Top 13 Bluewater Sailboats Under 40 Feet

Here are 13 world-famous bluewater sailboats under 40 feet that you should consider to take you on long-distance voyages:

Sailboat	Designer	LOA	Key features
Contessa 32	David Sadler	32 feet	Long keel, narrow beam, moderate displacement, stable and seaworthy
Dana 24	W.I.B. Crealock	27 feet	Full keel, hand-laid fiberglass hull, versatile and sturdy, excellent sailing performance
Cape Dory 36	Carl Alberg	36 feet	Classic design, seaworthy and reliable, fast and responsive, full keel
Tartan 37	Sparkman & Stephens	37 feet	Sleek, low profile, narrow beam, deep keel, fast and comfortable, powerful sail plan
Island Packet 35	Bob Johnson	35 feet	Spacious and well-designed, full keel, cutter rig
Westsail 32	William Crealock	32 feet	Legendary bluewater cruiser, full keel, heavy displacement, seaworthy and stable
Frances 26	Chuck Paine	26 feet	Beautiful and capable, classic, full-keeled, cutter-rigged sailboat, seaworthy and stable
Bristol Channel Cutter 28	Lyle Hess	28 feet	Traditional design, full keel, heavy displacement hull, high-quality materials
Albin Vega 27	Per Brohall	27 feet	Compact and affordable bluewater cruiser, full keel, moderate displacement hull, capable and seaworthy
Baba 30	Robert Perry	30 feet	Classic and well-respected sailboat, full keel, inspired by traditional Japanese fishing boats, well-balanced helm
Southern Cross 31	Thomas Gillmer	31 feet	Sturdy and comfortable cruiser, full keel, moderate displacement hull, solid fiberglass construction
Flicka 20	Bruce Bingham	20 feet	Small but mighty bluewater sailboat, full keel, sturdy construction, timeless design, easy to handle
Nor'sea 27	Lyle Hess	27 feet	Compact and seaworthy vessel, full keel, cutter rig, easily trailerable

1. The Contessa 32 is a classic bluewater cruiser

History and design of the Contessa 32

The Contessa 32 has been around since the early 1970s and was designed by David Sadler and built by Jeremy Rogers Ltd in Lymington, England. The boat was originally designed for racing, but it quickly gained popularity as a cruising sailboat due to its seaworthiness and comfort.

This boat has a long keel, a narrow beam, and a moderate displacement. It has a length overall of 32 feet, a beam of 9 feet, and a draft of 5 feet 6 inches. It is typically rigged as a masthead sloop, with a mainsail and a genoa.

Performance and handling of the Contessa 32

The Contessa 32 is known for its ability to handle rough seas and heavy winds. It has a moderate sail area, which makes it easy to handle even in challenging conditions.

Features and amenities of the Contessa 32

This bluewater sailboat has a comfortable and well-designed interior that can accommodate up to four people. It has a v-berth in the bow, a saloon with a settee on each side, a galley, and a head. The interior is finished in teak, which gives it a warm and classic look.

It also has a large cockpit with high coamings, which provides good protection from the elements. It has a deep and secure cockpit, which makes it easy to move around on deck even in rough seas. The boat also has a good-sized fuel and water tank, which allows for extended cruising.

2. Dana 24 is a versatile and sturdy bluewater sailboat

History and design of the Dana 24

The Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 is a versatile and sturdy sailboat designed by W.I.B. Crealock and built by Pacific Seacraft. It has a length overall of 27 feet, 4 inches, a beam of 8 feet, 7 inches, and a draft of 3 feet, 10 inches. The boat is typically rigged as a cutter, with a mainsail, jib, and staysail.

The boat has a full keel, which provides stability and tracking ability. The hull is hand-laid fiberglass, which is known for being durable and long-lasting. The boat also has a solid teak cabin top, which adds to its classic look and provides good protection from the elements.

