largest sailing catamarans

Exploring the World’s 11 Largest Sailing Catamarans: Rankings and Key Facts

Table of Contents

Discover the top 11 largest sailing catamarans in the world, including rankings and key information about their size and capabilities. Learn about the feasibility of solo sailing, transatlantic crossings, and the risks of capsizing. Plus, explore reasons why catamarans may not be as popular as other types of vessels.”

Introduction: 11 largest sailing catamarans

This article explores the world of the largest sailing catamarans, ranking the top 11 largest vessels by size and providing key information about their capabilities. Before delving into the specifics, it’s important to understand what a catamaran is and why it’s such a popular type of vessel. A catamaran is a multihull boat that has two parallel hulls of equal size. This design provides numerous advantages, including increased speed, stability, and spaciousness compared to monohull boats. Catamarans are popular among sailors for their efficiency and comfort, making them an appealing option for cruising and racing alike.

Top 11 Largest Sailing Catamarans in the World:

The world’s largest sailing catamarans are truly awe-inspiring feats of engineering and design. Topping the list is the Black Pearl, a massive 106.7-meter vessel that boasts cutting-edge technology and luxury amenities. Other impressive entries on the list include the White Rabbit, the Hemisphere, and the Fujin. Each of these vessels represents the pinnacle of catamaran design and engineering, with unique features and capabilities that set them apart from the rest. Whether you’re interested in the latest in high-tech sailing or simply appreciate the beauty of these majestic vessels, the world’s largest sailing catamarans are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Can a Catamaran Cross the Atlantic?

Crossing the Atlantic in a catamaran is a major undertaking that requires careful planning and preparation. While it’s certainly possible to make the journey in a catamaran, there are several factors to consider before embarking on such a voyage. Catamarans have certain advantages over monohull boats for long-distance cruising, including greater speed and stability, as well as more living space. However, they also have some disadvantages, such as a higher center of gravity and a wider beam, which can make them more susceptible to rolling in rough seas. Ultimately, the decision to cross the Atlantic in a catamaran should be made based on careful consideration of these factors, as well as personal experience and skill level.

How Big of a Catamaran Can One Person Sail?

The size of a catamaran that one person can sail depends on several factors, including the individual’s experience level and the complexity of the vessel. In general, smaller catamarans with simpler rigging systems are easier for one person to handle, while larger catamarans with more complex systems require a crew. The key to successful single-handed sailing in a catamaran is having a thorough understanding of the vessel’s systems and being able to anticipate and respond to changing conditions quickly and effectively. With the right training and experience, however, it’s possible to sail a catamaran solo even up to a length of around 40-50 feet.

Do Large Catamarans Capsize?

While it’s true that catamarans have a reputation for being stable and safe, there is still a risk of capsizing, particularly with larger vessels. The risk of capsize depends on several factors, including the design and construction of the vessel, the conditions it’s operating in, and the skill of the crew. Generally speaking, catamarans are more stable than monohulls, thanks to their wide beam and low center of gravity. However, this stability can be compromised in extreme conditions, such as heavy seas or high winds. In order to minimize the risk of capsizing, it’s important to ensure that the vessel is well-maintained and that the crew has the appropriate level of training and experience.

Why Are Catamarans Not Popular?

There are several reasons why catamarans are not as popular as some other types of vessels, especially in certain regions of the world. One of the primary reasons is their high initial cost. Compared to monohull boats of the same length, catamarans are generally more expensive due to their larger size, greater stability, and more complex systems. This can make them less accessible for many people who are interested in sailing.

Another reason why catamarans are not as popular is that they require specialized skills and knowledge to operate. Catamarans have different handling characteristics than monohull boats, and they require a different approach to sailing. This means that sailors who are used to operating monohulls may find it difficult to adapt to catamarans, which can make them less appealing.

Finally, there are some misconceptions about catamarans that have contributed to their relative lack of popularity. For example, some people believe that catamarans are less seaworthy than monohull boats, or that they are less comfortable in heavy seas. However, in reality, catamarans can be just as seaworthy and comfortable as monohulls, and they offer a number of advantages in terms of speed, stability, and spaciousness. Ultimately, the decision to sail a catamaran or a monohull boat comes down to personal preference, experience, and the specific requirements of the sailing journey.

11 Largest Sailing Catamarans

Black Pearl – 106.7 meters
White Rabbit – 84 meters
Hemisphere – 44.2 meters
Fujin – 42.5 meters
Douce France – 42.2 meters
Hodor – 41.9 meters
Galaxy of Happiness – 40.8 meters
Lir – 39.6 meters
Rapture – 34.1 meters
WindQuest – 33.8 meters
Alithia – 33.7 meters

It’s worth noting that these rankings can change over time as new, larger catamarans are built.

Black Pearl – This sailing yacht is the largest in the world with a length of 106.7 meters. It features a unique design with three masts and a stunning black hull. Black Pearl is a luxurious vessel with a maximum speed of 30 knots and accommodations for up to 12 guests and 18 crew members.
White Rabbit – With a length of 84 meters, White Rabbit is the second largest sailing catamaran in the world. This impressive yacht boasts an innovative design and advanced technology, including a hybrid propulsion system that allows for quiet and efficient sailing. White Rabbit can accommodate up to 10 guests in five luxurious cabins.
Hemisphere – The Hemisphere is a 44.2-meter sailing catamaran that was launched in 2011. This stunning yacht has won multiple awards for its impressive design and luxurious features, including spacious interior and exterior living areas. Hemisphere can accommodate up to 12 guests in six cabins.
Fujin – Fujin is a 42.5-meter sailing catamaran that was built in 2016. This high-performance yacht features a sleek design and can reach speeds of up to 20 knots. Fujin can accommodate up to 8 guests in four cabins and has a crew of 7.
Douce France – Douce France is a 42.2-meter sailing catamaran that was launched in 1998. This elegant yacht has a classic design and has been recently refitted to include modern amenities and technology. Douce France can accommodate up to 12 guests in six cabins.
Hodor – With a length of 41.9 meters, Hodor is a luxurious sailing catamaran that was launched in 2019. This impressive yacht features a modern design and advanced technology, including a carbon fiber mast and a hydraulic lifting platform. Hodor can accommodate up to 10 guests in five cabins.
Galaxy of Happiness – Galaxy of Happiness is a 40.8-meter sailing catamaran that was built in 2020. This stunning yacht features a sleek design and advanced technology, including a hybrid propulsion system. Galaxy of Happiness can accommodate up to 12 guests in six cabins.
Lir – Lir is a 39.6-meter sailing catamaran that was launched in 2014. This luxurious yacht features a classic design and modern amenities, including a Jacuzzi and a gym. Lir can accommodate up to 10 guests in five cabins.
Rapture – Rapture is a 34.1-meter sailing catamaran that was launched in 2007. This elegant yacht features a classic design and luxurious accommodations, including a spacious master suite and four guest cabins. Rapture can accommodate up to 8 guests and has a crew of 5.
WindQuest – With a length of 33.8 meters, WindQuest is a high-performance sailing catamaran that was built in 2014. This sleek yacht features a carbon fiber mast and can reach speeds of up to 24 knots. WindQuest can accommodate up to 8 guests in four cabins and has a crew of 4.
Alithia – Alithia is a 33.7-meter sailing catamaran that was launched in 2002. This elegant yacht features a classic design and luxurious accommodations, including a spacious salon and dining area. Alithia can accommodate up to 8 guests in four cabins and has a crew of 4.

World’s Largest Sailing Catamaran

By Yachting Staff
Updated: January 3, 2013

More: Photos , Sailboats , Yachts
More Yachts

New Flagship for Bering Yachts: The B165

Power Catamaran Popularity Rising

“Energy Observer” Zero-Emission Boat Showcases Sustainability

Princess Yachts’ Y95: A Flagship Flybridge

For Sale: Sunseeker Predator 68

For Sale: CL Yachts CLB 72

10 Yachts Under $500,000 You Can Have Today

Digital Edition
Customer Service
Privacy Policy
Email Newsletters
Cruising World
Sailing World
Salt Water Sportsman
Sport Fishing
Wakeboarding

Top 10 largest Catamarans in the world

Characterised as a multi-hulled watercraft, a catamaran is a marine vessel comprising two proportioned hulls giving her greater stability and manoeuvrability. Catamarans also have a shallow draft which enables them to enter unexplored regions beyond the reach of sailing yachts or cruise ships.

Their invention is attributed to the Austronesian peoples of Southeast Asia, while the first European Catamaran was built in the 16th century by scientist William Petty. Capable of attaining greater speeds, catamarans are used for recreational sailing, cruising and racing. Modern Catamarans have luxurious features and marvellous design, which makes them enticing.

Let us have a look at the top 10 biggest catamarans in the world.

Table of Contents

1. Hodor ( 217 Ft.)

Renowned as the world’s largest floating toy box, the 66.2 m long SHADOWCAT Hodor was built by Astilleros Armon in Spain. Incat Crowther and YCTS. Ltd worked on her functional design and naval architecture, while the interiors were chosen by Oliver Design. Painted grey with vibrant orange lines running across its hull, the catamaran is as robust as it looks.

Launched in 2019, she has a maximum sailing speed of 22.5 knots derived from two MTU diesel engines. With a 14-metre beam, she has a gross tonnage of 1525 tonnes respectively. In terms of LOA, she ranks among the top five per cent in the world. She defeats her counterparts both by average speed and volume.

She is donned with aluminium; her hull, deck and even superstructure are made of this malleable and corrosion-resistant metal. Presently sailing under the flag of the Cayman Islands, Hodor is a treasure-house of water sports gear, filled with nine jet skis, four water bikes, laser dinghies, snorkelers, fishing equipment etc.

The empty space below the main deck is reserved for the Seamagine Aurora-3 submersible which will be delivered soon. Its main attraction is the 17-metre Nor-Tech 560 sports centre console attached to a hydraulic lift system for putting it in water. The largest catamaran is managed by 20 crew members and staff.

2. Sunreef 49 Power Cat ( 160.8 Ft)

Constructed by the Polish builder Sunreef Yachts, the multihull was fitted in Gdansk and delivered in 2021. Flaunting a classy white exterior, it is an embodiment of cutting-edge marine technology and fresh naval design.

It has three decks and expansive outdoor areas, including an open bar, a swimming pool, a helipad and a forward terrace. Its sun deck lounge has a spa pool, sun pads and even a saloon. With a broad beam of 16.85 metres, the yacht has 8 cabins which comfortably sleep 17 crew personnel and offers luxury accommodation for 11 guests. Five bedrooms on the main deck are equipped with a private balcony.

Low drag, a consequence of the specially designed twin-hull, makes the catamaran glide gracefully on the water while optimising efficiency and low fuel consumption. It has a 90,000-litre fuel tank which enables the power cat to cover 5000 nautical miles without a stopover. Driven by two 3400 HP engines, the superyacht has a top speed of 21 knots and carries three tenders, water sports gear and several jet skis.

3. Charley ( 150 Ft.)

Charley was launched in 2016 as a support yacht to serve the superyacht White Rabbit Gulf, both constructed by the shipbuilding company Eco Yachts. The 46 m long and 14 m wide catamaran has a white exterior, three teak decks and modern fittings. Its naval architecture, interiors and exterior design were taken care of by LOMOcean.

Labelled as the largest composite resin-infused yacht made in Australia, Charley was carefully assembled near Fremantle. With a volume of 702 gross tonnes, she has spacious interiors and outdoor entertainment areas to keep her guests engaged.

However, her most attractive feature is the 12-metre long tender catamaran called Vicky, equipped with a platform located at Charley’s stern. It can store some RIBs, tenders, personal watercraft and one hovercraft.

Propelled by two 2,700hp Cummins QSK60 engines and two propellers, Charley has a 60,000-litre fuel tank which enables her to travel 2,500 nautical miles at the cruising speed of 16 knots.

She has a 3.2 m draft which allows her to traverse shallow bays and narrow canals or even cruise near the shoreline. Possessing a GRP hull and superstructure, Charley has three suites for taking in 5 guests.

4. Moecca ( 148 Ft.)

The catamaran motor yacht Moecca was constructed by Oceanfast yachts in Australia. Designed to provide a luxurious sailing experience with moderately-decorated functional spaces, it has a simplistic classic exterior. Delivered in 1992, it underwent maintenance and repair in 2006. Refurbished in the same year, Moecca is fully air-conditioned, having expansive outdoor areas for sunbathing and relaxing.

Her curves are spectacular, thanks to Bannenberg Designs Limited, which crafted her exterior while Phill Curran was responsible for naval architecture. Having a 13 m or 42.7 feet beam, she has seven suites that conveniently accommodate 12 guests and six small yet well-furnished cabins for 11 crew members.

Its spacious salon has two seating areas, a home-theatre set-up and a 12-seater alfresco dining room connected to a bar and a refrigeration room. Her aft deck is enriched with circular sofas and side tables. More open space is provided on the upper deck, which incorporates an open pool and a small workout space. All these amenities are curated by the English design house Bannenberg and Rowell.

She can travel 2200 nautical miles at a maximum speed of 25 knots, achieved by two powerful MTU diesel engines. Moecca is sturdy yet elegant, with a green aluminium hull and a GRP superstructure. Her sides are panelled with mildly-fragrant wood. She has a 1.8 m draft and water tanks capable of storing 15,000 litres of fresh water.

5. HeySea Vista ( 140 Ft.)

Launched in 2020, the golden hulled Vista is an amalgamation of absolute royalty and finesse. Constructed by the Hey Sea Yachts Group, a prominent yacht manufacturer in China, Vista is a fully custom-designed project built in a 66,700 square m shipyard lying in the Pearl River Delta region near Hong Kong. One of the most challenging aspects of its construction was to attain a perfect shimmering gold finish, achieved by delicate yet continuous polishing.

Her stylish appearance and functional naval design were crafted by the Heysea marine architects and interior designers. The twin-hull allows for voluminous interiors carefully chosen by Horizontal Design to match her stunning fibreglass superstructure.

Vista is adorned with beautiful paintings showcasing marine life, modern art pieces and metallic fittings. She has five bedrooms that comfortably sleep 10 people. The yacht is managed by a 15-member crew.

Coming to the technicalities, she is driven by two Volvo 725 HP engines allowing her to reach a top speed of 15 knots. The vessel can go up to 4000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 10 knots. Vista has been the biggest project of HeySea, which brought her international appreciation.

6. Sarha ( 137 Ft.)

Registered at the Port of George Town and sailing under the Cayman Islands Flag, Sarha is a 40 m motor yacht built by Sea Management, fabricated in Australia and launched in 1989. With its sleek white exterior and blue windows, she is a piece of sheer beauty and class.

She was designed by John Winterbotham & Partners while her interiors were done by H2 Yacht Design. Refitted in 2002, she boasts a steel hull and an aluminium and steel superstructure complemented by a fine teak deck with spacious seating areas.

Sarha can travel 3000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 10 knots, and her top speed is 13 knots. She is fitted with two 2340 HP diesel engines that generate 1722 kilowatts. She is driven by two propellers and Koopnautic thrusters. Her home port is Abu Dhabi, and her water tanks carry 20,000 litres of fresh water.

Sarha can accommodate 30 guests and 11 crew members in beautiful, well-ventilated cabins having double beds. She has a gross tonnage of 726 tonnes and a 500-tonne displacement. Having a wide beam of 12.9 m, she has a shallow draft of about 2.7 metres.

7. Royal Falcon One ( 135 Ft.)

Flaunting a modern naval design, Royal Falcon One is a stunner of the Singapore-based yacht builder, Royal Falcon Fleet. Curated by the renowned Porsche Design Studio, she has been described as a Spaceship on Water by her makers, while some compare her to a sports car. She has an aluminium hull and superstructure and three teak decks.

Enriched with appealing aesthetics, this dual-hulled yacht offers the highest comfort and luxury. She has five cabins to accommodate 10 guests, three master suites and a lounge on the main deck. Its main attraction is the saloon which offers a 360-degree ocean view due to its glass walls.

The 12.5 m broad beam allows for more entertainment and relaxation space. Its sundeck has a jacuzzi and a steam sauna. The crew cabins are located near the stern, concealed by the ship’s twin hulls. Delivered in 2019, it has a maximum speed of 35 knots, a 1.7 m draft and a gross tonnage of 499 tonnes.

8. Silver Cloud (134 Ft.)

Portraying exemplary marine engineering , Silver Cloud was constructed by Abeking & Rasmussen in Germany. Infused with a small waterplane area twin hull, commonly called SWATH, its distinguishing feature is smooth sailing in harsh waters, especially the North Sea.

It was sold for 16 million dollars to Alexander Wallace Dreyfoos Junior, an American businessman based in New York. As per news reports, the vessel will be renamed Nurja. With a 58 feet beam and a 13.5-foot draft, she has a maximum speed of 14 knots.

Silver Cloud is the two-time winner of the World Superyacht Award, owing to its highly trained crew and world-class reputation. It has five cabins that comfortably sleep 12 guests, equipped with televisions and private bathrooms. The main attraction is the saloon with large windows and glass doors, designed by Michael Kirschstein. It also contains a spa, gymnasium, diving equipment and a helipad.

9. Zenith ( 131 Feet)

Constructed by Australia-based Sabre Catamarans in 2012, the 40.5 m Zenith is a luxury motor yacht which redefines sophistication and style. She has a 10.5 m beam, a 1.5 m draft and an interior volume of 461 gross tonnes. She was sold in 2018 for a whopping 19 million dollars.

Her luxurious cabins can take in 10 guests, designed by Water Line, while her eye-catching exteriors were chosen by Incat Crowther. Having an aluminium hull and superstructure, she can attain a top speed of 29 knots due to the powerful MTU engines. Her fuel tanks can hold up to 51,800 litres of diesel, while freshwater tanks can carry 3790 litres.

American rock maple was used for interior panelling along with Queensland Maple. It has a spacious open lounge with four sofas. The main deck features a lavish dining area attached to a fully equipped media room and a cocktail bar.

