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.

Wauquiez Centurion 40 KPIsAt the top end of this size range, this Wauquiez Centurion 40 is an impressive passage maker

Sailboats at the top of this size rangethose above 12m long overallwill 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! 

Beneteau First 375 Accommodation LayoutA typical accommodation layout for a cruising yacht in this size range. This one's a Beneteau First 375

While most yachts in this size range are Bermudan Sloops, some are rigged as cutters—a cruising rig which, in my opinion, takes some beating...

Island Packet 37 cutterA well-regarded cutter—the Island Packet 37

This 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!

Cruising Yachts 35' to 40' featured on this page...


Behind each of the cruising yacht 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...

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.


Oyster Heritage 37

Many thanks to Andy Thomson for this pic of 'Spellbinder', his Oyster Heritage 37 cruising yacht ...


Pearson 39-2

Many thanks to Crystal and Rob Bleecher for this pic of their Pearson 39-2 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.


Next ~ Cruising Yachts 40-45ft LOA >>>>

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