Looking for speedy cruising sailboats under 40 feet that give you both comfort and performance? You'll find the perfect balance of speed and livability in these designs, especially when they are equipped with modern AIS transponders and intuitive chartplotters, essential for safe navigation and confident passagemaking.
The world of sailboats spans an incredible range. They start from tiny 42-inch yachts and go up to the massive 'Sailing Yacht A' at 470 feet - currently the world's largest. The sweet spot lies between 30-40 feet, where boats deliver great performance and enough space to cruise and entertain comfortably.
Several bluewater sailboats under 40 feet stand out for their speed. The Outremer 4X attracts bluewater sailors with its light build and innovative rigging. The Lagoon 380 proves smaller boats can be exciting too, reaching speeds of 8.05 knots (14.91 km/h).
The Beneteau Oceanis 40's most popular layout showcases this perfect balance. It features three cabins and two WCs, making room for six guests. Some boats focus on racing, while others like the Hallberg-Rassy 372 excel at family cruising - with 120 units built so far.
The lineup includes award-winning boats like the Dufour 390, which earned European Yacht of the Year in the Family Cruiser category. The Sun Odyssey 349 has been impressing sailors since 2014 with its mix of speed, comfort, and safety. We've selected nine of the fastest sailboats under 40 feet that deliver both performance and comfort.
Beneteau Oceanis 40
The Beneteau Oceanis 40 shows proof of French boatbuilding excellence. This vessel combines impressive performance with exceptional comfort in a sub-40-foot package. Built between 2007 and 2011, sailors looking for balance between speed and livability still actively seek this boat in the secondhand market.
Beneteau Oceanis 40 Key Features
The boat's fin keel comes with bulb and spade rudder configuration that delivers excellent stability and manoeuvrability. The cruiser stretches 39.86 feet (12.15m) in length with a beam of 12.83 feet (3.91m), offering substantial volume without compromising performance.
Fibreglass construction helps balance durability and weight. The fractional sloop rigging supports 843.89 square feet (78.40m²) of sail area, giving it plenty of power. The deck uses balsa sandwich stratification, which adds structural strength without extra weight.
Key design features include:
High freeboard that creates more interior space
Minimal overhangs to maximise waterline length
Double wheelhouse in the cockpit
Folding central table that adapts to cockpit needs
Beneteau Oceanis 40 Speed & Performance
This comfort-oriented design still delivers solid performance numbers. The theoretical hull speed hits 7.81 knots, and owners regularly report 7-7.5 knot speeds in moderate winds during real-life sailing.
The sail area to displacement ratio of 19.58 puts this boat squarely in performance cruiser territory rather than pure racing. The comfort ratio sits at 26.33, showing the boat handles sea conditions well while maintaining good speed.
A standard Yanmar 40HP diesel engine powers the vessel, though some owners call it underpowered. Many private buyers opted for larger engines at purchase. The 53-gallon (201 litres) fuel capacity works well for coastal trips but might limit longer passages.
Beneteau Oceanis 40 Interior & Comfort
Nauta Design created remarkably efficient interiors with two layout options: two cabins with one bathroom or three cabins with two bathrooms. Tall sailors will appreciate the 1.90 metres (6'3") of headroom throughout.
The saloon features U-shaped seating and a large table that doubles as a berth. An L-shaped galley provides plenty of counter space, twin stainless steel sinks, pressurised hot and cold water, plus top and front-opening refrigeration.
Experienced sailors point out the main cabin's lack of proper sea berths and minimal back support while cooking underway. These details suggest the boat works better at anchor than during long passages.
Beneteau Oceanis 40 Pricing
Current secondhand prices vary based on condition, equipment, and location. Models from 2007-2011 range from £64,151 for a 2009 boat to £124,219 for a well-kept 2008 version.
A typical 2011 model (the final production year) costs around £110,000. This represents a significant investment but offers good value compared to newer boats with similar capabilities.