Sailing performance of the Dana 24

The Dana 24 has a high aspect ratio sail plan, which makes it easy to handle and gives it good speed. The cutter rig allows for a variety of sail configurations, which makes it versatile in a range of conditions. The boat also has a relatively low displacement, which contributes to its speed and agility.

Features and amenities of the Dana 24

Some of the key features of the Dana 24 include:

• A spacious cockpit with comfortable seating for up to six people
• A well-designed interior with a V-berth, a galley, a head, and a salon area
• Ample storage space throughout the boat, including lockers and shelves
• A reliable and efficient Yanmar diesel engine
• A sturdy and seaworthy hull that can handle a variety of weather conditions
• A sail plan that is easy to handle and can be adjusted for different wind conditions
• A variety of optional upgrades and accessories, including a dodger, a bimini, and a swim ladder.

3. Cape Dory 36 is a timeless beauty with exceptional performance

History and design of the Cape Dory 36

The Cape Dory 36 is a classic sailboat that was designed by Carl Alberg, who was known for his expertise in designing seaworthy boats that could handle rough waters with ease. It was first introduced in 1978 and was produced until 1990.

During this time, it gained a reputation as a reliable and seaworthy vessel that was perfect for cruising and offshore sailing. It is made of fiberglass and has a full keel that provides excellent stability and performance in rough seas. The boat's displacement is 19,500 pounds, and it has a waterline length of 27 feet.

Sailing performance of the Cape Dory 36

The Cape Dory 36 is known as a fast boat that can easily reach speeds of up to 7 knots under sail. It is also very stable in rough seas and can handle heavy winds with ease. The boat's full keel provides excellent tracking and stability.

Features and amenities of the Cape Dory 36

The Cape Dory 36 has a classic design that is both beautiful and functional. It was designed to be a comfortable and spacious boat that could accommodate a small family or a group of friends. It has a traditional layout with a center cockpit, a spacious cabin, and a large aft cabin.

It has a raised cabin top that provides excellent headroom in the cabin and a large cockpit that is perfect for entertaining guests. The boat has a traditional rig with a full-batten mainsail and a roller furling jib, a self-tailing winch, and a boom vang, which makes it easy to handle even in heavy winds. It also comes with a head with a shower, to stay clean and comfortable even on extended trips.

4. Tartan 37 is a fast and comfortable bluewater cruiser

History and design of the Tartan 37

The Tartan 37 is a classic bluewater cruiser that was first introduced in 1976 and was designed by Sparkman & Stephens, a renowned naval architecture firm. The Tartan 37 was built by Tartan Yachts, a company known for its high-quality sailboats.

The design of the Tartan 37 is based on the classic lines of traditional cruising yachts. It has a long waterline and a moderate displacement.

The boat has a sleek, low profile, and a narrow beam, which helps it to cut through the water with ease. The Tartan 37 has a deep keel that provides excellent stability and helps it to track well in heavy seas.

Sailing performance of the Tartan 37

One of the standout features of the Tartan 37 is that it can handle a wide range of wind conditions. It is easy to sail and can be handled by a small crew.

It also has a powerful sail plan that includes a large mainsail and a genoa. The boat has a high aspect ratio, which means that it has a large sail area relative to its size, which helps it generate a lot of power and speed.

Features and amenities of the Tartan 37

The Tartan 37 is known to have a spacious and well-appointed interior that can accommodate up to six people. It has a large salon with a U-shaped settee and a dining table.

The boat also has a well-equipped galley with a stove, oven, and refrigerator. It has two private cabins, including a large aft cabin with a queen-sized berth. It also has a head with a shower and plenty of storage space.

5. Island Packet 35 is a spacious and well-designed boat

History and design of the Island Packet 35

The Island Packet 35 was first introduced in 1988 by Island Packet Yachts, a company that specializes in the production of quality cruising sailboats. The boat was designed by Bob Johnson, the founder of Island Packet Yachts, and was built to be a spacious and comfortable vessel for long-range cruising.

The Island Packet 35 has a classic design that features a full keel, a cutter rig, and a spacious cockpit that is perfect for entertaining guests or relaxing in the sun.

