2024 Sail Buyer's Guide

From 50 to 55 feet
The 50 to 60-foot category you’ve been familiar with up until the previous edition of our Buyer’s Guide now includes so many models that we’ve had to split it in two! That’s right, most builders are trying to establish themselves in this large multihull niche. The 50 to 55-footers include both big production cruising boats and the very first semi-custom builds. Hulls of 15 to 16.5 meters in length also mark the maximum size of multihull that remains manageable by a family crew or when sailing short-handed.
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Mark Bernie, Julie Echelle, Dick Sawyer, Emmanuel van Deth et Kim Wellington
Publié le 07/12/2023
Par Mark Bernie, Julie Echelle, Dick Sawyer, Emmanuel van Deth et Kim Wellington
Numéro : 193
Parution : Jan. / Feb. 2024
Découvrir cenuméro
Multihulls World #193

ST FRANCIS 50

Ready to take on every ocean

 
 
Building on their experience with the St Francis 44 and 48, the South African manufacturers have launched an even more comfortable and recently improved 50-footer. Though the design might seem quite traditional and the nacelle rather low compared to what is being built in Europe, (in fact, at 33½”/85 cm, the bridgedeck clearance is fairly standard for a 50-footer), the St Francis 50 proves to be a very seaworthy catamaran, robust and able to face the worst of the gales. For the interior, the shipyard can meet all the wishes of its customers and ensures an excellent level of finish.
Builder: St Francis Marine
Length: 50’ (15.25 m)
Beam: 26’3” (8 m)
Draft: 4’1” (1.25 m)
Displacement: 27,600 lbs (12.5 t)
Mainsail: 943 sq ft (87.6 m²)
Genoa: 570 sq ft (53 m²)
Engines: 2 x 57 HP
Fuel: 232 US gal (880 l)
Water: 355 US gal (1,350 l)
Price ready to set sail: US$ 1,310,000 ex-tax
www.stfranciscatamarans.com 

LAGOON 51

The overlapping genoa makes a comeback

 
 
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Presented in April 2022, the Lagoon 51 is in fact a successful evolution of the 50. But what’s new about it? We note that the sugarscoops are significantly longer and especially are equipped with a bit of an overhang to facilitate moving around when the catamaran is in port. The raised cockpit and the sunbathing areas, still accessible from both sides, have been transformed into a real flybridge, completed by a front sun lounging space. The builder has also managed to integrate 2.7 kWp of solar panels. The big surprise is that the rig no longer sits atop the coachroof, meaning the sacrosanct self-tacking jib is no more. Lagoon has therefore moved “astern” by stepping its mast at the front of the nacelle.
Builder: Lagoon
Length: 50’4” (15.35 m)
Beam: 26’7” (8.1 m)
Draft: 4’7” (1.4 m)
Displacement: 34,770 lbs (15.77 t)
Mainsail: 1,055 sq ft (98 m²)
Genoa: 570 sq ft (53 m²)
Engines: 2 x 80 HP
Fuel: 219 US gal (830 l)
Water: 2 x 137 US gal (2 X 520 l)
Price: from € 1,070,900
www.cata-lagoon.com 

LEOPARD 50

A flybridge for everyone!

 
 
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Forerunners with the idea of a forward cockpit, which has since become almost a must-have over the past ten years, architects Simonis & Voogd have optimized the concept and the space aboard this cat which can accommodate up to 5 cabins plus crew. Initially, she was available with or without a flybridge – Leopard 50 L or S. The “with” option constituted 95% of sales, and as a result, the Sport version is no longer offered. The top of the coachroof on the 50 extends forward, protecting the passengers in the forward cockpit – another Leopard feature. This 50 is a successful catamaran that’s comfortable and easy to handle, and it has seen worthy commercial success.
Builder: Robertson & Caine
Length: 50’6” (15.4 m)
Beam: 26’5” (8.04 m)
Light displacement: 41,900 lbs (19 t)
Draft: 5’3” (1.61 m)
Mainsail: 965/1,020 sq ft (89.6/94.7 m²)
Genoa: 688 sq ft (63.9 m²)
Engines: 2 x 57 HP
Price: from € 849,000 ex-tax
www.leopardcatamarans.com 

