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• Sun Fast 30 One Design

The fruit of a collaboration between key players in the marine industry – with naval architects at VPLP Design and with Multiplast – the Sun Fast 30 One Design is an innovative, powerful, and versatile 30-foot sailboat aiming to make offshore sailing more accessible, more fun, and more sustainable.

A One Design Made for Offshore Racing

The Sun Fast 30 One Design has the ambition of turning a new page on offshore racing, offering a monotype dedicated to multi-day competitions, accessible to amateurs and to a new generation. At a reasonable price, they can acquire a One Design entirely made in France, perfectly equipped for racing, and easy to maintain. This One Design class will become a reference in offshore sailing, with a vast schedule of international races that promise to be exhilarating.

Objective: Performance and Sensations

Each of the three partners in the project contributed their expertise to produce a sailboat that delivers an exceptional performance. The Sun Fast 30 One Design benefits from the latest advances in infusion-moulded construction, guaranteeing resistance and rigidity at a reduced weight. The slightly rounded bow, inspired by scow design, promises thrills and power at any speed. Equipment on board, such as the autopilot and electronics, is well adapted for double-handed, and even single-handed, offshore racing.

A Recyclable Production Model Sailboat

A sailboat demonstrating remarkable performance, the Sun Fast 30 One Design is no less respectful of the environment. This is the first production model sailboat built from a recyclable composite material. By integrating the durability criteria from sailboat racing class rules, as well as equipment carefully selected and designed for intensive offshore use, the Sun Fast 30 One Design marks a major advance toward more environmentally responsible sailing.

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explore the range

Sun Fast 3300

The Sun Fast 3300, a bold racing boat, without compromise, designed for success

#Youth development offshore

#funding for offshore 

FROM KALLE WITH LOVE

Ben Corson and Marta Hansen US Offshore

Inshore Sail racing in Hungary

Dehler 30 one design Regatta Fleet

Sail training in Britanny

double handed Sailing in Denmark

double handed racing in Sweden

World Champianship Team Lithuania

Offshore Sailing in Netherlands

Sail Racing at International German Open

double handed Regatta in Greece

Sail Racing Championship in France

World champions racing in Italy

The 6th edition of the Baltic 500 in 2024

Eight Dehler 30 OD have raced against each other in the Dehler 30 OD class without any additional rating.

When: 08/05/2024 - 13/05/2024

For details go to the baltic500 web side: https://www.baltic500.com/

Report from the Baltic 500

At last year’s Baltic 500 we, Luca Mayer and Luca Leidholdt, took 4th place in the Dehler 30 OneDesign class and won the youngest team award (see report below from 2023). This year we managed to win the Baltic 500 Challenge with the Dehler30od PlayHarder ! It was a super exciting regatta and we were happy that we were able to use again the Play Harder as youth team.  

With winds from 0 to 20 knots, we had a close neck-and-neck race with our competitors, who didn't make it easy for us at all and also sailed very good races. The gaps between the boats were constantly changing and up to the Gedser tip everything was possible and nothing certain. Only after Fehmarnbelt did a clear order of the boats emerge, which did not change until Kiel lighthouse.

In the end, we were able to win the race in the last 30 nm. It got really exciting again here, as we had to contend with a pitch-black night and dense sea fog over the last few meters! But the feeling of rushing into “nothingness” at a boat speed of 10 knots kept us awake and we crossed the finish line. We are already looking forward to next year's Baltic 500!

Report from the Baltic 500 in 2023

After last year had too much wind, this year we had very, very little wind for the first half of the regatta. For someone from Lake Constance, of course, this was familiar territory, but still exhausting.

Right from the start, many boats struggled to cross the start line within the time limit (10 minutes). One can easily imagine the problem, and so it went, on and off, for two days and two nights. Fortunately, the race committee had already shortened the course by 70 miles before the start, as it was foreseeable that it would take a while to return to Kiel. Thus, the course went around the island of Anholt instead of Læsø.

Despite the little wind, my sailing partner, Luca Leidholdt, and I were mostly doing quite well compared to the rest of the field up to Anholt.

We constantly battled with various boats, by day and by night, and it was always exciting to wake up for the shift change to see if the other had done something well or lost ground.

Up to Anholt, there weren't many notable incidents. Along the way, we once replaced a broken mainsheet block and crossed a huge wind farm, but that was all the action there was.

On the third morning, just before the Øresund, things got exciting. The rear part of the field, which had previously split off far, caught up with wind from behind, and where we were, there was so little wind that some boats anchored for 1 - 2 hours to avoid being pushed backwards by the current.

Fortunately, we always managed to keep moving, even if sometimes not in the optimal direction. Up to Copenhagen, we made some costly mistakes and lost a lot of boats, until we finally left Copenhagen behind and sailed into the night under spinnaker. When the sun rose, we had reached Møns Klint, south of Copenhagen. There, a huge chalk cliff stretches up, 6 km long and 128 m high. Naturally, there is no wind at the cliffs with onshore wind, as it gets blocked quite far in front of the cliffs.

We both Lucas, green as we were, of course went straight into the doldrums and were stuck in the waves for a while. Not only did we lose precious minutes at this point, but it was also the moment when one would reconsider their breakfast.

After Møns Klint, we raised the spinnaker and sailed past Gedser and Fehmarn in one go until Langeland. Top speed here was 14 knots. Towards the end, in the last hours, the wind died down significantly again and it became really strenuous once more. Therefore, we were all the more happy when we crossed the finish line.

Overall, we needed 83 hours and finished as the 4th Dehler30od. Our goal before the regatta was to finish, so this can be considered a good result. In addition to the 4th place, we were also awarded the Pampers Award as the youngest participating team! All in all, it was a great regatta, we learned a lot and already know what we want to do differently next time!

Results can be found here .

Dehler 30od: A Racer - Also for crusing

In the latest report by Yacht magazine, the focus is on the versatility of the Dehler30od. If you've been wondering what this one-design class has to offer, you've come to the right place. As the title suggests, the 30od offers not only sailing fun and exciting regatta experiences, but relaxed cruising is also possible. For the review , click on the red-highlighted link.

Go4Speed Greifswald 2023

The well-known Go4Speed sailing event took place in Greifswald over the last weekend of April, marking the start of the 2023 sailing season. For many crews, it was their first sailing event of the year, so they had to get acquainted with their boats again, check and test the boat's trim and technology. Originally, five Dehler30od boats were registered, but due to time constraints, only three boats appeared at the event.

The first day of sailing within the event took place on Saturday, April 29th. The race committee set up an up-and-down course in the bay of Greifswald in the Greifswalder Bodden, with each leg being approximately 1 nautical mile long, providing a challenge for the crews. The start of the race was greeted with fantastic weather conditions, with bright sunshine and a steady wind of 10-15 knots. The race consisted of starting, beating, hoisting spinnakers, and then returning to the finish line. Training was a key focus of this event, aiming to familiarize the crews even better with their boats. A variety of coaches accompanied the fleet on motorboats, providing tips and tricks to the participants, following the motto "Practice makes perfect."

Training continued on Sunday as well, and fortunately, the following Monday was a holiday, which made the logistics of returning the boats much more relaxed for the teams.

After the eventful day of sailing, the sailors returned to the harbor, where they could exchange their experiences and stories of the day. Food and refreshments were provided on land, and many participants stayed until late evening. There were also interesting presentations on various sailing topics, ranging from regatta tactics, trim, and analysis of the day's recordings to boat maintenance.

The event has become dear to many sailors' hearts, as it combines a laid-back atmosphere with ambition and determination. The interaction among participants and the learning process on their own boats, which the event provides, is highly valued by the crews. Therefore, the Dehler30od sailors have decided to make this event a permanent fixture in their season planning for the future.

Drone footage from the finish line YouTube

Boat show Dusseldorf 2023

Dear Sailors, Friends and anyone interested of the Dehler30od. After two years we are happy to be on the Dusseldorf boat show again. This year one of our Dehler30od's will be displayed on the exhibition in hall 15 stand G21. Form  21.01. - 29.01. the exhibiton will open from 10am till 6pm. We are looking forward to see you on site and hope for a great boat show in 2023. If you have any further questions about the exhibition feel free to contact us via [email protected] or visit the officail website of the boat show.

See you then, really looking forward to see you! 

For all lovers of double handed sailing, offshore regattas and single handed sail sailing

The aim of the class association is to promote recreational and competitive sail racing with the Dehler 30 one design yachts under the management of the class association . Under the direction of the Executive Committee , the association sets course for national and international regatta events . For the 2021 season, participation in the double-handed regatta Baltic 500, the long-distance race Rund Bornholm and as well as an exciting International German Championship in Olpenitz are planned. The Dehler 30 one design is to establish itself just as quickly at international offshore regattas.

