The northern hemisphere summer is drawing to a close and for sailors this means that boat show season is upon us. With dozens of world premieres among the line-up at Cannes, Genoa and Southampton Boat Shows, here’s our pick of the most interesting new yachts at Southampton Boat Show 2023.

New yachts at Southampton Boat Show 2023

Sun Fast 30

This boat is the outcome of a design competition run by RORC, UNCL in France and the Storm Trysail Club in the USA to produce a more affordable option for short-handed offshore racing. The one design formula should help keep operating costs in check, as well as providing an extra level of competition; 43 have already sold.

It satisfies the stability requirements for racing transatlantic and is also Groupe Beneteau’s first production model built using Arkema’s recyclable Elium resin.

Spirit Yachts 72DH

The second 72ft deckhouse model from Spirit Yachts will be a headline act at Southampton Boat Show. It’s a stunning yacht that combines traditional aesthetics with up to date underwater profiles, equipment and materials.
The hull is strip-planked in yellow cedar, with double diagonal khaya outer layers covered with an E-glass/epoxy outer skin. Ring frames are laminated sipo with carbon fibre reinforcement at the mast, chainplates and keel. Carbon fibre is also used for the rig and the rudder, including the stock.

Where the first 72DH is used for charter and occasional regattas, this model is more typical of Spirit owner use. It has an extensive race sail wardrobe from One Sails and will race at British Classics Week, but will then do some lengthy cruising.

Arcona 50

The long-awaited first design from the new collaboration between renowned designer Niels Jeppesen and Ariadna Pons promises to be among the best performance cruisers of its size. It’s designed to be a fast and long-legged, yet light displacement yacht that’s easy to handle, without compromising comfort.

Vacuum infusion of hull, hull liner, deck and deck liner, with local use of carbon fibre, plus lightweight cored composite/marine plywood panels should help deliver an optimal power to weight ratio, while the deep bulb keel, with a healthy ballast ratio, provides plenty of stability.

The prototype boat is equipped with options including carbon sprit, retractable bow and stern thrusters, electrically powered main and headsail furling systems, plus composite Flexiteek decking.

Bavaria C46

Bavaria’s C-Line range has won plenty of praise for its wide bodied hull shapes by Maurizio Cossutti that offer lots of form stability and interior space. The C46 is the first second generation model in the line, and has several accommodation layouts to suit both charter and private use. The lack of a tender garage increases space for the aft cabins, which are particularly large.

If you enjoyed this….

Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.

Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.