best 40ft sailing catamaran

Compare The Most Popular 40ft Production Catamarans

Stephen and I are always exploring new catamaran models so we can share our insights with you. The information below continues to be valid, but we have a new 40ft catamaran comparison of later models for you to peruse.

We created a chart of each catamaran with a standard spec, ex-factory to compare the specifications and price of each boat. These catamarans compare very similarly on base price but there are a few differences.

The Bali 4.0 has a unique single cockpit / saloon area, entirely flush and unencumbered by bulkheads, accessible by a folding glass door on electric rams (kind of like a tilting garage door). This opens up the area and make it look like a much bigger boat. This catamaran combines some of the most innovative new characteristics in catamaran design which makes it a very desirable. It is quite a peppy sailboat and easy to maneuver.

Fountaine Pajot 40

The Fountaine Pajot 40 is replacing the Lipari 41 and is basically a smaller version of the successful Fountaine Pajot Helia 44 . It has a lot more volume than the Lipari, has a super stylish interior with island berths for the owner cabins (a much requested feature). It is lightweight but is smaller in volume than most of the the other models. However, because the living space was moved forward in the bows, there is still lots of room. We have not seen a boat yet, so the jury is out on how the boat will perform with these new changes. This model will be unveiled at the Paris boat show in December [2015].

The Leopard 40 ( video ) is heavier than the other models. The bridgedeck clearance is lower than those seen on French or Canadian cruising catamarans. Their philosophy is that a lower bridgedeck reduces the boat’s center of gravity with a wider stern to provide more buoyancy aft. However, a higher bridgedeck clearance translates into less slamming. We have owned cats with lower and higher clearances and a higher bridgedeck clearance definitely has less slamming. Read this article about bridgedeck clearance to make your own informed decision.

Lagoon 400S2

The Lagoon 400S2 has been on the market for a couple of years and is extremely popular. The S2 has decent performance with a lot of interior volume as can be seen here in the specifications. It has the biggest volume of the five 40ft catamaran models. This volume is said (by the competition) to translate into less performance but judging from rallies held around the world, it seems that the Lagoon really holds it’s own. Judging by the feedback from delivery skippers and owners on performance, the 400S2 makes a good performing cruising yacht. The interior is luxurious, accommodations are spacious and the cockpit is a nice size, easy to sail and good for a live aboard couple.

All of these catamarans are very acceptable cruising catamarans for a couple with lots of interior and exterior living space. These cats will do well as live-aboard and well as charter boats. Much of your choice will depend on personal preference. Do you prefer a “luxurious” interior, lots of interior volume and reasonable sailing performance, a more innovative design and optimal performance. Is chartering or cruising your ultimate goal or do you prefer a bit of both? All of these things should be weighed before you make a final choice.

40-Ft Catamaran Comparison Table

*Please note that these prices are subject to change by manufacturers at any time. Specifications provided by the manufacturers.

*Options are available in engines, sails, cabin/head configurations and other options like generators, watermakers, etc.

RelATED Articles

• Four Most Popular Production Catamarans: How Do They Compare?
• How Do The Most Popular 50ft Production Sailing Catamarans Compare
• How Do The Most Popular 45ft Production Sailing Catamarans Compare

Charter Programs & Tax Programs

The catamarans discussed here are available for both private ownership and charter management. Because catamarans have become so popular in the last ten years, the demand far outweighs the supply. That makes new catamarans more expensive. We are therefor constantly trying to find ways to reduce the cost of ownership for our clients. Learn about our Yacht Charter Management and Yacht As A Business Program .

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We can also help you find a pre-owned / brokerage catamaran that will suit your needs. Go to our Catamaran Quick Search for a global search of all brands of pre-owned catamarans.

Contact us to help you figure out what will best work for you

Estelle Cockcroft

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Catamaran Isla 40

The first step towards blue-water sailing

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This 12-metre catamaran comprises all the comforts you need to enjoy cruising with family or friends.

The ideal size for a cruising catamaran

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Yacht design is no easy task, but our teams are experts at it. Reversed bows, deck cladding, stylised hull portholes and a sleek silhouette… you almost forget that this multihull is a 40-footer. But it’s enough to give her the air of a tall ship , ready to set sail on new adventures. The entire Fountaine Pajot ethos is concentrated here in a combination of spaces and volumes offering a superb degree of liveability . Her hull and sail plan provide a real thrill , and the ergonomics of her helm are designed with utmost safety in mind.

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Isla 40 : a sailing catamaran ideal for family cruising

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There’s nothing like an open-plan space to make you feel at ease. A retractable sliding door creates a seamless transition between the exterior cockpit area and interior saloon, making the galley the centre of onboard life. Simply closing the door transforms the interior into a cosy haven.

Features Catamaran Isla 40

Version Maestro

1 owner’s suite + 1 private bathroom / 2 double cabins + 2 bathrooms

387.5 sq ft

Displacement unloaded

Option Power

Fresh water tank

2 x 70 Gallons

Diesel tank

79.25 Gallons

Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design

One of the fundamental principles behind Fountaine Pajot yachts is that the skipper is not just the person behind the helm: they’re also a parent or the leader of a group of friends. The cockpit has been designed so they are always in visual contact and communication with the rest of the crew.

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The price of a Fountaine Pajot sailing catamaran varies according to the size of the model chosen and your sailing project. Our dealers are at your disposal to guide you in your choice of fittings, packages and options to best suit your boat purchase project . You can find out the starting price of the catamaran of your choice on this page HERE .

Innovative, high-tech composite materials constitute most of the structure of our sailing catamarans: hulls, flybridge, decks, bulkheads and more. Fountaine Pajot has perfected a resin injection and infusion technique, an advanced technology that gives our boats all their robustness. Thanks to this expertise, we can make our catamarans considerably lighter while maintaining consistent quality . Injection also makes it possible to meet the most stringent environmental requirements, in line with the commitments of the Fountaine Pajot Group.

Sailing catamarans from 40 to 50 feet are built at the Aigrefeuille headquarters, a few kilometres from La Rochelle. Catamaran yachts from 51 to 80 feet are built in La Rochelle, France, where they benefit from a slipway.

It is essential to define your sailing program: define the size of the crew on board, the level of sailing knowledge, the sailing project and the target sailing area. Every project is different. Whether you want to enjoy a large Owner’s suite, invite many friends and family on board, or telecommute during your voyage, the Fountaine Pajot cruising catamarans can be adapted to suit your needs. Benefit from reliable, seaworthy and spacious catamarans! Find out more about our Owners’ testimonials here

The ergonomics of Fountaine Pajot catamarans have been designed to facilitate manoeuvring at the helm, enabling a small crew (2 persons) to manoeuvre the boat easily, both in port and at sea. The unique design of the helm station allows good communication between the aft cockpit and the Fly relaxation areas. Of course, your level of navigation will determine your ability to sail with two or more persons!

Our electric catamarans now feature a large surface area of solar panels, up to 2000 WC, perfectly integrated into the design of the coachroof. Combined with equipment such as wind turbines or hydro-generators, they compensate for the energy consumption generated by on-board use during cruising. Discover the benefits of the Smart Electric solution with 4 real-life cruise scenarios

The Fountaine Pajot range of electric catamarans is expanding, and now includes 3 Smart Electric models. The Astréa 42, Elba 45 and Aura 51 are now available in this version.

With the help of over 70 engineers, Fountaine Pajot has developed an in-house solution, 100% adapted to the use of its catamarans equipped with hybrid electric motors . All on-board production and energy expenditure flows are managed from a single console designed by our teams to offer a simple, designer user experience. The system we have developed enables us to give priority to the use of renewable energies at all times. Find out more here

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Isla 40 Review

Another sailing catamaran model of the most popular size was presented by the shipyard Fountaine Pajot to the general public at the Bandol show, which replaced the canceled Cannes 2020 Boat Show due to the pandemic. It is no wonder that the Isla 40, a 40-foot (12.1 m) sailing cruiser, caused quite a stir. In addition to the fact that a new “player” of the shipyard entered the field, she became the heir to such a bestseller as the Lucia 40, which in turn continued the tradition of the equally popular Lavezzi 40 catamaran.

Both predecessors brought the shipyard both fame and increased demand. And now we can already say that the Isla 40 has inherited the best features of the 40-footers from Fountaine Pajot, complementing them with technological and design innovations.

Like the previous catamarans of the shipyard, the name of the next model bears a name that evokes thoughts of distant exotic islands. One of the test teams called the boat "a floating Irish island", referring to Isla de Muerta. Although one could suggest also the Caribbean Isla de Yerba or the Isla Grande of Tierra del Fuego…

The pleasure of sea romance under sail, solitude with nature, family coziness and comfort in an exotic setting - these ideas imbue the spirit and innovative design of the Isla 40.

Features Isla 40

• Architect: Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design
• Length overall, m: 11.93
• Beam overall, m: 6.63
• Displacement unloaded, T: 9.5 (approx.)
• Draft, m: 1.21
• Sail area, m²: 59
• Genoa area, m²: 36
• Standard Power, HP: 2 x 20
• Option Power, HP: 2 x 30 HP
• Fresh Water, l: 2 x 265
• Fuel, l: 300

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Isla 40 review by toprik team.

While approaching the pier, our team decided that the review would not be complete if it did not compare the Isla 40 catamaran with its predecessors - double-hull sailing Lucia 40 and Lavezzi 40.

Shipyard Fountaine Pajot has chosen the right strategy: they improve the 40-footer with each new model, and do not radically redesign the base. Native DNA is carefully preserved in each model of this size. Designers and naval architects, acting

as breeders for a new project, bring to perfection what was not available in the previous ones due to insufficiently developed technologies at the time or for some other reason.

We also agreed that during testing we will try to find out what distinguishes the Isla 40 catamaran from competitors such as Lagoon 40, Bali 40, Nautitech 40, Outremer 40. After all, 40-foot boats are the most popular boats in the world of catamarans. This is no coincidence: they are cheaper than the next in line in terms of size, yet provide almost the same level of comfort on board.

You can say about Alegria 67 that it is a luxurious and comfortable hotel afloat - then a catamaran 40 feet (12.1 m) long and 6 times cheaper can be described as a luxurious, comfortable and cozy floating home.

Home, Sweet Home

Here’s our floating house and it’s porch - the transoms. It really feels like coming back home, since there are no noticeable changes compared to the well-known Lucia 40. The location of the raft is in the same place, there are also stainless ducks and davits made of the same metal.

