{"id":161906,"date":"2026-02-04T06:50:20","date_gmt":"2026-02-04T06:50:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/?p=161906"},"modified":"2026-02-12T08:32:49","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T08:32:49","slug":"the-best-of-boot-2026-5-new-yachts-redefining-performance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/yachts-and-gear\/the-best-of-boot-2026-5-new-yachts-redefining-performance-161906","title":{"rendered":"The best of boot 2026: 5 new yachts redefining performance"},"content":"As the doors swung open at boot D\u00fcsseldorf 2026, the sailing halls were buzzing with a clear message: performance is back at the forefront of yacht design. This year\u2019s premieres showcased a sophisticated shift toward dynamic sailing, blending high-speed hull forms with the luxury and ease of use demanded by modern cruisers.\r\n\r\nFrom the world debut of Beneteau\u2019s most ambitious First model to date, to the award-winning grit of German-built aluminium explorers and the refined agility of Dutch daysailers, the 2026 lineup offered something for everyone.\r\n

\"\"<\/h2>\r\n

Beneteau First 60<\/h2>\r\nAfter nearly half a century of First, this performance line of Beneteau continues to gather renewed momentum in its seventh generation with the launch of its largest model to date.\r\n\r\nSeascape, the Slovenian sportsboat specialists that Beneteau acquired in 2018, has helped to transform the First brand.\r\n\r\nIt took the fun, fast and easy-to-sail qualities found in Seascape\u2019s original 18-27ft Sam Manuard-designed range and applied them to the larger Firsts \u2013 readers will know just how impressed we were with the First 30 during our summer 2025 test.\r\nSuch is the transformation, co-founder Andraz Mihelin now heads up the entire First range. He sums up First as \u2018the joy of dynamic sailing\u2019 and says they are taking Beneteau into a new area of putting this enjoyment of sailing first.\r\n\r\nThis 60 is a big new launch in a tricky time for the production yacht market, the largest sailing yacht premiere due to be at boot D\u00fcsseldorf.\r\n\r\nAs well as the Slovenian influence, it sees the French giants once again using all-Italian design in Roberto Biscontini and Lorenzo Argento, who have worked on a number of Beneteau models in recent years. Biscontini brings his renowned wide, powerful hull shape, which will be styled inside and out by talented former Brenta designer Argento.\r\n\r\nFew details had been released as we went to press \u2013 indeed these images were released under embargo at the time \u2013 so we will report back with more from the show in January. From what we have gleaned, however, the First 60 will have a performance cruising focus (as opposed to handicap racing ambitions).\r\n\r\nThe cockpit is divided into sailing, relaxing and dining zones, and it will sport a captive mainsheet to provide push-button control of the powerful mainsail. A performance version of this mainsail is available, which adds an extra 7m2 sail area if you take the taller carbon rig.\r\n

First 60 specifications<\/h2>\r\nLOA:<\/strong> 18.95m 62ft 2in\r\nHull length:<\/strong> 17.60m 57ft 9in\r\nLWL:<\/strong> 17.00m 55ft 9in\r\nBeam:<\/strong> 5.30m 17ft 5in\r\nDraught:<\/strong> 2.63m or 2.88m 8ft 8in or 9ft 5in\r\nDisplacement:<\/strong> 22,280kg 49,105lb\r\n\r\n\"\"\r\n

Pure 42<\/h2>\r\nAluminium explorer yachts continue to be more popular than ever \u2013 but also tend to be comprised of custom yachts for high latitudes, luxury yachts, or slower centreboard cruisers. So what about those seeking sailing performance in that mix too?\r\nThis time last year I was intrigued by a German startup brand at the D\u00fcsseldorf boat show, which promised much of this blend in a new and exciting niche of performance cruising, semi-custom, aluminium explorers. Since then I\u2019ve been able to sail the first boat, and can confirm it is an exceptional design and build.\r\n\r\nIt offers spirited sailing, managed from the aft helms short-handed, combined with a very deep and protected cockpit and raised saloon. This is a yacht for all waters and particularly couples seeking enjoyable sailing and long periods aboard in comfort.\r\n\r\nThe Berckemeyer design is eye-catching and clever, featuring a hydraulically lifting keel for maximum shoal and deep draught benefits.\r\n\r\nThe layout reserves the entire aft section for stowage and machinery, but the accommodation doesn\u2019t feel compromised. It includes a midships cabin, with berth below the raised saloon, and a customisable stowage or workbench area.\r\n

