Cruising Resources and Information for Sailors

Somebody Asked . . .

"How do I ease my spouse into sailing?"

Somebody Said . . .

"We've concluded that much of the rumored lack of windward ability of gaff-riggers is due to the hull form and not to the rig itself."

Jay Benford
Rig Types

Heavy Displacement Monohulls

The traditional cruiser has a relatively high Displacement/Length ratio (over 260). We list these boats by length (feet): Under 28, 28 - 31,32 - 34, 35 - 37, 38 - 42, 43 - 47, and Over 47.

Moderate-displacement Monohulls

The majority of today's cruising designs have moderate Displacement/Length ratios (200-260). We list these by length (feet): Under 28, 28-31, 32-35, 36-38, 39-42, 43-48, and Over 48.

Light-displacement Monohulls

Racer/Cruisers and Performance Cruisers are light and fast, although sometimes at the expense of comfort and carrying capacity. We list these boats by length (feet): Under 25, 25-31, 32-36, 37-40, 41-49, and Over 49.

Beach and Pocket Cruisers

Who says you need a big boat to do serious cruising! Many sailors circumnavigate in Pocket Cruisers or spend weekends gunkholing the coast and islands in Beach Cruisers.

Trimarans

Although you sacrifice carrying capacity, one of the Cruising Trimaran designs can provide the exhilaration and fast passages that come with sheer Multihull Speed.

Catamarans

With questions of Multihull Safety long behind them, Cruising Catamarans hold huge appeal for their roominess, shoal draft, and amenities.