Five Recent Sailing Yacht Designs to Watch
Alexandra
Market signals: delivery and design trends affecting new yachts
Carbon-fibre semi-custom builds like the Y Yachts Y6 (64ft) and basalt-composite catamarans such as the Windelo 62 are driving longer workshop lead times and evolving supply-chain logistics across European boatyards. At the same time, keel and rudder innovations—examples include the Kraken 44’s Z Keel bolting system and the Divinite 7m’s twin lifting keels—are changing haul-out and marina handling requirements for owners and charter operators. These technical choices influence not only construction schedules but also berthing demands, towage, and the on-water support services charter fleets must arrange for safe operation in shallow harbours and remote anchorages.
Five notable new models and what sets them apart
The newest entries on the market demonstrate a clear split between high-performance cruising, sustainability-led catamarans, compact fast cruisers and semi-luxury semi-superyachts. Below is a concise look at each model’s defining features and the practical implications for owners, charter operators and coastal marinas.
Kraken 44
Builder: Kraken Yachts. Founded by Dick Beaumont, Kraken Yachts focuses on blue-water cruisers built to rigorous offshore standards. The Kraken 44 retains a centre cockpit, a skeg-hung rudder and the brand’s distinctive Z Keel bolting system, noted for its robustness. Designed by Kevin Dibley, the 44 is positioned as a serious long-distance cruiser ideal for owners who prioritize seaworthiness, simplicity and self-sufficiency on offshore passages.
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Windelo 62
Builder: Windelo. The Windelo 62 scales up the brand’s sustainable catamaran concept: basalt composite construction combined with hybrid electric propulsion and responsibly sourced interiors. The design includes daggerboards for upwind performance and a powerful rig while remaining manageable by a couple; a skipper’s cabin reflects the boat’s size and intended use for extended cruising and charter markets focused on low-emission operation.
Divinite 7m
Designer: Eric Henseval. The Divinite 7 is conceived as a fast, compact expedition-style cruiser that can be home-built from epoxy/ply, GRP or aluminium. Features include a full scow bow for increased interior volume, twin rudders and a twin lifting-keel arrangement that permits drying out in tidal harbours. Its buildability and trailerable footprint make it attractive to adventurous owners and small-boat charter programs seeking versatility.
J Boats J/7
Builder: J Boats. Returning to the performance day-sailer ethos that launched the brand, the J/7 is an uncomplicated, quick boat with a generous sail plan, deep keel and a wide enough beam to make the platform stiff and forgiving. The minimalist forward “cabin” is mainly storage, emphasizing the J/7’s role as a spirited dayboat or club-racer that’s inexpensive to operate and easy to maintain.
Y Yachts Y6
Builder: Y Yachts. Michael Schmidt’s Y Yachts line champions light-displacement, carbon-fibre semi-custom vessels. The Y6, designed by Bill Tripp and measuring 64ft, brings semi-superyacht lines and performance to a wider audience, engineered to be handled by a small crew without a full-time captain. It targets owners wanting high-speed cruising with luxury finishes and reduced crew overhead.
Comparative snapshot
| Model | Length | Role | Key features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kraken 44 | 44ft | Blue-water cruiser | Centre cockpit, Z Keel, skeg-hung rudder |
| Windelo 62 | 62ft | Performance cruising catamaran | Basalt composite, hybrid drive, daggerboards |
| Divinite 7m | 7m (≈21ft) | Fast cruiser / expedition | Scow bow, twin lifting keels, twin rudders |
| J Boats J/7 | ~24ft | Performance day-sailer | Large sail area, deep keel, simple layout |
| Y Yachts Y6 | 64ft | Semi-superyacht cruiser | Carbon fibre, light displacement, luxury finish |
What these designs mean for charter, marina and rental markets
Operators and marinas should note several operational impacts:
- Sustainability and propulsion: Hybrid and electric systems on models like the Windelo 62 require charging infrastructure and revised maintenance cycles at marinas.
- Berthing and access: Lifting keels and shallow-draft multihulls change berth allocation strategies and tender usage in crowded anchorages.
- Crew requirements: Lightweight, easily handled yachts such as the Y6 reduce the need for full-time captains, opening opportunities for owner-skippered charters and premium skippered rentals.
- Resale and valuation: Carbon and advanced composites affect depreciation and sale markets—buyers and brokers must weigh performance against long-term maintenance costs.
Checklist for prospective buyers and charter operators
Prior to acquisition or adding a model to a charter fleet, evaluate:
- Compatibility with local marina infrastructure (charging, lifting, berthing).
- Insurance implications for composite vs traditional constructions.
- Crew training for hybrid systems and unique keel/rudder setups.
- Market demand: day-sailer versus blue-water charter routes.
GetBoat always keeps an eye on news related to sailing and seaside vacations; we truly understand what it means to enjoy great leisure and love the ocean. The service values freedom, energy, and the ability to choose your own course, placing no limits on a good life and helping clients find a vessel that suits preferences, budget and taste.
Planning ahead: impact on tourism and itineraries
Forecasts suggest these design trends will gradually influence global tourism patterns: sustainability-minded catamarans could enable quieter, eco-conscious charters in sensitive anchorages, while accessible semi-luxury yachts will expand high-end coastal cruising without mandating large crews. Although the immediate global shift is incremental rather than seismic, this evolution is significant for regions investing in marina electrification and greener tourism infrastructure. Start planning your next seaside adventure and make sure to book the best boat and yacht rentals with GetBoat before the opportunity sails away!
Highlights: these new models showcase how modern yacht design blends performance, sustainability and owner-friendly operation. Experiencing a new location from the water is always a multifaceted process—learning local culture, nature, the indescribable palette of regional colours, rhythms of life and unique service aspects. If you are planning your next trip to the sea, you should definitely consider renting a boat (boat rentals, rent a boat, rent a yacht), as each inlet, bay, and lagoon is unique and tells you about the region just as much as the local cuisine, architecture, and language GetBoat.com
In summary, the Kraken 44, Windelo 62, Divinite 7m, J Boats J/7 and Y Yachts Y6 represent a cross-section of current yacht-building priorities: offshore sturdiness, sustainable propulsion, ease of construction, accessible performance and semi-superyacht refinement. For owners, charter operators and marinas, these models carry implications for berthing, crew requirements, maintenance and guest experience. Whether you seek a performance yacht for blue-water sailing, a quiet hybrid boat for coastal charters, or a compact cruiser for weekend beach hops and lake escapes, the market offers options to rent, charter or buy. Platforms like GetBoat provide transparent listings—make model details, make and model specifications, ratings and availability visible up front—helping match customers to the right vessel for their sea or ocean adventures. Book now and set your course.