High performance sailing meets offshore sail racing

360° view from inside the dehler 30 one design offshore racing boat.

from Dehler with love

"It gives me great pleasure to finally be able to implement such an exciting one-design project in Germany again!" Said Karl Dehler, the driving force behind the development of the Dehler 30 one design: As the son of the Dehler company founder Willi Dehler, he is passionate about sailing in the blood. For Dehler, it is a significant component of numerous innovations and trend-setting inventions. And the successes speak for themselves: Under Karl's project management, Dehler has already won numerous prestigious awards and has been repeatedly honored and nominated for the titles Boat of the Year and European Boat of the Year. His expertise, competence and above all passion are based above all on years of experience as a still active regatta sailor . In 1984 he won together with Torsten Conradi the world championship title on the db2 positron.

Gallery of offshore sailors with theire Dehler 30od

Offshore legend Knut Frostad on the Dehler 30 one design

Interview with Kunt Frostad on Dehler 30 one design

Hello my name is Knut Frostered I'm the CEO of Navi Co who also owns the brand B&G which is present on this boat behind me. I have a long history in ocean racing in addition to working in the sailboat industry, so I used to be the CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race for eight years and before that I was also participating in the Volvo Ocean Race. Four times around the world twice as a skipper and then some Olympic Games before that, so I have a long history in sailing and am quite passionate about ocean racing.  

What Is your overall impression of the boat?

My overall impression of this boat is it's very good I think it's it smells quality there's a lot of really good quality equipment and I think the design is very much in line with the current sort of our thinking and of ocean racing, so it's the first sort of 30 foot boat I've seen that's really looking like it's a 2020 boat.  It's so a very good impression of the equipment very good to play impression of the layout I think it looks like the people involved in this project have been spending a lot of time thinking about the details and putting some experience into it.

Which details do you like most?

I think what I like most with this boat I think it gives a feeling it's quite solid and for me racing offshore you know you really have to trust equipment. I like the sail plan a lot it has quite an advanced sail plan, it's very accessible. I like the retractable driveshaft of the propeller. In a small boat like this to the get rid of the sail Drive and the propeller shaft under the water has a big impact on the drag, so it makes the boat a lot faster. I think the general cockpit layout is simple but very functional. It is a functional boat, and it looks easy to sail fast with it.

Why is a one design class useful?

Well I'm a huge fan of one design boats. Those who know me and racing know that that's where I really believe you sailing needs to go. In racing with boats, the alternative to one design is a game where whoever spends the most money has the best chance of winning, and I think that's why one design is what everyone in the end loves. Typically, when you ask racing sailors if they have different boats they all think they have the best boat when they start and when they finish they all want the boat that won. So in the end they all want the same boat. That's why one design is such a fantastic concept and I think this boat to me is the future. It's what sailing needs to be, and it's what sailors like to do. The fact that you race under equal terms means the best sailors are winning and that the sailors are becoming better sailors because they are challenging each other and learning from each other knowing that they have the same boat.

Why is the Dehler 30 one design best suited for Olympia / offshore races?

Well I know there's a few boats that are trying to be to become the Olympic offshore class for world sailing. I think this is a good candidate. To be an Olympic boat you have to be able to function in a lot of conditions. The sailing venues around the world that would be relevant are very, very different. I think the key is that the boat has to be extremely tight on the one design side, and it has to be a quality boat because the boats will be used a lot. In any Olympic participation people are going to train a lot and spend a lot of hours compared to any other racing. There's almost no scene where people are training more than in the Olympic scene.

To me, it looks like the boat is very accurate, and it looks like the finish and the details are very exact. I know they have spent some effort into that and that's important to become an Olympic class. I think that mixed-offshore is a very interesting part of Olympics. I've done both offshore and Olympics, so I know the differences and I think that for me the offshore sailing is the most interesting part of sailing. It's the same intensity as you have with round boat racing, but it's much longer much more an endurance sport, and I've been a big promoter of bringing women into the sport in the Volvo Ocean Race we brought women in and now that's part of the race and I think it's extremely interesting to have that combination in sailing and to be promoter of gender equality. It just makes it a lot more interesting for more countries and more people to follow the sport so that's good.

What do you think of short-handed sailing?

I've done a bit of offshore single-handed sailing not really around the world or anything like that. I think the interesting thing with short-handed sailing is that you have to become a very good sailor in every discipline. You have to be good at trimming, driving, navigating doing the weather, making decisions, and know how to fix the boat. Short-handed sailors in general are in my view the best sailors in the world today because they are really all-round sailors. They are very good at everything on the boat, and they are on a very high level today. It's probably the discipline in sailing that has accelerated the most the last ten years and the absolute best short-handed sailors we have today in François Gabart and Thomas Coville, these guys are in my opinion the best sailors in the world.

What equipment on the Dehler 30od catches your eye?

The equipment dealer have used in this boat this is really high quality and that's really important because when you have one design you should never try to compromise. That's because this is going to be used a lot, and it looks functional to me. They have obviously taken the best instruments that you can get with the plotters and the whole sail set of racing set up from B&G simple but very visible and very accessible. I obviously like a lot to have the multifunction display in the cockpit then you have it accessible at all times. I think it's a functional boat with very good equipment, I'm really impressed with it. The Stealth Drive with the propeller is a cool feature I think. We had that in the Volvo Ocean Race as well with the Volvo 70s.

I think Dehler has found a really good solution to it because it's quite complex to get the propeller up in the hull and make that tight and make it smooth and make it accessible. I just went through with them how they retract and extend the shaft, and it's very quick it seems to work really well. It obviously is a feature that takes away a lot of the drag on the boat, so it's a really strong performance feature, and it's going to make the boat quite a lot faster. Which is absolutely a nice feature and in general the boat feels solid. The cockpit this is large, and it has very accessible trimming functions, so I like it.

Would I sail this boat with my family?

I would absolutely do that, I think that this is a fun boat to sail. I think it's quite easy to sail, the layout this is safe and really very accessible, so it's not a complex boat to bring children or bring your family. I have sailed a lot with my kids and my wife so for them this would be a very fun boat to sail with, and I think it has all the room inside it has a really big space inside. Nice bunks both fore and aft and plenty of space really, so this is a use useful boat. A lot of the things you see inside boats today are not used so much but in this boat you have the space where you need it and plenty of storage so no I think this would be a fun boat to bring the family out with.

World wide awards and honors for the Dehler 30 offshore yacht

BoatNews.com

Interview / "The Class30 is a simple and fun boat for crewing, offshore or day sailing"

After an international call for projects for the design of the new Class 30 yacht and 8 applications selected at the beginning of July 2021, the jury finally chose the VPLP/Multiplast duo. Simon Watin, president of the naval architecture firm, tells us more about this new concept and the project as a whole.

With the aim of putting the learning of ocean racing back at the heart of the practice and especially among young people, the UNCL launched in April 2021 a new class of sailboats, the Class30. After a call for projects to determine the future architect of these boats The winner was unveiled on Wednesday 1 er september 2021. The architect/builder duo VPLP/Multiplast will be in charge of the design and construction of this yacht. A total of 8 projects were selected by the jury in early July: 4 French, 2 Italian, 1 American and 1 German.

The preliminary design phase will continue until the end of 2021. A model of the boat will be exhibited in December on the UNCL stand at the Paris Boat Show. The launch of the first boats is scheduled for the 4th quarter of 2022. At the same time, the presentation of a financing plan for the boats for the Clubs will allow the search for financial partners, and even a sponsor for the Class30.

Simon Watin, president of the naval architecture firm VPLP Design , tells us more about the new concept developed for the Class30.

What were the strengths of your project compared to competitors?

We worked on two aspects. An industrial solution with an upstream shipyard and a boat built in medium series with an advanced sales or volume objective. We proposed a joint solution with a view to volume and an attractive price, emphasizing the link between the architect and the shipyard .

We also thought a lot about what this class could be. The values it conveys, the audience it reaches, the way it is used, the possibility of a class sponsor... We thought of it as a real class, with a class dynamic, a new audience with the objective of getting young people back on the water. In the end, we included things that were broader than the purely architectural aspect.

The Class30 will be an eco-designed boat. What do you mean by this?

