While the hardcore racing world has been squabbling over everything from handicapping systems to whether people really want to go offshore racing, a growing army of less vociferous but fiercely…
Boat tests
Greek Ocean Star 51.2 Exclusive review: from the archive
What do yo get if you aim to create a 50 footer that can carry plenty of people, is still stylish enough to appeal to the eye and has been…
Elan Impression 444 review: from the archive
The newly launched Elan Impression 444 is born from the 434, a design that made an impression itself when it launched a successful line of big-volume cruisers in 2004. Over…
Oyster 575 review: from the archive
A 220nm passage on the new Oyster 575 certainly provided quality time aboard to assess whether this might be a worthy heir to Oyster’s most successful model ever, the 56,…
Oyster 54 review: from the archive
For once, there was no need to remove every cushion, lift every floorboard and squeeze into the engine room for a boat test. Having acted as the owner’s consultant in…
Dufour 36P review: from the archive
Video footage from Yachting World's test of the new Dufour 36P performance cruiser. The full report is in Yachting World August, out now
Bavaria Vision 46 review: from the archive
Video footage from Yachting World's test aboard Bavaria's new Vision 46 – an innovative family cruiser from the board of Farr Yacht Design and Design Unlimited. The full report is…
Dufour 470 review: Bags of space below
Yacht design has made enormous strides in the past decade: the best of today’s new boats are safer, easier to handle, faster and a lot more spacious than older models…
Beneteau Oceanis 523 review: from the archive
When most yards talk of success in this size range they’re talking of tens, maybe scores of boats built. Beneteau talk in hundreds. The predecessor of the Beneteau Oceanis 523,…
Bavaria 55 Cruiser review: Better by Farr – from the archive
Without meaning to be cruel, a recession can sometimes be a mixed blessing for the consumer. It ensures the survival of the fittest among manufacturers, who have to sharpen up…
Beneteau Oceanis 323 review: from the archive
The appearance of the Beneteau Oceanis 323 suggests simple, economical family sailing, lots of room and a modest performance – or does it? Closer inspection makes you think again, because…
Bénéteau Sense 50 review: It all makes sense – from the archive
Yachting World’s test of Beneteau’s voluminous new chined cruiser – a boat that’s sure to divide opinion
Beneteau First 34.7 review: from the archive
Beneteau are clearly very proud of the new Beneteau First 34.7 have issued several bold statements about the complexity of the new boat in their ever expanding stable. How could…
X-35 review: from the archive
When it comes to serious numbers in one design yachts, the X-99 rates as one of the most successful designs of modern times, with 600 built since 1985. But after…
Beneteau First 47.7 review: from the archive
The Beneteau First 47.7 looks set to follow in the footstep of the latest yachts that have come before. Cost has clearly been a big factor but there are other…
Beneteau First 40.7 review: from the archive
Their prevalence at regattas shows how much the design has caught the imagination as a performance boat at a good price. Nowadays there’s another reason for its success-with so many…
X-Yachts X-41 review: from the archive
Although they are clearly from the same stable, Niels Jeppesen has given her a deep T-keel for stability. But the X-Yachts X-41 carries a comparatively lower sail area than her…
Beneteau Oceanis 473 review: from the archive
Is the Beneteau Oceanis 473 just another average white boat? On the face of it, yes. But as I eased the throttle forward and her engine revs climbed there was…
Beneteau Oceanis 42CC review: from the archive
Love ’em or loathe ’em, there’s no denying the popularity of centre cockpit yachts. Beneteau’s current range spans sizes from 36ft to 44ft and the Beneteau Oceanis 42CC, which started…
Bénéteau First 45 review: from the archive
Her looks mirror the First 50, Bénéteau’s flagship performance cruiser launched in 2006, notably owing to the long sleek coachroof and moulded ‘eyebrows’ over the side windows. And the similarity…