As we slipped our lines from the dock in Porto Cervo I was trying to conceal my disappointment. After being present at the original launch of the design for the…
Reviews
First look: Tison 48 Elida – wooden stunner
The stunning Tison 48 design combines engineered timber construction with high-tech materials including strategic use of carbon. Designer Thomas Tison, a structural engineer with an America’s Cup and aerospace background,…
First look: CR Yachts 490DS
The latest model from this Sweden Yachts Group brand, the CR Yachts 490DS, is a decksaloon performance bluewater cruiser, with saloon and navstation raised to provide a 270º view. The…
First look: Spirit 72DH a contemporary classic
Spirit Yachts’ latest launch, the Spirit 72DH, embodies the key features that make these boats so desirable, while also marking a break with tradition for the company. All the hallmarks…
Garmin Quatix 7 smartwatch test and review
Garmin Quatix 7 The Garmin Quatix 7 smartwatch, the latest version of this popular sailors watch includes improvements to strengthen integration with onboard boating electronics. It’s now been equipped with…
Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 60 review
A measure of how much yacht design has moved on over the past few years is that Beneteau’s replacement for the successful Oceanis Yacht 62 (2016), the new Beneteau Oceanis…
First look: A tour of the new ClubSwan 80
Due to make her eagerly awaited regatta debut at the Maxi Worlds in early September, the first new ClubSwan 80 My Song launched from Persico Marine in Italy earlier this…
Oyster 495 review: an impressive smaller Oyster
Good things come to those who wait. After tirelessly chasing the breeze for over 100 miles, we found our just rewards. It was a hazy, moody morning as I rose…
First look: TEMO 1000 electric outboard
Electric propulsion has allowed innovative companies – usually small start ups – to experiment with novel form factors, many of which have clear advantages over that of a conventional internal…
First look: Vaan R4
Even if Vaan’s debut boat had not been the only catamaran moored to the ancient brickwork of the canal at Hellevoetsluis, there would have been no mistaking this fascinating boat.…
First look: GT325
Nearly 10 years after GT Yachts launched the GT35, the company has re-emerged with a brand-new boat: the GT325. The original GT35 was designed by Stephen Jones and built by…
Tested: SailProof android tablet
I’ve long thought that ruggedised Android tablets represent a threat to traditional marine MFD and instrument displays. They can be used very flexibly, either running a wide variety of apps,…
First look: Oceanis Yacht 60
Beneteau’s latest flagship is intended as a sturdy and stylish bluewater vessel with a very high standard of interior finish. It’s also a result of a Lorenzo Argento and Roberto…
First look: Jeanneau 65
The new Jeanneau 65 represents a significant makeover of the already successful Jeanneau 64. As with the Jeanneau 60 this is intended as a boat that can be configured in many…
Pilot Classic 47 review – timeless elegance
Pride of ownership is a tricky quality to quantify. To many yacht owners looks will play second fiddle to pragmatics – practicality, space and affordability all rank higher (hence the…
First look: X-Yachts X49E – Danish yard’s first electric yacht
X-Yachts has launched its first yacht with electric propulsion, a 49-footer for long distance cruising, the X49E. The Danish yard worked closely with the owner, who wants to use his…
First look: Zen50 – innovative wingsail rig
How far is it possible to push the concept of this kind of yacht? Maltese firm Zero Emission Nautic has gone further than most with its Zen50, thanks to the…
Aceleron Essential: recyclable lithium batteries you can repair
We are increasingly turning to lithium-ion phosphate batteries to power our boats’ systems. Yet despite their many advantages they can also be associated with a number of potential problems that…
First look: Arsouin 40 hybrid
The Arsouin 40 hybrid is a lifting keel monohull, which is the first in a range of yachts that has also been conceived from the outset for electric propulsion. A…
First look: Seaquest 46SQ
Light displacement greatly reduces the amount of power needed to drive a vessel – an important factor in an electric yacht. This is one of the reasons Mike Eaton, who…