The eco-design approach goes beyond the choice of equipment and materials. It's also about how to sail as much as possible. This is what is most interesting from an environmental point of view. Why not invest in schools, high schools. This is the kind of broader idea that we have been thinking about. We would like to make a boat that is a bit distinctive and generational. For each generation, we have had iconic sailboats that allowed us to have experiences on the water, in cruising, in racing... Like the Class8, the Muscadet ... We wanted a renewal.

The specifications in terms of budget are tight. At the level of the construction itself, there are technical solutions that exist. Use PET foam on certain parts, why not linen in some places. For the Club version, we are thinking of working with a single supplier of sails with eco-designed specifications and a large volume. On the choice of materials, we will have to arbitrate between eco-construction, price and the need for production and one-design. We have a "design to cost" approach."

Can you introduce us to this new Class30?

There will be two versions Class 30 Club and Class 30 One Design. The first one is a minimalist oriented version without layout with strictly one-design electronics for collective fleets and clubs with the aim of a one-design dynamic. With a notion of offshore which does not really exist at the moment.

The second is an owner oriented version with a competitive IRC rating and performance options. A carbon mast, more freedom on the sails, a little more electronics and layout.

It is the same base with two variations.

The hull is semi-scow with a not completely round nose. It's a mix of the best of both worlds, with power when you're leaning without too much wet surface penalty when you don't need power. We worked on something simple in terms of the deck plan and the interior. It's a smart boat in terms of deck plan ergonomics, with simple and efficient adjustments. The companionway is offset so there is only one roof winch - there are three in all. There is an asymmetrical spinnaker , on a relatively simple bowsprit , a 3D jib trim inspired by multihulls, light and simple to learn the settings, suspended bisafrans. The concept of the fixed keel is inspired by the Figaro 2: simple to remove, simple to repair for club management and to carry in keel/rigging mode.

The general structural and keel concept is simple. This allows in IRC to have a horned mainsail with more surface for example. It is a simple and fun boat, designed for crew (5 to 6 people) or for day sailing or for 48 hours.

In the Club version, there will be frames and a stove. It's an apprenticeship in ocean racing with the comfort of a Figaro. Offshore racing is a different way of racing and not necessarily accessible to crews if you are not an owner.

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Dehler 30 yacht test: This one-design racer has a real double appeal

• Matthew Sheahan
• May 20, 2020

An award-winning offshore blaster, the Dehler 30 is many things to many sailors. But can a short-handed one-design racer-cruiser really tick so many boxes?

Product Overview

Manufacturer:, price as reviewed:.

Talk to those who have switched to short-handed offshore racing and you’ll be hard pressed to find many who want to go back to a weather rail stacked with crew. It’s not that they’ve suddenly realised that they don’t like sharing the experience with others, or that the boat just feels cluttered below, but that it is just more satisfying sailing two-up . Plus, it’s often a lot cheaper. It’s these two factors above all that surely explain the increase in popularity in this kind of sailing.

Yet, unlike the moment when we realised that planing sportsboats were a lot more fun than the tubby lead mines of the day that rolled downwind like metronomes, or the sudden realisation that gybing an asymmetric spinnaker was no harder than tacking a jib, the growth in short-handed offshore sailing has been more gradual. And it is also building from another corner of the sport as the momentum for the new Olympic offshore class in 2024 gathers pace.

As the plans for Paris 2024 are now starting to take shape, where mixed gender entries will be a requirement, there is also a feeling that there will be opportunities for a wider range of age, experience and crew weights. This has triggered a fair bit of interest among a broader group of sailors than normal. It has also drawn the attention of some of the world’s top builders as they look into producing boats that might tap into this new scene.

Perfect for two but with the capability for more, this is a comprehensively kitted out 30-footer that’s easy to handle. Photo: Hanse Yachts AG

Of course some, like Beneteau, have been in this space for a while with their Figaro range of offshore racers. Jeanneau has also been successful most recently with its SunFast 3200 and 3600 models, with the new Sun Fast 3300 starting to make an impression as well. Other builders like JPK, J/Boats and Pogo have also been successful in developing interesting boats in this area. And now one of the latest to step into the ring is Dehler.

Well known for its innovative approach to design along with a racing heritage that stretches back to the 1980s when boats like the DB1 put it on the map, the German production builder has launched a 30ft offshore pocket rocket that appears to be aimed straight at the short-handed world. It is a boat that ignores handicap rules like IRC and focuses instead on creating a strict, high performance, offshore one-design.

But let’s get one thing out into the open from the start: this is a boat with an identity crisis. Look at the pictures and study the detailed deck layout and spec and it is easy to see that this is a well thought out, comprehensively equipped racer. Yet study the interior layout and overall style and the message is that while it’s a modern, quick 30-footer, it’s also designed to be a sprightly family cruiser. So can it really be both?

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When viewed from the outside, the Judel/Vrolijk-designed Dehler looks every bit the racer. The reverse profile bow and the heavily chamfered topsides/gunwale that extend forward from her chainplates give the look of a smaller version of a number of well known racing machines – the Fast 40+ Ran , countless Class 40s , or even the previous Hugo Boss IMOCA 60 spring to mind.

Offshore style

When viewed from dead ahead the rounded, full-sectioned bow and a hard turn of the bilge from slab sided topsides to flat underwater sections are further indications of the modern offshore style. And then there’s the fixed bowsprit off which the Code 0 and A2 and A5 kites are flown. It is removable for cruising, but when it’s in place (as it was for us), it shouts racing.

So too does the carbon mast, the square-topped mainsail and the twin backstays, with tails led forward through rope clutches to the primary winches mounted conveniently for the helmsman and crew. The coarse and fine tune mainsheet systems, along with a mainsheet traveller that runs almost the complete width of the ample beam are also dead giveaways that this boat is set up to race.

It’s clear that a huge amount of thought has gone into the design. In plan, the delta shape sees the maximum beam carried all the way aft to the stern from midships providing the means to generate a high righting moment. The full sections forward where the volume is low down are indications that the distribution of buoyancy is in keeping with modern thinking and contributes to the righting moment using the hull form without creating unnecessary drag through excessive wetted surface area.

It’s likely to be a well-balanced boat when heeled, and the 200kg water ballast tanks on either side add a further boost to righting moment and hence performance. Pump these up using either the gravity or electric feed systems and you have the equivalent of 2-3 people on the rail – people that you don’t have to feed or hot-bunk with.

As it happens, the sporty looks are also in line with the modern cruising style. Beamy sections aft frequently lead to twin rudders, whether you’re racing or cruising. The Dehler 30 is no different, although the linking mechanism between both rudder stocks and the single centreline-mounted tiller is fitted above decks making it very easy to get to. Liferaft stowage is under a lifting section of the aft deck and accessible from the water, whichever way up the boat is: yet another illustration as to how detailed the thinking has been.

Nimble and responsive

Like modern cars that have become bloated with every iteration, today’s boats generally feel bigger than they did a few decades back. Strangely, the Dehler 30 feels smaller. I’m sure half tonners felt bigger than this? The reality is that when compared to other popular brands in this scene such as the Beneteaus, Jeanneaus and JPK’s it is indeed shorter. But the Dehler also feels small in a good way – a boat that feels right for two from the off. It’s a size in which pretty much everything is close to hand without having to let go of the helm.

Short-handed offshore sailors prefer not to depend entirely on their autopilots. Instead, most take the pragmatic view that at some point it will break down and hand steering will become essential. They also believe that at times humans can still sail better than a machine. But aboard the Dehler 30 there is another issue and that is that once you’ve taken the helm, you’re unlikely want to give it back.

Cockpit layout suits single- and double-handed sailing. Photo: Hanse Yachts AG

Light, nimble and responsive, you barely notice that it has twin rudders such is the balance between them. In keeping with modern thinking it’s designed to heel fairly early to a point at which the windward rudder offers minimal drag, which in turn helps to get that single blade feel on the helm.

Manoeuvrability is good under sail, but also under power thanks largely to the fixed three-bladed prop which provides plenty of prop walk… which in turn makes up for the lack of prop wash over the rudders. Overall this is a boat that has been designed to be sailed hands on. Whether you’re steering from the side deck or organising the pit, everything is close to hand, making tacks and gybes as straightforward as they can be.

Our trials started off in a light breeze and in this the Dehler ghosted along nicely before conditions picked up to a modest 10 knots. That was sufficient at least to establish that this is a well-balanced, slippery boat. The modern sailplan gives the first indication of why it performs so well. A high aspect ratio non-overlapping, hanked-on jib that is just 5.5m 2 smaller than the 34.5m 2 square-topped mainsail is the first indication of an ample and sophisticated sailplan.

