2024 Sail Buyer's Guide

From 45 to 50 feet
Just two years ago, this was almost certainly the category in which the biggest builders were competing most fiercely. And that was only to be expected: this size of multihull is undoubtedly the one that most family crews have in mind when they dream of letting slip the lines and living aboard. But rising prices and skyrocketing interest rates have put a damper on many plans... you’ll be on a comfortable, safe boat that remains perfectly manageable without the need for a professional skipper. But each model we present here has its own personality: you’re sure to find the multihull that suits you!
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Mark Bernie, Julie Echelle, Dick Sawyer, Emmanuel van Deth and Kim Wellington
Publié le 07/12/2023
Par Mark Bernie, Julie Echelle, Dick Sawyer, Emmanuel van Deth and Kim Wellington
Numéro : 193
Parution : Jan. / Feb. 2024
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Multihulls World #193

LEOPARD 45

A Lounge version that has made a name for itself

 
 
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In 2017, with their 45, Robertson and Caine offered an attractive catamaran: this model satisfies the expectations of charterers or owners who are sensitive to the concept of open spaces. A successful model that continues to evolve: the brand-new Lounge version with a fitted-out flybridge appears very popular, to the point of eclipsing the original configuration despite it having more canvas and a lower boom. During our tests, we appreciated the design of the hulls and the seakindly behavior under sail. The forward cockpit, accessible from inside, has become emblematic of the Leopard range: a definite asset for hedonistic sailors - and for all a must at anchor to enjoy life on board. The forward door is also an excellent way to ventilate the saloon in the tropical sun.
Builder: Robertson & Caine
Length: 45’ (13.72 m)
Beam: 24’2” (7.36 m)
Light displacement: 36,150 lbs (16.4 t)
Draft: 4’11” (1.50 m)
Mainsail: 813/841 sq ft (75.5/78.1 m²)
Genoa: 543 sq ft (50.4 m²)
Spinnaker: 1,789 sq ft (166.2 m²)
No. of cabins: 3 or 4 + port forepeak
Water: 206 US gal (780 l)
Fuel: 185 US gal (700 l)
Engines: 2 x 45 HP
Price: from € 659,000 ex-tax
www.leopardcatamarans.com 

TANNA 47

The Saona reviewed and updated

 
 
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Presented for the first time at the 2022 Cannes Yachting Festival, the Tanna 47 is a successful and intelligent redesign of the Saona 47. The overall characteristics - rig, displacement and deck layout – all remain identical, but the nacelle has been reworked to feature new furniture with softer angles, larger overhead windows, but most importantly, a new galley – gone is the central island, but there’s now an extra 10.6 cubic feet (300 liters) of storage space. Like the latest models in Fountaine Pajot’s sailing range, the Tanna 47 has a lounger. A perfect place for the watchkeeper... but also for relaxing. However, this does mean losing the Saona’s chart table. Outside, behind the raised helm station, the lounge area has doubled in size. A large area of solar panels (50 to 100 sq ft / 5 to 9 m²) can be fitted.
Builder: Fountaine Pajot
Architect: Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design
Hull length: 45’9” (13.94 m)
Beam: 25’3” (7.7 m)
Draft: 3’11” (1.2 m)
Displacement: 32,400 lbs (14.7 t)
Mainsail: 830 sq ft (77 m²)
Genoa: 560 sq ft (52 m²)
Engines: 2 x 50/60 HP
Fuel: 2 x 124 US gal (2 x 470 l)
Water: 2 x 92 US gal (2 x 350 l)
Cabins: 3/4
Price: from € 769,800 ex-tax
www.fountaine-pajot.com 

ST FRANCIS 46 CAT

Much more modern than the 50

 
 