Sailing performance of the Island Packet 35

The Island Packet 35 has a displacement of around 17,500 - 18,500 lbs and a sail area of 556 sq. ft. for the standard rig, which gives it a good balance of speed and stability. The boat is also equipped with a Yanmar diesel engine, which provides plenty of power for maneuvering in tight spaces or navigating through rough seas.

Features and amenities of the Island Packet 35

One of the standout features of the Island Packet 35 is its spacious interior. The boat has a large salon with plenty of seating and a dining table that can accommodate up to six people.

The galley has a stove, oven, refrigerator, and plenty of storage space. There are also two private cabins, one forward and one aft, each with its own head and shower.

Other amenities on the Island Packet 35 include a spacious cockpit with plenty of seating, a swim platform with a ladder, and plenty of storage space throughout the boat. It also has a number of safety features, including a sturdy lifeline system, a radar reflector, and a GPS chartplotter.

6. Westsail 32 is a proven and reliable bluewater cruiser

History and design of the Westsail 32

The Westsail 32 is a legendary bluewater cruiser designed by William Crealock in the 1970s and was built by Westsail Corporation in California.

It is a full-keeled, heavy displacement boat that has a displacement of 19,500 pounds and a ballast of 7,000 pounds. The boat has a long waterline and a narrow beam, which makes it a good performer in heavy seas.

Sailing performance of the Westsail 32

This boat has a simple and traditional design with a cutter rig, which makes it easy to handle and provides a good balance of speed and stability. It has a sail area of 558 square feet, which is sufficient for most conditions and is equipped with a diesel engine, which provides reliable power when the wind is not favorable.

Features and amenities of the Westsail 32

The Westsail 32 has a spacious interior that is designed for comfort and convenience. The boat has a large salon with a U-shaped settee and a table, which can be converted into a double berth.

It also has a galley with a stove, oven, and sink, as well as a head with a shower. It is also equipped with a sturdy stainless steel bow pulpit and stern rail, which provide safety and security when working on deck. The boat also has a large cockpit with high coamings, which provides good protection from the elements.

7. Frances 26 is a beautiful and capable sailboat

History and design of the Frances 26

Frances 26 is a beautiful and capable sailboat that was designed by Chuck Paine, a renowned naval architect, and was first introduced in 1975. This boat is a classic, full-keeled, cutter-rigged sailboat that was designed to be a small, seaworthy cruiser that can handle heavy weather.

It has a displacement of 6,500 pounds and a length overall of 26 feet. The boat has a beam of 8 feet and a draft of 4 feet. The hull is made of solid fiberglass, and the deck is constructed of marine plywood and fiberglass.

Sailing performance of the Frances 26

Frances 26 is responsive and quick and can handle a variety of conditions with ease. The cutter rig is well-balanced, and the boat can be easily sailed by a single person. The full keel provides excellent stability and ensures that the boat tracks well, even in heavy seas.

Features and amenities of the Frances 26

The Frances 26 is also well-equipped with features and amenities, such as a spacious cockpit that can comfortably seat four people with the interior all well-laid out and functional.

The boat has a V-berth forward, a head, and a galley with a two-burner stove and a sink. There is also ample storage space throughout the boat, including a large lazaretto in the cockpit.

8. The Bristol Channel Cutter 28 is a traditional and strongly built boat

History and design of the Bristol Channel Cutter 28

The Bristol Channel Cutter 28 is a classic and robust sailboat designed by Lyle Hess, a renowned naval architect, and was first introduced in the 1960s. The design of the Bristol Channel Cutter 28 is based on the traditional working boats that were used in the Bristol Channel area of England.

The boat is built to be strong and sturdy, with a full keel and a heavy displacement hull. It is designed to handle rough seas and strong winds.

The boat is constructed using high-quality materials, including teak and mahogany woodwork, bronze fittings, and stainless steel hardware. The boat's design is simple and elegant, with a classic look that has stood the test of time.