Pure 42 specifications<\/h2>\r\nLOA:<\/strong> 13.80m 45ft 3in\r\nHull length:<\/strong> 12.90m 42ft 3in\r\nLWL:<\/strong> 12.30m 40ft 4in\r\nBeam:<\/strong> 4.20m 13ft 8in\r\nDraught:<\/strong> 1.20 to 3.00m 4ft 0in to 9ft 9in\r\nDisplacement:<\/strong> 9,800kg 21,600lb\r\n

\"\"<\/h2>\r\n

Saffier SE 28 Leopard<\/h2>\r\nHere, kitty kitty! This new SE 28 from ever-busy Dutch builder Saffier looks both wild and inviting, and is boldly christened with a name that suggests it will offer a feisty experience afloat. In a year when the IJmuiden yard released its largest model to date \u2013 a SL 46 that sees it now offer a luxury cruising range \u2013it\u2019s also developed this new Leopard, which sits in the heart of the daysailers it\u2019s renowned for.\r\n\r\nIt comes just five years after Saffier\u2019s SE 27 Leisure launched and scooped a European Yacht of the Year award, proving how quickly hull shapes and ideas move forward. While the SE 27 will remain in Saffier\u2019s range, this SE 28 presents a lot more yacht, thanks to its wider beam, higher freeboard and increased interior space. It\u2019s also an evolution of what Saffier does best, including the ability for one person to sail it fuss-free from a large, ergonomic cockpit. Where Saffier found success with its two-year-old SE 24, thanks to flatter underwater sections that make it a blast to sail, you can see those lines now exaggerated further on this SE 28.\r\n\r\nThe yard also says this is its most versatile daysailer, as it offers plenty of choice to suit solo cruising to racing. Options include double wheels or tillers, electric or diesel propulsion, and a solar panel or foredeck hatch. It is also offered with Seld\u00e9n\u2019s latest performance hardware, including its new rewind winches. The prototype of this was demonstrated to us at the Saffier yard and seemed very intuitive, especially when easing a loaded sheet line.\r\n\r\nDesigned by Kees van de Stadt and Saffier founder Dennis Hennevanger, the SE 28 weighs 2,200kg and is trailable. Below decks is seated headroom only in a bright, smart space, which includes a double berth, settee berths, a fridge and an optional chemical toilet.\r\n\r\nSaffier always has a stand-out stand at boot, and alongside the Leopard, it will also be presenting the SE 24 Lite, SE 33 Life, SC 8m Cabin and SC 6.5 Cruise.\r\n

Saffier SE 28 Leopard specifications<\/h2>\r\nLOA:<\/strong> 9.20m 30ft 2in\r\nHull length:<\/strong> 8.40m 27ft 7in\r\nBeam:<\/strong> 2.70m 8ft 10in\r\nDraught:<\/strong> 1.30m or 1.07m; 4ft 2in or 5ft 7in\r\nDisplacement:<\/strong> 2,200kg 4,850lb\r\nPrice:<\/strong> \u20ac114.500 ex VAT. saffieryachts.com\r\n\r\n\"\"\r\n

Hallberg-Rassy 370<\/h2>\r\nD\u00fcsseldorf will once again feature a world premiere for this renowned Swedish yard, this time of its 370. Now the second smallest model in its range, this is a size which the yard knows works, following its long production runs of the 372, the 37 and the 36 before that.\r\n\r\nThe modern Frers hull shape of the HR370, with its straight stem and wide stern sections, brings enhanced volume and powerful sailing. With twin wheels, two thrusters, two cabins, twin armchairs even, it packs the features in.\r\n

Hallberg-Rassy 370 specifications<\/h2>\r\nLOA:<\/strong> 12.13m 39ft 10in\r\nLWL:<\/strong> 10.59m 34ft 9in\r\nBeam:<\/strong> 3.75m 12ft 4in\r\nDraught:<\/strong> 2.00m 6ft 7in\r\n\r\n\"\"\r\n