X5 PLUS

Ready to take you... wherever you want to go

 
 
Derived directly from the X5, the Plus retains an unconventional silhouette that may dissuade some from going beyond appearances... but that would be a shame: those frightened off would be missing out on a beautiful cruising machine with intelligent specifications. This new model benefits from the experience gained during 6 years of the X5: the bows have been modified, the displacement is lighter by two tons, the sail plan has increased in area and the equipment is even more complete. The X5 Plus is perfectly suited to the cruising families that have chosen it. Rigorous design by a team of experienced sailors (the seas off South Africa are an excellent learning environment), meticulous construction, exemplary deck plan, abundant and perfectly functional equipment, remarkable overall quality of execution, tempered glass skylights: these are the strong points of this catamaran that deserves to be recognized.
Builder: Xquisite Yachts
Naval architect: Rudolf Jonker
Length: 50’8” (15.44 m)
Beam: 26’3” (8 m)
Draft: 4’5” (1.35 m)
Displacement: 36,375 lbs (16.5 t)
Mainsail: 1,130 sq ft (105 m²)
Jib: 420 sq ft (39 m²)
Genoa: 700 sq ft (65 m²)
Gennaker: 1,400 sq ft (130 m²)
Engines: 2 x 80 HP
Price: US$ 1,900,000
www.xquisiteyachts.com 

ITA 15.49

Design and performance

 
 
Forever Green
The 15.49 was presented to the public for the first time at the Cannes Yachting Festival. This new model is based on the platform of the 14.99, as the beam is identical, and the interior is the same. On the other hand, it features a taller coachroof, extended sugarscoops and much larger hull windows. The builder has achieved a neat construction in glass/epoxy sandwich with carbon reinforcements and a high technological level for the onboard systems and the electric drivetrain. Performance has not been overlooked, thanks to a highly favorable sail-area-to-weight ratio and the adoption of deep daggerboards.
Builder: Itacatamarans
Length: 50’10” (15.49 m)
Beam: 25’7” (7.8 m)
Draft: 3’7”/7’9” (1.1/2.35 m)
Displacement: 26,450 lbs (12 t)
Mainsail: 980 sq ft (91 m²)
Solent: 527 sq ft (49 m²)
Gennaker: 1,507 sq ft (140 m²) Drivetrain: 2 x 15 kW
Fuel: 2 x 56 US gal (2 x 215 l)
Water: 2 x 58 US gal (2 x 220 l)
Price: e 1,375,000 ex-tax
www.itacatamarans.com 

AURA 51

Attractive, without going over the top

 
 
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Forever Green
This model has lines very much in keeping with the latest Berret/Racoupeau designed catamarans such as the Samana 59. The superstructure is refined, the bows inverted and the sail plan powerful – this is necessary to compensate for the increased displacement, up 15% compared to its predecessor, the Saba 50. The builder has also kept the double sail maneuvering station/helm at mid-height. As for the innovations to be found aboard, there’s a very large opening between the nacelle and the cockpit with the galley unit going through to the external part, and the possibility of installing 2,000 Wp of solar panels… because the Aura 51 is also available in the Smart Electric version.
Builder: Fountaine Pajot
Architects: Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design
Length: 51 ft (15.54 m)
Beam: 26.5 ft (8.08 m)
Light displacement: 39,900 lbs (18.1 t)
Draft: 5.2 ft (1.58 m)
Mainsail: 1023 ft² (95 m²)
Genoa: 635 ft² (59 m²)
Engines: 2 x 60/75 HP
Fuel: 2 x 118 US gal (2 x 450 l)
Water: 237 US gal (900 l)
Price: from € 1,047,000 ex-tax
www.fountaine-pajot.com 

ZEN 50

On course for Zero Emission Nautic!

