2025 Sail Buyer's Guide

45 to 50 feet
For a long time now, this has been the category in which the biggest builders have been competing most fiercely. And this is only to be expected: 45 to 50 feet is the ideal size 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 dampener on many plans these past few years. But the good news is that prices are now stabilizing, some even dropping, further sharpening what has once again become a very tough competitive environment. If you’ve got the budget, you can find yourself aboard 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’s right for you!
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Mark Bernie, Julie Echelle, Dick Sawyer, Emmanuel van Deth and Kim Wellington
Publié le 28/11/2024
Par Mark Bernie, Julie Echelle, Dick Sawyer, Emmanuel van Deth and Kim Wellington
Numéro : 199
Parution : Jan. / Mar. 2025
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Multihulls World #199

Tanna 47

The Saona Reviewed and Updated

 
 
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 and larger overhead windows. The galley is new: while the former, and much appreciated, central island, has gone, 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: 32,450 lbs (14.72 t)
Mainsail: 830 sq ft (77 m²)
Genoa: 560 sq ft (52 m²)
Drivetrain: 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: € 781,000 ex-tax
www.fountaine-pajot.com

St Francis 460

Much More Modern Than the 50

 
 
NEW
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 new St Francis 460 is a real break from the brand’s previous 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 460 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 x 105 US gal (2 x 400 l)
Fuel: 2 x 92 US gal (2 x 350 l)
Drivetrain: 2 x 40 HP
www.stfranciscatamarans.com

Lagoon 46

With Volume to Burn!

 
 
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: 35,935 lbs (16.3 t)
Draft: 4’5” (1.35 m)
Mainsail: 866 sq ft (80.5 m²)
Jib: 500 sq ft (46.5 m²)
Code 0: 1,130 sq ft (105 m²)
Cabins: 3/4
Water: 2 x 79 US gal (2 x 300 l)
Fuel: 2 x 137 US gal (2 x 520 l)
Drivetrain: 2 x 57 HP
Price: € 686,800 ex-tax
www.cata-lagoon.com

Class 4

Remarkable Comfort at Sea

 
 
Forever Green
During our test of the 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: 700 to 860 sq ft (65 to 80 m²)
Genoa: 603 to 795 sq ft (56 to 73 m²)
Fuel: 105 US gal (400 l)
Water: 79 US gal (300 l)
Drivetrain: 2 x 30 HP or 2 x 10/15 kW
www.o-yachts.com

Lightwave 46

A Very Attractive Australian Cat

 
 
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)
Drivetrain: 2 x 50/55 HP
Fuel: 210 US gal (800 l)
Water: 210 US gal (800 l)
Price: AU$ 1,178,000 ex-tax
www.lightwaveyachts.com

Navis 45

Streamlined, Light and Fast!

 
 
NEW
In the Navis family, here’s the 45, the first in a range that includes two cruising boats. Thanks to its construction in flat infused sandwich panels, the Navis 45 boasts a number of qualities and advantages - for a start, this catamaran requires no molds... in fact, the 45 is very stiff, light in weight, and lends itself perfectly to customization. In this context, it would be a shame to overload this multihull, whose slender bows and aft-set nacelle reflect an obvious effort to optimize performance. There’s no doubt about it, the Navis 45 will do just fine in light airs... provided it is decently equipped.

Builder: Navis
Material: infused flat sandwich panels
Overall length: 45’11” (14 m)
Beam: 24’08” (7.53 m)
Draft: 4’11” (1.5 m)
Displacement: 26,985 lbs (12.24 t)
Mainsail: 968 sq ft (90 m²)
Self-tacking jib: 425 sq ft (39.5 m²)
Gennaker: 1,184 sq ft (110 m²)
Cabins: 3/4
Berths: 6 to 10
Price: from € 408,333 ex-tax
www.navislr.com

Balance 464 CC

Carbon Structure

 
 
NEW
Forever Green
This new entry-level model in the Balance range uses much of the same tooling as the highly successful 442, but is larger, with almost 30 inches (80 cm) more hull. The 464 CC will be lighter and stiffer thanks to a carbon structure, with many parts, such as the daggerboards and rudder blades, also being made of carbon. As for the sailplan, it will become a little sleeker. The VersaDrive version combines electric motors, a generator, a hydrogeneration system, a 36 kWA battery capacity and solar panels totaling up to 3 kWp.

