New boats A look at the latest launches from around the globe Dehler 46 SQ
Excess 14 Excess Catamarans is an offshoot of Lagoon, the best selling cruising multihull manufacturer of all time. The aim of Excess was to draw in a younger audience essentially. The first few models used existing Lagoon hulls and spruced them up but the project has now evolved and an entirely separate range is being developed. The new boat is 44’ on the waterline and features the nowtrademark twin helms aft. The boat features a relatively low freeboard compared to Lagoon and, although daggerboards have been eschewed, the keels are somewhat deeper – pointing to the line being trod between speed and comfort.
l sea-ventures.co.uk
GT 325 British boatbuilder GT Yachts hit the headlines some years ago by unveiling an exciting range of pure blooded cruisers. Their first model off the production line, the GT 35 gained big plaudits and the company is now back with a big financial backer and a second boat, the Stephen Jones designed 325. A yacht that looks to fill the substantial gap in the market for a small (ish) ‘go anywhere’ cruiser. As such, the boat comes as standard with bilge keels (a single fin is an option), meaning the boat can be beached and making her ideal for coastal cruising in the UK. The boat can accommodate six and offers generous volume. l gtyachts.com
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JULY 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting
The Dehler 46 first hit the market back in 2016 and this Judel/Vrolijk design proved itself to be a polished performer, striking a pleasing balance between performance and comfort which is, after all, the key to producing a successful cruiser/racer. The manufacturers have decided that it is time for a bit of a refresh and, rather than go for a full on redesign, have stuck with the same hull but with significant modifications. Perhaps the most striking one is the interior which, although slick on the original 46, was extremely muscular and perhaps a touch too individual for all tastes. The new interior is lighter thanks to bigger portlights and brighter materials, while the old curved lockers have been replaced with more conventional ones. On deck, there is now an option of an arch over the cockpit with the mainsheet fixed to it. This allows for a bigger bimini and removes the traveller – making for a more cruiser friendly option. l inspirationmarine.co.uk