Until now, St Francis Marine’s catamarans had been considered to be extremely solid but having a very traditional design, like the St Francis 50 MK2 with her sloping bows, just like her coachroof... The brand-new St Francis 46, announced by the South African builder in 2021, is a real break from the codes. The design, from renowned architect Anton Du Toit, is undoubtedly the major factor. The surprise is a much higher and generously glazed nacelle, inverted bows, ultra-taut hull lines and maximum openness between the saloon/galley and the cockpit. The builder has even provided a home cinema area. On the other hand, the principle of the raised helm station and bimini has been retained. The St Francis 46 will be available in a three or four-cabin version.
Builder: St Francis Marine
Length: 45’10” (13.98 m)
Beam: 26’3” (8 m)
Light displacement: 29,760 lbs (13.5 t)
Draft: 4’1” (1.24 m) Sail area: 1,250 sq ft (116.2 m²)
Water: 2 105 US gal (2 x 400 l)
Fuel: 2 x 92 US gal (2 x 350 l)
Engines: 2 x 40 HP
Price: from $ 1,120,000 ex-tax
www.stfranciscatamarans.com 

LAGOON 46

Volume to burn!

 
 
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The mission for the Lagoon 46 was to replace the 450. To begin with, the two models shared the fiercely competitive 45-foot cruising catamaran market sector.... After the Lagoon 39 and 52 (which appeared in 2013), then the 42, 40 and 50, the 46 in turn continued with the aft-set mast. The release last year of the Lagoon 51 with a mast forward of the coachroof - “old-style” - could foreshadow a similar development for the 46, which could become a 47 with an overlapping genoa. While we wait to see, the Lagoon 46 has attractive volume and layout; this model also ensures good average speeds under sail with a family crew. The mainsail/code 0 combination in light airs, and mainsail/solent in a breeze are very effective.
Builder: Lagoon
Length: 45’11” (13.99 m)
Beam: 26’1” (7.96 m)
Light displacement: 34,750 lbs (15.77 t)
Draft: 4’5” (1.35 m)
Mainsail: 866 sq ft (80.5 m²)
Jib: 500 sq ft (46.5 m²)
Code 0: 1,185 sq ft (110 m²)
Cabins: 3/4
Water: 2 x 79 US gal (2 x 300 l)
Fuel: 2 x 137 US gal (2 x 520 l)
Engines: 2 x 57 HP Price: from € 686,800 ex-tax
www.cata-lagoon.com 

O YACHTS CLASS 4

Remarkable comfort at sea

 
 
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Forever Green
During our test of the O Yachts Class 4, we appreciated the rigor of construction and the pleasure under sail. This catamaran, built in Latvia to Erik Lerouge’s design, opens the doors to serious blue water cruising with a boat capable of lining up 300-mile days in remarkable comfort at sea. The yard also offers a 100% carbon structure for an optimized weight, but the standard composite version is already light and efficient. As standard, this model is powered by two Yanmar motors, but the manufacturer also offers an electric formula.
Builder: O Yachts
Length: 45’11” (13.99 m)
Beam: 24’11” (7.6 m)
Light displacement: 15,875 lbs (7.2 t)
Draft: 3’7” (1.1 m)
Mainsail: 732 to 872 sq ft (68 to 81 m²)
Genoa: 603 to 795 sq ft (56 to 73 m²)
Diesel: 105 US gal (400 l)
Water: 79 US gal (300 l)
Engines: 2 x 30 HP or 2 x 10/15 kW
www.o-yachts.com 

LIGHTWAVE 46

A very attractive Australian cat

 
 
