The YACHT tests of the fast cruising boats and performance cruisers of 2025 clearly show how differentiated the segment is becoming. Essentially, the concepts are divided into three groups: purely regatta-oriented designs with minimalist fittings, crossover yachts with a regatta focus and limited comfort, and performance cruisers that deliberately combine speed and touring suitability. In terms of design, wide, dimensionally stable hulls, large rigs and consistent lightweight construction dominate. The range extends from foil-supported concepts to Grand Prix racers made of carbon and GRP production boats with optimised weight.
In practice, three dimensions are decisive: firstly, sailing behaviour - in particular whether and how early the boat starts planing, how stable it sails upright and how precise the rudder system provides feedback. Secondly, controllability - in other words, whether the performance can be sensibly achieved with a small crew, owner's crew or only with a professional crew. Thirdly, the degree of suitability for touring - from almost empty racing platforms with no interior space worth mentioning to fully equipped yachts with a complete galley, several cabins and sufficient storage space. The boats range in price along this spectrum: High-tech racers with carbon construction, foils and complex systems are clearly in the upper and professional range, while performance cruisers based on series production appeal to a broader owner audience. The key decision for owners is therefore not just "how fast", but above all "how usable" - for which purpose and with which typical crew structure the respective concept makes sense.
We have summarised the most important features of the Performance Cruiser 2025 below:
ClubSwan 43
Under sail, the ClubSwan 43 has a clear racer character with a precise, smooth-running rudder, high dimensional stability and pronounced power upwind. The boat accelerates early, carries a lot of sail area and remains easy to control even under pressure thanks to the modern keel/rudder combination - ideal for ORC/IRC regattas and ambitious club races.
The equipment and fittings combine a regatta focus with genuine cruising suitability: lightweight furnishings, a functional layout and decent storage space make weekend cruises and holiday trips possible without radical compromises. The price range is clearly in the premium segment, but offers high-quality construction and an exquisite brand image.
To the test report...
MB9
In terms of sailing, she adopts the agile, light-footed character of the Dehler 30odbut is less nervous at the helm and more forgiving of operating errors. The boat accelerates quickly, sails high upwind and remains easy to control with a small crew - ideal for sporty owners who don't want to be constantly travelling at the limit.
It offers more comfort than the radical standard class: a practical galley, usable berths and a more cosy interior concept also make longer weekend cruises attractive. The equipment remains functional rather than luxurious, and the price is aimed at owners who are looking for a lot of sailing performance per euro without entering full-carbon regions.
To the test report...
ClubSwan 28
Under sail, the ClubSwan 28 is a highly sporty one-design boat with a large sail area, low weight and very direct feedback. It reacts sensitively to trim and crew weight, starts quickly and rewards cleanly sailed manoeuvres with high speeds - clearly designed for regatta use and well-coordinated crews.
The equipment and fittings are uncompromisingly trimmed for racing: reduced interior space, minimal weight and hardly any comfort features. The investment is in rigging, hardware and build quality, not in cosiness. Accordingly, the price is clearly to be understood as a regatta project rather than a family boat budget.
To the test report...
Xr 41
The Xr 41 combines a design optimised for ORC performance with a powerful rig and fine trim versatility. She sails fast, yet remains balanced at the helm and can be easily controlled by a dedicated crew - equally interesting for regattas and fast long-distance sailing.
The Xr 41 is equipped with a high-quality, but not overly heavy interior with clear suitability for travelling: functional galley, good storage space concepts and sensible cabins. What's more, some components can be removed with little effort. The price level is in the upper range, but reflects the combination of regatta potential, build quality and cruising comfort.
To the test report...
Quant GT 33
Under sail, the Quant GT 33 stands for radical performance: Foil support, very low weight and a design optimised for planing enable spectacular speeds. The boat reacts extremely directly, requires foresighted sailing technique and rewards you with impressive speed potential.
Equipment and fittings are completely subordinate to the racing purpose: hardly any comfort, reduced interior space and consistent weight savings. The price reflects high-tech components and development effort and is aimed at performance enthusiasts, not classic cruising sailors.
To the test report...
Beneteau First 30
In terms of sailing, the Beneteau First 30 is a planing cruiser that starts planing early on and is much livelier than classic cruising boats of this size, both on the beam and downwind. The rudder remains easy to control even at higher speeds, and the sailing plans are scalable for beginners to ambitious crews.
The equipment and fittings are clearly geared towards cruising requirements: a full galley, reasonable berths and a usable saloon allow holiday trips with a small crew or family. In terms of price, the yacht remains in the accessible segment and offers plenty of sailing performance for every euro invested.
To the test report...
Wallyrocket 51
The Wallyrocket 51 is an uncompromising Grand Prix racer with impressive performance under sail. Prepreg carbon, water ballast and a highly developed rig enable top-level speeds, but require experienced professional crews and intensive trim management.
Interior fittings and comfort have been reduced to the bare essentials; every superfluous kilo has been avoided. The equipment is high-class, but purely functional. The price level is clearly in the top league and addresses campaign-orientated projects, not classic owner families.
To the test report...
Grand Soleil Blue
In sailing terms, the Grand Soleil Blue positions itself as a sporty performance cruiser with a lively but easily controllable character. The modern hull, large rig and well-tuned rudder system enable high average speeds without overtaxing the helmsman.
The equipment and fittings are high-quality and clearly aimed at owners who appreciate comfort and design: high-quality materials, well thought-out layouts and sufficient storage space for longer cruises. The price reflects both the brand image and the demand for performance and comfort.
To the test report...
Beneteau First 36 SE
The Beneteau First 36 SE sails as a touring regatta boat with excellent all-round performance. It starts planing early, stays on course and is easy to handle even with a small crew - ideal for club regattas and fast family cruises.
The 36 SE has a lightweight but complete interior with galley, berths and storage space at a good cruising level. The equipment is pragmatic and designed for weight efficiency, the price is aimed at ambitious amateurs who are looking for a seriously fast but family-friendly boat.
To the test report...