Sailing performance of the Bristol Channel Cutter 28

Bristol Channel Cutter 28 is designed to be sailed comfortably in all weather conditions, and its full keel provides excellent directional stability. The boat is also responsive and easy to handle, making it a great choice for solo sailing or for a small crew.

Features and amenities of the Bristol Channel Cutter 28

The boat's features and amenities are designed to be functional and practical. The cockpit is spacious and comfortable, with ample room for seating and storage.

The cabin is cozy and well-appointed, with a galley, a head, and sleeping accommodations for up to four people. The boat also has a large sail plan, with a cutter rig that allows for easy sail handling and flexibility in different wind conditions.

9. Albin Vega 27 is a compact and affordable bluewater cruiser

History and design of the Albin Vega 27

The Albin Vega 27 is a popular and well-known compact bluewater cruiser that was first introduced in 1966 and designed by Swedish naval architect Per Brohall. It has a classic design that features a full keel and a moderate displacement hull.

It has a length overall of 8.2 meters (27 feet) and a beam of 2.5 meters (8.2 feet). The boat has a draft of 1.2 meters (3.9 feet) and a displacement of 2,900 kg (6,393 lbs).

Sailing performance of the Albin Vega 27

In terms of performance and handling, the Vega 27 has a moderate sail plan that includes a mainsail, genoa, and spinnaker. The boat has a relatively low freeboard, which can make it a bit wet in heavy seas, but it also gives it a stable and comfortable ride.

Features and amenities of the Albin Vega 27

The Vega 27 has a spacious cockpit that can accommodate a small crew, and the interior of the boat is designed to maximize space and storage. The boat has a small galley with a sink and a two-burner stove, as well as a compact head with a marine toilet.

10. Baba 30 is a classic and well-respected sailboat

History and design of the Baba 30

Baba 30 was first introduced in the 1970s, designed by Robert Perry, a renowned naval architect. It has a classic full-keel design that was inspired by traditional Japanese fishing boats. The boat has a classic look with a clipper bow and a long, sweeping sheer line.

Sailing performance of the Baba 30

The Baba 30 is a relatively small sailboat, but it is known for its excellent performance and handling. It is designed to be easy to handle in a wide range of conditions, and it is known for its stability and ease of handling.

Features and amenities of the Baba 30

This boat has a spacious cockpit that is perfect for relaxing and entertaining. It has a comfortable interior that is designed for extended cruising as it has a full galley, a head, and a comfortable sleeping area.

11. Southern Cross 31 is a sturdy and comfortable cruiser

History and design of the Southern Cross 31

The Southern Cross 31 is a popular cruising sailboat designed by Thomas Gillmer and built by the C.E. Ryder Corporation in Bristol, Rhode Island in 1975.

The design of the Southern Cross 31 was based on the traditional double-ended cruising boats that were popular in the early 20th century. The boat has a full keel and a moderate displacement, and the hull is constructed of solid fiberglass, which is known for its durability and resistance to osmotic blistering.

Sailing performance of the Southern Cross 31

Southern Cross 31 has a moderate sail plan that is easily handled by a small crew, and it is known for its ability to sail well in a variety of wind and sea conditions. The boat also has a well-balanced helm and a comfortable cockpit that makes it easy to handle in rough weather.

Features and amenities of the Southern Cross 31

The interior of Southern Cross 31 is spacious and well-lit, with plenty of headroom and ample storage space. The boat has a large galley with a propane stove and oven, a refrigerator, and a sink with hot and cold running water. There is also a comfortable salon with a dinette table that can be converted into a double berth.

Other features include a private aft cabin with a double berth, a head with a marine toilet and a shower, and a variety of storage lockers and compartments throughout the boat. The boat also has a variety of safety features, including a sturdy stainless steel bow pulpit, a stern rail, and a lifeline system that runs the length of the deck.

12. Flicka 20 is a small but mighty bluewater sailboat

History and design of Flicka 20

The Flicka 20 is a small but mighty bluewater sailboat that has been around for over 40 years. It was designed by Bruce Bingham in the early 1970s and was initially built by Pacific Seacraft.

