2024 Sail Buyer's Guide

From 55 to 60 feet
What was half a category last year has become a full category in the 2024 edition of our Buyer’s Guide, with almost 20 models referenced... These catamarans (especially) and a few trimarans all offer absolute comfort for living aboard without no time limit. On the other hand, they become more demanding to handle for a crew of enlightened amateurs, so entrusting these units to professional skippers is therefore recommended.
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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

DAZCAT OCEAN CRUISER 55

Designed and built by sailors, for sailors

 
 
The Cornwall-based shipyard has decided to refocus its 40 to 55-foot range and has launched the Dazcat Ocean Cruiser (DOC) range, with a first model, the 55, just announced. The main feature of this Dazcat is the adoption of a forward cockpit/maneuvering station, with the wheel just behind, at the front of the nacelle. Another helm station is located mid-height, to starboard. This new Dazcat maintains a strict weight schedule, with carefully centered masses, and is able to take the ground thanks to its shoal draft when the appendages (carbon daggerboards) are raised. As for the bimini, this has been designed to optimize the surface area of solar panels, which also largely cover the dinghy on its davits. Optionally, the Ocean Cruiser can be propelled by a hybrid diesel/electric drivetrain.
Builder: Multimarine Manufacturing Ltd
Overall length: 55’ (16.76 m)
Beam: 26’3” (8 m)
Displacement: 26,450 lbs (12 t)
Mainsail: 1,033sq ft (96 m²)
Jib: 538 sq ft (50 m²)
Gennaker: 1,292 sq ft (120 m²)
Spinnaker: 2,153 sq ft (200 m²)
Berths: 6/8
Price: £ 2,500,000 ex-tax
www.multihullcentre.com 

KNYSNA 550

Much more modern than her predecessors

 
 
In South Africa, it’s the sea that call the shots... so much so that local shipyards are adept at the “There’s no such thing as too strong” approach, with a design that is above all efficient if not very modern. In this context, the brand-new Knysna 550, for which hull #1 has already been ordered, is an excellent surprise, with a very neat coachroof design featuring sloping, colored aft pillars and inverted forward windows. The hulls are slender but well-defended at the bow, providing a generous glazed area in the cabins. On the first 3D images of the 550, you can clearly make out the good old, perforated aluminum toerail that already surrounds the Knysna 500SE - when all you swear by is rustic and sturdy, even after four years of in-house development, you can’t go wrong!
Builder: Knysna Yachts
Length: 55’ (16.83 m)
Beam: 29’9” (9.06 m)
Draft: 4’11” (1.5 m)
Air draft: 78’6” (23.95 m)
Displacement: 39,200 lbs (19.6 t)
Mainsail: 1,440 sq ft (133.8 m²)
Genoa: 672 sq ft (62.64 m²)
Engines: 2 x 80 HP
Fuel: 264 US gal (1,000 l)
Water: 264 US gal (1,000 l)
www.knysnayachtco.com 

EXPLOCAT 52

The ice or the tropics?

 
 
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Specialists in aluminum centerboarders for blue water cruising and expedition work, Garcia Yachts are applying their Exploration concept to two hulls with a robust catamaran, but with a controlled weight for interesting performance. It will be good to challenge the ice from the interior watchkeeping/helm station. In the saloon/galley area, a stove is even provided. The insulation is designed for withstanding high latitude sailing and extreme conditions. The aft cockpit is particularly well protected. As for the ergonomics of the sailing maneuvers, it has been carefully designed to be able to handle wearing slippers, whatever the weather.
Builder: Garcia Yachts
Architect: Pierre Delion
Length: 55’7” (16.95 m)
Beam: 26’11” (8.2 m)
Light displacement: 41,000 lbs (18.6 t)
Draft: 4’11” (1.5 m)
Mainsail: 1,152 sq ft (107 m²)
Genoa: 646 sq ft (60 m²)
Cabins: 3/4
Water: 174 US gal (660 l)
Fuel: 2 x 145 US gal (2 x 550 l)
Engines: 2 x 60/75 HP
www.garciayachts.com 

HH52

A catamaran (re)designed for an electric drivetrain

 
 