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Roger Overell, director and founder of Lightwave, led the redesign of their flagship model, the Lightwave 45. While the specifications of the new 46 remain the same, this model that we got to try out in Sydney features inverted bows and a redesigned coachroof with larger openings. The interior has also been revised. The construction used – foam/glass/polyester sandwich with epoxy for the underwater hull – will guarantee excellent structural qualities. Customization is part of the yard’s philosophy. A forthcoming 52-footer is currently in the design stage.
Builder: Lightwave Yachts
Length: 45’11” (14 m)
Beam: 23’11” (7.3 m)
Draft (skegs): 4’ (1.2 m)
Displacement: 16,550 lbs (7.5 t)
Mainsail: 807 sq ft (75 m²)
Self-tacking solent: 323 sq ft (30 m²)
Genoa: 447 sq ft (41.5 m²)
Engines: 2 x 50/55 HP
Fuel: 210 US gal (800 l)
Water: 210 US gal (800 l)
Price: AU$ 1,250,000 ex-tax
www.lightwaveyachts.com 

NEEL 47

Flush-decked owner’s cabin

 
 
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Aboard this trimaran designed by Marc Lombard and launched in 2019, there’s the brand’s generous central space, which merges saloon and cockpit - the in-house name is the Cockloon. The main innovation of this model is that the owner’s cabin is located on the same level as the rest of the platform. The floats fitted out as guest cabins allow the owner and crew to host friends for short or medium stays or to offer some independence to the children. An intelligent and convincing layout in use. All the technical equipment is grouped in the central hull, below floor level. This means bonuses for space saving, ease of maintenance, reduced and centered weight.
Builder: Neel-Trimarans
Length: 46’7” (14.2 m)
Beam: 27’3” (8.3 m)
Light displacement: 23,370 lbs (10.6 t)
Draft: 5’3” (1.6 m)
Mainsail: 755 sq ft (70 m²)
Genoa: 540 sq ft (50 m²)
Staysail: 215 sq ft (20 m²)
Water: 158 US gal (600 l)
Fuel: 79 US gal (300 l)
Engine: 60 HP
Price: from € 571,000 ex-tax
www.neel-trimarans.com 

BALI 4.8

All the volume of a big 50-footer!

 
 
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The Bali 4.8 is already a large model in the range - there is only the 5.4 that’s bigger - and as it maximizes surface areas and volumes, you could be forgiven for thinking you were aboard a catamaran much larger than 50 feet... Of course, it offers all the Bali features - solid foredeck, interior completely free of bulkheads, tilt-and-turn door and huge 220 V refrigerators and a forward door as a bonus. The manufacturer offers five versions of layout. There is of course the attractive 3-cabin version with a huge owner’s hull including separate toilet, interior companionway, but also direct access to the starboard transom; and 4 and 5-cabin versions. But where the 4.8 scores highest is by offering for the first time on a multihull under 50 feet… 6 double cabins and 6 private bathrooms.
Builder: Bali Catamarans
Length: 46’10” (14.28 m)
Beam: 25’10” (7.88 m)
Draft: 4’6” (1.36m)
Light displacement: 32,630 lbs (14.8 t)
Mainsail: 925 sq ft (86 m²)
Self-tacking solent: 505 sq ft (47m²)
Fuel: 264 US gal (1,000 l)
Water: 295 US gal (1,120 l)
Engines: 2 X 45/80 HP
Price: from € 848,000 ex-tax
www.bali-catamarans.com 

OVNI CAT 48

Adventurous cruising on two hulls

 
 
This catamaran is designed for the most extreme programs, and will of course feature aluminum construction, as have all the monohulls built by Alubat since 1970. But the coachroof, that will be built in polyester composite. With an announced light displacement of 13.5 tons, Alubat are looking to keep a reasonable weight in order to offer good sailing performance. The sail plan, compared to the initial project, has been slightly enhanced, as has the size of the engines. As for the deck layout, particular attention will be paid to ensure easy use, either single handed or for a couple.
Builder: Alubat
Length: 47’7” (14.5 m)
Beam: 25’5” (7.75 m)
Light displacement: 29,750 lbs (13.5 t)
Draft: 4’5” (1.35 m)
Mainsail: 910 sq ft (84.5 m²)
Genoa: 585 sq ft (54.5 m²)
Water: 2 x 56 US gal (2 x 215 l)
Fuel: 2 x 66 US gal (2 x 250 l)
Engines: 2 x 50 HP
Price € 1,450,000 ex-tax
www.alubat.fr 