The furling staysail also makes for a good heavy weather jib for when conditions get punchy upwind. Photo: Hanse Yachts AG

Aside from the provision for a Code 0 and downwind asymmetric kites, the staysail mounted on a detachable inner forestay will be good off the breeze as well as upwind when things have got punchy offshore. The single spreader aft-swept rig is an important part of this with a set of D2s that terminate at the inner forestay mast attachment to give good fore and aft support when you’re hammering upwind under this reduced sail plan.

Less obvious, yet another big contribution to the all round performance, is the 2.20m deep 82kg carbon reinforced fin and 840kg bulb configuration. Aside from generating plenty of righting moment, the deep, parallel-sided fin is efficient when it comes to providing lift, a key reason why it feels like it gets into the groove with ease.

The choice of fin and bulb is interesting as it is unlikely to be treated well under IRC and provides another indication as to how focussed Dehler is on one-design and short-handed sailing. But if it does have a weakness it is the speed with which a snake pit of ropes can build up in the cockpit. And while careful control line management is the answer, the clutter stems largely from an overly sophisticated deck layout and snug cockpit.

The Dehler’s Code 0, with its trendy but practical outrigger, covers a wide range of wind speeds and angles. Photo: Rick Tomlinson

Having got used to what this boat is all about on deck and underway, the big surprise comes when you head below decks where, instead of a Spartan racing interior, the layout is far more modern cruiser. This is where the identity crisis lies.

Creature comforts

Had you simply headed below without looking at the layout on deck you’d likely not be surprised. The trademark Dehler offwhite/grey and red trim also has wood laminate saloon bench seating and a table on the centreline and looks just like you’d expect of a contemporary Dehler.

And with a modest galley to starboard that’ll take a portable fridge, an open plan forepeak, enclosable heads to port and a couple of ‘almost double’ berths aft, it looks like a snug modern production cruiser.

Creature comforts and trademark Dehler trim belie the boat’s racing aspirations. Photo: Rick Tomlinson

The giveaway is the lack of floorboards, which help to achieve a decent 1.82m headroom in an otherwise low freeboard boat. That and the internal water ballast tanks.

But for me the oddest of detail was the fabric hull liner. While it looks smart on a new boat, it reminded me of boats from another era that didn’t stand the test of time well, and made me question whether a boat of this type really needs it. On that point, Dehler says the creature comforts account for less than 100kg in total and suggest this is a good use of weight when it comes to broadening the use and the appeal of the boat.

But when the boat will be raced primarily by people who like having the sidedeck to themselves for hours on end as they chase down their rivals offshore, I’m not sure that comfort below decks is at the front of their minds.

This boat grew on me quickly because it was so comfortable and rewarding to sail. It just feels like it fits. It’s is easy to handle short-handed and so taps into this growing scene while also appealing to what sportier types may want when they’re family cruising. But sprightly cruising does come at a price. At a base cost of €108,000 excluding VAT and around €160,000 with a full spec and VAT paid it might seem pretty expensive for a 30ft production built, fast family cruiser. Yet come to it from a racing mindset and this is a boat that wants for nothing. With such a comprehensive and high quality specification along with the promise of good one-design racing, it’s an appealing prospect. So can this be both racer and cruiser? The answer is yes, so long as you regard it in this order.

The new Class 30 will be completed by the end of March 2022

With the preliminary design study phase drawing to a close, the ground is now being prepared for the construction of the first Class 30, with the next phase of the project underway, which is the development of the detailed construction plans.  These will be completed by the end of March 2022.

The new Class 30 design will offer two different specifications; a Club and One Design version, with the Club offering being seen as a tool for training, learning about, and competing on the offshore racing circuit.  This new boat is the fruits of an international architecture competition organized by France’s National Offshore Racing Union (UNCL) in partnership with the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC), in the UK and the Storm Trysail Club in America. With the constant involvement of the competition winners, the VPLP naval architecture firm and the Multiplast yard.

One of the objectives of the project is for the Class 30 Club boat, to have a competitive ready to sail price tag of under €100,000.

Production set to commence from January 2023

With regards to the build schedule, the study phase has been extended to finalize the tooling and moulds so that construction of the production boats can commence at the beginning of 2023, with the aim of having a few of the boats competing that Easter, either at the Spi Ouest France or the SNIM or at RORC races in the UK . Depending on how the order book evolves, promoters of the production boat will consider in due course whether or not to put in place an additional mould to increase production capacity in France, whilst evaluating the development of a license program overseas.

A boat designed to be container-shipped

In addition to the very contemporary lines and a series of simple and inexpensive solutions, what has come off the drawing board of competition winner VPLP-Multiplast is a truly stellar logistical feat.  Indeed, through the possibility of fitting the whole boat and its rig into a 40-foot container was not a prerequisite of the initial specifications, it was quickly viewed as a major benefit in ensuring the best possible distribution of the one-design via both road and sea transport.

The design of a transport cradle is also envisaged with this in mind. In line with the wishes of the project’s stakeholders, particular attention has gone into the pre-manufacture studies of the first prototype to ensure the best possible control of the budget for the production boats, which is a key aspect of the project.

“Managing to combine performance, simplicity and fun with this boat, which aims to connect dinghy sailing and offshore racing, is an extremely motivating challenge for our whole team. Following on from our fine experience on the Figaro 3, it’s another step forward into the world of production monohulls for us.” Simon Watin, VPLP design

A circuit for the Class 30 One Design

The main aim of the class is to set up a sports program enabling sailors – owners and clubs – to get out racing at the highest level as soon as possible on a variety of course types and stretches of water. To this end, the one-design is intended to provide an optimized response to the IRC measurement criteria.

This option will pave the way for an extensive one-design race program both in France , the UK , and overseas, around the cans and offshore.  UNCL and RORC are also very keen to quickly schedule a ‘Class 30 Tour’, an event which will serve as a reminder of the project’s suitability and ambition for training and replenishing a whole generation of offshore racing crew and skippers of renown. This Class 30 Tour could travel with crews going back and forth between the English and French coasts.

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New Class 30 : The new ocean-going format: small, sporty, affordable

Michael Good

 ·  22.05.2022

The initiative for a new offshore regatta class comes from the UNCL (Union Nationale pour la Course au Large), the national association of offshore sailors in France. In order to provide broad international support for the project, the organisation has sought and found solidarity with its association colleagues from the RORC (Royal Ocean Racing Club) in England and the Storm Trysail Club in America. All three organisations ultimately contributed equally to the development of Class 30, the new one-design regatta class.

The triumvirate organised a design competition for the development. 27 projects from nine countries were then submitted, scrutinised and subjected to an extensive selection process. The project from the VPLP office in France was ultimately awarded the contract. The small ocean-going racers are to be built under the supervision of the composite specialists from Multiplast in Vannes.

The Class 30 concept is based on a relatively simple GRP construction with a fixed keel, double rudder blades, aluminium rig and an extendable bowsprit for the gennaker. As the UNCL has recently announced, the Class 30 will be available in two versions: as a club version with simple equipment and reduced on-board technology and as a significantly better equipped version under the name Class 30 One Design. The design has also just been provisionally categorised as CE design category A4, i.e. seaworthy with a crew of four. This apparently applies to both versions, Club and One Design. This means that the Class 30 boats can also take part in the big ocean classics, such as the Rolex Fastnet Race.

The UNCL has also already defined the prices. The Club version of the Class 30 will cost 94,500 euros net, while 132,500 euros will be charged for the One Design version. The prices are net prices plus VAT. This means that the project can obviously not be realised for the basic price originally defined by the initiators. A maximum price of 80,000 euros net was set as the basis for the design competition in 2021. That was before the war in Ukraine and the increasing difficulties with supply chains. A lot has changed since then.

The new Class 30 is now intended to close the gap between the Mini 6.50 and Class 40 ocean racing classes. The initiative to create an international standardised class aims to offer ambitious young sailors an affordable yet attractive platform to enter the sport of ocean racing. According to the international project initiators, the aim is to create a pool of young, committed and highly trained offshore specialists, a reservoir for neo-professionals on their way into the Class 40 or Imoca Open 60 regatta series, for example.

The mould sets in which the hulls and decks of the Class 30 boats will be laminated are apparently currently being built. The ambitious schedule envisages the first ships being delivered by the end of 2022. After that, a new boat is to be completed every week. According to the latest information, 25 orders have apparently already been placed. And there are already concrete plans for an initial, extensive regatta programme in 2023, with the Class 30 set to be a standard class at no fewer than 16 regatta events, including the Fastnet Race and various single-handed and double-handed regattas. The Class 30 boats are also intended to revitalise the idea of the former "Tour de France a Voile". The stage race around France is set to take place again for the first time in 2024.

