{"id":154733,"date":"2024-10-15T06:22:01","date_gmt":"2024-10-15T05:22:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/?p=154733"},"modified":"2024-10-15T10:12:24","modified_gmt":"2024-10-15T09:12:24","slug":"whats-the-actual-cost-of-living-onboard-a-yacht-full-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/bluewater-sailing\/whats-the-actual-cost-of-living-onboard-a-yacht-full-time-154733","title":{"rendered":"What’s the actual cost of living onboard a yacht full time?"},"content":"Which yacht is the best for bluewater boating? This question generates even more debate among sailors than questions about what\u2019s the coolest yacht<\/a>, or the best for racing. Whereas racing designs are measured against each other, cruising sailors get very limited opportunities to experience different yachts in real oceangoing conditions, so what is the best bluewater sailboat?\r\n\r\nHere, we bring you our top choices from decades of designs and launches. Over the years, the Yachting World<\/em> team has sailed these boats, tested them or judged them for European Yacht of the Year<\/a> awards, and we have sifted through the many to curate a selection that we believe should be on your wishlist.\r\n\r\nMaking the right choice may come down to how you foresee your yacht being used after it has crossed an ocean or completed a passage: will you be living at anchor or cruising along the coast? If so, your guiding requirements will be space, cabin size, ease of launching a tender and anchoring closer to shore, and whether it can comfortably accommodate non-expert-sailor guests.\r\n\r\nArticle continues below...<\/em>\r\n\r\n
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\r\n\r\nAll of these considerations have generated the inexorable rise of the bluewater catamaran<\/a> \u2013 monohulls<\/a> can\u2019t easily compete on these points. We have a full separate feature on the best bluewater multihulls<\/a> of all time and here we mostly focus on monohulls. The only exceptions to that rule are two multihulls which made it into our best bluewater sailboats of 2022 list.\r\n\r\nAs so much of making the right choice is selecting the right boat for the venture in mind, we have separated out our edit into categories: best for comfort; for families; for performance; and for expedition or high latitudes sailing<\/a>.\r\n

Best bluewater sailboats of 2022<\/h2>\r\n[jwplayer key=\"OIaS1PPV\"]\r\n\r\nThe new flagship Allures 51.9, for example, is a no-nonsense adventure cruising design built and finished to a high standard. It retains Allures\u2019 niche of using aluminium hulls with glassfibre decks and superstructures, which, the yard maintains, gives the optimum combination of least maintenance and less weight higher up. Priorities for this design were a full beam aft cabin and a spacious, long cockpit. Both are excellent, with the latter, at 6m long, offering formidable social, sailing and aft deck zones.\r\n\r\nIt likes some breeze to come to life on the wheel, but I appreciate that it\u2019s designed to take up to five tonnes payload. And I like the ease with which you can change gears using the furling headsails and the positioning of the powerful Andersen winches inboard. The arch is standard and comes with a textile sprayhood or hard bimini.\r\n\r\nBelow decks you\u2019ll find abundant headroom and natural light, a deep U-shape galley and cavernous stowage. For those who like the layout of the Amel 50 but would prefer aluminium or shoal draught, look no further.\r\n\r\nAllures 51.9 price:<\/strong> \u20ac766,000\r\n\r\n[jwplayer key=\"RMIKclvN\"]\r\n\r\nThe Ovni 370 is another cunning new aluminum centreboard offering, a true deck saloon cruiser for two. The designers say the biggest challenge was to create a Category A ocean going yacht at this size with a lifting keel, hence the hull had to be very stable.\r\n\r\nEnjoyable to helm, it has a practical, deep cockpit behind a large sprayhood, which can link to the bimini on the arch. Many of its most appealing features lie in the bright, light, contemporary, clever, voluminous interior, which has good stowage and tankage allocation. There\u2019s also a practical navstation, a large workroom and a vast separate shower. I particularly like the convertible saloom, which can double as a large secure daybed or pilot berth.\r\n\r\nPotentially the least expensive Category A lift keel boat available, the Ovni will get you dreaming of remote places again.\r\n\r\nOvni 370 price:<\/strong> \u20ac282,080\r\n\r\n\"\"\r\n\r\nThere\u2019s no shortage of spirit in the Windelo 50. We gave this a sustainability award after it\u2019s founders spent two years researching environmentally-friendly composite materials, developing an eco-composite of basalt fibre and recycled PET foam so it could build boats that halve the environmental impact of standard glassfibre yachts.\r\n\r\nThe Windelo 50 is an intriguing package \u2013 from the styling, modular interior and novel layout to the solar field on the roof and the standard electric propulsion, it is completely fresh.\r\n\r\nWindelo 50 price:<\/strong> \u20ac795,000\r\n

