Performance Cruiser
Win Wednesday's race, cruise on Saturday
Cruisers with lighter hulls, deeper keels and taller rigs. They point higher and accelerate faster than a standard cruiser and still have a usable interior. A good choice for sailors who care how well the boat sails.
Length 9–12 m (30–40 ft)
Typical price €40k–250k used
Strengths
- Rewarding, lively sailing
- Competitive in club racing
- Comfortable enough for cruising
Weaknesses
- Deep draft limits anchorages
- Needs more attention in a breeze
- Higher sail and rig costs
Ratings
6
6
5
8
5
6
0
5
6
2
6
Typical hull materials
Example models (11)
| Model | Length | Built | Hull |
|---|---|---|---|
| J/109Strong one-design and handicap fleets; comfortable below | 35 ft · 10.7 m | 2000s | Fibreglass (GRP) |
| J/112ESporty choice where racing matters more than comfort | 37 ft · 11.1 m | since 2016 | Fibreglass (GRP) |
| C&C 99North American club racer that cruises well | 33 ft · 10.1 m | 2000s | Fibreglass (GRP) |
| Beneteau First 36Yachting World performance cruiser of the year 2023 | 36 ft · 11.0 m | 2020s– | Fibreglass (GRP) |
| Dehler 38 SQGood balance of speed and comfort at a fair price | 38 ft · 11.6 m | 2010s– | Fibreglass (GRP) |
| X-Yachts X4⁰Danish premium build; fast and refined, but expensive | 40 ft · 12.2 m | 2010s– | Fibreglass (GRP) |
| Arcona 385Swedish performance cruiser | 38 ft · 11.6 m | 2010s– | Fibreglass (GRP) |
| Pogo 36French planing hull derived from offshore racing | 36 ft · 11.0 m | 2010s– | Fibreglass (GRP) |
| JPK 10.80French offshore racer with a strong record in offshore races | 35 ft · 10.7 m | 2010s– | Fibreglass (GRP) |
| Dufour ArpègeMichel Dufour's 1960s cruiser-racer; around 1,500 built | 30 ft · 9.1 m | 1960s–70s | Fibreglass (GRP) |
| Furia 37Joubert-Nivelt cruiser-racer from 1984 with a well-finished interior | 37 ft · 11.3 m | 1980s–90s | Fibreglass (GRP) |