The cockpit has not been radically changed either - it still occupies the largest area and volume among the cockpits of all 40-foot catamarans. Lots of space, a comfortable L-shaped sofa in the dining area, a wraparound table, a large aft sofa and a lounger.

The table can be made of teak or plastic - at the choice of the buyer. The buyer also determines whether the table will be folding or not. Here, also optionally, you can place a plancha or a barbecue.

We tested the variation with plancha and a transformer table since there were 8 of us boarding the cat. After all, our goal was to check the readiness of Isla 40 not only for a family vacation or a trip with 3-4 friends, but also for commercial use. A folding table will allow you to increase the number of diners in the open air by two people. We confirm that everybody was accommodated, even with some room left.

Nearly all cockpit sofas have seats that lift up to reveal free storage drawers underneath. These lockers are of different sizes in length, so even rather bulky items can be stashed.

You can optionally add a soft back to the lounger on the starboard side, and then the lounger also turns into a comfortable sofa. We put a small refrigerator in the drawer of the large sofa near the table, and we had soft drinks at hand all the time. Very convenient: you crouch, take out a can, take a step and hand the drink to the skipper at the helm.

To the Helm!

What, just next to the table? Yes, this is one of the many amenities of this catamaran. Just a couple of steps from the table and a couple of steps up - and you are at the helm, if there is a need to replace a tired skipper.

And the skipper himself freely talks with those sitting at the table almost face to face - there is a special cutout made in the partition for this purpose. Full control of traffic safety and port side stern with simultaneous communication is a great opportunity for family travel and for charters.

So, we are at the helm. And here you won’t really surprise us with anything, since we managed to be surprised and admired by all these solutions when we got acquainted with the shipyard’s previous 40-foot models.

The steering wheel can be found right on the hull of the control post, next to the winches, which are located a little higher. For such a vessel with simple sailing equipment, this is the best solution – this way the designers avoided creating too much space between not too powerful winches and a steering wheel.

All lines, sheets and halyards are brought to the control post, which are controlled by 3 winches, one of which, for halyards, is electric. But this is on our particular version. If you would like to electrify all sail handling, no problem - just message our experts and we will provide the appropriate options.

Oh! Here is the update. Apparently, the developers listened to the reproaches about the not very reliable throttle control knobs and replaced them.

The control panel has several small screens that display information from various devices. Here you can also place a radiotelephone. A very convenient and informative console, where everything is properly provided and is at the skipper's hand, including a box for placing lines.

Just above and to the left of the steering wheel is a chartplotter . Not everyone was satisfied with such a small screen. Disappointed, they hinted that in the cabin ... Yeah, we see it in the cabin, this huge display of the second chartplotter. So how? Can we see it from the cockpit?

From Cockpit to Saloon

Wide sliding transparent panels lead from the cockpit to the saloon. Behind them is a completely refurbished luxurious saloon.

If we continue the analogy with a cozy and comfortable house, the porch of which is the transoms, and the hall is the cockpit, then the Isla 40 saloon is undoubtedly a loft-style living room. In this huge space, there was enough space for a relaxation area, and for a dining area, and for a galley, and for a chart table...

Hey, where is it? The navigation table was removed from the cabin? Removed from the usual place. Now a chartplotter with a large display, a radio station and other navigational instruments, a charttop table are located on the starboard side of the saloon... above the refrigerator.

And in fact, this is an excellent solution - the screen of the chartplotter, as we have seen, is visible from the cockpit, from the central and side sofas of the saloon. Even when resting or having lunch, the skipper can control the situation.

Although it is difficult to imagine how one can work in such an environment - it relaxes and sets one to rest. Take at least the refrigerator, which is located under the so-transformed chart table. Imagine how many delicious things will fit in its 120-liter inside, consisting of two retractable sections.

Opposite the refrigerator is a galley. The food waste compartment is located to the left of the sink with double sinks of different sizes. A very thoughtful solution in terms of saving water. This is also facilitated by both fresh and sea water supply available for use. The surface of the sink is made of artificial stone.

To the right of the sink is the oven and stove. If you are interested in possible options, please contact our marketplace consultants - they will offer you different options for ovens and hobs.

Behind the stove we found another innovation - two drawers, one of which is equipped with a bottle holder.

Cabinets under the worktop are very spacious, here you can not only store kitchen utensils, but also build in additional equipment, such as a dishwasher.

The bedside table in the cabin also suited us, because there are often not enough places where you can store some necessary things. And you can build in an additional small refrigerator of 65 liters here. The owner of the boat decides how to use this bedside table.

The tabletop of the bedside table is designed for working with documents and maps, if someone still prefers paper maps. For the convenience of working next to the bedside table there is a couch - the corner part of the sofa in the bow of the cabin.

The sofa itself consists of many soft backs, pillows, poufs, mattresses. There are also lockers located under the seats. The U-shaped sofa goes around the dining/coffee table and on request can be transformed into an extra bed.

One of us drew attention to the recesses in the panel in front of the central windows, and then together we found out that now this part is not made of veneer, but is replaced with high-quality plastic. We positively assessed this innovation. Now the panel will not deform after water splashes get on it through the open front windows. And the recesses of different shapes allow you to place different things in them so that they do not roll down during movement.

A skylight in the salon roof provides excellent natural light and allows the skipper to watch the sails directly from the sofa.

Excellent large windows add light and complement the impression of the living room of a large cozy house on the water. At the same time, you feel like you are in the middle of the ocean thanks to the panoramic view, you have sails above your head, delicious food is on the table, and family or friends are nearby. Feels great!

And as a small but bright sign of the warm hearth - carefully rounded corners on all the furniture.

But sometimes you just want to be alone. And for this, too, there are all the possibilities. You just have to choose...

Maestro or Quatuor

It has nothing to do with a conductor or a quartet, or with music in general. This is how the designers named the options for cabin packages on the Isla 40. There are four options in total - two Maestro and two Quatuor. See the layouts below for details, but for now we will go down to the owner's cabin.

By the way, the option we are on is Maestro with three cabins and three bathrooms. Let's immediately anticipate the question: yes, in both versions of the Maestro, the entire right float is given to the owner as his cabin. And both of these options are ideal for a comfortable cruise with family or friends.

Quatuor cabins are more suitable for charters. Although, we were able to comfortably accommodate the entire team of 8 people on the Maestro thanks to that transformer table in the saloon.

Here from the cabin, we go down to the owner's cabin. Our “owner”, who is also the skipper, who is also the captain of the topRik team, likes literally everything here. Especially the spaciousness of this private space, a lot of light and room to store clothes, shoes, books and other things necessary for personal comfort on a long voyage. A huge and very comfortable island bed can be approached from three sides and promises a restful, healing sleep after a work shift.

Portholes at the headboard, to the right and over the bed provide perfect natural light. A large drawer under the bed is designed to store bed linen, blankets and other accessories.

At the exit from the "bedroom" there is a table that can become a study desk or a dressing room if equipped with mirrors. Above the table are shelves for books, documents or accessories. Electricity is supplied here - you can connect a lighting fixture if needed. This section has a large tall wardrobe.

On the left side there is also a large number of cabinets and lockers. In a full-fledged large double wardrobe, you can hang outerwear, suits, evening dresses without folding them, put linen, shorts and T-shirts on the shelves. Plenty of room for empty or full bags and suitcases. You can take any number of things with you to feel at home as if you are on the longest cruise with a full entertainment program.

To the right is a separate, uncombined latrine. At the request of the buyer, a manual toilet can be replaced with an electric one - for this you just need to contact our consultants.

In the well-equipped spacious bathroom, the largest, two-meter-tall member of topRik team feels at ease. He does not have to try to take up as little space as possible in order to wash over the sink in a big way or take a shower, straightening up to his full height and freely wielding a washcloth.

It seemed to us that there were not enough shelves in the shower, even though the place allows for that.

Where does this shower door lead to? Yeah, here is a niche where you can install a washing machine. Who to contact for that - you already know.

And now let's see where and in what conditions other Isla 40 passengers will be accommodated in the Maestro layout version equipped with 3 cabins and 3 bathrooms.

The aft cabin has not undergone noticeable changes. Double island bed with upholstered headboard, hatches at the headboard, on top and to the right. There is much less space for storing clothes and other things than in the owner's cabin.

The bow cabin has grown compared the same layout in the Lucia 40. Now it has a wide double bed instead of the narrow berth that its predecessor had.

In our version, each of the two cabins has a private bathroom. Of course, this reduces the space for each of them. But here you have to choose - either privacy, or freedom of movement, which is present in the combined bathroom. The latter option is provided in the Maestro configuration for 3 cabins and 2 bathrooms.

Let’s return to the deck.

A couple steps from the cockpit lounger is a hatch to the engine compartment. Looking around, we decided that the designers here decided to do without changes. Understandable, since the compartment is still spacious, access to the engines is excellent from several sides. And if any of our future customers are not satisfied with Volvo Penta D1-30 which are standard, we can always offer the Isla 40 with Yanmars installed.

But on the foredeck, the change immediately catches the eye - the reverse post, which improves the overall appearance of the catamaran, lengthening it and adding not only to the external design, but also speed wise.

A bowsprit can be ordered as an option if you plan to use a gennaker. The same applies to the bow trampoline and mats for creating a sunbathing area. Under the mats there is a hatch leading to a huge locker.

On the Roof

What wide and reliable steps lead to the cabin roof - no need to turn your foot or balance on your toes to climb, even for the tallest of us. And the access to sailing equipment (boom and lazy-back) is easy for people of any height.

If you unfold the lazy-back, you will free a 60 m² Ensidans mainsail. Together with a genoa of 36 m², this is enough to reach a sailing speed of up to 8 knots, which we have confirmed in practice.

On the roof there is a place for solar panels, the number and power of which are determined by the buyer.

Advantages Of Isla 40

By tradition, before talking about the advantages of Isla 40, we note the shortcomings we have identified. We mentioned some of the shortcomings during testing - they were minor and did not affect safety, seaworthiness or reduce the comfort level of the vessel.

Separately, we highlight the unfortunate location of the electrical panel. In our case, it was on the bulkhead, past which you have to go down to the cabins on the port side. Even our sailor, accustomed to the sea waves, almost leaned against it. And an unprepared passenger may not be able to fight the swaying and accidentally shut down some of the hardware on the catamaran.

As for the benefits, they will have to be numbered, since there is a lot of them.

