Best Boats Nominees
WHERE TO SEE THEM
Newport International Boat Show
Sept. 12-15
Annapolis Boat Show
Oct. 10-14
On the web
Checkout our Facebook page and web site to get the latest on all our Best Boats nominees:
Bring on the monohulls! In a world increasingly given over to multihull sailing, SAIL Magazine’s “Best Boats” class of 2020 brings with it a strong new group of keelboats, including everything from luxury cruisers nipping at the heels of their mega-yacht brethren to a number of great-looking new performance boats. There’s even a fun little inflatable from French-based Tiwal, a company that takes a back seat to no one where innovation is concern. Which is not to say multihulls are completely absent—far from it. The Best Boats class of 2020 has a number of strong cats and tris, not the least of which is the latest tri from award-winning Neel, that and a 53ft full-foiling “weekender.” Strange days, indeed! What follows is a list of all the boats SAIL’s judges will be examining over the coming months as part of its annual Best Boats contest. Be sure to check out our January issue to find out which ones they decide are the winners.
MONOHULLS CRUISING
BAVARIA C57
Coming fast on the heels of the company’s recent restructuring, the Bavaria C57 is the flagship of the new “C” line, a sportier, sleek-looking version of the Cruiser line of old. Designed by Maurizio Cossutti, the C57 features a slippery, chine-free hull with blunt ends, twin rudders and twin helms. Hidden behind the massive drop-down transom is a large dinghy garage. Also aftis the option of an outside grill station, complete with refrigerator. The hull is infused in vinylester resin in the interest of keeping weight down. Topside there are no fewer than three separate lounging “zones” and a large cockpit with plenty of room for both non-sailing passengers and the crew. Bavaria Yachts, bavariayachts.com
BAVARIA C45
The smallest of the three boats comprising Bavaria’s new “C” series, the C45 strives to strike just the right balance between performance and comfort. Highlights include twin helms and a split backstay providing unimpeded access to a truly massive drop-down swim platform aft; an outside wet bar and grill; a belowdeck headsail