10. The Beast ( 129 Ft.)

Described as somewhat different and unique by her owners, the Beast is true to its name. Having a military-type camouflage exterior, she is not easy to spot among other sailing vessels. She belongs to the entrepreneur, Sir Michael Hill and has several interesting features, the first being a 13 m fishing boat fitted on its main deck, known as Baby beast.

Winner of several awards, the Beast is 39.2 metres long and has a volume of 493 gross tonnes. She was delivered in 2019 by Profab Central Engineering Limited, and her decor was styled by the famous Oceania Interiors. She has a master suite and five cabins for sleeping 12 guests and accommodation for nine crew members.

Known for her outstanding seagoing capabilities, the Beast is available for charter in the South Pacific. Having a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, she is loaded with the latest water gear such as four kayaks, paddleboards, and fishing and diving equipment. She can reach a top speed of 15 knots while her cruising speed is 10 knots.

Latest Maritime Knowledge Articles You Would Like :

12 Interesting Facts About the PNS Ghazi Submarine

Differences Between Marines And Navy

10 Interesting Bali Sea Facts

10 Interesting Gulf of Tomini Facts You Must Know

10 Flores Sea Facts You Should Know

4 Major Ports of Albania

Subscribe To Our Newsletters

By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.

Web Stories

About Author

Zahra is an alumna of Miranda House, University of Delhi. She is an avid writer, possessing immaculate research and editing skills. Author of several academic papers, she has also worked as a freelance writer, producing many technical, creative and marketing pieces. A true aesthete at heart, she loves books a little more than anything else.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to Marine Insight Daily Newsletter

" * " indicates required fields

Marine Engineering

Marine Engine Air Compressor Marine Boiler Oily Water Separator Marine Electrical Ship Generator Ship Stabilizer

Nautical Science

Mooring Bridge Watchkeeping Ship Manoeuvring Nautical Charts Anchoring Nautical Equipment Shipboard Guidelines

Explore

Free Maritime eBooks Premium Maritime eBooks Marine Safety Financial Planning Marine Careers Maritime Law Ship Dry Dock

Shipping News Maritime Reports Videos Maritime Piracy Offshore Safety Of Life At Sea (SOLAS) MARPOL

HEMISPHERE Sailing yacht for charter

For those looking for something different to the standard charter, something more exciting and adventurous, something unforgettably special that celebrates the ocean and its inhabitants without sacrificing seven-star comfort and service, congratulations. You have just found your next charter.

Designed for off the beaten track exploration
Two principal suites
Included in price: 16.4m Custom Sports Fishing tender for shore excursions, diving and fishing trips
Certified PADI dive training centre with two dive instructors as part of the crew - guests can become PADI certified whilst on board
Large jacuzzi on the sun deck
Sport tournament standard fishing equipment
Long standing crew with outstanding charter record
Unrivalled deck and interior space in 499 GT

About HEMISPHERE

View all yachts for charter

HEMISPHERE, the world's largest sailing catamaran, is designed to deliver incredible experiences. She has a PADI-certified, Nitrox-capable dive centre for up to 12 guests and Captain Gavin is a qualified dive instructor with encyclopaedic knowledge and infectious passion for marine life in this divers' paradise. There is a 16.4m (53.8ft) sports fishing tender for exploring ashore and reaching special dive sites as well as tournament-standard fishing capabilities.

With a 16.6m (54.5ft) beam, her deck spaces are vast. From her flybridge jacuzzi and al fresco dining areas to her shaded spaces on the main deck aft and the sunbathing trampoline forward where you can watch dolphins play underway, she covers every base for relaxation and entertainment. Two VIP cabins on the main deck each have access to a terrace lounge forward and her award-winning interiors are refined yet instantly welcoming.

HEMISPHERE and her crew live to the maxim 'Sometimes you have to step off the beaten path, for the bigger rewards in life' and relentlessly glowing feedback from delighted guests means they deliver those rewards every time.

'Wow! Once again Captain Gavin you have exceeded our expectations! Our trip was full of surprises and adventure. Truly the best holiday a family could dream of sharing. Thank you for welcoming us back and we look forward to returning next year.'

'You are all amazing. We had such a fabulous week on board, everything about the charter was wonderful. The hospitality of the entire crew was unforgettable, I can't wait to be part of this experience again!'

'I have been on many boats in my 57 years and this holiday has surpassed all of them. The crew are the best we have been with. Sharks, whales, dolphins, sunsets, cocktails, laughter, loads of love -thank you Gavin and crew.'

Tenders & toys

1 × Towed tender
2 × Tenders
1 × Sailing dinghy
1 × Deck jacuzzi
Diving board
Inflatable platform
4 × SeaBobs
1 × Kayak
1 × Stand up paddleboard
Inflatable tows
Dive centre
Scuba diving equipment
Fishing gear
Snorkelling gear

Please note that tenders and toys are subject to regular upgrades and changes. Contact a Burgess broker for the latest information.

Fitness equipment

Free weights

Please note that fitness equipment and wellness facilities are subject to regular upgrades and changes. Contact a Burgess broker for the latest information.

Check availability

Hemisphere is available for those dates, hemisphere is available for those dates subject to confirmation., sorry, hemisphere isn't available for those dates, contact a broker to discuss your requirements, please change your dates or contact us for a personalised yacht selection..

In order to understand how we use and protect your personal information, please read our privacy policy.

South Pacific

From USD 260,000 per week

Explore the Caribbean

Insider guide to French Polynesia

Your chance to enter TITANIA’s charter auction

Discover the Turks and Caicos Islands on board a yacht charter

Top 10 places to visit in the Mediterranean

Explorer yacht charter: The best places to take a helicopter tour in the world

Explore Australia with AKIKO

Your luxury yacht charter to Greece and Turkey

Caribbean yacht charter Itinerary

Explore more in this destination.

More yachts in Caribbean

Rate from USD 300,000 per week

Length: 52m (170.6ft)
Guests: 11 guests in 5 cabins
Built: 2017

Rate from USD 308,000 per week

Length: 50m (164ft)
Guests: 10 guests in 5 cabins
Built: 2022

Get in touch and discover the Burgess difference today

If you have any questions about where to go, what to do, any dietary requirements, or anything else, please ask. We’re here to help you make this the best experience you’ve ever had.

Sign up to our newsletter

Stay in the loop.

Subscribe to our newsletter to keep updated with all things Burgess.

What would you like emails about?

Chartering a yacht
Buying or selling a yacht
General superyacht news

In order to understand how we use and protect your personal information, please read our privacy policy .

Mediterranean
French Riviera
Corsica & Sardinia
The Balearics
Croatia & Montenegro
The Bahamas
Caribbean - Leeward Islands
Caribbean - Windward Islands
British Virgin Islands
US Virgin Islands
New England
Indian Ocean
South East Asia
French Polynesia
The Red Sea
Motor yachts for charter
Sailing yachts for charter
Latest offers
Destinations
New to charter
Meet the Charter team
Superyacht videos
360° yacht tours
Corporate & event charters
Inspiring charter ideas
Charter FAQs
Every day different

Charter NAIA

Available in the West Med or Adriatic this summer

Exciting fleet of tenders and toys to keep everyone active, plus gym, jacuzzi and on board masseuse

Available in the Balearics this summer

Exhilarating 25 knot performance, huge sunpad and open-air lounge plus stunning beach club

Motor yachts for sale
Sailing yachts for sale
Yachts for sale over 200 feet
Yachts for sale from 150 to 200 feet
Yachts for sale under 150 feet
Tenders and chase boats for sale
Yachts under construction
Meet the Brokerage team
Berths for sale
Sold yachts
Yacht marketing
Delivered yachts
Yacht designers
New Build Sales
Meet the Technical Services team
Meet the Yacht Management team
Crew vacancies
Meet the Crew Services team
Procurement Services
Charter Management
Sales Management
Yacht Marketing
Meet the Insurance team
360 degree yacht tours
Boat shows and events
Office vacancies
Talent pool
Office locations
Burgess in Asia
Burgess Blue Oceans
Strategic partners
Press centre
Company Operations
Crew Services
New Business
Technical Services
Yacht Management
Burgess Impact Report 2023

Filter your results

Yachts for charter
Yachts for sale

€ 0.00 0 items

Description

The 145 ft / 44.2 m Custom catamaran ‘ Hemisphere ‘ is the world’s largest catamaran and was was built in 2011 by Pendennis. This piece of marine art came off the drawing boards of Van Peteghem Lauriot Prévost (VPLP) and the yacht’s interior was designed by Michael Leach. The lines on this boat remind me of VPLP´s earlier performance catamaran designs – read our Lagoon 67 review to see what we mean.

Living Space

Well, we are obviously talking top end luxury on this Supercat. She will sleep up to 12 guests in 5 comfortable en-suite cabins. Plus a crew of 10 crew onboard. The 2 VIP cabins on the main deck have access to the forward terrace lounge forward. It’s a yacht that not even the Sunreef Yachts luxury range can compete with.

Photo credit: Pendennis Shipyard

VPLP has a solid reputation for designing multihulls with projects ranging from ultra-light carbon racing cats to the 138-foot custom catamaran Douce France—previously the world’s largest luxury cat—built at Alumarine in 1999.

Wow Factor Michael Leach was responsible for the interior design – and he had a lot of space to work with. She’s very luxurious yet practical. Watersports include windsurfers, wakeboards, Seabobs, waterskis and so on. The port hull has a fully stocked dive centre that can handle both Air and NITROX tank fills. Just raise the lift-up steps aft to reveal the ultimate dive locker.

Let´s just say, there is a lot of it on Hemisphere!

The oval dining table for 12 has a map of the world etched into its glass top. There´s also a huge dining area below.

Huge Space The huge teak aft deck below is a real WOW factor and this space fits 2 seating areas, a large sunbed and a big oval table set in the shade for lunch when the sun is overhead. The entire area can be closed off with an ‘Eissen glass’ screen and cooled from A/C units located under the flybridge sun pad.

On the main deck, 2 curved sliding doors connect the aft deck with its dining and lounging areas to a 100 m2 saloon, with several zones including a seating area with fantastic views.

Forward of that is a small lobby that leads to the guest cabin in the port hull, a day head to starboard and 2 VIP cabins.

Signature Sugar Scoops And those daybeds at the top of the sugar scoops- let´s not forget those. The whole yacht has been designed with an incredible attention to detail.

The crew quarters occupy much of the starboard hull. Forward is the mess and laundry area, and aft there are three well sized cabins. A happy crew means a happy cuise!

Hemisphere has a selection of tenders including a Castoldi jet tender stowed in the starboard hull and a RIB stowed between the two that is launched via bomber-like hatches.

5 Star Accomodation The TV room is on the main deck, and puts most 5 star hotels to shame. There are Wi-Fi and socket connections, Satcom and Cellular communications, Satellite TV, iPod docking stations and MP3 connections throughout the boat. There’s also 61″ plasma TV in the lower saloon, 42″ plasmas in the VIP staterooms and 32″ LCD TVs in the guest staterooms.

It´s all a far cry from the world´s best selling catamaran! (Read our Lagoon 380 review if you want to compare notes on the 2 boats 😉 )

And she can sail, too. She’ll regularly see 10 knots, and downwind the mainsail and gennaker add up to a total sail area exceeding 12,000 feet: Hemisphere can top out at 20 knots. It’s all powered by that mouth-droppping 53m (174-foot) 5.8-ton carbon mast by Lorima, which flys 865 m2 (9,321 sq ft) to 1118 m2 (12,037 sq ft) of carbon and spectra sails. Incredibly, this amazing catamaran is her owner’s first yacht. It’s a good job he can afford the crew!

A Catamaran with a Garage? Yes. One of the most famous Hemisphere catamaran design features is the “ailes de mouette” or seagull wings under the bridge deck which minimises bridge slam. On Hemisphere the wings serve a secondary purpose: there’s a watertight garage between the two hulls within the seagull wings.

For such a large vessel, she has a very low drag so only requires relatively small engines for her size : energy consumption and noise are kept to a minimum. Midships in each hull are 2 engine rooms with 2x Caterpillar C12s 490hp engines as the power source. There are 3 Caterpillar generators with a total output of 251kW, and there is a thruster fore and aft in both hulls to make life easier in the marina.

Other technical gizmos include a Radio Zeeland control and alarm system with 550 functions including monitoring standing rigging loads to fridge temperatures, plus programmable lighting; navigation, communication and the entertainment system that was supplied by HST with control units in each cabin.

Watersports

Check out this list of toys. Well, if you have the space…..

This cat has been designed for maximising watersports fun. The owners are keen divers, and in fact the initial brief for the yacht came from this angle. A hydraulic swim platform means access to the water is easy, and a springboard, attached to the stern, is a favourite with guests.

All the Toys and More The yacht carries dive scooters, two Seabobs, wakeboards, paddleboards and mountain bikes for onshore exploration. You name it, Hemisphere probably has it covered, including:

Certified PADI dive centre
16.4m F&S Custom sports fishing boat with 2 x 1150hp engines,
8.2m Scorpion tender with 400hp engine,
4.5m Castoldi jet tender with 125hp,
Full scuba diving facilities for 12 guests,
4 x SeaBobs,
Windsurfers,
Kneeboards & tows,
SUP (Stand up paddle board,
4m inflatable water trampoline,
Inflatables,
1m high 2.4m professional diving board,
Snorkelling gear,
Sports tournament standard fishing equipment

If you like exploring the underwater world, then you´ll like this next bit.

Hemisphere has a PADI-certified, Nitrox-capable dive centre for up to 12. The ship’s captain is a qualified dive instructor. And then there is the 16.4m (53.8ft) sports fishing tender for getting to those secluded dive sites as well as being a tournament-standard fishing boat.

Entertainment

State of the art audio visual systems, satellite television
Wi-Fi and socket connections
61″ plasma in lower salon,
42″ plasma in VIPs and
32″ LCD’s in guest cabins,
Ipod/MP3 connections throughout the yacht.
Sat TV (Seatel)Kaleidescape system with a big movie library

If you enjoyed this review, take a look at our Azizam catamaran review which is another classic custom boat – that one’s a smaller package.

Hemisphere Plan

This next section ( Pros and Cons ) is a bit tongue in cheek for this particular custom cat. It’s a process we normally go through on our other multihull reviews. We thought it would be fun!

All of that space! Come on, this is the largest catamaran around, you are not going to feel claustrophobic on her.
The garage is a unique feature on this boat. When you have that many toys, you need somewhere for them to go.
For such a large vessel, she moves. You should see double digits on a beam reach in a decent breeze.
If you break out into a cold sweat coming into the marina on a windy day, just think of the poor skipper on Hemisphere. Mind you, he or she has bow thrusters and plenty of power in the engines. Oh and the skipper is getting paid to deal with the stress.
She’s not the cheapest boat to run. Those marina fees are pretty eye watering, and don’t talk to me about filling up with diesel. If you go on the usual adage of 5-10% of the boat’s value on maintenance every year, you are into 7 figures. I can believe that when you think of the cost of the crew
Most of the power for the service batteries comes from the generators. A more modern design would probably have focused more on green energy. Still, there’s always room for more customisation!

Hemisphere was launched in 2011 and she still sits at the top of the Supercats list. That gives you an idea of how ambitious this yacht build was to begin with. This is the catamaran that all other luxury multihulls aspire to, a work of art from the same team that designed the humble Lagoon 380.

FAQs: Hemisphere Catamaran

How Much Did Hemisphere Cost to Build? Well, that´s not a number that is easy to get hold of, but we are looking at north of $50 million

Can you charter Hemisphere? How much is it for a week? Yes you can, this boat is probably one of the most luxurious dive charters around, but it will cost you more than a Leopard from Sunsail. You are looking at around $250k a week. Everything is negotiable of course.

Technical Specification

Related Catamarans

Ocean Pearl

Browse, search and find your perfect catamaran!

Privacy Overview

Custom Cats
Performance Cats
Cruising Cats
Luxury Cats
Owner Reviews
YT Channels

Catamaran Hemisphere

44.20m, (145') - Sleeps 12 Guests

Home › All Yachts › Catamaran Hemisphere

Right from the start, HEMISPHERE is in a league of her own. The world's largest luxury charter catamaran, HEMISPHERE boasts the ultimate fusion of extravagance and dynamic performance. This stunning 44.2m (145') sailing yacht commands unrivalled presence whether sailing or at anchor. HEMISPHERE will be available for charter in the stunning destinations of the Grenadines and Costa Rica until May 2024 and then in the idyllic islands of French Polynesia from August 2024.

Built by Pendennis and designed by renowned naval architects and multihull specialists, Van Peteghem Lauriot Prévost, her interior concept by Michael Leach Design can be described as "Polynesian Six Star Luxury": 15 varieties of stone, 18 different leathers, a soothing palette and blend of finishes including walnut soles, brushed oak and wengé, make HEMISPHERE a charter connoisseur's dream.

At 44.2m, her imposing size allows ample room for all the luxuries her charter guests could desire. A performance catamaran, HEMISPHERE is stable at sea as well and quick to respond when her 2 x 490hp Caterpillar engines are employed. HEMISPHERE accommodates up to 12 charter guests, and no two staterooms are identical. The two VIP masters are located forward of the main saloon, both with ensuite shower rooms. These staterooms can be adapted into a single master suite via a retractable joining door. In addition charter guests are accommodated in 2 double staterooms plus a twin stateroom with two pullman berths, all with ensuite shower rooms. The TV room on the main deck, boasts a Kaleidescape system where charter guests can choose from hundreds of movies and games. Wi-Fi and socket connections, Satcom and Cellular communications facilities, Satellite TV, iPod docking stations and MP3 connections are throughout the vessel. There's a 61" plasma TV in the lower saloon, 42" plasmas in the VIP staterooms and 32" LCD TVs in charter guest staerooms.

Outside, the flybridge affords massive deck space for recreation, and an inviting seating area surrounds the spa pool. The main aft deck features a fascinating oval-shaped glass table, etched with a map of the world's seven continents. The lavish formal dining area is located on the deck below.