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Welcome to IC30A

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The International Catalina 30 Association was established in 1974 for furthering the enjoyment of ownership of a Catalina 30/309 and to promote a community of enthusiasts of one of the most successful yachts built in America.

The Association is supported by Catalina Yachts and publishes articles of interest to members in the “ Mainsheet ” magazine. The specific goals are to:

• provide the Catalina owners magazine “Mainsheet” to its members;
• co-ordinate and promote cruising and social activities;
• provide sources of information for maintenance and care of the Catalina 30;
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• co-operate with other yachting organizations.

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Demystifying yacht classification A, B, C, D

N.B. For your information, a more recent article was published on 24 Oct 2022 on the same subject, click here for direct access.

Demystifying yacht classification :  Class A, B, C and D

Since 1998, CE certification is required for all recreational boats entering or being sold in Europe obliging boat manufacturers to respect certain building and security standards.  Therefore, yachts ( boats ) are classified into four categories depending on their aptitude to confront navigational conditions taking into account both force of the wind and height of the waves.  The categories are not to limit the area and distance of navigation (that is defined by security equipement onboard) but  to  sensitize the owner and/or captain of the boats capacities to navigate in complete security.

Let us start with the Beaufort Scale.   A scale for classifying the force of the wind ranging from 0 (calm) to 12 (hurricane).   It was devised by an admiral in the British Navy, Francis Beaufort, to uniform the description of the effect of different winds at sea.

There is a direct link between the Beaufort scale and boat classification.   For discussion purposes, we will use only the 6, 7 and 8 forces.

A Class A yacht ( boat ) is a vessel that is built to navigate the open ocean and surpass a force 8 on the Beaufort scale and surpass waves higher that 4 meters.   These yachts are constructed to be self sufficient in hostile seas.

A Class B yacht ( boat ) is a vessel built to navigate on the offshore waters (200 miles and less) and can substain UP TO force 8 and waves UP TO 4 meters.

A Class C boat is a vessel built to navigate inshore such as lakes, rivers, bays and close to the shore and can sustain UP TO force 6 and waves UP TO 2 meters.

A Class D boat is built for protected or sheltered waters such as canals, rivers, small lakes and sustain a force 4 and waves UP TO .3 meters (less that 1 ft).

With this said, you can understand that the Class A yacht ( boat ) respects a rigorous building code more so than a Class B and so forth.    But regardless of the class, it is strongly discouraged to navigate in a force 7 for the reasons of safety and comfort as « pleasure » should always be on the agenda.  Always consult the weather forecast prior to leaving any port and check hourly the weather situation.

Classification is very important and should be on your question list before purchasing any boat or yacht.

Classification rules are developed to assess the structural strength and integrity of the essential parts of the hull, the reliability and function of the propulsion, steering systems, power generation and all the other features installed on board which contribute to guarantee the main essential services of yacht.

Also for a class A, the portholes will be more resistant against a sustained wave, the drains to evacuate the water more abundant and of good size, the joints of the hull more hermetic, in short everything is in place to prevent water from s’ infiltrate on board.

By way of information, let us quote for example all the Ferretti yachts (60 to 96 feet), Pershing (60 to 115), the Riva (44 to 122) are all of class A just like the Magellano range at Azimut including also the 66 Flybridge.

Ferretti yachts (500, 550, 670 fly and over), Pershing (7X and over), Azimut Yachts (62, 64, 66, 68 Fly and over, the Sport Series 7X and over, all Magellano) are Class A.  There are also other classifications such as RINA and American Bureau of Shipping, Bureau Veritas, Det Norske Veritas, Germanischer Lloyd, Lloyd Register, that are more precise regulations and we will cover this later in another article.

Below is the graph of the Beaufort Scale along with photos.

Do not hesitate to contact us for any additional information, team Ita Yachts Canada is at your disposal.

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10 New Cruising Sailboats Under 35 Feet

• By Cruising World Staff
• Updated: November 3, 2020

It wasn’t so long ago that 30- to 35-foot cruising sailboats were likely to be the largest yachts found in many a harbor. And while 40-something and even 50-something footers are all the rage at boat shows today, there’s a lot to be said for setting sail on a boat big enough to carry family and friends, but still small enough to be easily maintained and handled alone from time to time. Small cruising sailboats are simple to dock or tie up to a mooring, and finding long-term marina space is easier as well.

Choosing a cruising sailboat, no matter the size, is a big decision. And it helps to have a trusted list of boats to get started. Here, then, is a look at 10 of the best daysailers , weekenders and coastal cruising sailboats under 35 feet that are all in production and can be purchased new.

Alerion Sport 30

A quarter-century ago, Garry Hoyt launched what would come to be known as the daysailer genre with the introduction of the Alerion Express 28, a boat designed by the late Carl Schumacher that featured a minimal interior and a large cockpit where an owner and guests could enjoy the simple joy of sailing. Traditional and lovely looking—but with a quite modern underbody and a powerful sail plan—Hoyt, ever the marketer, proclaimed the boat to be “the prettiest girl at the dance.”

Since then, a number of siblings ranging from 20 to 41 feet have been added to the Alerion family, including the Alerion Sport 30, which retains the graceful sheer line, oval ports and stylish overhangs of the original Schumacher design. Yet with input from naval architect Langan Design Partners, it also embraces a solid measure of performance-oriented DNA.

Read more about the Alerion Sport 30 »

Bavaria Cruiser 34

In every Boat of the Year contest, it seems, a boat rises up after sea trials to make a lasting impression on the judges. For 2018, that boat was the Bavaria Cruiser 34.

Says Boat of the Year Judge Tim Murphy, “The Bavaria was a lovely boat to sail. It has a single rudder, and she answered her helm just beautifully in the conditions we had today. We started off with around 10 knots of breeze that built to 13 to 15 knots. As a sailboat, it was just a pleasurable sailing experience, among the best we had during our judging. It was among the boats that felt like a really happy sailing experience.

Read more about the Bavaria Cruiser 34 »

Beneteau Oceanis 30.1

Sailed as part of the 2020 Boat of the Year sea trials, the 31-foot-3-inch Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 was the compact yacht best-equipped and spec’d out as a dedicated cruising boat, and not coincidentally, it was also awarded the title of Best Performance Cruiser for 2020. But don’t let her cozy interior accommodations fool you; this is also one peppy little vessel.

Read more about the Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 »

The 2017 Boat of the Year (BOTY) contest featured a stellar crop of crossover cruiser/racers; however, when all the testing was said and done, our independent panel of judges was sold on the Dehler 34, naming it the year’s Best Performance Cruiser. Designed by the highly regarded Judel/Vrolijk naval-architecture consortium, whose reputation was fostered by longtime success in international yacht-racing circles, the 34-footer combined contemporary good looks and a sweet turn of speed with better-than-average comfort and accommodations below. It didn’t hurt that the boat, nicely equipped at $215,000, was the least-expensive entry in the entire 2017 fleet. All in all, it proved to be a winning formula.

Read more about the Dehler 34 »

Dufour Grand Large 360

Dufour Yachts introduced its new 360 Grand Large model to CW’s Boat of the Year team in 2018 as a coastal cruiser intended for a couple or perhaps a small family. With that in mind, judge Alvah Simon found numerous clever elements to praise within the boat’s 35-foot-2-inch hull—a relatively modest LOA compared to the many 40-, 50- and 60-footers on display at the U.S. Sailboat show in Annapolis, Maryland.

Read more about the Dufour Grand Large 360 »

After a roughly 10-year hiatus from the U.S. marketplace, the Slovenian builder Elan is back in a big way. For the 2017 Boat of the Year contest, the company launched a pair of new boats in the States, including the Elan E4, a 34-foot-9-inch performance cruiser with an emphasis on performing, designed by renowned British naval architect Rob Humphreys. The brand has been in business for seven decades and lately is perhaps even better known in America for its skis. Not surprisingly, given its complementary product lines—lots of sailors are fine skiers—its boats are as sleek and sporty as its boards.

Read more about the Elan E4 »

Grand Soleil 34

Way back in the 1970s, when the well-known Italian boatyard Grand Soleil was just getting started, its first model was a Finot-designed 34-footer. With over 300 units sold, it was an instant success, and launched the company on an upward trajectory that spanned the intervening decades, mostly with an ongoing series of much larger, more complex racer/cruisers. For 2020, the builder decided to return to its roots with a completely revamped Grand Soleil 34, and it’s a terrific boat.