Builder: Balance Catamarans
Architects: Phillip Berman and Anton Du Toit
Overall length: 46’7” (14.19 m)
Beam: 24’11” (7.6 m)
Displacement: 25,350/27,550 lbs (11.5/12.5 t)
Draft: 3’9”/7’5” (1.14/2.27 m)
Mainsail: 858.5 sq ft (79.76 m²)
Self-tacking jib 405.7 sq ft (37.69 m²)
Gennaker: 1,864.6 sq ft (173.23 m²)
Fuel: 2 x 105 US gal (2 x 400 l)
Water: 2 x 92 US gal (2 x 350 l)
Drivetrain: internal combustion or hybrid
Price: from US$ 1,285,000 ex-tax
www.balancecatamarans.com

CM46

A Schionning Design Built in South Africa

 
 
NEW
In Annapolis, we got the chance to discover this sporty, nearly all-carbon catamaran with its inverted bows and aft-set coachroof. But above all, it’s the CM46’s sail area/displacement ratio that promises outstanding performance: with 17.54 m² per ton, this catamaran is almost twice as fast as comfort cruisers in its class! Add to that, the deep daggerboards will ensure excellent upwind sailing. On deck, the structural cross-beam - a feat of composite manufacturing - is particularly elegant. Inside, the hunt for weight imposes a very basic finish: you have to know what you want...
The manufacturer also offers a CM50 and a CM53.

Builder: Current Marine
Architect: Schionning Design
Length: 46’7” (14.2 m)
Beam: 24’3” (7.4 m)
Displacement: 14,330 lbs (6.5 t)
Draft daggerboards up: 3’11” (1.2 m)
Mainsail: 732 sq ft (68 m²)
Genoa: 495 sq ft (46 m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 30 HP
Fuel: 2 x 40 US gal (2 x 150 l)
Water: 2 x 53 US gal (2 x 200 l)
www.currentmarine.co.za

Neel 47

Flush-decked Owner’s Cabin

 
 
This trimaran, launched in 2019 and which you crowned MOTY of its category in 2020, is approaching the end of its run: a Neel 48 is now in the works for the La Rochelle-based builder. Aboard this 47, you’ll discover a generous central space, which merges saloon and cockpit. 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)
Draft: 5’3” (1.6 m)
Light displacement: 23,370 lbs (10.6 t)
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)
Drivetrain: 60 HP
Price: from € 698,700 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 and 5.8 that are 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)
Drivetrain: 2 X 45/80 HP
Price: from € 850,000 ex-tax www.bali-catamarans.com

Leopard 46

Electric Premiere!

 
 
NEW
Forever Green
Making its premiere appearance at Annapolis, the replacement for the Leopard 45 includes (as an option) an electric drivetrain – a big first for the brand. As for the rest of the catamaran, the 46 retains all the brand’s hallmarks - forward door with coachroof overhang and mini exterior saloon in front of the mast, mid-height helm and maneuvering station, and a flybridge. The opening between the nacelle and cockpit is much wider than on the 45, with the idea being to offer an open configuration that doesn’t compromise the comfort of a closed layout (for nighttime or bad weather). Inside, there are 3, 4 or 5 cabins. Great options include the lifting platform, the taller rig and the performance sails.

Builder: Robertson & Caine
Overall length: 47’6” (14.48 m)
Waterline length: 44’ (13.42 m)
Beam: 24’1” (7.35 m)
Draft: 5’3” (1.59 m)
Displacement: 37,940 lbs (17.21 t)
Mainsail: 931/1,014 sq ft (86.5/94.2 m²)
Genoa: 623 sq ft (57.9 m²)
Asymmetric spinnaker: 2,132 sq ft (198.1 m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 25 kW or 2 x 45 HP
Water: 184 US gal (700 l)
Fuel: 182 US gal (690 l)
Price: from € 699,000 ex-tax
www.leopardcatamarans.com

Outremer 45/4X/4.Zero

Performance and Helming Pleasure

 
 
Forever Green
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: 3’ or 4’1”/7’1” (0.9 or 1.25/2.15 m)
Mainsail: 720/742 sq ft (67/69 m²)
Genoa: 420/441/590 sq ft (39/41/55 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

Nautitech 48 Open

A Flagship Optimized for Owners

 
 
This model is replacing the 46, becoming the new flagship. There’s all the usual Nautitech DNA, giving 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
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: 947 sq ft (88 m²)
Self-tacking solent: 452 sq ft (42 m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 60 or 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 € 999,800 ex-tax
www.nautitechcatamarans.com

Cervetti 48

Still a Dufour, but Without Dufour

 
 
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 2023 Cannes Yachting Festival.

Builder: JJL Catamarans
Length: 48’3” (14.7 m)
Beam: 26’3” (8 m)
Draft: 4’3” (1.3 m)
Displacement: 36,375 lbs (16.5 t)
Mainsail: 818 sq ft (76 m²)
Solent: 517 sq ft (48 m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 50/60 HP
Fuel: 237 US gal (900 l)
Water: 185 US gal (700 l)
www.cervetti-catamarans.com

Tortue 147

An Aluminum Exploration Catamaran

 
 
NEW
Forever Green
Catamarans constructed using thick aluminum are in short supply on the market, so we’re delighted to present a brand-new model currently in build in Tunisia, the Tortue 147. The name, meaning tortoise or turtle in French, is obviously not linked to performance, but rather to on-board comfort. Indeed, the imposing superstructures should offer exceptional living space for a catamaran that’s under 50 feet. The hull has two specific features: a bulbous bow is grafted onto each side to dampen pitching, and the stern is particularly sleek. Here again, the architects’ aim was to provide the most stable platform possible, including longitudinally. Two 1,200-liter (317-gallon) ballast tanks are also provided aft. Long keels and rudder skegs allow you to take the ground.

