While the graphical representations of many new designs may look impressive, rarely do we see a production yacht unveiled with so many new or reimagined clever ideas all packed into…
monohull
A TP52, high performance, modern monohull. Photo: Crosbie Lorimer
As the name suggests, a monohull is a boat consisting of a single hull. These represent some of the oldest forms of boat from a simple hollowed out log as a canoe up to modern high-performance yachts that we see today.
The monohull, particularly in the western world, has long been the boat of choice for either small boat sailing or bigger boats intended for ocean crossings.
Today, monohulls come in broadly two styles, with or without some form of ballast. Typically larger boats have a keel of some form under the water, which acts as a counterweight to the forces from the sails, while smaller boats will rely on crew weight to create righting moment.
Monohulls remain, by some distance, the most popular type of boat across the globe.
Exclusive 2 day sail on the largest Hallberg-Rassy ever built: Hallberg-Rassy 69 review
It was proper cold. An honest cold that cuts straight through us soft southerners, unused as we are to minus double digit temperatures. The docks were covered with gnarled ice,…
The best specialist yachts: new and interesting designs
What do you do when you have yachts that are as diverse as innovative daysailers, a lake sportsboat, a recyclable one-design and an elite high-end carbon weapon? Well at the…
Best luxury yacht: 7 ultimate luxury cruisers you can buy
The definition of the best luxury yacht will differ according to personal opinion and from boat to boat. This year’s nominees in the luxury yacht category of the European Yacht…
Jeanneau Yachts 55 review: Thinking outside the box
Boatbuilders rarely have the courage to launch a model that represents a radically different way of thinking. Instead, most new yachts are simply variations on established themes with incremental improvements…
XC47 review: is this the best bluewater cruiser ever?
We’re close-hauled in 7-10 knots of true wind, making 6-6.5 knots of boat speed, with the helm beautifully balanced and only a degree or two of weather helm. A gentle…
Sun Fast 30OD review: breaking the mould
The best racing I’ve ever done, whether inshore or offshore, has been in one-design fleets. However, in the offshore realm it’s been two decades since the last successful one-design class…
First look: Grand Soleil 65LC
Welcome to another smoking hot new launch from Grand Soleil, the Grand Soleil 65LC. This Matteo Polli design follows in the footsteps of the 2022-launched GS72, for which it is…
First look: Swan 51 – redeveloping a classic
The Swan 51 of 1981 broke new ground as it was the first German Frers design for Swan, the spark for an incredible relationship now in its fourth decade. Nautor…
First look: Contest 63CS
The run of Georg Nissen-designed Contest 62CSs finished 10 years ago and what we can be assured of with the new generation of Judel/Vrolijk designed hulls is a lot more…
Arcona 50 review: Luxury performance cruiser
Arcona – a Swedish yard with a sound reputation for producing traditional style cruiser-racers, designed by a little known Swede who had a gift of ensuring slippery hulls. If that…
First look: New designs from KM yachts
Dutch aluminium specialists KM Yachts continues to respond to a high demand in bespoke alloy and explorer-type yacht builds. It has a handful of projects in build alongside the OC…
Two new Owen Clarke explorer yachts for high latitudes cruising
A well established and regarded name in the offshore racing world, the Owen Clarke studio has in recent years been making a reputation for its bespoke explorer yacht creations. The…
Ovni 430 review: new interpretation of a successful concept
The concept of rugged aluminium centreboard boats is well proven, but can a boat displacing 14 tonnes when loaded sail well in the light airs that predominate during summer in…
First look: 18m Explorer Yacht OC188
Designed for extended remote cruising including a circumnavigation, OC188 is six months into its aluminium construction at alloy experts KM Yachtbuilders in Makkum. Its experienced owner wanted an easily handled…
Extraordinary boats: Maluka – restoration of a 1932 classic
One thing you should do is take your watch off. If you start looking at your watch you’re going to do your head in!” said Sean Langman, owner and skipper…
First look: MCP 68 – luxury yacht meets trawler-style motorsailer
A luxury yacht meets a rugged trawler-style motorsailer, all wrapped in a purposeful explorer look in this MCP 68 from Brazil. Hull numbers two and three are being delivered this…
Spirit 72DH review: latest modern classic stunner
Clear the headland three miles south of Guernsey’s St Peter Port and the depth and conditions can change abruptly, as you transition from sailing around tidal banks into the English…
First look: Swan 108 launched
Nautor’s latest model – billed as being the first in the yard’s new Maxi Swan era – was launched in June this year and underwent sea trials in Finland’s Gulf…
5 new sailing scows aimed at the cruising market
Those who followed the early stages of this year’s Rolex Fastnet Race will surely have been intrigued by how well the front runners in the Class 40 fleet appeared to…