Beneteau Oceanis 40 Best Use Case
This boat shines as a coastal cruiser that can handle occasional offshore trips. Couples or small families planning weekend getaways with one or two-week cruises will find it ideal.
The design works especially well in Mediterranean conditions, which makes sense given its charter market influence that prioritises anchor comfort over long-distance sailing. The boat performs reliably in moderate conditions, though extended cruising requires upgraded battery capacity.
Sailors seeking a sub-40-foot cruiser will find the Oceanis 40 hits the sweet spot. French styling, solid construction, and good all-around performance make this boat a sought-after option in the secondhand market.
Dufour 390
The Dufour 390, a masterpiece by Umberto Felci, shows how modern cruising sailboats can blend performance with comfort. This vessel has made its mark since 2018 as one of the most versatile options you can find in the sub-40-foot market.
Consistent performance upwind and efficient sail handling become even more predictable when the boat is equipped with accurate wind instruments, allowing sailors to fine-tune sail trim and maintain optimal speeds across varying conditions.
Dufour 390 Key Features
The boat features a solid hand-laid fibreglass hull and a foam-coredHallberg-Rassy 372 deck built using vacuum injection process. At 39-foot (11.94m) long with a 13-foot (3.99m) beam, this cruiser weighs 7,700 kg.
You'll find these notable design elements:
Fixed bowsprit that doubles as an anchor roller
Twin helm stations connected to a single spade rudder
Plumb ends fore and aft to maximise waterline length
Pronounced hull chines for increased form stability
Wide swept-back spreaders with twin backstays
Choice between 1.75m or 1.95m draught options
The boat comes with a fractional rig and deck-stepped mast. Dufour backs their confidence with a ten-year guarantee against osmosis—twice what others in the industry offer.
Dufour 390 Speed & Performance
This comfort-focused boat doesn't compromise on performance. It moves at 3.5 knots upwind even in light 6-knot winds. Better conditions let you hit 6.4 to 6.7 knots while tacking through about 75 degrees.
A 30hp Volvo Penta engine powers the standard model. You can opt for a 40hp four-cylinder engine that runs more smoothly. The bigger engine paired with a three-blade folding propeller pushes the boat to 6.6 knots at cruising speed. The 200-litre fuel tank gives you enough range for coastal trips.
Here's what engine testing shows:
6 knots at 1,800 rpm
7 knots at 2,100 rpm (cruise setting)
Over 8 knots at maximum 2,900 rpm
Dufour 390 Interior & Comfort
Smart space design makes the Dufour 390's interior stand out. You can pick between two or three cabin layouts, with one to three heads based on your needs. The boat breaks new ground in its class by fitting three cabins and three bathrooms in just over 11 metres.
The forward cabin gives you plenty of room with a berth width over two metres at shoulder height—something rare even in bigger boats. Six to seven people can sit comfortably around an expandable table in the saloon.
Light oak (like in the test boat), darker Moabi mahogany, or teak finish options are available. Nice touches include an optional wine rack under the sole by the companionway and an outdoor galley with sink and optional electric grill in the cockpit.
Dufour 390 Best Use Case
Family sailors will love this versatile coastal cruiser. Both experienced and new sailors find it easy to handle. The boat really shines in Mediterranean waters where you can enjoy both comfortable living spaces and good performance.
The deeper 1.95m keel option gives you better stability and pointing ability for occasional offshore trips. The spacious cockpit with twin helm stations and various relaxation spots makes anchored entertaining perfect, while still giving you responsive sailing when you want it.
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349
The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 has won multiple industry awards since its 2014 launch. These awards include "Best Boat over 7.5 Metres" in Poland and "Sailing Boat under 35 Feet" in the USA. Marc Lombard's design shows how small cruisers can deliver great speed without giving up comfort or safety.