As for water sports and toys, HEMISPHERE'S options are nearly limitless for charter guests. In addition to an 8.2m Scorpion tender with 315hp Yamaha inboard, HEMISPHERE comes equipped with a 16.4m (54ft) F&S custom sport fishing boat for game fishing, diving and guest excursions. There is a 4.5m Castoldi jet wave rider with Yanmar 125hp engine, full scuba diving gear for 12 guests, water skis, five water scooters, two Seabobs, wake boards, kneeboard, kayaks, paddle boards, tow toys, a 4.8m inflatable water trampoline and a 1m high 2.4m professional diving board!

Radek Gendek European Office

Want to know more? Call +33 6 85 60 15 79 or request information below...

Full Specifications

Charter Season & Rates

Rates are weekly, plus expenses and local taxes, MYBA terms Local taxes may apply.

Ask us for your personal quote

Charter Destinations

Thailand , Malaysia , Indonesia, including Bali , Seychelles , Norway , Spitsberg & the Svalbard Archipelago

Related Yachts

BLUE MOON - 15.85m (52') / 10 Guests

Related News

Multihulls Make Memorable Charters

Catamarans or trimarans are ideal for making the most of your luxury charter vacation, especially in the tropics, where secluded beaches, tranquil bays and islands are often accessible only by these spacious, dynamic, low draft craft Learn more...

Nature and Nurture on Yacht HEMISPHERE

The world’s largest cruising catamaran tends mind, body, soul and spirit, with more than a dash of adventure for a once-in-a-lifetime charter experience…. now available for charter in the azure waters of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef Learn more...

Disclaimer: The information about luxury yachts displayed on this page is merely informational and these yachts are not necessarily available for yacht charter or for sale, nor are they represented or marketed in anyway by Luxury Charter Group. This web page and the superyacht information contained herein is not contractual. All yacht specifications and information is displayed in good faith but Luxury Charter Group does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the current accuracy, completeness, validity, or usefulness of any superyacht information and/or images displayed. All boat information is subject to change without prior notice and may not be current.

8 Good Reasons to Book with Luxury Charter Group

We are the luxury charter experts and have been excelling in this space for 30 years, or a combined total of 140 years! Our clients’ feedback assures us that our experience, expertise and dedication are the main reasons they rely on us, why they rebook time and again and refer their friends and contacts to us.

Personalised service: we take care of the details
We deliver exceptional charter experiences
Up-to-date charter yacht knowledge
Personal experience of the destinations
Unbiased independent advice
Global operations base
Financial security
Secure charter contracts

We ensure planning your charter is easy and enjoyable

Why you should choose us...

We use cookies to improve your browsing experience, analyze site traffic, and personalize content. By using our site, you consent to our use of cookies. Learn more in our Privacy Policy .

The top 10 largest catamarans for charter

Inspiration

Featured Yachts

TURQUOISE | From US$ 300,000/wk

Charterworld news.

Looking ahead to the 2024 MYBA Charter ...

NEVER ENOUGH | From US$ 99,000/wk Special

A tempting choice of luxury charter ...

Inspirational Yacht Charter Articles >
The Top 10 of Luxury Yacht Charters >
The top ten largest catamarans for charter

Both experienced yachting enthusiasts and those new to the world of yacht charters choose to holiday and hold events aboard luxury catamarans for their unique advantages over monohulled vessels, and these 10 largest luxury catamarans available for charter are amongst the best available today. These impeccably maintained catamarans provide greater stability while cruising and at anchor, and the wider beam creates more space on board for hosting dockside events and revelling in the outdoor lifestyle wherever you travel. Of note are the huge cockpits that are weather protected, spacious foredecks with trampolines, and most large catamarans also have a flybridge for sunbathing and alfresco dining.

Catamarans are also generally considered to be faster than monohulls, and can often enter shallower bays to find hidden gems thanks to their low draft. A final catamaran benefit is twin engines to match the twin hulls, increasing safety and manoeuvrability while travelling between isles.

HEMISPHERE - 44.20m (145')

44-metre Pendennis catamaran yacht Hemisphere with naval architecture by VPLP

Since her launch in 2011 luxury catamaran HEMISPHERE has remained one of the largest catamarans in the world as well as the largest currently available on the charter market. She won Interior Layout Award: Sailing Yachts and Interior Design Award: Sailing Yachts at the Showboats Design Awards 2012 where she was also a finalist in other categories for her exterior design and on board amenities.

There are two dive instructors aboard this PADI Certified Dive Centre and the wide variety of water toys will satisfy adrenaline seekers as well as guests look to unwind in the water or on deck in peace. Earthen tones decorate the interior, where there are numerous seating areas for small groups, and the outdoor deck spaces offer a plethora or sunbathing options in addition to a flybridge Jacuzzi.

DOUCE FRANCE - 42.20m (138' 5")

Luxury charter yacht Douce France by Alu Marine

Built in 1998 by Alumarine and last refitted in 2015, DOUCE FRANCE provides late 20th Century style with classic wooden panelling and understated furnishings that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. On board there is a wine cellar with a 250 bottle capacity and an extensive collection of water toys including sail boats, sea kayaks, wind surfers and Scuba diving equipment, giving guests the opportunity to earn a recognised diving licence during their stay.

S/Y DOUCE FRANCE can sail at a constant 22 knots in 28 knots of breeze using her 528.8m2/5,692ft2 fore and aft sail area, and regularly achieves 15 knots in 20 knots of wind, making good time from island to island in charter grounds such as the Saronic Islands.

THE BEAST - 39.5m/129.7ft

Motor catamaran THE BEAST is unusual on this list not only for her lack of sails but also because she is designed for expeditions. She was built in New Zealand and launched in 2019 by Profab Engineering with naval architecture by LOMOcean and deep, moody interiors by Oceania Interiors. Floor to ceiling windows let an abundance of natural light filter through to highlight the textures, and vibrant accents of colour can be found in the surrounding artwork. The main deck aft is used for storing the large water toys, including a custom-built sports fisher and an amphibious RIB. On the flybridge there is a Teppanyaki bar where guests can watch their dinner and dessert being prepared before them in incredible skill and showmanship.

CHE - 34.72m (113' 11")

Sunreef catamaran CHE from 2010 was the shipyard's second custom-built superyacht. She has a voluminous 12.8m/42ft beam that results in a large interior salon, beautifully decorated in warm wooden panelling contrasted by vibrant furnishings in turquoise. The accommodation sleeps a maximum of eight guests in four en-suite cabins, and those on board have at their disposal a sizable cockpit filled with sofas, sunbeds and alfresco dining options shaded by the hard top. On the flybridge there is a sun-exposed sunbathing space and an alfresco dining area soaked in sunshine

QUARANTA - 34.10m (111' 11")

34m superyacht Quaranta by Curvelle and Logos Marine

Motor catamaran QUARANTA from Curvelle - Logos in Turkey was built in 2013 was built in carbon composite and powered by a pair of Caterpillar C32 Acer diesel engines that allow her to achieve an excellent top speed of 25 knots and a fast cruising speed of 23 knots.

Sleeping up to 12 guests across six well-appointed and generously proportioned staterooms, M/Y QUARANTA treats guests to light and airy interiors as well as notable features such as the hydraulic swim platform that lifts to give guests and the tender easy access in and out of the sea. At deck level it adds to the area for lounging and entertaining with the tender docked safely out of sight between the two hulls. It can also be lowered to water level and become the beach club and with a touch of a button have two water cascades with spa bubbles from underneath.

BELLA VITA - 32m/105ft

Guests looking for serenity and comfort will fall in love with luxury catamaran BELLA VITA , who is true to her name by offering calming, well-lit interiors suited to dining and lounging as a group or spending time on personal pursuits. She won Best New Refit at the World Superyacht Awards 2010 and has plenty of outdoor sunbathing areas, and there is a great selection of water toys for all ages and fitness levels to truly interact with your surroundings.

TIP TOP II - 31.7m/104ft

When you want to take a larger group for a cruise, options can seem few and far between - even aboard larger luxury yachts. M/Y TIP TOP II can host up to 16 guests overnight, who have a choice of 10 light and airy en-suite cabins. The large shared areas take advantage of the 12.2m/40ft beam and surround the rooms with windows for naturally lit interiors that are also fully air conditioned. The large salon and formal dining area will be filled with memories before you leave, and you'll never forget resting on the sundeck in the sunshine while enjoying a cocktail.

IPHARRA - 31.09m (102')

Luxury sailing yacht IPHARRA was launched in 2010 and is the first 102ft Sunreef multihull ever produced, in addition to currently holding the title of the world's second biggest sloop-rigged catamaran. She has comfortable accommodation for up to 12 guests in five spacious cabins, while the rest of the guest areas take advantage of her 12.8m/42ft beam for an extensive sun-drenched foredeck and sundeck while the shaded main deck aft also provides a generous outdoor living area.

HUTIANE - 31m/101.8ft

Superyacht HUTIANE from Cuneo Marine is highly desirable for her bright modern interiors where 'less is more' certainly means more space for guests within her 12.3m/40.3ft beam. Outside, the flybridge, foredeck and main deck aft create an abundance of space for hosting dockside events, and the latter area has a Jacuzzi along the stern for sweeping views of the scenery while resting. The accommodation sleeps up to 10 guests across four en-suite cabins, and there is a wide variety of water toys to suit all ages and interests.

MARTINA - 30.7m/100.9ft

Luxury catamaran MARTINA is an excellent choice when you want to connect with your destination and loved ones: Her timeless cabins are well-proportioned and sleep 12 guests on five en-suite cabins, and make a desirable retreat at the end of an action-packed day exploring on land and in the water.

The sides of the main deck aft can be covered for use in less clement weather, while the sundeck and foredeck are ready to welcome guests for a day in the sunshine.

The Top 10 of Luxury Yacht Charters
The top 10 superyachts for charter
The top 10 fastest superyachts for charter
Top 10 Mediterranean Yacht Charter Destinations
Top 10 Superyacht Charter Water Toys
10 Outrageous charter guest requests
Celebrities' Top 20 Yachts Listed
16 Charter Yachts under $50,000
The top 10 largest sailing yachts for charter
The top 10 most expensive superyacht charters

Quick Enquiry

Royal falcon one | from eur€ 195,000/wk.

ISLAND PASSAGE | From NZ$ 176,000/wk

ELITE | From US$ 116,879/wk

ENDEMIC | From US$ 116,879/wk

SPIRIT | From US$ 115,000/wk

CORMORANT | From US$ 112,950/wk

QUARANTA | From EUR€ 109,000/wk

ENDLESS HORIZON | From US$ 100,000/wk

SOL | From US$ 100,000/wk

DOUCE FRANCE | From EUR€ 95,000/wk

OHANA | From US$ 94,000/wk

Sailing Catamaran OHANA (shipyard Rendering)

PRONTO | From US$ 90,000/wk

WindQuest | From US$ 85,000/wk

APOLLO 99 | From EUR€ 85,000/wk

APOLLO 99 Sunreef Eco 80 Catamaran Yacht

KUTSUNGA | From US$ 85,000/wk

BOLDER WON | From US$ 84,000/wk

BUNDALONG | From US$ 80,000/wk

NALANI | From EUR€ 74,000/wk

SYLENE | From US$ 72,000/wk

BELLA VITA | From US$ 70,000/wk

SERENISSIMA III | From EUR€ 70,000/wk

XMOTION | From EUR€ 70,000/wk

OTOCTONE | From EUR€ 69,000/wk

ONE PLANET | From EUR€ 68,000/wk

7X | From EUR€ 67,000/wk

HUTIANE | From EUR€ 66,000/wk

GINETTE | From EUR€ 65,000/wk

MANE Et NOCTE | From EUR€ 65,000/wk

JACK | From EUR€ 65,000/wk

BABAC | From US$ 62,000/wk

SEAGLASS | From US$ 62,000/wk

IPHARRA | From US$ 60,000/wk

ROYAL RITA | From US$ 60,000/wk

SAMELI | From EUR€ 59,000/wk

SASTA | From US$ 59,000/wk

TELLSTAR | From US$ 58,000/wk

COLIBRI | From US$ 57,900/wk

DIANA | From US$ 56,000/wk

MY TY | From US$ 56,000/wk

Motor Ultimate Lady | From US$ 55,000/wk

BOAT OF THE YEAR
Newsletters
Sailboat Reviews
Boating Safety
Sailing Totem
Charter Resources
Destinations
Galley Recipes
Living Aboard
Sails and Rigging
Maintenance
Best Marine Electronics & Technology

Best Cruising Catamarans

By Cruising World Editors
Updated: July 1, 2021

Cruising catamarans have been around for decades, but early models—often plywood and fiberglass vessels built by their owners from plans and kits, kept the boats on the fringes of mainstream sailing. That all changed, though, as big roomy cats were discovered by sailors who went off to charter in the Caribbean, where the multihulls proved their worth as comfortable liveaboard and party boats.

Today’s bluewater catamarans roam the globe, carrying families to exotic destinations across the Pacific and beyond. Just as with their monohull cousins, there is no best catamaran. Instead there is a wide variety of designs, ranging from small catamarans that offer the ease of maintenance a couple might enjoy to performance catamarans capable of easily knocking off 250-mile days. Today, the best catamaran brands offer a range of size models and layouts that can be optimized for an owner sailing with family and friends, or for the charter market, where there’s a demand for four, five and even six cabins worth of accommodations.

The most prolific catamaran manufacturers are in France and South Africa where yards include both large-run production builders and niche companies building fewer than 10 boats a year.

The best cruising catamarans offer good load-carrying ability and respectable performance. As with any sailboat , a modern catamaran’s design is a result of compromises. Daggerboards or keels? Galley up or galley down? Spacious owner’s cabin or extra bunks? There are lots of options to choose from—and that’s what makes looking at these sailboats fun!

Here, then is an eclectic A to Z list of some of the best catamarans that have helped shaped the evolution of how we live and sail on two hulls.

Antares 44i

Now built in Argentina as a full-fledged, bluewater catamaran and cruiser that can be safely operated by a shorthanded couple or family crew, the Antares 44i features a fully covered cockpit with a quartet of big, standard solar panels recessed within the hardtop, one example of a yacht capable of long-range passagemaking.

Atlantic 42

Almost 30 years ago, yacht designer Chris White revolutionized catamaran design with the first in his series of Atlantic cats, the primary feature of which was the innovative mid-ship sailing cockpit forward of the main cabin. The smallest in the Atlantic line, the 42 remains White’s most popular design ever.

Fountaine-Pajot has built so many outstanding cruising catamarans that it’s difficult to narrow down any single boat, but we’ve always been fans of the good-looking, well-thought-out Bahia 46. At 46 feet, the boat is large enough for offshore forays and has plenty of volume; with its simple but powerful sail plan, it’s also an excellent performer.

Beginning around 1996, the French builder Catana was one of the first companies to manufacture fully found cruising cats for private ownership, and this Christophe Barreau design, which enjoyed a nearly 10-year production run from 1997-2006, was emblematic of this first generation of safe, fun, long-legged offshore voyagers.

Click here to see more cats from Catana.

When it comes to speed, light boats are fast ones. And if you wish to save weight, that means exotic modern materials like carbon. Catana now infuses the laminates of their entire production line with carbon fiber, and for this list, we’ve chosen the Catana 50 Carbon, one of the zippiest cats now crossing oceans.

Click here to read about a couple’s charter aboard a Catana 50.

Gemini 105M

Pioneering catamaran sailor, builder and designer Tony Smith launched the first of his 33-foot Gemini 105M’s (10.5 meters = 33′) in 1993, and soon after found a ready and willing stream of sailors enamored of the boat’s compact size, affordable price tag, and such innovations as the nifty lifting rudder and transom steps.

Click here to read about the Gemini Legacy 35.

Built between 2000-2005, the Gunboat 62 firmly established the Gunboat brand: go-anywhere cats that applied race-boat technology to a world-cruising platform. Hull no. 1, Tribe, was built for company founder Peter Johnstone, who then spent a year-and-a-half cruising with his family, smiling all the way.

French builder Henri Wauquiez is best known for his long career building monohulls, but the Kronos 45 cat, which he launched in 1992, was ahead of her time. Classic lines, the aft “targa bar” over the cockpit, the louvered coach roof windows, even the distinctive stripes on her hull: the Kronos 45 remains timeless.

No roundup of cruising cats would be complete without several Lagoon entries, and the best of that impressive bunch might well be the Lagoon 380. Originally launched in 1999, and revered for its combination of quality, volume and performance, with over 740 boats built the 380 is still going strong.

Launched five years after the breakthrough 380, the Lagoon 440 was an evolutionary design that featured a raised flybridge helm station, a unique “gullwing” configuration below the bridge deck, expanded windows in the hull and much more. With 400 boats built in a 6-year production run, the 440 was an unqualified success.

How big can a production cat, still operable by a short-handed crew, really be? The builders at Lagoon discovered that 62-feet hit a sweet spot in the marketplace, and have sold over 70 boats since its introduction in 2010. The centerpiece of this design is the sensational steering station atop the flybridge, with expansive views of the sea and sky.

Click here to see more cats from Lagoon.

With an unmatched pedigree – designed by premier multihull naval architects Gino Morelli and Pete Melvin, built by the prestigious Robertson & Caine boatyard in South Africa, and commissioned by chartering giant The Moorings – the Leopard 40 was, perhaps unsurprisingly, Cruising World ’s Import Boat of the Year in 2005.

Louisiane 37

Based on the famous French racing cat Charente-Maritime, the Louisiane 37, designed by Joubert/Nivelt and launched by builder Fountaine-Pajot in 1983, was a light, fast liveaboard cruiser with full accommodations that represented a radical departure from the hefty British cats that preceded it.

Maine Cat 30

One of the more versatile and clever cats ever created, the central feature of the cool Maine Cat 30 is the open bridge deck/living room sandwiched between the hulls and canopied by a rigid, permanent hard top (the comfortable accommodations/ staterooms are stationed in the hulls). Ideal for a winter in the Bahamas but with the ability to sail offshore, it’s a boat for all seasons and reasons.

Built in Florida and beloved by the owners of the over 120 boats built during the company’s existence from 1993 to 2009, the Manta Catamarans range included 38-, 40- and 44-foot cats. For this exercise, however, we’re heralding the original Manta 42, which won the Best Value Overall prize in CW’s 2001 Boat of the Year contest.

