The year 2026 is shaping up to be a major turning point in the charter world. New designs, smarter energy systems, and comfort-driven innovations are transforming how people travel on the water. To help travellers, charter guests, and boat lovers choose the best boats to sail in 2026, we’ve divided this guide into three essential categories: catamarans, sailboats and motorboats. You will find highlights of the best boats to sail in 2026 based on innovation, comfort, sustainability and real charter appeal. Whether you love stable cruising, pure sailing freedom, or luxury powerboat experiences, Borrow A Boat has the perfect boat for you to travel in 2026.
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CATAMARANS – The Best Boats to Sail in 2026 for Stability, Space & Comfort
Catamarans continue to dominate the charter market because they offer perfect stability, wide living spaces, panoramic views, and easy handling making them some of the best boats to sail in 2026 for families, beginners, and luxury-minded travellers.
Their dual-hull design reduces rocking, increases deck space, and creates a relaxed, island-like atmosphere on board.
Below are the Top 5 Catamarans that qualify as the best boats to sail in 2026.
Lagoon 43
The Lagoon 43 is a standout for new sailors and families. With its modular layout and expansive forward cockpit, the living areas flow seamlessly from shaded lounge to sun-drenched flybridge, creating a space where relaxation and social connection sit side by side. Wide-beam hulls and a shallow draft give you access to hidden coves and peaceful anchorages, making shorelines previously out of reach easily reachable. As a charter choice, the Lagoon 43 offers families or groups thoughtful cabin arrangements and bright interiors that feel open and freely connected. Whether novices or frequent sailors, guests will find the onboard movements intuitive and effortless, with the Lagoon 43 transforming each moment of the voyage into a memorable experience.
Why it’s one of the best boats to sail in 2026:
It blends simplicity with comfort, giving first-time charterers a premium yet easygoing multihull experience.
Lagoon 51 & Lagoon 51 Iconic
The Lagoon 51 embodies the spirit of modern eco-comfort, offering generous volumes bathed in natural light and a majestic flybridge that becomes the heart of life onboard. Its refined structure blends sustainability with elegance, using integrated solar solutions that allow for quieter nights and gentler cruising. The Iconic edition elevates the experience further, introducing elevated materials, enhanced layout touches and an unmistakably premium presence. Charter guests gravitate toward the Lagoon 51 because every inch of it feels intentional—soft breezes through wide openings, seamless indoor-outdoor living, and the unmistakable sensation of space that only Lagoon knows how to craft.
Why it’s one of the best boats to sail in 2026:
It offers luxury, space, and eco-efficiency—perfect for travelers wanting a quieter, more responsible way to explore.
Fountaine Pajot Aura 51
The Aura 51 is born from a new generation of energy-efficient cruising, where solar integration and architectural harmony work together to create a serene travel experience. The forward cockpit becomes a sanctuary for sunset moments, the saloon remains refreshingly open to the horizon, and the cabins reflect Fountaine Pajot’s signature warmth. Underway, the Aura 51 is smooth and composed, allowing guests to move freely and comfortably while the sea unfolds around them. This is a catamaran for travelers who value silence, sustainability, and sophistication a perfect marriage of innovation and effortless relaxation.
Why it’s one of the best boats to sail in 2026:
It’s a dream for eco-focused charterers who want long-range, low-impact cruising with maximum comfort.
Lagoon Sixty 5
The Lagoon Sixty 5 redefines luxury at sea, blending the comfort of a private residence with the ease of a modern multihull. Stepping aboard feels like entering a floating penthouse, with expansive lounges, refined furnishings, and an impressive flybridge that turns every anchorage into an unforgettable backdrop. Its movements are remarkably stable, allowing guests to enjoy an indulgent, superyacht-level experience without compromise. The Sixty 5 makes long voyages feel intimate and deeply relaxing, drawing charterers who want beauty, space and tranquility in perfect balance.