Forever Green
While this model, still equipped with daggerboards, is an assumed evolution of the HH50, the platform has been entirely redesigned with the aim of going electric. The HH solution is a hybrid drivetrain with the possibility of hydrogeneration under sail. The 52 will feature a brand-new coachroof capable of integrating 4,600 Wp of solar panels. The interior layout has also been modified: the HH52 builds on many of the lessons learned from the development of the HH44 and HH60, including the popular L-shaped sofa, a galley island as seen aboard the larger HHs, more openings and even more convincing comfort in the cabins. The yard will also offer two helm station versions – either a forward cockpit accessed by double doors around a central helm station, or twin tillers, aft. The first HH52 is scheduled for imminent launch.
Builder: Hudson Yacht Group
Architects: Morrelli & Melvin
Material: carbon/epoxy
Length: 55.94 ft (17.05 m)
Beam: 24.41 ft (7.44 m)
Displacement: 25,550 lbs (11.59 t)
Draft: 5.41 ft/11.61 ft (1.65/3.54 m)
Mainsail: 1,059 sq ft (98.38 m²)
Solent: 683 sq ft (63.46 m²)
Gennaker: 1,194 sq ft (110.96 m²)
CE Category: A
Price: from $ 1,570,000 ex-tax
www.hhcatamarans.com 

ORC57

A racer that’s got us dreaming…

 
 
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Very light but habitable, the 57 offers exceptional performance. This model will fulfil the requirements of crews infatuated with speed, by offshore racing and also by high-end charter. The flagship of the ORC range is therefore faithful to the brand’s DNA, but is this time drawn by Marc Lombard, the two previous models having been by Barreau/Neuman. The future of this catamaran looks to be in safe hands with the Grand Large group which is now at the helm of Marsaudon Composites. This is clearly a catamaran that’s going to keep us dreaming for a long time to come…
Builder: Marsaudon Composites
Length: 56’1” (17.1 m)
Beam: 29’8” (9.05 m)
Draft: 5’5”/10’10” (1.65/3.3 m)
Light displacement: 26,235 lbs (11.9 t)
Mainsail: 1,150 sq ft (107 m²)
Genoa: 905 sq ft (84 m²)
Engines: 2 x 57 HP
Berths: 8
CE Category: A
Price: from e 1,625,000 ex-tax
www.marsaudon-composites.com 

PUNCH 17.10

Wood/epoxy catamarans making a big comeback

 
 
Builder Christian Hernandez, and naval architects Mortain/Mavrikios have decided to relaunch a complete range of Punch catamarans. This time, they are being built in southern Portugal at Vila Real de Santo António, on the mouth of the Guadiana River. The first drawings available reveal four models – the Punch 12.70, 13.70, 15.10 and lastly, the 17.10. The latter remains very close to the 1700 (see test in MW108). “The former model was built entirely in strip-planking, and it will be the same for this new one,” confirms Alain Mortain. With a sail area to weight ratio of 12.19 m²/t, the flagship catamaran promises good performance.
Builder: Multicat Algavre
Architects: Mortain/Mavrikios
Length: 56’1” (17.1 m)
Beam: 29’6” (9 m)
Draft: 5’ (1.52 m)
Light displacement: 35,275 lbs (16 t)
Mainsail: 1,300 sq ft (121 m²)
Genoa: 795 sq ft (74 m²)
Engines: 2 x 75 HP
Fuel: 2 x 105 US gal (2 x 400 l)
Water: 2 x 105 US gal (2 x 400 l)
Price: from e 1,360,000 ex-tax
www.multicat-algarve.com 

MAJESTIC 570 FLY

XXL Flybridge… or not

 
 
Announced at the 2019 Annapolis Boat Show, Majestic’s flagship has been sailing for more than two years now. This catamaran retains a very classic design with cleverly angled bows and multi-tiered superstructures - however you can have one without the giant flybridge. That said, the builder hasn’t skimped on the hull openings and hatches: the sea is visible everywhere and ventilation is provided from the first breath of air. The builder can fit out up to six cabins on board and offers numerous customization possibilities. The 570 comes standard with a plethora of equipment: she is ready for a round-the-world trip as soon as she has splashed!
Builder: Royal Cape Catamarans
Length: 57’ (17.38 m)
Beam: 28’3” (8.6 m)
Light displacement: 51,800 lbs (23.5 t)
Draft: 4’7” (1.4 m)
Mainsail: 1,162 sq ft (108 m²)
Genoa: 818 sq ft (76 m²)
Engines: 2 x 80 HP
Fuel: 2 x 158 US gal (2 x 600 l)
Water: 264 US gal (1,000 l)
www.royalcapecatamarans.com 