Read more about the Grand Soleil 34 »

Value. How does one determine it? Price is most certainly a factor. In the case of new boats, and our Boat of the Year competition, it means something more. As sailors, we wish to recognize good boats that not only are affordable but offer other, tangible rewards. The ability to get couples and families out on the water, to have a weekend escape, to take them on coastal vacations and even maybe a sabbatical to the islands, all without breaking the bank. For 2019, the judging panel determined that one boat had the potential to do these things better than the rest, which is why they awarded the Best Value prize to the Hanse 348.

With a price tag under $200,000, during sea trials the Hanse 348 wowed the judging team from the get-go. “In only about 8 knots of breeze, we were seeing 5.7 knots upwind and pointing very nicely, and even registered 6.5 knots once we cracked off,” said Tim Murphy. “It’s a pretty sweet little boat.”

Read more about the Hanse 348 »

Italia 9.98

Of the performance cruisers that made their North American debut in 2020, in terms of sheer appearance, the futuristic 34-foot Italia 9.98 was easily the most distinctive. There are actually two versions of the boat: the 34 Club—which is the cruising alternative, the primary features of which are its twin wheels—and the 34 Fuoriserie—the racing model, and the one we tested, with its tiller steering being the identifying characteristic.

Read more about the Italia 9.98 »

Beginning with the popular little J/24 way back in 1977, J/Boats has become famous for its steady introduction of terrific racing and cruising boats, almost all of which shared one main characteristic: They sailed like a witch. More than four decades later, having built more than 50 separate, mind-boggling models, the Johnstone family that designs, markets and sells the brand shows no signs of slowing down. Their latest offering, for 2020, was another fast and fun racer/cruiser: the 32-foot-7-inch J/99.

Read more about the J/99 »

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The 7 classes of Royal Caribbean cruise ships, explained

Even if you're a newcomer to cruising, you've probably heard of Royal Caribbean 's giant Icon Class and Oasis Class ships. With the exception of a single MSC Cruises vessel , they're far bigger than any other cruise vessel afloat and like nothing else you'll find at sea.

Indeed, when you hear people talking about the wow factor of Royal Caribbean's "floating megaresorts," it's likely they're referring to the seven ships in these two sets of vessels. This includes the just-unveiled Icon of the Seas — the world's biggest cruise ship.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter.

That said, not all Royal Caribbean ships are similarly supersized. While the line is perhaps best known for giant vessels — it operates seven of the 10 biggest cruise ships in the world — it also markets some relatively smaller, more intimate ships.

In fact, Royal Caribbean has eight vessels that are less than half the size of the Icon Class and Oasis Class ships.

If you're thinking about booking a Royal Caribbean cruise, you'll find the line offers a wide range of ship styles and designs.

With the relatively recent removal of two older ships from its fleet, Royal Caribbean — the world's largest cruise line by passenger capacity — now has 28 oceangoing vessels in all. That's more than any other major cruise line, and it means that you have a lot of choices when it comes to picking the perfect Royal Caribbean ship for you.

Related: The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean

The good news for those of you trying to get a handle on all the options is that the 28 ships can easily be bunched into just seven groups of vessels that have similar amenities. If you know one member of the group, you know them all.

These seven groups are made up of ships constructed around the same time with the same basic design. They're known in cruise industry lingo as "classes," and each has its own look and feel.

An introduction to Royal Caribbean ships

For the most part, Royal Caribbean operates big, bustling megaships that will appeal to people who like a megaresort experience. The company has built its brand around offering vacationers a ton of diversions on its ships, whether for dining (some vessels have more than 20 distinct places to grab a bite) or entertainment. Its vessels are lively and fun.

The over-the-top megaresort experience on a Royal Caribbean ship varies from class to class, though.

Related: Everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean cabins and suites

The line's one Icon Class and six Oasis Class ships are unlike anything else you'll find at sea when it comes to size, amenities and capacity. They each can hold more than 6,600 passengers, with every berth full.

Somewhat smaller in size but still giant by any measure, each of the line's five Quantum Class and three Freedom Class vessels has a total capacity ranging from around 4,500 to 5,600 passengers. With space for around 3,800 passengers at maximum occupancy, the line's five Voyager Class vessels are relatively large, too.

Together, the 20 vessels of these five classes — Icon, Oasis, Quantum, Freedom and Voyager — make up Royal Caribbean's big-ship fleet. The line's remaining eight vessels, split among two classes, are smaller, with maximum occupancy topping out at around 2,500 passengers.

While no longer the focus at Royal Caribbean, the smaller ships (which are generally the line's older ships) allow it to offer itineraries to places that aren't as easy for big ships to visit. Not all ports in the world can handle a ship the size of Icon of the Seas.

The smaller ships also appeal to a subset of Royal Caribbean fans who prefer more intimacy in a cruise vessel and don't mind giving up some onboard amenities to get it. They are also often less expensive to sail per day.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

As you might expect, the biggest Royal Caribbean ships have the most amenities. With each step down in size, you'll find fewer restaurants, bars, entertainment venues and attractions. Even the smallest Royal Caribbean ships still have quite a bit to offer, though.

If you're sailing with the line for the first time, it's important to understand that not all of Royal Caribbean's signature attractions and venues are present on all its ships. For instance, while every Royal Caribbean vessel now has one of the line's iconic climbing walls (some have two), only the 20 ships of the line's big-ship classes have a FlowRider surfing simulator. Only the 15 ships of the Icon, Oasis, Freedom and Voyager classes have ice skating rinks.

Here is a look at the seven classes of Royal Caribbean ships in more detail.

Ships in class: Icon of the Seas (2024), Star of the Seas (coming in 2025); unnamed vessel (coming in 2026)

Size: 248,663 tons

Is your idea of a great vacation a trip to a megaresort loaded with more restaurants, bars, theaters and watery amusements than you can imagine? Royal Caribbean's new Icon Class is the ship class for you.

As mentioned above, Icon of the Seas — the only Icon Class ship currently in operation — is bigger than any other cruise vessel afloat at 248,663 tons, and for big-ship lovers, there's really nothing quite like it. Two additional Icon Class ships debuting in 2025 and 2026, respectively, will be equally over-the-top in size and venues.

Each of the Icon Class vessels that are operating or soon to debut has been designed with seven separate pools (a new record for a cruise ship), a water park with six waterslides (also a record), a kiddie splash zone, surfing simulators, a miniature golf course, a basketball court and even a zip line. And that's just on their top decks.

Inside the vessels, you'll find more lounges, bars, restaurants and shops than you can imagine — plus huge casinos, spas and showrooms with Broadway-style shows. They even have indoor ice skating rinks, just in case you want to get your Michelle Kwan on.

What you won't find on the Icon Class ships is intimacy. These are vessels that can carry as many as 7,600 passengers when every berth is filled. They operate with around 2,300 crew members. That means you could be sharing your vacation with nearly 10,000 people.

If the above sounds downright outrageous to you, it is. Keep in mind, though, that the biggest megaresorts on land are even bigger. The biggest resort in the U.S. — The Venetian in Las Vegas — has 7,092 rooms. That means it can hold more than 14,000 guests, assuming there are two people per room.

By that measure, Icon Class ships are almost small.

Icon Class ships also don't necessarily feel as crowded as they are. Royal Caribbean's designers are masters at creating vessels that can carry thousands and thousands of people but still feel relatively uncrowded — at least in some areas. You can have a quiet afternoon reading a book on a bench in the sometimes nearly empty, tree-lined Central Park area of Icon of the Seas while, just a few decks above, thousands of vacationers are frolicking about at the ship's pools.

Related: Why Royal Caribbean's new Icon of the Seas won't feel as crowded as you think

While only one ship in this series (Icon of the Seas) is currently operating, the second vessel in the series (Star of the Seas) is already open for bookings. Its maiden voyage is set for Aug. 31, 2025.

Quantum Class

Ships in class: Quantum of the Seas (2014), Anthem of the Seas (2015), Ovation of the Seas (2016), Spectrum of the Seas (2019) and Odyssey of the Seas (2021)

Size: 168,666 to 169,379 tons

Unveiled in 2014, the Quantum Class may be Royal Caribbean's most innovative class ever.

In addition to a wide range of restaurants, bars and showrooms, the five ships in the class feature some of the most unusual new attractions you'll find at sea. This includes bumper car pavilions (yes, somehow they found room for these) and skydiving simulators.

