Best Sailboats for Single-Handed Cruising: 5 Yachts Worth Considering

Single-handed sailing is a unique form of cruising. Without a crew, every task becomes your responsibility, from handling sails and docking to navigation, anchoring and dealing with unexpected technical problems.

However, there is no single ideal yacht size for sailing alone. Some sailors have crossed oceans in boats under 30 feet, while others successfully cruise single-handed on yachts exceeding 50 feet.

Modern equipment has significantly expanded what one person can manage. Reliable autopilots, electric winches, furling systems and bow thrusters make it possible to handle relatively large yachts without additional crew.

Nevertheless, size still matters. As yachts become larger, loads on sails and rigging increase, docking becomes more demanding, and maintenance costs rise.

We have selected five sailboats of different sizes from the LookBoat listings, each offering a different approach to single-handed cruising.

1. Under 30 Feet – Alberg 29 (1980)

Length: 29 ft
Location: Crete, Greece
Price: €15,000

The Alberg 29 is a classic sailing yacht for those who appreciate simplicity, manageable dimensions and the freedom to cruise without excessive operating costs.

This particular yacht has received significant technical upgrades. She is powered by a Yanmar 3YM20 diesel engine with a new gearbox, shaft and engine mounts.

One of the most important features for single-handed sailing is the newly installed hydraulic autopilot. It allows the skipper to maintain course while managing navigation, adjusting sails or attending to other essential tasks.

Her electrical system includes three solar panels, a wind generator, lithium batteries and Victron equipment, providing useful energy independence during extended cruising.

Compact dimensions make handling mooring lines, anchoring and sail management considerably easier. Despite her size, she offers the essential equipment needed for longer voyages.

The main compromises are limited interior space and relatively modest sailing performance compared with larger, more modern designs.

Who is she suitable for? A sailor looking for a simple, compact yacht who is willing to sacrifice some comfort in exchange for independence and lower running costs.

View Alberg 29 – Photos and Specifications

2. 30–35 Feet – Hanse 315 (2007)

Length: 31 ft
Location: Kalamata, Greece
Price: €50,000

The Hanse 315 represents a more modern approach to single-handed cruising. With an overall length of approximately 9.45 metres, she offers two separate cabins, a comfortable saloon and sufficient living space for extended Mediterranean adventures.

One of the model’s main advantages is the option of a self-tacking jib, which simplifies manoeuvres by eliminating the need to handle headsail sheets during every tack.

This particular yacht has the track for a self-tacking jib, although she is currently equipped with a 140% genoa.

She has already completed more than 2,500 nautical miles during a six-month Mediterranean voyage.

In 2026, her 21 HP Yanmar engine was serviced, the saildrive diaphragm was replaced, and the running rigging, bimini and sprayhood were renewed. A new mainsail is also due to be included with the sale.

Additional equipment includes an electric anchor windlass, Simrad navigation instruments and AIS.

An important consideration: the existing autopilot is currently not operational and requires repair or replacement. For anyone planning to sail alone, restoring a reliable autopilot should be a priority before departure.

Who is she suitable for? Someone looking for a relatively modern, compact cruising yacht for independent Mediterranean sailing who is prepared to make a few equipment improvements.

View Hanse 315 – Photos and Specifications

3. 35–40 Feet – Bavaria Cruiser 37 (2007)

Length: 37 ft
Location: Messolonghi, Greece
Price: €69,900

The Bavaria Cruiser 37 represents what many sailors consider one of the most practical size ranges for single-handed cruising.

At approximately 11 metres, she provides comfortable accommodation, sufficient storage for provisions and equipment, and the living space needed for extended voyages, while remaining relatively manageable for one person.

This particular yacht has never been used for charter and features a three-cabin layout.

One of her most useful features for single-handed sailing is the in-mast furling mainsail. This system allows the skipper to reduce sail area directly from the cockpit, making sail handling considerably easier when conditions change.

A new mainsail was installed in 2026. Additional equipment includes a Raymarine autopilot, solar panels, sprayhood and bimini.

Her Volvo Penta engine also underwent significant maintenance during 2025 and 2026.

Why 37 feet? At this size, a yacht can provide genuine liveaboard comfort without the substantially higher loads and handling challenges associated with many 45–50-foot boats.

Who is she suitable for? A sailor looking for a versatile cruising yacht capable of comfortable single-handed Mediterranean passages and longer adventures.

View Bavaria Cruiser 37 – Photos and Specifications

4. 40–43 Feet – Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 42CC (2005)

Length: 42 ft
Location: Athens, Greece
Price: €116,000

The Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 42CC offers a different level of comfort for extended cruising.