SEAVIEW 56

Tranquil cruising

 
 
Chinese yacht builder HeySea now offers a complete range of comfortable catamarans comprising the Seaview 42, 48, 56 and 70 (feet). The 56 - the first model ordered in 2021 - was launched with an original set of blue sails. The somewhat modest area of the sail plan is particularly noteworthy in relation to the displacement: the sail area to weight ratio is 5.14, whereas a catamaran is considered to be high-performance when this value exceeds 10. The aim is therefore to provide a fully-equipped living platform whose finishing standards are on a par with those of luxury living ashore. No less than 5 layouts are available, featuring 4 to 6 cabins.
Builder: HeySea
Length: 57’3” (17.46 m)
Beam: 28’10” (8.8 m)
Draft: 5’4” (1.62 m)
Light displacement: 77,000 lbs (35 t)
Mainsail: 1,185 sq ft (110 m²)
Genoa: 753 sq ft (70 m²)
Engines: 2 x 75 HP
Fuel: 2 x 132 US gal (2 x 500 l)
Water: 264 US gal (1,000 l)
www.heyseayachts.com 

NAVIS 55

For fast cruising and charter

 
 
Laurent Ludwiczak is offering a range of catamarans under the Navis brand. The 55 that we have selected here has very narrow hulls at the front with a marked forefoot and strongly inverted bows. On deck, the nacelle’s footprint is deliberately reduced in order to limit displacement. Associated with a foam sandwich construction, the design promises a laden displacement of around 13½ tons, and you can count two tons less than that in lightship condition. Particular care has been given to the accessibility of the various technical elements. Other models are also available, with specifications currently being updated, including a 45, a 50 (scheduled to splash in spring 2024) and a 60.
Builder: Navis
Length: 57’5” (17.5 m)
Beam: 28’5” (8.67 m)
Laden displacement: 30,380 lbs (13.78 t)
Mainsail: 968 sq ft (90 m²)
Self-tacking jib: 425 sq ft (39.5 m²)
Gennaker: 1,184 sq ft (110 m²)
Engines: 2 x 150 HP
Price: € 830,000 ex-tax
www.navislr.com 

VAAN R6

Still in aluminum... and green!

 
 
Forever Green
Following their first R4 and the R5, Vaan Yachts has unveiled the first visuals of the largest model in the range, the R6. The builders have retained the same design, namely high freeboard, vertical bows and a short nacelle with an arch at its after end, extended by a fabric bimini. The cockpit features twin helm stations and uses the concept of a Y-shaped sail maneuvering console, as seen on the R4. Construction remains faithful to aluminum – with most of the materials used coming from recycling channels - and propulsion is of course electric.
Builder: Vaan Yachts
Material: Aluminum
Length: 58’ (17.68 m)
Beam: 29’8” (9.03 m)
Air draft: 91’6” (27.9 m)
Mainsail: 1,184 sq ft (110 m²)
Solent: 700 sq ft (65 m²)
Drivetrain: electric
Price: € 2,495,000 ex-tax
www.vaan.yachts 

VOYAGE 590

Blue water and full comfort, made in South Africa

 
 
Forever Green
Voyage Yachts was founded in 1994 in Cape Town, South Africa, under the leadership of Kay Oldenburg. The yard produces large blue water catamarans in small production runs - just under 200 examples have been launched, and the current production rate is 5 to 6 boats per year. Voyage Yachts employs a staff of around 50, and is currently marketing just a single model, the Voyage 590, launched in 2020. With its inverted bows and modern design, this top-of-the-range multihull is seductive and entertaining thanks to its spaciousness and plethora of equipment. Three layout versions are available for 12 to 14 people. Hybrid propulsion is also available.
Builder: Voyage Yachts
Length Overall: 58’3 (17.7 m)
Waterline Length: 57’9” (17.6 m)
Beam: 28’5” (8.66 m)
Draft: 5’2” (1.59 m)
Sail Area: 2,179 sq ft (202.5 m²)
Displacement: 55,120 lbs (25 t)
Engines: 2 x 75 HP
Fuel: 250 US gal (950 l)
Water: 250 US gal (950 l)
www.voyageyachts.com 