• First will be the comfort of life on board and control of the boat. Although earlier we primarily talked about safety and quality, here the designers, creating comfortable conditions for the crew and passengers, did not sacrifice one iota for either safety, quality or seaworthiness of the boat. Passenger comfort is comparable to that of a much larger yacht.
• Fiberglass sandwiches with a balsa core for infused hulls that exclude osmosis; molded vacuum lamination of the wheelhouse and deck surface; four buoyancy zones - just this is enough to confidently talk about the safety of the Isla 40. But you can still list the characteristics of carefully selected equipment, ranging from sailing equipment to capacious water tanks.
• If we add the selection of equipment from leading manufacturers, stainless steel handrails, natural wood veneer, natural textiles to the safety components listed above, we will get a complete picture of the high quality of life and work on board.
• Ample choice is provided to future owners of the Isla 40 due to the multiple layouts of the living space in both floats.
• And from the previous point right the next: multifunctionality. Because you can buy a sailing Isla 40 catamaran for family trips, sailing with friends or use it for charters.

Reviews of Isla 40 from Professionals

Sailing catamaran Isla 40 has collected excellent reviews from professionals. First we will give you the words of the team that did the testing right after the presentation of the cat in Bandol, France.

Test . Isla 40. To chance upon an island…

Testing group invited by Fountaine Pajot, immediately noted that the helmsman is managing the vessel easily thanks three winches and three clutch blocks. The successful compromise between comfort and seaworthiness of the cat was highly appreciated. Other than that, the testers noted that the safety of navigation is ensured by the method of manufacturing the hulls, lamination the top of the roof and deck, electrics installation practices, as well as the presence of 4 buoyancy zones.

Katherine Stone and three yachtsmen were testing the catamaran in Toronto.

Cat tested by Katherine Stone was equipped with powerful Volvo engines Penta 30 HP. With a wind of 20-25 knots and rough seas, the boat was moving at a speed of 7-8 knots upwind and with a double reef on the mainsail. With such a wind, the team easily managed to tack and gybe, which was facilitated by the optimal equipment of the control post.

Mark likened Isla 40 to a home, comparing the area of the cat - 850 ft² (259 m²) - to the area of some city apartments. He explained one of the reasons for the popularity of catamarans these days in his joking manner: the steak may slide a little when the cat turns sharply, but the drinks will not tip over.

Mark also commented on the good sailing characteristics, the ease of handling the boat even when alone, and the ability to use it for family cruising and charters.

Video Reviews

We also provide you with some great footage of the catamaran from various reputable sources.

The Fountaine Pajot shipyard’s commercial:

Teaser by Multihulls World magazine:

Quick, yet informative interior overview by SK Yachting:

More extensive interior review from Trenton Carroll:

And another silent footage of home-like catamaran from the inside by Ultra Sailing Croatia:

As you can see, not only we noted the versatility of the Isla 40 sailing catamaran. The cabin layout options and comfortable living conditions on board allow us to recommend it for various uses:

• family trips in coastal waters and the open sea;
• cruises with a large group of friends;
• corporate events.

And it is also an ideal, safe and comfortable boat for those who love solitude and life in complete harmony with nature.

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All employees of the marketplace are active yachtsmen who are well aware of the features of all types of motor and sailing yachts, including catamarans. Our experts give practical advice and will recommend trusted manufacturers of marine equipment and boats.

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Comparing Catamarans around 40′

What i wish.

I wish we had a different way to compare boats than by length. A 40′ cat has nothing to do with a 40′ monohull, volume-wise. A 42′ cat doesn’t, necessarily, have more volume than a 40′ cat. Volume comes from a number of factors. In a Cat, it’s a combination of the actual, individual hull beam (not necessarily overall beam), and how space is used. Much more on this below. At the end, see the chart that compares monohulls and cats and relates cost based on overall length vs volume. I did come up with a rough volume calculation formula which is what these graphs are based on. See the summary note which talks about why there’s not usable volume greater than in a 40′.

If you’re seriously comparing boats, and open-minded–this article is an eye-opener!

FP40. Over 50 on order since introductory information released a few months ago. Perhaps the most successful introduction in history. Taking orders now.   Lucia 40

A good place to start

“Believe nothing no matter where you read it or who has said it, not even if I have said it, unless it agrees with your reason and common sense.” –Buddha

So, what do we know? Observations concerning the Lagoon compared to the Lucia 40 (F40) and Helia 44 (F44)

The boats just about need to be compared together. See the discussion of the specs, below.

Let’s start with indisputable facts. Information from the manufacturer’s web site and then observations that you can accept or see for yourself. All of this with a little grain of experience thrown in based on sailing these boats, but also on what our customers say…

So, what do the specs tell us?

• The Lucia 40 is inter-coastal friendly with a mast height of the water of under 65′. (65″ is the bridge clearance for the lowest bridge on the Inter-Coastal waterway.) The Lagoon and Helia is not. See our interesting blog on this subject here. A touchy matter…
• The Fountaine Pajot’s have a shallower draft opening up some of the popular, shoal cruising areas–like the Bahamas, Keys, etc.
• The Lagoon is heavy with less sail area. So look at the SA/Ton (This is like the Sail Horsepower). Much better for the Fountaine Pajot , as has generally been the case. Older designs in the past have had this excessive beam and it adds unnecessary weight and not, necessarily, to the volume in the boat. It’s the actual beam of the hull itself that determines the volume and you can see from the accommodations, that the Lucia 4o has about the same or better living volume as the Lagoon.
• Consistent with (2) the engine has to be bigger to accommodate this extra weight.

The other factor, a bit unknown for the Lagoon 42, is the load-carrying ability of the boats. The load-carrying ability is based on the designer’s calculation, but it only makes sense that if the boat itself is heavier, all else being equal, you have less capacity to carry the loads carried by typical cruisers.

Load-carrying is one of the most important considerations for cruisers. An overloaded boat is less safe, and goes much slower, especially in lighter winds. Catamarans with relatively narrower individual hulls (and having two of them) pick up wetted surface much more quickly than monohulls so are much more affected by loads. (This is why the experts are always talking about keeping the boat light–for safety and performance reasons.)

Load Carrying

(I used the Lucia 40 in the example, right–but the weights of equipment, etc. are the same for most boats.)

Take the Fountaine Pajot 40 which has a generous load-carrying capacity of 6834#. Sounds good, but look how fast it gets used up.

Wow, the extra gets used up fast. Boats that are heavy and that are designed principally for charter fleets sailing in a 50-mile circle, don’t care. If you’re planning on serious cruising, this becomes much more important to you.

Now, just some observations and considerations

Both the Helia and Lucia 40 have the space for additional social space adjacent to the control cockpit, as well as room for an array of solar cells out from under the shade of the boom.

• The cockpit of the 40 and 44 is larger with more and comfortable seating.  This is where you spend most of your time. We recently had 15 seated in the cockpit of the Lucia 40 at a recent champagne celebration… Everyone had a comfortable place to sit.
• The Fountaine Pajot’s have room for the popular social area adjacent to the helm control station. They also both have forward lounge areas–much more social space than the Lagoon. (Helia 44 shown, left–Lucia also has an optional lounge for this space.)
• Awkward access to the helm, and equally awkward to the deck–with no space for a sun lounge on the deck adjacent to the control station–a very popular place for socializing, especially when exploring new areas.
• The Fountaine Pajot’s feature a large pass-through counter from the galley to cockpit facilitating entertaining–the Lagoon does not.
• The Lagoon has a mast post in the middle of the accommodations. An already smaller sail plan with a high boom is already inefficient. A less vertical luff on the Jib is less efficient and a small main is also much less efficient with a substantial portion of the main lying in the turbulence of the mast. Moving the mast back to accommodate a self-tacking Jib is going in the wrong direction. Just not enough sail area. And why? A more traditional rig with an overlapping Genoa is proven to offer better performance. Want to tack? just hit the tack button on the remote autopilot control, and push the button on the electric sheet winch–No muss, no fuss. All taken together the Fountaine Pajot gets the nod for a huge performance advantage, better motion under sail, and an easier rig to handle in a variety of conditions.
• Fountaine Pajot has a soft dodger that can be removed for storms (required by virtually all private management companies in the Caribbean). Lagoon has an un-removable, hardtop. This is very high with no ready access to the deck and forces the boom to be inordinately high. This makes if very difficult to tuck in the sail or untangle lines, and also results in a higher center of effort with more noticeable (and uncomfortable) motion.
• The Lagoon has blunt, vertical windows. Many people comment on the lack of flowing lines.

INTERIOR CONSIDERATIONS

• The main saloon has a wide-open layout with no mast pole intrusion. Transition into the cockpit with no step or tripping ledges. A huge pass-through from the main cabin to cockpit for serving.
• Lagoon: Owner’s wing much-wasted space with couch. No separation of head/vanity, like with the FP 40 and 44, so one person at a time head compared to FP 40 and 44 which is zoned, (see illustration below) and the owner’s cabin has much more storage. Lagoon Appears very beamy at water-line as evidenced with no step at all to aft berth—The extra wetted surface from wide waterlines, less sail area/displacement ratio, and under-powered main (going totally against the trend) will make her an extremely under-performing boat-especially in more moderate conditions.

The Lagoon is a little neither here nor there. Without significantly more volume than the Lucia 40, and no-where near the volume of the Helia 44. At least a part of the explanation lies in the construction details for the Lagoon. The company generally constructs the furniture modularly and drops these furniture modules into the hull where they are tabbed in. This type of construction leaves wasted space between the furniture and the hull. Do the math. a 2″ gap on both sides of the hull, counting two hulls leaves approximately a lost volume calculation of .75′(space wasted) X40′ (length) X 6.5′(typical height)=195 sq ft. So the method of construction accounts for almost taking 2′ out of the length of the boat 95 Cu ft. or so out of each side! Of course, this is an in-exact calculation, but it gives the idea and you begin to see why the volume in the Lagoon is not significantly different, especially in the prioritized aft living areas (cockpit and primary sleeping cabins) as compared to the Lucia and nowhere near the volume of the Helia 44 .

The Lagoon 42 Appears to be all about marketing geared towards entry-level participants who are getting a total compromise with performance — for volume and accommodations that look good at boat shows or the dock but don’t work so well when actually sailing. The FP 40 seems to offer a better balance overall, as evidenced by over 50 orders in the first few months of its introduction.

Every boat is a compromise. The Fountaine Pajot responded to the most requested features. FP opted to devote more room to the aft end of the boat in order to have the largest possible cockpit, two Island Beds aft, and multiple lounging areas.

