best luxury sailing catamarans

12 Best Catamaran Sailboats

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

{{boat-info="/boats/manta-42"}}

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

{{boat-info="/boats/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.

{{boat-info="/boats/leopard-48"}}

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.

{{boat-info="/boats/dolphin-ocema-42"}}

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.

{{boat-info="/boats/catana-50"}}

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

{{boat-info="/boats/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.

{{boat-info="/boats/fountaine-pajot-bahia-46"}}

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

{{boat-info="/boats/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

{{boat-info="/boats/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.

{{boat-info="/boats/gunboat-62"}}

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

{{boat-info="/boats/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.

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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.

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9 Best Luxury Cruising Catamarans: Buyer’s Guide

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Have you decided to take the plunge and buy a catamaran? Then, why not go all out and get one of the most luxurious catamarans available? By selecting a top-tier catamaran with awesome performance , you can enjoy the ultimate combination of style, comfort, and functionality to create unforgettable memories with family and friends on the open seas.

The best luxury catamarans include the 80 Sunreef Power Eco, the Lagoon Sixty7, the Fountaine Pajot Power 67, the Saona 47, and the Gunboat 68. Other premium cruising catamarans are the Aquila 79, the MC90, and the Catana 53.

These cruising catamarans all fall into the ‘luxury’ category thanks to their outstanding passenger amenities and impressive sailing features. They are typically larger than mid-range catamarans and can cruise at incredible speeds. This article is the complete buyer’s guide to luxury catamarans. It explores the features of some of the best luxury cruising catamarans on the market today. 

80 Sunreef Power Eco

This beautiful vessel offers luxury with a conscience. At 80 feet (24.3 meters), it is a large vessel that has been specially designed to ensure eco-friendly sailing. It was launched in 2020, designed to ensure silent, vibration-free cruising that does not disturb the ocean it cruises over.

The 80 Sunreef Power Eco has luxurious amenities that have been designed with the environment in mind. Some of the most note-worthing features of this vessel include: 

• A solar power system that covers up to 2152.8 square feet (200 meters square feet) of the vessel allows a large amount of energy production
• An ultralight battery bank that allows for silent cruising 
• A watermarking and purifying water system that can create drinking water
• Made with a variety of eco-responsible finishing materials 
• Room for five cabins with six heads 
• A hydraulic aft platform 

The eco-friendly features of this vessel do not compromise its sailing capability. Some of the most important specifications of this cruising catamaran are: 

• A beam of 29.4 feet (12 meters) 
• Four fuel tanks; two with a capacity of 1056.7 gallons (4000 liters) and two with a capacity of 1585 gallons (6000 liters) 
• Four main engines, two with 180kW and two with 360 kW 
• Two water tanks, each with a capacity of 211 gallons (800 liters) 

The 80 Sunreef Power eco is fully customizable if you buy it new from SunreefYachtsEco.com. You can choose from a wide range of interior design options and finishing materials. 

LagoonSixty7

The Lagoon Sixty7 is a stunning vessel that has been called “ a high-end Manhattan apartment on the water.” It has been designed for long-distance cruising and has been especially popular in the Asia Pacific region . At just over 66 feet (20.15 meters), it has been recognized as a vessel that allows for ‘ affordable luxury .’ 

While it may be a bit more pocket-friendly than other luxury cruising catamarans, the Lagoon Sixty7 does not compromise its features. Some of the most enticing features of this vessel are: 

• A wide, remote control operated swim platform that connects the two transforms 
• The choice of a galley up or galley down version with a 385sqft (36sqm) saloon offering 360-degree views
• A sunken lounge in front of the saloon offers comfortable lounging space 
• A raised deck with room for lounging or storing furniture
• High quality, solid joinery the offers plenty of storage space 
• The choice between three flybridge layouts: Standard, Sunbathing, or Tribu
• The option to choose between 4, 5, or 6 cabins with a separate cabin for crew 

The Lagoon Sixty7 also has a range of high-end sailing features that will appeal to every sailor. These include: 

• A beam of 32.11 feet (10 meters) 
• A draft of 3.9 feet (1.15 meters) 
• A fuel capacity of 4 x 363 gallons (4 x 1375 litres) 
• A water capacity of 2 x 132 gallons (2 x 500 litres) 
• The ability to reach a maximum of 19 knots 

If you are interested in purchasing the Lagoon Sixty7 new, visit Lagoon.com . You can also check Yachtworld.com to find a used Lagoon Sixty7 to buy. 

