Harnessing the inherent speed in a lightweight carbon trimaran design while still having a spacious cruising boat is the secret of Rapido Trimarans’ success.

Market differentiators in the burgeoning cruising catamaran market can be difficult to find, yet this is what industry leader Beneteau-Lagoon has achieved with its Excess models, which deliver a livelier and more responsive range.

Jeanneau’s Sunfast 3300 joins its well-established siblings, the 3200 and later 3600, which have made names for themselves in European offshore events and are popular double-handed race boats.

Last year’s Level 4 lockdown was a difficult time for all Kiwis, but it also gave Bay of Islands rigger Paul Smith the chance to get The Racoon – his Shaw 550 – into the water.

When thinking about a new boat you always imagine the sun shining benignly and a playful 12-knot breeze just rippling the surface. But sailing’s not always perfect. In planning for the worst and hoping for the best, Moody’s striking new DS41 may have the answer.