FP also opted to eliminate the couch in the owner’s wing to make more room for storage and other features. (A much-requested change.). There is increased privacy and storage for the owner’s wing incorporating the popular features of the Saba 50 (Now also incorporated in the new Helia 44 “Evolution” as well). This includes A separation of toilet space (in private compartment) with a well-separated vanity and enclosed shower which eliminates splash. Also, incorporated is a dedicated space for a washer-dryer forward (much requested) and, of course, the walk-around island bed. Both aft cabins offer exceptional light and ventilation. Many people at the Miami show commented on the superior fit and finish of the Fountaine Pajot compared to the Lagoon.

In overview, it would seem that the Fountaine Pajot is designed more for the way serious voyagers want to live, and is overall lighter, stronger and faster with the biggest cockpit in her class– compared to the competition in her class. She is proving to be a winner as evidenced by the full order book. While there are always compromises, hers seem to be in the right direction, offering what serious sailors are looking for as she offers many of the same advantages of her popular sister, the Helia 44–but at a very affordable price. She’s well worth a serious look.

Pricing and volume calculations

When you price out a monohull based on cost per foot, it’s much less. But when you compare cost per cubic ft, they’re surprisingly close, considering the catamaran has the extra cost and advantages of redundant systems (engines, rudders, etc.). One could do a similar comparison for the volume of one length of cat vs another. The volume in the individual hulls has much more to do with usable and storage volume than the overall length of the boat, or overall beam of the boat. Perhaps a subject of a future blog–see the hull volume calculation affected by modular furniture.

The incredibly experienced, good looking and performing, popular FP 40. Built by the most successful Catamaran builder in the world, now celebrating 40 years of success!

• Join me for a webinar, live or recorded, which totally explains this program. CLICK HERE .
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Senior Sales Consultant, Partner [email protected] 410-703-5655 More from Eric >>  Boat Business Webinars, Videos, Blogs, Learning center and more.

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Better Sailing

10 Best Catamaran Brands

Shopping for a new catamaran can be intimidating, even as consumers have more resources than ever to help them research from the comfort of their own home before they even contact a yacht broker. The great news is that there are a lot of great catamaran brands on the market right now. For us consumers, the catamaran market has evolved rapidly from what it was only just a few short years ago when monohulls were favored. On the flip-side, this can make it even more challenging to figure out which catamaran brands are the very best.

If you are a beginner in cruising catamarans, this article will help you learn the best brands that are out there with the best reputation amongst boaters. This article will help you get started in the world of catamarans, and I am trying to make it as beginner-friendly as possible. The catamaran brands on this list are mainly production boat companies, but some of them do offer custom designs. However, the added benefit of most of these brands is that there are many options on the used market. You will always be able to shop around for a good deal no matter where you are in the world.

Here are some of the best catamaran brands on the market today: 

Lagoon – Groupe Beneteau

Lagoon is a French boatbuilder with an excellent reputation and sells the largest number of catamarans per year. The brand started back in 1984 and was one of the first catamaran brands to really convince people of the concept of multihulls. The philosophy of the Lagoon brand is good design, high-quality construction, and a decent cruising performance under sail. In other words, a Lagoon is the dream of every fan of sailing that looks for a catamaran that can provide everything, whether that is a fun toy for summer sailing trips or a year-round liveaboard yacht. What Lagoon did right, and the reason it has proven to be so popular is that it listened to its customers. That is why every new Lagoon catamaran has more space, more efficient layouts, and is always more comfortable than their previous version. There is no wonder why they have so many repeat customers.

Lagoon makes 9 sailing catamaran models and 2 powercat models, ranging in length from 40 to 78 feet. It also used to make shorted boats like the Lagoon 380 at 37 feet, but unfortunately, it was discontinued. You can find a Lagoon on the used market starting at $150,000 (like a 2002-2007 Lagoon 380) and as high as $5 million USD for their top of the line fully spec’d Lagoon Seventy 7, which comes with a jacuzzi on deck.

>>Also Read: Best Sailboat Brands

Fountaine Pajot

Fountaine-Pajot is a French maritime construction brand that is specializing in catamarans. The company was established in 1976, but it launched its first sailing catamaran in 1983 and its first powercat in 1998. This brand is now famous for building both sailing and power catamarans that have a beautiful and innovative design, superior handling, excellent seaworthiness, and cruising comfort. Also, Fountaine Pajot was one of the first catamaran brands that was manufacturing their boats with environmental protection in mind. So, all of their models have options to include renewable energy sources. Their ECO-Cruising and SMART-Cruising options considerably reduce their yachts’ carbon footprint and provide the necessary clean energy for their sailboats.

Fountaine-Pajot makes both sailing catamarans and powercats, ranging in length from 40 to 67 feet. It also used to make shorted boats like the Lagoon 380 at 37 feet, but unfortunately, it was discontinued. You can find a Lagoon on the used market starting at $100,000-150,000 (like a 1990-2005 Fountaine Pajot Athena 38) and as high as $3.5 million USD for their top of the line fully spec’d Fountaine Pajot Alegria 67, which comes with a jacuzzi on the front deck.

Leopard is a boatbuilder located in South Africa and produces some of the best and most luxurious catamarans. You will find Fountain Pajor catamarans for sale also under the name “Robertson & Caine” because some Leopard cats are built by Robertson & Caine company. Leopards are mainly designed to be luxurious, big, and comfortable, but that usually comes at a cost, both in price tag and sailing speed and maneuverability. 

Leopard Catamarans was established in 2000 their partnership with South African builder Robertson and Caine. This company was manufacturing custom-designed catamarans for the global yacht charter company The Moorings. While Leopard was focusing on sailing catamarans in the beginning, in 2007, they started making powercats as well.

Leopard is always designing their boats to have the optimal balance between interior space and performance, sheltered helm cockpit designed for offshore cruising and single-handed sailing, large lounge areas, optimal comfort, and ease of maintenance. 

Nowadays, Leopard is making sailing catamarans between 42 and 58 feet and powercats between 50 and 53 feet. You can find a Leopard on the used market starting at $180,000 (like a Leopard 38) in good condition and as high as $2 million USD for their top of the line fully spec’d Leopard 58; however, they are not as luxurious as some of the other brand’s top-of-the-line models.

>>Also Read: 10 Best Catamarans Under 200k

Catana catamarans are a little bit more performance-oriented. They have features that make them sail faster and be more easily maneuverable than some of the other catamaran brands on the list. Many of their boats come with a feature called daggerboard that will help you sail faster upwind, something that most catamarans struggle with. Catana Group was originally called Poncin Yachts and has been building catamarans in France since 2001. It is famous for producing catamarans for owners who most often want to go bluewater sailing around the world comfortably and safely with a high-performance boat. This is not a famous brand, but it grows in popularity very fast. Year by year, I have noticed more and more Catana catamarans in the marinas I visit. 

Catana Catamarans are built using foam sandwich vacuum infusion technology combined with carbon and aramid fiber. This combination guarantees the strength of the hull, significant weight savings, and because of this fact, higher speed.

Catana offers new boats from 42 to 70 feet. In the past, they were building boats as long as 90 feet. You can find a Catana on from the early 2000s’ on the used market for as low as $250,000, and as high as $4 million USD for a top of the line full spec’d brand new one.

Nautitech is another catamaran brand located in France; I guess there is a pattern here. They have built a reputation for designing catamarans that are robust, seaworthy, and capable of putting sailing back into the heart of the liveaboard experience without compromising on comfort. Anyone familiar with catamarans can quickly appreciate the innovative nature of a Nautitech cat design. The brand was also the first one to introduce the concept of liveaboard living, which combines the saloon and cockpit into one spacious, functional living area.

Nautitech offers new boats from 40 to 57 feet. You can find a Nautitech on from the early 2000s’ on the used market (Like the Nautitech 40) for as low as $180,000. However, a new top-of-the-line Nautitech 54 can be spec’d up to $1.5 million USD; though, they are not as luxurious as some of the other brand’s top-of-the-line models. 

The brand was founded in 1985 in France. Privilège Catamarans offer unparalleled expertise, know-how, and experience that facilitates the construction of some of the best catamarans on the market today. They can provide luxurious liveaboard life beyond coastal borders. Its elegant hull design ensures superb stability and comfort making then one of the best catamaran brands in the world right now. Every catamaran is custom-built according to the owner’s preferences and handcrafted with great craftsmanship and the finest materials.

The company specializes in the design and manufacture of some of the best, and luxurious bluewater catamarans on the water. Every new Privilege cat is built after multiple consultations between the shipyard and the owner. You can decide to either keep the catamaran in its pure and elegant look and also keep the cost as low as possible or to change it to your personal preferences and make it as high-end as you can afford.

Privilège makes both sailing catamarans and powercats, ranging in length from 51 to 75 feet. It also used to make shorted boats like the Privilege 435 at 43 feet, but unfortunately, they are now focusing on larger yachts. You can find a Privilege from the early 2000s’ on the used market starting at $300,000 (like the Privilege 435) but can easily surpass $5 million USD for their top of the line fully spec’d Privilege 745 or 740.

>>Also Read: Best Small Sailboats To Sail Around The World

Gemini 

Gemini is one of the few catamaran brands that make its boats in the US. It is a subsidiary of Performance Cruising Inc., and they have been making catamarans since 1981. Honestly, Gemini catamarans might not be the most good-looking and luxurious, but they are affordable and sail well. For that reason, they definitely deserve a spot on the list with the best catamaran brands. 

You can find a used Gemini cat in good condition in good condition from the early 1990s, starting at around 50k and a newer model for as high as 500k. Overall this is a very affordable brand, and you will definitely enjoy one without breaking the bank.

Seawind 

Seawind Catamarans is a catamaran designer and builder located in Australia, producing high-end performance cruising sail catamarans since 1982. They have produced some of the world’s best and award-winning designs. 

The Seawind brand is especially good for people looking for a catamaran that is not overly luxurious or expensive and is probably looking for a more reasonably sized yacht; however, they do offer a couple of larger, more luxurious models as well. 

Seawind offers new boats from 35 to 52 feet. You can find one on from the early 2000s’ on the used market for as low as $150,000, like a Seawind 1000. However, a new top-of-the-line Seawind 1600 can be spec’d up to around $1 million USD.

Sunreef Yachts

Sunreef is the world’s leading manufacturer of luxury sailing and power multihulls. Each catamaran, motor yacht, and superyacht they make is a custom vessel. The company was established in 2002 in Gdansk, Poland but a Frenchman and was the first brand to build a 74-foot bluewater cruising catamaran. 

