TOP 5 Unusual Monohull Yachts 2025/26

Today we are witnessing a real evolution of monohull yachts. Shipyards and designers are experimenting with the limits of the possible, trying to combine pure speed with comfort and ease of control. More and more interesting, both purely design and bold engineering solutions are appearing. 

The new generation of fast monohulls is showing impressive innovation across all size ranges. At one extreme are large semi-carbon cruiser designs designed for small crews and ocean going; at the other are honed small sports yachts and bold foiler concepts. 

However, both the first and second groups are united by a single approach, which comes down to creating a yacht capable of developing the maximum available speed without losing comfort and practicality. It is precisely these interesting yachts that we will talk about in this selection.

Ice 56

This powerful and light 17-metre cruiser, designed by Umberto Felci, inherits the sporty character of the Ice Yachts shipyard’s older models. The slender silhouette of the deck superstructure is taken directly from the new 24-metre Maxi Ice: larger side windows let in more daylight and open up a panoramic view from the saloon.

The designers paid special attention to the owner's cabin. It is located in the bow, equipped with a peninsula double bed, a large free space on the floor and separate toilet and shower rooms. There is no space for a separate skipper's cabin in the forepeak, but the bow sail locker of impressive size is complemented by an aft garage for a tender up to 3 m long.

The hull is based on a combination of fiberglass and carbon, which provides high rigidity with low weight. With a width of 5.10 m and a draft of 2.8 m, the yacht promises excellent stability and responsiveness of the steering wheel, allowing you to enjoy the pleasure of control, close to sports dinghies.

According to the shipyard, in a moderate breeze of 10 knots, the Ice 56 is capable of maintaining a speed of 8 knots on close-hauled and beam-hauled courses, and thanks to the carbon spars, the load on the rigging and winches remains very moderate.

Y6

Over the past decade, the 70- to 90-foot Y Yachts have stood out in an increasingly crowded market. These semi-custom carbon-fiber yachts combine light weight, simplicity, and the ability to be sailed by a reduced crew—or even single-handedly—a rarity for such fast cruising boats.

The new Y6 is slightly heavier than its predecessors, and the sail area to displacement ratio is slightly smaller, but it still remains in the ultra-light monohull category. The all-carbon hull reduces weight, allowing the yacht to sail confidently even in light winds with a relatively modest sail area, and the sheet loads remain moderate.

The Y6 staysail is automatic, the mainsail has a furling boom, all sheets and guy lines are brought to the cockpit on electric winches. Any important maneuver can be performed alone and without going to the forecastle.

The hull beam of 5.75 m is greater than that of a typical racing and cruising yacht of this size. However, this solution increases stability and provides additional interior volumes. The main highlight below deck is the master cabin in the bow with a square, free-standing bed, above which there is an opening hatch for natural night ventilation without the use of air conditioning. Up to three guest cabins can be accommodated, and if desired, space can be allocated for an office.

J/36

The new J/36 is a logical development of the popular J/112e: the hull architecture, sail rig and keel-rudder profiles were left untouched, but the working areas were completely redesigned.

According to Fred Bouvier of J/Composites, the goal was simple: to make life easier for the crew on long voyages, singles and doubles by making navigation on deck and in the cockpit intuitive. The entrance to the saloon was updated, the cockpit was rebuilt, the bench geometry was changed and a clear hierarchy of sheet winches was created.

The most noticeable innovation is the two steering wheels. This is not a tribute to fashion: narrow "steering wheels" make it easier to move around the cockpit in ocean conditions. Bouvier admits that he had doubts for a long time: "The large central rudder of the J/112 gave very precise feedback." 

But last year's J/40 experience showed that compact "twins" (two steering wheels - editor's note) provide the same sensitive control without sacrificing ergonomics.

As a result, the J/36 retained the sporting enthusiasm of its predecessor, but became much friendlier to a skipper sailing with a minimum crew.

Sports yachts

However, it's not just cruises. This year has also pleased us with interesting racing models.

JPK1050

It was long believed that it was simply impossible to create a truly fast offshore boat in the 30-36 foot range. Two years ago, this dogma was shattered by the Lann Ael 3 - the 35-foot boat from Manuard/Nivlet won the IRC Double Handed European Championship.

JPK had a similar idea in mind back in 2018: Jacques Valère drew a racing version of the shipyard's earlier boat, the 1030, but the project was shelved as too risky. The victory of Lann Ael 3 proved that the concept was viable, and they took up the project again.

The new JPK 1050 is a powerful 10-metre sailboat with a full bow, although not as radical as the Class 40 and Mini 650 hulls. According to the shipyard’s founder, Jean-Pierre Kelber, it is “a yacht with excellent performance and equally fast in the broad reach, in the jibe and close-hauled.”

The first hull was launched in the spring of 2025. The boat has already debuted at the Spi Ouest regatta. The maiden outing ended with an absolute victory among 38-foot boats of the IRC double classification - an eloquent confirmation of the potential of the new model.

Metis 45

The Metis 45 is probably the most racing yacht in the selection, and here's why. The Italian Metis 45 is conceived as an "intermediate class" between the Class 40 and the IMOCA 60. On the one hand, it is a full-fledged foiler and offshore racer with the same DNA as the IMOCA, but in terms of budget and complexity of operation, the Metis 45 is closer to the Class 40. Instead of expensive active systems, adjustable L-shaped wings are used on the sides.

The yacht is designed for a crew of two to five people plus a reporter. The deck plan follows the latest IMOCA and Class 40: a fully enclosed cockpit with large transparent panels provides all-round visibility and protects from wind and spray; all sheets and stays are tucked inside to work in dryness and warmth.

According to designer Gianluca Guelfi, the goal of the project is to “make real ocean foilers more accessible.” That’s why the hull and deck are composite, but without exotic prepregs, and the shape is optimized for racing needs.

New videos on the Interparus channel🎥

Ladies and gentlemen, we ask you to love and welcome - a review of the new Fountaine Pajot New 44! We filmed the catamaran from all angles and are in a hurry to tell you first-hand all the most interesting things. Enjoy watching🩷

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29.07.2025