Moorings 4800/Leopard 48

Another Leopard/Moorings collaboration built by the wizards at Robertson & Caine (though this boat was designed by fellow South African Alex Simonis), the Leopard 48 was another CW Boat of the Year winner with all the contemporary bells and whistles: forward cockpit, flybridge helm station and solid hardtop dodger, just to name a few.

Click here to read more about the Leopard 48, and click here to see more images.

Nautitech 441

The Best Multihull Under 45 Feet: So said the CW judging panel in the 2013 Boat of the Year competition, regarding the Nautitech 441. But what makes this versatile platform so intriguing are the different helm set-ups. The 441 employs a single wheel, to starboard, ideal for solo sailors, while the 442 has a pair of helm stations aft.

Click here to see more Nautitech Catamarans.

Outremer 5X

A state-of-the-art all-oceans cat that exemplifies how far multihull design has come, the 59-foot Outremer 5X was a winner on both sides of the Atlantic, taking top honors in the European Boat of the Year competition in 2013, and following up as the Best Full-Size Multihull in CW ’s contest a year later.

Click here to see more cats from Outremer.

St. Francis 50

The flagship of the proud St. Francis line – built in South Africa since 1990 to designs by local legends Lavranos Marine Design – the St. Francis 50 is another “luxury cat” that shares much in common with an earlier 48-foot sister-ship, but packs even more payload into its roomier lines.

Click here to read more about the St. Francis 50

Seawind 1000

Founded by Aussie surfer and sailor Richard Ward in 1982, the 33-foot Seawind 1000 is easily the most popular cruising cat ever built in Australia (the company has since moved its manufacturing and management operations to Vietnam). Roomy and airy, these cats dot the coastline of eastern Oz.

Seawind 1160

If the Seawind 1000 was a minimalist approach to cruising cats, the 38-foot Seawind 1160 is the flip side of the coin, a full-fledged long-range voyager. Among the reasons it was named CW ’s Most Innovative boat for 2007 is the unique “tri-folding” door that stashes overhead to open up the saloon and cockpit into a spacious living area.

Click here to read more about the Seawind 1160.

Sunsail 384

Every sailboat is a compromise, and in the case of the Sunsail 384 (also sold privately as the Leopard 38) that’s a good thing, because designers Morrelli & Melvin and builder Robertson and Caine got the balance just right with this relatively small catamaran. With four cabins, the 384 can carry the same size bareboat charter crowd as her larger siblings, but does so with a decided bounce in her step. Named CW’s Import Boat of the Year in 2010, you can gauge the success of the design by the grins on the crew as they barrel down Sir Francis Drake channel in the British Virgin Islands.

Victoria 67

The French design office of Berret Racoupeau drafted the lines of Fountaine-Pajot’s new flagship, introduced in 2013, a magnificent world-girdling voyaging catamaran. Like other giant cats launched in recent years, the boat features a sensational upper deck with all sail controls, helm and lounging stations.

Click here to see more images of the Victoria 67.

Wharram Tanaroa

No list of influential multihulls would be complete without the work of James Wharram, and while Tangaroa wasn’t a production cat by any means, it showcases the British designer’s respect for ancient Polynesian craft. Wharram sailed this 23-foot-6-inch “double-hulled canoe” across the Atlantic in the 1950s, and sold countless plans for similar boats for decades afterwards.

More: Boat Gallery , catamaran , multihull , Sailboat Reviews , Sailboats
More Sailboats

New to the Fleet: Pegasus Yachts 50

Balance 442 “Lasai” Set to Debut

Sailboat Review: Tartan 455

Meet the Bali 5.8

Cruising the Northwest Passage

A Legendary Sail

10 Best Sailing Movies of All Time

Digital Edition
Customer Service
Privacy Policy
Email Newsletters
Cruising World
Sailing World
Salt Water Sportsman
Sport Fishing
Wakeboarding

12 Best Catamaran Sailboats

Best Catamaran Sailboats | Life of Sailing

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

December 28, 2023

The appeal of the catamaran sailboats in terms of speed , stability, and the ability to embark on long-range cruising has made them hugely popular with today's sailors. But what are the best catamaran sailboats?

Even though catamaran sailboats have become increasingly popular in the last few years, they have a truly rich legacy as one of the most sought after vessels for bluewater cruising.

Thanks to their incredibly wide beams and bigger daft, catamarans have become remarkably favorable for sailors looking to go for long-distance voyages, overnight cruising, and day sailing.

And if space is paramount for you when out there on the water, a catamaran sailboat is the only way to go as they offer extraordinary space to allow you to spend more time on the water with friends and family.

But even with all these amazing features, you're probably still wondering; what are the best catamaran sailboats?

Like their monohull counterparts, choosing the best catamaran sailboat can be quite overwhelming since there are lots of them out there. They come in a wide variety of designs and sizes ranging from small catamarans to huge ones.

The best catamaran sailboats can easily clock 250-mile voyages, offer incredible performance, and have layouts that can be easily optimized for individuals, charter markets, and great accommodation. In essence, the best catamaran sailboats offer respectable performance and offer good load-carrying ability.

That being said, here are some of the best catamaran sailboats that you can get your hands on.

Table of contents

Best Catamarans

Even though many multihulls are no longer built in the United States these days, the Manta 42 is a true American-built catamaran that brings good living and good value into one package. Designed cleverly for easy handling, this American built catamaran is a great choice for a liveaboard cruiser for sailors looking to go for long-distance voyages. Thanks to its trademark high bows and an enormously curved incorporated forward crossbeam, this catamaran is easily recognizable even from a distance.

It is designed with a uniquely fixed crossbeam, which is very different from conventional aluminum cross beams that support the tension of the forestay. This fixed crossbeam allows for a little bit of movement thereby helping in absorbing enormous twisting forces of the bows. As such, you have to keep in mind that there may be resultant stress crack particularly in the bow area of the vessel.

All in all, the Manta 42 is a superb offshore cruising catamaran that offers a good sail-area-to-displacement ratio as well as plenty of space and accommodation. The cockpit area is refined, luxurious, and is designed with additional stainless pushpit contraptions to help in holding objects such as wind vanes, dinghies, and solar panels. The boat's quality in terms of performance and stability is the benchmark of what a catamaran should be.

Fountaine Pajot Elba 45

Recently named the "Boat of the Year" for 2019 by Cruising World Magazine and Sail Magazine, the Elba 45 is the latest model in the incredible line of Fountaine Pajot catamarans. This boat was designed to replace the outgoing Helia 44 and stands to be one of the most popular catamarans with Fountain Pajot having sold over 100 Elba 45 hulls long before even the first one emerged from production.

This French-built cat brings to the fore a well-thought-out, safe, and dependable features with 10% less drag, efficient motoring, top-notch performance, and high speeds. It's also designed with fixed stub keels and slightly aft-raked bows, which are all essential in enhancing windward performance; something that most catamarans struggle with.

To improve on safety, the keels of this amazing catamaran sailboat are glued into a particularly designed recess in the hulls. This is to ensure that there are no keel bolts that can rip out and put the boat in danger if the boat gets grounded or in the event of a collision. The rig is also ICW friendly and is a true representation of a standard catamaran setup.

This is, without a doubt, a modern-looking cruising catamaran that has a low-profile lounging space on its deck, high topsides and bows as well as a more pronounced reverse sheer that's essential in minimizing the bulk of the windows while creating additional and useful volume below. This is a true catamaran that occupies a sweet spot for those looking to sail along the bay or for those adventurous sailors looking to set sail for more ambitious offshore cruising plans.

With its fine design, straightforward systems, and easy handling, the Leopard 48 has everything it needs to be ranked among the distinguished category of the best catamaran sailboats. This is an excellent multihull that is structured with advanced materials, designs, and innovations that are meant to be fun, spacious, and comfortable.

Designed in South Africa by Simonis-Voogd, is probably the best design in the Leopard family of catamarans. Its two hulls are vacuum-bagged using balsa core to offer maximum firmness while ensuring that the weight is on the minimum. This is done by articulately regulating the level of resin in the layup. With such types of hull shapes, this catamaran sailboat is very fast and can consistently clock 12 knots of speed against the currents.

The boat is also designed with shallow keels as they're filled with closed-cell polyurethane foam that's of great importance in increasing buoyancy and preventing water ingress. To enhance the safety of the vessel, the stern and bow both have bulkheads that are essential in keeping out that water if the sailboat is involved in a collision.

The hulls of this boat are deep and narrow, particularly below the waterline. They also curve higher up to practically reduce the wetted surface area while offering enough deck space and plenty of room for accommodations. Its cockpit is another excellent feature thanks to its lavish spaces that give you the chance of kicking back and relaxing.

This boat is designed to offer superior livability, quick and easy to handle features, as well as enough space for friends and family. It is designed with beautiful lines and immense practicality for those who want to go on long cruising voyages.

Antares 44i

While many people often believe that voluminous cruising catamarans should be used as charter boats, the Antares 44i brings a very different perspective altogether. Designed in Argentina as a complete bluewater catamaran, this is a boat that's specifically built for private boat owners looking for a sturdy and well-equipped bluewater cruiser. This is an absolutely gorgeous catamaran that has a fully-equipped cockpit just to ensure that you can safely operate it even when shorthanded.

Like most catamarans, the Antares 44i is designed with features that allow for long-distance voyages. It comes with a minimum bridge deck clearance of 30 inches, which is essential in mitigating bridge deck slap. The helm station is designed to offer excellent visibility over the coach roof without having to perch the helmsman high above the cockpit.

If you're planning to make those long-distance cruising to exotic places, you'll appreciate this boat's layout. The galley is put down in the port hull so that it doesn't compromise the size of the galley and the saloon. The forward-facing navigation station is up there with the best and is up to offshore standards. And that's not all; the Antares 44i comes with good mounting points for electronics, a large table, comfortable seats, and provides brilliant visibility outside.

This boat is perfectly suited for extended offshore cruising and is a great reminder for anyone who thinks that all catamarans are charter boats and all offshore boats are monohulls.

Designed by Philipe Pouvreau in northern Brazil, the Dolphin Ocema 42 is a truly unique catamaran sailboat that goes against the conventional norm of catamarans. It is equipped with daggerboards, which are essential in enabling it to point higher on the wind while reducing the wetted surface when running or anchoring in shallow surfaces. This, however, requires a higher level of expertise in sailing. This is because lifting the daggerboards higher up will expose the rudders while the daggerboards can also interfere with the hulls in the event that the vessel runs aground.

But even with that, the Dolphin 42 balances incredible performance and cruising comfort in a very compact package; something that is not very easy in bluewater cruising. That's why it's designed using a foam core to make it lightweight by reducing weight wherever possible. This vessel will most likely never let you down if you want to circumnavigate the bluewater on a high-performance boat that is safe and comfortable.

So if you've been looking for a real sailing catamaran that doubles up as a very comfortable liveaboard sailboat , look no further than the Dolphin 42.

Regarded as the best built and most stylish cruising multihull, the Catana 50 is a very huge catamaran sailboat. Measuring about 50 feet long with a beam of about 26 feet, this is an amazing catamaran that will test your sailing skills as a single sailor or if you're planning to sail shorthanded.

This boat is designed with a rig that gives you the option of using either a screecher or a self-tending jib. This may seem complex since the sheets are led to winches near each wheel while all other controls lead to a centerline winch that's located in the cockpit. But even with that, this sailboat can be easily tacked once on the course.

This is a real performance-oriented catamaran with efficient hulls and rigs allowing for top speed. This vessel is also designed with a long waterline and a subtle underwater shape at the bow to help in increasing volume while minimizing wave drag. The stern platforms can help in stretching the waterline length while also providing easy access from a dock or a dinghy. The board trunks are also very strong and sturdy to protect the integrity of the hulls if a collision occurs.

In essence, this is a very modern catamaran that's designed to safely make long-distance passages with ease. It is subdued in terms of styling but this doesn't mean that it falls short as far as performance is concerned.

Atlantic 42

Designed in 1993, the A42 has cultivated a legion of fiercely loyal fans thanks to its efficiency and aesthetic. This is the smallest of the Atlantic cruising catamaran line and is hugely popular with sailors thanks to its ease of handling, ocean-going capabilities, and superb use of space. From the forward cockpit, pilothouse to the sleeping cabins, and brilliant galleys everything about this cat is a true classic.

Unlike most catamarans, the Atlantic 42 is designed with a waist-high cockpit that's located forward of the pilothouse just behind the mast. It brings forth a solid construction thanks to the large metal girder-like bearers that run across the bulkheads. This helps the vessel in having the utmost strength, better air circulation under the engine, and a high level of flexibility as far as the size of the engine and its positioning is concerned.

Initially, the boat's style and its outlook were considered conservative but it soon became clear that it is built of high-quality materials and to last. The internal construction of the boat is impressive, to say the least. The exterior looks very beautiful and perhaps much more beautiful than most boats today. Its large aft cabin accommodation is a top drawer while the space separating en suite heads and shower compartments are considered a bonus.

If you were to board the French-built Fountaine Pajot Bahia 46, you'll agree that the high-quality of workmanship, layout, and efficient use of space is quite exciting, to say the least. This cat remains very popular among sailors thanks to its easy handling features and incredible performance under the sails. Well, this may not come as a surprise to many of us given that the Fountain Pajot is known for building some of the most remarkable cruising catamarans out there that it can be quite overwhelming to narrow down to a single vessel, but the Bahia 46 simply stands out.

This vessel is designed with hulls that are broader than those of many other catamarans. It's also designed with centerboards and daggerboards that are meant to enhance its performance. These are essential in minimizing draft while ensuring reliability, generous bilge, and in helping to protect the rudders and propellers.

This boat is big enough to manage any type of serious offshore sailing. This is one of the best cruising catamarans for anyone looking for the right vessel for long-distance sailing. This vessel has a very more generous rig than most cruising catamarans, which is essential in enhancing its performance. The six-post Bimini is very strong and clean and can perfectly hold dinghies.

In terms of its look, the Bahia 36 is designed with gorgeous lines with the deck and hulls sculpted with lines that add a touch of elegance to the overall look of an already excellent catamaran sailboat.

Gemini 105MC

Whether you're looking for a comfortable catamaran vessel to take you for a weekend sailing trip or a long sabbatical vacation on the oceans, the Gemini 105MC is a very satisfactory liveaboard catamaran vessel that offers spacious accommodation, thoughtful design, and a stable cruising platform for anyone who wants to have some good time on the water.

Designed by the legendary Tony Smith, this is somewhat a sailing cottage. Like a land cottage, it is cozy, comfortable, and very safe. This is essentially a 35 feet catamaran that offers great value for any sailing looking for a reasonably-priced catamaran sailboat for the weekend or holiday cruising.

This boat is designed with incredibly slim hulls, which are teardrop-shaped with flat bottoms and smaller wetted surface area. This is to ensure that drag is minimized and to lead to more leeway under sail. Each of the boat's hull is designed with a kick-up centerboard is of great importance in enhancing the vessel's windward pointing capability. This boat also has its rudders raised to enable it to seamlessly cruise in shallow waters where most vessels would otherwise run aground.

The eccentric narrow beam, which measures about 40% of the boat's length, is very different from today's 50%. However, its low center helps in keeping its stable, upright, and of course, safe.

Lagoon 450 F

If you're looking for a catamaran sailboat that offers prestige at its peak, look no further than the Lagoon 450. This cat is widely known for offering an all-around comfort without compromising its beauty, spaciousness, class, and elegance. This is an elaborate French catamaran that brings to the table fantastic craftsmanship while leaving nothing to chance.

This is a very safe 45 feet catamaran that's not just comfortable but also very luxurious. The deck layout is centered on an amazing flybridge, which has been redesigned and redefined to offer both the traditional and modern outlook. You can very easily access the bridge, engine controls, steering station in a matter of seconds. As a result, this boat is efficiently designed to give you the ultimate control of almost every situation while on the water.

The spacious and luxurious interior of this boat is worth experiencing. The cabins and saloons are perfectly lit. We're talking about four to six cabins, eight to twelve berths, and up to four bathrooms. In essence, this boat can comfortably sleep eight to twelve people. This boat is designed to offer ultra-modern accommodations and amenities that come with little but amazing touches; all designed to make your life inside the catamaran enjoyable.

An original performance catamaran cruiser from the iconic Gunboat manufacturer, the Gunboat 62 has truly cemented its place as one of the best catamaran sailboats to ever grace the oceans. Honestly speaking, this cat-inspired a whole range of other incredible boats including HH66 Catamaran and the Balance 526.

This is a boat that can perform admirably well in storms with a speed of over 35 knots despite being built using epoxy and E-glass with carbon-fiber structural components. It's designed with a distinct angular outline than most catamaran sailboats of its size and category. This is a vessel that was built for people looking to add more stuff and more gear for their voyages. In other words, you can have all the gear and equipment on this boat and still outperform a racing monohull of the same size.

Thanks to its lightweight feature, this vessel can sail upwind at speeds of over 17 knots and pinch up to 30 degrees. Just for comparison, the Gunboat 62 can tack through 95 degrees and still outperform the best racing monohulls. This boat is designed with a comfortable helm seat that offers 360-degree visibility as well as plenty of storage space, a functional working surface, and a luxurious cabin. Like many performance catamarans, the Gunboat 62 can attain about 20 knots if the conditions are right.

Privilege 615

Combining elegance, comfort, and style, the Privilege 615 is a lovely catamaran sailboat that seems to be always ready for a long offshore voyage. The roots of this incredible cat can be traced back to the 1980s when Philippe Jeantot opened up a boat-building company in France. As one of the best productions from the company, the privilege 615 sports a flybridge that comes complete with twin wheels, a sprawling sunbed, and other excellent features that will make your bluewater cruising a breeze.

Whether you want the charter version or a privately-owned version, the Privilege 615 is one of the most versatile catamaran sailboats. Step inside this vessel and you'll instantly notice the quality of the wood finish and the elegance of design. The advanced navigation station is not only ultra-modern but is perfectly stationed at a dedicated corner where you can control everything while still having a conversation with your friends and family.