This brand has pulled all the stops when it comes to luxury and comfort. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly liveaboard cat, a luxurious private floating villa, a dazzling party boat, or a fishing expedition superyacht fantasy, their designers will turn your vision into reality. Just be prepared to pay the price. 

Sunreef makes both large sailing catamarans and powercats, ranging in length from 50 to 150 feet! You can find a Sunreef from the early the Mid-2000s on the used market starting at $700,000 (like the Sunreef 62) but can easily surpass $15 million USD for Sunreef 102. They also have the Sunreef MM460 CAT on their catalog, which is one of the largest catamarans even created. However, unfortunately, I was not able to get even an approximate price quote on it. If I had to guess, I would say at least $50 million to have one built. 

>>Also Read: Best Sailboats Under 100k

Bali Catamarans is another brand of the well-known Catana shipyard. And it is also the newest brand on the list established in 2014. Catana catamarans are the golden standard when it comes to high-speed cats. However, in 2014, they decided to start a production brand of fast, light, and easily maneuverable cruising catamarans. The Bali Catamarans collection has a unique design mainly; it has no mesh “trampoline” in the front cockpit. It features an open-space interior, a huge refrigerator in the inner saloon, and many other uncommon features. 

Bali offers new boats from 39 to 50 feet. You can find a Bali on from 2014-2015 on the used market for as low as $300k (like the Bali 4.0). However, a new top-of-the-line Bali 5.7 can spec’d up to over a $2 million USD.

Final Thoughts

In order to compile the best list of catamarans, I took into account the built quality, comfort seaworthiness but also the number of yachts for sale on the used market. In my point of view, I shouldn’t have put a custom catamaran builder on this list because you wouldn’t be able to find one for sale anyway. For most of these brands, there are many boats for sale on the used market in pretty good condition and at reasonable prices.

Peter is the editor of Better Sailing. He has sailed for countless hours and has maintained his own boats and sailboats for years. After years of trial and error, he decided to start this website to share the knowledge.

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• Digital Edition

Best catamaran and multihull: We sail the very best yachts on two and three hulls

• Toby Hodges
• March 20, 2024

Toby Hodges takes a look at all the nominees and the winner of the best catamaran and multihull category in the much-anticipated European Yacht of the Year Awards

There are many categories in the  European Yacht of the Year  awards, from the best  luxury yachts  and  performance yachts  to the  best yachts for families  and event a  best specialist yacht category. But with multihulls rapidly increasing in popularity, the best catamaran and multihull category was possibly the most hotly anticipated.

The small number of entrants in this category in no way reflects the rich range or huge demand for multihulls. Many new models were launched by the big yards in the preceding years and they’re struggling to keep up with bulging order books.

However, these three shortlisted represented a choice pick of the latest fast cruisers and each, in their own very different ways, are responding to this insatiable demand for high end space and pace cruising.

Best catamaran and multihull

Best catamaran and multihull winner 2024 – outremer 52.

My highlight test of 2023? Sailing this Outremer 52 for 200 miles over two days and nights! Quite how such a large vessel, one that is capable of doing laps of the planet in true comfort, is also capable of providing such enjoyable sailing is the secret sauce that helps scoop this prize.

And it was pushed hard for this award by the disruptive HH. But the Outremer is such a well rounded, measured and thought out yacht for bluewater cruising at a reliable speed – it’s the full package, a dream boat for family bluewater sailing and arguably the French yard’s best and most refined model to date.

Designer VPLP was tasked with replacing the popular and well proven 51 with more comfort and stowage, while maintaining the performance. It says it took the best of the 55 (which won this award two years ago), and the best of the 51’s deck plan to create this 52. The result means too many good features to point out here, from the variety of helm positions, including a completely protected position inboard using the swing pedestal, to the well conceived spaces. I’d therefore recommend reading our full test report online or in YW’s June 2023 issue!

Neel continues to enjoy its cruising trimaran niche, using the wow factor of bridgedeck accommodation combined with the type of sailing enjoyment and feedback monohull sailors appreciate.

The impressive lightwind performance and direct feel of a Neel I am used to. But I don’t think I’ve ever been so surprised by the amount of cabins or space as I was on this 52. It’s available with four to six cabins plus the option for two crew cabins aft! Some of this maze works well, other areas, such as the forward cabins in the main hull not quite so well. Horizon and rig sightlines and some finishing also leaves room for improvement.

The HH44 seemingly manages to achieve the space and pace balance in a compact 45ft package, while also being one of the most innovative and exciting new production yachts I have sailed. From its looks to layout, to practical on deck solutions such as swing pedestals, side gates through the bulwarks and transom gates that double as swim platforms and boost cockpit security, it’s packed with fresh thinking.

And on the subject of ‘fresh’, the natural ventilation encouraged into the yacht through those massive forward facing coachroof windows which open – a feat made possible thanks to a stiff carbon composite structure – negates any aircon requirements.

With its deep carbon boards and tall carbon rig the HH44 is a powerful, reactive animal to sail. However, it’s the incorporation of the first parallel hybrid electric drive units which really makes this high tech high performance cat stand out. The electric motors are attached to the aft end of conventional diesel engines, not only providing silent power, but renewable energy through regenerative drives while sailing.

Best catamaran and multihull 2023

Best catamaran winner – nautitech 44.

If the very best catamaran delivers the ideal comfort to performance compromise, here’s a catamaran that seems to strike the perfect balance.

For those who cite a lack of visibility and protection as reasons not to choose this aft helm route, try sailing this first – direct steering brings so much more helming pleasure that you get the enjoyable feeling and communication more associated with a monohull. The attention to keeping weight low and central, vacuum infused vinylester build and a low coachroof and boom all aid this performance. The fine entry Lombard-designed hulls allowed us to properly point upwind at 8 knots (in 13), but it was the hands-on steering sensation that really stayed with me.

While there’s no real inside/outside boundary – the saloon bridges both – the Chedal-Anglay interior design works well. It is not as voluminous as some, but is certainly enough to be smugly comfortable at anchor, finished to a good quality, with walnut Alpi trim as standard. The layout option for a ‘smart room’ office/laundry/bunk room or stowage cabin is indeed really smart.

Out of all the multihulls nominated or sailed last year, this cat impressed me the most under sail. It’s the ideal size to go distance sailing, with good performance, low draught and space for family and friends. It had me dreaming.

Balance 482

I was drawn to the Balance 482, thanks to the combination of good looking modern design, high average speeds and, chiefly, the profusion of clever thinking and practical ideas that it brings. The South African build uses a foam core with E-glass laminate and cored furniture for a light weight of 11.3 tonnes, but also with the ability to take a generous payload.

An electric furler option combined with screecher sail helps offer effortless handling and fun sailing, although the 482 prefers a breeze in the double figures. Smart options such as load cells on the rigging, a bowsprit camera to monitor the anchor chain, plus engine room and mast cams all help for maintaining vigilance. Other features we like include the solar panels properly installed on raised brackets, raincatchers built into the coachroof, and how all sheets and lines are led to the helm station. But the prize solution is the VersaHelm, which allows you to swing the wheel inboard, close off the helm station, and stand watch and steer from a fully protected position.

Catana Ocean Class

The Catana Ocean Class is a bulky model which is geared more towards creature comforts than the higher performance of its predecessors. That said, it uses carbon in the structure and roof, foam cored furniture, the tanks are mounted low in the hulls and it has daggerboards and fine entry bows. The weight savings help it offer a massive 5.5 tonne cruising payload, plus there’s capacious stowage and large tank, refrigeration and laundry capacity.

Positioned between Lagoon and Outremer, the Catana echoes a bit of its sister brand Bali’s concept with its internal cockpit-cum-saloon layout while providing good ventilation via large sliding doors and opening windows. We liked how it’s easy to handle solo from one helm station, including the electric remote control of the boards, plus the layout of the galley and navstation.

Those chasing speed and helming pleasure should perhaps look to the C-Cat 48, as it’s as close to helming a fast monohull as a cruising cat is likely to get and one of the rare times we enjoyed sailing upwind in light breezes on a multihull! This is largely thanks to a lightweight, stiff build – the Comar yard has managed to save 1.7 tonnes over the first boat (9.5 tonnes light) and increased the draught of the curved daggerboards to 2.95m.

A carbon roof and rig comes as standard, as well as an epoxy hull, full carbon deck, bulkheads and compression beam. It is a little quirky with comparatively small volumes, but this François Perus design will outperform most other performance cats and monohulls of a similar length.

The Excess 14 shares that direct sensation you get from aft helms and some of the performance of the C-Cat, but in a more balanced, voluminous layout for cruising. The Excess 14 benefits from the research of VPLP’s Vannes racing office, where attention was focused on weight reduction, with savings particularly in furniture, on improved stiffness (PET foam cored sandwich for main structural bulkheads), and the efficiency of deeper fixed keels.

The result is telling on the water, as it should be for any best catamaran contender, where you can log easy miles: we clocked late 7s upwind, reached in the late 8s and regularly averaged 9 knots with gennaker in 12-15 knots. Clear glass windows give acceptable visibility from the helms through the coachroof and the comparatively minimalist interior. In short it offers a good mix of volume, reasonable performance and enjoyable sailing – see our full review last month.

Sailing performance was another key facet in the battle of the big cats from the big cat yards, Lagoon and Fountaine Pajot. Both models offer luxurious amounts of space for home from home comfort, as watersports bases for long term cruising.

The decision to push the mast to the front of the coachroof to allow for a larger genoa than its recent preference for self-tacking jibs has paid off on the Lagoon 51. It helped us sail efficiently into the waves (albeit not pointing too high) before clocking double figures reaching with the code sail in 15 knots.

The Lagoon’s large flybridge with dual access is a USP at this size that will be a hit or miss deal breaker for many. The 51 offers unrivalled accommodation volume in three, four or six cabins, and relaxation zones, and good circulation through these big spaces. Once again the jury applauds Lagoon for thoroughly testing the prototype model during a six month tour. Over 100 have already sold.

We saw in our December issue how the experienced owners of the Fountaine Pajot test boat choose to live and work full time aboard their Aura 51. It’s a design that promotes space, enough to take friends, family and crucially for them, all the toys to enjoy at anchor. Its capability of averaging 8-10 knots also appeals, although the single side helm and hydraulic steering result in scant connection to the sailing in light winds (the same applies to the Lagoon).

The fact the yard already offers this in a hybrid version and has an electric and hydrogen model in the pipeline could sway some, but the decision between the FP and the Lagoon will likely come down to preference between a central flybridge or offset bulkhead helm together with interior design and layout.

