Cruising with Confidence: How Modern Boats Are Measuring Up

Don’t pity me, but in September, I traded my usual rum rations in Florida for some fine rosé wine in the South of France as I attended the Cannes Yachting Festival. 

Beyond the stout contingent of glimmery sailboats making their world premieres, a common theme was tangible on the docks: Everyday sailors are finding ocean voyaging more attractive than ever, and boatbuilders are responding with capable, comfortable, safety-oriented models to meet that demand.

It’s rare that I get to do any actual sailing during the Cannes show—the boats are locked in with so many lines and anchors that to leave the docks would require a tactical team of surgeons who understand the art of Med ­mooring—but this year, I was invited on a daysail aboard my San Diego-based pal Nico Jonville’s Pegasus 50, Sine Finis. 

If you’re not yet familiar with the brand, Pegasus builds robust bluewater cruisers in Slovenia with a powerful sail plan designed for fast, easy sailing. Interiors marry luxury and practicality. Minutes after stepping aboard, I could imagine toting my wife and kids across the Atlantic on this boat, as Nico plans to do with some buddies this spring.  

What struck me more so was how Sine Finis also seemed as if it would appeal to everyday coastal cruisers, with sizable social spaces and modern amenities. Even on a morning with less than 10 knots of breeze, we clocked 6 knots easily with the code zero and mainsail alone.   

I’m not trying to sell you a boat, but I am tipping my cap to the growing design trend that’s nudging everyday cruisers a little farther beyond the reef with confidence and in comfort. In my world, that’s très chic.  

Even still, no level of onboard comfort can fully prepare us for the realities of extended offshore sailing. The rewards of going way out into the blue can be immense, but the risks are also real. The ocean can be a spiteful beast, which means safety and preparedness are paramount. 

Navigating the open sea requires a deep understanding of weather patterns, ocean currents and, yes, sometimes even celestial navigation. Technology has made these tasks easier, but traditional skills remain essential. It’s not just about being ready for a crisis; it’s also about having the right mindset. Even the most experienced sailors continue to learn and adapt. 

Back in March, many of us cheered as 29-year-old sailor Cole Brauer crossed the finish line of the Global Solo Challenge after 130 days at sea, becoming the first American woman to race solo, nonstop and unassisted around the world. You might recall the iconic photo across every news site: Brauer leaning against the cockpit rail of her 2008 OCD Class40, First Light, arms extended with a lighted flare in each hand. 

History books might show a second-place finish next to Brauer’s name, but one reader who wrote to us had a different take that, brilliantly, put it all in perspective: “I think these races should be judged differently. The winner crossed the line on a headsail with an inoperational boom—snapped in half, if I remember ­correctly. As an ocean crosser, I pride myself in survival and bringing the vessel to the destination in one piece. I think points should be given for sailing safely and prudently, and for bringing your rig to the finish line in good working condition. 

“Cole slowed down to avoid storms,” the reader continued. “Whenever possible, she sailed out of harm’s way. She crossed the line with all the rigging intact, as any safety-minded sailor should. Aggressive sailing should never be encouraged. If there’s a lesson to be learned from Cole’s experience, it’s that offshore sailing should prioritize safety and survival at all costs, not limping across the finish line first with half a boom. I congratulate Cole for ‘winning’ the race by properly caring for herself and her vessel—and having fun doing it.” 

When it comes to future sailing endeavors, I expect we all can get on board with that—no matter whether we’re along the coast or far offshore, and no matter what kind of boat we choose, to go just a little bit farther than last time.

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