MyTop30
Baltic Yachts

Catalog Edition of 5 September 2026

Sailing Yacht Builders

An edited MyTop30 catalog of yachts, published as a dated edition.

  • 20Entries
  • 5 Sep 2026Updated
  • Private sailingWritten for

No. 1 Baltic Yachts

Photograph by Tommy Karlsson, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, resized

Editor’s summary

Inaugural yachts baseline: 20 world-class sailing producers only—never padded to 30—spanning all four private-ownership classes (large sailing superyacht, performance cruising, explorer/expedition, luxury sailing). Rank 1 is Baltic Yachts for carbon performance-custom craftsmanship that trade press treats as the UHNW ownership benchmark; Royal Huisman and Oceanco lead the large-sailing icons, while Garcia anchors explorer aluminium and Nautor Swan’s 48–65 line leads luxury. Contest 63CS (EYOTY Luxury 2025) and Ice return after dual-outlet sourcing. Charter fleets and motor megayachts are excluded. First standing update due 15 June 2027.

Photograph by Tommy Karlsson, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, resized

01

Performance cruisingBest in class

Baltic Yachts

Finnish carbon custom benchmark: weight-obsessed performance with bluewater family brief.

Full assessment
Scores, specifications & sources

9.5Overall score
out of 10

  • Design9.5
  • Performance9.6
  • Build quality9.7
  • Exclusivity9.5
  • Experience9.2

Key specifications

Flagship example
Baltic 121 Custom Alice ~37.1 m LOA
Beam
~8.3 m (121 Custom)
Displacement
light ~108 t (121 Custom)
Keel
telescopic ~4.2–6.4 m (121); lifting keel on 78 Custom
Naval architecture
Malcolm McKeon (121); judel/vrolijk (78 Custom)
Construction
all-carbon composite custom / semi-custom

Sources

  1. Boat International · Baltic Yachts 121 Custom sloop Alice deliveredIndependent delivery coverage of ~37 m carbon custom Alice for private ownership.
  2. Boat International · Baltic Yachts 78 Custom sailing yachtLong-distance performance-cruiser program confirmation.
  3. SuperYacht Times · Baltic Yachts unveils Baltic 78 CustomSecond independent outlet on active Baltic 78 Custom build.
Photograph by EdoAug, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, resized

02

Luxury sailingBest in subcategory

Nautor Swan — Swan Yachts (48–65)

The enduring private-ownership icon where elegance, build quality and helming pleasure still set the bar in 15–30 m.

Full assessment
Scores, specifications & sources

9.4Overall score
out of 10

  • Design9.6
  • Performance9.4
  • Build quality9.5
  • Exclusivity9.2
  • Experience9.3

Key specifications

Range
Swan 48 MKII / 55 / 58 / 65
Swan 48 length overall
15.78 m
Swan 55
hull 16.60 m / beam 5.00 m / disp. ~22.5 t
Swan 65 length overall
20.11 m
Naval architecture
German Frers
Note
ClubSwan and Swan Maxi are adjacent brand lines—not this pick

Sources

  1. Yachting World · Swan 58 tested: best of both worlds?Couple-handleable fast luxury bluewater; Frers balanced hull.
  2. Yachting World · Swan 65 test: The triumphant return of a true sailing iconOwner-size versatile cruiser-racer; LOA 20.11 m.
  3. Yachting World · First look: Swan 55Owner-driver vs 58 positioning; beach-club transom.
  4. Boat InternationalNautor Swan builder profileSwan Yachts line listing (48–65) vs ClubSwan / Maxi / Shadow.
Photograph by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, resized

03

Large sailing superyachtBest in subcategory

Royal Huisman

The enduring private-owner pick for true aluminium sailing megayachts — Athena, Sea Eagle, and the in-build world’s-largest sloop.