Fountaine Pajot Power 67 

At 67 feet (20.4 meters) long, this power catamaran has lots of space that houses a range of luxurious amenities. This catamaran has received several positive industry reviews , with a particular focus on its design and its long-range sailing capability. Designed by Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design, this model is the flagship of Fountaine Pajot’s motor yacht range. 

The Fountaine Pajot Power 67 is customizable; owners can choose from a range of interior designs, finishing materials, and amount of cabins. Some of the stand-out features of the Fountaine Pajot Power 67 are: 

• A 387.5 square feet (36 square meters) cockpit that houses a galley and plenty of sunbathing spots 
• A 344.4 square foot (32 square meters) flybridge with direct access to the saloon 
• A foredeck with an optional jacuzzi add on 
• The choice to include an owner’s cabin with a dressing room, a private head, and a walk-in shower 
• Option to choose between three or four cabins in addition to the owner’s cabin 

This catamaran’s sailing specifications and prowess are equally impressive. Some of the core specs include: 

• A beam of 32.38 feet (9.84 meters) 
• A draft of 3.80 feet (1.15 meters) 
• A standard power of 2 x 300 HP 
• An optional power of 2 x 435 HP 
• Fuel capacity of 105.6 gallons (400 litres) 
• A freshwater capacity of 277.4 gallons (1050 liters) 

To purchase a Fountaine Pajot Power 67 new, visit FountainePajot.com . At present, there are no used versions of the Fountaine Pajot Power 67 available. 

Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 

The Saona 47 is a 45.7 feet (13.94 meters) long luxury catamaran produced by Fountaine Pajot. It is an elegant model that has been designed by Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design, a team of naval architects that specialize in high-performance catamarans. It has received several industry awards for its performance. 

There are two versions of the Saona 47. The Maestro version has an owner’s suite with its bathroom, two double cabins, and two heads. Meanwhile, the Quintet version has four double cabins, one single cabin, and five heads. Other amenities and features that you will find aboard the Saona 47 include: 

• A beach club on the rear platform 
• A 96.9 square foot (9 square meters) lounge deck with plenty of spots for sunbathing 
• A saloon with a galley that has premium equipment and joinery 
• Excellent visibility from the helm 
• A lift that can be converted into a swimming platform right above the water

Meanwhile, the sailing specifications of the Saona 47 include: 

• A beam of 25.3 feet (7.7 meters) 
• A draft of 3.9 feet (1.20 meters) 
• Standard power of 2 x 50 HP and 2 x 50 CV 
• Optional power of 2 x 60 HP and 2 x 60 CV 
• A fuel capacity of 2 x 124 gallons (2 x 470 litres) 
• A fresh water capacity of 2 x 92 gallons (2 x 350 litres) 

To buy a Saona 47 new, visit FountainePajot.com . To buy a used Saona 47, visit YachtWorld.com .

Gunboat catamarans are known for their ability to reach high speeds while maintaining incredible stability. Designers of the Gunboat 68 have used aerospace design technology and lightweight materials to create a stunning, high-end vessel. It has been engineered by VPLP, who are known as the fastest naval architects. 

The Gunboat 68 is 68 feet (20.75 meters) long, which allow space for a range of amenities, including: 

• An all-carbon composite frame that makes the Gunboat super lightweight and, therefore more easy to maneuver
• A semi-customizable layout that allows owners to put their stamp on the vessels 
• A galley located on the bridge deck with wrap-around countertops, and an integrated gas oven 
• An aft cockpit with the option to add on a BBQ grill, an ice maker, or a drinks fridge 
• The opportunity to choose between four, five, or six cabins with en-suite heads 
• A central helm that allows for easy access to the crew as well as passenger facilities 
• Furniture in the saloon and aft cockpit can be easily detached, which will enable you to change the interior design relatively easy 

One of the most enticing sailing features of the Gunboat 68 is its speed. Depending on the wind power, it can reach up to 30 knots . Other sailing specifications of the Gunboat 68 include: 

• A bridge deck clearance of 3.3 feet (1 meter) 
• A fuel capacity of 2 x 100 gallons (2 x 378 litres) 
• A water capacity of 2 x 100 gallons (2 x 378 litres) 
• A draft up of 3.90 feet (1.20 meters) 

If you’re interested in buying the Gunboat 68 new, visit Gunboat.com . These vessels are also available second-hand – visit Yachtworld.com to see if there are any used ones available.