OPEN C CAT4800

An ocean-going catamaran in aluminum – and it’s ultra-light

 
 
Open C Yachts have added an astonishing catamaran to their already very eclectic range. This model can boast of being one of the lightest blue water multihulls in its category - even though it is built in aluminum, a material that’s known to be very robust but often resulting in a heavier sailboat. Despite having very dated lines – from the nineties -It should prove to be particularly fast, judging by its sail area to weight ratio of 19.24 m²/t and the presence of daggerboards. Inside, several layout configurations are offered: 3 or 4 double cabins and 2 or 3 bathrooms. It is of course by cutting back on volume - reduced freeboard and a discreet nacelle - that the manufacturers, unlike most of their competitors, have achieved this remarkable result.
Builder: Open C Yachts
Architect: Tim Mumby
Material: aluminum
Length: 47’9” (14.55 m)
Beam: 24’1” (7.35 m)
Light displacement: 14,550 lbs (6.6 t)
Draft: 22”/5’11” (0.55/1.8 m)
Upwind sail area: 1,367 sq ft (127 m²)
Spinnaker: 1,560 sq ft (145 m²)
CE Category: A
Engines: 2 X 29 HP
Price: € 605,000 ex-tax
www.opencyachts.com 

NAUTITECH 48 OPEN

A new flagship optimized for Owners

 
 
Just launched this October, the Nautitech 48 will make its world premiere at the Miami International Boat Show in February. This new model, replacing the 46, retains the Nautitech DNA, namely an interesting compromise between performance and comfort, an inside/outside concept cleverly implemented in the cockpit and saloon with a convivial central bar and twin helm stations at the after end of the hulls. Optimized above all for owners, the new Nautitech will be available in 5 layout versions and offers a “smartroom” that can be customized as desired by the owner.
Builder: Nautitech Catamarans
Naval Architect: Marc Lombard Yacht Design Group
Interior design: Christophe Chedal-Anglay Design
Length overall: 47’9” (14.6 m)
Beam: 26’2” (7.97 m)
Draft: 5’1” (1.55 m)
Light displacement: 29,768 lbs (13.5 t)
Mainsail: 915 sq ft (85 m²)
Self-tacking solent: 455 sq ft (42.5 m²)
Engines: 2 x 60/75 HP Volvo
Fuel: 2 x 79 US gal (2 x 300 l)
Water: 2 x 79 US gal (2 x 300 l)
Cabins: 2/3/4
Price: from € 898,000 ex-tax
www.nautitechcatamarans.com 

OUTREMER 45/4X/ 4.ZERO

Performance and helming pleasure

 
 
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The current Outremer 45 is a Barreau/Neuman design that is much more habitable than her predecessor… but she retains the Outremer DNA - daggerboards, limited weight and comfortable layouts. The yard also offers the 45 in a higher-performance version: the 4X, more canvas and lighter in weight. A cruising catamaran that offers real pleasure at the helm and high performance while remaining usable by all experienced sailors. Since fall 2021, a third version is also available, the 4.Zero, powered by electric motors.
Builder: Outremer Yachting
Length: 48’ (14.63 m)
Beam: 23’6” (7.15 m)
Light displacement: 17,850/19,180 lbs (8.1/8.7 t)
Draft: 4’1”/7’1” (1.25/2.15 m)
Mainsail: 720 sq ft (67 m²)
Genoa: 420/590 sq ft (39/55 m²)
Gennaker: 1,238 sq ft (115 m²)
Cabins: 3/4
Water: 119 US gal (450 l)
Fuel: 89 US gal (336 l)
Drivetrain: 2 x 30 HP or 2 x 10 kW
Price: from € 815,000 ex-tax
www.catamaran-outremer.com 

DUFOUR 48

Still a Dufour, but without Dufour

 
 
