Cruising World

2 weeks ago | cruisingworld.com | Herb McCormick

The wild world of long-distance solo yacht racing was launched by a select crew of relative madmen, guys like Robin Knox-Johnston and Eric Tabarly. But the sport has evolved in many ways over the years, and a long list of courageous women has since leveled the playing field, giving the he-men all they can handle. As a sailing journalist, I had the pleasure of covering some of the early pioneers, including Isabelle Autissier and Ellen MacArthur.

3 weeks ago | cruisingworld.com | Herb McCormick

Way back when, several decades ago, I scored my first ride aboard a cruising trimaran: a sweet, cold-molded beauty called Juniper. Today, naval architect Chris White is well-known for his long line of Atlantic catamarans, all of which are laid out with his signature feature: a forward cockpit for the helm and sail controls (something that several notable designers and brands, including Gunboat, have copied).

3 weeks ago | cruisingworld.com | Andrew Parkinson

I’ll admit it: I used to think of “cruising” and “competition” as oil and water. You either race, chasing podium finishes and line honors, or you cruise, sipping sundowners in some paradisiacal anchorage. One approach was about tactics and trimming; the other was about slowing down and soaking it all in. For me, the latter approach always ruled the day. Then I met a new breed of sailors who blur the lines between the two. Take my friend Cate, for example.

1 month ago | cruisingworld.com | Andrew Parkinson

When thirty new catamaran owners gathered in mid-May on the sun-drenched coast of Canet-en-Roussillon, France, it wasn’t just for a celebratory maiden cruise—it was for school. The third annual Excess Campus, hosted by Groupe Beneteau’s catamaran brand Excess, brought together owners from around the world for four days of hands-on training, community-building, and coastal cruising.

1 month ago | cruisingworld.com | Andrew Parkinson

Excess Catamarans has announced a new hybrid propulsion option for its popular 37-foot model, the Excess 11. Starting in summer 2025, buyers will be able to equip the boat with a hybrid system that pairs twin electric motors with a diesel generator. The new setup allows for quiet maneuvering and the option to cruise under electric power alone, while still offering extended range thanks to the generator backup.