 
 
This catamaran has been designed from the start as a solar-electric ocean-going yacht: the objective is unlimited
range at 6 to 9 knots thanks to the adoption of thin bows, a light carbon fiber structure, 17 kWp of solar panels and a high-tech computer-controlled Wingsail. The yard is hoping to reach speeds up to 14 knots under sail.
Builder: ZEN Yachts
Material: carbon
Architect: Julien Mélot
Overall length: 51.5 ft (15.7 m)
Beam: 27.5 ft (8.4 m)
Draft: 4.3 ft (1.3 m)
Light displacement: 37,500 lbs (17 t)
Drivetrain: 2 x 50 kW
Price: from € 2,150,000 ex-tax
www.zenyachts.com 

OUTREMER 52

(Very) Long-haul cruisingt

 
 
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For this new 52, launched right at the beginning of this year, the Outremer shipyard was keen to work with naval architects VPLP, along with some of the big names in French design and also with the expertise of the Gunboat shipyard, making it possible to reduce the weight of the structure while retaining its ultimate strength. Like the Outremer 55, the wheel, positioned on the starboard side, can also be placed in a low position in the cockpit to ensure protection from the sun or from bad weather. The two tillers remain a feature at the after end of the hulls. Inside, there’s to be a neat forward-facing bench seat, four openings at the front of the saloon and an XXL-sized bay window that opens onto the cockpit. The Outremer 52 available in three finishes - Life, Nomad and Sportline.
Builder: Outremer Yachting
Naval Architects: VPLP
Waterline length: 51.6 ft (15.73 m)
Beam: 25.9 ft (7.89 m)
Draft: 3.5 ft/ 6.7 ft (1.07/2.3 m)
Light displacement: 27,550 lbs (12.5 t)
Mainsail: 1,023 sq ft (95 m²)
Genoa: 646 sq ft (60 m²)
Self-tacking solent: 484 sq ft (45 m²)
Gennaker: 1,507 sq ft (140 m²)
Spinnaker: 2,271 sq ft (211 m²)
CE Certification: 8/26 persons
Engines: 2 x 50 HP
Price: from € 1,380,000
www.catamaran-outremer.com 

SEAWIND 1600 PASSAGEMAKER

Reviewed, updated, improved!

 
 
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Five years after it was first launched, Seawind’s flagship catamaran was entitled to some particularly significant upgrades in 2021: the height of the nacelle was raised by 2” (5 cm) to improve passage through bigger seas, the platform became more rigid, yet lighter, thanks to the addition of carbon reinforcing, and the hulls were widened by 4” (10 cm) to increase the load capacity and... the width of the berths. The starboard forecabin even has an additional folding bunk and extra storage space. Windows in the hulls have been enlarged, with blinds now recessed, and the finish is in light oak. The 1600 Passagemaker now uses a more energy-efficient and lighter (450 lbs / 200 kg lighter) 24 V electrical system as standard. On deck, it is the new anchoring system on the longitudinal spar that really catches your eye.
Builder: Seawind Catamarans
Length: 51’8” (15.74 m)
Beam: 25’11” (7.9 m)
Light displacement: 28,660 lbs (13 t)
Draft: 2’/8’6” (0.6/2.6 m)
Mainsail: 1,076 sq ft (100 m²)
Genoa: 479 sq ft (44.5 m²)
Gennaker: 995 sq ft (92.5 m²)
Engines: 2 x 57 HP
Fuel: 198 US gal (750 l)
Water: 185 US gal (700 l)
www.seawindcats.com 

GREENCAT 52’

Eco-responsible boating

 
 
Based in La Rochelle on France’s Atlantic coast, the Chantiers de l’Arsenal shipyard is best known for its “Day 1” range of day-charter catamarans, of which some 15 units in sizes from 60 to 90 feet have already been sold worldwide. The manufacturer is also taking an interest in electrically powered workboat catamarans but has also just launched its first recreational multihull. An eco-responsible approach accompanies the entire project - no molds thanks to One Shape® technology, use of a sandwich with recycled PET foam and, of course, installation of two electric motors (Transfluid). On test in a forthcoming issue!
Builder: Chantiers de l’Arsenal
Architect: Philippe Renaudeau
Length: 51’8” (15.75 m)
Beam: 24’1” (7.34 m)
Draft: 4’7” (1.4 m)
Light displacement: 30,900 lbs (14 t)
Laden displacement: 38,800 lbs (17.6 t)
Sail area: 1,570 sq ft (146 m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 25 kW electric motors
Water: 105 US gal (400 l)
CE Certification: A10
www.chantierdelarsenal.fr 