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 Key Features
The Sun Odyssey 349 has a modern chined hull that delivers better performance, stability, and interior space. This vessel measures 33'11" LOA (10.34m) with an 11'4" (3.44m) beam and comes with three keel options:
Deep draught fixed keel: 6'8" (2.09m)
Shoal draught fixed keel: 4'8" (1.49m)
Hydraulic swing keel: 3'6"/7'8" (1.06m/2.36m)
Twin rudders and wheels are standard features that give exceptional control even when the boat heels sharply. The swept-back spreaders eliminate the need for backstays, which opens up the stern area and makes helm positions and cockpit movement easier. The boat weighs between 11,794 lbs (5,350 kg) for the deep keel version and 12,332 lbs (5,594 kg) for the shoal draught model.
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 Speed & Performance
The Sun Odyssey 349 showed remarkable control and enthusiasm upwind during tests in challenging conditions with 30-knot gusts. The boat achieved these impressive speeds in moderate conditions:
5.3 knots at 40° apparent wind angle in 10 knots true wind
6.1 knots at 60° apparent wind angle in 11 knots true wind
4.9 knots at 130° apparent wind angle in 9 knots true wind
A Yanmar 3YM20 diesel engine comes standard with 21HP (15KW) and pushes the boat at 6.1 knots at 2,900 rpm in calm conditions. The sail options are extensive with a standard main at 330 sq ft (30.7 m²), performance main at 367 sq ft (34.1 m²), or in-mast furling at 277 sq ft (25.7 m²). These can be paired with various headsails including an asymmetrical spinnaker of 1,022 sq ft (95 m²).
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 Interior & Comfort
You can choose between two layouts: two cabins with one head or three cabins with one head. The two-cabin layout turns the port aft area into a huge storage locker that you can access from both inside and the deck. The L-shaped galley comes with a two-burner stove, oven, top-loading refrigerator (100L capacity), and plenty of storage.
The boat offers generous headroom: 6'3" (1.90m) in the galley, 6'1" (1.85m) in the saloon and 6'4" (1.93m) in both bow and aft cabins. A drop-leaf table with bench seating in the saloon fits four people comfortably for meals. LED lighting throughout the boat has strip lighting with touch-control dimming features that create great ambience.
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 Best Use Case
This versatile cruiser works great for both seasoned sailors and newcomers. Families love it for coastal cruising and their first longer trips. The twin wheel setup and cockpit-led lines make single-handed sailing easy.
The swing keel option lets you explore shallow anchorages while maintaining performance. Many owners use their boats for both relaxed cruising and club racing successfully.
The Sun Odyssey 349 stands out as an excellent choice for sailors who want performance and comfort in a sub-40-foot boat. Its durability and sailing characteristics have proven themselves since 2014.
Hallberg-Rassy 372
The Hallberg-Rassy 372, built in Sweden, stands out among fast cruising sailboats under 40 feet. This vessel combines classic bluewater capability with impressive speed. From 2008 to 2024, Germán Frers designed this yacht that won the European Yacht of the Year award in the Luxury Cruiser category. The manufacturer produced 120 units during this period.
During longer offshore passages, reliable communication remains just as important as sailing speed, which is why many owners rely on high-quality VHF antennas to ensure clear transmission and extended range in challenging conditions.
Hallberg-Rassy 372 Key Features
The 372's distinctive hull design shows a pronounced sheer line, straight bow, and flatter bottom compared to earlier models. The vessel measures 11.35m (37'3") LOA with a 10.25m (33'8") waterline. You'll find these features that optimise sailing efficiency:
Hand-laid GRP hull with vinylester barrier coat and Divinycell PVC-foam insulation above waterline
Lead keel weighing 2,900kg (6,400lb)
Modern fractional rig with triple swept-back spreaders
Five flush-mounted deck hatches that let in natural light
Protected cockpit behind fixed windscreen
Under-deck mounted furling drum that creates clean deck lines
The boat's comfort ratio points to a moderate bluewater cruising vessel. Eleven M24 stainless steel bolts hold the keel securely in place.