CURE 55

An Australian cat with appealing speed

 
 
The molds are ready! With construction soon to begin at Coolum Beach - just a stone’s throw from the Sunshine Coast, on Australia’s east coast, the Cure 55 is a sharp all-carbon catamaran that makes the most of its one-piece structure to keep its displacement down to just over 9 tons. The hulls are angled at 2.5° like the old Catanas, with very fine entry, slightly inverted bows, and daggerboards. The Hall Spars rig is obviously also in carbon, as is the Park Avenue boom that sits flush with the coachroof.
Builder: Cure Marine
Overall length: 58.35’ (17.78 m)
Beam: 28.51’ (8.69 m)
Draft: 5.02’/7.89’ (1.53/2.41 m)
Light displacement: 20,095 lbs (9.12 t)
Mainsail: 1,173 sq ft (109 m²)
Self-tacking jib: 592 sq ft (55 m²)
Gennaker: 2,110 sq ft (196 m²)
Water: 211 US gal (800 l)
Fuel: 211 US gal (800 l)
Engines: 2 x 57 HP
Price: AU$ 2,718,181 ex-tax
www.curemarine.com.au 

MOON YACHT 60

Loads of volume made to measure

 
 
While this imposing 60-foot catamaran discovered at the 2021 Cannes Yachting Festival may lack finesse in the design of its superstructure, and will have to be made reliable to ensure safe all-weather navigation (the last model presented at Annapolis suffered problems with its escape hatches), it does offer exceptional overall volume for its size. The same goes for the sunbathing areas, which are absolutely gigantic. In this category, only the Sunreef 60 is able to compete with this model. This isn’t a totally insignificant comparison, because Moonyachts also happen to be built in Gdansk, Poland, like Sunreef... The interior layout can be planned according to the Owner’s wishes.
Builder: MoonYacht
Length: 58’6” (17.82 m)
Beam: 31’8” (9.64 m)
Draft: 6’7” (2 m)
Mainsail: 1,140 sq ft (106 m²)
Genoa: 689 sq ft (64 m²)
Displacement: 83,775 lbs (38 t)
Engines: 2 x 80 HP
Fuel: 395 US gal (1,500 l)
Water: 2 x 132 US gal (500 l)
CE certification: A
Price: from € 3,000,000 ex-tax
www.moonyacht.com 

PRIVILEGE SIGNATURE 580

Forward door and private access for the owner’s cabin

 
 
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The big sistership to the 510 is the Signature 580. The family resemblance is clear at first glance: the design team is the same. Aboard this luxury catamaran, an Atlantic crossing becomes a walk in the park, or almost... Our test highlighted the care given to the finish, the quality of the equipment but also the ease of maneuvering. Even though the owner’s cabin is no longer in the central rostrum, it benefits from private access to the forward cockpit, which in line with current trends also enjoys direct access to the saloon.
Builder: Privilège Marine
Length: 58’9” (17.9 m)
Beam: 30’1” (9.18 m)
Light displacement: 63,935 lbs (29 t)
Draft: 5’9” (1.75 m)
Mainsail: 1,300 sq ft (121 m²)
Genoa: 990 sq ft (92 m²)
Cabins: 3 / 4
Water: 264 US gal (1,000 l)
Fuel: 264 US gal (1,000 l)
Engines: 2 x 75 HP
Price for the Blue Water Sailing version: € 3,500,000 ex-tax
www.privilege-marine.com 

HH60

Hybrid drivetrain and XXL solar panels

 
 