HH50-SC / HH50-OC

Style and performance

 
 
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The carbon/epoxy sandwich construction uses thermoformed foams to avoid the use of squared foam: this shows the level of care given to this catamaran, which has little to do with mass production. With her steeply inverted bows, curved daggerboards, full equipment and luxurious interior fittings (all sandwich construction), the HH50 is missing nothing found on her bigger sisterships. Built in China, these high-end multihulls are aimed at an enlightened clientele looking for exclusivity, style and exceptional performance. The Sports Cruising model is available in a clever version called the Ocean Series. While the lines drawn by the talented Morelli-Melvin team remain the same, fiberglass replaces carbon for the hulls; mast and boom are made of aluminum; and the curved daggerboards give way to sensible fixed skegs.
Builder: Hudson Yacht Group
Architects: Morrelli/Melvin
Length: 51’10” (15.79 m)
Beam: 24’5” (7.44 m)
Draft: 5’5”/10’10” or 5’1” (1.65/3.3 m or 1.56 m)
Light displacement: 25,510/29,080 lbs (11.57/13.19 t)
Mainsail: 873/894 sq ft (81.13/83.08 m²)
Solent: 426/479 sq ft (39.59/44.5 m²)
Spinnaker: 1,458/1,486 sq ft (135.5/138.1 m²)
Engines: 2 x 40 HP
Price: from US$ 1,570,000 ex-tax
www.hhcatamarans.com 

ANDAMAN 52

Towards more ecological construction and propulsion

 
 
Forever Green
This all-new model is a careful evolution of the Andaman 50 (still in the catalog) that we tested in MW174 under the colors of Catathai, Gilles Régnier’s former shipyard. Slightly larger and carrying more canvas, the 52 also boasts a more modern design. But the big story is the new propulsion system combining electric motors, 195 square feet (18m²) of solar panels and a methanol-powered generator. Some of the construction materials used are eco-compatible, such as basalt fiber and PET foam. Optimized and designed with blue water cruising in mind, the 52 benefits from easy-access equipment to guarantee easy technical maintenance. The Andaman 52 can be delivered in Race version with a carbon rig and a wardrobe by Onesail.
Builder: Andaman
Hull length: 52’ (15.85 m)
Beam: 26’7” (8.1 m)
Draft: 4’9” (1.45 m)
Displacement: 23,150 lbs (10.5 t)
Mainsail: 990 sq ft (92 m²)
Genoa: 700 sq ft (65 m²)
Gennaker 1,615 sq ft (150 m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 15/20/40 kW
Fuel (methanol): 105 US gal (400 l)
Water: 2 x 79 US gal (2 x 300 l)
Price: from € 986,000 ex-tax
www.andamansails.com 

MC55

A modern design that leaves no one indifferent

 
 
The inverted bows feature a chine in the stem, and this continues aft in pronounced fashion just above the waterline, and the step in the deck edge is echoed in the design of the hull windows: the smallest McConaghy clearly displays a design all its own, in the service of a very comfortable catamaran that makes few concessions to performance, with a meticulously crafted for the most part in carbon, and also including integrated centerboards. The control station on the flybridge is designed to give the boat a cruising rather than a racing feel, except that the large steering wheel can be moved so the helmsman can position themselves to windward or to leeward. Inside, the retractable aft window complements the large bay window to open the saloon completely to the outside. The MC55 is available in 3-cabin and 4-cabin versions.
Builder: McConaghy Boats
Architects: Ker Yacht Design
Hull length: 52’1” (15.87 m)
Beam: 27’ (8.24 m) Draft: 4’5”/12’4” (1.35/3.75 m)
Sail area: 1,615 sq ft (150 m²)
Engines: 2 x 57 HP
Fuel: 120 US gal (460 l)
Water: 120 US gal (460 l)
Price: $ 2,975,000 ex-tax
www.mcconaghyboats.com 