Best bluewater sailboat of 2022 \u2013 Outremer 55<\/b><\/h2>\r\n[jwplayer key=\"JeAxQhv8\"]\r\n\r\nI would argue that this is the most successful new production yacht on the market. Well over 50 have already sold (an equipped model typically costs \u20ac1.6m) \u2013 and I can understand why. After all, were money no object, I had this design earmarked as the new yacht I would most likely choose for a world trip.\r\n\r\nIndeed 55 number one Sanya, was fully equipped for a family\u2019s world cruise, and left during our stay for the Grand Large Odyssey tour. Whereas we sailed Magic Kili, which was tricked up with performance options, including foam-cored deckheads and supports, carbon crossbeam and bulkheads, and synthetic rigging.\r\n\r\nAt rest, these are enticing space ships. Taking one out to sea is another matter though. These are speed machines with the size, scale and loads to be rightly weary of. Last month Nikki Henderson wrote a feature for us about how to manage a new breed of performance cruising cats just like this and how she coaches new owners. I could not think of wiser money spent for those who do not have ample multihull sailing experience.\r\n\r\nUnder sail, the most fun was obviously reserved for the reaching leg under asymmetric, where we clocked between 11-16 knots in 15-16 knots wind. But it was the stability and of those sustained low teen speeds which really hit home \u00a0\u2013 passagemaking where you really cover miles.\r\n\r\nKey features include the swing helms, which give you views from outboard, over the coachroof or from a protected position in the cockpit through the coachroof windows, and the vast island in the galley, which is key to an open plan main living area. It helps provide cavernous stowage and acts as the heart of the entertaining space as it would in a modern home. As Danish judge Morten Brandt-Rasmussen comments: \u201cApart from being the TGV of ocean passages the boat offers the most spacious, open and best integration of the cockpit and salon areas in the market.\u201d\r\n\r\nOutremer has done a top job in packing in the creature comforts, stowage space and payload capacity, while keeping it light enough to eat miles. Although a lot to absorb and handle, the 55 offers a formidable blend of speed and luxury cruising.\r\n\r\nOutremer 55 price:<\/strong> \u20ac1.35m\r\n

Best bluewater sailboats for comfort<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n[jwplayer key=\"Yd6FErST\"]\r\n

Amel 55<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nThis is the successor to the legendary Super Maramu, a ketch design that for several decades defined easy downwind handling and fostered a cult following<\/a> for the French yard. Nearly a decade old, the Amel 55<\/a> is the bridge between those world-girdling stalwarts and Amel\u2019s more recent and totally re-imagined sloop designs, the Amel 50<\/a> and 60.\r\n\r\nThe 55 boasts all the serious features Amel aficionados loved and valued: a skeg-hung rudder, solidly built hull, watertight bulkheads, solid guardrails and rampart bulwarks. And, most noticeable, the solid doghouse in which the helmsman sits in perfect shelter at the wheel.\r\n\r\nThis is a design to live on comfortably for long periods and the list of standard features just goes on and on: passarelle; proper sea berths with lee cloths; electric furling main and genoa; and a multitude of practical items that go right down to a dishwasher and crockery.\r\n\r\nThere\u2019s no getting around the fact these designs do look rather dated now, and through the development of easier sail handling systems the ketch rig has fallen out of fashion, but the Amel is nothing short of a phenomenon, and if you\u2019ve never even peeked on board one, you really have missed a treat.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_124239\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1200\"]\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-Contest-50CS-credit-Sander-van-der-Borch\" Photo: Sander van der Borch[\/caption]\r\n

Contest 50CS <\/strong><\/h3>\r\nA centre cockpit cruiser with true longevity, the Contest 50CS was launched by Conyplex back in 2003 and is still being built by the family-owned Dutch company, now in updated and restyled form.\r\n\r\nWith a fully balanced rudder, large wheel and modern underwater sections, the Contest 50CS is a surprisingly good performer for a boat that has a dry weight of 17.5 tonnes. Many were fitted with in-mast furling, which clearly curtails that performance, but even without, this boat is set up for a small crew.\r\n\r\nElectric winches and mainsheet traveller are all easy to reach from the helm. On our test of the Contest 50CS, we saw for ourselves how two people can gybe downwind under spinnaker without undue drama. Upwind, a 105% genoa is so easy to tack it flatters even the weediest crewmember.\r\n\r\nDown below, the finish level of the joinery work is up there among the best and the interior is full of clever touches, again updated and modernised since the early models. Never the cheapest bluewater sailing yacht around, the Contest 50CS has remained in demand as a brokerage buy. She is a reassuringly sure-footed, easily handled, very well built yacht that for all those reasons has stood the test of time.\r\n\r\nThis is a yacht that would be well capable of helping you extend your cruising grounds, almost without realising it.\r\n\r\nRead more about the Contest 50CS and the new Contest 49CS<\/em><\/a>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_124246\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1200\"]\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-hallberg-rassy-48-credit-rick-tomlinson\" Photo: Rick Tomlinson[\/caption]\r\n

Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nFor many, the Swedish Hallberg-Rassy yard makes the quintessential bluewater cruiser for couples. With their distinctive blue cove line, these designs are famous for their seakindly behaviour, solid-as-a-rock build and beautifully finished, traditional interiors.\r\n\r\nTo some eyes, Hallberg-Rassys aren\u2019t quite cool enough, but it\u2019s been company owner Magnus Rassy\u2019s confidence in the formula and belief in incremental \u2018step-by-step\u2019 evolution that has been such an exceptional guarantor of reliable quality, reputation and resale value.\r\n\r\nThe centre cockpit Hallberg-Rassy 48 epitomises the concept of comfort at sea and, like all the Frers-designed Hallberg-Rassys since the 1990s, is surprisingly fleet upwind as well as steady downwind. The 48 is perfectly able to be handled by a couple (as we found a few years back in the Pacific), and could with no great effort crack out 200-mile days.\r\n\r\nThe Hallberg-Rassy 48 was launched nearly a decade ago, but the Mk II from 2014 is our pick, updated with a more modern profile, larger windows and hull portlights that flood the saloon and aft cabin with light. With a large chart table, secure linear galley, heaps of stowage and space for bluewater extras such as machinery and gear, this yacht pretty much ticks all the boxes.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_124241\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1200\"]\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-discovery-55-credit-rick-tomlinson\" Photo: Rick Tomlinson[\/caption]\r\n