Hallberg-Rassy 372 Speed & Performance
Frers' speed prediction diagram shows the 372 sailing faster than the larger Hallberg-Rassy 40. The boat showed impressive capabilities in testing:
6.4-6.6 knots on a broad reach in 5-6 knots of apparent wind
7.5 knots in gusts during close reaching
5.5-6.4 knots while beating at 30-35° to apparent wind in 14-18 knot conditions
11 knots in tough conditions of 35 knots true wind at 60°
A 44kW/60HP Volvo Penta D2-60 diesel engine powers the boat. With the optional Gori propeller, you can cruise about 845 nautical miles at 6 knots.
Hallberg-Rassy 372 Interior & Comfort
Light mahogany woodwork brightens the interior throughout. The saloon offers 1.93m (6'4") headroom, and the layout has:
Forward cabin with V-berth (2.10m long, 68cm at foot, 202cm aft end)
Two 2.00m (6'7") long sofas in the saloon
U-shaped galley with composite stone worktop
Separate shower area with PlexiGlass doors and wet locker
Aft cabin with a comfortable double berth
Side portlights open for ventilation, and the solid wood floor features inlaid holly strips.
Hallberg-Rassy 372 Best Use Case
This vessel shines as a fast, comfortable family cruiser with genuine bluewater capabilities. Direct steering gives excellent feedback, making it perfect for short-handed sailing with electric winches and optional bow thruster.
Sailors looking for both performance and comfort will appreciate this boat. The 372 proved its worth by winning its class in the prestigious Tjörn Runt regatta. Whether you're coastal cruising or making extended ocean passages, this Swedish-built yacht delivers quality and spirited sailing characteristics that attract buyers worldwide.
Outremer 4X
The Outremer 4X won the European Yacht of the Year award in the Multihull category. This catamaran strikes a perfect balance between long-distance cruising comfort and thrilling performance. This improved version of the Outremer 45 delivers beyond expectations for sailors who want both speed and livability.
Outremer 4X Key Features
The 4X builds on the Outremer 45 hulls with 3ft extensions aft. These changes create better diagonal and longitudinal stability. The catamaran stretches 14.62m (48ft) with a beam of 7.10m (23ft 4in). You'll find a carbon rotating mast and carbon reinforcement throughout the vessel.
The construction shows attention to detail with foam sandwich using vacuum infusion process and full laminate underwater areas. A bridge deck placement 90cm above water helps rough sea performance. The lightweight design brings the 4X to just 8,200kg (18,078lb). This is a big deal as it means that it weighs two tonnes less than similar cruising catamarans.
Outremer 4X Speed & Performance
The catamaran matches wind speeds in light conditions. Tests showed consistent speeds of 11-13 knots in 12-15 knots of wind. The vessel reaches impressive speeds up to 20 knots in stronger breezes.
Twin 30HP Volvo Penta engines push the boat to 8.1 knots at cruising speed. The noise levels stay low at 69 dB(A). The quickest way to cut fuel use and noise is to run on a single engine, which still delivers 7.0 knots.
Outremer 4X Interior & Comfort
The yacht comes in two layouts. The owner's version dedicates the entire starboard hull to a large double berth and bathroom. The offshore version splits this space into two cabins with a smaller bathroom. The port hull keeps two cabins and a bathroom in both layouts.
The saloon offers 1.96m of headroom, while the hulls provide at least 1.87m. Weight savings come from fabric partitions with zips instead of traditional doors in some areas.
Outremer 4X Best Use Case
Fast blue-water cruising is where the Outremer 4X shines. A reviewer put it perfectly: "It's not about outright speed, more a smooth, fast enjoyable ride". Experienced sailors who want to cross oceans quickly without sacrificing comfort will love this catamaran.
