CNB 66 is an out-and-out, ready-to-use global thoroughbred horse. It is a rational and exquisite "yacht" in every respect.

During and four days after the American Sailing Show in Annapolis, Maryland, Cruising World judges inspected and sailed 27 sailing boats in an effort to gain recognition. Learn more about ships in our 2022 ships of the year »

So, what exactly is a "luxury cruiser"? This of course needs to be debated and accepted for explanation. However, in order to discuss the discussions directly related to the 2022 Best Boat Race, let us make a list: a seven-digit price tag? Check. More than 60 feet? Check. Provide "crew cabins" so that the ship can accommodate professional captains and/or chief mates? Check. Not every ship in this category needs the latter (the CNB 66 we tested is owned and operated by a very experienced cruising couple who has done extensive voyages on her ship), but you get the idea. These are large, long-range, system-rich, well-executed cruisers that can take you anywhere on earth (another standard). most advanced? Check. Is the testing and analysis of BOTY judges a big challenge? Check, buddy.

Contest 67 CS was the first competition to be included on the agenda. The BOTY team checked it and then in the afternoon at the end of the 2022 American Sailing Show in Annapolis, Maryland, in a windy Chesapeake Bay Sail in the afternoon. 

Judge Tim Murphy said: "The race came from a shipyard in the Netherlands. Although this is the most expensive boat in this year's race, they did a great job. This yacht definitely reflects this. It is based on Lloyd’s. It was built according to specifications, so high-level inspections were conducted on building quality, systems, etc. As far as the production ship is concerned, it is more about the quality of the equation. Man, she’s sailing really well.” Gerry Douglas ( Gerry Douglas) said: "It was shown as a blue water performance cruiser, and it certainly meets these qualifications. Vacuum injection structure with foam core: very high-tech for a ship with a traditional look." Frank In other words, the BOTY crew was shocked by the complexity and performance of the race. The race was run by a pair of young professional sailors who were entrusted with care and management. 

Next is the company's flagship ship Dufour 61, which is different from the previous model of the well-known French manufacturer. After testing many Dufour in previous BOTY competitions, Tim Murphy is very familiar with this brand. "For many years, Dufour has done a good job here," he said. "They usually have a few things in common: they enter at a reasonable price in a given category, and they usually have a strong combination of good accommodation and performance, although I would say that they are usually more inclined to perform the end equation." Now Under the leadership of the new management, the company adopted a different strategy: Although Dufours had a common aesthetic in the past, the 470 (the smaller of the two Dufour yachts participating in the 2022 BOTY competition) and the 61 are obviously different Craftsmanship. A new Dufour era is coming-an interesting era.

Of course, Jeanneau is another French brand that has won many award-winning ships in previous BOTY competitions. Jeanneau Yachts 60 is a collaboration between famous French naval architect Philippe Briand and British interior designer and stylist Andrew Winch. It is part of the company's high-end yacht series, which also includes 51, 54 and 65. Waterline, smooth trainer roof, cockpit arches to fix the main board, and provide the basis for the open Bimini and the closed cockpit Dodge, as well as an integrated bowsprit for launching ground tackles and zero-code reachers or Asymmetric kite. There is a rib in a dedicated dinghy garage with a variety of internal layouts to choose from. Like the recent Jeanneaus, the Yachts 60 adopts a circumventing deck layout, which has been an iconic feature of winners in the BOTY category over the past few years. 

But this is the last French entry in the luxury category, which debuted in the United States at the Annapolis exhibition, surpassing the efforts of all others. The BOTY judges actually checked a pair of CNB 66, a semi-custom yacht with countless options available. The dock model is brand new; the ship we sailed has been sailed by a couple for two years (emphasis on the company's claim that it can indeed be handled by a savvy sailing couple). Judge Gerry Douglas found that many people liked: "The quality of the building is impeccable. The layout of the [old CNB] is great; they didn’t try to fill things up, but there were three very beautiful cabins with an attached bathroom head and one Beautiful desk/office area, and chart table. Aesthetically speaking, this is a very beautiful ship. The owner knows how to steer it, and he has a system that can steer it alone. He proved that you can Operate a large and complicated ship alone."

In fact, the demonstration played an important role when it was necessary to consider the pros and cons of such a large ship class. "The voyage plan does apply to the (heavy) displacement of the ship," Murphy said. "It’s really enjoyable to sail. You know, about 10 years ago, when we started to see such a big ship selling to couples, we all doubted it really worked. You know, when things become real, they Can it really be handled? Actually, it's great to spend time with people who have been doing this work for more than a year and have some real ocean miles at this time. I believe they can. That's fine, I think. That's it. It’s a big and big ship, but it looks very useful. We were sailing in very light air today and she moved very well. Therefore, after sailing with the owner, I left a deeper impression on me impression."

In such a highly competitive class, even in the breeze, the sailing test teetered the votes of CNB 66, so that it became the out-of-control winner of the best luxury cruiser category in 2022.

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