Discovery 55<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nFirst launched in 2000, the Discovery 55 has stood the test of time. Designed by Ron Holland, it hit a sweet spot in size that appealed to couples and families with world girdling plans.\r\n\r\nElegantly styled and well balanced, the 55 is also a practical design, with a deep and secure cockpit, comfortable seating, a self-tacking jib, dedicated stowage for the liferaft<\/a>, a decent sugar scoop transom that\u2019s useful for swimming or dinghy access, and very comfortable accommodation below. In short, it is a design that has been well thought out by those who\u2019ve been there, got the bruises, stubbed their toes and vowed to change things in the future if they ever got the chance.\r\n\r\nThroughout the accommodation there are plenty of examples of good detailing, from the proliferation of handholds and grabrails, to deep sinks in the galley offering immediate stowage when under way and the stand up\/sit down showers. Stowage is good, too, with plenty of sensibly sized lockers in easily accessible positions.\r\n\r\nThe Discovery 55 has practical ideas and nifty details aplenty. She\u2019s not, and never was, a breakthrough in modern luxury cruising but she is pretty, comfortable to sail and live on, and well mannered.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_124267\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1200\"]\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-Rustler-42-credit-Latitudes-Picture-Library\" Photo: Latitudes Picture Library[\/caption]\r\n

Rustler 42<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nYou can\u2019t get much more Cornish than a Rustler. The hulls of this Stephen Jones design are hand-moulded and fitted out in Falmouth \u2013 and few are more ruggedly built than this traditional, up-for-anything offshore cruiser.\r\n\r\nShe boasts an encapsulated lead keel, eliminating keel bolts and creating a sump for generous fuel and water tankage, while a chunky skeg protects the rudder. She is designed for good directional stability and load carrying ability. These are all features that lend this yacht confidence as it shoulders aside the rough stuff.\r\n\r\nMost of those built have had a cutter rig, a flexible arrangement that makes sense for long passages in all sea and weather conditions. Down below, the galley and saloon berths are comfortable and sensible for living in port and at sea, with joinery that Rustler\u2019s builders are rightly proud of.\r\n\r\nAs modern yachts have got wider, higher and fatter, the Rustler 42 is an exception. This is an exceptionally well-mannered seagoing yacht in the traditional vein, with elegant lines and pleasing overhangs, yet also surprisingly powerful. And although now over 20 years old, timeless looks and qualities mean this design makes her look ever more like a perennial, a modern classic.\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=0xGqMTaWOKw\r\n

Oyster 575<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nThe definitive crossover size, the point at which a yacht can be handled by a couple but is just large enough to have a professional skipper and be chartered, sits at around the 60ft mark. At 58ft 8in, the Oyster 575<\/a> fitted perfectly into this growing market when launched in 2010. It went on to be one of the most popular models from the yard, and is only now being superseded by the newer Rob Humphreys-designed Oyster 565<\/a> (just launched this spring).\r\n\r\nBuilt in various configurations with either a deep keel, shoal draught keel or centreboard with twin rudders, owners could trade off better performance against easy access to shallower coves and anchorages. The deep-bodied hull, also by Rob Humphreys, is known for its easy motion at sea.\r\n\r\nSome of the Oyster 575\u2019s best features include its hallmark coachroof windows style and centre cockpit \u2013 almost everyone will know at first glance this is an Oyster \u2013 and superb interior finish. If she has a flaw, it is arguably the high cockpit, but the flip side is the galley headroom and passageway berth to the large aft stateroom.\r\n\r\nThis design also has a host of practical features for long-distance cruising, such as high guardrails, dedicated liferaft stowage, a vast lazarette for swallowing sails, tender, fenders etc, and a penthouse engine room.\r\n\r\n\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-privilege-serie-5\"\r\n

Privilege Serie 5<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nA true luxury catamaran which, fully fitted out, will top \u20ac1m, this deserves to be seen alongside the likes of the Oyster 575, Gunfleet 58 and Hallberg-Rassy 55. It boasts a large cockpit and living area, and a light and spacious saloon with an emphasis on indoor-outdoor living, masses of refrigeration and a big galley.\r\n\r\nStandout features are finish quality and solid build in a yacht designed to take a high payload, a secure walkaround deck and all-round views from the helm station. The new Privilege 510 that will replace this launches in February 2020.\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=mY5Zk6aXXjM\r\n\r\n \r\n