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The launch in 2018 of this Dufour catamaran intended for charter was understandably thwarted by the takeover of the yard by Fountaine Pajot... One might have thought that this 48 was going to be consigned to history. But no - Dufour Yachts and a Croatian charter company have signed a sale agreement with JJL Catamarans. The examples on charter in the Adriatic seem to delight the customers - all the more so since the finish has improved dramatically, as we were able to see on board the model on show at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September.
Builder: JJL Catamarans
Length: 48’3” (14.7 m) Beam: 26’3” (8 m)
Draft: 4’3” (1.3 m) Displacement: 32,960 lbs (14.95 t)
Mainsail: 818 sq ft (76 m²)
Solent: 517 sq ft (48 m²)
Engines: 2 x 50/60 HP
Fuel: 237 US gal (900 l)
Water: 185 US gal (700 l)
www.uth-sailing.com 

BALANCE 482

If you try one, you’ll want one!

 
 
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The 482, designed by Phillip Berman and Anton Du Toit demonstrated some remarkable performance in our tests off Maryland. This catamaran is proving to be quick in all conditions, including upwind thanks to the daggerboards. The inverted bows lend the boat’s silhouette a very sporty look. The hulls and nacelle have plenty of windows, however the shipyard has decided to go for a coachroof with an overhang to protect the living area from the sun’s most vertical rays. The Versa-Helm system (a double helm thanks to an articulated steering wheel), which was already fitted to the 526 has obviously been included.
Builder: Balance Catamarans
Architects: Phillip Berman and Anton Du Toit
Overall length: 48’3” (14.71 m)
Beam: 25’11” (7.9 m)
Draft: 3’10”/7’3” (1.16/2.2 m)
Light displacement: 29,300 lbs (13.3 t)
Upwind sail area: 1,433 sq ft (133.1 m2)
Engines: 2 x 45 HP
Fuel: 2 x 106 US gal (2 x 400 l)
Water: 2 x 103 US gal (2 x 390 l)
Price: $ 1,492,260 ex-tax
www.balancecatamarans.com 

C-CAT 48

An alternative to a series production boat

 
 
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Of course we know about the C-Cat 37, and now the 62 in the planning stage... but C-Catamarans are working on offering other models, such as the 56 currently in build and especially the 48, of which the first example was launched two years ago in Italy. This offshore catamaran is as comfortable as it is fast and fun to sail. The announced light displacement, just under 10 tons, promises some beautiful sailing indeed! The design of the coachroof is as simple as it is successful - it integrates a forward hatch just behind the mast. The hulls are narrow, with straight bows, and the boat is equipped with daggerboards.
Builder: C-Catamarans
Length: 48’5” (14.75 m)
Beam: 23’11” (7.3 m)
Light displacement: 21,400 lbs (9.7 t)
Draft: 3’/7’3” (0.9/2.2 m)
Air draft: 66’3” (20.2 m)
Mainsail: 861 sq ft (80 m²)
Genoa: 527 sq ft (49 m²)
Gennaker: 969 sq ft (90 m²)
Engines: 2 x 35 HP
Fuel: 2 x 34 US gal (2 x 130 l)
Water: 79 US gal (300 l)
Price: € 998,000 ex-tax
www.c-catamarans.com 

FREYDIS 49 CROISEUR

A blue water boat that’ll always make you dream…

 
 
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This model, an evolution of the 46, is emblematic of the shipyard’s know-how. Light, fast and intelligently equipped, this is a blue water catamaran designed for experienced sailors, yet one that remains very easy to handle. Its bows allow a maximum waterline length while the narrow stems favor performance. The Freydis 49 Cruiser can be equipped with an optional rotating wing mast – in carbon. This model is available in versions with skeg keels or daggerboards and can be had in various stages of completion.
Builder: Tournier Marine
Length: 49’ (14.93 m)
Beam: 25’7” (7.8 m)
Draft: 3’7” or 20”/8’4” (1.1 or 0.5/2.55m)
Displacement: 16,535/17,637 lbs (7.5/8 t)
Mast height: 60’4”/65’7” (18.4/20 m)
Mainsail: 1,001 sq ft (93 m²)
Genoa: 570 sq ft (53m²)
Engines: 2 x 40 HP saildrive Volvo
www.tourniermarine.fr 

