Here are some of the new boats that will be at Cannes Boat Show… there’s a huge range, but these are our Editor’s 6 top picks…
Italian boatbuilder Neo Yachts seems to have made a conscious decision to stick to national stereotypes by producing a range of delightful fast cruiser/racers. The 430 Roma is the latest addition to their range and features striking styling, all carbon construction and a big sail area – all adding up to blistering performance. The interior is modest but stylishly fitted out and it all adds up to a 43 footer well capable of attaining high speeds while also being relatively easy to handle.
It has been some years since Danish manufacturers X Yachts realised that if they offered a de tuned Xc cruising range alongside its out and out performance yachts, it would massively enlarge its customer base. The project was a huge success and the Xc range is now into its second generation with the launch of the Xc47. The new launch is one of the first since X Yachts divorce from founder and chief designer Niels Jeppesen and the result is a yacht that leans heavily towards the cruising market, featuring something not far from a deck saloon. The hull lines feature plenty of beam aft and there has obviously been a very conscious effort to up the cruising ante. That said, the boat retains a powerful rig and weight has been kept reasonably modest.
ITA is an Italian manufacturer that has built some fine performance cruising cats. Up until recently their range of yachts seemed a tad threadbare, consisting solely of their stylish, fast and comfortable 14.99. Happily their range has now been augmented by the launch of the new 15.49 which will be available to view at the show. As you can imagine, she sticks to the template of the 14.99 and is therefore a fast blue water cruising catamaran with foils to improve sailing to windward and also a set up optimised for a sailing couple.
Shogun’s 43 was actually tested in the October 2023 edition of Sailing today with Yachts and Yachting but she is now making her show debut at Cannes. This is a supremely stylish Swedish yacht from the design board of the legendary Hakan Sodergrun. She is narrow, very light being built in carbon and ludicrously fast. Down below there is sufficient living space to indulge in some warp speed cruising should you wish.
Dutch boatbuilder Contest is famed for building high quality blue water cruisers and their all new 63CS looks straight out of that playbook. Designed by their go to naval architects Judel/Vrolijk, this is a big, luxurious cruising yacht that will boat good performance particularly for those who love a spot of tradewind sailing. This is a centre cockpit yacht with a relatively modest 31,900kg displacement and a decent sail area pointing to a very versatile long distance cruiser.
Swedish manufacturer Hallberg Rassy is an institution in the world of blue water cruising. Yet it’s an institution that isn’t afraid to evolve and many were shocked when the boatbuilder started to introduce twin rudders and broader aft sections to its designs. The 69 is another step forward, being the largest boat ever built by the Swedes and nudging towards the cadre of pocket superyacht. The boat is designed by German Frers and features a big rig and contemporary lines familiar to those who are familiar with the most recent launches from the yard. The difference with the 69 is she is just a lot bigger and more luxurious. Fear not though, the trademark Hallberg Rassy armchairs are still an option.
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