Gunfleet 43<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nIt was with this Tony Castro design that Richard Matthews, founder of Oyster Yachts, launched a brand new rival brand in 2012, the smallest of a range stretching to the flagship Gunfleet 74. The combination of short overhangs and centre cockpit at this size do make the Gunfleet 43<\/a> look modern if a little boxy, but time and subsequent design trends have been kind to her lines, and the build quality is excellent. The saloon, galley and aft cabin space is exceptional on a yacht of this size.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_124252\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1200\"]\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-Kraken-50-credit-david-harding\" Photo: David Harding[\/caption]\r\n

Kraken 50<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nConceived as a belt-and-braces cruiser, the Kraken 50<\/a> launched last year. Its unique points lie underwater in the guise of a full skeg-hung rudder and so-called \u2018Zero Keel\u2019, an encapsulated long keel with lead ballast.\r\n\r\nKraken Yachts is the brainchild of British businessman and highly experienced cruiser Dick Beaumont, who is adamant that safety should be foremost in cruising yacht design and build. \u201cThere is no such thing as \u2018one yacht for all purposes\u2019... You cannot have the best of all worlds, whatever the salesman tells you,\u201d he says.\r\n\r\nRead our full review of the Kraken 50<\/a>.<\/em>\r\n\r\n\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-Wauquiez-Centurion-57\"\r\n

Wauquiez Centurion 57<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nFew yachts can claim to be both an exciting Med-style design and a serious and practical northern European offshore cruiser, but the Wauquiez Centurion 57<\/a> tries to blend both. She slightly misses if you judge solely by either criterion,\r\nbut is pretty and practical enough to suit her purpose.\r\n\r\nA very pleasant, well-considered yacht, she is impressively built and finished with a warm and comfortable interior. More versatile than radical, she could be used for sailing across the Atlantic<\/a> in comfort and raced with equal enjoyment at Antigua Sailing Week<\/a>.\r\n\r\n\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-Bowman-40\"\r\n

Bowman 40<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nA modern classic if ever there was one. A medium to heavy displacement yacht, stiff and easily capable of standing up to her canvas. Pretty, traditional lines and layout below.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_124237\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1200\"]\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-Cal-40-credit-Voyage-of-Swell\" Photo: Voyage of Swell[\/caption]\r\n

Cal 40 <\/strong><\/h3>\r\nWell-proven US legacy design dating back to the mid-1960s that once conquered the Transpac Race<\/a>. Still admired as pretty, with slight spoon bow and overhanging transom.\r\n\r\n\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-Hylas-46\"\r\n

Hylas 46<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nCapable medium displacement cruiser, ideal size and good accommodation for couples or family cruising, and much less costly than similar luxury brands.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_124255\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1200\"]\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-Malo-37-credit-Peter-Szamer\" Photo: Peter Szamer[\/caption]\r\n

Malo 37 <\/strong><\/h3>\r\nSwedish-built aft cockpit cruiser, smaller than many here, but a well-built and finished, super-durable pocket ocean cruiser.\r\n\r\n\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-Tartan-3700\"\r\n

Tartan 3700<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nDesigned as a performance cruiser there are nimbler alternatives now, but this is still an extremely pretty yacht.\r\n

Broker<\/strong>\u2019<\/strong>s choice<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-Discovery-55-Brizo\"\r\n

Discovery 55 Brizo <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\r\nThis yacht has already circumnavigated the globe<\/a> and is \u2018prepared for her next adventure,\u2019 says broker Berthon. Price: \u00a3535,000 + VAT\r\n\r\n\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-Oyster-575-ayesha\"\r\n

Oyster 575 Ayesha<\/em>\r\n<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\u2018Stunning, and perfectly equipped for bluewater cruising,\u2019 says broker Ancasta International. Price: \u00a3845,000 (tax not paid)\r\n\r\n\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-Oyster-575-Pearls-of-Nautilus\"\r\n

Oyster 575 Pearls of Nautilus<\/em>\r\n<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nNearly new and with a high spec, this Oyster Brokerage yacht features American white oak joinery and white leather upholstery and has a shoal draught keel. Price: $1.49m\r\n

Best bluewater yachts for performance<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n

Swan 54<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nThe Frers-designed Swan 54<\/a> may not be the newest hull shape but heralded Swan\u2019s latest generation of displacement bluewater cruisers when launched four years ago. With raked stem, deep V hull form, lower freeboard and slight curve to the topsides she has a more timeless aesthetic than many modern slab-sided high volume yachts, and with that a seakindly motion in waves. If you plan to cover many miles to weather, this is probably the yacht you want to be on.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_124270\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1200\"]\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-Swan-54-credit-carlo-borlenghi\" Photo: Carlo Borlenghi[\/caption]\r\n\r\nBesides Swan\u2019s superlative build quality, the 54 brings many true bluewater features, including a dedicated sail locker. There\u2019s also a cockpit locker that functions as a utility cabin, with potential to hold your generator and washing machine, or be a workshop space.\r\n\r\nThe sloping transom opens out to reveal a 2.5m bathing platform, and although the cabins are not huge there is copious stowage space. Down below the top-notch oak joinery is well thought through with deep fiddles, and there is a substantial nav station. But the Swan 54 wins for handling above all, with well laid-out sail controls that can be easily managed between a couple, while offering real sailing enjoyment to the helmsman.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_124230\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1200\"]\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-Arcona-435-credit-graham-snook\" Photo: Graham Snook[\/caption]\r\n