Why it’s one of the best boats to sail in 2026:
It’s perfect for luxury-focused travelers who want superyacht-level living without the superyacht price.
Fountaine Pajot New 41
The FP New 41 is a compact catamaran with a surprising sense of amplitude, offering an inviting interior that feels bright, polished, and connected to the sea. Its layout is cleverly crafted to maximize comfort, making even shorter passages comfortable and spacious. For smaller families or couples, it offers the perfect blend of modern style and accessibility, easy to handle, economical to operate and endlessly pleasant to live on. It is the kind of catamaran that quickly becomes a favourite because it elevates every moment without overwhelming the experience.
Why it’s one of the best boats to sail in 2026:
It delivers comfort and value at a size that’s easy to handle—ideal for couples and small families.
SAILBOATS – The Best Boats to Sail in 2026 for Performance & Authentic Sailing
Sailboats are the heart of traditional seamanship, offering pure wind-powered freedom. In 2026, designers are bringing together performance, comfort, and modern hydrodynamics, making these models some of the best boats to sail in 2026 for adventure-seekers and classic sailing lovers.
Here are the Top 5 Sailboats that earn their place among the best boats to sail in 2026.
Beneteau Oceanis 47
The Oceanis 47 is the kind of cruiser that reminds sailors why they fell in love with the sea in the first place. Its stable hull, balanced rig, and thoughtful cockpit design make sailing feel intuitive and rewarding, whether in light breezes or spirited winds. Inside, the atmosphere is one of warmth and uncluttered comfort, with generous light flowing through its expansive windows. For charter guests, it offers the ultimate combination of reliability and enjoyment, turning each passage into a fluid, confident experience.
Why it’s one of the best boats to sail in 2026:
It’s a perfect blend of ease, elegance, and performance.
Dufour 48
The Dufour 48 captures the exhilaration of true sailing while offering a lifestyle experience that feels decidedly refined. Its performance-driven hull responds beautifully to the wind, making every tack and trim a pleasure. The outdoor galley encourages guests to gather, cook and celebrate life on deck, while the interior exudes elegance and contemporary charm. Charter guests choose the Dufour 48 when they want the thrill of a spirited sailing yacht paired with the comforts of an upscale floating retreat.
Why it’s one of the best boats to sail in 2026:
It’s engineered for sailors who want the thrill of performance with high-caliber onboard comfort.
Bavaria Voyager 45
The Voyager 45 carries the unmistakable confidence of German engineering. Its lines are clean, its structure solid, and its handling predictable in a way that inspires trust on every point of sail. Inside, practicality meets comfort, with smart layouts, ample storage, and a cozy ambiance ideal for long voyages. Charterers appreciate the Voyager 45 because it offers the freedom to explore distant bays while ensuring they feel secure, supported and at home throughout the journey.
Why it’s one of the best boats to sail in 2026:
It’s perfect for charter guests ready to explore further with confidence.
Scandinavia 35
The Scandinavia 35 offers a pure, intimate form of sailing—less about grandeur and more about connection. Its lightweight hull and minimalist Scandinavian design create a yacht that glides gracefully, responding instantly to the sailor’s touch. The interior is warm, understated and beautifully crafted, creating an atmosphere of peaceful simplicity. Guests seeking quiet escapes, personal adventures or close contact with the elements are naturally drawn to the charm and authenticity of this yacht.
Why it’s one of the best boats to sail in 2026:
It gives sailors a more intimate, authentic sailing experience.
Beneteau Oceanis 52
The Oceanis 52 brings long-range cruising into a new era of comfort and capability. Its innovative hull design delivers smooth, confident passages, while the expansive saloon and luxurious cabins make life onboard feel effortlessly elevated. Sunlight fills the living spaces, turning long trips into serene, pleasurable experiences. Charter guests book the Oceanis 52 because it offers the rare combination of Bluewater readiness and contemporary elegance, clearly a yacht designed for exploration without ever compromising comfort.