NEEL 52

A trimaran with 4, 5 or 6 cabins

 
 
On the agenda for the replacement for the iconic NEEL 51: a finesse at the helm worthy of a racing monohull, but equally suited to every possible use - charter, blue water cruising, and why not racing? The NEEL 52 offers various layouts ranging from 4 to 6 cabins, and even two separate crew accommodation areas. Note that the displacement is kept under control, at just short of 30,000 pounds on the scales. The NEEL 52 is capable of carrying almost 7 tons in cruising mode.
Builder: NEEL-TRIMARANS
Architect: Marc Lombard Yacht Design
Length: 52’2” (15.9 m)
Beam: 28’10” (8.8 m)
Draft: 6’3” (1.9 m)
Light displacement: 29,760 lbs (13.5 t)
Mainsail: 1,012/1,098 sq ft (94/102 m²)
Genoa: 764 sq ft (71 m²)
Water: 166 US gal (630 l)
Fuel: 206 US gal (780 l)
Engine: 110 HP
Price: from € 999,000 ex-tax
www.neel-trimarans.com 

BALANCE 526

A high-performance catamaran now further optimized

 
 
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The Balance 526, launched in 2014 and sold in a limited edition of around 15 examples, has been upgraded with larger windows in the owner’s hull and bathroom, a nav station whose desk can be converted into a storage cupboard on request, additional seating and a new forward beam with integrated bow roller. And that’s not all: the new rudders are made of glass/epoxy and the sugarscoops have been redesigned. New carbon reinforcements have made it possible to dispense with the compression post at the entrance to the nacelle. Carbon is now a major feature, as the daggerboards and foils are made of this material, and an XP version offers full-carbon construction.
Builder: Balance Catamarans
Length: 52’6” (16 m)
Beam: 27’1” (8.26 m)
Light displacement: 27,560 lbs (12.5 t)
Draft: 3’8” / 7’1” (1.12 / 2.16 m)
Mainsail: 1,140 sq ft (106 m²)
Genoa: 465 sq ft (43 m²)
Spi: 2,583 sq ft (240 m²)
Engines: 2 x 57 HP
Price: US$ 1,840,000 ex-tax
www.balancecatamarans.com 

BLACK CAT 55

For high-latitude cruising (and anywhere else)

 
 
Forever Green
Gildas Plessis Yacht Design has announced a collaboration with aluminum boatbuilder Bord à Bord: this new 2024 model is a blue water catamaran with six watertight bulkheads per hull, reinforced bows and the engines centered in the hulls - the tall engine compartments are very accessible. In terms of comfort, the flybridge notably features a helm station, sail maneuvers, seating and sunbathing area. The bimini extends aft into a support platform for the dinghy. A second cockpit can be located forward of the coachroof.
Builder: Bord à Bord
Length: 52’6” (16 m)
Beam: 26’2” (7.98 m)
Draft: 5’3” (1.5 m)
Mainsail: 1,185 sq ft (110 m²)
Genoa: 700 sq ft (65 m²)
Engines: 2 x 57 HP
www.bord-a-bord-boat.com 

RAPIDO 53XS

All the performance of a trimaran, but with the volume of a catamaran…

 
 
XS stands for Xtra Space: The Rapido 50XS takes the Morrelli & Melvin hull design of the “classic” 50, using a fixed structure (i.e. not foldable) with an added 1,760 lbs (800 kg) of extra superstructure. The aim is to offer 3 comfortable cabins and two bathrooms. The manufacturer could have stuck to this concession to comfort... but no, the appendages have also been completely revised. The draft of the appendages has been calculated so as not to exceed that of the central hull. We can’t wait to discover this first direct competitor for the NEEL 52!
Builder: Rapido Trimarans
Hull length: 52’10” (16.1 m)
Beam: 34’ (10.36 m)
Draft: 2’2”/12’11” (0.67/3.94 m)
Light displacement: 20,613lbs (9.35 t)
Air draft: 85’ (25.86 m)
Mainsail: 1,259 sq ft (117 m²)
Solent: 786 sq ft (73 m²)
Stay-sail: 268 sq ft (25 m²)
Gennaker: 1,615 sq ft (150 m²)
Spinnaker: 2,476 sq ft (230 m²)
Price: $1,750,000 ex-tax
www.rapidotrimarans.com 