VAAN R5

An aluminum catamaran with two sizes of coachroof

 
 
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Forever Green
In the spirit of their R4, Dutch builder Vaan Yachts are offering a new 49-foot catamaran. With construction still in recycled aluminum, this model is built using a maximum of recyclable materials that have sometimes already been recycled themselves, and/or are biosourced. Propulsion is provided by electric motors. The main innovation of the R5 is that there’s an option to choose a short or longer coachroof:
the “Life-Aboard” version allows for a saloon of 320 sq ft (30 m²). In good weather, this area can be largely opened up. On the foredeck, you can opt for a lounge space or a large sunbathing area.
Builder: Vaan Yachts
Material: aluminum
Length: 49’ (14.94 m)
Beam: 26’3” (7.99 m)
Draft: 4’5” / 6’11” (1.35/2.1 m) with optional daggerboards
Air draft: 81’8” (24.9 m)
Displacement: 34,500 lbs (17 t)
Mainsail: 860 sq ft (80 m²)
Self-tacking jib: 485 sq ft (45 m²)
Code 0: 1,290 sq ft (120 m²)
Gennaker: 1,894 sq ft (176 m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 15/30 kW
Price: € 1,295,000 ex-tax
www.vaanyachts.nl 

WAVE 50

A very bold design

 
 
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Whether under way or at anchor or even on the dock, it’s impossible to miss this catamaran: there’s an arch that extends the coachroof all the way to the forestay fitting, bows whose slope is strongly reversed, and huge mirror windows! The main idea of the Wave 50 project is to be noticed... the famous arch can also be done away with, if a client wishes. But in the end, this superstructure, however unusual it may be, is not unwelcome - it provides shade to the forward cockpit without obscuring the view of the water from the helm station, which is set very far aft on a cantilevered flybridge. After the surprise of the first visit, you discover a well-designed sail maneuvering station where you aren’t forced to get on your hands and knees to operate the winches. As for the interior, it too is certainly audacious but ultimately attractive.
Builder: Wave Catamarans
Overall length: 49’1” (14.95 m)
Beam: 27’4” (8.34 m)
Draft: 4’9” (1.4 m)
Mainsail: 753 sq ft (70 m²)
Genoa: 743 sq ft (69 m²)
Gennaker: 1,990 sq ft (185 m²)
Spinnaker: 2,370 sq ft (220 m²)
Engines: 2 x 60 HP Volvo Penta D-60
Fuel: 220 US gal (840 l)
Water: 180 US gal (680 l)
CE category: A12
Price: e 1,700,000 ex-tax
www.wavecatamarans.com 

CATANA OCEAN CLASS

A serious cruising boat

 
 
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Inverted, fine-entry bows; controlled weight thanks to a stratification process in carbon-reinforced infusion and a reduced footprint of the nacelle; a powerful rig and deep daggerboards: this new model is indeed a Catana! Performance addicts will be able to validate having gone for a carbon mast. For the deck, the builder has opted for a central helm station. Almost a heritage from Bali, the Ocean Class benefits from a bulkhead-free nacelle with three large sliding bay windows with integral reinforcement for enjoying a vast living space, either totally protected or fully open to the outside. Is this new model inaugurating a complete new range? It’s still too early for an answer to that question…
Builder: Catana Catamarans
Architect: Chantier Catana
Hull length: 49’2” (14.99m)
Waterline length: 49’1” (14.96m)
Beam: 25’8” (7.83 m)
Displacement: 29,760 lbs (13.5t)
Draft daggerboards up: 4’7”/8’3” (1.39/2.52 m)
Mainsail: 970 sq ft (90m²)
Genoa: 690 sq ft (64m²)
Gennaker: 1,400 sq ft (130m²)
Engines: 2 x 45/57 HP
Fuel: 211 US gal (800 l)
Water: 211 US gal (800 l)
Price: from € 1,036,700 ex-tax
www.catana.com 