Arcona 435<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nThe Performance Cruiser winner at the 2019 European Yacht of the Year awards, the Arcona 435<\/a> is all about the sailing experience. She has genuine potential as a cruiser-racer, but her strengths are as an enjoyable cruiser rather than a full-blown liveaboard bluewater boat.\r\n\r\nBuild quality is excellent, there is the option of a carbon hull and deck, and elegant lines and a plumb bow give the Arcona 435 good looks as well as excellent performance in light airs. Besides slick sail handling systems, there are well thought-out features for cruising, such as ample built-in rope bins and an optional semi-closed stern with stowage and swim platform.\r\n\r\n\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-Outremer-51\"\r\n

Outremer 51<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nIf you want the space and stability of a cat but still prioritise sailing performance, Outremer has built a reputation on building catamarans with true bluewater characteristics that have cruised the planet for the past 30 years.\r\n\r\nLighter and slimmer-hulled than most cruising cats, the Outremer 51 is all about sailing at faster speeds, more easily. The lower volume hulls and higher bridgedeck make for a better motion in waves, while owners report that being able to maintain a decent pace even under reduced canvas makes for stress-free passages. Deep daggerboards also give good upwind performance.\r\n\r\nWith bucket seats and tiller steering options, the Outremer 51 rewards sailors who want to spend time steering, while they\u2019re famously well set up for handling with one person on deck. The compromise comes with the interior space \u2013 even with a relatively minimalist style, there is less cabin space and stowage volume than on the bulkier cats, but the Outremer 51 still packs in plenty of practical features.\r\n\r\n\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-xc45\"\r\n\r\nXc45<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe Xc45<\/a> was the first cruising yacht X-Yachts ever built, and designed to give the same X-Yachts sailing experience for sailors who\u2019d spent years racing 30\/40-footer X- and IMX designs, but in a cruising package.\r\n\r\nLaunched over 10 years ago, the Xc45 has been revisited a few times to increase the stowage and modernise some of the styling, but the key features remain the same, including substantial tanks set low for a low centre of gravity, and X-Yachts\u2019 trademark steel keel grid structure. She has fairly traditional styling and layout, matched with solid build quality.\r\n\r\nA soft bilge and V-shaped hull gives a kindly motion in waves, and the cockpit is secure, if narrow by modern standards.\r\n\r\n\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-Catana-47\"\r\n

Catana 47<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nA three or four cabin catamaran that\u2019s fleet of foot with high bridgedeck clearance for comfortable motion at sea. With tall daggerboards and carbon construction in some high load areas, Catana cats are light and quick to accelerate.\r\n\r\n\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-Sweden-Yachts-45\"\r\n

Sweden Yachts 45<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nAn established bluewater design that also features in plenty of offshore races. Some examples are specced with carbon rig and retractable bowsprits. All have a self-tacking jib for ease. Expect sweeping areas of teak above decks and a traditionally wooded interior with hanging wet locker.\r\n\r\n\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-Swan-51\"\r\n

Swan 51<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nA vintage performer, first launched in 1981, the 51 was the first Frers-designed Swan and marked a new era of iconic cruiser-racers. Some 36 of the Swan 51 were built, many still actively racing and cruising nearly 40 years on. Classic lines and a split cockpit make this a boat for helming, not sunbathing.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_124251\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1200\"]\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-JPK-45-credit-Julien-Giradot-european-yacht-of-the-year\" Photo: Julien Girardot \/ EYOTY[\/caption]\r\n

JPK 45<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nThe JPK 45<\/a> comes from a French racing stable, combining race-winning design heritage with cruising amenities. What you see is what you get \u2013 there are no superfluous headliners or floorboards, but there are plenty of ocean sailing details, like inboard winches for safe trimming. The JPK 45 also has a brilliantly designed cockpit with an optional doghouse creating all-weather shelter, twin wheels and superb clutch and rope bin arrangement.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_124264\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1200\"]\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-pogo-50-credit-Andreas-Lindlahr\" Photo: Andreas Lindlahr[\/caption]\r\n

Pogo 50<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nFor sailors who don\u2019t mind exchanging a few creature comforts for downwind planing performance, the Pogo 50 offers double-digit surfing speeds for exhilarating tradewind sailing. There\u2019s an open transom, tiller steering and no backstay or runners. The Pogo 50 also has a swing keel, to nose into shallow anchorages.\r\n\r\n\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-Seawind-1600\"\r\n

Seawind 1600 <\/strong><\/h3>\r\nSeawinds are relatively unknown in Europe, but these bluewater cats are very popular in Australia. As would be expected from a Reichel-Pugh design, this 52-footer combines striking good looks and high performance, with fine entry bows and comparatively low freeboard. Rudders are foam cored lifting designs in cassettes, which offer straightforward access in case of repairs, while daggerboards are housed under the deck.\r\n

Best bluewater sailboats for families<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n

