As summer draws to a close, we’re picking some of the most exciting boats to be launched during this year’s boat show season.
The Northern Hemisphere summer is coming to an end and for sailors that means boat show season is upon us. With dozens of world premieres on the schedule at the Cannes, Genoa and Southampton boat shows, here is our selection of the most exciting new yachts on display in 2022.
Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 60
Beneteau’s latest flagship is designed as a robust and elegant cruise ship with a very high level of interior finish. It is also the result of a collaboration between Lorenzo Argento and Roberto Biscontini and it is a very different yacht from the 62 footer it replaces.
In particular, it has much less freeboard, which reduced the displacement by five tons. However, the internal volume remains the same, although instead of all accommodation being on one level, there are modest steps down from the salon to the full-width forward galley and aft cabins.
Biscontini has designed a hull shape similar to that of the First 44 and 53 and the Oceanis Yachts 54, with a flare above the waterline at transom level and soft chines that will be relatively fast in light airs, but will provide plenty of stability in strong winds. See Yachting World June 2022 for more details.
Specifications Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 60
LOA: 18.8m / 61ft 8in
Hull length: 17.64 m / 57 ft 1 in
Shine: 5.3m / 17ft 5in
Disorganized: (standard keel) 2.65m / 8ft 4in
Shift: 21,500 kg / 37,400 lbs
Price: To be determined
Manufacturer: beneteau.com
GT325
Almost 10 years after the launch of the GT35 by GT Yachts, the company resurfaces with a brand new boat: the GT325.
The original GT35 was designed by Stephen Jones and built by Windboats in Norfolk. It proved to be an exceptionally powerful, fast and spacious cruiser but, for GT Yachts, the expense and practicalities of outsourcing production simply did not add up and only one boat was launched.
Conrad Cockburn of GT Yachts had previously formulated plans with Jones for other designs in the range, one of which was for an enlarged and updated version of Jones’ Sadler 290. Those plans were put on hold until the arrival of investor and co-manager Jerry Ramsdale allowed the company to resume production in-house and relocate to Mercury Yacht Harbor on the Hamble.
The 325 has been designed for coastal cruising, offering a choice of daggerboards or twin keels, tiller or tiller steering and a large amount of space inside a high volume hull that is just below of the critical length of 10 m (32 ft 10 in) for berthing in the marina. The cockpit is exceptionally deep, with high coamings, a small fixed windscreen and a rear door that hinges to form a swim platform. With the door up, the cockpit is fully enclosed. Safety on deck is ensured by large bulwarks integrated into the deck moulding.
Despite all the emphasis on safety and creature comforts, boating performance was high on the priority list from the start. And, as you’d expect, the boat comfortably exceeds the requirements of the RCD Category A classification. Cockburn, a chartered engineer and naval architect himself, worked with Jones to create what should be a powerful and robust boat. For starters, the keels are cast in lead and bolted to a cast heel (or heels if you have a bikeel) to ensure the lowest possible center of gravity. The fibers of the vacuum infused shell run on one side, down into the heel(s) and out the other side to form a continuous laminate.
In terms of structure and attention to detail, GT Yachts is keen to emphasize that no corners are cut.
A stepped mast supports the generous 15/16th rig. A self-tacking jib will be standard, or you can choose a 115% headsail. The in-mast furler will be another option and will be installed on the first boat.
The 325 will have the main cabin forward, forward of which will be a large deck locker. The heads and shower will be aft, opposite the galley, and a forward head can be fitted.
The GT325 is due to make its world debut at the Southampton Boat Show (Stand E029).
GT325 Specifications
LOA: 9.97m / 32ft 8in
LWL: 9.00m / 29ft 6in
Shine: 3.56m / 11ft 8in
Shift: 5,650 kg / 12,456 lbs
Price excluding VAT: from £210,000
Manufacturer: gtyachts.com
Jeanneau 65
This model represents a significant redesign of the already successful Jeanneau 64. As with the Jeanneau 60 (see test, YW May 2022), it is intended to be a boat that can be configured in different ways, each with a different character.
Those who want more from a performance boat can specify a taller rig and mainsail sheet to the cockpit sole, while those looking for safer and easier handling can opt for a mainsheet arch. of mainsail, plus a long hardtop, with an optional center folding sunroof area.
Either way, cockpit space is maximized thanks to the wheels set back into the boat – Jeanneau claims to offer the equivalent of a multihull in this regard.
Accommodation below decks is designed by London designer Andrew Winch, with options including two spacious owner’s cabins with private bathrooms, three cabins including the forward owner or four cabins. All of these have the option of an additional single cabin which could be a dressing room, extra berth or even office space – although the extensive chart table is also designed for use as an office when cruising.
Jeanneau is also set to unveil an innovative new 55ft cruiser model this winter, in time for the Düsseldorf show in January. Designed by the same Briand/Winch team as the 60 and 65, this one will have a very different deck and interior layout, with three separate companionways.
Jeanneau 65 Specifications
Hull length: 19.55m / 64ft 1in
Shine: 5.40m / 17ft 8in
Ballast: 9,350 kg / 20,613 lbs
Shift: 31,000 kg / 68,343 lbs
Price: To be determined
Manufacturer: jeanneau.com
X43
X-Yachts’ Pure X range has proven extremely popular since the launch of the original 43ft and 65ft models in 2016. The range has since been expanded to include five models from 38ft upwards, with the X56 now being the flagship of the range.
However, the latest model is particularly significant, as it represents the first second-generation design in the range. The new hull shape has a more aft maximum beam, as well as a wider transom and larger cockpit. There is more flare above the waterline in the aft sections and the chines are taller, reducing drag, turbulence and wake, while increasing shape stability. X-Yachts has also upgraded the deck fittings, including the mainsheet traveler, and the new boat has a slightly taller rig.
At the same time, many small ergonomic and stylistic improvements developed for other models in the range, including the X56, have been incorporated. However, existing owners are clearly happy with the interiors of their boats and there are no changes to the layout.
X43 Specifications
Hull length: 12.67m / 41ft 7in
Shine: 3.99m / 13ft 1in
Disorganized: 2.2m / 7ft 3in
Shift: 9,400 kg / 20,723 lbs
Ballast: 3,700 kg / 8,157 l
Price: To be determined
Manufacturer: x-yachts.com
49CS Contest
The famous Dutch family yard is producing a center cockpit (50CS) and an aft cockpit version of the same Judel/Vrolijk hull design, which we previewed in YW November 2021. This latter 49CS is expected to launch first, in time for HISWA in the Netherlands. -Bas in September and will be presented at the Düsseldorf boat show in January.
Manufacturer: concoursyachts.com
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