St Francis 50 

St Francis Catamarans produce artisanal catamarans that are customized to suit the needs of each unique owner. The St Francis 50 is the flagship catamaran of the brand and is an elegant, luxury vessel. 

Some of the most enticing features of the St Francis 50 are: 

• A bridge deck that is 32 feet (9.8 meters) above the water reduces wave slapping 
• A cockpit that has been designed to have extra weather protection 
• A spacious aft deck with stairs that lead to the foredeck, creating plenty of sunbathing and walking space 
• Four cabins with plenty of storage space 
• Each cabin has an attached head with a shower and vanity cabinets 
• A U-shaped galley with room for a three burden stove and lots of prep counters. The galley also has a fridge, a chest freezer, and a dish dryer.
• A navigation station with a built-in table and drawers 
• A built-in retractable swimming ladder 

In addition to these core features, owners can choose their own interior design elements such as countertop finishes, layouts, and wood grains. 

The St Francis 50 has an overall length of 50 feet (15.25 meters). Other sailing specifications include: 

• A maximum beam of 26.3 feet (8 meters) 
• A draft of 4.2 feet (1.25 meters)
• Capacity for 232 gallons (880 litres) 
• A total water capacity of 360 gallons (1350 liters) 
• A bridge deck clearance of 2.8 feet (0.85 metres) 

To purchase the St Francis 50, lodge an inquiry on StFrancisCatamrans.com . 

The Catana 53 is the latest catamaran in the Catana range of vessels. Launched in 2019, it is a 53 feet (16.2 meters) long ship packed with enticing features and luxurious amenities. Industry reviews applaud the Catana 53 for being both fast but also easy to handle. 

The Catana 53 has been designed in-house by the expert Catana team and relied on Marc Lombard as an external consultant. Noteworthy features of the Catana 53 include: 

• An ample bridge deck clearance allows passengers to be comfortable even when the catamaran is traveling at high speeds 
• The cockpit and the saloon are on the same level making for an extended lounge area with a relaxing day bed 
• The saloon features an L-shaped settee that extends into the outdoor dining area, creating an open space concept 
• Three, four, or five-cabin versions available 
• Cabins filled with convenient features including a desk, mirrors, background LEDs, attached heads, and beautiful views of the sea beyond 
• A large galley with an island countertop and a wine fridge 
• Curved daggerboards that allow more room inside the hull 
• Built with foam and carbon fiber that makes for a stable, but light vessel 
• A built-in autopilot system, with a secondary autopilot control at the interior navigation desk 

The Catana 53’s sailing specifications make it an excellent choice for avid sailors. The specs include: 

• A beam of 28.38 feet (8.65 meters) 
• A draft up of 4.69 feet (1.43 meters) 
• Engines with 2 x 60 CV or 2 x 60 HP 
• Fuel capacity of 227 gallons (860 liters) 
• A freshwater capacity of 211 gallons (800 liters) 

The Catana 53 is available for purchase from Catana.com . 

McConaghy 90

The McConaghy 90 or the MC90 is a massive catamaran. As its name suggests, it’s 90 feet (27.4 meters) long. It has been designed by Jason Ker , a designer with over 20 years of experience designing premium yachts. 

Thanks to its size, it is equipped with all the amenities you would expect to find in a luxurious home. Some of the stand-out features of the MC90 include: 

• Space for five cabins plus separate cabin space for the crew
• Individual seating and dining areas in the cockpit which flow into the interior areas
• A well-equipped galley and multiple dining areas make this catamaran the perfect location for a party
• The ability for owners to customize the interior design and the color of external design features such as the topsides, the pilothouse, and the sofas
• Interior constructed with hand-painted surfaces and lightweight, premium wood 
• Each catamaran has a Bureau Veritas classification for bluewater sailing 
• Glass panels in the hulls and saloon add to the open floor plan 

The size of the MC90 does not slow her down. This catamaran can reach over 20 knots. Other necessary specifications of the MC90 include: 

• A beam of 40.4 feet (12.3 meters)
• An engine power of 2 x 220 HP 
• A fuel tank capacity of 792.5 gallons (3000 liters) 
• A freshwater capacity of 264.2 gallons (1000 liters) 

The MC90 is built on demand; register your interest on McConaghyBoats.com if you’re interested in purchasing one! 

Aquila 70 Luxury Power Catamaran 

This Aquila 70 is another large vessel that is the crowning catamaran of the Aquila range. It has carried forward some of the earlier Aquila models’ most popular features and has also included innovations based on customer feedback. 