Full assessment
Scores, specifications & sources

9.4Overall score
out of 10

  • Design9.4
  • Performance9.2
  • Build quality9.6
  • Exclusivity9.5
  • Experience9.3

Key specifications

Sea Eagle
81 m three-masted Panamax aluminium schooner (2020); Dykstra NA; Mark Whiteley exterior/interior; ~2,580 m² upwind / 3,552 m² downwind; hull speed ~22 kn
Athena
90 m classic schooner (2004)—still among world’s largest sailing yachts
Project 410
85 m aluminium sloop ‘New World Sloop’; Frers Design; Wetzels Brown interior; Rondal carbon mast; ~1,310 GT; hybrid power; delivery targeted ~2026
Also in build
Project 408 / Aquarius II (~65 m); concepts APEX 850, WING100

Sources

  1. Boat International · Royal Huisman reveals details of 81m sailing yacht Sea Eagle81 m aluminium Sea Eagle among world’s largest sailing yachts; CEO cites Athena, Sea Eagle, and Project 410.
  2. Yachting World · Sea Eagle II: One of the world’s finest superyachtsIndependent supersail feature; aluminium vs steel weight advantage; Design & Innovation Awards recognition.
  3. Yachts International · Royal Huisman Turns Hull of World’s Largest SloopIndependent confirmation of 85 m Project 410 hull turn, Frers/Wetzels Brown/Rondal team.
  4. Boat International · 81m Royal Huisman sailing yacht Sea Eagle to compete in New Zealand Millennium CupOngoing operational/regatta relevance of the platform.
Photograph by Jordiferrer, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, resized

04

Performance cruisingBest in subcategory

Wally (wallywind)

Still the coolest performance-cruising brand: push-button power, terrace-on-the-sea, genuine helm thrill at maxi size.

Full assessment
Scores, specifications & sources

9.4Overall score
out of 10

  • Design9.6
  • Performance9.4
  • Build quality9.1
  • Exclusivity9.3
  • Experience9.5

Key specifications

Model
wallywind110 Galma
Length overall
33.40–33.42 m
Beam
7.60 m
Displacement
light ~71.9 t
Keel options
fixed 4.5 m / telescopic / lifting
Sail area upwind
~635–700 m²
Rig
Hall/North carbon; twin rudders; judel/vrolijk NA

Sources

  1. Yachting World · wallywind 110 reviewFull sea trial: effortless coastal pace with genuine helm thrill at maxi size.
  2. Boat International · First look: Wally first wallywind 110 sailing yachtIndependent first-look/Monaco debut coverage of the sailing program.
  3. YACHT / Yacht.de · wallywind 110 GalmaGerman trade confirmation of freedom/comfort at maxi performance-cruiser level.
Photograph by EdoAug, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, resized

05

Performance cruisingNotable challenger

Nautor Swan (Swan Maxi)

The ownership brand for UHNW sailors who want Frers DNA, racing pedigree, and real bluewater comfort in the maxi band.

Full assessment
Scores, specifications & sources

9.3Overall score
out of 10

  • Design9.4
  • Performance9.2
  • Build quality9.5
  • Exclusivity9.0
  • Experience9.4

Key specifications

Swan 108
hull ~33.0 m, beam 7.55 m, disp. ~83 t, upwind SA ~350 m², fixed or telescopic keel
Swan 120
LOA ~36.55 m, beam 8.12 m, disp. ~99 t
Construction
full carbon-epoxy
Naval architecture
German Frers

Sources

  1. Yachting World · First look: Swan 108 — new maxi-era SwanDefines the current Swan Maxi ownership proposition.
  2. Yacht Style · The Swan 108 can do it allIndependent feature on Fancy: family cruising + racing prowess.
  3. Yachting World · First look: Swan 120 designed for outside livingLarger Maxi sibling confirms Frers carbon program breadth.

06

Performance cruisingNotable challenger

Southern Wind

Cape Town carbon dual-purpose kings: race-capable bluewater cruisers private owners keep rebuying.