This boat comes with multiple sleeping configurations to ensure that you and your guests can live aboard the boat for months on end. Although the boat appears like some sort of maze on the inside, you'll easily get used to it when you enter the forward section. That's not all; this boat has gorgeous lines that make the exterior beautiful just like the interior. Its sleek profile, incredible volume, and versatile interior make it one of the best catamaran sailboats out there.

There you have it; these are the best catamaran sailboats out there. It doesn't matter the one you choose, these cats will make your day out on the water and will serve you just right for your offshore voyages or for day sailing along the bays.

I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

by this author

Best Sailboats

Most Recent

What Does "Sailing By The Lee" Mean?

October 3, 2023

The Best Sailing Schools And Programs: Reviews & Ratings

September 26, 2023

Important Legal Info

Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.

Affordable Sailboats You Can Build at Home

September 13, 2023

Best Small Sailboats With Standing Headroom

Best Bluewater Sailboats Under $50K

Best Liveaboard Catamaran Sailboats

Can a Novice Sail Around the World?

Elizabeth O'Malley

June 15, 2022

Best Electric Outboard Motors | Life of Sailing

4 Best Electric Outboard Motors

How Long Did It Take The Vikings To Sail To England?

10 Best Sailboat Brands | Life of Sailing

10 Best Sailboat Brands (And Why)

December 20, 2023

7 Best Places To Liveaboard A Sailboat

Get the best sailing content.

New catamarans: 2021’s most exciting launches

April 7, 2021

Fast cruising is the theme this year, say Toby Hodges and Sam Fortescue, who look at some of 2021's exciting new multihull launches

2021 looks set to be a bumper year for new catamarans as the trend for fast cruising yachts, which deliver plenty if living space continues. This year there are set to be several new catamarans on the market, here’s our selection of those about which we are most excited.

A group of wild enthusiasts in the landlocked Czech Republic are the force behind the new IC36 from Independent Catamaran. The debut model is a fully race-tuned cat that aims to appeal to speed freaks as well as performance cruisers. Oh, and it unbolts to fit inside a shipping container or on a trailer!

Perhaps closer in design terms to the Extreme 40 than a traditional cat, the IC36 has super narrow hulls, high displacement bows and an optional rotating carbon rig with composite stays.

A sporty-looking carbon beam braces the bows and doubles as a bowsprit for asymmetric sails. Deep daggerboards help windward performance, and there’s a racy dual carbon tiller providing direct rudder control.

“The first time I saw it, I just felt like it was from one of Jules Verne’s adventures,” says co-founder Jaromír Popek.

The boat has been optimised for electric propulsion with twin 6kW Oceanvolt saildrives and up to 15kWh of lithium-ion batteries giving a range of a couple of hours. Powerful hydrogeneration under sail keeps batteries topped up. For longer spells at anchor , there is also a decent 1.15kW array of Solbian solar panel s which folds away when not required.

As much fun as this boat should be to sail in its Raw racing variant, it is also available with more creature comforts.

The Pacer model has a coachroof, cockpit tent, more storage and cooking and freshwater systems. It can accommodate a reported eight people in the hulls, with a fridge and two-burner hob to port and a shower/heads to starboard. Or you can opt for a fridge and hob in the folding cockpit table.

Construction is in epoxy-glass composite with local Kevlar reinforcement and foam core, helping to keep weight down to less than 3 tonnes (key for trailering). And there are three buoyancy chambers in each hull, which underpin the claim that the boat is unsinkable.

For all the variants, the light weight and high-performance rig means you can sail in a breath of wind. In a blow, the sky should be the limit. Expect reaching speeds of 20 knots plus, particularly if you take the high-modulus carbon wing mast from Pauger.

Specifications:

LOA: 11.00m / 36ft 1in Beam: 6.20m / 20ft 4in Draught: 0.85-2.00m / 2ft 9in-6ft 7in Displacement (light): 2,500kg / 5,512lb Price ex VAT: €295,000 (for RAW) Builder: www.independentcatamaran.com

This new launch from the world’s number one catamaran brand is the largest in the range of ‘regular’ boats, before entering the more luxurious world of the Lagoon 65.

It has been drawn by VPLP and Patrick le Quement, whose design nous has done much to make cats more mainstream. Many of the features, therefore, will be familiar from the smaller boats.

However, that extra length creates more volume below, so the Lagoon 55 can be arranged with up to six true double cabins with ensuite heads. “It’s the first time we have six cabins of the same size and function and a larger flybridge,” explains products developments manager Martina Torrini during a premiere virtual tour of the first model to launch in March.

Another first is the curving steps up from the transom skirt to the aft deck, dubbed ‘the stairway to heaven’. “The surfaces of the transom can be used differently,” adds Torrini. “Not just a way to access the boat, they become in themselves a living area.” This feature extends the size of the cockpit to 25m2, and even offers a plancha grill.

There’s more social space on the huge flybridge (with fridge and bar) and a movable sunpad on the forward part of the coachroof. The boat also features Lagoon’s first ever dedicated forward cockpit, connected to the saloon by a drop-down window.

A 107m2 fat-head main provides grunt, but is coupled with a self-tacking jib. As with all Lagoons, the emphasis is on comfort and ease of use rather than speed and windward pointing ability.

LOA: 16.56m / 54ft 4in Beam: 9.00m / 29ft 6in Draught: 1.55m / 5ft 1in Displacement: 26,500kg / 58,433lb Price: €tbc Builder: www.cata-lagoon.com

Fountaine Pajot Samana 59

Replacing the five-year-old Ipanema 58, this luxurious 59-footer integrates many of the new design features of the 45, which boasted longer, wider hulls that nevertheless showed 10% less drag. Chief among the new attractions is an enlarged cockpit, forward lounge and flybridge, for more socialising space.

“We wanted to emphasise her identity by optimising her interior and exterior spaces to make this 59ft catamaran the equivalent of a larger yacht,” explains designer Olivier Racoupeau.

“Whether it’s the flybridge, the cockpit or the saloon, we’ve worked hard to find harmony between all the living spaces on board, to gain every millimetre inside and outside.”

There’s a door forward out of the saloon, and the option of a hydraulic bathing platform, which doubles up for tender storage. Up to six cabins are offered, and the rare option of putting the galley up in the saloon or down to port. Hull number one is joining the World ARC .

Meanwhile, a new 51 is tipped for launch in 2022, which will focus on sustainability and have 2kW of flush solar panels built into the flybridge.

LOA: 18.21m / 59ft 9in Beam: 9.46m / 31ft 1in Draught: 1.40m / 4ft 7in Displacement: 25,500kg / 56,217lb Price ex VAT: €1,302,900 Builder: www.catamarans-fountaine-pajot.com

The new 42 replaces the Leopard 40, and it draws on the latest design thinking from the larger boats in the range. Like the award-winning Leopard 50, it has continuous hull windows, a hardtop, and contrasting coachroof accents. But it also goes further, with plumb bows and long horizontal chines.

That lounging space on the coachroof adds 65% to the exterior entertainment area. “By integrating the geometry of the lounge into the GRP hardtop, we were able to achieve a lightweight area that added less weight to the boat than one average sized crewmember,” explains Michael Robertson, chief designer at builder Robertson & Caine. It has been cleverly engineered so as not to steal headroom from the cockpit.

In contrast to many modern cats, the Leopard 42 makes a virtue of the separate cockpit and saloon, whose seating is focused on the forward galley. There is lots of glazing and a full-height door out onto the foredeck. Every cabin has a third more floor space and twice the glazed area of the old Leopard 40. Each has an island berth and its own heads with shower.

But it’s not all about space. “Performance potential remains one of the top priorities,” says naval architect Alex Simonis of Simonis-Voogd Yacht Design. “We spend a lot of time refining the rig geometry and the sail layout to boost the efficiency of the rig plan. At the same time, the ongoing refinement in hull and appendage design allows us to create a yacht with better sea motion and more agility.

LOA: 12.67m 41ft 7in Beam: 7.04m 23ft 1in Draught: 1.40m 4ft 7in Displacement: 12,460kg 27,469lb Price ex VAT: €399,000 Builder: www.leopardcatamarans.com

The new entry-level yacht from France’s Neel Trimarans is designed to bring the world of three hulls to a new clientele.

Building on the success of the larger Neel 47 and Neel 51, the 43 takes the fight to the catamaran, with a big superstructure that includes two double cabins as well as a galley and saloon.

There’s a further double cabin forward in the central nacelle, and cosy singles in either bow. A sliding door and window allows the saloon and the cockpit seating areas to be socially connected, although they remain two very different spaces.

The bulkhead helmstation to starboard has commanding views out over the huge coachroof. From the drawings, this appears to allow a tight sheeting angle for the genoa, but brings the mainsheet, which is fastened to the transom, close to the davits and skirt of the central hull.

The main is square-topped with two full battens and there is also a high-performance carbon spar option.

Though the lay-up is in standard foam-cored glassfibre, Neel says it is leaning towards more environmentally friendly construction. Interior joinery is from sustainable Alpi wood and recyclable material.

LOA: 13.11m / 43ft 0in Beam: 7.50m / 24ft 7in Draught: 1.50m / 4ft 11in Displacement: 9,000kg /19,841lb Price ex VAT: €329,800 Builder: www.neel-trimarans.com

Marsaudon Composites has quietly built an enthusiastic following for its TS42 and TS50 catamarans since the smaller boat was launched six years ago.

That these have been the first boats to cross the Atlantic in the last two ARC s has also done its reputation no harm.

The yard is based at Lorient La Base, at the heart of the French offshore racing scene, so it’s perhaps no surprise these designs are lightweight and offer plenty of performance.

The direct tiller steering, which gives a responsive feel to the helm, is an example of the thinking that sets these boats apart from other multihulls and makes them sought after models. Yet they also have enough space both on deck and below to offer very comfortable living.

A 57-footer from the board of Marc Lombard will be the third design to join the stable. It shares the same hallmarks as the existing models, although a wheel steering option will also be offered.

In suitable conditions this is a cruising yacht that can be expected to hit speeds of well over 20 knots.

The hull shape is clearly a progression from the earlier models, while following the same light displacement principles with fine hull shapes. Lombard drew a new shape for the bows to increase efficiency and reduce the tendency for bow-down trim. He told us: “The bows are shaped so that, when the boat is powered up and starts to heel, the lee bow will generate extra lift to push the bow up.”

The additional size makes the interior spaces of this boat significantly larger than those of the 50-footer, especially in the hulls. Much thought has also gone into ergonomics and weight saving, stripping out and simplifying anything that is not essential. CEO Damien Cailliau likes to draw on a quote from Colin Chapman, founder of Lotus Cars: “Simplify, then add lightness.”

As an example, there are no hull linings, which saves weight and complication, but requires extremely neat moulding. “A core competency of Marsaudon Composites is that we produce excellent mouldings,” says Cailliau, “so we don’t need to hide our work.”

Article continues below…

Outremer 4X on test – a high-performance liveaboard cruiser that is built to last

It’s a mix of everything you need for cruising and what you want to feel for performance,” Loïck Peyron said…

Seawind-1260-new-catamaran-yachts-bow-running-shot-credit-Salty-Dingo

Seawind 1260: Lightweight catamaran making waves on both sides of the Atlantic

The Seawind 1260 has been well received in the States, where the brand has a strong following, but these multihulls…

As a low volume builder – only 28 of the smaller boats have been built in total – Marsaudon Composites can offer semi-custom interior arrangements, providing they don’t add unnecessary weight. The boat can also be built with varying amounts of carbon to reduce displacement further.

At the same time as announcing this design Marsaudon launched a rebranding of the range, which will now be known as Ocean Rider Catamarans (or ORC). The new name is a better fit with the qualities with which owners identify than the Très Simple concept that led to the original TS designation.

To underscore the difference between these boats and the majority of catamarans in this size range a tiller has been incorporated in the logo.

Tooling for the ORC 57 is under construction and the first boat is scheduled to be unveiled in September 2021.

Base price ex VAT: €1,085,000 Builder: www.marsaudon-composites.com

Current Marine CM46 & CM52

The founder of RS Sailing , Martin Wadhams, is a racing sailor who now spends more and more time cruising.

Martin and his wife, Amanda, enjoy sailing fast boats and have spent some time looking to upgrade from their Pogo 12.50 to a multihull. Their search for a true performance cruising catamaran – and one that wouldn’t cost seven figures – turned out few viable options.

Australian-based designer Jeff Shionning put them onto some fresh designs he has done for Current Marine, a new South African brand formed from an experienced team of composites experts at Knysna, between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth on the south coast.

It has been set up to build the new CM46 and CM52 in low-volume semi-custom production. On visiting the yard a year ago, Wadhams was impressed enough with the high tech builds to order the second CM46.

He reports that the joinery is all laminated in, there is plenty of opportunity for layout customisation (in three or four cabins) and, owing to the lower labour costs in South Africa, pricing is keen.

Shionning’s CM designs are lightweight, efficient catamarans that should be able to sail well in light breeze and outrun weather systems in the open ocean.

Key features include daggerboards, fine bows, centralised weight of engines and tanks, and high bridgedeck clearance. The rig is also positioned amidships for optimum weight centralisation, while also helping to create a large foretriangle for flying a range of furling headsails. Aluminium or carbon spars and diesel or hybrid propulsion are offered.

Wadhams says there is good stowage space and payload capacity for comfortable liveaboard cruising. “They’re built using post-cured epoxy, carbon, E-Glass and PVC foam-cored laminates – a level above mainstream brands,” he insists. “This brings the construction found in a few larger, high-end boats into smaller-size catamarans.” The first CM46 is a full carbon racing version destined for an Auckland-based owner and is due to launch early 2021. The second boat (for Wadhams) has a more cruising-oriented spec.

Prices ex VAT: CM46 €635,000, CM52 €787,000 Builder: www.currentmarine.co.za

Seawind 1370

Is this the most popular new design of 2021? Although the first of this new 45ft model is not due to launch until later in the autumn, there has already been a phenomenal uptake in orders.

Publicity has been helped by vloggers Sailing Ruby Rose ordering one of the first boats, but a staggering 55 have been sold already. This has led to the Australian/Vietnamese yard establishing a new technical department that is separate from the production department.

European sales manager Jay Nolan says this 13-strong team is tasked with working up every system on the boat and looking at hybrid solutions.

Price ex VAT: €599,000 Builder: www.seawindcats.com

Outremer 55

A contemporary fast cat set up for short-handed world cruising, Outremer’s exciting new 55 launches this winter.

We previewed this VPLP design in our September issue and hope to test it during the spring. Much focus has been placed on weight and stiffness to help increase performance and ensure the boat can sail in the lightest breezes and therefore rarely need engine power.

Price ex VAT: €1,215,000 Builder: www.catamaran-outremer.com

If you enjoyed this….

Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams. Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

Review – Lagoon 51 vs. Fountaine Pajot Aura 51

Multihull - catamaran review & comparison, in this review article, we compare two of the largest catamarans without a need for a crew, from two of the largest catamaran produces and fierce competitors in both the private- and charter ownership segment of the leisure marine industry., when living at anchor and entertaining guest at sea is your preferred means of spending time aboard, look no further than these two 50-feet catamarans..

Embracing your unique needs and preferences is key to finding the perfect multi-hull for your cruising lifestyle. While comfort and performance can be subjective and relative, it’s important to trust your instincts and ask yourself the right questions as you navigate this exciting decision. Your journey is yours to define and with careful consideration, you’ll discover the vessel that will unlock your full potential as a seafaring adventurer. Let your passion for exploration guide you and embrace the freedom that comes with finding the perfect multi-hull. The adventure awaits!

What’s the key to enjoying life at sea? It’s all about relaxation and space! Finding enough room for everyone and everything, without tripping over each other every five seconds. Trust me, with all the modern gizmos and gadgets around, living onboard can be a breeze.

And convenience is king! With automation and energy-saving tools, we can easily adapt to life at sea without having to sacrifice any of our creature comforts. And let’s not forget safety – after all, no one wants to be stranded at sea.

So, let’s hoist the sail, kick back, and enjoy the ride without having to worry about all the technical stuff. Aye, aye, captain!

Different shipyards share the same concept: Volume & Comfort

Build by two different shipyards, Lagoon with its home base by the Atlantic at the southwest coast of France, and Fountaine Pajot in Aigrefeuille in the middle of the countryside in the south of France, and with different naval architects and designers, both the Lagoon shipyard (Groupe Beneteau) and Fountaine Pajot (The Compagnie du Catamaran) share the same market dominance on both the private -and yacht charter ownership market . Similarly, their design approach and model range is focused on comfort and utilising space and an abundance of lounging areas and space for entertainment. No wonder then that both are preferred catamarans for the charter market and have had an excess of 150 units sold of each model prior to their launch dates.

Volume & Comfort – building from the inside-out

The slab-sided and modern design approaches to both these voluminous catamarans are clearly aimed towards creating an experience like that of a modern apartment and maximising the use of the yacht at anchor – a totally static experience. The concept of “building inside and out” is not strange to the powerboat industry and was made popular by the Polish shipyard Sunreef , which also introduced the Fly-bridge catamarans to the market that Lagoon Catamarans then later copied. Another popular shipyard in the same luxury segment is Privilege Catamarans, where most designs and the appeal to its core customers are based on luxury feel of the yacht and the space and comfort at anchor.

Is all this comfort then at the cost of a sailing experience? Yes, there is no denying that, albeit its large canvas size and push-button ease of all the sailing controls and lines make it an easy task to clock some serious miles without having to engage a professional crew. Both the Lagoon 51 and the Fountaine Pajot Aura 51 are arguably two of the largest sailing catamarans on the market for a short-handed crew.

The opinions are divided on the matter of what entails an ideal live-aboard multihull: the strength of the design, construction and feeling at helm of the performance-optimised catamarans such as the Outremere, Catana, Nautitech, ITACatamarans, Balance, or HH-Catamarans, or the luxury of the all-inclusive optimal holiday platform of the larger series production shipyards such as the Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot, Leopard, or the Bali Catamarans.

We are not here to create division but rather to point out the why and how. For the yacht charter industry, the advantages are obvious and plenty. Most of the above-mentioned production series shipyards are closely tied or owned by the same group as the large global charter companies that offer yacht charter ownership programs and investments, such as the Dream Yacht Charter, Navigare Yachting, SunSail and Moorings.