SUNREEF 50

The most luxurious 50-footer

 
 
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Sunreef is the specialist in custom-made luxury on two hulls - whether sail or power. The 50 may be the smallest in the range but concentrates no less than 1,798 square feet (167 m²) of habitable space in hulls of just 15.2 m (50’) in length - along with all the features offered by her bigger sisterships. The forward cockpit is accessible from the saloon via a large watertight door. As for the aft cockpit, it is transformed into a vast terrace equipped with a hydraulic platform for swimming or for the dinghy. The flybridge is considerable for this size of boat. The interior style is obviously customizable to the customer’s taste. All this obviously comes at a price and a weight (and we would advise going for bigger motors than the standard twin 80 HPs)... but what luxury! And as from this year, this model is available in an ECO version, with electric propulsion.
Builder: Sunreef Yachts
Length: 49’10 (15.2 m)
Beam: 29’10” (9.1 m)
Light displacement: 70,500 lbs (32 t)
Draft: 4’11” (1.5 m)
Mainsail: 860 sq ft (80 m²)
Genoa: 850 sq ft (79 m²)
Spinnaker: 2,150 sq ft (200 m²)
Cabins: 5
Water: 211 US gal (800 l)
Fuel: 264 US gal (1,000 l)
Engines: 2 x 80 HP or electric
www.sunreef-yachts.com 

ORC50

Swallows up the miles and just wants to get going…

 
 
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It was in a spirit of happy frugality that the TS5 - now called the ORC 50 - was designed, yet she offers all the necessary comfort. There are five double cabins and a saloon-cockpit layout that’s got everything you’ll find on a ‘full-comfort’ boat. But it’s only when you place your hand on the tiller, and sit in the bucket seat, that you know if you are ORC-compatible! The reputation of this particularly speedy model has been tarnished by the misfortunes of some great sailors... perhaps in too much of a hurry. Now that the shipyard has been taken over, might the launch of a sensible Cruising version be a good idea?
Builder: Marsaudon Composites
Length: 50’ (15.23 m)
Beam: 26’11” (8.2 m)
Light displacement: 18,960 lbs (8.6 t)
Draft: 5’7”/8’10” (1.7/2.7 m)
Mainsail: 940 sq ft (87.4 m²)
Genoa: 645 sq ft (60 m²)
Engines: 2 x 40 HP
Fuel: 58 US gal (220 l)
Water 105 US gal (400 l)
Price: from € 925,000 ex-tax
www.marsaudon-composites.com 

KNYSNA 500SE

A lot of character!

 
 
Like the South African port from which it takes its name, the 500SE has character - Knysna is a splendid city at the head of a bay-lagoon whose entrance is sporty with rough seas. Solidly built to withstand difficult conditions without damage, this catamaran is delivered highly equipped, and customization is the rule. The cockpit saloon is well sheltered, and the semi-flybridge helm station has a sunroof that allows the helmsman to be closed in if there’s bad weather. The traditional woodwork of the interior fittings is superb and evokes a neat British style. All with great comfort and maintaining a favorable displacement…
Builder: Knysna Yacht Company
Architect: Angelo Lavranos
Length: 50’ (15.24 m)
Beam: 26’1” (7.96 m)
Draft: 4’9” (1.44 m)
Displacement: 35,275 lbs (16 t)
Mainsail: 807 sq ft (75 m²)
Genoa: 538 sq ft (50 m²)
Fuel: 158 US gal (600 l)
Water: 158 US gal (600 l)
Engines: 2 x 57 HP
www.knysnayachtco.com 

