If you’ve spent enough time walking docks in distant anchorages or browsing offshore-capable sailboats, there’s a good chance you’ve noticed Taswell yachts quietly commanding respect among long-term cruisers. Their understated lines, robust construction, and practical layouts have earned them a loyal following among sailors who prioritize real-world passagemaking over dockside flash.
What does “Taswell” mean?
Taswell Yachts were designed by the renowned Bill Dixon and built by Ta Shing Yacht Building Company in Taiwan, a yard also known for high-quality Tashiba, Mason, and Nordhavn builds. The name “Taswell” itself is an evolution of Ta Shing”, and symbolizes a dedication to produce yachts capable of true world cruising with comfort and elegance.
Founded in the late 1980s, Taswell was positioned to address a niche between traditional heavy-displacement cruisers and newer, performance-oriented yachts. A total of 117 hulls were built from 1986 to 2002. Owners valued the yachts’ high-quality joinery, thoughtful layouts for long passages, and a build quality that allowed them to age gracefully even after decades of bluewater miles.
What Ties Taswell Models Together?
Across the lineup, Taswell yachts share key DNA that appeals to serious cruisers:
✅ Robust Ta Shing construction
✅ Practical deck layouts with safe movement underway
✅ Quality joinery that remains attractive and durable after decades
✅ Cutter rigs for flexibility and heavy-weather management
✅ Skeg-hung rudders for offshore confidence
✅ Thoughtful liveaboard layouts with real storage and systems access
Whether you are looking at the Taswell 43 as a stepping stone into long-term cruising, the 56 for spacious liveaboard world cruising, or the 58/60 for maximum comfort on extended voyages, Taswell yachts deliver a consistent blend of seaworthiness and livability that few modern yachts replicate at the same price point.
Spotlight Model: the Taswell 56 World Cruiser
Among the lineup, the Taswell 56 stands out as a quintessential world cruiser, often considered one of the best liveaboard sailboats for serious offshore passages.
Designed for extended voyaging, the Taswell 56 features:
- A center cockpit design for safety and visibility.
- Generally speaking, a sloop or cutter rig for versatile sail plans and easier management in heavy weather.
- Robust construction with hand-laid fiberglass and a solid fiberglass hull below the waterline.
- A skeg-hung rudder, providing protection and directional stability offshore while reducing vulnerability compared to spade rudders.
Below deck, the Taswell 56 offers a layout that’s exceptionally livable:
- A generous aft owner’s cabin with a queen berth, abundant storage, and ensuite head with separate shower.
- A well-appointed galley with ample counter space, deep double sinks, and generous refrigeration—critical for life at anchor for weeks at a time.
- A spacious salon with comfortable seating for entertaining or storm-bound reading days.
- Ample tankage (often over 250 gallons of fuel and 300+ gallons of water) to enable longer passages without constant resupply.
Owners often mention the Taswell’s exceptional ventilation, with numerous opening hatches and ports, as well as the yacht’s ease of movement underway – handholds are where you need them, and there are secure places to brace yourself in a seaway.
Sailing Performance of the 56 WC
While some heavy-displacement cruisers are known for sluggish performance in light air, the Taswell 56 typically surprises owners with respectable speeds. Thanks to Bill Dixon’s design, the yacht balances a moderate displacement hull with a fine entry and powerful sail plan, allowing it to sail well in light breezes while maintaining control in heavier conditions.
The cutter rig enables conservative reefing strategies while keeping the boat balanced, and owners often report comfortable average passage speeds of 7–8 knots offshore, with peak speeds into the 9–10 knot range under the right conditions.
Other Notable Taswell Models for Cruising & Liveaboard
While the Taswell 56 often takes the spotlight, Taswell built a range of world-capable cruisers that each serve different sailing styles and cruising plans:
Taswell 43 Center Cockpit / All Season
The Taswell 43 is one of the most approachable entry points into the brand for couples or solo sailors seeking a manageable yet offshore-capable yacht. It offers:
- A comfortable center cockpit design.
- Two spacious cabins with a functional layout for liveaboard comfort.
- Proven offshore track records while maintaining a size that fits many marina slips without oversize fees.
- A cutter rig, skeg-hung rudder, and moderate displacement that allow for comfortable passagemaking while remaining maneuverable in tight anchorages.
It’s often considered one of the best value Taswell models, especially for those transitioning from coastal cruising to longer-term Caribbean or Pacific adventures.
Taswell 44 All Season
For sailors considering higher latitude cruising or seeking true liveaboard comfort in cooler climates, the Taswell 44 All Season offers:
- A raised pilothouse with inside steering.
- Excellent visibility while maintaining Taswell’s robust build quality.
- Comfortable heating system layouts and protected cockpit for shoulder-season sailing.
While fewer in number, these models are highly valued by sailors looking to cruise in the Pacific Northwest, Northern Europe, or even high-latitude adventures with protection from the elements.
Taswell 49 / 50
The Taswell 49 (sometimes referred to as 50 due to different configurations) balances size with manageability. It offers:
- Greater tankage and storage for longer passages.
- A spacious aft cabin while still maintaining a well-proportioned salon and galley.
- Good performance under sail, making it popular among sailors planning Atlantic crossings or extended liveaboard Caribbean cruises.
- The 49/50 is sometimes seen as the “sweet spot” in the lineup for those who want more space and tankage than the 43 without jumping up to the 56’s size and systems complexity.
Taswell 58 / 60
Moving up from the 56, the Taswell 58 and 60 models provide even more space for families or those who want to host guests while living aboard. They feature:
- Expansive salons with ample natural light.
- Large owner’s staterooms and multiple guest cabins.
- Increased sail area for respectable performance despite their size.
- Larger tankage and more robust systems for true global cruising plans.
They are often selected by owners planning to cross oceans with family or those intending to live aboard for many years with extended independence at anchor.
Is a Taswell Right for Your Cruising Plans?
While no boat is perfect for everyone, Taswell yachts should be on your radar if:
✅ You plan serious offshore passages.
✅ You intend to live aboard full-time or part-time.
✅ You appreciate classic lines with practical functionality over trendy styling.
✅ You value build quality that stands the test of time.
If you’re considering a Taswell or comparing it with similar bluewater cruisers like Hylas, Amel, Oyster, or Hallberg-Rassy, we’re here to help you weigh your options. At Murray Yacht Sales, we’ve helped sailors transition from dreaming to departing, ensuring you select the boat that fits your cruising lifestyle, budget, and future plans.