BALI 5.4

So much better than at home…

 
 
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On the largest of the Balis, we find the XXL-version of everything that has characterized the brand since its inception. The saloon-cockpit unit becomes a spacious marine terrace thanks to the opening of the big overhead door. The deck extends all the way to the bows, offering an exceptional “tanning area” that is accessible directly from the saloon via a watertight door. The size of this multihull makes it possible to accommodate up to six cabins in the hulls, a must for the charter market. Let’s bet that the spaces and equipment “just like at home” will also win over some private owners. The performance of this giant remains surprising: reasonably loaded, it goes very well upwind by just coming off the wind a little.
Builder: Bali Catamarans
Length: 53’3” (16.22 m)
Beam: 28’8” (8.75 m)
Light displacement: 45,855 lbs (20.8 t)
Draft: 4’10” (1.47 m)
Mainsail: 1,022 sq ft (95 m²)
Solent: 645 sq ft (60 m²)
Cabins: 4/5/6
Water: 349 US gal (1,320 l)
Fuel: 317 US gal (1,200 l)
Engines: 2 x 57/80 HP
Price: from € 1,213,876 ex-tax
www.bali-catamarans.com 

MAJESTIC 530

Regularly updated

 
 
The Majestic 530 was designed on the basis of the very popular 500. The extra meter (3’) of length benefits the sugarscoops and cockpit, of course but also average speed. Though the overall lines of this model reflect a little of the current production trends, such as like the very raked bows, in use this in an extremely safe, robust and perfectly finished catamaran. And a host of small details, such as ventilation, have been fine-tuned to the extreme. Keeping very up to date, the manufacturer regularly makes modifications to improve comfort and handling.t
Builder: Royal Cape Catamarans
Length: 53’3” (16.23 m)
Beam: 28’3” (8.6 m)
Light displacement: 44,000 lbs (20 t)
Draft: 4’7” (1.4 m)
Mainsail: 974 sq ft (90.5 m²)
Genoa: 724 sq ft (67.3 m²)
Engines: 2 x 80 HP
www.royalcapecatamarans.com 

NEW WINDELO 54

Restyled in efficient and quick form

 
 
Forever Green
For this 54, launched a year after the 50, the in-depth work on the deck and coachroof design, as well as the interior, came in very early... But that’s all to the good, given the results we were able to discover on the New 50 at Cannes. Well done to LADIDA Design, who’ve succeeded in transforming the somewhat “agricultural” lines into a much more flattering aesthetic. In short, we can’t wait to see the New 54 for real - it’s coming soon! This model, like the 50, incorporates numerous environmentally friendly materials and a highly advanced electric propulsion system. Three versions are available - Adventure, Yachting and Sport.
Builder: Windelo
Length: 53’3” (16.24 m)
Beam: 26’2” (7.98 m)
Light displacement: 28,220 lbs (12.8 t)
Draft: 3’5”/7’9” (1.05/2.35 m)
Mainsail: 1,066 sq ft (99 m²)
Genoa: 484 sq ft (45 m²)
Gennaker: 2,045 sq ft (190 m²)
Motors: 2 x 20 kW
Fuel: 145 US gal (550 l)
Water: 105 US gal (400 l)
Berths: 12
Price: from € 1,290,000 ex-tax
www.windelo-catamaran.com 

KC54

A particularly sleek design

 
 