Why it’s one of the best boats to sail in 2026:
It’s the ideal long-range sailing companion for those who want space, comfort, and serious ocean-going capability.
MOTORBOATS – The Best Boats to Sail in 2026 for Speed, Luxury & Effortless Travel
Motorboats remain the preferred choice for travelers who want speed, convenience, and modern luxury. With high-performance engines, contemporary interiors, and spacious layouts, these vessels are among the best boats to sail in 2026 for coastal cruising, island hopping, and stylish relaxation.
Below are the Top 5 Motorboats ranked as the best boats to sail in 2026.
Jeanneau Merry Fisher 1095 Series 2
The Merry Fisher is a masterclass in smart coastal cruising, offering families and small groups an approachable and comfortable motor yacht experience. Its spacious pilothouse and wraparound windows create uninterrupted visibility, while the interior feels surprisingly large for its size. Movement is safe and easy, thanks to thoughtful deck layouts that prioritize comfort and flow. Charter guests appreciate how effortlessly this boat turns weekend escapes into memorable adventures.
Why it’s one of the best boats to sail in 2026:
It’s affordable, practical, and perfect for family adventures
Azimut 82 Fly
The Azimut 82 Fly is an expression of pure Italian elegance, where every line, texture and space has been shaped to delight. The flybridge becomes an alfresco living room, drawing guests into long conversations, starlit dinners and panoramic relaxation. Inside, the craftsmanship is unmistakable—rich materials, fluid architecture, and a sense of luxury that feels instinctive rather than forced. This is a yacht chosen by travellers who want beauty, style and an atmosphere worthy of life’s most special moments.
Why it’s one of the best boats to sail in 2026:
It offers unmatched glamour and comfort—ideal for luxury charters.
Skilsø 39 Fly
Built for northern seas, the Skilsø 39 Fly brings Scandinavian resilience and refinement to the motor yacht world. Built to conquer northern waters, it remains calm, confident and unwavering no matter the conditions. Inside, the Nordic aesthetic creates an inviting sense of warmth, while the flybridge offers a comfortable vantage point for slow, scenic travel. Guests choose the Skilsø when they want reliability and comfort wrapped in clean, understated luxury.
Why it’s one of the best boats to sail in 2026:
It’s perfect for travellers who value safety and style in all weather conditions.
Absolute Navetta 64
The Navetta 64 feels like a floating sanctuary, designed for guests who prefer slow, deliberate cruising and peaceful immersion in the seascape. Its forward master suite, framed by breathtaking panoramic windows, is one of the most impressive cabins in its category. Everywhere on board, spaces are tranquil, open and thoughtfully crafted. Charter guests often describe the Navetta 64 as a “floating villa”—a place where time stretches and the outside world fades.
Why it’s one of the best boats to sail in 2026:
It’s the ultimate slow-luxury motor yacht for long, relaxing charters.
Beneteau Swift Trawler 37 Fly
Compact yet powerful, the Swift Trawler 37 Fly is the ultimate vessel for curious travelers who love to explore. Its hull is engineered for exceptional efficiency, making long passages both economical and enjoyable. The flybridge becomes the ideal spot to take in the horizon, while the interior provides the coziness and practicality needed for extended travel. Guests book this yacht because it brings a sense of adventure—one that feels accessible, comfortable and refreshingly simple.
Why it’s one of the best boats to sail in 2026:
It’s built for guests who want to explore further, deeper, and longer.
Choosing the Best Boats to Sail in 2026
From innovative catamarans to performance sailboats and luxurious motor yachts, this list highlights the best boats to sail in 2026 across every major boating category. Whether your priority is comfort, sustainability, performance, or long-range exploration, each of these vessels represents the next generation of modern yachting. And if you’re ready to experience these models firsthand, you can explore, compare, and book them directly through Borrow A Boat, where the world’s newest and most exciting yachts are ready to set sail.