Pacific Seacraft Crealock 37
The Pacific Seacraft Crealock 37, designed by British naval architect W.I.B. Crealock, has earned legendary status among bluewater sailors who want reliable performance without compromising comfort. Cruising Consultants built the first vessel in 1978. Pacific Seacraft acquired the design in 1980, and the vessel secured its place in the American Sailboat Hall of Fame in 2002.
Crealock 37 Key Features
The hull's solid fibreglass construction includes a plywood core and wood trim. This vessel measures 36'11" in overall length with a 27'9" waterline length, and provides:
Masthead sloop rig (optional cutter or yawl configuration)
Fixed fin keel (standard 5'6" draught or optional 4'5" shoal draught)
Skeg-mounted rudder controlled by a wheel
Displacement of 16,200 lbs with 6,200 lbs of lead ballast
An elegant canoe stern that helps in following seas
Crealock 37 Speed & Performance
The cutter performs modestly in light air downwind but shows its true potential in stronger conditions. Owners have reported speeds reaching double digits while surfing down trade wind seas. Daily passages often exceed 150 miles. Sailors know the vessel as a "swisher" rather than a "pounder" - a significant difference that enhances crew comfort during long voyages.
Early models feature a 32hp Volvo engine, while later versions use a 51hp Yanmar 4JHE diesel. Both provide about 250 miles range under power.
Crealock 37 Interior & Comfort
The boat's interior fits up to seven people through an offset double V-berth forward, settee berths in the saloon, and a double berth aft. The galley's location at the companionway's foot includes a double sink, three-burner stove with oven, and top-loading refrigerator.
The vessel offers 6'3" (75 inches) of headroom, and excellent airflow through two cabin hatches and multiple opening ports.
Crealock 37 Best Use Case
Couples find the Crealock 37 perfect for bluewater cruising. The balanced cutter rig works well with self-steering, making it perfect for long offshore journeys. The boat's capabilities shine through its performance in the Singlehanded Transpac Race, where two Crealock 37s finished among the fastest 10% of all competitors.
Catalina 36
The Catalina 36, launched in 1982, showcases American cruising design at its best with over 3,000 boats built through 2005. This vessel stands apart from European designs by focusing on practical cruising comfort while delivering solid performance.
Catalina 36 Key Features
The boat features solid fibreglass construction without balsa or foam cores. You'll find two versions: the MK I (1982-1993) and MK II (1994-2005). The MK II brings improvements like a walk-through transom and better cockpit design. Sailors can choose between a 5'10" fin or 4'3" wing keel, both using lead ballast.
Catalina 36 Speed & Performance
This coastal cruiser shows impressive capabilities with a PHRF rating of 140-150. Boat owners report speeds of 7-7.5 knots in moderate winds consistently. The 35HP Universal diesel engine uses about 0.8 gallons per hour at 2200 RPM.
Catalina 36 Interior & Comfort
The saloon boasts 6'5" of headroom throughout. Its roomy interior comes in two cabin layouts. The aft cabin's design stands out with options for either a large transverse double or an under-cockpit double plus single berth setup.
Catalina 36 Best Use Case
We used these boats mostly for coastal cruising and Caribbean island hopping. Some adventurous sailors have even completed circumnavigations after adding extra equipment.
Dehler 34
The Dehler 34's legendary status began 30 years ago, marking the dawn of performance cruiser era. This Judel/Vrolijk design has evolved into its latest version since 2018, combining tradition with state-of-the-art features that appeal to sailors who want both speed and comfort.
Dehler 34 Key Features
A vacuum-infused core sandwich construction forms the hull's foundation, while its carbon-reinforced floor structure boosts rigidity by 20%. Sailors can choose from three keel options: a standard 1.95m fin, a shallow 1.55m version, or a competition 2.10m T-keel that weighs 400kg less. The yacht's design minimises drag with pop-up cleats, flush hatches, and below-deck conduits for halyards.
Dehler 34 Speed & Performance
The Dehler 34 achieves impressive speeds of 6.5 knots upwind with turning angles under 90 degrees in light winds. The yacht really shows its potential as conditions strengthen, reaching speeds up to 7 knots in moderate winds. The direct steering system provides exceptional rudder feedback.
