In the biggest comparison in YACHT history, a total of seven state-of-the-art boats around ten metres in length had to prove what they are made of on the IJsselmeer near Stavoren. First part of the mega-test, from 16 June at the kiosk.
We start with the sporty cruising boats, which should be just as convincing on holiday cruises as they are on the regatta course. All the advantages and disadvantages, strengths and weaknesses of the so-called performance cruisers are analysed on 16 pages.
The Dufour 34, which was named European Yacht of the Year in the 12 metre class in January, faces tough competition. This is because the Dehler 34, which is manufactured in Germany, has been a big seller for two years now. And with the new Maxi 1050 from Sweden, it has another expensive but first-class competitor.
During the comparison in Holland, which lasted a week and took place in collaboration with our partner magazine "Waterkampioen", the wind was blowing at 4 to 6 Beaufort and there was also a steep wave up to one metre high. Ideal conditions for assessing the performance of the boats.
You can read about the winners and what distinguishes the sporty yachts in YACHT 13-2004 (on newsstands from 16 June).
Issue 14 (on sale from 30 June) will then compare the classic cruising boats in the 10-metre class. Here, the unrivalled Bavaria 32 has to prove itself against the Bénéteau Océanis 323 Clipper, Hanse 341 and Catalina 320.