The Aquila 70 boasts plush, versatile interiors. Some of the features of the Aquila 70 are: 

• A large master suite with designer furnishings, intelligent appliances, and panoramic windows 
• Aft with comfortable seating, a large beach area, and a swim ladder
• Access to the foredeck from the flybridge creating more spaces for lounging 
• High bridge deck clearance allows for comfortable sailing even at high speeds
• Carbon fiber construction allowing for lightweight sailing
• Plenty of different spaces for entertaining, including the Skydeck and the saloon 
• Flexibility to choose between 4,5 and 6 cabins 

The Aquila 70 is a power catamaran, which means that it can travel at extremely high speeds. It can reach 27 knots when the optional engines are running. Other sailing specifications of this catamaran include: 

• A draft of 4.8 feet (1.45 meters) 
• A water capacity of 412 gallons (1560 liters) 
• A fuel capacity of 1447.7 gallons (5480 liters) 
• A draft of 4.9 feet (1.45 meters) 

The Aquia 70 is available for custom order on Aquilaboats.com .

Conclusion 

If you are planning on buying a catamaran, why not opt for one of the most luxurious ones available? If you’re after large, impressive vessels, consider the MC90, the 80 Sunreef Power Eco, and the Gunboat 68. If you’d like a slightly smaller but equally luxurious catamaran, take your pick from the Lagoon Sixty7, the Fountaine Pajot Power 67, and the Catana 53. You may also wish to consider the St Francis 50 and the Saona 47. 

The next step in your catamaran finding journey is to contact the dealers and take a few of them out for a trial run. 

• AquilaBoats: Power Catamaran 70
• BoatDB: Best Luxury Catamaran Brands 
• BoatSales; Top 10 Catamaran Makes 
• CrusingWorld: St Francis 50 
• CataLagoon: Sixty7 
• Catana: Catana 53 
• Catamarans: Saona 47
• FountainePajot: Power 67 
• Gunboat: Gunboat68 
• Katamrans: Gunboat 68 
• Katamrans: St Francis 50 
• Katamarans: Catana 53  
• KerDesgin: Ker Yacht Design 
• Luxuo: Lagoon Sixty7 Powercat Review
• McConaghyBoats: McConaghy 90 MultiHullsSolutions: Award Winning Catamaran 
• MultiHullsSolutions: St Francis 50 Boat Review 
• MultihullsWorld: Lagoon Sixty7 Almost Affordable Luxury 
• PassageMaker: Top Cats 
• SailMagazine: 10 Great Cruising Cats
• StFrancisCatamarans: Overview 
• SunreefYachts: 80 Sunreef Power Eco 
• YachtWorld: Lagoon Boats for Sale 
• YachtWorld: Gunboat 68 

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

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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.

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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: 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

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Are two hulls better than one? If the array of new build and new concept catamarans are anything to go by, it’s a question the yachting industry appears to increasingly be asking.

Celebrity endorsement in the shape of Rafael Nadal has certainly helped raise awareness of the category, but beyond the tennis ace’s custom Sunreef 80 Power , more and more yacht owners are coming to see that cats are worthy of their attention: The twin hull design delivers larger volumes, greater stability, as well as increased efficiency and speed when compared to its monohull equivalent.

Beyond leisure cruising in shallow, tropical waters, today’s class of catamarans are being primed for global expeditions. The category is also shining bright with early prototypes demonstrating how yachting is going green, such as the hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered power-cat tender by America’s Cup team Emirates Team New Zealand.

From classic models to rugged explorers and support vessels to a hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered cat, here are seven stellar twin-hulled vessels that show how versatile the power-catamaran design can be.

Astilleros Armon’s ‘Wayfinder’

The second big cat–following the stealth-like 217.2-foot Hodor–in the Incat Crowther ShadowCat series, Wayfinder launched from Spain’s Astilleros Armon in 2021 as a support vessel to a superyacht. It’s already been spotted in the Mediterranean, dutifully playing its supporting role to the mothership. At 223.8-feet long, and with a 45.9-foot beam, the shadow boat has extra storage space for the mothership, a games room and an outdoor area all rolled into one, with a collection of extra features including a helipad, helicopter hanger, spare parts workshop, medical facilities, a flower room and a pickleball court. There is also space for a main crew of 18, with extra space for 14 supplemental crew or service staff.

