Looking through the list of boats that are putting in their first appearance at Southampton this year, it’s noticeable that nearly all are from well-known builders.

Some of the builders are smaller than others, but all will be familiar to regular readers of PBO.

Take Sirius, for example, several of whose semi-bespoke, exquisitely-built deck-saloon cruisers we have tested over the years. The Sirius 40 DS continues the theme established by the 310 DS and 35 DS, offering a multitude of interior options and a choice of six types of keel, from twins or a bulbed lead fin to a swing keel. These boats are an object lesson in how to squeeze an incredible amount of useable space into innovative designs that ooze detailed thought and sail rather well into the bargain. This one costs from around £390,600.

If you want something similar in length but sportier in nature, have a look at Elan’s latest offering – the 400. Taking over from the 410 (tested in PBO August 2007), she’s every inch the modern Elan with her chined, broad-sterned hull and twin rudders. Plenty of performance should be on tap for those who want it. Prices start at around £167,000, and the boat at the show is available with a specification that makes her ready to sail away.

Moving up in size again, we have the Southerly 535. Designed by Ed Dubois and selling for a sum yet to be disclosed, she has a swing keel that reduces her draught from 11ft (3.34m) to just 3ft 6in (1.1m). If you’re thinking of selling up and sailing away…

The Southerly is one of several new designs from British builders. Just along the pontoon will be the Rustler 37. With her spoon bow, counter stern and elegant sheer she’s what many would regard as ‘a proper cruising yacht’. That’s exactly what Rustler and Stephen Jones set out to create, giving her a long fin keel, deep bilges and a full-length skeg for the rudder. Traditional she may be in many ways, but there’s little doubt she’s going to sail like a witch. Watch this space.

Boat like this built to Rustler’s standards don’t come cheap. With a pretty comprehensive specification, she costs from £315,000.

For the price of the Rustler you could go to Germany and buy a value pack of four Varianta 37s (find the test in the September 2014 issue of PBO, page 92). The Varianta is roughly the same length, but there the similarities end. Compare and contrast.

Rounding off the trio of British newcomers is Swallow Boats’ BayCruiser 25, the latest and largest addition to this trailable range from Wales. Removable water ballast supplements the lead-tipped daggerboard to keep the total towing weight, including trailer, down to just 3,750lb (1,700kg). If you’re after something fast, roomy and easily trailed and have around £69,000 to spend, take a look.

Maintaining the shallow-draught theme is Dufour’s 310. As standard, this twin-wheel, twin-rudder design from France with her beamy, chined hull comes with a 6ft 2in (1.9m) fin, but a centreplate option allows her to sit on the beach. We plan to sail her soon. Prices start at £64,500.

More boats at the show

Inspiration Marine Group will be also be exhibiting seven Hanse models at the show, from the well-equipped Hanse 325 Limited Edition through to the flagship Hanse 575, complete with a Williams Jet tender in the transom garage.

The show will see the world premiere of the new Hanse 455, while other models on display will include the 385, the 415, the 345 and the 505.

Inspiration Marine will also be exhibiting the award-winning Dehler 38 and the Dehler 32, plus a a selection of the Moody range. Southampton marks the UK premiere of the Varianta 37.
 
Inspiration Marine are now the sole distributors in the UK for the Greenline range of Hybrid motor cruisers from 33 to 48ft. The first range of boats to offer diesel only or diesel and electric propulsion.

On display will be the Greenline 33, which has seen more than 350 boats sold in the first three years of manufacture, plus the twin engined Greenline 40. 

Pictures: The BayCruiser, Dufour 310, Elan 400, Rustler 37, Sirius 40, Southerly 535