PRIVILEGE SIGNATURE 510

Ever faithful to the central rostrum

 
 
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The latest generation of Privilège catamarans is called Signature. The 510, the first model of this generation, was launched in the spring of 2020. Of course, she includes all the assets that have made the brand’s reputation. Lombard Yacht Design and Darnet Design collaborated on an elegant design, a luminous interior, a beautiful panoramic view from the saloon, and finally the forward cabins offering an unprecedented relationship with the sea. In the three-cabin version, the Owner’s cabin occupies the entire central rostrum traditional to the Sables d’Olonne-based shipyard: this is a must! The mid-height helm station centralizes all sailing maneuvers: this is equipped with an elegant and very efficient windshield.
Builder: Privilège Marine
Naval Architect: Cabinet Marc Lombard
Interior designer: Franck Darnet
Length: 50’ (15.24 m) Beam: 26’2” (7.98 m)
Draft: 5’2” (1.57 m)
Light displacement: 37,000 lbs (16.8 t)
Mainsail: 945 sq ft (88 m²)
Genoa: 614 sq ft (57 m²)
Cabins: 3/4
Water: 158 US gal (600 l)
Fuel: 210 US gal (800 l)
Engines: 2 x 55/80 HP
Price: € 2,500,000 ex-tax
www.privilege-marine.com 

RAPIDO 50

The biggest folding trimaran

 
 
The launch of the 60 was enthusiastically received by the specialists, but the beam of such a unit is getting on for 40 feet, and that’ll likely lead to an indecent rate for a marina slip. So, Rapido Trimarans turned to architects Morelli and Melvin for a 50-foot version with folding arms to rationalize docking costs. This twin-cabin boat has many of the same elements as her bigger sister. The raised helm station provides excellent visibility while protecting the cockpit. The very pronounced chine above the waterline provides a surprising amount of interior volume without compromising performance, which is always a priority.
Builder: Triac Composites
Length: 50’ (15.24 m)
Beam: 19’ / 30’6” (5.8/9.29 m)
Light displacement: 18,850 lbs (8.55 t)
Draft: 26”/11’7” (0.67/3.52 m)
Mainsail: 1,044 sq ft (97 m²)
Genoa: 619 sq ft (57.5 m²)
Spinnaker: 2,475 sq ft (230 m²)
Cabins: 2
Water: 92 US gal (350 l)
Fuel: 92 US gal (350 l)
Engine: 40 HP
Price: US$ 1,225,000 ex-tax
www.rapidotrimarans.com 

NEW WINDELO 50

A new, more mature design

 
 
Forever Green
Charlotte Schiffer from LADIDA Design was tasked with coming up with a very convincing refresh for the Windelo 50 that came out more than two years ago: The main idea was to use the wave theme already present on the sides of the hull for the deck. Beyond the cosmetic alterations, the coachroof has been revised to improve drainage and to moderate its square appearance: the forward face has been reworked with two hatches slightly angled aft and inversed. The top of the coachroof now has a “cap” appearance, all the more evident with it now being extended aft. The rear platform and the sugarscoops are also more elegant. The forward cockpit dedicated to sailing maneuvers has been improved. As for the interior, this now respects well-defined color options
Builder: Windelo
Length: 50’ (15.24 m)
Beam: 26’1” (7.95 m)
Light displacement: 24,700 lbs (11.2 t)
Draft: 5’2” (1.58 m) or 3’5” / 7’7” (1.03/2.32 m)
Mainsail: 990 sq ft (92 m²)
Genoa: 462 sq ft (43 m²)
Fuel: 132 US gal (500 l)
Water: 105 US gal (400 l)
Drivetrain: 2 x 20 kW
Price: from € 995,000 ex-tax
www.windelo-catamaran.com 
Tags : 2024 Sail buyers guide

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MM233 - octobre-novembre 2025

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