For the charter industry, the advantages of this configuration are multiple:

Beamy design: create plenty of main deck space and seating/lounging arrangements and allows for larger transoms and bathing platforms.
Volumuniuos hulls: increases the stowage -and payload capacity and width in the cabins.
Fly-Bridge: another vantage point and lounging area and a preferred helm position for a hired skipper.
Layout and Size: optimal cabin configurations and spacious island bed cabins cater for plenty of guests and even crewed charter
Saloon Main Deck: focus on dining arrangements and entertainment with larger galley sizes. No need for a navigational station as most time is spent at anchor or navigating short distances and boat is often managed by a professional skipper.

If you are unfamiliar with the two brands or the multihull models in question, here’s a brief introduction.

Lagoon Catamarans

Lagoon is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of cruising catamarans. The brand values freedom and lifestyle, resulting in elegant and comfortable yachts. Designed by VPLP (naval architect), Nauta Design (interior) and Patrick le Quément (exterior), The Lagoon 51 is designed to optimize circulation on board and create seamless fluidity and ease of movement onboard. The global launch for the catamaran was at the International Multihull show April 2022.

From the Shipyard:

Lagoon’s will is to offer comfortable and self-sufficient catamarans, resulting from a sustainable production, featuring tomorrow’s technologies, to satisfy the expectations of today’s sailors

Fountaine Pajot Catamarans

Created in 1976 by Jean-François Fountaine, later in 1983, the brand’s first sail cruising catamaran, the Louisiane 37, became a commercial success. Nowadays, the Fountaine Pajot name is associated with spacious, comfortable cruising catamarans, both for the private and charter ownership market. The Aura 51 was first introduced in late 2022 and replaced the nine-year-old Saba 50 design (which they produced more than 150 units) and is part of a new series of aesthetically enhanced Fountaine Pajot catamarans ranging from the Isla, Astrea, Elba and now also the new Aura 51.

From the shipyard:

“We have acquired our position as an international reference thanks to our constant desire for innovation and renewal. Our range of sailing catamarans and motor yachts are designed, conceived and upgraded to meet the needs of customers who are passionate about sailing, comfort and freedom.”

Technical specifications

Key differences, the table below illustrates the key specifications between the lagoon 51 & the fountaine pajot aura 51.

20/05/2022, Port Vendres (FRA,66), Lagoon 51

Lagoon 51 Specifications

Hull lenght.

15,35 m / 50’4’’

8,10 m / 26’7’’

DISPLACEMENT

19,914 T / 43 910 Lbs

2 x 240 L + 2 x 175 L 2 x 63 Lbs + 2 x 46 Lbs

2 x 520 l / 2 x 137 US gal

2 x 80 CV / HP

Lagoon 51 Saling Ratio

98 m² / 1054 sq.ft.

53 m² / 570 sq.ft (self-tacking as standard)

Gennaker/ Spinnaker

101 m² / 1087 sq.ft.

Sailing Ratio (kg's per m2 upwind sail area)

Lagoon 51 architect & design, architect & exterior design.

VPLP Design & Patrick le Quément

Interior Design

Nauta Design

Lagoon 51 The Concept

“We designed the Lagoon 51 as a perfect synthesis of the modernity of the shapes and the sail plan, with living space on deck and inside that is unequalled on a boat of this size.”

VPLP Design

APPEALING FLYBRIDGE

The flybridge has been designed to utilize up to 80% of the rooftop, featuring two expansive sun pads located at the forefront of the helm station, accompanied by a spacious C-shaped seating area. The central table can be lowered to create an exceptionally roomy sunbathing area. Two stairs lead to the fly, one for the helmsman and one for the guests. This double access allows a great fluidity of connection between the living spaces of the boat. The flybridge of the Lagoon 51 is innovative by the modularity of its spaces, its clever ergonomics and the cosiness of this great living area. The modular seating provides an opportunity to safely navigate the vessel, alone or with company, without compromising on the comfort.

EXTENDED TRANSOMS FOR A BETTER CIRCULATION

The Lagoon 51 boasts a spacious and secure environment that allows effortless boarding, courtesy of its wide transoms. Its design feature ensures smooth and practical access to the dockside, with the Tenderlift adding to its appeal as a large, oceanfront balcony. When berthed, the expansive bathing platform invites you to indulge in swimming and relaxation up close with the water! Suitable for easy movement on board is the commendable two-step difference between the cockpit and the transoms, providing a notably low level for navigability. This practical and innovative feature caters to fulfil a real need.

WELCOMING FORWARD COCKPIT

The forward cockpit offers an unobstructed view of the ocean and has been thoughtfully designed to cater for small groups to lounge, eat and socialise. This space is perfect for sharing sundowners or relaxing comfortably during the day under the shade sail. The forward cockpit boasts several amenities, including ample cup holders, a pleasant coffee table, and sun protection, ensuring that you can relish every moment spent there. The improved ergonomics of the seatee and amenities allow for time to spend on the foredeck as a compliment to the large social areas in the cockpit and on the flybridge.

NEW GENERATION INTERIOR

Enter a luxurious salon and experience the innovative design concept of spaciousness. The mast is stepped on the fore end of the salon ensuring an uninterrupted view. The generous luminosity, emanating from the 360° vertical windows, is complemented by the exquisite wood finishes, known as “ Alpi sand oak”. This spacious salon boasts impressive volume, providing effortless circulation. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, it is equipped with practical solutions characteristic of a Lagoon yacht.

Furthermore, the owner’s cabin is designed to maximize comfort, with a large walk-in dressing included as standard. This layout optimization ensures that the owner can indulge in ultimate relaxation on board.

“The stepped up lounge of the saloon offers the best 360°panoramic view over the water.”

NAUTA Design

A MORE LIVELY SAILING EXPERIENCE

The platform for the Lagoon 51 is based on that of the former 50, although the mast position has been significantly shifted.

The mast is stepped on the median beam, at 40 per cent of the overall length aft of the bow and the Lagoon 51 has a lighter construction, reduced by 1,000 kg or five per cent compared to the 50. This configuration means sufficient sail area can be achieved with a shorter mast, lowering the centre of effort and reducing weight aloft.

With the structure lightened by 750kg, a rig that’s more than 6ft feet shorter and an overlapping genoa, the Lagoon 51 is designed to be livelier on the water than her predecessor.

SUSTAINABLE COMMITMENTS

Lagoon is committed to minimizing its impact on the environment. Sustainable solutions and environmental care are an important part of the Lagoon strategy.

Lagoon 51 offers options of XXL solar panels on the roof. This technology provides more than 3.400 watts of power to operate the on-board service. The boat is therefore fully autonomous (except for the air conditioning). The solar panels fit perfectly into the lines of the catamaran and do not interfere with life on board. The flybridge and the sun pads on the roof are still accessible and usable even with the panels.

On board the Lagoon 51 model they are taking active measures to insure that :

hemp fiber replaces fibreglass wherever possible, together with partially bio-sourced resin
upholstery in the recycled fabric is proposed
100% ecological and biodegradable cleaning products will be delivered with the boat
The proposed Alpiwood is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)and many more innovations are in progress.

Fountaine Pajot Aura 51 Specifications

14.99 m / 49.18 f

26.5 ft / 8,08 m

900 l / 237.75 US Gallons

2 x 450 l / 2 x 118.27 US Gallons

2 x 60 HP - 2 x 60 CV

Fountaine Pajot Aura 51 Saling Ratio

1023 ft² / 95 ft²

635 ft² / 59 ft² (overlapping genoa as a standard)

G: 40 m² / 1506.95 ft, S: 80 m² / 1937.50 ft

Fountaine Pajot Aura 51 Architect & Design

Berret-Racoupeau yacht design

Isabelle Racoupeau

Fountaine Pajot Aura 51 The Concept

“Our thorough knowledge of cruising catamarans has enabled us to offer highly innovative solutions: the cockpits and saloons are on a single level, the tender is concealed under a protective sun deck, the cabins are extremely comfortable and all handling is grouped to be done from the helm.”

Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design

Unmistakable design and look

The Aura 51 is an impressive vessel distinguished by its towering mast and generous measurements of 51 feet LOA and 26 feet 6 inches in beam. Its sleek, harmonious lines with reverse sheer to the deck and an athletic aft sweep of the slim coach roof are distinct features that are emblematic of the renowned Fountaine-Pajot brand. Credit goes to Berret-Racoupeau for providing long-term design input that has contributed to the vessel’s unmistakable appearance. The design updates implemented on the Aura 51 from the Saba 50 are introduced harmoniously.

Grand Large Concept – Comfort & Volume

The Aura 51 replaces the Saba 50, boasting voluminous hulls and wider transom entrances. The newfangled coachroof design seamlessly integrates an extensive number of solar panels, granting copious amounts of natural illumination and a more spacious flybridge area. Subsequently, the primary bulkhead doors have the capacity to retract fully, facilitating a 3m wide opening between the saloon/galley and cockpit.

Liveability is the key to the rise and rise of the catamaran, and the Aura 51 puts natural light and its huge volume to good use. Astutely designed, the Aura 51 offers four accommodation layouts, with all cabins equipped with en suite facilities, including the six-cabin version.

Easy to manage shorthanded

Arguably the largest size catamaran without the need for a professional crew, the thought process bending the design of the Aura 51 is centred around the ease of movement onboard and at the helm. The boom is accessible for ease of access to the main sail and all control lines are drawn back to a central helm position. There is little need to engage guests aboard as your crew when navigating or docking.

Layout Options

The Aura 51 has several layout options that make it an ideal combination of a private owner’s yacht with an ambition to keep her in a charter management. The cabin options include a standard two sets of maestro cabins accessible with their own private entrance from the cockpit and a full owners Maestro with the four-cabin setup instead of the five or six-cabin setup.

Sustainability

The Aura 51 marks a new stage in the evolution of the Fountaine Pajot Sailing Catamarans range and the desire of the shipyard in La Rochelle to go further in its environmental approach

The Aura 51 is the first step from Fountaine Pajot towards moving towards a greener way of construction and also ownership of a yacht. The Aura 51 is a significant milestone for the company as it offers the yard’s first Smart Electric option. The company has collaborated with La Rochelle specialists, Alternatives Energies, to develop electric pods that consist of hydrogenerators and energy storage and management systems. The hybrid model has already been launched, and an electric and hydrogen variant is also in the works. It is commendable to witness a reputed production yard taking credible steps towards promoting cleaner boating. This move towards sustainable technology provides an excellent opportunity for eco-conscious boaters who seek to reduce their environmental footprint while experiencing the joys of watercraft.

exterior design features and aspects

Lagoon 51 Exterior

The Lagoon 51: an entire experience of life afloat

A word from Dirk and Viktor (Yacht-Match Group co-founders):

“The buzz around the reveal of Lagoon’s newest model never really excited us, as it was unclear what they hoped to accomplish with introducing a 51-footer between their rather new model, the 50, and their current Lagoon 52. Neither the PR nor the concept presentation was convincing enough for us to grasp what the design team at Lagoon was trying to achieve with small adjustments to what seemed like an upgraded 50. However, we may have been wrong…. When we finally got a tactile and spatial awareness of how the new features came together, it was clear that this was not just an updated version of an existing model, but rather a step towards a new set of standards that will set a precedent for the rest of the industry. The interior and exterior components, trademark Lagoon hull shape, and move towards a lighter structure with a forward mast and shorter rig and overlapping genoa make the Lagoon 51 even livelier on the water than her predecessor while introducing an emphasis on solar power that will characterise the brand’s future models. The Lagoon 51 is no longer just a catamaran but an entire experience afloat, staying true to its core concepts while introducing more nimble sailing, hightened level of luxury and detailing and practical use of space.”

The Flybridge – the centrepiece of the Lagoon 51

The Lagoon 51 has large deck space and several social areas to relax at anchor or when sailing. It is equipped with a flybridge that covers up to 80% of its roof and with modular seating which can be easily adjusted to accommodate any number of guests, making it an ideal place to relax alongside the captain. The yacht’s double access feature comprises two staircases, one for the helmsman and another for the guests, ensuring a seamless transition between living spaces onboard.

The flybridge is designed with ample headroom which guarantees guests’ safety, both at anchor and while underway. Manoeuvres are efficiently carried out from the steering station, while the guests can comfortably move around without interfering with the helmsman. All these features make the Lagoon 51’s flybridge a unique experience, and an ideal choice for anyone looking for comfort, convenience, and luxury at sea.

Exterior to Interior – plenty of social areas

One of several key design features of the Lagoon 51 is the multiple outdoor areas perfect for entertaining and for changing the atmosphere or setting and why the Lagoon designs are so popular as a boat to spend extended time aboard.

The aft cockpit is commendable, offering ergonomic seating for up to eight people and a beautiful view of the ocean. The cockpit table is thoughtfully placed for easy access to the saloon, the starboard transom, and side decks, and it is equipped with two fold-out leaves for additional dining space. Along with a full-sized sink, drainer, refrigerator, and barbeque, this outdoor space is the ultimate entertaining area.

The Lagoon 51 comes with an optional large hydraulic lifting platform at the transom, which provides a spacious area for sunbathing, swimming, and storing a tender.

As you move along the side decks, you’ll find yourself standing at the forefront cockpit. This impressive area boasts an unobstructed view of the vast oceans and beautiful horizons. Regardless of whether you prefer resting under the sun or in the shade, the cockpit is abundant with amenities that promise optimal comfort aboard Lagoon 51.

This area boasts an inviting seating space complemented by a central coffee table and sun protection, enabling you to fully appreciate the picturesque views at your own pace. The smaller forward cockpit can accommodate up to 4-5 people with two sunbeds and a coffee table, offering a comfortable space to relax and take in the view.

The Lagoon’s design ensures that it’s not excessively weighed down forward, making it suitable for offshore and bluewater sailing without the risk of capsizing from waves.

Ease of movement and access

It’s clear that there has been plenty of attention paid to access and circulation when designing the Lagoon 51. This starts at the transoms, with easier access for stepping aboard due to their shape and positioning, which brings them closer to the dock. Their size is also more welcoming and there’s no need to jostle when getting off the dinghy – three people can stand together without getting in each other’s way. The extended transoms of the Lagoon 51 makes for effortless boarding. This feature brings safe and practical access to the dock side.

Between the transoms is an optional tenderlift or bathing platform. The tenderlift acts as a large balcony by the sea. At mooring, the platform transforms into a bathing platform.

Finding your way from transom to cockpit is easier than ever with improved access of a two-step staircase. Only two steps up and the cockpit and the entire nacelle are immediately accessible because the sugarscoops are slightly higher off the water and the thickness between the underside of the bridgedeck and the cockpit sole has been reduced.

This benefits the cockpit, whose vast surface area is divided into three zones. An adjustable plancha grill is next to the aft bench seat, a lounger occupies the starboard side, and an L-shaped bench seat surrounds the table on the port side.

Part of the seat can be shifted forward to enlarge the table when at anchor, for instance, but this hinders direct access to the flybridge.

Summary of the key exterior highlights :

Lighter Construction + Mast Forward : Supported by a strong laminated bulkhead, powerful mainsail & genoa. The transoms have been extended for less pitching. A more lively and fun boat to sail
Large Modular Flybridge: Optional with a fixed GRP bimini to access the boom more conveniently, with ample headroom. Lounge, seating, dining area that is accessible from both side decks. Ample room for the helm and access to control lines and winches.
Ease of Movement: larger extended transoms,
Plenty of Social Areas and Seating Arrangements: large flybridge, aft cockpit and a true foredeck cockpit – a catamarans for socialising.

Fountaine Pajot Aura 51 Exterior

The Fountaine Pajot Aura 51 is in the category of optimal yachts for private- and charter management ownership.

“The Fountaine Pajot was introduced to us in 2019 during the Boot Dusseldorf boat show for a select few charter companies associated to the shipyard. Back then the design ideas and concept was to improve on what had made the Saba 50 so popular, in both the private yacht ownership market and the now more important sphere of business for the shipyard – the yacht charter business. What positively suprised us back then was the clear strategy from the shipyard to incoorpate a conscious effort to introduce sustainability to the project. It’s early stages for all shipyards on this front and we can only accept that most of this is for marketing purposes only, but atleast we are seeing progress and effort. The Aura 51 had its real debute in 2023 at the International Multihull Show, where it was already communicated that the shipyard had sold an excess of 150 units to its dealer network and that lead times are now up to four years for anyone interested at the boat show to place an order for the next production slot. Clearly then, they yard must be doing something right or is it all marketing? We will leave that up for the professional yachting journailst to decide and for you as our audience to ponder, but several things are undeinably true as facts and also impresses us as yacht purchase advisors and yacht ownership specialist. The Aura 51 is an ideal bare-boat yacht for the charter market and the design appeals to many that are moving from power boating and/or from monohulls in search for space and comfort. The concept is not unique, but its trending and we can only agree that with all the modern comforts of a trendy luxury hotelroom or small apartment, the Aura 51 can also take you from A-to-B with ease even if you limited expereience sailing”.

Central Helm Position

Fountaine-Pajot vessels are outfitted with a conveniently placed bulkhead helm situated on the starboard side. This helm position allows for seamless maneuvering of the craft while offering a clear view of the canvas and thoroughfare forward due to its elevated position. The rudders of the 51 are supported with top-tier hydraulic control, negating the obligation for any physical connection to the helm. Such a feature, while not offering tactile feedback, does provide ample space forwards of the pedestal for line handling, streamlining vessel operation.

All control lines centrailised

All the active lines are gathered in two strips, which eventually converge to the three Lewmar Evo winches that are mounted on the coachroof. It should be noted that, should one desire, these winches can be electrically operated. As for the mainsheet, it is conveniently positioned athwartships, allowing for effortless handling of the line. Additionally, tidy bags for the ropes, falling deeply into the storage area, facilitate the ease of stowage. The only exception is the genoa halyard, which runs to the mast, and can only be regulated through a block and tackle system, implemented on a captive line.

