New boat news

New boats

A look at the latest launches from around the globe

Pointer 30

Pointer Yachts is a Dutch company that has a range of compact weekenders that look stylish and have a pleasing turn of speed. The new 30 is the largest in the range. The hull is relatively slender by modern standards and features a generous sail area. Down below there is a double berth forward and two singles aft. The brochure loses something in translation as it states: ‘With the design of the Pointer 30, a comfortable workplace and a nice coffee bar were paramount. An innovative bar with adjustable and rotating armchairs for optimal comfort.’ Anyway, it looks like a fun yacht and if it has a bar too, so much the better.

Contest 49CS

Contest Yachts has been providing top end blue water cruisers for decades now and has built a fine reputation. Their latest model sits in that key sub 50’ bracket and looks a strong rival to the newly launched Oyster 495. The boat is a bit of a break for Contest as it is their first sub 50’ yacht with an aft cockpit. Despite this, things are kept relatively snug for the cruiser, as the helms are kept well forward and just abaft a nicely enclosed cockpit that would keep you feeling secure in a gale of wind. The interior is typically classy and standard accommodation features generous berths aft by the standards of most aft cockpit yachts.

l Pointeryachts.com l contestyachts.com

Grand Soleil 40 Performance

Grand Soleil is hoping to build on it’s success garnered in the ORC with their new 40 Performance. The boat is designed by Mateo Polli, who designed the ORC World Championship winning 44. The 40 is an evolution of that boat and light air performance is made a priority. The entrance is long and fine with maximum beam – a substantial 4.07m - kept well aft although the run is relatively fine providing relatively low wetted surface area on an even keel.

Beneteau Oceanis 60

The Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 60 follows on from the launch in 2020 of the 54 as part of their top end range of large, luxurious yachts. To this end, the design team of Roberto Biscontini and Lorenzo Argento have created a yacht that has plenty of style mixed with cruising comfort. The hull is actually rather sleek with a low, wedge shaped coachroof and aggressive lines giving the boat an air of real purpose. This is possible because the plan is that, like the 54 before it, the 60 will be given a sportier sister under the Beneteau First brand. If that is the case, it’s yet to be unveiled but certainly this looks like a stylish, purposeful and versatile.

Arcona 50

Swedish manufacturer Arcona Yachts has made an art form out of turning out fast cruising yachts that are great fun to sail. The new 50 is their largest offering to date. The boat represents a departure in many ways as this is the first Arcona to be designed by Niels Jeppesen – who many will recognise as the former CEO of X-Yachts. Jeppeson is now on the board at Arcona and teamed up with Ariadna Pons to draw up a fine looking 50 foot yacht. Jeppesen brings masses of experience in this field, having designed many, many X-Yachts. The emphasis will be on fast offshore cruising and there will be three different choices of draft and although the boat is a powerful one, it is set up to be cruised by a couple.