2022 Boat of the Year: Best Crossover
The Grand Soleil 44 combines racing performance with cruising features and a proper race-deck layout to serve the owner’s purpose.
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The wind cooperated and sun beamed bright on five performance-sailing craft that impressed Sailing World’s team of judges and earned their respective awards.
Our annual Boat of the Year Awards resumed after a one-year pause, which meant a few previous-year models made their way into the judges’ hands alongside a number of innovative new designs debuting in Annapolis at the 2021 United States Sailboat Show. Proving once again that good things come to those who wait, the wind cooperated and sun beamed bright on five performance-sailing craft that impressed the team and earned their respective awards. For our team of judges—pro sailor Chuck Allen, naval architect Greg Stewart and contributor Dave Powlison—the overall winner was a unanimous choice and one that will no doubt soon become king of the doublehanded dinghy sailing scene.
The remarkably versatile Melges 15, is our 2022 Boat of the Year. No longer shall youth and adult sailors be cast to their individual dinghy classes. This one allows all ages to play together in one remarkable 15-footer.
The Grand Soleil 44 combines racing performance with cruising features and a proper race-deck layout to serve the owner’s purpose.
The Dehler 30 One Design provides an overall sophistication with simplicity for efficient shorthanded maneuvers, excellent build quality, and all-around performance.
The Happy Cat Hurricane is a highly portable catamaran for adventure racing and recreational sailing.
The Balance 482 is a bluewater voyager with high-quality construction, performance and value.
Judges: Chuck Allen, Greg Stewart and Dave Powlison
Photography: Walter Cooper
Boat of the Year Support RIB: Fluid Watercraft Patrol 880