If you enjoyed this….

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15 of our favorite 35 to 45-foot catamarans

Second-hand is of course cheaper…and is often the opportunity to sail aboard a multihull which is ready to set off (again). From 35 to 45 feet, the budgets remain moderate, with some good opportunities. We have chosen for you 15 of the most well-known 35 to 45-foot boats, which will therefore be easy to re-sell when you return – if you choose to return one day…

Rather well-canvassed and above all quite light, this catamaran is reputed to sail well.

Curvy and convivial, the saloon is adjacent to a functional galley.

Fast for its size, the 381 is also pleasant to sail. Top speeds of 20 knots are on the cards!

The nacelle’s low volume and the narrow hulls lend themselves more to a small crew.

The 380 takes up the broad outline of the 410, which came out three years earlier…but offers engines accessible via rear lockers rather than under the berths.

The nacelle and its large vertical portlights offer an uninterrupted view and excellent protection from the sun.

Certain owners report top speeds of over 18 knots. Seawinds are fast!

The nacelle is occupied by the saloon alone; as a result, there is no lack of space at aperitif time!

An unusual silhouette, especially head on… But the marked longitudinal steps in the hulls keep the waterline beam moderate, and offer good performance.

Small floor area in the nacelle, but welcome vertical portlights to limit the greenhouse effect.

Well-canvassed, the Lavezzi is capable of averaging 9 knots during ocean passages – if the trade winds are present.

The triangular saloon table and the offset companionways guarantee easy movement around the bridgedeck.

The steering positions offer a good view of the sail plan.

At the cost of less than fluid movement around the boat, nothing is lacking aboard, and you can spend long months on the water.

Maximum freeboard for comfort in the hulls, but a tall rig so you don’t get stuck in light airs.

The owner’s version which offers the happy skipper a full hull, with a large bathroom and desk, is our preference. The companionway can even be closed, to cut oneself off from the bridgedeck.

The first examples, equipped with a non-overlapping jib, deserve a ‘real’ genoa, to pep them up!

Rounded saloon and athwartships aft berths: the designer Olivier Flahault presents some appealing and functional innovations.

51 four-cabin models as opposed to 13 private owner’s versions: it’s not easy to find a three-cabin boat!

All the Leopard 43’s berths are arranged athwartships.

Two innovations on deck: the builder has provided a forward cockpit and a raised steering position.

The vertical portlights provide an exceptional view of the sea, light and no greenhouse effect. At the price of debatable aerodynamics.

Thanks to its double 'steps', the Leopard 44 succeeds in keeping the hulls quite slim at the waterline.

With 2.12 m of headroom, the saloon is comfortable. And there is no lack of light, thanks to its generous portlights.

The sail plan, with its mast positioned well forward, clearly favors the mainsail.

The U-shaped galley inherited from monohulls is appealing in use: you are perfectly secure when the sea is rough.

Marc Lombard took great care to design rather slim hulls. A good point for performance.

Inside, we find once again the Privilege finishing quality and the very special atmosphere aboard these catamarans built for demanding owners.

This 45 is certainly a particularly fast catamaran, but it is also very safe in heavy weather.

The compact nacelle reduces the liveable volume. Ideal for lightening the boat and offering more trampoline area.

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Athena 38 Best seller in the under 40-foot category

In 1994, the Athena 38 came in between the Tobago 35 and the Venezia 42, two boats whose design it echoed – rounded lines, pug-nosed bows and a coachroof extension. Although it remains relatively lightweight, it is slower than the builder’s previous models. Its hulls are in fact appreciably beamier, and the freeboard is higher. It is thus perfectly suited to a long cruise in the West Indies or the Mediterranean, as a couple or a family. On the other hand, during long passages, it is a little lacking in length for a smooth passage through the sea. Nevertheless, its load-carrying capacity is appreciable for a catamaran of less than 40'. Pleasant under sail, easy to handle, this model quickly became a great commercial success – for both charter companies and private individuals – to such a point that it remained in its builder’s catalogue for almost 10 years. In 1998, the Athena was improved: we enjoyed a better view forward, thanks to a new steering position, directly inspired by the one on the Bahia 46. A solid platform was also provided, aft of the mainsheet track. This model’s strong points: great comfort, despite its modest size, easy movement both on deck and inside, and a particularly successful rounded saloon. The finishing on this model is clearly improved, compared to previous generations; just a few glued headlinings can be noticed here and there. 

The plusses: very liveable catamaran for its size, good performance, very pleasant bridgedeck  

The minuses: Not comfortable to windward in big seas, tiny hull portlights, small chart table 

Most of the boats are still in good overall condition. To be checked: sails, engines, electric circuit, standing and running rigging. For those who wish to set off, check the following points: forestay and gooseneck fixing points, and steering cables.

Comfort/Performance index:  7/10

Value for money: +++

Availability on the market: ++++

Technical specification

Builder:                                        Fountaine Pajot

Architect:                                     Joubert/Nivelt

Hull length:                                  11.60 m

Waterline length:                         11.30 m

Beam:                                          6.30 m

Draft:                                           1.00 m

Weight:                                        6 t

Windward sail area:                     88 m²

Mainsail:                                      50 m²

Genoa:                                        38 m²

Engines:                                      2 x 18 hp inboards

Material:                                      polyester sandwich

Production:                                  222 examples from 1994 to 2003

Second-hand price:                     100,000 to 130,000 euros exc. tax

Catana 381 It has everything a big one has!

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17 Best Catamarans for Sailing Around the World

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Catamarans are quickly outstripping single-hull boats for long-distance journeys. They are more stable and comfortable , and some can travel more than 200 miles in a day. In today’s article, I have put together a complete (well almost) list of some of the best catamarans for circumnavigating the planet; the question is, which one is best for you?

The best catamarans for sailing around the world include: 

• The Fountaine Pajot Ipanema 58

These cats focus on speed, safety, and comfort for longer journeys. 

This article will show you the seventeen best catamarans for long journeys, and why they’re the best. You’ll also learn some great tips on what to look for in a Catamaran and how to save money by buying a used catamaran. Let this list be a jumping-off point for your future research!

Pro-tip; here are the actual costs of maintaining a cat and here are considerations on how to circumnavigate .

Table of Contents

The Best Catamarans for Sailing Around the World 

A catamaran is a double-hulled boat with a deck or cabin area in between (bluewater cat definition in this article ). The double hull design means that the boat rocks less, sits higher on the water, uses less fuel to sail, and can be sailed in shallower waters than a single-hulled boat without worrying about grounding. 

Catamarans come in a variety of sizes and can be sail-powered or motor-powered and range from single-person sailing boats to family-sized yachts. Every catamaran design is different, and the twin-hull shape offers many ways to customize the layout of a ship. 

Each boat on this list is a larger catamaran (+40ft, more on size here ), so if you’re going to sail around the world, you want lots of space for provisions and rest.

Of course, there are tons of technical specs for each of these boats, but I’m going to focus on the overall features of each of these catamarans, what makes them stand out, and why they would each be an excellent choice for a transatlantic journey. 

Antares 44i 

The Antares 44i is an excellent option for sailing around the world and was explicitly designed for long-distance cruising. It performs well in any weather conditions, can be sailed easily by two people, and you’ll be able to sail long distances and live in comfort. 

Although it can be easily sailed by a crew of two I believe that a true bluewater cat should be set up for single-handed sailing, more on that in another article .

This catamaran features a stateroom on each hull and a forward cabin with plenty of storage space. The living and entertainment features include a flatscreen tv and a high-end deck speaker system. 

With this model, Antares dedicates itself to high-quality boats with optimal rigging and engine configurations. 

Atlantic 42

Atlantic is no longer building this catamaran, but there are usually a few pre-owned boats on the market. You can also get it made custom if you love the design, but be prepared to spend more money on a custom boat (custom boat also gets custom problems ;)). 

The Atlantic 42 is slightly smaller than some of the other catamarans on this list but is a seaworthy vessel. 42 ft is what most sailors I interview ( in this article ) said was the smallest cat to safely cross big oceans. It is also a decent size to counter the risk of capsizing (more on that here ).

It has a forward cockpit and pilothouse, which gives the owner a better use of space and makes the boat easier to navigate. With single-handed capability, one person can sail it easily and let the rest of the crew relax. 

One of the best-praised aspects of the Atlantic 42 is its galley, more extensive than most 42-footers (12.8-meter) can offer. 

One of the few 50 footers (15.24 meters) that can be sailed by just one person (many would of course disagree on this).

The Catana 50 is a catamaran worthy of an overseas journey. Its size adds to its stability on the open waters and its ability to sail straight through the choppy ocean and windy conditions. 

The Catana is also incredibly spacious on the inside, with substantial cabins and showers. The biggest downside to the Catana 50 is its price, as it’s much more expensive than most of its competitors. 

Catana also holds up well against some of the fastest cruising cats out there, here’s a list of the fastest cruisers if you are interested in that.

However, if you can find a gently-used Catana 50, you can rest assured that this boat will last! 

The Dolphin 42 is unique because of the use of daggerboards instead of fixed keels. This upgrade means that the boat has some pretty decent upwind performance while at the same time being faster downwind.

Centerboards and daggerboards offer some interesting downsides compared to mini keels. This is an interesting discussion and I suggest you read another one of my articles if you want to deepen your knowledge a little.

These catamarans are some of the lightest on the market. Not many Dolphins were made, so they are relatively hard to find. However, if you want a small, lightweight boat capable of going great distances, the Dolphin 42 is an excellent choice. 

Fountaine Pajot Belize 43

The Fountaine Pajot Belize is another well-built cruising yacht. Its core is made of foam instead of balsa, which reduces the risk of structural damage due to a rotten core in case of water intrusion. 

The design of Belize offers many options for customizability, with large open spaces and a combined saloon, navigation, and dinette area. 

There are two styles of Belize catamarans for sleeping quarters. You can either purchase a boat with an entire primary suite on one hull or one with two cabins in each hull. The first option is great if you are sailing the world alone and not expecting many guests, as it increases the storage capacity. 

Understanding what factors to consider when getting a cat can be hard, there are just so many of them (such as the daggerboard discussion above), I have tried to compile some of the most important in this article .

The boat also has wraparound windows to increase the sense of space in the galley. 

Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40

Fountaine Pajot is one of the best sailboat manufacturers existing today, as their boats are well made and highly versatile. The Lucia 40 is no exception – it’s a smaller boat but has a lot of room for moving around and on-board living. 