Silver Yachts’ ‘SpaceCat’

In October 2022, SpaceCat emerged from Silver Yachts in Fremantle, Western Australia, the first multihull delivery from the Australian yacht builder behind the naval-styled explorer yacht Bold. Like the yard’s monohulls, the superyacht bears the signature of yacht designer Espen Øino who has described the category as the “SUV” of the sea for its potential to first divide opinion and then perhaps dominate the market. A compact 118.1-foot length hides an impressive 4,306 square feet of space across the tri-deck configuration; the largest being the 2,174 square-foot main deck. The series has been designed with owners who may want to own more than one. “The yachts could be positioned on three main continents; one in Asia, one in the Mediterranean, and one in the Caribbean, avoiding any hassle of repositioning and non-availability to use the vessel,” said the shipyard said in a statement at SpaceCat’ s launch.  

Abeking & Rasmussen’s ‘Nurja’

When delivered in 2008, the 134.6-foot Silver Cloud stood out for its amphibian appearance and full-width helipad on the upper deck, but what attracted the most attention was her swath (small waterplane area twin-hulled) design, the first time such a concept had been seen in the superyacht fleet. The owner chose Abeking & Rasmussen for the build for a reason. He was impressed by the German yard’s proven success with the swath platform in its military and commercial builds. He believed the stability would offer an antidote to his wife’s seasickness, an assumption that was proven correct. In December 2020, the yacht changed hands and is now known as Nurja .

Sunreef’s 80 Eco

At last year’s Monaco Yacht Show, the largest yacht may have been Lürssen’s sleek 378-foot motoryacht Ahpo but, across the port, a catamaran less than a quarter of the size was turning just as many heads. With over 1,700 square feet of solar panels seamlessly integrated into her hull, superstructure, mast and bimini roof, the 80-foot Sunreef 80 Eco is a vision of the future, with fully electric propulsion for silent cruising. Along with smart innovations, including a rainwater collection system for washing down the deck and the ability to use her solar panels to heat up the boiler, there’s also plenty of proof that going green doesn’t mean compromising on luxury: The interiors are finished with sustainable materials, including natural fabrics and salvaged teak to reach the exacting standards of superyacht comfort.

Equipped with an electric-hybrid drive system, as well as both solar panels and hydr0-generation technology to top up battery power, the French-built Windelo 50 Adventure can reach both the wilds of Patagonia and the palm trees of the Pacific Islands at minimal cost to the environment. Scratch the surface of its classic catamaran aesthetic for more eco-friendly innovations like a hull constructed from a composite material of basalt and PET foam from recycled plastic bottles. These upcycled materials reduce carbon emissions by almost 50 percent compared to traditional materials. The interiors haven’t been ignored either: It’s a modern, functional design emphasizing sustainably sourced wood. The first of this series earned a special mention for sustainability at the European Yacht of the Year 2022 awards.

Profab Central Engineering’s ‘The Beast’

With its thick gray, geometric stripes that stand out against the endless blue of the South Pacific of its home waters, there’s nothing inconspicuous about The Beast . Delivered in 2019 by New Zealand’s Profab Central Engineering, the 128.7-foot vessel is billed as the ultimate adventure charter yacht, equipped with scuba diving equipment, wakeboards, SUPs, a waterbike and even a 42.7-foot sport fishing vessel called Baby Beast. The twin-hull design adds to its personality, says its charter manager, Ben Osborne from 37South in Auckland, New Zealand. “The extra volume allows The Beast to carry larger tenders and more equipment—setting it up perfectly for exploration—style cruising, while not sacrificing on the interior spaces,” he told Robb Report . The interior is styled like a Manhattan bachelor pad and can sleep 12 guests in five cabins.

Silent 120 Explorer

Proof that 007-style toys are no longer the sole domain of football pitch-sized yachts, the Silent 120 Explorer’s onboard stash includes a U-Boat Worx Nemo submarine and Xcraft eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft. And, true to sustainable super-spy form, rooftop solar panels slide open to reveal a smartly concealed e-VTOL touch-and-go landing pad. A generous 45.4-foot beam—plus the space saved by its solar and electric propulsion systems—is what makes such cool cruising extras possible on a boat of this size. Another of the new wave of cats designed for carbon-free adventure cruising, this latest project builds on the Austrian company’s previous all-electric launches, such as the Silent 60. The first 120 Explorer is set to hit the water in 2024.

Read More On:

• Abeking & Rasmussen
• Silent Yachts

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