Dehler 34 Interior & Comfort
The yacht's interior design favours curved elements over right angles. The layout can include a starboard aft cabin with a spacious aft locker. A state-of-the-art Uni-Door in the spacious bathroom can separate either the entire wet room or just the shower and toilet areas.
Dehler 34 Best Use Case
The yacht caters to sailors who enjoy fine-tuning sail shape. Its versatility shines through in both short-handed passages and around-the-cans racing.
Hanse 348
The Hanse 348 combines excellent sailing performance with comfortable living spaces in a compact design by judel/vrolijk. This modern cruiser launched in 2018 and earned the "Yacht of the Year" title across Slovenia, Croatia, and the USA.
Hanse 348 Key Features
A sleek 10.40m (34'2") hull with a 3.50m (11'6") beam defines the Hanse 348's profile. The yacht's balsa-core "sandwich" hull construction comes with two keel options—a standard 1.55m or a deeper 1.95m version. You'll find sailing easier with the trademark self-tacking jib and all lines running back to the helm. The twin wheel setup works with Hanse's custom semi-balanced rudder to give you excellent control.
Hanse 348 Speed & Performance
The engine pushes the yacht to 3.7 knots at 1,500rpm and reaches 6.5 knots at 3,000rpm. The real magic happens under sail—the boat maintains 5.9-6 knots upwind at 42° to true wind and hits 6.7 knots at 71° with just the main and self-tacking jib. Adding a gennaker will boost these speeds even higher.
Hanse 348 Interior & Comfort
The yacht offers two layout choices below deck—a standard two-cabin setup with a larger head compartment or a three-cabin version. The saloon gives you 6'5" of headroom and includes an L-shaped galley with twin sinks and a 130-litre refrigerator. You can choose from several finishes: standard mahogany, Canadian chestnut, French oak, or teak.
Hanse 348 Best Use Case
This yacht shines as a coastal cruiser and weekender, especially when you have a small crew. Both experienced captains and newer sailors will feel at home. The easy handling, reliable performance, and luxurious interior make it perfect for extended trips or coastal adventures.
Conclusion
Sailors looking for a sub-40-foot vessel face a challenge when trying to balance speed and comfort. Our look at nine exceptional sailboats shows that manufacturers know how to strike this delicate balance. These boats deliver exciting performance without giving up liveable space.
Speed means different things to different sailors. The Outremer 4X catamaran hits 20 knots in stronger breezes. Monohulls like the Hallberg-Rassy 372 turn heads with nimble handling and surprisingly spirited performance. Even boats built for comfort, such as the Catalina 36, clock respectable speeds of 7-7.5 knots in moderate winds.
Each vessel offers its own mix of comfort features. The Dufour 390 pulls off something remarkable - three cabins and three bathrooms in a boat just over 11 metres. The Pacific Seacraft Crealock 37's reputation as a "swisher rather than pounder" makes a vital difference for crew comfort on long trips.
The price range is broad. Budget-minded sailors might look at the Catalina 36, with used models starting at £17,000. Those wanting premium build quality often head over to the Hallberg-Rassy 372, where new builds cost more than £350,000.
These boats fit different sailing dreams. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 shines at coastal cruising with family and first longer passages. The Crealock 37 proves itself on bluewater voyages. The Dehler 34 draws sailors who love fine-tuning sail shape for both short-handed passages and around-the-cans racing.
Modern technology lets designers create smaller boats that sail faster than older models while keeping comfortable accommodations. Twin rudders, plumb bows, chined hulls, and carbon reinforcement have changed what sailors can expect from boats under 40 feet.
Your sailing dreams might include coastal hopping, bluewater passages, or weekend racing. These nine sailboats show you don't have to choose between speed and comfort. The sweet spot lies between the thrill of speed and the luxury of space.