The living area is remarkably spacious on this catamaran for its size. 

The galley and lounge easily accommodate 6+people. The Lucia 40 doesn’t disappoint when it comes to sailing either, as the narrow hulls slice through choppy waters with ease. 

Most catamarans today are built to withstand rough weather but that doesn’t matter as much if the crew isn’t up for the task, I firmly believe that the most important thing a boat should consist of, is knowledge. Therefore taking online courses ( two free here ) or reading books ( my favorites here ) is imperative.

Gemini 105M

Gemini’s boats have been on the market for years and are solidly built for cruising. This boat is one of the most popular ever made, I personally would consider something different for offshore cruising, but since it has such a good reputation, I felt I had to add it to the list.

If you want to understand why I am hesitant to take this boat around the world, I recommend you read my article: What are trampolines on a catamaran?

The Gunboat 62 is a great catamaran and set the standards for the rest of the impressive Gunboat lineup. It’s sleek and spacious while being robust and capable of transatlantic journeys. You can easily travel the world in a Gunboat 62 with several people and not feel cramped. 

The yacht was made for speed and power and remains one of the fastest catamarans on the market, even rivaling the newer Gunboat models.  GABO

Although the earlier models of the Gunboat 62 weren’t designed for a lot of cargo, you can still find space for everything you need without compromise. 

Lagoon catamarans are known for their reliability and ease of use. If you are considering a catamaran for the first time and are unsure about the technicalities of sailing, a Lagoon boat is a great option. 

The Lagoon 380 is probably the smallest cruiser on this list, which makes it better suited for solo or couple sailing.  

When I go looking to buy something, whether it be a boat, campervan, or whatever, I create a checklist and classify all the things I want either by NEED or NICE to have.

I believe the Lagoon 380 to be sub-optimal for my NEEDS, even though it does check a lot of NICE boxes, there’s a step-by-step article on the NEED and NICE method here .

There are several cabin options available on the Lagoon 380, but if you’re sailing by yourself, you can settle for three cabins and a larger galley and living space. With a smaller cockpit and broader side decks, the Lagoon 380 packs a lot of practicality and ease of sailing into a more compact catamaran. 

If you like the idea of a Lagoon boat but want a little more space, the Lagoon 42 is the upgraded version of the Lagoon 380. With all of the same benefits, it comes with more space for cabins or storage, making it one of the best-selling Lagoons of all time. 

The Lagoon 42 is also a faster cruiser built for strength. While it’s not the fastest on the market, it works well in choppy waters and windy conditions, making it great for the beginning sailor to go on a more extended trip. 

Many people have completed an around-the-world sail with this ship.

Although there is a flybridge version, I would recommend the “open” version due to several factors, some including increased windage and a higher boom. More on flybridges pros and cons here .

For stability, safety, and durability, you can’t beat the Lagoon 42. 

The Leopard 45 performs better with less storage weight because of the relatively low bridge deck clearance. If the boat is fully loaded, you could experience some wave pounding. However, the cockpit is open and airy, with devices that block the sun and provide maximum comfort while sailing. 

The Leopard 45 is an incredibly beautiful boat,   and has a strong reputation for excellent build quality!

Leopard catamarans are one of my personal favorites, as such I have written an entire article about the brand, so if you want to understand its pros and cons then here is the link . Gabo

Designed in South Africa, it features a high rear arch for extra support and very smoothly connected decks. The galley is large and open, and most Leopards offer a four-cabin plan. If you are traveling with another person, this boat is an excellent option for you! 

The Manta 42 is another classic catamaran that you can buy used (at a decent price), as it is an incredibly seaworthy vessel. While still in production, the Manta was one of the most popular catamarans on the market. 

It is still in high demand amongst circumnavigators. Buying a used Manta 42 usually means that you inherit some of the previous owner’s boat upgrades! 

The Manta 42 also made it to my list of the 9 safest catamarans on the market ( link ).

This blue water cat can be sailed by one or two people, making it ideal for liveaboard couples or long-distance shorthanded sailing. The galley is in the saloon ( instead of in one of the hulls ), making the cabins below more spacious and better equipped. 

Overall, the Manta is well equipped for sailing around the world. 

Nautitech 44

Nautitech is an excellent brand of the catamaran, with several different designs per boat. The Nautitech 44 has a unique feature, you can have it with two options for steering: twin wheels or a single wheel.

The Nautitech 44 also features a cockpit on the same level as the saloon. The door between the two is more convenient than a hatch and dramatically reduces the risk of water damage during rain pour. 

This is also the same boat that aeroyacht president Gregor owns, he has offered some great insights into Nautitech in the book Catamarans (amazon link )

Outremer 45

Outremer is famous for being one of the fastest brands of catamarans on the market. If you need speed, the Outremer 45 might be the perfect choice for you. It has a top speed of 16 knots, which is higher than almost every other catamaran of its class. 

While the Outremer 45 is known for speed, it doesn’t compromise on the quality of living. 

You can settle into life on this boat with complete peace of mind. Even as a beginning sailor, the steering is simple and easy to use, and the autopilot is top of the line, so you’ll be able to sail across the ocean in an Outremer without issue. 

Privilege Serie 5

A French-designed catamaran, the Privilege Serie 5 is one of the most comfortable 50-foot (15 m) yachts available. The unique cabin layout includes the master cabin in the boat’s center instead of in one of the hulls. 

The Privilege Serie 5 is also incredibly easy to sail, despite its larger size. 

The sails and controls lead to the helm, where the raised deck makes it easy to see all around the deck. If you want to cross the ocean with a full crew then the Privilege Serie 5 might be perfect for you! 

Seawind 1000

The Seawind 1000 is the smallest boat on this list, measuring 33 feet (10 meters) long altogether. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s not livable. If you are sailing on your own or with a partner, there is more than enough space to live in the Seawind 1000, which includes the option of a centered cabin or two hull cabins. 

Because it’s small, the Seawind 1000 is easy to handle. The mast and sails are all manufactured for extra stability and ease of use. 

Overall, the Seawind 1000 is an excellent example of a simple, safe, and seaworthy catamaran. 

Note: since this is a small catamaran it will also be more sensitive to heavy weather so trip-planning becomes even more important.

The Voyage 44 is one of the oldest cats on this list, having had its hay-day in the mid-1990s. However, this also means that a used Voyage 44 will be cheaper than a newer boat. If you can find a Voyage with previous responsible owners, you will inherit any upgrades and fixes that they’ve made on top of a very seaworthy boat. 

The Voyage 44 has more storage and space than most cruisers of its size and is known for behaving very well in choppy waters. 

This catamaran does its job well while providing adequate space for cooking, sleeping, and living aboard. 

What To Look For in a Long-Distance Cruising Catamaran

If you are planning to sail around the world, you need to be very careful about which kind of catamaran you decide to use. Many of the things you want in a boat really comes down to personal preference, so be sure you know what design preferences you want before you start shopping! 

Size and Payload

The most important thing to consider when buying a catamaran is how much space and cargo you need because the larger the boats are, the bigger the payload it can handle. Decide how long you want the ship to be and how much you’re taking with you. 

It’s vital not to overload a catamaran, this will reduce performance and increase risk of unwanted behavior in heavy seas.

Cabin Placement  

Most catamarans have options for a “Maestro” cabin placement, where one entire hull is the master suite, and the other cabins are located on the opposite hull.

Cockpit and Protection From The Weather

Is the cockpit on the boat you’re looking at covered or open? This can make a difference on the high seas, especially during rainy weather. 

The size of the ship also can affect how many people you need as a crew. If you’re traveling by yourself or with one other person, you don’t want to buy a boat that needs a larger crew. 

Buying Used? 

If you don’t want to spend the money on a brand new catamaran, I don’t blame you. Several of the ships on this list are out of production and can only be found used. However, for circumnavigation, you do want a boat of high quality to keep you safe and dry until you make it to your destination.  

When buying a suitably used catamaran, it’s essential to look at the refit history of the boat more than the year it was made. Catamarans are sturdy, and the general design has been the same for at least the past decade. 

If you find a newer, larger, cheaper boat, you should look into its history. 

Your best bet to save money while buying a catamaran will be to buy an older, probably smaller boat with an excellent refit history and no serious issues. It will still be an investment, and a sturdy used catamaran will serve you well. 

Final Thoughts

No matter which catamaran you decide to buy for your journey, you’ll be able to sail safely and comfortably. Catamarans are great yachts for long-distance sailing, and the ships on this list are the best of the best. These brands are time-tested and ready to accompany you on an adventure around the world! 

Here are Some of My Favorite Catamaran Cruising Resources

Thank you for reading this article. I hope you found it helpful as you hopefully start your sailing adventures. Here are some resources that I use as a sailor that I hope you’ll also find helpful. These are affiliate links, so if you do decide to use any of them, I’ll earn a commission. But in all honesty, these are the exact things that I use and recommend to everyone, even my own family. Sailboats: If you’re looking for the best boat to suit your needs, I would recommend a catamaran. If you’re interested, I can show you the differences between catamarans and other types of sailboats .

Books:  For getting started, I really like  Cruising catamarans made easy . It is actually a textbook from the American sailing association; it is used to get a cruising catamaran certification. There are some other great books, and I have compiled a list of books about cruising catamarans that you will find useful.

Communication:  Being out on adventures, whether it be sailing or climbing mountains, good communications are essential to being safe. I recommend two things Google fi (incredibly simple cellular data all over the world) and Garmin inreach mini (for text and voice in remote areas without cell coverage)

Sailing courses: Online sailing courses are great for beginners starting out their sailing career; it’s an efficient way of learning the basics of navigation, throttle controls, and maritime safety. I suggest starting with two free courses from NauticEd .

To see all my most up-to-date recommendations,  check out this resource  that I made for you!

• Wikipedia: Catamaran
• Cruising World: A-Z Best Cruising Catamarans 
• Dreamy Yacht Sales: Four Best Catamarans for New Buyers
• Atlantic Cruising: Good Cat/Bad Cat
• Yachting World: Catamaran Sailing Across the Atlantic
• Boat Affair: What is a Catamaran? 
• Nautilus Sailing: Catamaran Sailing

Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!

3 thoughts on “ 17 Best Catamarans for Sailing Around the World ”

I like the efforts you have put in this, regards for all the great content.

Thanks Elisabeth I really appreciate the kind words 🙂

I appreciate you sharing this blog post. Thanks Again. Cool.