The ships also have glass-enclosed capsules mounted on mechanical arms that will take you soaring into the sky for bird's-eye views. They're called the North Star rides, and they may be the oddest attractions ever added to the top of a cruise ship.

Quantum Class ships also feature unusual, multilevel entertainment spaces with floor-to-ceiling glass walls called Two70. The spaces are home to innovative shows that often feature aerial performers, singers and dancers who emerge from openings in the floor or the ceiling. At certain times of the day, the glass walls transform into an expansive ambient surface called Vistarama that projects real and imagined scenes.

Related: The 10 wildest attractions you'll find on a cruise ship

All the above come in addition to many of the core Royal Caribbean attractions you'll find on most of the brand's ships, including pools, rock climbing walls, casinos, spas and Broadway-style shows. But don't expect all the classic Royal Caribbean features on Quantum Class ships. For instance, you won't find ice skating rinks on the vessels even though they're a staple of all other big Royal Caribbean ships. Quantum Class ships also don't have water parks.

The Quantum Class ships aren't quite as big as Royal Caribbean's Icon Class and Oasis Class vessels (and thus don't have quite as much room for things like ice skating rinks). At around 169,000 tons, though, they're still among the biggest ships at sea, with a significant number of venues.

They also can carry a lot of people. Most of the ships in the class hold 4,180 passengers at double occupancy — 4,905 if every berth is filled. One exception is Spectrum of the Seas, which was specifically built for the China market with some design differences. It can hold up to 5,622 passengers. Additionally, the newest ship in the series, Odyssey of the Seas, can hold up to 5,498 passengers.

Related: 4 things you'll love about Royal Caribbean's new Odyssey of the Seas

One more big difference between the ships of the Quantum Class and other big Royal Caribbean ships: The Quantum Class ships are designed to be more versatile.

If you look closely at their deck plans, you'll notice that more of their main attractions are indoors and protected from the elements than the ships of the Icon, Oasis or Freedom classes, for example.

One of the two main pool areas on each Quantum Class ship (except Odyssey of the Seas) is enclosed. The bumper car pavilions are, too, doubling as roller skating rinks or indoor basketball courts. This allows Royal Caribbean to send the ships to cooler regions of the world, such as Alaska and Northern Europe, where the temperatures aren't always conducive to outdoor activity.

Royal Caribbean has also used some Quantum Class ships for sailings out of China.

Related: Everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean's loyalty program

Oasis Class

Ships in class: Oasis of the Seas (2009), Allure of the Seas (2010), Harmony of the Seas (2016), Symphony of the Seas (2018), Wonder of the Seas (2022) and Utopia of the Seas (2024)

Size: 226,838 to 236,857 tons

Until this year's debut of Icon of the Seas, these were the world's biggest and most venue-packed cruise ships. Although they're not quite as big as the new vessel, they remain among the very best options for vacationers who love nothing more than a big, bustling resort with every sort of amusement known to humans.

Each of the Oasis Class vessels has three separate main pool areas, a kiddie splash zone, surfing simulators, a miniature golf course, a basketball court and a zip line on their top decks — a nearly as wide array of features as the new Icon of the Seas. Inside the vessels, as on Icon of the Seas, you'll find a seemingly endless number of lounges, bars, restaurants and shops, as well as large casinos, spas and showrooms. Like Icon of the Seas, each ship has an indoor ice skating rink.

As is the case for Royal Caribbean's new Icon Class ships, which have many similarities with the Oasis Class ships, these vessels carry a huge number of people. They can carry as many as 6,988 passengers when every berth is filled. They operate with around 2,200 crew members. That means you could be sharing your vacation with more than 9,000 people — not quite as many as the nearly 10,000 you could find on an Icon Class ship but still a huge number.

The good news for those of you worried about excessive crowds is that, as is the case with the Icon Class ships, the Oasis Class ships don't necessarily feel as crowded as they are. Royal Caribbean designed them with a "neighborhood" concept that spreads passengers out in seven or eight (depending on the ship) distinct areas, such as the Pool and Sports Zone and the Boardwalk amusement zone. A lot of thought went into how passengers move between these neighborhoods, too.

Note that there are a few differences from ship to ship in the Oasis Class series. For starters, the four newest and largest ships in the series — Utopia of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas — have a few additional attractions and venues. Among them is the Ultimate Abyss, a terrifying slide that drops nine decks. (Royal Caribbean says it drops 10 decks, but don't be fooled; the line counts a nonexistent Deck 13.)

There are also giant waterslides on five of the six ships. Only Allure of the Seas is missing them. There are plans to add waterslides to Allure of the Seas, but they were put on hold after COVID-19 shut down cruising in 2020.

Related: The 6 most spectacular waterslides and watery fun zones at sea

A handful of restaurants also differ from ship to ship in the series.

The two newest and largest ships in the series, Utopia of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas, have the most differences from the other Oasis Class vessels. At 236,473 tons and 235,600 tons, respectively, they are about 4% bigger than the next biggest ship in the series; the extra space is devoted to such additions as a dedicated suite area with a private lounge, a restaurant and a sun deck.

Related: Why Wonder of the Seas is awesome for families | Wonder of the Seas cabin comparison | A wild race to try every Wonder of the Seas attraction in 2 days

A seventh, as-yet-unnamed ship in the Oasis Class series is under construction and expected to debut in 2028. It's being built by the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, France — the same shipyard that built Utopia of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas.

Radiance Class

Ships in class: Radiance of the Seas (2001), Brilliance of the Seas (2002), Serenade of the Seas (2003) and Jewel of the Seas (2004)

Size: 90,090 tons

Not sure you want to sail on a megaship with 6,000 people but still want a vessel with a good amount of features and activities? The Radiance Class ships may be the perfect solution.

At 90,090 tons, the four vessels in the series are less than half the size of Royal Caribbean's massive Icon Class and Oasis Class ships, but still big enough that they have a lot to offer.

Each vessel has more than a half-dozen places to eat, including the main restaurant, a casual buffet, a steakhouse, an Italian restaurant and an Asian venue.

You'll also find three pools on each ship, whirlpools, a rock climbing wall, a miniature golf course, a sports court and an adults-only solarium. Each ship has a theater, a spa, a casino, and multiple bars and lounges.

What you won't find on the ships, because of their smaller size, are all the gee-whiz attractions — such as ice skating rinks, surfing simulators, giant waterslides and bumper car pavilions — that Royal Caribbean has put on its bigger vessels. If you can't live without those sorts of features on a cruise ship, the Radiance class probably isn't for you.

Each Radiance Class ship holds more than 2,100 passengers at double occupancy (plus a few hundred more with every berth filled). That's less than half the number of passengers on the biggest Royal Caribbean ships.

That makes them perfect for cruisers who want to get away from the sort of crowds on the biggest megaships without giving up many of the amenities that big ships offer.

Freedom Class

Ships in class: Freedom of the Seas (2006), Liberty of the Seas (2007) and Independence of the Seas (2008)

Size: 154,407 to 156,271 tons

As recently as 2009, these were the biggest cruise ships in the world, and they're still quite big compared to almost all other cruise vessels afloat.

While no longer on the list of the top 25 biggest cruise ships — they've been displaced by Royal Caribbean's Icon, Oasis and Quantum Class vessels, as well as several ships from other lines — the Freedom Class vessels offer a classic big-ship experience with lots of restaurants, bars, showrooms and deck-top attractions.

The Freedom Class ships, notably, were the first Royal Caribbean ships to feature a FlowRider surfing simulator on their top decks — now a signature attraction for the line. The vessels also have multiple pool areas, a water park, a miniature golf course and a rock climbing wall on their top decks (which are among the most activity-packed at sea).

Indeed, the top decks of Freedom Class ships are more loaded with attractions than any other Royal Caribbean vessels except the Icon Class and Oasis Class vessels. You just won't find several of the most over-the-top attractions, such as zip lines, that Icon Class and Oasis Class ships have.

In their interiors, Freedom Class vessels have the mall-like Royal Promenade spaces filled with eateries, bars and shops that have become standard on bigger Royal Caribbean ships. They also have large casinos and spas.

Related: Royal Caribbean just fixed the worst part of cruising

At around 156,000 tons, the Freedom Class ships are about 38% smaller than the Icon Class ships and 31% smaller than the Oasis Class ships, a significant step down in size. They're nearly 8% smaller than the Quantum Class ships.

They also carry significantly fewer passengers than the Oasis Class ships. Freedom of the Seas and Independence of the Seas carry about 3,900 passengers at double occupancy (closer to 4,600 with every berth filled). Liberty of the Seas can carry several hundred more.