Full assessment
Scores, specifications & sources

9.3Overall score
out of 10

  • Design9.3
  • Performance9.5
  • Build quality9.3
  • Exclusivity9.2
  • Experience9.1

Key specifications

Model
SW108
Length overall
~35.51 m (with bowsprit); hull ~32.8 m
Beam
7.51 m
Displacement
light ~74–76 t
Keel
lifting ~4.0–6.2 m
Naval architecture
Farr Yacht Design / Nauta Design
Rig
high-modulus carbon; twin rudders

Sources

  1. Boat International · SW108 sailing yacht series third unit Kalantis deliveryThird SW108 delivery confirms active Smart Custom pipeline.
  2. Boat International · On board Southern Wind sailing yacht Kiboko 4 WSA winnerWorld Superyacht Awards on-board feature for dual-purpose private ownership.
  3. NAVIS · Southern Wind 33m Kiboko 4Independent magazine feature on Kiboko 4.
Photograph by Conmat13, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, resized

07

Large sailing superyachtNotable challenger

Oceanco (sailing program)

The only yard that has repeatedly delivered the absolute largest private sailing yachts of the modern era — Black Pearl and Koru.

Full assessment
Scores, specifications & sources

9.2Overall score
out of 10

  • Design9.0
  • Performance8.8
  • Build quality9.5
  • Exclusivity9.7
  • Experience9.0

Key specifications

Koru
~125.8–127 m three-masted sailing yacht (2022/2023); ~3,493 GT; private ownership
Black Pearl
106.7 m three-masted DynaRig (2018); Nuvolari Lenard / Ken Freivokh / Dykstra; hybrid regen; steel hull / aluminium superstructure
Aquijo
85.9–86 m ketch with Vitters; Tripp Design (2016); 1,538 GT

Sources

  1. Boat International · The best photos of Jeff Bezos’ sailing yacht Koru125.8 m Koru launched at Oceanco Alblasserdam.
  2. SuperYacht Times · Jeff Bezos' superyacht Koru in Gibraltar~127 m Koru, Oceanco 2023, private ownership confirmation.
  3. YachtBuyerBLACK PEARL Yacht — 107m Oceanco 2018Independent specs: 106.7 m, Dykstra NA, hybrid modes.
  4. Boat International · Inside 86m Aquijo: The largest ketch in the worldOceanco–Vitters collaboration proves sailing mega capability.

08

Luxury sailingNotable challenger

Spirit Yachts — modern classic

World-class wooden modern classics — craftsmanship and timeless lines for design-led private owners.

Full assessment
Scores, specifications & sources

9.2Overall score
out of 10

  • Design9.7
  • Performance8.5
  • Build quality9.6
  • Exclusivity9.5
  • Experience8.8

Key specifications

Construction
wood-epoxy ring-frame monocoque
Program band
custom LOA typically mid-teens to high-20s metres within luxury band
Appendages
modern fin/bulb + carbon; electric/hybrid options on larger builds
Halo
Spirit 111 Geist (33.9 m) above band—proves capability, not the SKU

Sources

  1. Boat International · On board the Spirit 111 GeistWood-epoxy + modern systems; owner-driver ethos; sailing feel.
  2. Yachting World · Spirit Yachts: The British yard behind some of the world’s most beautiful boats37–111 ft portfolio; timber-epoxy expertise; in-band race/cruise examples.
  3. Classic Boat · Spirit Yachts — craftsmanship and individual designC52 private-ownership narrative in specialist press.
Photograph by The Yacht Watcher, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, resized

09

Luxury sailingBest in subcategory

Contest Yachts — CS 50–63

Dutch semi-custom luxury with Yachting World’s ‘superyacht-level finish’—and European Yacht of the Year Luxury 2025 for the 63CS.