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Following on from the very successful KC62, Kinetic Catamarans launched in 2022 a particularly racy 54-footer. This new model sees the sail handling station in the same position as her bigger sister – in the forward cockpit. She also features the forward door. The fineness of the hulls gives exceptional performance. As for the strongly inverted bows, these show evidence of recent evolutions in offshore racing… The ambition of the KC54 is precisely to offer the speed of a racer while maintaining the ease of handling of a comfortable cruiser - and thus compete unashamedly with Gunboat... A challenge that is in no way utopian, according to the initial assessment of our journalist Dominic Salander, who was able to sail the 54 in Annapolis.
Builder: Kinetic Catamarans
Length: 54’2” (16.5 m)
Beam: 27’11” (8.5 m)
Draft: 4’7”/10’2” (1.4/3.1 m)
Light displacement: 35,825 lbs (16.25 t)
Mainsail: 979/1,100 sq ft (91/102 m²)
Solent: 613/645 sq ft (57/60 m²)
Engines: 2 x 80 HP
Fuel: 264 US gal (1,000 l)
Water: 264 US gal (1,000 l)
Price: from $ 3,100,000 ex-tax
www.kineticcatamarans.com 

SLYDER 54

Almost 4,000 Wp of solar panels

 
 
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Forever Green
Following their very successful 49, Slyder are now looking at a bigger picture with this 54 – ahead of an 80 to be accompanied later by a 62 and a 68... The initial 3D images reveal hulls with a high freeboard, but whose lines remains dynamic thanks to a marked inverted sheer. The deck remains very high in the cockpit: access to the sugarscoops is via two perpendicular sets of stairs. With construction in carbon/epoxy in infusion, the weight is kept interesting. With a sleek sailplan associated with deep daggerboards (again in carbon/epoxy), the Slyder 54 should present convincing performance. The coachroof and bimini are covered with solar panels capable of sending 3.8 kWp to the 50-kW battery bank. The hybrid propulsion is provided by two 57 HP ICE motors and a pair of 20-kW electric motors.
Builder: Slyder Catamarans
Material: carbon/epoxy
Length: 54’2” (16.5 m)
Beam: 26’11” (8.2 m)
Displacement: 34,610 lbs (15.7 t)
Draft: 4’7”/10’6” (1.4/3.2 m)
Mainsail: 1,120 sq ft (104 m²)
Solent: 732 sq ft (68 m²)
Water: 2 x 132 US gal (2 x 500 l)
Drivetrain: 2 x 57 HP and 2 x 20 kW
Price ready to sail: € 1,959,000 ex-tax
www.slyder-catamarans.com 

LAGOON 55

Successor to the very first Lagoon

 
 
March 2021, some 34 years after the launch of the Lagoon 55, the brand’s very first model, the builder who has become the world leader in cruising multihulls (re)launched a 55... Quite a challenge, but above all an opportunity to measure the incredible evolutions in terms of comfort and ergonomics that separate the two models. The displacement is not the same (it has doubled), nor is the program - we’ve gone from a fast cruising and charter catamaran to a palace for demanding owners, most often managed by a professional crew.
Builder: Lagoon
Length: 54’4” (16.56 m)
Beam: 29’6” (9 m)
Draft: 5’1” (1.55 m)
Displacement: 61,070 lbs (27.7 t)
Mainsail: 1,173 sq ft (109 m²)
Solent: 796 sq ft (74 m²)
Water: 252 US gal (960 l)
Fuel: 290 US gal (1,100 l)
Engines: 2 x 80/115 HP
Price: from € 1,516,000
www.cata-lagoon.com 

C-CAT 56

Blue water cruising with Italian class

 
 
The very elaborate design of the coachroof and hull windows, added to the two-color upholstery, sets the tone: Enrico Contreas and Marco Amadio are offering us a chic, elegant and deliberately Italian catamaran! But beyond her flattering appearance, the C-Cat 56 is a light and well-canvassed offshore catamaran: performance will be good. The emphasis has been placed on comfort at sea and ease of handling. Like the C-Cat 62, the helm stations are integrated on the sides of the coachroof. The saloon benefits from beautiful overhead windows. The large sliding door between the cockpit and the interior creates a truly open and protected space, virtually eliminating the notion of inside/outside.
Builder: C-Catamarans
Length: 54’5” (16.6 m)
Beam: 24’7” (7.5 m)
Displacement: 29,760 lbs (13.5 t)
Draft: 4’1”/8’2” (1.25/2.5 m)
Air draft: 75’5” (23 m)
Mainsail: 1,130 sq ft (105 m²)
Solent: 700 sq ft (65 m²) Code 0: 1,250 sq ft (116 m²)
Engines: 2 x 60 HP
Price: € 1,950,000 ex-tax
www.c-catamarans.com 

