The best cruising and racing sailboats of 2023 for the American specialized magazine SAIL

 

SAIL is a historic American sailing magazine with a team of expert editors and testers, which for years every beginning of the year after collecting  valuable and informative information on the choices of both experts and the market in the United States, publishes which are the best sailboats of the year.

Punctually also this year 2023 SAIL communicated which are the best cruising and racing sailboats. So here are the best sailboats of 2023 according to the fantastic American magazine, one by one, with brief notes, among these there are some that we have already written detailed articles for which those who want to know more  just click on the link highlighted with the name of the boat.

Without further ado, let’s see which are the best boats for 2023:

 

Dufour 37

The Dufour 37 is a comfortable cruising boat with excellent internal and external volumes, especially at the stern in the cockpit. It is in fact an evolution of the Dufour 360, which has been redesigned to have more comfortable interiors, also thanks to the 20 centimeters she gains in width, and a greater sail area. the cockpit features   long sofas and twin wheels and a massive   folding table between the sofas. The chef can tend the grill in privacy and safety on the lowered transom. The interiors are reminiscent of an open space, with different versions available. The sailing equipment is easy to use and the ratio of displacement to sail area ensures good performance even in light winds. The price of the Dufour 37 is the only thing that isn’t great.

J/45

J/45: Sailing enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting a bigger J, and the new J/45, designed by Alan Johnstone and built by J/Composites in France, does not disappoint. It continues the J/Boats philosophy with a contemporary design while making concessions to tradition (such as the transom). The boat is complete and versatile, with a rock-solid construction, and the interiors, designed by French designer Isabelle Racoupeau, are functional, elegant and welcoming.

 

Hanse 460

Hanse 460 – The new Hanse 460 is a step forward in performance and accommodation among production boats in its class. A well thought out hull, easy to handle sail plan with self tacking jib, furling mainsail, large cockpit and plenty of cabin space result in a comfortable and fast cruising yacht that can be easily and pleasantly sailed by a middle aged couple.

 

First 36

Beneteau First 36: This is a completely new racer/cruiser developed by renowned French designer Sam Manuard and the Seascape team with input from Beneteau. The result is a surprisingly versatile and lively boat, built with top technology. She comes with a choice of carbon fiber or aluminum rigs and a full suite of sails to keep the boat at peak performance. The boat also features some ingenious solutions that quickly transform it from a racing machine to a comfortable cruising boat.

X4.3

X-Yacht X4.3 – The previous X4.3 was a bestseller in the ‘Pure X’ range of X-Yachts, with over 100 boats launched worldwide, and the new X4.3 takes what was already a boat outstanding and makes it even better. The new hull sees the maximum beam moved a little aft, with a thin and soft chine that pushes the volume outwards to increase initial stability and increase internal space in the aft cabins. The build quality, as on all X-Yachts, is impeccable. The boat’s interior is elegant and traditional, exquisitely finished, with more opening portholes and improved ventilation. In navigation the X4.3 is fast and agile and above all in consideration of its quality the price of the boat is really competitive.

Hallberg-Rassy 400

Hallberg-Rassy 400: The latest addition to the Hallberg-Rassy family, the 400, quickly follows the 40C with a central cockpit designed by Germán Frers, incorporating the attractive and proven straight bow for maximum waterline length, a integral bowsprit and two rudders. This version, with aft cockpit, combines the traditional bluewater experience with the current design and trends of its interiors. She is a powerful, elegant, fun yacht that can be taken anywhere.