Marblehead 22

The trend with most modern daysailers is to apply the classic lines of a narrow hull and long overhangs, but sneak in a modern underbody with efficient foils. But the Marblehead 22, by designer Doug Zurn, and built by Samoset Boatworks in Maine, is a break from the norm. Using a 45-pound Hall Spars un-stayed rig and wishbone boom, it becomes an entirely different sort of daysailer, harkening back to the under appreciated Wyliecat 17. Such a rig can be placed well forward in the boat, which opens up the cockpit to a lounge-like 12 feet. There’s a little cuddy for gear and the aft lockers will fit a cooler. www.samosetboatworks.com

Pogo 2

For those with aspirations of real offshore solo sailing—i.e. crossing oceans—the Mini class remains the most economical proving ground. Access to this scene comes in only two ways: tricked-out custom prototypes, or less expensive production designs. The Pogo 2 is a production kit built by Open Sailing in Marina Del Rey, Calif. As a production Mini, this boat incorporates less expensive materials (no carbon in the hull) and has an aluminum rig. With numerous Pogo 2s now sailing worldwide, the boat’s sail-handling systems have been refined, which means you, too, can be on your way to racing transatlantic for less than $60,000. www.opensailingusa.com