Lagoon 450<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nIt\u2019s unsurprising that, for many families, it\u2019s a catamaran that meets their requirements best of increased space \u2013 both living space and separate cabins for privacy-seeking teenagers, additional crew or visiting family \u2013 as well as stable and predictable handling.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_124253\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1200\"]\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-lagoon-450s-credit-Nicholas-Claris\" Photo: Nicholas Claris[\/caption]\r\n\r\nUndoubtedly one of the biggest success stories has been the Lagoon 450, which, together with boats like the Fountaine Pajot 44, helped drive up the popularity of catamaran cruising by making it affordable and accessible. They have sold in huge numbers \u2013 over 1,000 Lagoon 450s have been built since its launch in 2010.\r\n\r\nThe VPLP-designed 450 was originally launched with a flybridge with a near central helming position and upper level lounging areas (450F). The later \u2018sport top\u2019 option (450S) offered a starboard helm station and lower boom (and hence lower centre of gravity for reduced pitching). The 450S also gained a hull chine to create additional volume above the waterline. The Lagoon features forward lounging and aft cockpit areas for additional outdoor living space.\r\n\r\nBesides being a big hit among charter operators, Lagoons have proven themselves over thousands of bluewater miles \u2013 there were seven Lagoon 450s in last year\u2019s ARC<\/a> alone. In what remains a competitive sector of the market, Lagoon has recently launched a new 46, with a larger self-tacking jib and mast moved aft, and more lounging areas.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_124242\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1200\"]\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-fountaine-pajot-Helia-44-credit-Gilles-Martin-Raget\" Photo: Gilles Martin-Raget[\/caption]\r\n

Fountaine Pajot Helia 44<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nThe FP Helia 44 is lighter, lower volume, and has a lower freeboard than the Lagoon, weighing in at 10.8 tonnes unloaded (compared to 15 for the 450). The helm station is on a mezzanine level two steps up from the bridgedeck, with a bench seat behind. A later \u2018Evolution\u2019 version was designed for liveaboard cruisers, featuring beefed up dinghy davits and an improved saloon space.\r\n\r\nAvailable in three or four cabin layouts, the Helia 44 was also popular with charter owners as well as families. The new 45 promises additional volume, and an optional hydraulically lowered \u2018beach club\u2019 swim platform.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_124266\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1200\"]\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-RM-1370-credit-Arnaud-De-Buyzer-Graphikupcom\" Photo: Arnaud De Buyzer \/ graphikup.com[\/caption]\r\n

RM 1370<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nThe French RM 1370<\/a> might be less well known than the big brand names, but offers something a little bit different for anyone who wants a relatively voluminous cruising yacht. Designed by Marc Lombard, and beautifully built from plywood\/epoxy, the RM is stiff and responsive, and sails superbly.\r\n\r\nThe RM yachts have a more individual look \u2013 in part down to the painted finish, which encourages many owners to personalise their yachts, but also thanks to their distinctive lines with reverse sheer and dreadnought bow. The cockpit is well laid out with the primary winches inboard for a secure trimming position. The interior is light, airy and modern, although the open transom won\u2019t appeal to everyone.\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=oSSRsQp0uKQ\r\n\r\n \r\n

Hanse 575<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nFor those wanting a monohull, the Hanse 575<\/a> hits a similar sweet spot to the popular multis, maximising accommodation for a realistic price, yet with responsive performance.\r\n\r\nThe Hanse offers a vast amount of living space thanks to the \u2018loft design\u2019 concept of having all the living areas on a single level, which gives a real feeling of spaciousness with no raised saloon or steps to accommodation. The trade-off for such lofty head height is a substantial freeboard \u2013 it towers above the pontoon, while, below, a stepladder is provided to reach some hatches.\r\n\r\nGalley options include drawer fridge-freezers, microwave and coffee machine, and the full size nav station can double up as an office or study space.\r\n\r\nBut while the Hanse 575 is a seriously large boat, its popularity is also down to the fact that it is genuinely able to be handled by a couple. It was innovative in its deck layout: with a self-tacking jib and mainsheet winches immediately to hand next to the helm, one person could both steer and trim.\r\n\r\nDirect steering gives a feeling of control and some tangible sailing fun, while the waterline length makes for rapid passage times. In 2016 the German yard launched the newer Hanse 588<\/a> model, having already sold 175 of the 575s in just four years.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_124249\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1200\"]\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-Jeanneau-54-credit-Bertel-Kolthof\" Photo: Bertel Kolthof[\/caption]\r\n

Jeanneau 54<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nJeanneau leads the way among production builders for versatile all-rounder yachts that balance sail performance and handling, ergonomics, liveaboard functionality and good looks.\u00a0The Jeanneau 54<\/a>, part of the range designed by Philippe Briand with interior by Andrew Winch, melds the best of the larger and smaller models and is available in a vast array of layout options from two cabins\/two heads right up to five cabins and three heads.\r\n\r\nWe\u2019ve tested the Jeanneau 54 in a gale<\/a> and very light winds, and it acquitted itself handsomely in both extremes. The primary and mainsheet winches are to hand next to the wheel, and the cockpit is spacious, protected and child-friendly. An electric folding swim and sun deck makes for quick fun in the water.\r\n\r\n\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-Nautitech-46-Open\"\r\n

Nautitech Open 46<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nThis was the first Nautitech catamaran to be built under the ownership of Bavaria, designed with an open-plan bridgedeck and cockpit for free-flowing living space. But with good pace for eating up bluewater miles, and aft twin helms rather than a flybridge, the Nautitech Open 46 also appeals to monohull sailors who prefer a more direct sailing experience.\r\n\r\n\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-Leopard-45\"\r\n