OCEAN RENEGADE R5 MKII

A new version inspired by the R6

 
 
Forever Green
The MK2 vintage is 5½” (14 cm) longer and, above all, 18” (45 cm) wider, with the aim of offering even greater comfort - without compromising performance, since the R5 evolution will be more powerful, yet only slightly heavier (450 lbs/200 kg more), and will still boast daggerboards. The construction now includes carbon for the main bulkheads as standard. The new coachroof offers improved visibility, greater headroom and new openings for the interior helm station. The finish uses natural wood covered with a foam core structure, as well as synthetic textured surfaces bonded to PVC supports. The Cape Town, South Africa-based manufacturer remains faithful to an electric drivetrain, with a Torqeedo Deep Blue propulsion system supplied as standard. An internal combustion engine option is now possible, as is the installation of two external helm/control stations.
Builder: Ocean Renegade
Architect: KND Design
Design: Ocean Renegade Design Office
Length overall: 54.5’ (16.6 m)
Waterline length: 53.1’ (16.2 m)
Beam: 26.9’ (8.2 m)
Draft: 4.9’/9.8’ (1.5/3 m)
Light displacement: 25,350 lbs (11.5 t)
Mainsail: 979 sq ft (91 m²)
Self-tacking jib: 452 sq ft (42m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 25 kW
Price: from US$ 2,100,000 ex-tax
www.oceanrenegade.com 

OUTREMER 55

Design, pleasure and performance

 
 
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The Outremer 55 has become the flagship of the Outremer range, the 5X having now bowed out. The coachroof is the result of innovative aesthetic research with large, glazed areas on the sides and a large vertical opening forward, that is concealed by rounded uprights. The mast is stepped on the coachroof in order to ensure optimum weight centering. The two helm stations are equipped with movable steering wheels and provide excellent visibility over the water and - on each side - comfortable seating for two people. The cockpit enjoys the protection of a light but well-covered bimini. As for the nacelle, this is home to a large galley with a central island and a forward-facing chart table. The Outremer 55, light and well-canvassed is capable of good speeds under sail - including upwind, close-hauled thanks to her deep daggerboards – from just 5 knots of wind.
Builder: Outremer Yachting
Architect: VPLP
Length: 54’11” (16.73 m)
Beam: 27’ (8.22 m)
Displacement: 30,645 lbs (13.9 t)
Draft: 4’6”/7’7” (1.36/2.3 m)
Mainsail: 1,120 sq ft (104 m²)
Solent: 730 sq ft (68 m²)
Gennaker: 1,507 sq ft (140 m²)
Engines: 2 x 60 HP
Price: from € 1,690,000 ex-tax
www.catamaran-outremer.com 

HH55-SC/SCF

Curved daggerboards and carbon mast

 
 
The Morrelli-Melvin designed HH55 is a superb sport/luxury catamaran. The razor-sharp design perfectly reflects the level of performance sought. This ambition is even more tangible with the curved daggerboards, carbon steering wheels, mast and boom also in the black fiber... nothing has been left to chance! The SCF option with central steering wheel, just aft of the mast foot cockpit, is sure to appeal to customers accustomed to this type of unit - it also offers a lower gooseneck for the boom. The HH 55 is available in an EcoDrive version with a hybrid powertrain.
Builder: Hudson Yacht Group
Length: 54’11” (16.74 m)
Beam: 26’7” (8.1 m)
Light displacement: 32,410 lbs (14.7 t)
Draft: 4’3”/10’10” (1.3/3.3 m)
Mainsail: 1,367 sq ft (127 m²)
Genoa: 732 sq ft (68 m²)
Gennaker: 1,507 sq ft (140 m²)
Engines: 2 x 57 HP (+ optional electric motors)
Price: from € 2,650,000 ex-tax
www.hhcatamarans.com 
Tags : 2024 Sail buyers guide

Numéro en cours

MM233 - octobre-novembre 2025

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