Forever Green
The latest model from HH will sit between the 55 and the 66. This new boat will be available with twin aft helm stations or a forward cockpit with wheel steering at the front of the nacelle. The hulls, signed by Morrelli & Melvin, leave no doubt as to the expected performance. The fine entry, inverted bows are aggressive, the displacement is contained at just over 34,000 pounds (15.5 t) and the powerful rig culminates at 91 feet (28.78 m) above the water... Upwind, the daggerboards can bring the draft to more than 13 feet (4 meters): we suspect that upwind course-keeping will be exceptional. The builder has also worked on a hybrid drivetrain and exploiting to the maximum the coachroof and bimini surfaces for solar panels. Note: the bimini is also available with three smaller shelters for the version with the aft helm stations.
Builder: Hudson Yacht Group
Length: 58’11” (17.95 m)
Waterline length: 54’ (16.47 m)
Beam: 26’7” (8.1 m)
Light displacement: 34,162 lbs (15.5 t)
Draft: 5’3”/13’3” (1.6/4.04 m)
Mainsail: 1,508 sq ft (140.15 m²)
Solent: 748 sq ft (69.53 m²)
Reacher: 1,829 sq ft (170 m²)
Price: from € 2,850,000
www.hhcatamarans.com 

SIXTY SOLAR SAIL

Optimized for full-comfort blue water cruising

 
 
The big sistership of the X5 Plus adopts a relatively conventional design – gone is the big arch around the cockpit. The name Solar reflects the manufacturer’s desire to limit fossil fuel consumption by offering an impressive surface area of solar panels. Some neat touches will improve life when cruising, such as the forward sunbathing area that’s well protected between the coachroof uprights (and equipped with a solar protection if needed), the aft platform equipped with a carbon mini-crane and the large holds and lockers ready to store all the nautical equipment (paddleboards or diving equipment for example). The helm and maneuvering station is elegantly protected by a hard-top, not to mention the rigid handrail that surrounds the entire deck. A semi-custom finish is offered by the manufacturer.
Builder: Xquisite Yachts
Length: 59’1” (18 m)
Beam: 29’2” (8.91 m)
Draft: 5’5” (1.65 m)
Light displacement: 60,650 lbs (27.5 t)
Mainsail: 1,356 sq ft (126 m²)
Jib: 969 sq ft (90 m²)
Code D: 2,260 sq ft (210 m²)
Engines: 2 x 110 HP
Price: € 3,300,000 ex-tax
www.xquisiteyachts.com 

RAPIDO 60

The fastest production multihull?

 
 
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This trimaran was designed with the aim of reconciling very performance, helming pleasure, and comfort. Of course, the living space offered is not the same as catamarans of the same size. Only the central hull is fitted out - and the width remains quite contained. Nevertheless, the outer hulls offer enormous storage volume. This model is now experiencing colossal interest since the crew of La Vagabonde, having got us dreaming from aboard their Outremer 45, are now continuing their oceanic family adventures aboard this model!
Manufacturer: Rapido Trimarans
Length: 59’5” (18.1 m) Beam: 38’5” (11.7 m)
Draft: 2’6” (0.75 m)
Light displacement: 22,050 lbs (10 t)
Mainsail: 1,345 sq ft (125 m²)
Solent: 764 sq ft (71 m²)
Reacher: 1,400 sq ft (130 m²)
Engine: 53 HP
Price: US$ 1,790,000 ex-tax
www.rapidotrimarans.com 

LAGOON 60

The biggest... before getting into multiyachts

 
 
The Lagoon 60 was announced at the last Cannes Yachting Festival. Overall, this next model, for which production has just begun, has a silhouette relatively similar to that of the 55, except that the sail plan uses the overlapping genoa of the latest 51. The main innovation concerns the aft cockpit, literally transformed into a beach club by eliminating the traditional bench seat. This enormous surface area is further enlarged by an aft platform and fold-down bulwarks. As for relaxation space, the forward cockpit and huge flybridge, equipped with a full galley, are not to be outdone. The first Lagoon 60 is due to be presented at Bordeaux in March 2024. We’ll be there, of course!
Builder: Lagoon
Architect: VPLP
Length overall: 59’11” (18.27 m)
Beam: 32’5” (9.87 m)
Draft: 5’5” (1.65 m)
Light displacement (CE): 70,560 lbs (32 t)
Mainsail: 1,603 sq ft (149 m²)
Genoa: 968 sq ft (90 m²)
Engines: 2 x 150 HP
Fuel: 343 US gal (1,300 l)
Water: 254 US gal (960 l)
www.catamarans-lagoon.com 
Tags : 2024 Sail buyers guide

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