The Flicka 20 has a full keel design with a displacement of around 4,000 pounds. Its hull is made of fiberglass, and it has a length of 20 feet and a beam of 8 feet. The boat's design is based on the traditional lines of classic sailing vessels, which gives it a timeless look that has aged well over the years.

Sailing performance of Flicka 20

Flicka 20 has a full keel design that provides excellent stability, and it is known for its ability to maintain a straight course even in choppy waters. The boat is also easy to handle, even for novice sailors, and it can be sailed single-handedly.

Features and amenities of Flicka 20

The Flicka 20 is equipped with a cozy cabin with a V-berth and a settee that can be converted into a berth. The boat also has a small galley with a sink and a two-burner stove, as well as a marine head. There is ample storage space throughout the cabin, including lockers and shelves.

Other features of the Flicka 20 include a self-tacking jib, a mainsail with reefing points, and a boom vang. The boat also has a cockpit that is well-protected from the elements and provides excellent visibility. The cockpit is equipped with a tiller steering system, which gives the boat a responsive and agile feel.

13. The Nor'sea 27 is a compact and seaworthy vessel

History and design of Nor'sea 27

The Nor'sea 27 was designed by Lyle Hess, a renowned naval architect who is known for his work on a number of iconic boats, including the Bristol Channel Cutter and the Falmouth Cutter. The Nor'sea 27 was designed to be a smaller, more affordable version of these boats, while still retaining the same level of quality and seaworthiness.

The boat is 27 feet long and has a beam of just under 8 feet. It has a full keel and a cutter rig, which makes it very stable and easy to handle in rough seas.

The boat is also designed to be easily trailerable, which makes it a popular choice for sailors who want to explore different parts of the world without having to worry about the logistics of transporting their boat.

Sailing performance of Nor'sea 27

The Nor'sea 27 is very stable and easy to handle, even in rough seas. The full keel and cutter rig makes it very forgiving, and the boat is able to maintain a steady course even in heavy winds.

The boat is also very responsive to the helm, which makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.

Features and amenities of Nor'sea 27

Despite its compact size, the Nor'sea 27 has a spacious cockpit that is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the scenery, with an interior that is well-appointed with a galley, a head, and a comfortable sleeping area. The boat also has ample storage space, which is important for long voyages.

Key Features To Look For In A Bluewater Sailboat

There are several key features to consider that will ensure your safety, comfort, and enjoyment while cruising on a bluewater sailboat:

Prefer the most stable size of at least 30-35 feet in length

A bluewater sailboat should be at least 30-35 feet in length to safely traverse common wavelengths in the open ocean. It should also be self-righting or extremely seaworthy like a large catamaran.

Opt for boats with a wide beam and a deep draft. Ideally, boats with full keels are also best for bluewater sailing.

If you're looking for the best size sailboat for coastal cruising, here's how you should know the perfect size that fits your needs.

Choose one with a protected helm and accommodation

A protected and enclosed helm helps ensure safety and comfort when sailing in inclement weather. Accommodations below should also be well-protected from the elements and provide ample storage for provisions and gear.

Pick one with sturdy and reliable rigging and sails

Try to look for a boat with a cutter or ketch rig for versatility in different wind conditions. A roller furling system for the headsail is also recommended for ease of use.

Look for one with reliable anchoring and mooring

Perhaps consider a boat with a windlass and a minimum of 45 fathoms of ⅜in chain, plus a modern anchor weighing in at a minimum of 55lb.

Opt for the most self-sufficient bluewater sailboat

Consider going for a boat with ample tankage for fuel and water, as well as a reliable means of generating power such as solar panels or a wind turbine. A watermaker is also a valuable addition for long-term cruising.

It must be seaworthy and reliable

Go for boats that are built to withstand the rigors of bluewater sailing. A strong and durable hull, high-quality materials, and a well-designed layout are all indicators of a seaworthy vessel.