Leopard 45<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nMade by Robertson and Caine, who produce catamarans under a dual identity as both Leopard and the Sunsail\/Moorings charter cats, the Leopard 45 is set to be another big seller. Reflecting its charter DNA, the Leopard 45 is voluminous, with stepped hulls for reduced waterline, and a separate forward cockpit.\r\n\r\nBuilt in South Africa, they are robustly tested off the Cape and constructed ruggedly enough to handle heavy weather sailing<\/a> as well as the demands of chartering.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_124258\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1200\"]\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-neel-51-credit-Olivier-Blanchet\" Photo: Olivier Blanchet[\/caption]\r\n

Neel 51<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nIf space is king then three hulls might be even better than two. The Neel 51<\/a> is rare as a cruising trimaran with enough space for proper liveaboard sailing. The galley and saloon are in the large central hull, together with an owner\u2019s cabin on one level for a unique sensation of living above the water. Guest or family cabins lie in the outer hulls for privacy and there is a cavernous full height engine room under the cabin sole.\r\n\r\nPerformance is notably higher than an equivalent cruising cat, particularly in light winds, with a single rudder giving a truly direct feel in the helm, although manoeuvring a 50ft trimaran may daunt many sailors.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_124232\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1200\"]\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-beneteau-Oceanis-46-1-credit-graham-snook\" Photo: Graham Snook[\/caption]\r\n

Beneteau Oceanis 46.1<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nA brilliant new model from Beneteau, this Finot Conq design has a modern stepped hull, which offers exhilarating and confidence-inspiring handling in big breezes, and slippery performance in lighter winds.\r\n\r\nThe Beneteau Oceanis 46.1<\/a> was the standout performer at this year\u2019s European Yacht of the Year awards, and, in replacing the popular Oceanis 45, looks set to be another bestseller. Interior space is well used with a double island berth in the forepeak. An additional inboard unit creates a secure galley area, but tank capacity is moderate for long periods aboard.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_124233\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1200\"]\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-Beneteau-Oceanis-473-credit-David-Harding\" Photo: David Harding[\/caption]\r\n

Beneteau Oceanis 473<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nA popular model that offers beam and height in a functional layout, although, as with many boats of this age (she was launched in 2002), the mainsheet is not within reach of the helmsman.\r\n\r\n\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-Jeanneau-Sun-Odyssey-49\"\r\n

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nThe Philippe Briand-designed Sun Odyssey range has a solid reputation as family production cruisers. Like the 473, the Sun Odyssey 49 was popular for charter so there are plenty of four-cabin models on the market.\r\n\r\n\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-nautitech-441\"\r\n

Nautitech 441 <\/strong><\/h3>\r\nThe hull design dates back to 1995, but was relaunched in 2012. Though the saloon interior has dated, the 441 has solid practical features, such as a rainwater run-off collection gutter around the coachroof.\r\n\r\n\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-Atlantic-42\"\r\n

Atlantic 42<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nChris White-designed cats feature a pilothouse and forward waist-high working cockpit with helm position, as well as an inside wheel at the nav station. The Atlantic 42 offers limited accommodation by modern cat standards but a very different sailing experience.\r\n

Best bluewater sailing yachts for expeditions<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n

Bestevaer 56<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nAll of the yachts in our \u2018expedition\u2019 category are aluminium-hulled designs suitable for high latitude sailing, and all are exceptional yachts. But the Bestevaer 56 is a spectacular amount of boat to take on a true adventure. Each Bestevaer is a near-custom build with plenty of bespoke options for owners to customise the layout and where they fall on the scale of rugged off-grid adventurer to 4x4-style luxury fit out.\r\n\r\n\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-Bestevaer-56-ST-Tranquilo\"\r\n\r\nThe Bestevaer range began when renowned naval architect Gerard Dijkstra chose to design his own personal yacht for liveaboard adventure cruising, a 53-footer. The concept drew plenty of interest from bluewater sailors wanting to make longer expeditions and Bestevaers are now available in a range of sizes, with the 56-footer proving a popular mid-range length.\r\n\r\nThe well-known Bestevaer 56 Tranquilo<\/em>\u00a0(pictured above) has a deep, secure cockpit, voluminous tanks (700lt water and over 1,100lt fuel) and a lifting keel plus water ballast, with classically styled teak clad decks and pilot house. Other owners have opted for functional bare aluminium hull and deck, some choose a doghouse and others a pilothouse.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_124235\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1200\"]\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-Boreal-52-credit-Jean-Marie-Liot\" Photo: Jean-Marie Liot[\/caption]\r\n

Boreal 52<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nThe Boreal 52<\/a> also offers Land Rover-esque practicality, with utilitarian bare aluminium hulls and a distinctive double-level doghouse\/coachroof arrangement for added protection in all weathers. The cockpit is clean and uncluttered, thanks to the mainsheet position on top of the doghouse, although for visibility in close manoeuvring the helmsman will want to step up onto the aft deck.\r\n\r\nTwin daggerboards, a lifting centreboard and long skeg on which she can settle make this a true go-anywhere expedition yacht. The metres of chain required for adventurous anchoring is stowed in a special locker by the mast to keep the weight central. Down below has been thought through with equally practical touches, including plenty of bracing points and lighting that switches on to red light first to protect your night vision.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_124244\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1200\"]\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-Garcia-Exploration-45-credit-morris-adant\" Photo: Morris Adant \/ Garcia Yachts[\/caption]\r\n

