- Home
- Cruising Yachts 35' to 40'
Popular Cruising Yachts from 35 to 40 Feet Long Overall
Choosing the right cruising yacht is a significant decision for any sailor, and many are drawn to vessels in the 35 to 40-foot range. This size offers a blend of family cruising and offshore capability, making it an attractive option for a wide range of cruising sailors.
At the top end of this size range, this Wauquiez Centurion 40 is an impressive passage makerCruising Yachts from 35' to 40'...
Sailboats at the top of this size range—those above 12m long overall—will find that they are charged considerably more in marinas than those that fall just under 12m LOA. Something worth bearing in mind perhaps?
One of the primary benefits of yachts in this range is their ease of handling. Apart from long-keelers which handle in much the same way as supermarket trolleys, these vessels are generally responsive to the helm and are suitable for solo sailors and short-handed crews alike.
Comfort is another strong point—these yachts typically provide ample space for living aboard. You can expect cozy sleeping quarters, a functional galley and at least one head. While two heads undoubtedly provide a degree of redundancy if one fails, the space could be much better used in boats of this size—in my opinion that is!
A typical accommodation layout for a cruising yacht in this size range. This one's a Beneteau First 375While most yachts in this size range are Bermudan Sloops, some are rigged as cutters—a cruising rig which, in my opinion, takes some beating...
A well-regarded cutter—the Island Packet 37This is a popular size range for a reason. These boats offer a great mix of being easy to handle, comfy enough to live on, and versatile enough for all sorts of cruising activity. Think coastal hops, island hopping, maybe even some offshore passages – they can handle it all without being overwhelming.
But, as in all things, there are trade-offs. Space is at a premium, so if you're planning on sailing with a big crew or packing everything but the kitchen sink, things might get a bit cozy. And while they're generally seaworthy, they won't handle rough weather quite as confidently as a larger, heavier boat.
Nevertheless, a 35 to 40-footer could be just the ticket!
Behind each of the following images there's a lot more information, including:
- Dimensions & Specifications;
- Design Ratios;
- A summary analysis of the boat's predicted sailing characteristics in terms of performance, stiffness, heaviness, comfort in a seaway and resistance to capsize.
To see it all, just click on the relevant image...
The Beneteau Oceanis 36CC
The Beneteau Oceanis 36CC (Centre Cockpit) is a capable, mid-sized cruising yacht designed for comfortable, extended stays afloat rather than racing performance. Its defining centre cockpit and aft owner's cabin layout provide exceptional privacy and security offshore, making it an excellent choice for a sailing couple who prioritise liveaboard comfort and ease of handling over blistering speed. Read more...
Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 361
Bavaria 37 Cruiser
Wauquiez Centurion 40
Westerly Oceanranger 38
Jeanneau Sun Fast 39
Beneteau First 35s5
Dehler 38 (Van de Stadt)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35
Sweden Yachts 390
Jeanneau 'Sun Fast' 37
Hallberg-Rassy 37
Beneteau Oceanis 381
Mariner 40
Undeniably, with her gentle sheer, clipper bow and 'moustache' nameplate, the Mariner 40 ketch is a very attractive cruising yacht. Her long keel and very heavy displacement suggest she'll be a steady, comfortable performer in a seaway but passage times will suffer as a result.
Cavalier 39
Many thanks to the owner of 'Kiwa' for this pic of his Cavalier 39 cruising yacht.
Island Packet Estero 36
Tashiba 40 (aka Baba 40 and Panda 40)
Oyster Heritage 37
Many thanks to Andy Thomson for this pic of 'Spellbinder', his Oyster Heritage 37 cruising yacht ...
Southerly 115 Mk1
Colvic Countess 37
Island Packet 380
Pearson 39-2
Many thanks to Crystal and Rob Bleecher for this pic of their Pearson 39-2 cruising yacht.
Valiant 40
Many thanks to Barry Bateman for this great pic of 'New World', his Valiant 40 cruising yacht.
Westerly Conway 36
'Weohgi', a ketch-rigged Westerly Conway 36 cruising yacht, winter-sailing off the south coast of England. Many thanks to owner Geoffrey Mills for the pic.
Cascade 36
Reefed down, 'Transcendence' - a Cascade 36 sloop - is making good progress into a short chop. Many thanks to owner Michael McLaughlin for the pic.
Wasa 30
Thank you, Han van der Stap, for submitting this pic of your stunning yacht 'SysterSol'. As you say, she is "a beautiful Swedish boat, sure and fast, for long distance cruising."
Allied Princess 36
Many thanks to David Humphreys for submitting this great pic of 'Gabriel', his ketch-rigged Allied Princess 36 Mk2. The Mk2 version was introduced in 1980, unlike its predecessor, sporting a bowsprit. Both versions were available as either ketch or cutter rigs.
David tells us that 'Gabriel' (hull #130) has been well maintained and up-graded since her commissioning in 1980. She's based in Annapolis MD and spends her days sailing to local destinations with a few over-nighters.
Recent Articles
-
CSY 44 Sailboat: Comprehensive Review, Specs & Performance Analysis
Feb 22, 26 10:41 AM
An in-depth review of the CSY 44 sailboat. Discover technical specifications, design ratios, and why this heavy-displacement cruiser remains a top choice for ocean voyagers. -
Irwin 54 Sailboat: Comprehensive Review, Specs & Performance Analysis
Feb 22, 26 07:24 AM
An expert review of the Irwin 54 sailboat. Explore technical specifications, design ratios, cruising capabilities, and why this shoal-draft yacht is a liveaboard favourite. -
Beneteau Oceanis 473 Review: Specs, Performance & Cruising Guide
Feb 20, 26 04:49 AM
An in-depth review of the Beneteau Oceanis 473. Discover technical specifications, design ratios, and why this Groupe Finot design remains a top offshore cruising choice.
Copyright © 2026 Dick McClary Sailboat-Cruising.com