J\/7 daysailer<\/h2>\r\nAn easy-to-sail family dayboat is J-Boat\u2019s promise with this attractive new 23ft J\/7. For that you need simplicity in operation, cockpit space and stability, all of which this design seems to offer in abundance. It\u2019s also light enough to trailer and has a single-point lift to aid launching. Tiller-steered with all controls kept easy and to hand of the helmsman, it features an end-boom mainsheet system.\r\n\r\nFour adults can sit on one side of the long cockpit, while a swim platform extends space to the narrow hull when at rest.\r\n

J\/7 daysailer specifications<\/h2>\r\nLOA:<\/strong> 7.04m 23ft 11in\r\nLWL:<\/strong> 6.35m 20ft 8in\r\nBeam:<\/strong> 2.47m 8ft 11in\r\nDraught:<\/strong> 1.16m 3ft 8in\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/a>If you enjoyed this\u2026.<\/h2>\r\n
\r\n
Yachting World is the world's leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.<\/em><\/div>\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers<\/a> and save at least 30% off the cover price.<\/em><\/div><\/blockquote>\r\nNote: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn\u2019t affect our editorial independence.<\/em>\r\n\r\n
","excerpt":{"rendered":"

As the doors swung open at boot D\u00fcsseldorf 2026, the sailing halls were buzzing with a clear message: performance is back at the forefront of yacht design. This year\u2019s premieres showcased a sophisticated shift toward dynamic sailing, blending high-speed hull forms with the luxury and ease of use demanded by modern cruisers. From the world debut of Beneteau\u2019s most ambitious First model to date, to the award-winning grit of German-built aluminium explorers and the refined agility of Dutch daysailers, the 2026 lineup offered something for everyone. Beneteau First 60 After nearly half a century of First, this performance line of Beneteau continues to gather renewed momentum in its seventh generation with the launch of its largest model to date. Seascape, the Slovenian sportsboat specialists that Beneteau acquired in 2018, has helped to transform the First brand. It took the fun, fast and easy-to-sail qualities found in Seascape\u2019s original 18-27ft Sam Manuard-designed range and applied them to the larger Firsts \u2013 readers will know just how impressed we were with the First 30 during our summer 2025 test. Such is the transformation, co-founder Andraz Mihelin now heads up the entire First range. He sums up First as \u2018the joy of dynamic sailing\u2019 and says they are taking Beneteau into a new area of putting this enjoyment of sailing first. This 60 is a big new launch in a tricky time for the production yacht market, the largest sailing yacht premiere due to be at boot D\u00fcsseldorf. As well as the Slovenian influence, it sees the French giants once again using all-Italian design in Roberto Biscontini and Lorenzo Argento, who have worked on a number of Beneteau models in recent years. Biscontini brings his renowned wide, powerful hull shape, which will be styled inside and out by talented former Brenta designer Argento. Few details had been released as we went to press \u2013 indeed these images were released under embargo at the time \u2013 so we will report back with more from the show in January. From what we have gleaned, however, the First 60 will have a performance cruising focus (as opposed to handicap racing ambitions). The cockpit is divided into sailing, relaxing and dining zones, and it will sport a captive mainsheet to provide push-button control of the powerful mainsail. A performance version of this mainsail is available, which adds an extra 7m2 sail area if you take the taller carbon rig. First 60 specifications LOA: 18.95m 62ft 2in Hull length: 17.60m 57ft 9in LWL: 17.00m 55ft 9in Beam: 5.30m 17ft 5in Draught: 2.63m or 2.88m 8ft 8in or 9ft 5in Displacement: 22,280kg 49,105lb Pure 42 Aluminium explorer yachts continue to be more popular than ever \u2013 but also tend to be comprised of custom yachts for high latitudes, luxury yachts, or slower centreboard cruisers. So what about those seeking sailing performance in that mix too? This time last year I was intrigued by a German startup brand at the D\u00fcsseldorf boat show, which promised much of this blend in …Continue reading »<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":450,"featured_media":161917,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[159],"tags":[552,1633],"review_manufacturer":[],"acf":[],"introduction":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/161906"}],"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\/450"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=161906"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/161906\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":161919,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/161906\/revisions\/161919"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/161917"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=161906"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=161906"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=161906"},{"taxonomy":"review_manufacturer","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/review_manufacturer?post=161906"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}