Full assessment
Scores, specifications & sources

9.1Overall score
out of 10

  • Design9.3
  • Performance8.8
  • Build quality9.6
  • Exclusivity8.8
  • Experience9.2

Key specifications

Length overall (range)
~15.5–20.5 m (50CS–63CS)
Flagship
Contest 63CS LOA 20.54 m / hull 19.29 m, beam 5.50 m, disp. 31.9 t
Build
Vacuum-infused sandwich; Lloyd’s Register hull construction certificate
Naval architecture
judel/vrolijk & co; interiors Wetzels Brown Partners
Indicative as tested
Contest 63CS ~€3.5m as tested (Yachting World); Contest 56CS ~€2.2m net base estimate (Yacht.de)

Sources

  1. Yachting World · Contest 63CS review: Superyacht-level finishFull sea trial; EYOTY Luxury context; Lloyd’s process; short-handed luxury performance.
  2. YACHT (yacht.de) · Contest 56CS: A big surprise package from Holland for DüsseldorfGerman national press on CS-line evolution (56CS from 55CS); Judel/Vrolijk continuity; ~€2.2m net indicative.
  3. SuperYacht24 · Test Contest 63CS winner European Yacht of the Year 2025 | Luxury CruiserIndependent EYOTY 2025 Luxury Cruiser sea-trial coverage; Lloyd’s Register; judel/vrolijk.
Photograph by Jean-Pierre Bazard, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, resized

10

Luxury sailingNotable challenger

Oyster Yachts — 495 / 565 / 595

The British luxury liveaboard sailing brand — push-button centre-cockpit comfort with World Rally club cachet.

Full assessment
Scores, specifications & sources

9.1Overall score
out of 10

  • Design9.2
  • Performance8.4
  • Build quality9.4
  • Exclusivity9.0
  • Experience9.5

Key specifications

Oyster 495
LOA 16.10 m, beam 4.77 m, draught 2.28 m (shoal 1.83 m), lightship 21 t
Siblings
565 / 595 volume leaders in-band
Design
Humphreys Yacht Design; G6 deck saloon
Community
Oyster World Rally

Sources

  1. Yachting World · Oyster 495 review: an impressive smaller OysterSets a new standard for liveaboard luxury monohulls this size.
  2. Yachting Monthly · Oyster 495: the dream boat that sets the barNational sailing press test—build/finish/bluewater values.
  3. SuperYacht Times · Gypsy Soul overview (private Oyster delivery)Contemporary private Oyster sailing delivery (Humphreys).
Photograph by böhringer friedrich, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons, resized

11

Large sailing superyachtNotable challenger

Vitters Shipyard

The technical Dutch challenger for owner-driven 60–70 m+ performance sailing customs — Project Zero, 68 m Hoek ketch, and Dreamer prove the pipeline.

Full assessment
Scores, specifications & sources

9.1Overall score
out of 10

  • Design9.1
  • Performance9.3
  • Build quality9.2
  • Exclusivity8.8
  • Experience9.0

Key specifications

Project Zero
~69 m fossil-fuel-free sailing yacht; Vripack; Carbo-Link masts
Project 3095
68 m aluminium Hoek Design ketch; hull turned May 2025
Project Dreamer
63 m performance sloop, Malcolm McKeon; delivery ~2028
Aquijo
86 m ketch with Oceanco—mega-sail partnership proof

Sources

  1. Boat International · Vitters Shipyard’s vision for the 40m to 75m sailing superyacht marketYard positioning, Project Zero/3095/Dreamer pipeline, GT strategy.
  2. Boat International · Project Zero: World's first 'fossil-fuel-free' sailing yacht from Vitters69 m Project Zero rollout; concurrent 68.4 m Project 3095 noted.
  3. YACHT / Yacht.de · Project 3095: Vitters turns 68-metre hullIndependent German trade confirmation of 68 m Hoek ketch hull turn.

12

Explorer expeditionNotable challenger

Bestevaer S/Y (KM Yachtbuilders)

Dutch metal gold standard for short-handed high-latitude sailing — architect-as-owner credibility, KM craftsmanship, polar-to-tropics private commissions.