Voyager Class

Ships in class: Voyager of the Seas (1999), Explorer of the Seas (2000), Adventure of the Seas (2001), Navigator of the Seas (2002) and Mariner of the Seas (2003)

Size: 137,276 to 139,999 tons

The Voyager Class ships are similar to Freedom Class ships but shorter in length. In other words, the Freedom Class was a stretched version of the Voyager Class.

Like the Freedom Class vessels, the Voyager Class ships have many of Royal Caribbean's signature attractions, including rock climbing walls and ice skating rinks. In fact, the ships were the first at Royal Caribbean to have those attractions.

Voyager Class ships were also the first to feature a Royal Promenade with bars, cafes and shops in their interior. Each also has several specialty restaurants in addition to the main dining room and casual buffet; specialty restaurants include a version of Royal Caribbean's signature Chops Grille steakhouse and an Italian restaurant.

One of the main differences between the Voyager Class and the Freedom Class is that the Royal Promenades on Voyager Class ships are shorter. The top-deck areas of the Voyager Class ships are also more truncated than the Freedom Class vessels.

There are also fewer cabins on the Voyager Class ships, resulting in fewer passengers on board a typical sailing. Most of the ships carry around 3,100 passengers at double occupancy — about 800 fewer than the typical Freedom Class ship.

At around 139,000 tons, the ships are about 11% smaller than the Freedom Class ships.

There are also some variations in attractions among the five Voyager Class vessels. Navigator of the Seas has a relatively new waterslide zone that's home to The Blaster, the longest waterslide at sea . You won't find that on the other ships, though most of them have different waterslides. Only three of the five ships — Voyager of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas — have laser tag courses. Adventure of the Seas is the only vessel in the class with a kiddie splash zone.

Related: Why the overhaul of Navigator of the Seas was so great

Vision Class

Ships in class: Grandeur of the Seas (1996), Rhapsody of the Seas (1997), Enchantment of the Seas (1997) and Vision of the Seas (1998)

Size: 73,817 to 82,910 tons

Dating to the 1990s, the Vision Class ships are the smallest at Royal Caribbean, and they offer fewer onboard attractions and amenities than is typical for the line's vessels.

In general, they appeal to cruisers looking for a more intimate experience on a cruise ship as well as those who care more about the destinations they visit than the onboard attractions.

Along those lines, Royal Caribbean often sends some of its Vision Class ships to Europe in the summer to operate port call-intensive itineraries. The vessels also often sail longer trips in the Caribbean that include less-visited southerly islands. In both cases, the allure of the cruises has more to do with the ports the ships visit than the onboard experience.

Vision Class ships are also sometimes based in secondary ports such as Baltimore or San Juan, Puerto Rico, where the size of the local cruise market might not warrant a larger vessel.

Except for rock climbing walls, the Vision Class ships have none of the signature Royal Caribbean deck-top attractions such as surfing and skydiving simulators. For the most part, their top decks are lined with pools, whirlpools and sunning areas, as is typical for ships built in the 1990s. All have at least two pools and six whirlpools, except for Enchantment of the Seas, which has three pools and six whirlpools.

Related: Is cruising right for you? Start by asking yourself these 7 questions

In addition to main restaurants and casual buffets, each ship has at least one (and often several) additional specialty restaurants. The line's signature Chops Grille steakhouse and Italian eatery Giovanni's Table are two of them. Rhapsody of the Seas has the biggest selection of dining; Enchantment of the Seas has the smallest. Three of the four vessels — all but Enchantment of the Seas — have an Izumi Asian restaurant.

Each of the ships varies slightly in size. Grandeur of the Seas is the smallest of the four vessels, measuring around 74,000 tons. Enchantment of the Seas is the biggest, measuring around 83,000 tons (it was, notably, lengthened by 73 feet in 2005).

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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2 wounded by propeller when sailboat and motorboat collide off massachusetts.

Two people were wounded by a boat propeller after a motorboat and a sailboat collided off the coast of Massachusetts Friday afternoon, officials said.

The boats crashed around 12:30 p.m. in Hingham Bay in the area of Grape Island — about 15 miles south of Boston, the Weymouth Police Department confirmed to The Post.

The 38-foot power boat was heading out from Hingham into the main channel when it struck the 21-foot sailboat, the US Coast Guard told WCVB .

A male and female passenger who were onboard the sailboat appeared to have suffered injuries consistent with propeller strikes, authorities said. Officials said the female’s injuries were serious.

The Weymouth Police Department’s marine unit arrived at the scene first and applied tourniquets to the victims’ wounds before they were taken to local hospitals.

Two people on board the motorboat were taken in for questioning, according to the outlet.

Overhead footage from WCVB showed the sailboat nearly completely submerged in the water behind the motorboat, surrounded by authorities.

The Massachusetts Environmental Police will be investigating. 

The Post has reached out to the agency and USCG for additional information.

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2.9 billion records, including Social Security numbers, stolen in data hack: What to know

An enormous amount of sensitive information including Social Security numbers for millions of people could be in the hands of a hacking group after a data breach and may have been released on an online marketplace, The Los Angeles Times reported this week.

The hacking group USDoD claimed it had allegedly stolen personal records of 2.9 billion people from National Public Data, according to a class-action lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, reported by Bloomberg Law. The breach was believed to have happened in or around April, according to the lawsuit.

Here's what to know about the alleged data breach.

Social security hack: National Public Data confirms massive data breach included Social Security numbers

What information is included in the data breach?

The class-action law firm Schubert, Jonckheer & Kolbe said in a news release that the stolen file includes 277.1 gigabytes of data , and includes names, address histories, relatives and Social Security numbers dating back at least three decades.

According to a post from a cybersecurity expert on X, formerly Twitter, USDoD claims to be selling the 2.9 billion records for citizens of the U.S., U.K. and Canada on the dark web for $3.5 million.

Since the information was posted for sale in April, others have released different copies of the data, according to the cybersecurity and technology news site Bleeping Computer.

A hacker known as " Fenice " leaked the most complete version of the data for free on a forum in August, Bleeping Computer reported.

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2025 COLA: Estimate dips with inflation, but high daily expenses still burn seniors

What is National Public Data?

National Public Data is a Florida-based background check company operated by Jerico Pictures, Inc. USA TODAY has reached out to National Public Data for comment.

The company has not publicly confirmed a data breach, but The Los Angeles Times reported that it has been telling people who contacted via email that "we are aware of certain third-party claims about consumer data and are investigating these issues."

What to do if you suspect your information has been stolen

If you believe your information has been stolen or has appeared on the dark web, there are a few steps you can take to prevent fraud or identity theft.

Money.com recommends taking the following steps:

• Make sure your antivirus is up to date and perform security scans on all your devices. If you find malware, most antivirus programs should be able to remove it, but in some cases you may need professional help.
• Update your passwords for bank accounts, email accounts and other services you use, and make sure they are strong and different for every account. Include uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and punctuation marks, and never use personal information that a hacker could guess.
• Use multifactor authentication for any accounts or services that offer it to ensure you are the person logging in.
• Check your credit report, and report any unauthorized use of of your credit cards. If you notice any suspicious activity, you can ask credit bureaus to freeze your credit.
• Be careful with your email and social media accounts, and beware of phishing, an attempt to get your personal information by misrepresenting who a message or email is from.

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Mortgage rates tick up but remain at one-year lows

The average rates for both 30- and 15-year fixed-rate mortgage rose slightly this week.

Homebuyers dont feel quite comfortable with the economy: NAHB CEO Jim Tobin

NAHB CEO Jim Tobin discusses changes in the real estate business as new rules are set to take place for realtors and the impact of markets on the industry.

Mortgage rates moved up a bit this week but are still at the lowest point they have been in more than a year.

Freddie Mac's latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey, released Thursday, showed that the average rate on the benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage  edged up to 6.49% this week from 6.47% last week. The average rate on a 30-year loan was 7.09% a year ago.

A sign is posted in front of a home for sale on August 7, 2024, in San Rafael, California. Mortgage rates edged up a bit this week. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images / Getty Images)

"While rates increased slightly this week, they remain more than half a percent lower than the same time last year," said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. "In 2023, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage nearly hit 8 percent, slamming the brakes on the housing market. Now, the 30-year fixed-rate hovers around 6.5 percent and will likely trend downward in the coming months as inflation continues to slow.

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The average rate on the 15-year fixed mortgage rose to 5.66% from 5.63% last week. One year ago, the rate on the 15-year fixed note averaged 6.46%.