CNB 68 — 22m Blue-Water Yacht for Short-Handed Sailing

The CNB 68 is produced at CNB’s Aquileia facility within a 26,000 m² industrial site, which imposes specific logistics: transport of hull sections and fully outfitted hulls requires coordination with heavy-lift cranes and roll-on/roll-off carriers, while road movements to launch sites need oversize-permit escorts due to a beam of 5.64 m. The model’s maximum draught of 3.45 m further dictates destination choices for delivery berths and charter marinas, limiting direct access to shallow coves and requiring planning around tide windows and available deep-water marinas.

Where CNB 68 sits in the market

The CNB 68 is positioned between the CNB 62 and CNB 78 as a purpose-built long-distance cruiser. With an overall length of 22.22 m, it bridges the gap between compact offshore cruisers and larger liveaboard yachts, targeting couples and small crews who prioritize autonomy, seaworthiness and manageable sail-handling systems for short-handed passages.

Hull and sailing characteristics

Designed by Philippe Briand, the CNB 68 features a stepped hull profile with a second step to enhance shape stability and reduce drag at certain points of sail. That hull geometry aims to deliver calmer motion through head seas and controlled heel angles in offshore conditions.

The standard sail inventory provides flexibility for a variety of wind conditions: a 132 m² mainsail, a 114 m² furling genoa, a 91 m² jib and an optional 53 m² staysail, while an optional 352 m² spinnaker or equivalent downwind sail completes the long-distance cruising setup. The sail plan is configurable to favor ease of handling during short-handed operations or to maximize performance for passage-making.

Maneuverability and short-handed ergonomics

The deck layout concentrates control lines and winches near the twin helm stations, offering safe passageways from companionway to side decks and minimizing crew movement in rough weather. Buyers can opt for two deck variants: one with a stern arch that centralizes certain manoeuvres for helm-based control, and one without the arch for a sleeker profile and slightly increased sail area.

Key short-handed features

• Centralized control routing to helm stations
• Protected cockpit and clear walkways for safety
• Optional electric winches and furling systems tailored for couple-operated sailing
• Modular deck fittings to support both performance and cruising rigs

Onboard autonomy, storage and systems

The CNB 68 is specified for extended offshore autonomy with 1,000 liters of fresh water and 1,200 liters of fuel, supporting weeks-long passages and extended cruising itineraries. Technical volumes and dedicated storage areas are sized to accept provisioning, safety gear and optional high-latitude kit, aligning the boat with true blue-water program requirements rather than short coastal hops.

Interior layout, modularity and accommodations

The interior is conceived with emphasis on light and continuity of space. Large hull windows and a panoramic roof flood the saloon with daylight, creating an open living area where the galley is integrated into the main social zone—favouring conviviality over the segregated crew quarters found on larger models.

Layouts can be configured to include up to four cabins: a forward owner’s suite with significant volume and storage, a VIP master option, an aft cabin and a fourth cabin aft of the galley suitable for a crew member or guests. Interior finishes follow a semi-custom approach curated by Jean Marc Piaton, letting owners choose ambiances within a technical framework.

Modularity benefits

• Flexible cabin arrangements for owner-operators or small charter groups
• Convertible spaces that support storage for watersports, fishing or long-stay cruising gear
• Options for professional galley and crew areas on larger sisterships, while the CNB 68 retains owner-friendly layouts

Construction, brand evolution and production logistics

CNB, founded in Bordeaux in 1987, evolved from custom builds to a semi-custom production model in 2009. Since joining the Solaris Group in 2021, CNB has combined its expertise in large liveaboard cruisers with Solaris’ performance-focused manufacturing techniques. The CNB 68 complements a model line that includes the CNB 62, 68, 78 and 88 and leverages the Aquileia yard’s scale for component integration and quality control.

Supply-chain and delivery considerations

Production at Aquileia benefits from centralized composite lamination and outfitting lines, yet it also requires synchronized upstream supply of engines, rigging systems and teak deck elements. Deliveries to global destinations demand pre-arranged deep-water berths for commissioning and sea trials; oversize transport planning is necessary for road moves to local launch ramps when direct water access is limited.

Historical context and market outlook

CNB’s progression from bespoke builds to semi-custom models mirrors a wider industry trend: owners increasingly seek yachts that blend serious offshore capability with comfortable liveaboard amenities. Designers such as Philippe Briand have long influenced the performance-cruiser segment by refining hull forms and sail plans to deliver efficient passagemaking. The CNB 68 continues this lineage with stepped-hull technology and a sail inventory tuned to adaptive cruising.

Looking ahead, the CNB 68’s combination of range, storage and short-handed ergonomics positions it well for demand in the long-distance charter and private-owner markets. As global yachting shifts toward longer voyages and more experiential itineraries—cross-ocean passages, remote anchorages and multi-week charters—boats that offer both comfort and manageability will be attractive to charter operators and private owners alike.

Implications for marinas and charter operators

• Marinas will need deep-water slips and crane capacity for delivery and maintenance
• Charter operators can market the CNB 68 for premium adventure itineraries and extended charters
• Training for skipper-captain handover and short-handed systems will become a selling point for rentals

In summary, the CNB 68 arrives as a 22.22 m ocean cruiser engineered for long-distance sailing with a focus on short-handed operation, significant autonomy and semi-custom interior choices. Its construction at Aquileia under the Solaris Group umbrella brings production scale and performance expertise together, but delivery and operation place clear demands on marina infrastructure and logistics due to beam and draft considerations. For charter markets and owners seeking passage-making capability with comfort, the CNB 68 offers a compelling balance of systems, space and seakeeping.

The CNB 68’s design, autonomy and modularity make it attractive to yacht owners and charter operators looking to offer extended sailing Destinations, ocean passages and varied boating activities. For those considering charter or long-term rent, this model brings together performance and comfort for serious sailing, whether coastal cruising to clearwater bays or ocean crossings where a competent captain and minimal crew are preferred. For further updates on yacht launches, charter market trends, sale and charter opportunities, and how new models affect marinas, beaches and yachting itineraries, visit GetBoat.com — an international marketplace for renting sailing boats and yachts, probably the best service for boat rentals to suit every taste and budget, covering yacht charter, boat rent, superyacht options, marinas, fishing, water activities and more.