Full assessment
Scores, specifications & sources

9.0Overall score
out of 10

  • Design9.0
  • Performance8.2
  • Build quality9.4
  • Exclusivity9.0
  • Experience9.2

Key specifications

Bestevaer 53
LOA ~16.2 m; beam ~4.6 m; disp. ~20 t; draught fixed ~2.3 m or centreboard
Bestevaer 36
hull ~10.95 m; draught 0.7–2.4 m; light ~7.8 t; pilothouse
Custom grand
aluminium sailing explorers up to ~100 ft at KM

Sources

  1. Yachting World · Bestevaer 36 review: Start exploring closer to homeDykstra formula for short-handed / high-latitude exploration.
  2. Yachting World · First look: Bestevaer 36Downsized pilothouse cruiser for serious exploration DNA.
  3. YACHT / Yacht.de · Bestevaer 45 ST PureIndependent sea test of robust long-distance aluminium from KM.

13

Explorer expeditionBest in subcategory

Garcia Exploration (45 / 52 / 60) + Explocat 52

The benchmark private sailing explorer line — Jimmy Cornell DNA, Northwest Passage pedigree, Atlantic-proven flagship, plus the rare serious aluminium expedition cat.

Full assessment
Scores, specifications & sources

9.0Overall score
out of 10

  • Design9.2
  • Performance7.8
  • Build quality9.5
  • Exclusivity8.5
  • Experience9.4

Key specifications

Exploration 60
LOA 19.50 m; draught 1.50–3.65 m; disp. ~35 t; fuel ~2,300 L; Berret-Racoupeau; CE A
Exploration 52
~16 m class centreboarder; twin rudders; heavy alloy build
Explocat 52
LOA ~16.95 m; beam 8.20 m; draught 1.50 m; light ~18.9 t

Sources

  1. Yachting World · Garcia Exploration 60 reviewAtlantic-tested; Svalbard / Great Capes / Patagonia / Antarctica ambition.
  2. Yachting World · Garcia Exploration 52 testJimmy Cornell DNA; uncompromising high-latitude aluminium.
  3. Yachting World · Garcia Explocat 52 reviewGo-anywhere metal multihull; Svalbard-bound early owners.
  4. YACHT / Yacht.de · Garcia Exploration 52Independent German sea test of robust explorer focus.
Photograph by Bengt Oberger, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, resized

14

Luxury sailingNotable challenger

Hallberg-Rassy — 50 / 57

Ultimate polished Scandinavian bluewater luxury — ‘as good as it gets’ for thoroughbred centre-cockpit private cruisers.

Full assessment
Scores, specifications & sources

9.0Overall score
out of 10

  • Design9.0
  • Performance8.6
  • Build quality9.5
  • Exclusivity8.6
  • Experience9.4

Key specifications

HR 50
LOA 16.34 m, beam ~5.0 m, draught 2.35 m, lightship 21 t, fuel 1,000 L, water 800 L
HR 57
long-range voyager sibling; BOTY 2024 coverage
Naval architecture
German Frers centre-cockpit generation

Sources

  1. Yachting World · Hallberg-Rassy 50 tested: ultimate refinementEYOTY Luxury Cruiser—‘ultimate in polished refinement.’
  2. Cruising World · Boat Review: Hallberg-Rassy 57US national press / BOTY 2024—systems redundancy, passagemaking luxury.

15

Luxury sailingNotable challenger

Solaris Yachts — 50 / 55 / 60

The Italian Gran Turismo sailing yacht — sexy flush decks, top-league finish, genuinely fun to helm.

Full assessment
Scores, specifications & sources

9.0Overall score
out of 10

  • Design9.4
  • Performance9.0
  • Build quality9.2
  • Exclusivity8.5
  • Experience8.8

Key specifications

Solaris 50
LOA 15.50 m (16.75 m w/ sprit), beam 4.78 m, draught 2.80 m (opts 2.60/2.35), disp. 15.9 t, sail area ~155 m²
Siblings
55 / 60 in/near band
Naval architecture
Soto Acebal
Features
tender garage for ~2.5 m RIB

Sources

  1. Yachting World · Solaris 50 review: fast, fun cruisingRewarding helm; customisation; sales velocity.
  2. YACHT / Yacht.de · Test: Solaris 50‘Top league’ build; exclusive luxury cruiser framing.