Forward Mast

The Aura 51 has it’s steeped mast forward compared to its competitors the Lagoon and Bali Catamarans. This means that the mast is supported by a strong laminated bulkhead which is better for the integrity of the construction int eh long run, but also allows for a design feature where ease of access to the boom and sailing bag is priotised. The Aura 51’s stubby bowsprit is positioned at a slight angle skyward to facilitate the tacking of the gennaker or Code 0 sails. The running sheets extend aft and then double back up to additional winches on the periphery of the cockpit.

Loung and Dinning Areas

With a fly-bridge or in this case, a central elevated helm position on the Aura 51, this arrangement allows for ample exterior space is available for activities such as dining, relaxing, and water sports during anchorages.

Within the cockpit, there is a graceful teak table that comfortably seats eight individuals and can be effortlessly expanded to accommodate twelve individuals with a fold-out leaf and fill-in seat. The plancha grill located on the transom facilitates convenient food preparation. Notably, the cockpit features a raised sunbed and a sofa on the transom.

TheAura 51 is fitted with forward lounge seating that comes with an opening window from the saloon, as well as a vast 172-square-foot flybridge. The decks are flush, and an aft hydraulic platform is equipped to carry the tender while sailing and launch swimmers or divers at anchor. Particular attention has been given to ensure the platform closes smoothly to the transom skirt, providing easy access.

Mast Forward/ Accessible Boom : Supported by a strong laminated bulkhead, powerful mainsail & genoa. Safety (no climbing license needed), easy maintenance (boom end easily accessible), better performance.
XXL Lounge deck: direct access from the cockpit, a multi zone lounge (sunbed and seats), family use, and possible to seat 14 persons.
Mid-High Central Helm: Family boat – Connection with the cockpit/salon and the lounge deck (never alone and a feeling of protection), all control lines are centralized.
Ample Seating arrangement: for up to 11 people in the cockpit, 8 around the dining the table, space for 14 on the lounge deck, and also another 6-8 in the front cockpit.

interior design features

Lagoon-51-catamaran-images-photos-price-for-sale

Lagoon 51 Interior

New generation interior.

The Lagoon 51 is a step towards introducing new materials and design concepts that were introduced in the design process of the larger and more luxurious Lagoon 55. The mast is stepped on the fore end of the salon ensuring an uninterrupted view. The generous luminosity, emanating from the 360° vertical windows, is complemented by the exquisite wood finishes, known as “ Alpi sand oak”. This spacious salon boasts impressive volume, providing effortless circulation. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, it is equipped with practical solutions characteristic of a Lagoon yacht.

NAUTA Design, interior designer of the Lagoon 51.

Natural Light & Natural Ventilation

The Lagoon 51 offers huge internal accommodation with ample space when the weather dictates spending time indoors. With new design features on the coachroof to make it more sleek appeal from the outside, the interior design team also spent a lot of consideration to create that roomy and light interior feel and natural ventilation as part of the Lagoon concept moving towards more sustainable and green yachting. Hatches and forced air ventilation is found through all cabins and interior space, such as the large opening hatch by the mast foot. This will be an important source of natural ventilation at the anchor.

The saloon has a large saloon table for both dining and coffee table modes and space to seat 10, although eight would be more comfortable. This area is slightly raised, with windows at eye level, although the view is blocked on both aft quarters, which makes it less suited as a watch-keeping station in inclement weather. There’s also a nav station/desk area, with space to fit a multifunction display. Natural ventilation primarily comes from big opening ports in the front coachroof windows.

The galley forms an L-shape on both sides of the aft end of the saloon, with a sink, small dishwasher, and four-burner gas cooker to port. To starboard is an extensive fridge/freezer capacity totaling almost 400 liters.

Worktop space is impressive on both sides and fiddles are high enough to contain liquid spills and keep items in place in rough seas. Stowage is excellent, including eye-level lockers, drawers, and lockers below the countertop, plus large underfloor volumes. There’s also a dedicated space for a coffee machine, while a washer/dryer can be fitted in the starboard hull and an additional 100 liters freezer in the port hull.

Lagoon 51 layout options

The Lagoon 51 has several layout options suited for small families or larger groups making it an optimal hybrid between a traditional holiday-making yacht and a live-aboard vessel. All double cabin layout options have their own separate shower stalls. What is unique for the Lagoon compared to its competitors, are the additional midship cabins that as made possible by the voluminous hull shape and design of the Lagoon. This allows for sleeping guests and a crew up to 14 people.

The mid cabin is the smallest of cabins and has limited stowage, while the forward one has the best stowage, but shares the head and shower. An option with two cabins in the port hull is also offered. With this arrangement, the forward cabin doesn’t gain additional floor space but becomes fully en-suite and there’s even more stowage.

Furthermore, the owner’s hull is even more luxurious, with its vanity/dressing area fitted as standard. As for the port hull, it offers three berths in the standard version. The furniture and decor, signed by Italy’s Nauta Design, is as warm as ever, and the materials are plush. The owner’s accommodation in the starboard hull is palatial, with huge hull windows that eliminate the semi-basement feel some older multihulls have. There are also massive stowage volumes in a range of formats, right down to the organisation of paperwork, plus a corner sofa and big dressing table/desk.

The huge bathroom forward has his and hers basins, a completely enclosed toilet and big shower.

Smart Systems & Connectivity

The many onboard systems make this yacht as comfortable and easy to live on as any home on shore, although maintenance is obviously more complex and onerous.

The Lagoon 51 is offered with the Seanapps-application which is a smart box that simplifies your boat’s management and maintenance. Whether you want to check your fuel and battery charge levels, or schedule maintenance operations, Seanappshelps you streamline and safeguard your boat’s maintenance requirements simply and easily.

The watermaker produces 100lt per hour on 12V, so can be run from the solar panels, even though it draws 40A. It’s easily accessed, under the floor of the port aft cabin. Equally, the extensive fridge and freezer capacities will provide a huge length of self-sufficiency before needing to reprovision or refuel.

Summary of the key interior highlights :

Various Layout Options: ideal combination for a private ownership with a charter management.
Luxurious feel and styling (improved for Lagoon 51 and 55)
Lounge and seating arrangement for large groups both inside and outside
True Forward Cockpit
After Cockpit with outdoor cooking options and wetbar
Large Entertaining area in both the galley and cockpit and good use of light and ease of movement and flow due to large sliding doors
Good airflow in all cabins due plenty of hatches on and opening windows
Plenty of stowage possibilities

Fountaine Pajot Aura 51 Interior

An extract from the boat test on Swedish couple the Salen’s Aura 51: (from article & review by Toy Hodges/ Yachting World)

“…the highly experienced sailing couple who own the second Aura 51 to launch and the boat we trialled. Johan Salen, co-owner of The Ocean Race (formerly the Volvo Ocean Race), lives and works aboard full time with his wife, Christine, and their dog Leo. The Salen’s spent three years sailing their previous performance catamaran, an Outremer 5X, around the world with their son. But after seven years living ashore since then, they wanted a more comfortable boat, yet one still capable of averaging 8-10 knots. The Salen’s rarely go to marinas so maneuvering from the single helm hasn’t been an issue… The couple made another salient point: “When you spend a lot of time aboard, you are not sailing most of the time,” Johan explained. “Even with our Outremere 5X we were sailing less than 10% of the time.” The Swedish ex-professional windsurfer considers it more important now to have the space to ship the right equipment and watersports toys to enjoy at anchor… “It’s the toys you can bring to enjoy life that is one of the main benefits a catamaran brings,” says Johan”

Read more here : Swedish couple move from Outremer to Fountaine Pajot Aura

Dining or Lounging

The cockpit area plays host to the main dining area, and the design by Berret Racoupeau has effectively enhanced the connectivity to the galley. The Aura 51’s voluminous interior is accentuated by the use of natural light, which is a notable feature. The saloon of the Aura 51 boasts an extensive area, complete with a generous island that serves as the social hub, akin to a modern home. The aft doors can be fully slid back, providing an expansive 10-foot opening with the island galley in the center. This arrangement is perfect for facilitating traffic flow between the galley and the saloon while having easy access to the work surfaces and waste bin from the cockpit. The coachroof windows and long, large skylights, together with the opening forward window, make it a naturally bright space with valuable ventilation.

This yacht has been designed with flexibility in mind. Deep, comfortable sofas are present in the saloon’s forward and starboard sides, making it an ideal area for watchkeeping, movie nights, or coffee with visitors. Additionally, if the outside temperature is too low, you can dine indoors since the yacht has a removable table. At the centerline, there is a chaise lounge, referred to as the “meridian” by Fountaine-Pajot; this is an excellent place to oversee instruments, steer the yacht remotely using a tablet, and monitor the sails through the skylight overhead.

Double Cabins Galore

The Aura 51 provides an exceptional example of a catamaran that boasts a remarkable level of livability, an ever-growing trend on the rise.

The cabin configuration can accommodate a range of guests, from four ensuites cabins to six, and the option of having two aft-most cabins with their companionways that emerge to the aft deck is ideal for charter guests or older children.

The owner’s hull boasts a significant amount of headroom and space, with a sculpted out bulkhead used to open up the cabin area. It offers ample liveaboard comfort, with a spacious changing area opposite the wardrobes, and direct aft deck access – the crowning feature. The desk amidships is an essential addition that Johan uses as his office constantly.

In the starboard hull, a bulkhead separates the aft cabin, meaning access is only feasible from the cockpit. Each of the three cabins in this hull feels large, with its own ensuite, even if the athwartship berth forward has a slightly more prestigious feel. The size of the separate heads area would be appreciated in most homes.

Every cabin has been carefully crafted to offer at least two sources of natural light and air ventilation openings. Finally, a heating and air conditioning package is optionally available for convenience regardless of the weather.

VIP Cabins with private entrance from the cockpit
Full sized double bed cabins even on a 6 cabin layout – unique for a 51ft catamaran

Key highlights

The two yachts compared to each other, lagoon 51 key highlights.

Entirely new Exterior and Interior Design: new luxury feel and thoughtful upgrades that makes both practical and aesthetical sense: such as interior saloon concept, transom, rig and sail plan, coach roof design, and the flybridge.
New improved rig, sail set up and lighter construction: improved sailing capabilities, lighter and stronger construction, more space in the interior saloon, more livelier sailing experience
New improved materials and finishing: the Lagoon 51 takes from the same design principles as the more luxuiours L55.
Social Areas: plenty of well designed social areas which includes the Flybridge, cockpit, bathing platform, and the forward cockpit.

Fountaine Pajot Aura 51 Key highlights

Sleek lines yet a voluminous catamaran with plenty of options to entertain large number of guests
Redesigned and refined use of galley to connect saloon with cockpit
Private VIP Aft Cabins with gullwing door entrance from the aft cockpit
Plenty of cabin layout options all with double island beds all ensuite
XXL - Lounge to entertain up to 14 people and be close to the sailing action

Lagoon 51 Pros- & Cons

Mast Forward: attached to strongest part of the boat
Improved Sailing Capabilities: lighter construction, mast forward, large genoa and new sail setup, extended transoms
New generation Interior: new materials, raised saloon, improved finish, natural ventilation
Social Areas - plenty of seating and entertainment areas outside and inside
Large Stowage units/options
True Owners hull with walk in closet
Cabin Layout Options: optimal for small family ownership or charter ownership
No daggerboards - impedes upwind sailing charateristics and performance
Negligible visibility from the flybridge to the port side, particularly aft: You need to dock starboard side or else rely on help from cameras.
Negligible visibility from the flybridge sailing with large code-zero or overlapping genoa
Volume at the cost off sailing capability: pithcing, rooling, slamming affect and no upwind performance. Large catamarans needs more wind to be able to sail.
Heads and Bathrooms: so many fixed heads and bathrooms are not needed for a short stay, or a smaller family or couple that owns the Lagoon 51.

Fountaine Pajot Aura 51 Pros- & Cons

Mast Forward: attached to strongest part of the boat and allows access to the boom (sails)
XXL Lounge rather that beam to beam Flybridge: a multizone lounge and keeps free of the helm station and allows better access to the boom/sails.
Impressive lounge options both inside and outside with plenty of seating arrangements
Cabin layout variations with VIP aft cabins
Redefined galley area with good circular movement from cockpit to saloon and a ventilated cooking area
Large stowage units
Lead time excess of 4 years
For entertaining large number of guest: Not really a couples boat nor a small family boat
Forward cockpit is plain and not in par with the rest of the stylish approach and seating arrangements on the yacht
Interior space at the cost of seaworthiness and handling and performance
No access to the coach roof or boom from the foredeck of the yacht
Hydraulic steering linkage with little to no feedback at all
Negligible visibility from the single helm to the port side, particularly aft: You need to dock starboard side or else rely on help from cameras.

Price - CFP - Market Investment Value

Reviewing the purchase price and recommended options list and the charter feasibility projections and finally the expected market value of the investment after charter., lagoon 51 price and options.

4 Cab Owner Suite inc midship cabin + 3 Heads with 3 bathrooms 4 Cabins + 4 bathrooms 6 Cabins + 4 bathrooms Optional: 5 Cab Owner Suite inc midship cabin + 3 Heads with 3 bathrooms Option: 2 skipper cabins in front

Rec. Options

€1. 070 900

Total Price

€1. 450 411

Lagoon 51 Charter Feasibility Projection

Anticipated charters, ebitda season.

T.b.d: BVI/ USVI Operations with possibility for double season in Europe

Lagoon 51 MARKET & INVESTMENT VALUE

Launched, build, expiry.

Launched 2022, Build ca 50/ annually, Sold 170 units already Launched 55 units so far

Market Value 2023

Average Price 1. 484 000 €

Yacht Prices

Lagoon 51 - 2021: 898.578 €* Lagoon 51 - 2022: 973.500 €* Lagoon 51 - 2023: 1.039.876 €* *(Standard/ex options)

Expected Resale Value

65% within 4 years 60% 5-7 years 50% after 7 years

Fountaine Pajot Aura 51 Price and Options

Double Maestro version 2 Owners Suites + 2 Bathrooms / 2 double cabins + 2 Bathrooms Full Maestro version 1 Big Owner Suite + 1 Bathroom / 3 double cabins + 3 Bathrooms Maestro 5 cabins version 1 Owner Suite + 1 Bathroom / 4 double cabins + 4 Bathrooms 6 cabins version 6 double cabins + 6 Bathrooms

€1. 064 400

€1. 374 349

Fountaine Pajot Aura 51 Charter Feasibility Projection

Fountaine pajot aura 51 market & investment value.

Launched 2022, Build ca 45/ annually, Sold 160 units already Launched 25 units so far

Average Price 1.480.000 €

Fountaine Pajot Aura 51 - 2020: 742.662 €* Fountaine Pajot Aura 51 - 2021: 846.589 €* Fountaine Pajot Aura 51 - 2022: 922.782 €* Fountaine Pajot Aura 51 - 2023: 1.047.000 €* *(Standard/ex options)

More yacht comparisons

Don't miss these awesome comparisons.

Review – Nautitech 44 Open vs. Neel 47

Lagoon 620 vs. Sunreef 50

Lagoon 55 vs. Bali 5.4

Yacht comparisons Fountaine pajot isla 40 vs Nautitech 40 open

Fountaine Pajot Isla vs. Nautitech 40 Open

Dufour 48 Catamaran vs. Lagoon 46

Nautitech 46 Open Vs. Fountaine Pajot Saona 47

The global authority in superyachting

NEWSLETTERS
Yachts Home
The Superyacht Directory
Yacht Reports
Brokerage News
The largest yachts in the world
The Register
Yacht Advice
Yacht Design
12m to 24m yachts
Monaco Yacht Show
Builder Directory
Designer Directory
Interior Design Directory
Naval Architect Directory
Yachts for sale home
Motor yachts
Sailing yachts
Explorer yachts
Classic yachts
Sale Broker Directory
Charter Home
Yachts for Charter
Charter Destinations
Charter Broker Directory
Destinations Home
Mediterranean
South Pacific
Rest of the World
Boat Life Home
Owners' Experiences
Interiors Suppliers
Owners' Club
Captains' Club
BOAT Showcase
Boat Presents
Events Home
World Superyacht Awards
Superyacht Design Festival
Design and Innovation Awards
Young Designer of the Year Award
Artistry and Craft Awards
Explorer Yachts Summit
Ocean Talks
The Ocean Awards
BOAT Connect
Between the bays
Golf Invitational
Boat Pro Home
Pricing Plan
Superyacht Insight
Product Features
Premium Content
Testimonials
Global Order Book
Tenders & Equipment

The biggest yachts to look out for at the 2024 St Barths Bucket

St Barths is the epicentre of superyacht racing during the Caribbean season, often with an impressive array of superyacht spectators in tow . In the final days leading up to the 2024 St Barths Bucket (21-24 March), BOAT rounds up the largest yachts seen pulling into Gustavia for the famed regatta, beginning with Lürssen's 138-metre Rising Sun ...

Builder: Lürssen Length: 138.01m

If not for her sheer size, Rising Sun will be easy to spot from the shores of Gustavia thanks to her distinct glass panels running across the two upper decks. The yacht was the last ever design of Jon Bannenberg and boasts 8,000 square metres of living space that includes a wine cellar, double-height cinema and a basketball court. Rising Sun was originally commissioned by American business magnate Larry Ellison , who later sold the yacht to media mogul David Geffen.

Builder: Kleven Length: 116.15m

One of the largest explorer yachts in the world , Multiverse (ex Ulysses ) was commissioned by New Zealand's richest man, Graeme Hart. She is equipped with a heli-hangar on the top deck for a Bell 429 helicopter, as well as a large swimming pool, cinema and spa for the ultimate guest experience. Inside, the yacht's massive 18-metre beam provides accommodation for an owner's party of up to 66.

Maltese Falcon

Builder: Perini Navi Length: 88m

Fresh out of a full-scale refit, Maltese Falcon is undoubtedly one of the most unique and technologically innovative sailing superyachts in the world – kitted out with radical unstayed masts made of "weapons-grade" carbon fibre, a FalconRig and computerised sail and mast control system. Be sure to look out for the yacht's eponymous emblem on its middle sail, which also appears in the form of a bronze sculpture next to the indoor cinema.