Manufacturer: Cataruga
Material: 8 to 10 mm aluminum
Length: 48’3” (14.7 m)
Beam: 25’9” (7.85 m)
Draft: 4’9” (1.45 m)
Displacement: 37,500 lbs (17 t)
Sail area: 1,076/1,507 sq ft (100/140 m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 57 HP and 2 x 10 kW
All-electric range: 2 hours at 6 knots
www.cataruga.com

C-Cat 48

An Alternative to a Series Production Boat

 
 
Image removed.
Image removed.
Of course we know about the C-Cat 37 (which has become the 38), 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: Comar Yachts
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)
Drivetrain: 2 x 35 HP
Fuel: 2 x 34 US gal (2 x 130 l)
Water: 79 US gal (300 l)
Price: from € 998,000 ext-tax
www.c-catamarans.com

Sail Cat AG 49’

Inverted bows Made in Brazil

 
 
This catamaran has relatively fine hulls, and the Divinycell PVC foam infusion construction is well mastered by AG Catamarans and its owner Amilton Gutierrez, who has been building boats for over 40 years. Ultimately, displacement remains comparable to that of mass-produced boats of the same size, as does the sail plan, which is somewhat limited in area by the self-tacking jib. This Sail Cat AG 49’ should therefore be perfectly suited to long runs under gennaker when let loose. As for the finish, we haven’t yet had a chance to check it out ourselves, but the images we have are very convincing in terms of the general care taken in this project. Layout plans suggest 3 or 4 cabins.

Builder: AG Catamarans
Architect: A. Bottino
Length: 49’ (14.9 m)
Beam: 26’3” (8 m)
Displacement: 33,000 lbs (15 t)
Mainsail: 872 sq ft (81 m²)
Solent: 452 sq ft (42 m²)
Gennaker: 2,071 sq ft (192.4 m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 50 HP
Fuel: 2 x 132 US gal (2 x 500 l)
Water: 2 x 81 US gal (2 x 310 l)
www.agcatamarans.com

Freydis 49 Croiseur

A Blue Water Boat That’ll Always Make You Dream…

 
 
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)
Drivetrain: Volvo 2 x 40 HP saildrive
www.tourniermarine.fr

Vaan R5

An Aluminum Catamaran with Two Sizes of Coachroof

 
 
In the spirit of their R4, Dutch builder Vaan Yachts are offering a 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.
Forever Green

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
www.vaanyachts.nl

Wave 50

A Very Bold Design

 
 
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The main idea of the Wave 50 project is to be noticed... and this has certainly been achieved with the famous forward, though this 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. The concept can also be seen with the recently-splashed Wave 60.

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)
Drivetrain: 2 x 60 HP Volvo Penta D-60
Fuel: 220 US gal (840 l)
Water: 180 US gal (680 l)
CE category: A12
Price: € 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. This model is due to be the entry level boat for a complete range.

Builder: Catana Catamarans
Architect: Chantier Catana
Hull length: 49’2” (14.99 m)
Waterline length: 49’1” (14.96 m)
Beam: 26’2” (7.98 m)
Displacement: 29,760 lbs (13.5 t)
Draft: 4’7”/8’3” (1.39/2.52 m)
Mainsail: 970 sq ft (90 m²)
Genoa: 690 sq ft (64 m²)
Gennaker: 1,400 sq ft (130 m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 45/57 HP
Fuel: 211 US gal (800 l)
Water: 211 US gal (800 l)
www.catana.com

Sunreef 50

The Most Luxurious 50-footer

 
 
Forever Green
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)
Drivetrain: 2 x 80 HP or electric
www.sunreef-yachts.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)
Drivetrain: 2 x 57 HP
www.knysnayachtco.com

Privilege Signature 510

Ever Faithful to the Central Rostrum

 
 
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)
Drivetrain: 2 x 55/80 HP
Price: € 1,950,000 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’ / 33’7” (5.8/10.24 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)
Drivetrain: 40 HP
www.rapidotrimarans.com

New Windelo 50/51 Sport

A New, More Mature Design

 
 
Forever Green
Beyond the cosmetic alterations, the coachroof on the New generation 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. The builder has also unveiled a performance version - the 51 Sport - with longer hulls, a stiffer structure and more powerful sails.

Builder: Windelo
Length: 50’ (15.24 m)
Beam: 26’1” (7.95 m)
Light displacement: 24,700 lbs (11.2 t)
Draft: 3’5”/7’7” or 9’2” (1.03/2.32 or 2.8 m)
Mainsail: 990/1,055 sq ft (92/98 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 € 1,045,000 ex-tax
www.windelo-catamaran.com

Tags : 2025 sail buyer guide , Sail

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MM233 - octobre-novembre 2025

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