Garcia Exploration 45 <\/strong><\/h3>\r\nThe Garcia Exploration 45<\/a> comes with real experience behind her \u2013 she was created in association with Jimmy Cornell, based on his many hundreds of thousands of miles of bluewater cruising, to go anywhere from high latitudes to the tropics.\r\n\r\nArguably less of a looker than the Bestevaer, the Garcia Exploration 45 features a rounded aluminium hull, centreboard with deep skeg and twin daggerboards. The considerable anchor chain weight has again been brought aft, this time via a special conduit to a watertight locker in front of the centreboard.\r\n\r\nThis is a yacht designed to be lived on for extended periods with ample storage, and panoramic portlights to give a near 360\u00b0 view of whichever extraordinary landscape you are exploring. Safety features include a watertight companionway door to keep extreme weather out and through-hull fittings placed above the waterline. When former Vend\u00e9e Globe<\/a> skipper Pete Goss went cruising<\/a>, this was the boat he chose to do it in.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_124260\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1200\"]\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-Ovni-43-credit-svnaimadotcom\" Photo: svnaima.com[\/caption]\r\n

Ovni 43<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nA truly well-proven expedition design, some 1,500 Ovnis have been built and many sailed to some of the most far-flung corners of the world. (Jimmy Cornell sailed his Aventura<\/em> some 30,000 miles, including two Drake Passage crossings, one in 50 knots of wind).\r\n\r\n\"best-ever-bluewater-yachts-Futuna-Explorer-54\"\r\n

Futuna Exploration 54<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nAnother aluminium design with a swinging centreboard and a solid enclosed pilothouse with protected cockpit area. There\u2019s a chunky bowsprit and substantial transom arch to house all manner of electronics and power generation.\r\n\r\nPrevious boats have been spec\u2019d for North West Passage<\/a> crossings with additional heating and engine power, although there\u2019s a carbon rig option for those that want a touch of the black stuff. The tanks are capacious, with 1,000lt capability for both fresh water and fuel.\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\n

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","excerpt":{"rendered":"

During my 20 years of hosting World Cruising Club\u2019s Bluewater Seminars, one of the questions I was most frequently asked was: \u201cHow much money will we need to go bluewater cruising?\u201d The seminar programme is aimed at trying to answer this difficult question \u2013 among others \u2013 and to put the challenges of boat ownership and liveaboard cruising into perspective. To do so, experienced cruising skippers join panel discussions and share their experiences, and talk about different equipment choices and ways to live the lifestyle. I would also discuss in broad terms the types of expenditure to expect, share tips for mitigating some costs and give a range of budgets. However, the problem with trying to give a definitive answer, a magic figure in dollars and cents, pounds and pence, is that the question is almost impossible to answer. Each individual cruiser has their own lifestyle, income, boat choices and cruising plans. So is it even possible to give a meaningful figure? In an attempt to quantify the true cost of liveaboard cruising, I recently asked a range of experienced bluewater cruisers for more detailed information about various aspects of their cruising lives to paint a better picture of their true budgets. The questions asked were specifically about living the bluewater lifestyle and deliberately excluded the costs of boat purchase and refit, or pre-departure preparation. An aspiring cruiser will have greater control over these expenses, and once they\u2019ve set sail, this money is already spent, so does not factor in day-to-day living and cruising expenses. Here are their (anonymised) responses: 1 Running the boat Owning a boat incurs costs which need to be included in a cruising budget, such as insurance, registration, docking and operating and maintenance costs. I have excluded any cost for depreciation, or the opportunity cost of the funds tied up in owning a boat. There is an obvious relationship between boat size, hull type and age when it comes to quantifying running costs. A larger, more technically complex boat will cost more to insure, more to dock and require larger sums for maintenance. For example, a cruising catamaran offers luxurious living space and comfort compared to a similar sized monohull, but the hidden cost will be paid in higher docking fees and a limited choice of boatyards, since not every yard can lift a boat with a 10m beam. And twin hulls mean twin engines, which doubles the maintenance and consumables bill. The larger the boat, the stronger the sail handling gear needs to be, which equates to more expensive deck gear and running rigging, which will require replacement and maintenance. However, an older, simpler boat may run up against the \u2018too cheap to insure\u2019 problem, where the cost of writing the policy is not covered by the hull value and owners will find it difficult to obtain bluewater cruising insurance. Furthermore, the \u2018old but trusty\u2019 sail handling system may now no longer be in production, giving a potential headache to owners trying to obtain spares, …Continue reading »<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":447,"featured_media":154741,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[767],"tags":[2521,1633],"review_manufacturer":[],"acf":[],"introduction":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/154733"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/447"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=154733"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/154733\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":154750,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/154733\/revisions\/154750"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/154741"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=154733"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=154733"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=154733"},{"taxonomy":"review_manufacturer","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/review_manufacturer?post=154733"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}