2022 Best Boats

Turns out it takes more than a pandemic to keep sailors, naval architects and boatbuilders down. It wasn’t fair, but there’s no denying some parts of the global economy fared better than others this past year, and among the lucky ones was the marine industry. Not that it was all smooth sailing. Supply and workplace issues certainly put a crimp in productivity, as was evident in the fewer number of entries in last year’s Best Boat contest. However, the industry has since come roaring back, and the result is a Best Boats class of 2022 that’s as healthy as we seen in years: replete with everything from borderline production megayachts to a fun new batch of daysailers and pocket cruisers and even a pair of high-tech scows for the foiling crowd. Boat shows are also back, which means not only being able to renew old acquaintances, but also being able to (hopefully) get aboard as many boats as you want without all that social distancing. If you’ve never been to a boat show before, now’s the time to check one out. Same thing if you’ve been dreaming all these years of buying a new boat. If there’s nothing else we’ve learned over the course of the pandemic, it’s that there’s no time like the present. As always, SAIL’s Best Boats panel will be fanning out throughout the upcoming boat-show season in search of its favorite new designs. Look for its selection of winners in our January issue.

MONOHULLS

DUFOUR 470

Unveiled in tandem with the Dufour 61, the Dufour 470 is no less impressive a boat, despite its more diminutive LOA. As has been the case with a number of other Dufour models of late, the boat is available in three different versions: an “Easy” version with a simplified deck plan that will likely prove most popular in the charter market; an “Ocean” version with upgraded sail controls for cruisers looking to get the most they can out of their jib and main; and a “Performance” version for those interested in racing. Created by Felci Yacht Design, all three versions feature an expansive cockpit, complete with outdoor galley, twin helms and plenty of room for relaxing or grinding winches, depending on your preference. The hull is infused with a PVC foam core and a vinylester barrier coat to ward off the threat of osmosis.

LOA 45ft 11in BEAM 15ft 6in DRAFT 7ft 4in DISPLACEMENT 29,101lb SAIL AREA 1,151ft2 Dufour, dufour-yachts.com

DUFOUR 61

Dufour’s new flagship, the Dufour 61 promises to be a truly spectacular yacht, with luxury to spare and speed to burn—all in a package that has been made as simple as possible for shorthanded crews to handle, whether daysailing or on passage. A plumb bow and slightly reversed transom maximize sailing length, while a deep, semi-balanced spade rudder and T-keel ensure sail-carrying ability. An