Armada 2026 Sailboat List - Complete Fleet and Highlights

Plan your itinerary around the restored classics first, then map the Armada 2023 list to your sailing schedule. This approach links cultural heritage with practical planning, helping you pick boats that match crew size and wind windows.

Across the deckhouse cruisers and light-displacement runners, the list shows the average length near 11 meters, and the keel configurations range from fixed to retractable, enabling everything from coastal hops to Atlantic crossings.

Five boats were launched this season, including the Günther-class deckhouse models that blend cultural charm with practical interiors for long days on the Atlantic.

Many vessels were spared major overhauls, preserving authentic lines while updating rigging, safety gear, and ballast considerations during the winter operation window.

The highlights significantly emphasize sustainability and cultural links, with restored hulls and deckhouses ready for an itinerary-driven season; the list clearly favors options that balance reliability with character.

Full Armada 2023 fleet: vessels, models, and new additions

Prioritize the deckhouse-equipped Oceanstar 60 as your best all-around cruiser in Armada 2023; it pairs a stable hull with efficient engines for year-round sailing and comfortable watch-keeping in variable wind.

New additions and highlights

Vessels and models span six classes, with flagship hulls delivering heavy-displacement stability and three-mast rigs for long passages, while mid-size yachts use lighter hulls and modern carbon spars. The Le Havre yard handles deckhouse integration, and the designer Luc Moreau refined bulkheads and stowage to support easy handling during shifts in swell. The class mix includes cruising, offshore racing, expedition, utility workboats, coastal sloops, and hybrid day sailers, with the best combinations offering a calm ride in 12–25 knots and strong performance when wind rises. Former prototypes informed the final tuning.

New additions include the Aurora Pro 75, Leviathan 76, and Normandy Bound 42, all shipped in late 2023. Leviathan 76 tops the line with a reinforced hull, deep keel, and optional hybrid engines that cut fuel use on long legs. Aurora Pro 75 adds a deckhouse expansion and a pair of optional electric winches to reduce crew fatigue. The Normandy coast program adds a Fisherman’s Special 44, a little workboat with rugged engines tailored for port operations and nearshore fishing zones. In normandy harbors, fireworks and cultural events draw crews for testing new ships in real summer winds.

When selecting, focus on required specs: hull integrity, wind handling, sailing class compatibility, and fuel range. For coastal work, choose vessels with smaller draft and robust engines; for long passages, prioritize a large deckhouse, ample fuel tanks, and a dependable professional crew. Over years of operation, plan for upgrades such as hybrid systems or solar array expansions. Consider later upgrades like hybrid drives to extend range without adding ballast. For Normandy routes, verify the hull's chop resistance and test the deckhouse access to ensure smooth movement between cockpit and galley. For selecting the best, compare yard-built options with those from established designers; the designer and the yard will explain which model scales best with wind and deckhouse layout.

Performance benchmarks: hull types, rigging, sail area, and handling

Opt for a fin-keel monohull paired with a Bermudan fractional rig for Armada 2023 cruises; this combination delivers predictable handling in mixed winds and straightforward reefing, which is essential for coastal hops and short passages. This setup made handling noticeably more predictable, and hours of trials showed crews enjoyed improved pointing and faster tacks, with members gaining the confidence to push upwind without overworking the helm.

Hull types and benchmarks show clear trade-offs. Full-keel monohulls offer gentle turns and robust straight-line tracking, with typical drafts of 1.6–1.9 m and displacements around 4–6 t. Fin-keel designs deliver quicker pivots and better upwind performance, with drafts of 1.8–2.3 m and displacements of 3.5–5.5 t. Barque-style rigging is rare in Armada test boats but serves as a reference point for traditional lines; wear on rudder bearings tends to be lower on full-keel boats but higher on slender fin-keel hulls without careful maintenance.