16

Performance cruisingNotable challenger

YYachts

German carbon ‘easy maxi’: serious performance with small-crew usability and Scandinavian-minimal interiors.

Full assessment
Scores, specifications & sources

9.0Overall score
out of 10

  • Design9.0
  • Performance9.1
  • Build quality9.0
  • Exclusivity8.6
  • Experience9.3

Key specifications

Y9
LOA ~29.71 m, beam 6.80 m, light disp. ~55–58.5 t
Keel
telescopic ~3.2–4.8 m
Sail
main ~242–272 m²; carbon sandwich; twin engines
Naval architecture
Bill Tripp / Surge Projects

Sources

  1. Yachting World · YYachts Y9 review: new sweet spot of superyachtingSea trial of Bella—short-handed carbon performance near 30 m band.
  2. YACHT / Yacht.de · Y7 lightweight construction at its very bestIndependent German press on YYachts lightweight construction DNA.

17

Explorer expeditionNotable challenger

Boreal (47.2 / 52 / 56)

Pure-play French high-latitude sailing explorer — Patagonia/Antarctic founder DNA, EYOTY-proven, doghouse + alloy + shoal draught in one coherent private program.

Full assessment
Scores, specifications & sources

8.9Overall score
out of 10

  • Design8.8
  • Performance8.0
  • Build quality9.3
  • Exclusivity8.2
  • Experience9.3

Key specifications

Boréal 56
LOA 17.12 m; LWL 14.47 m; beam 4.94 m; draught 1.20–3.18 m; light ~20.5 t; ballast ~6.6 t; fuel ~1,150 L; water ~1,500 L
Boréal 47.2
European Yacht of the Year winner lineage; same concept refined

Sources

  1. Yachting World · Boreal 56 reviewEYOTY trials in North Sea gale; scow-influenced bow.
  2. YACHT / Yacht.de · Boreal 56: Globetrotter for extreme areasIce-class so to speak; extreme-area globetrotter framing.
  3. Yachting World · Boréal 47.2 reviewProven concept refined—multi-year validation.
  4. Cruising World · Boat Review: Boreal 47US national press validation of Boreal expedition concept.

18

Luxury sailingNotable challenger

Ice Yachts — 60 / 66RS / 70

Slippery Italian premium fast cruiser—Yachting World and Yachting News sea trials put helm feel and finish in the UHNW sports-cabriolet lane.

Full assessment
Scores, specifications & sources

8.9Overall score
out of 10

  • Design9.3
  • Performance9.2
  • Build quality9.0
  • Exclusivity8.4
  • Experience8.6

Key specifications

Length overall (range)
~18–21 m (Ice 60 / 66RS / 70)
Flagship
Ice 66RS LOA 19.90 m, beam 5.73 m, draught 3.30 m, lightship ~26 t, SA/D ~29
Build
Resin-infused glass/carbon; RS line all-carbon decks
Designers
Umberto Felci (60/70); Farr Yacht Design + Lucio Micheletti (66RS)

Sources

  1. Yachting World · Ice 66RS Review: Slippery, Premium, Performance CruiserFarr/Micheletti RS carbon fast cruiser; finger-light helm; SA/D 29.
  2. Yachting News · Ice 70: sailing aboard a Stradivarius. Full Sea trialIndependent full sea trial of Ice 70; carbon-infused composite; short-handed sail plan; premium Med performance-luxury.
  3. Yachting World · Ice 60 review: The chic Italian yacht that offers more than just styleEarlier model establishing Felci/CN Yacht 2000 Ice brand bar for private performance luxury.
Photograph by Pedro J Pacheco, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, resized

19

Large sailing superyachtNotable challenger

Perini Navi / The Italian Sea Group

Italy’s enduring large-sailing brand — Maltese Falcon iconicity plus post-acquisition 60 m+ deliveries (Katana) under TISG relaunch.

