Archambault A35: Best Crossover

One of the slickest, best-performing boats we've ever sailed in our years with Boat of the Year is the Archambault A35, and the judges collectively described it as one of the best-built, best laid-out boats they've sailed. The design firm, Joubert/Nivelt, certainly knows its stuff, as does this boat's French builder, which recently celebrated 50 years in business.

"When we talked to the builders you could tell the pride they take in the boat and how well they knew their product," said Allen.

Delivering a successful modern crossover is no easy task, given racing and cruising attributes are always at odds when it comes to performance, but the A35 nails the balance with a fast hull shape and layout perfectly suited for crewed windward/leeward and distance racing.

Inside, the feel is very spacious. One of the most appealing elements of an already comfortable interior is its aft cabins, which have standard bunks and optional pipe berths above. There are two settees. Just forward of the small but comfortable nav station and the simple galley is a table with drop-down leaves. The open layout belies the boat's overall length, thanks to the main bulkhead being 3'6" feet forward of the mast. With such a generous amount of volume and a plethora of bunks, the A35 could easily be cruised by a small family, or a few couples.