BEST PERFORMANCE CRUISER

Grand Soleil 44 • Elan GT6 Dufour 470

As with the Pocket Cruiser/daysailer division, it’s not every year that the BOTY contest has a dedicated category for Performance Cruisers, but for 2022, there’s a trio of turbocharged yachts in the 45- to 50-foot range that promise to offer exhilarating action under sail. And it’s an international class as well, with offerings from France (Dufour), Italy (Grand Soleil) and Slovenia (Elan). Maximized waterlines, twin helms, dedicated bowsprits for flying gennakers and code zeros—these are but a few of the similarities these ocean greyhounds share. And it was nothing but pure joy putting these powerful yachts through their paces.