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Charter yacht THIS IS IT wins Best Catamaran at Robb Report Monaco Best of the Best 2024

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By Anna Ingles   15 July 2024

Luxury charter yacht THIS IS IT has been honored with the Best Catamaran award at Robb Report Monaco's Best of the Best 2024. Hosted on July 10th at the Monaco Yacht Club, the anticipated annual event celebrates premier luxury products and experiences across diverse categories, including yachting, architecture, style, design, and technological innovation.

Paying meticulous attention to criteria such as innovation, attention to detail, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, the distinguished judging panel for the award ceremony consisted of editors and experts spanning 15 categories such as automotive, yachting, aviation, travel, style, watches, jewelry, food, wine, spirits, art, design, cigars, equipment, and residential building. 

Giovanni Costantino, Founder & CEO of The Italian Sea Group, praised the team's commitment to the catamaran yacht charter , remarking, "The dedication, skill, and hard work of our team have been crucial in achieving this recognition. I extend my congratulations to our management and the professionals who worked together to create this remarkable catamaran, rich in detail, research, and technology."

Tecnomar charter yacht THIS IS IT stands out in the luxury yacht rental market with its groundbreaking design and unconventional approach. The yacht fuses traditional and modern elements, showcasing a layout with striking asymmetries and over 600 square meters of glass surfaces. The design is inspired by technological and architectural advancements rather than conventional yachting aesthetics.

Lap up the natural splendor of your surroundings in the utmost comfort onboard catamaran yacht THIS IS IT

Notable features of THIS IS IT include its dynamic design, speed, and sporty aesthetics, which are integral to Tecnomar's brand identity. The engineering process meticulously focused on weight distribution, essential due to the extensive use of glass in the design.

The interior boasts refined details and high-quality materials such as leather, Alcantara, oak, and teak, complemented by gray marble accents. The design emphasizes dynamic, enveloping shapes with a sophisticated color palette of beige and platinum gray, enhanced by gold, bronze, and titanium accents.

Currently available for Mediterranean yacht charters throughout the summer season, find out more about chartering THIS IS IT by contacting your preferred yacht charter broker today for more details on availability and yacht rental costs .

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2022 Boat of the Year: Best Performance Catamaran

• By Cruising World Editors
• December 15, 2021

During and in the four days immediately following the US Sailboat show in Annapolis, Maryland, the  Cruising World  judges inspected and sailed on 27 boats vying for recognition. Learn more about the boats in our  2022 Boat of the Year  »

OK, confession time. When the roster of nominees for the 2022 Boat of the Year awards was released, the contest’s team and judging panel couldn’t help themselves, and quietly put three check marks, little symbols of anticipation, alongside a trio of boats: the untamed cats that would vie for the title of best performer in their class. After all, both Balance and Seawind had entered the winner’s circle in previous BOTY competitions, and it was clear they’d have a serious contender for the throne in yet another player from cat-crazy South Africa, the Kinetic KC54. How’d it go? Let’s just say, nobody was disappointed. The conditions on Chesapeake Bay were ideal for putting the three nominees through their paces, and the trio of scalded cats all acquitted themselves superbly. 

For 2022, if anything, the trend for flybridge catamarans is on a major upswing. New cats for 2022 from both Lagoon and Fountaine Pajot continued down that design path, putting an emphasis on living accommodations, not performance. But not aboard the latest Seawind 1600 , a brand originally built in Australia that is now produced in Vietnam. And that suits judge Tim Murphy just fine. “This boat was very dialed in,” he said, “and one place Seawind has always been innovative is with their helms. This one was really great; it was -outboard and aft with great visibility, sort of half-protected where you could step in and out. There was also good access to the boom and mainsail, which you don’t always see on cats. The deck layout was excellent, particularly the forward trampolines. Some cats have lacings with large openings where you can twist an ankle, but these were nice and tight.”

“Compared to other Seawinds that I’ve seen, I was just blown away with it in terms of what it could do and how it performed,” said Ed Sherman.  “It’s a fairly conservative boat in terms of technology compared to some of the other boats in the same category, which depending on a potential buyer’s state of mind, could be either a good thing or a bad one. I loved the centralized winch aft which is where all the sail-handling takes place. It’s pretty brilliant for a short-handed crew, and it’s all in a very safe and easy-to-access location that a cruising couple can deal with without scaring the heck out of themselves.”

The Kinetic KC54 is a fresh entry in the cat universe, and we’ll let Tim Murphy get right to the point: “This is a fairly new company that was started within the past couple of years. My breath was absolutely taken away by this boat; it was spectacular. I think it was the best-built boat in the entire fleet. It’s an all-carbon boat, with a foam core, epoxy resin, all infused–fantastic. The whole boat felt integrated. You didn’t feel like there was a conflict between the forces in terms of accommodation versus performance.” With a price tag approaching $3 million, it perhaps should not be astonishing. That was a major factor in evaluating the boat, and while it did not win its class, the experts panel did present it with a Judges’ Special Recognition prize to honor the boat’s overall excellence.

“It was my personal favorite in this year’s contest,” said Sherman. The materials that were used are absolutely the highest quality available in our industry at this point, and it’s a very high-tech boat in terms of systems.” Gerry Douglas was also duly impressed: “This was the Tesla of sailboats. I think that that was their model. In terms of design and execution and technology, it hit all three of those marks. This boat is built without compromise, and what it cost was not an issue, they just wanted to do the best they could in every aspect of the boat. The construction was impeccable, the fit and finish was amazing. There are some very clever design things in the boat, but it all really worked seamlessly.”  

With that level of competition, the Balance 482 had a tall order to overcome to win its class. And it did. “The sailing performance was excellent,” said Douglas. “The boat felt really good. The steering was terrific. The structure of the boat throughout was exemplary. Storage is really good. Visibility was good. Ventilation was great. There was even a rain collection system on the cabin top, which is the only one of the boats we looked at had that. It was very well concealed because the gutters formed a handhold going forward. The solar panel installation was also well done. The panels were encapsulated into a fiberglass tray that elevated the deck so the panels wouldn’t overheat. Very clever.”

The driving force behind Balance cats is Phil Berman, a world champ at racing beach cats who brought that passion to developing and marketing fully found cruisers. Judge Murphy knows him well: “Phil comes from a very strong view of wanting to see boats that have solid sailing performance. He’s also a strong proponent of daggerboard boats, which tends to be quick shorthand for the dividing line between cats that are more about payload versus cats that are about performance, but not so much where you’re going to fly a hull or break a rudder. There’s a balance within a boat that really performs that you can still live aboard.” A winning balance, it turns out, with the Balance 482 securing its position as the Best Performance Cruiser for 2022.

• More: balance catamarans , Boat of the Year , Boat of the Year 2022 , catamaran , Kinetic Catamarans , print 2022 jan , Sailboats , seawind catamarans
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Delapierre steers French cat toward a spot in SailGP’s $2 million, winner-take-all Grand Final

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Quentin Delapierre skippered France to finishes of 1-3-3 in a remarkable performance Saturday on San Francisco Bay to move close to advancing to SailGP’s $2 million, winner-take-all Grand Final, the biggest payday in sailing.

Three-time defending SailGP champion Tom Slingsby steered Australia’s Flying Roo 50-foot foiling catamaran to finishes of 5-1-8 to all but assure a spot Sunday in the Grand Final, which will follow the conclusion of the San Francisco regatta.

Peter Burling and the Team New Zealand Black Foils have already secured a spot in the Grand Final after winning five of the previous 12 regattas in Season 4 of tech billionaire Larry Ellison’s global league. The Kiwis finished fourth in all three fleet races and simply need to get through Sunday’s fleet racing in one piece and with no major penalties to move on to the start line of the Grand Final.

Delapierre needs to leapfrog Spain’s Diego Botin in the season standings to reach the three-boat Grand Final. He’s on track after he and his crew had great starts and expertly sailed their catamaran around the course.

Botin came into this regatta in third place overall, five points ahead of Delapierre. But he struggled in the strong wind and had finishes of 7-6-5 to sit in seventh place in the regatta.

Slingsby won all three previous three SailGP championship races on San Francisco Bay. The prize money was doubled this season from the previous $1 million. San Francisco Bay is also where Slingsby helped Ellison’s Oracle Team USA stage a stunning rally against Emirates Team New Zealand to defend the America’s Cup in 2013.

Bernie Wilson has covered sailing for the AP since 1991.

AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/sports

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Amazon is offering Prime Day cruise deals up to 40% for a limited time

• Published: Jul. 17, 2024, 3:25 p.m.

Amazon has several Prime Day cruise deals available up to 40% off on Carnival cruises for a limited time. Amazon/Canva

• Victoria Rosenthal | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Did you know that you can book your next vacation on Amazon?

The e-commerce site has Prime Day travel deals exclusive to Prime members, including several Prime Day cruise deals up to 40% off on Carnival cruises during the mega sale.

You can sail off to Baja Mexico for a 4-day trip starting at $334 per person or bury your feet in the sand in the Bahamas during a 3-day trip starting at $294 per person. If you’d prefer a longer journey, there’s even a 6-day cruise to the Mexican Riviera starting at $399 per person.

Travelers will enjoy time on the boat as they head to each destination by participating in various activities for couples and families. These include live concerts, Build-A-Bear Workshop At Sea, kids’ camps and adults-only retreat Serenity.

They can also stop for a bite to eat at the several restaurants and bars on board, including Guy’s Burger Joint from celebrity chef Guy Fieri, the RedFrog Rum Bar and Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken. Some of the restaurants are included in the cost while others you can visit for an additional fee.

You can book your next Carnival cruise with a Prime Day discount up to 40% off here.

Here are the five more Prime Day travel day deals exclusive to Prime members that are available for a limited time:

• up to 30% off SIXT car rentals
• 20% off Viator travel experiences
• up to 30% off and earn up to 15% back on Avis car rentals
• up to 30% off Southwest Airlines base fares
• $30 off Turo car rentals

The Best Prime Day Deals & Tips

• Carote 11-piece cookware sets are priced as low as $70, but you’ll want to grab them before Prime Day ends
• Amazon has this Roborock robot vacuum and mop on sale for a massive 58% off on Prime Day
• Perk up your day with the Philips 3200 Series espresso machine that’s over $250 off on Prime Day
• Amazon has this top-rated Weber griddle on sale for $100 off in a sizzling Prime Day deal
• Run, don’t walk, to grab these Reebok Prime Day deals up to 55% off

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Victoria Rosenthal can be reached at [email protected] . Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips .

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