The United States Sailboat show in Annapolis that gets underway next Thursday, October 13, is the largest sailboat show in North America and the venue where many brand-new boats are to be introduced. For builders, dealers and boat buyers, this will be a heady four days. Here is a sample of 15 new boats we knew would be at the show at press time to stir your imagination: Balance 442, cruising catamaran – performance, comfort and quality from multihull veteran Phil Berman. Beneteau First 44 & 36 – two new racer-cruisers from the French giant that will stir your blood on the race course and ease your mind when cruising. Dufour 37 – a classy performance cruiser with a ton of living space and a powerful rig. Fountaine Pajot Tanna 47 catamaran – this French builder continues to marry comfort, huge living spaces, and easy sailing rigs in great family cruising cats. Hallberg-Rassy 400 – a stylish Swedish world cruiser with an aft cockpit, sweet German Frers lines and superior sailing performance. Jeanneau Yachts 55 & 65 – two big family cruisers from this French innovator, designed by Philippe Briand, will turn a lot of heads and foster dreams of faraway tropic isles; it’s up to you now. Lagoon 51 catamaran – with a giant flybridge, spacious cockpit and salon and large staterooms, this new cat is a live-aboard’s dream. Leopard 42 catamaran – South African built, the new 42 joins the famous line of solid, safe and comfortable family cruising cats. NEEL 43 trimaran – an innovative performance multihull with a huge amount of living space and the legs to cross oceans, plus eco-friendly construction. Nautitech 44 Open catamaran – French designed and built, this blue water cruising cat has an innovative new interior, sharp looks and great sailing qualities. Moody 41 DS – this high-quality deck salon cruiser offers one-level living in the cockpit and salon, plus a great 360-degree view from the dinette; family cruising personified. Dehler 38SQ – a racer-cruiser with a lot of panache, this handy sloop will be competitive in many fleets while providing fun fast cruising. Hanse 460 – this handsome German designed and built blue water family cruiser does everything well: comfort, safety, speed, value and quality all in one. There will be a number of other new boats at the show, so take a good look and enjoy.