Builder: Admiral – The Italian Sea Group Length: 74.85m

Instantly recognisable, Kenshō' 's flowing lines and metallic green-blue hull took six years to create with design from Dutch firm Azure Yacht Design and Naval Architecture and Berlin-based archineers.berlin . The Admiral flagship was awarded the coveted Motor Yacht of the Year title at the 2023 BOAT International World Superyacht Awards and picked up another Neptune at the 2023 BOAT International Design & Innovation Awards for Best Interior Design. Onboard highlights include a glass-fronted spa pool on the sundeck, a sunbed shaped in the image of a manta ray and a diesel-electric system based on five variable-speed generators that earned the yacht its Eco classification.

Builder: Heesen Yachts Length: 65m

The multiple award-winning Illusion (ex Galactica Star ) was delivered by Heesen in 2013, featuring the Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) developed by Dutch naval architects Van Oossanen & Associates . Her streamlined appearance and generous guest amenities have made her a favourite on the charter scene, with Beyoncé and Jay Z among her list of returning clients . Illusion was also singled out by Dickie Bannenberg – who designed the yacht's interior – as one of his most memorable projects owing to its considerable onboard art collection.

Builder: Benetti Length: 60m

Another popular charter vessel, St David will once again appear on the hit reality TV show Below Deck , but this time with a new captain at the helm. The yacht is characterised by a classic Baroque theme with intricate marquetry made from satin woods, and a mosaic floor on the skylounge that draws inspiration from a "Tuscan palazzo". While St David is known to frequent high-profile events such as the Cannes Film Festival, she has also ventured to off-the-beaten-path locations including the Seychelles, Red Sea and Abu Dhabi.

Builder: Trinity Yachts Length: 58.83m

Launched in 2016, Imagine... is one of the largest yachts to be built in the United States . The tri-deck vessel was penned by long-time collaborator Geoff Van Aller , with both the hull and superstructure built from aluminium to AB classification. The yacht's primary social area is found on the sundeck, where guests can relax in the Jacuzzi, on multiple sun loungers or at the bar. Inside, Imagine... also has a bonus cabin that doubles as a massage room.

Builder: Feadship Length: 55.5m

This Feadship superyacht has sailed under a litany of names since her 2005 delivery, including Twizzile , Drizzle , Issana , Madsummer , Cynthia and most recently, Mary A . In 2018, her owner joined forces with American interior designer Claudette Bonville Associates to give Mary A an exhaustive makeover that included a top-to-bottom paint job, technical tweaks and a brand-new interior – all while carefully preserving the yacht's pedigree.

Builder: Benetti Length: 52m

Lady B (ex Latitude ) appears to be making the most of the winter cruising season, with back-and-forth trips between the British Virgin Islands and St Barths since early December 2023 according to BOATPro 's Global Fleet Tracker. Before that, the yacht spent the off-season touring fan-favourite destinations in the South Pacific, such as Fiji, the Cook Islands and French Polynesia. She is consistently ranked among the most popular charter vessels with amenities such as an outdoor cinema, a Jacuzzi and a recently updated dive centre.

More about this yacht

Yachts for charter, more stories, most popular, from our partners, sponsored listings.

A look at the most expensive superyachts at the Palm Beach yacht show and their insane features, from basketball courts on deck to ice baths and saunas

The Palm Beach International Boat Show kicks off later this week.
Eight megayachts are expected to be on display for would-be buyers and charter customers.
These are the show's biggest yachts — and how many millions of dollars they are going for.

The Palm Beach International Boat Show — the yacht world's flashiest event stateside — is returning this year with over 800 boats for both deep-pocketed potential owners and window shoppers to peruse.

While it's impossible to know what exactly will be on display until the show begins on Thursday, it's expected that eight megayachts — generally defined as ships over 60 meters long — will be docked at the show and at nearby marinas like the Rybovich Marina in the ritzy Florida town.

Some of these are for sale at eye-popping prices, but others are available to if in case you fancy living like a billionaire for a week or two this summer (and if you have six figures to spare on a vacation).

These are the eight biggest yachts that will be at the Palm Beach International Boat Show and nearby marinas, in size order.

Nero: 90.1 meters

Price: From $497,000 a week (charter) Standout features: Pizza ovens, beauty salon, massage room, resistance pool

Reportedly owned by Irish billionaire Denis O'Brien, Nero is modeled after J.P. Morgan's 1930s ship , and was built in 2007 and updated in 2021.

She now boasts a gym on her sundeck with multiple cardio machines and a beauty salon, and has an on-board beautician for manicure, pedicure, hair, and massage needs. There's also an upgraded movie theater, two new pizza ovens, and both a pool and a jacuzzi.

For those who want to go overboard, she has more than a dozen toys, including a waterslide, Jet Ski, and flyboard.

Victorious: 85 meters

Price: From $876,600 a week in the summer and $950,000 a week in the winter Standout features: Hammam (Turkish bath), wine cellar, wood-burning fireplace, children's playroom

Victorious brings a party vibe to the yacht show. With a beach club on board, a wine cellar, a cigar clubroom , multiple bars, and a lounge with a piano, the vessel is made for entertaining. Plus, there's a playroom and movie theater to entertain the kids.

For tamer charter clients, Victorious has a suite of wellness features such as a gym, massage room, beauty salon and hammam, or Turkish bath — perhaps a custom request of her owner, Turkish businessman Vural Ak.

She also boasts a treasure trove of water toys, including Jet Skis, jetsurfs, inflatable kayaks, and scuba equipment.

Casino Royale: 72 meters

Price: TBD Special Features: Infinity pool, helipad, private jacuzzi

Purchased and refitted by car dealer magnate John Staluppi last year, Casino Royale is the latest of his James Bond-inspired yachts (he's also owned an Octopussy and a Skyfall, among others).

Casino Royale has a helipad that turns into a dancefloor, an infinity pool, and a wellness center with a gym and sauna. The owner's cabin has its own deck, which features a private bar and jacuzzi.

Talisman C: 70.6 meters

Price: $60 million (or from $567,000 a week to charter) Special features: Massage and beauty room, private library

Likely the largest yacht for sale (not just charter) at the show, the Talisman C is a 2011 six-bedroom boat. The owner's cabin comes with an en suite bathroom, dressing room, private library, and crystal chandeliers.

Amenities include a gym, a beauty room, oversized jacuzzi, and a fully equipped bar. Her crew of 19 includes a trained masseuse, and the toy room comes equipped with a wakeboard, eFoil , and WaveRunners.

Joy: 70 meters

Price: From $650,000 a week Special features: Disco club, basketball court, onboard fitness instructor

Superyacht Joy testifies to the fact that owners want as many on-board experiences as they can get.

There's an expansive suite of fitness features, including a basketball court (don't shoot that hoop too hard!), a personal trainer on staff, boxing equipment, and a handful of machines. For post-workout winddowns, there's a spa with a steam room and onboard masseuse. And for entertainment, there's both an outdoor and indoor cinema, and a disco club.

Triumph: 65.4 meters

Price: From $707,600 a week in the summer and $650,000 a week in the winter Special features: Sauna, helipad, banana boat

This 2021 superyacht is named after Triumph motorcycles — a reported favorite of her rumored owner, British businessman Chris Dawson — and even has one on display as an art piece in the upper deck's lounge. The primary suite is 1,400 square feet and has its own study , and there's a sauna, an indoor-outdoor gym, a helipad, and a massage room spread among her six decks.

She boasts an "armada of water toys," including two kinds of Jet Skis, electric water bikes, and a banana boat.

Seanna: 64.5 meters

Price: $54,000,000 (or from $462,000 a week to charter) Special features: marble foyer, movie room, sundeck pool

The recently refurbished Seanna is available for sale and charter.

Her indoor-outdoor gym is on sea level so that passengers can take a dip after a session with the onboard personal trainer. There's also a sundeck pool, a helipad, a two-room massage facility, and, for the more cerebral guests, a library with an electric fireplace.

There are a number of toys on board, including a popular water trampoline and two WaveRunners.

Come Together: 60 meters

Price: $65,000,000 Special Features: DJ and videographer on board, ice bath, sauna

Next-to-new yacht Come Together is looking for a new owner after doing charters during the 2023 season.

The Beatles' influence is evident beyond the yacht's name, with guitars dotting the sky lounge and a crewmember who doubles as a DJ. There's also an outdoor cinema and bar for entertainment and an ice bath and sauna for the day after the party. The owner's suite has a private study and lounge, and each guest cabin has its own ensuite.

The sale includes a number of toys, like Jet Skis, kayaks, and Seabobs.

Watch: Inside the world's biggest cruise ship that just set sail

Main content

IMAGES

HEMISPHERE
HEMISPHERE
The Largest Catamarans In The World
PHOTOS: World’s Largest Luxury Catamaran >> Scuttlebutt Sailing News
World's largest sailing catamaran design to be presented at SCIBS
Pin on BOATS & SHIPS

VIDEO

On the way #catamarans #travel
Catamaran Sailing Very Fast
THE SUPER CAT(AMARAN) IS ON THE WAY...AND YOU JUST HAVE TO SEE WHAT THEY LOOK LIKE!!!
Sail aboard the 50' Catamaran for an Epic Experience
Classic yachts and performance catamarans; the beauty of boats #catamarans #catamaran #boatsforsale
Sailing Bahamas, Exumas, Leopard 50 Catamaran, 3/4

COMMENTS

The Largest Catamarans In The World
Below, we have selected ten of the world's largest power and sailing catamarans, which offer guests stylish and stable cruising experiences with oodles of space. World's Largest Power Cats 1. Hodor (Astilleros Armon) - 217 feet 2. Sunreef 49 Power Cat - 160 feet 3. Charley (Echo Yachts) - 150 feet 4. Moecca (Bannenberg & Rowell) - 148 feet 5.
Exploring the World's 11 Largest Sailing Catamarans: Rankings and Key
The world's largest sailing catamarans are truly awe-inspiring feats of engineering and design. Topping the list is the Black Pearl, a massive 106.7-meter vessel that boasts cutting-edge technology and luxury amenities. Other impressive entries on the list include the White Rabbit, the Hemisphere, and the Fujin. ...
Hemisphere (yacht)
Hemisphere is the largest sailing catamaran (two hulls) and the largest sailing private yacht catamaran in the World since 2011. [1] [2] She is 145 feet (44 m) long and built by boat builder Pendennis (UK). [1] The vessel has won five different industry awards, including for the interior finishing. [1]
Largest Sailing Yachts In The World
The World's Largest Sailing Yachts might seem diminutive when compared to the record breaking, largest power yachts in the world. The biggest vessel that can move under sail alone is currently 127M (417 Ft.). Anchor that next to the current largest power yacht, the 184M (603 foot) gigayacht REV, and it might not seem very impressive. But ...
Top 10 largest sailing yachts in the world
The list of the top ten largest sailing yachts in the world is not easily disrupted. In fact, it had remained unchanged since the launch of the 106.7-metre Oceanco Black Pearl in 2018, which swiped the top spot from Lürssen's 93-metre Eos.For four years, Black Pearl remained the largest yacht in the world until early in 2023 when Oceanco sent a new flagship down the slipway, the mighty 127 ...
World's Largest Sailing Catamaran Photos
This 145-foot cat was built in 2011 and holds the record for the world's largest vessel of her type. Courtesy Pendennis Shipyard. The port hull has a dive center complete with air and NITROX tanks and a full range of equipment. Courtesy Pendennis Shipyard. Hemisphere has a top speed of 13 knots. Courtesy Pendennis Shipyard.
Hemisphere: the world's largest catamaran
Hemisphere, the world's largest sailing catamaran recently completed by Pendennis Shipyard for American owners, has been a long time coming. Since the late 1990s, her owners have chartered a variety of yachts - sailing and motor, mono and multihulls, big and not so big - giving invaluable experience to understand what it was they would want from a boat of their own.
Top 10 largest Catamarans in the world
Vista has been the biggest project of HeySea, which brought her international appreciation. 6. Sarha ( 137 Ft.) Registered at the Port of George Town and sailing under the Cayman Islands Flag, Sarha is a 40 m motor yacht built by Sea Management, fabricated in Australia and launched in 1989.
HEMISPHERE Sailing yacht for charter
HEMISPHERE, the world's largest sailing catamaran, is designed to deliver incredible experiences. She has a PADI-certified, Nitrox-capable dive centre for up to 12 guests and Captain Gavin is a qualified dive instructor with encyclopaedic knowledge and infectious passion for marine life in this divers' paradise. There is a 16.4m (53.8ft) sports ...
Hemisphere Catamaran
The 145 ft / 44.2 m Custom catamaran ' Hemisphere ' is the world's largest catamaran and was was built in 2011 by Pendennis. This piece of marine art came off the drawing boards of Van Peteghem Lauriot Prévost (VPLP) and the yacht's interior was designed by Michael Leach. The lines on this boat remind me of VPLP´s earlier performance ...
Home [www.sy-hemisphere.com]
Hemisphere represents the pinnacle of multihull superyachts as she reaches completion to become not only the largest but also the worlds most luxurious sailing catamaran. Due completion in April 2009, Hemisphere has been built to the highest super yacht standards by Derecktor shipyards, Connecticut USA. Hemisphere will cruise the Caribbean and ...
A peek inside world's largest luxury catamaran
CNN —. At 44 meters long (145 ft), Hemisphere is the largest sailing catamaran in the world. The makers of Hemisphere believe this is first catamaran superyacht to hit the water and could ...
The world's largest catamaran yachts
We've compiled a list of some of the largest catamaran yachts in operation today. See more. Fleet Updates The world's largest catamaran yachts. Written by Jason Spinks. 26 Nov 2019 | 16:30. Loading... Newsletter. ... Sailing Yachts. Motor Yachts. By Shipyard. Feadship. Benetti. Azimut. Lürssen. Sanlorenzo. Westport. Heesen. SilverYachts ...
the world's largest sailing catamaran
The world's largest luxury charter catamaran, HEMISPHERE boasts the ultimate fusion of extravagance and dynamic performance. This stunning 44.2m (145') sailing yacht commands unrivalled presence whether sailing or at anchor. HEMISPHERE will be available for charter in the breathtaking Norwegian Fjords for the summer of 2023 before making her ...
Current Top 10 Largest Catamarans For Charter
HEMISPHERE - 44.20m (145') Since her launch in 2011 luxury catamaran HEMISPHERE has remained one of the largest catamarans in the world as well as the largest currently available on the charter market. She won Interior Layout Award: Sailing Yachts and Interior Design Award: Sailing Yachts at the Showboats Design Awards 2012 where she was also a ...
Best Cruising Catamarans, Sailing Catamaran Brands
Gemini 105M Courtesy of Gemini Catamarans. Pioneering catamaran sailor, builder and designer Tony Smith launched the first of his 33-foot Gemini 105M's (10.5 meters = 33′) in 1993, and soon after found a ready and willing stream of sailors enamored of the boat's compact size, affordable price tag, and such innovations as the nifty lifting rudder and transom steps.
Largest Yachts In The World 2023
Al Said - 509 FT. (155M) Prince Abdul Aziz - 482 FT. (147M) El Mahrousa - 475 FT. (145M) First, let's take a look at the new king - now the largest motor yacht in the world: 1. SOMNIO- 728 FT. (222M) Somnio will be the world's first 'yacht-liner'. Image credit: Winch Design. Due for launch in mid-2024, Somnio is expected to ...
The top 10 largest sailing yachts in the world
Discover the largest sailing yachts in the global superyacht fleet: 143m Sailing Yacht A, 106m Black Pearl, 93m EOS and many more.
12 Best Catamaran Sailboats
Gunboat 62. catamarancentral. An original performance catamaran cruiser from the iconic Gunboat manufacturer, the Gunboat 62 has truly cemented its place as one of the best catamaran sailboats to ever grace the oceans. Honestly speaking, this cat-inspired a whole range of other incredible boats including HH66 Catamaran and the Balance 526.
New catamarans: 2021's most exciting launches
Lagoon 55. This new launch from the world's number one catamaran brand is the largest in the range of 'regular' boats, before entering the more luxurious world of the Lagoon 65. It has been ...
World's Largest Sailing Catamaran Delivered: The First and Only of Its
The cat is able to move in and out of protected areas on electric motors, sail at speeds of up to 10 knots (11.5 mph/18.5 kph) even in less windy conditions, and run off solar energy for six hours ...
Review
Both the Lagoon 51 and the Fountaine Pajot Aura 51 are arguably two of the largest sailing catamarans on the market for a short-handed crew. The opinions are divided on the matter of what entails an ideal live-aboard multihull: the strength of the design, construction and feeling at helm of the performance-optimised catamarans such as the ...
Sail Catamaran boats for sale
Catamaran sailing vessels pricing. Catamaran sailing vessels for sale on YachtWorld are listed for a variety of prices from $54,229 on the relatively moderate end all the way up to $6,755,357 for the biggest, most advanced vessels.
The biggest yachts to look out for at the 2024 St Barths Bucket
Builder: Perini Navi Length: 88m Fresh out of a full-scale refit, Maltese Falcon is undoubtedly one of the most unique and technologically innovative sailing superyachts in the world - kitted out with radical unstayed masts made of "weapons-grade" carbon fibre, a FalconRig and computerised sail and mast control system. Be sure to look out for the yacht's eponymous emblem on its middle sail ...
Check Out the Biggest and Priciest Boats at Palm Beach's Yacht Show
The Talisman C is one of the largest boats for sale at the show, with a price of nearly $60 million. ... Watch: Inside the world's biggest cruise ship that just set sail. Advertisement
BAVARIA YACHTS on Instagram: "Our largest sailing boat the C57
473 likes, 1 comments - bavaria_yachts_official on March 16, 2024: "Our largest sailing boat the C57 - despite its size, it can also be easily sailing with a small crew ⛵ From the large bathing platform ...
Sail boats for sale
A sailboat refers to any class and subclass of boat that is designed with one or more masts and rigging system as the main source of propulsion. Sailboats are available in a variety of models and rigs, including racing boats, sloops, schooners, catamarans, trimarans, sailing cruisers, and others. Some of the first sailboats on record date back ...