European Yacht of the Year 2019: 3 cruising yachts for performance

The Performance Cruiser category includes sailboats designed for cruising, but high-performance. In addition to a comfortable layout, they are also able to line up miles quickly.

The "Performance cruiser" category speaks for itself. One word, only one to characterize the sailboats in this category: performance. The boats selected here were therefore all chosen first on the basis of speed. But the latter is not the only criterion analysed. It is also necessary to see the boat's behaviour at full speed, the ergonomics of the cockpit, the sensitivity and reactivity of the rudder or the adaptation of the sail plan to changing conditions.

The scope of selection has broadened in recent years - as in most markets. We are talking here about one-design racing-cruise boats capable of leaving quickly on the schedule or boats with more moderate performance with a layout dedicated to cruising.

Arcona 435

The Arcona 435 from the Swedish shipyard Arcona Yachts is the successor to the Arcona 430, which was named European Sailing Yacht of the Year in 2009 when it was launched. This new model resembles the old one, and takes up the typical Scandinavian performance cruiser concept: stiff, durable, robust construction and comfortable interior.

The Arcona 435 features modern and more spacious hull lines, with a wide rear section and a state-of-the-art sail plan. The compromise between comfort and speed.

Big Sun 48 Performance

Race version

The Grand Soleil 48 Performance of the Pardo shipyard is a chic but high-performance cruising yacht. A second "Race" version is more regatta oriented. These two versions share the same mould, but not the same materials, manufacturing processes or equipment.

The hull of the Performance version is made of conventional glass/vinylester with structural laminate partitions. The keel has a steel sail and a lead bulb while the rudder (unique) is made of glass laminate with a stainless steel wick.

The layout with 3 double cabins will be the same in both versions.

Discover the Great Sun 48 Performance

X4.6

The X range of the X-Yachts shipyard combines all the know-how of the yard for 40 years. The sailboats are both efficient with a passage at sea characteristic of narrow hulls, appreciating the close-hauled conditions, but above all very comfortable even with a small crew. They are also well suited for cruising. The elegant cockpit is closed by a rear platform. In order not to lose performance, the cockpit ground clew is located vertically above the end of the boom. As for the layout, the sailboat is standard with 3 cabins.

Learn more about X4.6

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