2025 Boat of the Year Nominees Announced

The new Leopard 46 sailing catamaran represents a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the Leopard 45. Courtesy Leopard Catamarans

Cruising World has announced the official nominees for its 2025 Boat of the Year award. Fifteen boats in all, seven monohulls and eight multihulls, have been named finalists for this year’s Boat of the Year competition.

Nominees set to compete in the 2025 Boat of the Year competition are: Catalina 356 (6 Series), Catalina 426 (6 Series), Dufour 44, Hanse 360, J/Boats J/40, Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 350, Lagoon 43, Leopard 46, Moody DS48, Nautitech 48 Open, Neel 52, Royal Cape Majestic 530 Hybrid, St Francis 460 Hybrid, Windelo 50 and Xquisite Yachts 60 Solar Sail.

The Windelo 50, which first grabbed our editors’ attention at last year’s Cannes Yachting Festival, is an eco-conscious cruising cat that prioritizes functionality in a comfortable package that’s capable of crossing oceans. Courtesy Windelo Catamarans

In-show inspections and on-water sea trials to determine this year’s winners are set to take place during and after the U.S. Sailboat Show in Annapolis, Maryland, which begins October 10 along the shores of Chesapeake Bay. The annual award contest, selected by an independent judging team, recognizes the best new cruising monohulls and multihulls laid out and equipped for coastal and offshore sailing and voyaging.

“This year’s Boat of the Year competition promises to be exceptionally exciting,” said Cruising World Editor-in-Chief Andrew Parkinson. “The nominees represent a diverse range of cruising philosophies, with innovative features and designs catering to sailors seeking comfort, performance, or both. We’re particularly impressed by the strong showing in the multihull category, reflecting the growing popularity of these versatile platforms for coastal exploration and extended voyages. With such a competitive field, the judging process will be rigorous, and the ultimate winners are sure to be exceptional boats.”

This year’s judging panel will include American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) Education Director Tim Murphy, and veteran sailors, editors and esteemed marine journalists Mark Pillsbury and Herb McCormick.

The Sixty Solar Sail by Xquisite Yachts was designed prioritizing high sustainability credentials, as evidenced with its large bank of Lithium-ion batteries to store solar energy generated by her 38 solar panels integrated into the deck design. Courtesy Xquisite Yachts

“The slate of nominees for the 2025 Boat of the Year competition is varied and intriguing, with a solid mix of multihulls and monohulls,” said longtime Boat of the Year judge Herb McCormick. “Conducting sea trials on Chesapeake Bay each fall is always fun and challenging, and we’re expecting very tight competition across the board with this very eclectic fleet of contestants.”

The 2025 Boat of the Year award winners will be announced on December 5, 2024 and featured in the January/February issue of Cruising World. Learn more about the nominees below.

Cruising World’s 2025 Boat of the Year Nominee Finalists Catalina 356 & 426 (6 Series) Catalina 425/426 Courtesy Catalina Yachts

Catalina has introduced the 6 Series, an evolution in its line of sailboats derived from both in-house R&D and direct owner feedback. Applicable to Catalina models from the 276 to the 446, features of the 6 Series include upgraded keel designs for improved performance and stability, a new Seldén mast and rigging for enhanced control and efficiency, a new mainsheet system, and modern comforts such as upgraded ports, steering pedestals, a monitoring system, diesel heating system options and more.

Dufour 44 Dufour 44 Courtesy Dufour Yachts

In a collaborative effort with Felci Yacht Design, Dufour Yachts has unveiled its latest model, the Dufour 44. The idea is to provide a balanced cruising experience of equal parts performance and onboard living. Sleek hull and responsive handling? Check. Loads of interior space? Check. Inviting cockpit for line handling and entertaining? Check. Versatile layout options to accommodate the whole family? Check. Luca Ardizio’s interior emphasizes natural light. The owners’ stateroom is plush, with social spaces throughout to share with guests.

Hanse 360 Hanse 360 Courtesy Hanse Yachts

If you’ve ever been to a boat show, you’ve likely heard a salesman say, “It has space comparable to a much larger boat.” Here, a builder lives up to it. The interior of the Hanse 360 is intended to impress shoppers looking at 40-footers. From the cockpit to the staterooms, the 360 strikes a nice balance between form and functionality. Handling should be a breeze for solo sailors or families thanks to a self-tacking jib and an advanced control system. The naval architects at Berret-Racoupeau have designed an able performer, with a hydrodynamic hull and efficient sail plan. The option for electric propulsion and sustainable sailcloth is a plus for environmentally conscious cruisers.

J/Boats J/40 J/Boats J/40 Courtesy J/Boats

The J/40 is a versatile sailboat conceived to match offshore capability with cruising comfort. Designed for speed and stability, this 40-footer from the Newport, Rhode Island-based builder should excel in light- and heavy-wind conditions. Its user-friendly sail plan and balanced helm make it an option for experienced sailors and novices alike. The spacious cockpit, with 360-degree visibility, is intended for entertaining as much as sailing. Belowdecks, the J/40 has modern interiors with loads of natural light and thoughtful layouts aimed at cruising and racing. Built with J/Composites’ infusion technology, the J/40 is as durable as it is enjoyable to sail.

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 350 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 350 Courtesy Jeanneau

The Sun Odyssey 350 is a user-friendly cruiser that carries forward from the Sun Odyssey 349. Its innovative design prioritizes comfort and sailing pleasure. A new hull enhances performance and maneuverability, while walkaround side decks and twin helms improve safety, ergonomics and control. The spacious, light-filled interior creates a welcoming atmosphere for family cruising. With a focus on practicality, the 350 is a nice package for coastal cruisers.

