2024 Sailboat Premieres at boot Dusseldorf Boat Show
A crop of new sailboat models debut at Germany’s boot Düsseldorf International Boat Show.
February 4, 2024
A boat show in January in Germany? Madness, you say, and yet every year, the massive boot show serves as the launching pad for sailboats of all sizes and sets the tone for sailing innovations to come. This year, 55,000 people attended on only the first weekend of the sprawling show to step aboard models that had their masts and keels removed but still delivered the experience boaters could expect aboard.
Let’s look at four spicy new sailboat models that premiered at boot Düsseldorf International Boat Show in January 2024.
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 350
Above: Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 350 Sailboat. Image by Jeanneau.
It’s much harder to design a small boat than a large one because every inch of space must be put to use in some clever way. Jeanneau, renowned for taking risks and innovating, took on the small boat challenge with designer Jean March Piaton and naval architect Marc Lombard. The result is the new entry to their line, the Sun Odyssey 350, which is a delight on deck.
Board from the manual drop transom and step up to the cockpit with its twin wheels on integrated binnacles and high pushpit rails which make you feel securely ensconced in the boat when driving. Two notable items near the wheels include the throttles on the side of the binnacle rather than down by the knees where they’re harder to work with, and Jeanneau’s walkaround deck that eliminates stepping or climbing onto the side decks. It’s refreshing to see both integrated onto a boat of this size.
The sail plan includes a spar with no backstay and a self-tacking jib. The hull has been stiffened and made lighter for performance and there’s a choice of three keels – shoal, deep and an extra deep swing version that can access shallow anchorages but dig in and track well when beating upwind.
A 29-hp Yanmar diesel with a straight shaft provides alternate propulsion and I’m happy to report that Jeanneau has returned to shaft drives (from saildrives) even on smaller models. For devotees of all things electric, this entry model will also be available with Torqeedo’s electric propulsion and lithium batteries.
The layout includes 2-3 cabins and a single head that changes configuration depending on the cabin count. The two-cabin version with the single large head and separate shower stall works well and provides a spacious feel. The galley is small but capable of weekending and the master suite forward has double doors that make the boat seem longer when open.
We’re looking forward to sea trialing this compact model and if she sails as well as she feels on deck, we’re in for a treat.
Moody Decksaloon (DS) 48
Above: 2024 Moody Decksaloon 48 sailboat. Image by Moody.
Monohull sailors contemplating a move to a catamaran, take note. You may not have to make the switch thanks to the new Moody 48 that sails like a monohull but lives like a cat. Hanse Yachts, which owns Moody, developed and option for their owners who were contemplating leaving the brand for the comfort and space of a cat. The Moody line offers the added benefits of fitting into a traditional slip and delivering decent upwind performance where cats don’t normally shine.
The 48 tucks neatly into the Moody line which includes models 41-54 feet. It’s a deck salon design which provides single level living form the cockpit through to the salon with large sliding glass entry doors and massive surrounding windows just like on a cat.
The cockpit is divided into the upper working space with twin wheels on stylish binnacles and the social cockpit which is a step down and nearly as broad as on a cat. You’ll need to step out from behind the wheels to see the bow over the long hardtop but since there are full stainless railings here, you’ll have a sense of security when you do.
The hardtop has a large fabric sunroof that’s also reminiscent of a cat Bimini but because it opens, you can bring in as much air and sun as the day dictates. More phenomenal outdoor living can be had on the bow with a giant sunbed and a compact secondary cocktail lounge.
If you want more space and airy living but hate the thought of bashing upwind on a cat or trying to find a side tie berth in a marina, consider the Moody option.
X-Yachts Xc 47
Above: X-Yachts 2024 XC47 Sailboat. Image by X-Yachts.
Denmark’s X-Yachts are known for their sleek and speedy designs. The new Xc 47 joins launched to join her 50-foot sistership in their “cruising” segment.
The Xc 47 will feature a hybrid propulsion system in partnership with Oceanvolt electric motor innovators. Oceanvolt’s ServoProp is like a Saildrive pod but it delivers more than double the regeneration capabilities under sail at six knots. The ServoProp 25 is a 48V system with a variable pitch propeller, a 25/30kW motor and a 46.4 kWh lithium battery bank. When combined with an 11kW Fischer Panda DC generator, this system is robust enough to venture anywhere and stay off the grid for extended periods. Maintenance on the system can be done with the boat in the water and it’s expected to deliver 40% less fuel consumption than a traditional diesel power plant.
This bluewater cruiser is an X-Yacht in every way from her sleek lines to the position of the winches. However, the mainsheet traveler has been removed from the cockpit sole and re-positioned to forward of the dodger for easier movement for cruisers. She also features the famous X-Yachts steel frame and a wider full beam stern seat. There are even newfangled davits integrated into the transom.
Overall, you can cruise this model anywhere with the added benefit of look like a racing rockstar wherever you drop anchor.
Bavaria C46
Above: Bavaria C46 Sailboat. Image by Bavaria.
Don’t let the name fool you, this C46 is the newest iteration of a German model that has been around as one version or another for over a decade. The new Cossutti-designed model follows her smaller siblings in the C-line (the C38 and C42) and incorporates pronounced chines an optimized onboard living.
The self-tacking jib and mainsail deliver an upwind sail area over 1,200 square feet. Add a Code 0 or gennaker for swift downwind performance. You can even choose new Ekko-Tech sails which are made from recycled plastic bottles. All halyards and sheets are led to two central winches at the helm, within easy reach of the driver. A furling mainsail can be spec’d and with additional optional electric winches, it’s not a stretch to say this big boat can be singlehanded.
When the transom is down, you can access what Bavaria calls their “B-Box” or a toy garage directly from the swim platform. Tuck in fenders and a SUP or add a dive compressor to this convenient space.
Below, the boat feels enormous. The master stateroom door is offset on an angle for more privacy even with it open. This posh suite has a walk-in closet, twin overhead hatches, and plentiful indirect lighting all of which make the cabin feel luscious.
The C-shaped galley is to starboard with a dinette/lounge across on port. You can spec 3-5 cabins with four heads and a utility room or owner’s office. Offshore sailors will value the forward facing nav desk that’s conveniently close to the companionway for communications with the cockpit crew.
Models Coming To A Dock Near You!
These boats may have launched in Europe, but they’re bound for US shores soon. Get on a sea trial of one and see what sailing is like in the 21st century.