One of the defining characteristics of this model is her centre cockpit, which provides a more protected steering position while allowing for a spacious aft owner’s cabin.

With an overall length of approximately 12.74 metres, she offers generous accommodation, storage capacity and space for additional cruising equipment.

This yacht is powered by a 75 HP Yanmar diesel engine and equipped with a Quick bow thruster, electric winch and Garmin autopilot.

Her electrical system is particularly attractive for extended cruising, featuring 800 W of solar panels, 260 Ah lithium batteries and Victron equipment. Freshwater capacity is approximately 500 litres.

The bow thruster makes manoeuvring in marinas considerably easier, while the electric winch reduces the physical effort required for sail handling.

However, a 42-foot yacht demands more careful preparation for single-handed docking, especially in crosswinds or confined spaces.

Who is she suitable for? An experienced sailor planning to spend months aboard and looking for a yacht that can serve as both a cruising vessel and a comfortable floating home.

View Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 42CC – Photos and Specifications

5. 43–45 Feet – Hunter 44 DS (2004)

Length: 44 ft
Location: Preveza, Greece
Price: €127,000

The Hunter 44 DS is an attractive option for sailors who want to combine independent cruising with generous onboard comfort.

The model features a raised deck saloon design, providing excellent natural light and an unusually spacious interior atmosphere.

This particular yacht has never been chartered. She has been with her current owner for the past eight years and has been used exclusively for private summer cruising, with winter storage ashore under cover.

She is powered by a Yanmar diesel engine producing 42 kW and equipped with a bow thruster featuring a recently replaced lower unit.

An E-Wincher electric winch assistance system helps reduce the physical effort involved in sail handling.

Her electrical setup includes a 300 Ah lithium battery, 400 W of solar panels and a Mastervolt battery charger.

Navigation equipment includes a Garmin chartplotter with ActiveCaptain, Raymarine radar and Icom communication equipment.

With a larger sail area and greater displacement, this yacht requires more experience and careful preparation, particularly when sailing in stronger winds.

A reliable autopilot, efficient reefing arrangements and a well-practised docking procedure are especially important on a yacht of this size.

Who is she suitable for? An experienced single-handed sailor who values interior space, comfort and autonomy and is confident handling a larger cruising yacht independently.

View Hunter 44 DS – Photos and Specifications

What Really Matters When Choosing a Yacht for Single-Handed Sailing?

Regardless of size or manufacturer, certain features are considerably more important than the number of cabins or the reputation of the boatyard.

Reliable Autopilot

For a single-handed sailor, the autopilot is almost a second crew member.

It must be reliable, correctly sized for the yacht’s displacement and supported by sufficient electrical capacity.

For extended offshore passages, a backup steering solution, such as a windvane self-steering system, is highly desirable.

Easy Sail Handling

The ability to reef sails and control essential lines from the cockpit significantly improves safety.

However, simply having furling systems or electric winches is not enough. Their reliability, accessibility and ease of operation in difficult conditions are equally important.

Manoeuvrability and Docking

Good visibility, predictable low-speed handling, conveniently positioned cleats and the ability to prepare mooring lines in advance can be more valuable than a bow thruster alone.

Energy Independence

Solar panels, sufficient battery capacity and sensible energy management allow longer periods away from marinas.

The electrical system must be designed around actual consumption, particularly when relying heavily on an autopilot.

Deck Safety

Strong handrails, reliable lifelines, secure attachment points and safe movement between the cockpit and foredeck are essential when nobody else is available to help.

Maintenance Accessibility

During a solo voyage, easy access to the engine, pumps, electrical systems and steering components can be far more important than expensive interior finishes.

What Is the Best Yacht Size for Single-Handed Cruising?

Conclusion: Which Yacht Would We Choose?

For many sailors, the 32–40-foot range offers the best overall balance for single-handed cruising.

Yachts in this category are generally large enough for comfortable living, extended passages and sufficient storage, while remaining manageable without a crew.

Among the five yachts presented here, the Bavaria Cruiser 37 offers a particularly attractive balance between size, comfort and practical sail handling.

The Alberg 29 appeals to sailors who prioritise simplicity and low operating costs, while the Hanse 315 offers a more modern and compact cruising experience.

For those planning extended periods aboard, the Oceanis Clipper 42CC and Hunter 44 DS provide significantly more living space and equipment, although they require greater experience and preparation.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on the intended cruising area, the owner’s experience, available budget and the technical condition of the individual yacht.

The best sailboat for single-handed cruising is not necessarily the smallest, largest or most expensive. It is the one you can safely manage on your own when conditions become challenging.

Explore these yachts and other sailing boats for sale at LookBoat.

Prices, availability and equipment specifications should be confirmed before arranging a viewing.

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