stately, but no longer strictly for the elite, moving instead to custom and what would later be Maxis, albeit not racing. It is precisely in this panorama that we find flagships that are not rare, but still of fine workmanship, spectacular Classic Boats between 50 and 60 feet that, today, may still prove to be, arguably, the best options and surprises the market has (perhaps) to offer. Of course, forget vertical bows and open, terraced cockpits-we are still in a different realm, boats for sailing. Here, then, are 5 classics between 15.5 and 16 meters that, today, are still outstanding boats to say the least.

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SUN FAST 52 | 15.5 m

Jeanneau; 1992; 15.56 x 4.42 meters; Philippe Briand

French Jeanneau opens the 1990s with a series of good designs. Out of these, in the cruiser-racer segment, the one that stands out is the Sun Fast 52, a 15.5-meter that immediately knows how to make itself known. Indeed, Briand signs an elegant hull, strong with a beautiful deck and tapered volumes. But looks are not enough; the fairing wants its own, too, and the 52 can stand up for itself.

Find out how much the Sun Fast 52 is worth

X-512 | 15.5 m

X-Yachts; 1990: 15.57 x 4.52 m; Niels Jeppesen

With the X-512 comes an important milestone for the shipyard: it is, in fact, the first performance cruiser from X-Yachts to break through the 50-foot barrier. It is an elegant and comfortable boat, cared for in every aspect to go along with the cruising life. However, the sporty soul of which X-Yachts is strong is not lost, with lines and hull that, indeed, find a not inconsiderable balance here.

Find out how much the X-512 is worth

FIRST 51 | 15.6 m

Beneteau; 1987; 15.63 x 4.55 m; German Frers

We return to France with the legendary First 51, Beneteau’s boat that comes closest in quality to the boats then developed by northern European yards. Frers’ design, derived from a racing prototype, is impeccable and, thanks to a maximum beam of an impressive 4.55 meters, the spaces above and below deck are unusual for the time, voluminous and comfortable. In a nutshell, a state of grace Frers/Beneteau combination.

Find out how much First 51 is worth

BALTIC 52 | 16 m

Baltic Yachts; 1990; 16.00 x 4.70 m; Sparkman & Stephens

Produced in 18 examples between 1990 and 2007, the Baltic 52 was a Sparkman & Stephens design set to IMS standards. A fast and sleek hull, it was created entirely around the needs of racing, with lines intended to maximize critical speed and centers of gravity as low as possible. Two distinct cockpits allow the crew to move about with ease, while, the rigging, is positioned to be usable even short handed. It does not, however, disdain cruising, with comfortable and well-finished interiors, making it an exceptional, all-around hull.

Find out how much the Baltic 52 is worth

SUPER MARAMU | 16 m

Amel; 1989; 16.00 x 4.60 m; H. Amel & J. Carteu

Here we enter the world of French hulls ascended to legend. Derived from its predecessor Maramu, an exceptional 46-footer, the Super Maramu is the ultimate symbol of the French boat designed to live aboard while touring the world. On board, no concessions to passing fads, only rationality. Armed as a ketch, she has been incredibly successful: as many as 400 examples produced.

Find out how much Super Maramu is worth

Three “tidbits” about Classic Boats

• Want to learn more about the world of Classic Boats (1967-1998), the iconic boats of the period, the legendary designers, the stories and races of the “golden age” of sailing? Check out our section dedicated to Classic Boats!
• Do you have a Classic Boat to sell? Put it (for free) on our classifieds market!
• Do you have a Classic Boat? Participate in the SAIL CUP with your boat. There is a special ranking for you! Find out which stage is right for you!

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