Outbound Yachts: Crafting Blue Water Dreams Since 1997
For discerning sailors who dream of distant horizons and comfortable offshore passages, Outbound Yachts has carved a significant niche in the marine industry. Founded in 1997 by Phil Lambert, the brand quickly established itself as a builder of serious cruising yachts, prioritizing seaworthiness, performance, and liveaboard comfort.
Outbound Yachts emerged from the vision of Phil Lambert, a figure who sought to blend robust offshore capabilities with genuine liveaboard comfort in a cruising sailboat. The company's inaugural vessel, the Outbound 44, marked its entry into the market. This influential model was designed by the renowned naval architect Carl Schumacher, conceived from the outset as a true offshore passagemaker. The Outbound 44 set the tone for the brand, embodying its commitment to yachts capable of taking owners around the world.
History and Evolution
Since its inception in 1997, Outbound Yachts has maintained a consistent manufacturing partnership with Hansheng Yacht Building Company in Xiamen, China. This collaboration has been central to their production process, allowing them to focus on design and quality control while leveraging established boatbuilding expertise. Unlike many mass-produced vessels, Outbound Yachts emphasizes a dedication to traditional, robust construction methods, notably utilizing 100% hand-laid solid fiberglass for their hulls, a technique valued for its strength and durability in offshore conditions.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Outbound Yachts holds a strong reputation in the sailing world for producing yachts that masterfully balance offshore performance with liveaboard comfort. They are specifically known for their speed and exceptional ability to handle adverse sailing conditions, making them a preferred choice for serious sailors aiming for ocean crossings and extensive cruising.
The builder's design philosophy centers on creating a superior sailing experience. This is achieved through careful consideration of moderate beam, freeboard, and displacement, which collectively contribute to a better-performing boat. Their commitment to functionality extends to ease of handling, with yachts designed to be sailed comfortably by cruising couples.
Outbound Yachts has collaborated with several esteemed naval architects to bring their designs to life. The early and highly successful Outbound 44 was a product of Carl Schumacher's design prowess. In later models, the company has worked with other notable designers, including Germán Frers and Tim Kernan, who contributed to models such as the Outbound 521 and the Outbound 5360. These collaborations underscore Outbound's dedication to incorporating top-tier naval architecture into their purpose-built cruising yachts.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Throughout its history, Outbound Yachts has produced a line of highly regarded cruising sailboats, with several models achieving iconic status among blue water enthusiasts. The Outbound 44, as the first model, laid the groundwork for the brand's reputation for offshore capability. Following its success, the Outbound 46 quickly became recognized as a benchmark in blue water cruising, earning a "well-deserved reputation as the gold standard" in its class.
Other significant models in their portfolio include the Outbound 52 and the larger Outbound 56. These yachts are designed with the same core principles of robust construction and a focus on long-distance voyaging. Outbound Yachts primarily produces monohull displacement yachts, optimized for stability and comfortable passage-making in open seas. The impact of these vessels is evident in the numerous owner accounts of circumnavigations and extensive cruising journeys across the world's oceans.
The Builder Today
Today, Outbound Yachts continues to be a prominent name in the blue water cruising market. Phil Lambert remains associated with the brand, guiding its direction and maintaining its foundational principles. The company's modern yachts, such as the Outbound 5360, continue to emphasize offshore performance while integrating luxurious living spaces.
Outbound yachts appeal primarily to serious sailors and cruising couples who demand a high-quality, dependable vessel for extended voyages. The ownership experience is enriched by a notably active and engaged owner community. This community frequently shares their sailing adventures and experiences, highlighting the global reach and capabilities of their Outbound sailboats. This strong camaraderie among owners is a testament to the brand's enduring legacy and the confidence sailors place in Outbound's commitment to building world-class cruising yachts.
