MONOHULLS CRUISING
ISLAND PACKET 349 After having been a bit on the quiet side the last couple of years, iconic Island Packet is under new ownership and back in the game with its fully revamped Island Packet 349. Features include a fully battened mainsail equipped with a low-friction Battcar system that drops easily into a pocket boom with an integral cover and lazy jack system; a highly customizable interior; and hull side ports for increased ambient light belowdecks. Three things that haven’t changed are the boat’s trademark full-keel, a self-tending Hoyt Boom for the working jib, and IP’s rock-solid build quality. Looking forward to seeing more of IP in its latest guise! Island Packet Yachts, ipy.com
WAUQUIEZ PILOT SALOON 42 Drawn by Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design, the Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 42 combines a sophisticated bluewater hull form with a raised-saloon configuration to provide both good performance under sail and superb comfort (and great views of the outside world!) when belowdecks. A plumb stem and nearly plumb transom maximize the boat’s sailing length, while chines and a broad run aft create additional power and sail-carrying ability. Completing the hull package are twin helms and rudders to ensure control even when the boat is on its ear. As has long been the case with Wauquiez, joinerywork is impeccable throughout. Wauquiez Boats, wauquiez.com
TARTAN 395 The storied U.S. builder Tartan is back on the scene with a new sloop from the drawing board of the company’s long-time designer Tim Jackett. Conceived as a sporty cruiser that will work equally well daysailing, coastal cruising or crossing oceans, the Tartan 395 boasts an infused epoxy and vinylester hull along with a double-headsail rig of the kind long favored by veteran passagemakers. Three different keel options are available, all cast in lead for better righting moment. Best of all, Jackett has eschewed the Euro fashion du jour and instead created a contemporary iteration of the “American” yacht—hard as that look may be to actually define—that will remain attractive for generations to come. Tartan Yachts, tartanyachts.com