Rigging choices drive handling more than mast height alone. A Bermudan rig offers easy sail trim and efficient upwind performance, while a gaff rig can increase sail area low on the mast for light airs, at the cost of heavier handling and more demanding maintenance. Hunter-brand models commonly use Bermudan rigs and maintainable standing rigging, yet heritage boats may pursue gaff configurations for aesthetics. When evaluating, inspect halyards, turnbuckle loads, and wear on fittings, then schedule a professional service check to avoid surprises on long legs.

Sail area benchmarks link directly to displacement. For a 9–11 m cruiser, mainsails of 25–40 m2 and headsails of 25–50 m2 yield SA/D roughly 16–22, a range that balances acceleration and control. Increasing sail area significantly boosts upwind speed, but also heightens helm force in gusts; reef early when winds reach 25–28 knots. For sustaining speed, a well-tuned genoa is preferable to an oversized spinnaker in choppy seas near Bremerhaven and the German coast.

Handling in real conditions depends on hull form, ballast, and sail controls. Boats with balanced rudders and moderate rocker respond quickly to turn input; robust mainsail control lines reduce crew fatigue during long watch hours. An experienced skipper coordinates halyard trims and vang tension to maintain sail shape; a dedicated autopilot helps keep the boat on course when seas pick up. Passionate crews from the Netherlands and Germany noted steadier performance during inland excursions and coastal hops thanks to consistent trim.

Test routes from bremerhaven to ports in germany and the netherlands revealed distinct differences. Local winds around 12–20 knots require reefed mains and a close-hauled angle of 35–40 degrees; in heavier conditions, a balanced helm keeps the boat tracking. The woman skipper and experienced members found that a steady pace supports excursions along the coast, while a regular service schedule reduces wear on lines and fittings. Television coverage of starts and port-to-port legs helped crews stay engaged and trained between hours of sailing.

Note: choose hulls with stable tracking, and select a rig you can handle in gusts without overloading the helm. Aim for SA/D in the 16–22 range for general cruising; for lighter air, a hunter sailboat with a larger genoa can offer an edge, but expect higher wear and longer maintenance cycles. Partners and members of the crew should share roles, and the fleet should offer consistent training hours and practical drills to keep handling sharp on every leg–from coastal excursions to longer crossings.

Charter options: itineraries, ports, and seasonal availability

Choose a september charter with family in mind; include snorkeling, kid-friendly plans, and short sailing legs. These charters include shore adventures and anecdotes from crew, ensuring young explorers stay engaged. The etoile frigate launched from La Rochelle and will visit several ports before anchoring in calm bays at sunset. For most families, a 6-day loop laid out to include two sea days, two shoreline stops, and a final return to base works well. The engine hum stays quiet in protected waters, and the anchor points offer plus flexibility for plans when weather shifts. Before you book, pick the second option and design your point of interest to discover the coast together.

Itineraries emphasize practicality and rhythm. They range from 5 to 7 days and include 2–3 ports per trip. Common ports include La Rochelle, Île d'Oléron, Île de Ré, and Fort Boyard, with a possible northern swing to Camaret-sur-Mer. These routes keep sailing segments short (2–4 hours) so children can nap, explore ashore, or snorkel, while adults sample local markets and stories about ship design and coastal life. They offer an organized mix of on-board time, shore time, and opportunities for anecdotes from the crew about how a vessel handles in different sea states.

Seasonal availability centers on spring through early autumn. Most charters run May through September, with peak activity in July and August. September delivers milder winds, cooler evenings, and clearer snorkeling visibility, while crowds thin out and prices ease. If you plan around school breaks, target the late September window to balance sea days with sheltered bays. These schedules are designed to be flexible, so anyone can tailor a plan for kids and adults alike without sacrificing comfort or safety.

Booking steps and terms: how to reserve, deposits, refunds, and insurance

Reserve earlier to lock your preferred boats; popular options like etoile on the elbe and Nicholson-built models from belgium come with limited bunk configurations. Brands vary by year, and the number of excursions included can change with the season. Check the electrical setup and outer hull layout to match your group, and confirm the english-speaking support if you need it. Some clients commented that quick checks save delays on the day of arrival.

