MONOHULLS CRUISING
BENETEAU OCEANIS 46.1 An offshoot of last year’s Oceanis 51.1, the Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 offers the same “stepped hull” as its predecessor, as seen in the chine running all the way forward. This, in turn, allowed designer Finot-Conq to maximize accommodation space in the bow while retaining a fine entry. Topsides, the Oceanis 46.1 boasts a complicated deck molding that incorporates a spacious twin-helm cockpit with easy access to the massive drop-down swim platform and an attractively drawn cabintrunk. Forward, a combination sprit/anchor roller will help keep the gelcoat safe when dropping or weighing the hook, while twin rudders ensure control in a blow. A “First Line” performance version of the boat is also available. Beneteau, beneteau.com/us
DUFOUR GRAND LARGE 360 The Dufour Grand Large 360 packs a lot of boat into its 33ft of LOA (36ft if you add in the combination anchor roller and sprit), including twin helms and chines to increase both stability and interior volume. Aft, the helm station features a pair of sleek steering columns and consoles that have been placed in close proximity to the winches to facilitate sailhandling when shorthanded. Even farther aft, there’s an outside galley equipped with a barbecue and a sink concealed in the seats. Dufour Yachts, dufour-yachts.com
HANSE 388 Germany’s Hanse has been on a roll of late, with a steady stream of new designs featuring the line’s purposeful angular look and solid build quality. Like all Hanses, ease of handling is part of the Hanse 388’s DNA, with all sail controls running aft to the helm, and a selftacking headsail and German mainsheet system providing stress-free trimming on either tack. Designed by Judel/Vrolijk, the hull is easily driven and a wealth of interior options are available, allowing you to create just the right boat for you. Plumb ends ensure the longest sailing length possible. “Fast Cruising” laminate sails are available as an option for those in search of even more get-up-and-go. Hanse Yachts, hanseyachts.com
HANSE 418 Another one of the many new Hanses to hit the market over the past year or so, the Hanse 418 is pure Hanse through-and-through: whether it’s in the boat’s angular lines topside (long a company trademark) or its easy-to-handle rig, complete with self-tacking headsail and the company’s one-rope reefing system. Twin wheels (and a pair of flip-up helm seats) provide clear sightlines forward and easy access to the huge swim step aft—another Hanse trademark. A plethora of hatches and hull windows admit an abundance of natural light belowdecks and also provide excellent ventilation, either underway or in a stuffy anchorage. Hanse Yachts, hanseyachts.com
HANSE 458
One of the newest arrivals in Hanse’s “8” series, the Hanse 548 is designed by Judel/Vrolijk, and couples a powerful, semi-balanced spade rudder with plenty of waterline length and a self-tacking jib to provide a combination of speed and ease of use. (A reaching sailing can also be tacked onto the combination anchor roller/fixed sprit for additional power off the wind.) Aesthetically, the boat appears to have hit a real sweet spot thanks to the way the minimal sheer and cabintrunk are set off by the plumb bow and stern. For the epicures in the audience, an integrated BBQ can be found hidden in one of the twin helm stations aft. Hanse Yachts, hanseyachts.com
HANSE 548 While the angular Hanse aesthetic is a good one up and down the company’s product line, at 50ft or more it truly shines—case in point, the Hanse 548. Beyond that, the boat’s plumb bow and stern provide a maximum of sailing length, while its double-headsail rig, which includes a self-tacking inner jib, makes the boat easy to handle in a wide range of weather conditions. (An A-sail can also be flown off a sprit.) Aft, an optional carbon T-Top includes a retractable portion allowing you to create some shade on a sunny day or open things up for a clear view of the stars overhead at night. The T-Top also serves to anchor the mainsheet, keeping it out of the way of the crew and guests. Hanse Yachts, hanseyachts.com
HYLAS 48 Created by renowned megayacht designer Bill Dixon, the Hylas 48 is a true luxury yacht expressly configured for crossing oceans in security and comfort. A centercockpit design with a single wheel, the H48 can be arranged with either two or three cabins belowdecks, both anchored by a magnificent saloon featuring scads of ambient light and top-quality joinerywork. The boat’s twin-headsail rig makes it easy for shorthanded to crews to “shift gears” depending on the conditions, while the boat’s moderate overhangs fore and aft—does anyone remember overhangs?—will not only keep the deck drier under sail, but also serve to minimize slapping at anchor and help protect the stem from dings when weighing anchor. Hylas Yachts, hylasyachts.com
JEANNEAU SUN ODYSSEY 319 Despite years of going after longer and longer LOAs, the major players in the industry still make a point of retaining some entry-level designs in their product lines. These efforts, in turn, are often among the more interesting boats out there as a result of the challenges inherent in creating as much quality as possible in a smaller volume. To this end, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 319 offers two complete cabins, a full galley and head, and a surprising amount of storage. Under sail, twin rudders ensure the beamy hull stays on track even when well heeled. A swing keel is also available for thin-water sailing. Jeanneau, jeanneau.com
JEANNEAU SUN ODYSSEY 490 The big brother of the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 440—one of SAIL’s Best Boats winners for 2018—the Philippe Briand-designed Sun Odyssey 490 includes many of the same features and innovations that made the 440 such a success. First and foremost are the sloping wraparound sidedecks that make it possible to get from the cockpit to the foredeck and back without having to step over the coaming. Other great touches include separate terminals for the cap and lower shrouds, creating a clear passageway forward in way of the chainplates; hinged lounging pads that lie hidden in the aforementioned coamings; and ergonomically friendly inboard positions for the primaries. Jeanneau and Briand started with a blank sheet of paper when creating these boats, and the results are impressive. Jeanneau, jeanneau.com
JEANNEAU SUN ODYSSEY 410
Fresh out of the mold and having only been announced in July, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410 represents the third iteration the of Best Boats Award-winning Sun Odyssey 440. As such it includes the same sloping wraparound sidedecks, which make for such an easy transition in and out of the cockpit; the same ergonomically positioned winches that make grinding that much easier, especially when the headsail is fully loaded; and twin rudders and twin helms, in the interest of control and good sight lines forward. It’s good to see these design features making their way toward the smaller end of the company’s product line. Jeanneau, jeanneau.com