Full assessment
Scores, specifications & sources

8.7Overall score
out of 10

  • Design8.9
  • Performance8.5
  • Build quality8.7
  • Exclusivity8.6
  • Experience8.8

Key specifications

Maltese Falcon
88 m three-masted Falcon Rig (2006); Dijkstra / Perini / Ken Freivokh; ~2,400 m² sail
Katana
60 m aluminium sailing ketch (2025); Ron Holland NA; Southern Spars carbon; retractable keel; Rémi Tessier interiors
Series sisters
Perseus³, Seahawk, Seven

Sources

  1. Boat International · Fourth 60m Perini Navi sailing yacht Katana deliveredIndependent confirmation of Katana delivery; fourth 60 m hull; TISG relaunch.
  2. YachtBuyer · KATANA Yacht — 60m Perini Navi 2025Specs cross-check: 60 m, 497 GT, Ron Holland NA, lifting keel.
  3. Reuters · Italian Sea Group buys bankrupt luxury yacht maker for $91 millionIndependent confirmation of TISG acquisition of Perini Navi.

20

Explorer expeditionNotable challenger

Allures 51.9 + Horizon 47

Award-winning aluminium expedition cruiser for private owners — Viking-route validated, SAIL Top 10 / Cruising World BOTY 2025, Magellan-class ambitions without Garcia’s full ice-tank weight.

Full assessment
Scores, specifications & sources

8.5Overall score
out of 10

  • Design8.7
  • Performance8.0
  • Build quality8.8
  • Exclusivity7.5
  • Experience8.6

Key specifications

Allures 51.9
hull ~15.57 m / LOA ~16.7 m class; beam ~4.82 m; draught ~1.34–2.92 m; disp. ~18.4 t
Horizon 47
hull 14.25 m; draught 1.20–3.10 m; ~15 t; canting integral keel; deliveries from ~Oct 2026

Sources

  1. Cruising World · Boat Review: Allures 51.9BOTY 2025 Best Full-Size Cruiser after Viking-route passage.
  2. SAIL Magazine · Review: Allures 51.9, SAIL Top 10 Best Boats 2025 WinnerExplicitly framed as expedition sailing Top 10 winner.
  3. Yachting World · Video: test sailing the Allures 51.9Trade first-look / test sailing coverage.
  4. Yachting Monthly · First look: Allures 51.9National sailing press first look.

Watchlist

On the radar

  • Alubat / Ovni

    Next bi-annual cycle if UHNW/elite-yard framing strengthens vs Garcia/Bestevaer/Boreal/Allures

    Serious aluminium centreboarders—cult bluewater near-miss one step below the explorer elite awards & polar-pedigree bar.

  • Advanced Yachts A80

    Next cycle if LOA/press stack thickens into the core 30 m performance-cruising band

    Reichel/Pugh + Nauta ~24 m Italian bluewater performance—strong DNA but under typical 30 m band vs kept Southern Wind / Wally / Swan Maxi set.

  • Lürssen (sailing follow-on)

    If a second modern sailing commission at 80 m+ lands

    93 m Eos (2006) proves capability; core business remains motor megayachts—a second sailing commission would force reconsideration beyond a one-off.

  • Mylius

    Next cycle if anglophone dual-pro coverage matches Solaris/Swan depth

    Credible Italian carbon peer (e.g. Mylius 72); anglophone dual-source thinner than kept Italian luxury/performance set.

Keep reading

Photograph: Schirmacher Oasis, Antarctica (landscape of the camp location) by Pavan Nair, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, resized

15 entries 19 September 2026

Adventures

No. 1 White Desert Antarctica — Whichaway & Echo Camps