1. Step 1 – Choose and verify: Compare boats, sailing layouts, and the number of bunks. Review the items included in the galley and safety gear, and confirm the excursion count for your dates. Look at electrical systems and ensure the outer hull design supports your planned routes. If you sail with an english-speaking crew, confirm language options before you proceed.

2. Step 2 – Place a hold and assess winds: We place a hold on the selected boat for 48 hours so you can compare options without losing momentum. While on hold, review the calendar, meeting point, and any special requirements. If weather windows look tight, plan an earlier departure or adjust the excursion number to fit available slots.

3. Step 3 – Submit passenger details and number: Provide full names, ages (years), and any special items or accessibility needs. Confirm the total number of travelers and the bunk distribution you require. This data helps finalize the manifest and ensures everyone has a comfortable space aboard.

4. Step 4 – Pay the deposit to confirm: Typical deposits range from 15% to 30% of the total charter fee, with a minimum of around 400 USD for shorter trips. The deposit activates a binding contract and issues a booking code. A hold remains valid only while the deposit is pending; once paid, changes become subject to the terms below.

Step 5 – Review insurance options and finalize details: Read the contract carefully and add insurance if you want cancellation and hull coverage. Our standard plan covers liability and basic damage; you may add enhancements for higher-value boats or longer itineraries. Consider shore-side servicegratuities policy details and local taxes, as these items can affect the final balance. If you own a fleet you often see, such as premium boats from belgium or classic english designs, ensure the policy covers electrical faults and mechanical failures on older vessels.

6. Step 6 – Receive confirmation and plan the trip: You get a booking confirmation with the hold number, itinerary, meeting point, and a checklist of required items for embarkation. Keep the contact number handy and share any changes at least 72 hours before the kickoff. If you need to adjust the plan, use the same process to amend the booking while the boat is still available.

Refunds and terms: If you cancel more than 60 days before departure, you receive a full refund minus a small admin fee. Cancellations 30–59 days before start receive 50% back; less than 30 days before start, refunds typically do not apply unless caused by force majeure or covered by the insurance option chosen. The hold expires automatically if the deposit isn’t paid by the deadline. Servicegratuities are optional and appear as a separate line item on the invoice in some itineraries. Always verify coverage for items such as electrical systems and hull integrity, especially on older boats or during periods with stronger winds. We reserve the right to adjust prices for catamarans, single-hull boats, and vessels with different outer layouts, but we will notify you immediately of any changes to the total cost.

Crew, safety, provisioning, and onboard services

Here is a concrete recommendation: run a daily 5-minute safety briefing led by alexander, with two crew members responsible for weather, equipment, and emergency procedures, and a fixed pair to cover checks. They confirm the number of PFDs, harnesses, radios, and fire extinguishers before every leg, and the skipper signs the log so nothing is missed.

The crew consists of four deckhands, a cook, and a navigator, plus a seasonal steward for peak legs. They maintain a professional standard, with briefings on life-saving actions, man-overboard drills, and radio etiquette. The gaff-handling steps are practiced on calm days, and hunter coordinates line handling and deck watch so no task overlaps.

Provisioning is planned top to bottom: plan for 7–10 days of food and fuel for typical Armada legs, with a second shelf for staples. When you cannot purchase fresh produce in port, switch to shelf-stable items and quick meals. The supply chain aims for reliability and European market access; if items are removed from the original list, adjust by shopping at the next port with the best european markets. The team logs perishable items and uses a professional rotation to minimize waste.

Excursions and onboard services are organized with a short, clear sign-up window: snorkelling gear is provided per guest, with a briefing before any shore activity. Guests may join excursions only when accompanied by a guide, and all gear is stored in waterproof bags on deck when not in use. Here, the pair handles provisioning alongside the galley crew, ensuring fresh meals and options that suit both European tastes and dietary needs, while the second crew member monitors the pool of service requests and purchases for the voyage.