Sneak Peek for 2025 from the US Sailboat Show in Annapolis

By Katherine Stone

What’s not to like about getting on new boats? In fact, Kenneth Grahame said it best, “…there is nothing—absolutely nothing—half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” On that note, we set off for Annapolis and the US Sailboat Show in October 2024. I hopped on eight boats, all nominated by SAIL and Cruising World’s 2025 Boat of the Year and available through Canadian Dealers. So, enjoy your sneak peek and start dreaming!

Catalina 356

There are tons of new upgrades all coming from owner suggestions. The list includes a new keel design with a cruising bulb to lower the boat’s center of gravity for better performance and stability, a new double-spreader mast with in-mast furling and a double ended main sheet that eliminates the traveller. All shrouds now lead to one inboard attachment close to the cabin top to provide clear side decks. A sturdy railing in stainless-steel completely encircles your outboard cruising space for more safety.

There are upgraded hull-side fixed ports, cabin-side opening ports and new LED lighting to brighten up the interior. Also new are the monitoring systems, steering pedestal, and diesel heating to lengthen your sailing season in Canada.

Dufour 44

A massive, inviting cockpit, social spaces throughout, sleek hull, luxurious comfort, and responsive-precise handling all contribute to the Dufour 44’s cruising performance and onboard living experience. The beam has been brought forward to maximize the interior space, which is light and bright from sea to sky. The aft cabins are huge, and there are versatile layout options with three or four cabins. The starboard side C-shaped galley, with sink and more counterspace on the port, can easily serve the hexagonal dining table, which seats 10 people with elbow room to spare. The stateroom is voluminous and plush.

A self-tacking jib makes sailing solo or with a crowd, a snap. Large line bins in the companionway and behind the winch stations keep ropes tidy and out of the way. Double wheels and two aft stairwells provide easy access to the swim platform.

Hanse 360

Hanse’s focus on easy-sailing, comfort and practical social spaces come to the forefront in this lovely “space wonder”. The designers have maximized every inch of this 36-foot boat, making it look and feel more like a 40-footer. It offers a unique option in its class for environmentally conscious cruisers with a long-range electric drive propulsion and sustainable sailcloth. This model boasts a hydrodynamic hull, efficient sail plan, dual helm, self-tacking jib and new mainsheet system for solo or family sailing. The characteristic Hanse chines provide stability and superior sailing performance.

Options are available for two and three cabins, with various saloon configurations and one or two heads. There are large, recessed hull windows, and all ports open in the saloon for excellent cross ventilation.

Hanse 410

This 41-footer is a very easy boat for a couple to sail with a roomy cockpit and below deck volume. Her full-length chines go straight up to the bow and provide 6” more interior volume, which is a big plus in the owner’s cabin. There are two cockpit tables that lower to make lounges and two wheels with helm seats that lift for easy access to the transom. Tank levels can easily be monitored with Bluetooth capability. This model also has the optional electric propulsion to minimize environmental impact.

Two- or three-cabin options are available. Hanse puts a premium on natural ventilation and has the most opening deck hatches in its class. Both aft cabins have hatches and ports that open. With great compartments, even above the settees and the port-side galley, there is abundant storage space.

J/40

While chatting with Rod Johnston, he noted that he was very happy with the new J/40. He joked that they finally hired someone who knew what they were doing to do the interior, and the boat can give the retired J/35 a run for its money. This is a true racer/cruiser with dual helms, a spacious cockpit and 360 degrees visibility. With offshore capability and cruising comfort, speed, stability and a balanced helm with a deep rudder, it’s built to excel in both light and heavy conditions. It’s the only 40-footer with fully infused hull, deck, structural grid and main bulkhead for a stiffer hull.

Below deck you will see varnished natural wood throughout and good natural light with either a two- or three-cabin layout. There is unreal storage above each settee. A great new addition to the J/Boat fleet.

Lagoon 43

With the Lagoon 42 being their best seller ever, it was a challenge to replace it with the 43 for cruising couples, young families, or for charter. With the option for three or four staterooms and six to 13 berths, there is a lot of versatility. With a deep front hull, the master suite is forward, far away from the noise of the dock and engine, with a huge master head. Separate heads and showers abound, along with handrails inside and out. Island style beds can be found fore and aft.

There are aft entryways for each hull and easy boarding with cutaway sides. Shrouds are outboard for easier access to the sides and bow, with deep gutters to catch rain and waves. Solar Panels are hard-wired. It is fully flush from cockpit to saloon with great flow. Finally, the rig has been moved forward to accommodate a larger sail plan.

Nautitech 48 Open

You can go around the world with this last design of the late Marc Lombard. His thinking was to accommodate the offshore sailor, so there are features like an optional dual auto helm. She is light for her size, with long, thin keels for good tracking. There are no daggerboards, and the keels are sacrificial so that when they hit something they fall off. She is a performance cat with composite, stiff hulls, carbon bulk bows that sit above the water and electric winches. The helm seats are wide to accommodate two people.

There are many configurations for the living accommodations with single, double or bunk beds, three or four cabins and three or four heads. The galley is to starboard with a signature stand-up central bar with handholds.

Canadian Dealers:

Catalina—Swan Yacht Sales, ON

Dufour—Yacht Sale West, BC; Atlantic Crising Yachts, ON; Marina Lennox, Quebec

Hanse—Pat Sturgeon Yachts, ON; Freedom Marine, BC; North 44 Yachts, NS

J/Boats—Fraser Yacht Sales, BC; Sunnybrook Yacht Brokers, NS; Pat Sturgeon Yachts, ON

Lagoon—Anchor Yacht Sales, ON, Aube Corbeil Marine, Quebec

Nautitech—Yacht Sales West, BC