Lagoon 43 Lagoon 43 Courtesy Lagoon

VPLP Design, Patrick Le Quement and Nauta Design have proved a winning combination on previous Lagoon models, and the Lagoon 43 has a similar pedigree in spades. Intended for cruising couples or young families, the third-smallest model in Lagoon’s lineup can be ordered in a three- or four-stateroom version that’s outfitted with six to 13 berths—and the staterooms are larger than on previous models, meaning there’s room for families to grow or to welcome friends on board. (In the three-stateroom version, the entire starboard hull is an owners’ suite.) Redesigned access via an extra aft entryway for each hull makes movement around the boat easier.

Leopard 46 Leopard 46 Courtesy Leopard Catamarans

The Leopard 46 is an evolution from its predecessor, the 45, blending robust bluewater capability with cutting-edge design. While maintaining Leopard’s signature seaworthiness and easy handling, the 46 introduces a refined interior and enhanced performance through stepped hulls and a powerful rig. A standout feature is the integration of the aft cockpit and salon, creating a vast, versatile living space when needed. Four spacious double cabins are standard, with an optional fifth cabin or a utility room. Optional electric drives offer eco-conscious cruising and silent running.

Moody DS48 Moody DS48 Courtesy Moody Yachts

The Moody DS48 follows in the footsteps of its award-winning predecessor, the DS41, offering a blend of luxury and performance. This 48-foot yacht combines the spaciousness of a catamaran with the agile handling of a monohull. Its rigid hull, chines, and 1,680-square-foot sail area deliver speed and stability. Dual helms and a secure deck layout enhance safety and control. The Decksaloon concept includes an open living space that integrates the galley, salon and cockpit on a single level with panoramic views. Belowdecks, the DS48 has accommodations options including an owners’ stateroom. With a focus on customization, this yacht is designed for extended cruising and leisurely exploration.

Nautitech 48 Open Nautitech 48 Open Courtesy Nautitech

The Nautitech 48 Open, the final design from naval architect Marc Lombard, is also the award-winning French builder’s flagship. This performance-oriented catamaran has light displacement and nimble handling thanks to long, slim keels. Its reverse bow and chine hull yield the brand’s trademark low profile and impressive performance. The 48 Open has nearly 1,400 square feet of sail area, and is easily managed by electric winches and well-placed controls. A standout feature is the twin outboard helms, providing excellent visibility. The interior is spacious, with a living area that focuses on functionality.

Neel 52 With its racy, modern silhouette, elaborately designed hull and sleek lines, the Neel 52 radiates power, performance and elegance. Courtesy Neel Trimarans

Also penned by naval architect Marc Lombard, the Neel 52 is a high-performance trimaran designed for fast cruising. With an average cruising speed of 10 knots—capable of reaching up to 18 knots in favorable conditions—and its ability to cover 200 nautical miles in a day, this boat is intended for serious sailors. Its hull design, inspired by racing trimarans, reduces drag and enhances maneuverability. Constructed with a composite sandwich core, the Neel 52 prioritizes strength and water resistance. Yet, this trimaran also caters to leisure cruising, with a spacious cockpit, a “cockloon” living area and panoramic salon views.

Royal Cape Majestic 530 Hybrid Royal Cape Majestic 530 Hybrid Courtesy Royal Cape Catamarans

The Majestic 530 is a classic bluewater cruiser, island hopper and charter yacht built made to measure with luxury styling throughout. The relaunch includes major upgrades to its deck, coach roof and solid Bimini—improving sustainability by being able to fit up to 6000W of solar panels. New lines provide more natural light, ventilation and living space. Solidly built to undertake ocean crossings the 530 includes myriad safety amenities essential to bluewater cruising.

St Francis 460 Hybrid St Francis 460 Hybrid Courtesy St. Francis

The St Francis 46 is a performance-oriented catamaran designed for comfortable bluewater sailing. In a collaboration with designers Anton Du Toit of Du Toit Yacht Design and Angelo Lavranos, the 460 focuses on performance and handling. Its interior has large windows and a versatile galley/salon area, and options are a three- or four-stateroom layout. The 460 is built with an epoxy-based hull and deck, and is equipped with premium brands, including Yanmar engines, Sparcraft masts and North sails.

Windelo 50 Courtesy Windelo

The Windelo 50 is a French-built catamaran that blends performance with sustainability. It has a sleek new look, upgraded features, and a focus on eco-friendliness. The centerline helm amidships provides solid visibility and control for easier maneuvering. There’s also an electric-propulsion concept, combined with solar and hydro power, allowing for autonomy and a reduced carbon footprint. The powerful rig and daggerboards create a catamaran that’s as fun to sail as it is friendly to the planet.

Xquisite Yachts Sixty Solar Sail Xquisite Sixty Solar Sail Courtesy Xquisite

The Xquisite Sixty Solar Sail is an eco-friendly, sun-powered sailing machine. With its solar panels and battery bank, owners can kiss diesel generators goodbye. Sail controls are laid out for singlehanding, and there’s a carbon-fiber boom and furling mainsail, along with an electric traveler. Amenities for feeling at home on board include a multizone Fusion Apollo sound system, a full-height double-door fridge/freezer, a dishwasher and a vented washer/dryer. Up top, a drawer-style drink fridge means nobody has to go below to grab a cold beverage.

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