2025 Sail Buyer's Guide

50 to 55 feet
The 50 to 60-foot category you were familiar with up until our 2023 edition of the Buyer’s Guide now includes so many models that as of last year, we 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 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
Découvrir cenuméro
Multihulls World #199

Balance 502 CC

The 482 Only Better!

 
 
NEW
Forever Green
In the same way as the 442, which has become the 464 CC, the 482 has been redesigned as the 502 CC. But let’s be clear from the outset: this is no mere marketing restyling with slightly extended sugarscoops, but is in fact, a profound evolution. Starting with the structure, daggerboards and rudders, now in carbon/epoxy, and then focusing on the new hybrid propulsion system. The combination of the electric motors providing under-sail hydrogeneration, the 3 kWp of solar panels and the 36-kWh battery promises fuel savings of around 25%. In terms of performance, the manufacturer has announced an average speed of 8 to 9 knots on the wind, with peak speeds of 18/20 knots downwind in a breeze.

Builder: Balance Catamarans
Length: 50’ (15.25 m)
Beam: 25’11” (7.9 m)
Draft: 4’2”/7’5” (1.26/2.27 m)
Displacement: 28,220 lbs (12.8 t)
Mainsail: 1,029 sq ft (95.63 m²)
Self-tacking jib: 423 sq ft (39.31 m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 45 HP and 2 x 15 kW
Fuel: 211 US gal (800 l)
Water: 206 US gal (780 l)
Price: from US$ 1,785,000 ex-tax
www.balancecatamarans.com

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)
Drivetrain: 2 x 57 HP
Fuel: 232 US gal (880 l)
Water: 355 US gal (1,350 l)
www.stfranciscatamarans.com

Lagoon 51

The Overlapping Genoa Makes a Comeback

 
 
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: 43,430 lbs (19.7 t)
Mainsail: 1,055 sq ft (98 m²)
Genoa: 549 sq ft (51 m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 80 HP
Fuel: 219 US gal (830 l)
Water: 2 x 137 US gal (2 X 520 l)
Price: € 1,070,900 ex-tax
www.cata-lagoon.com

Leopard 50

A Flybridge for Everyone!

 
 
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)
Drivetrain: 2 x 57 HP
Price: from € 869,000 ex-tax
www.leopardcatamarans.com

ITA 15.49

Design and Performance

 
 
Forever Green
The 15.49 was presented to the public for the first time at the 2023 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: from € 1,368,000 ex-tax
www.itacatamarans.com

Aura 51

 
 
Image removed.
Forever Green
This model has lines very much in keeping with the latest generation of catamarans bearing the signature of Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design. 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 ODSea 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 sq ft (95 m²)
Genoa: 635 sq ft (59 m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 60/75 HP or 2 x 25 kW
Fuel: 2 x 118 US gal (2 x 450 l)
Water: 237 US gal (900 l)
Price: € 1,063,000 ex-tax
www.fountaine-pajot.com

Zen 50

On Course for Zero Emission Nautic!

 
 
NEW
Forever Green
This catamaran has been designed from the start as a solar-electric ocean-going yacht: the objective is unlimited range thanks to the adoption of a light carbon fiber structure and a high-tech computer-controlled Wingsail (designed by French company AYRO). The hulls will be built by an industrial partner in southern Spain, with the equipment and finishing of the multihulls controlled directly by ZEN staff in its assembly yards.

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 € 2,400,000 ex-tax
www.zenyachts.com

Outremer 52

(Very) Long-haul Cruising

 
 
For this new 52, launched at the beginning of 2023, 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 is 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
Drivetrain: 2 x 50 HP
Price: from € 1,380,000 ex-tax
www.catamaran-outremer.com

Greencat 52’

Eco-responsible Boating

 
 
Forever Green
Based in La Rochelle on France’s Atlantic coast, the Chantier 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 in 2023, 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: Chantier 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
Water: 105 US gal (400 l)
CE Certification: A10
www.chantierdelarsenal.fr

HH52

Switching to Hybrid Power and Even Greater Performance

 
 
NEW
Forever Green
This new model is based on the 50, but now incorporates hybrid propulsion - like the highly successful HH44 - and a boosted sail plan. With its strongly inverted bows, curved daggerboards, comprehensive equipment list and luxurious (all-sandwich) interior fittings, the HH52 is a real eye-catcher. The Sports Cruising version boasts highly refined carbon/epoxy sandwich construction. Aboard the Ocean Series version, fiberglass replaces carbon in part for the hulls, and the curved daggerboards are replaced by sensible fixed fins. Both SC and OC models can now feature a helm station forward the nacelle, becoming the SCF and OCF.

Builder: Hudson Group
Architects: Morrelli/Melvin
Length: 51’10” (15.8 m)
Beam: 24’5” (7.44 m)
Draft: 5’5”/11’7” or 5’1” (1.65/3.54 m or 1.56 m)
Light displacement: 24,470 to 26,040 lbs (11.11 to 11.81 t)
Mainsail: 926/1,005 sq ft (86.02/98.38 m²)
Genoa: 587/683 sq ft (54.58/63.46 m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 38 HP and electric
www.hhcatamarans.com

Orc52.2

The Stamp of the Grand Large Group

 
 
NEW
Now part of the portfolio of the powerful group that owns, among others, Outremer Yachting and Gunboat, ORC is unveiling its first developments after taking over production of the Outremer 45: out goes the ORC42, in comes the 57 with a higher standard of finish and, above all, it’s a go for the first makeover - the ORC50. This light and powerful catamaran, with 26 examples built, is becoming the 52.2, with extended sugarscoops, new overhead hatches, enlarged openings forward and especially towards the cockpit, and steps at the foot of the mast. As for the interior, the atmosphere has been reworked by designer Franck Darnet to be a little more welcoming yet preserving the initial simplicity of the layout.

Builder: ORC
Architect: Barreau/Neuman
Interior design: Franck Darnet
Length: 56’ (17.08 m)
Beam: 26’11” (8.2 m)
Draft: 4’7”/9’4” (1.4/2.85 m)
Mainsail: 947 sq ft (88 m²)
Genoa: 635 sq ft (59 m²)
Fuel: 2 x 29 US gal (2 x 110 l)
Water: 2x 52 US gal (2 x 200 l)
Price: from € 1,100,000 ex-tax
www.ocean-rider-catamarans.com

Andaman 52

Towards More Ecological Construction and Propulsion

 
 
NEW
Forever Green
This 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 € 875,000 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)
Drivetrain: 2 x 57 HP
Fuel: 120 US gal (460 l)
Water: 120 US gal (460 l)
Price: from US$ 3,380,000 ex-tax
www.mcconaghyboats.com

Neel 52

A Trimaran with 4, 5 or 6 Cabins

 
 
On the agenda as 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. One good point is the quality of finish, clearly more flattering than that seen on some of the earlier productions.

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)
Drivetrain: 110 HP
Price: from € 1,283,706 ex-tax
www.neel-trimarans.com

Balance 526

A High-performance Catamaran Now Further Optimized

 
 
The Balance 526, launched in 2014 and soon to have been sold 20 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)
Drivetrain: 2 x 57 HP
www.balancecatamarans.com

Rapido 53XS

XS as in Xtra Space

 
 
NEW
Forever Green
The Rapido 53XS 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 of offering a large saloon, 3 comfortable cabins and two bathrooms has been perfectly achieved: the difference in volume between the 50 and the 53XS is striking. 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.

Builder: Rapido Trimarans
Hull length: 52’10” (16.1 m)
Beam: 34’ (10.36 m)
Draft: 2.2’ (0.67 m)/12’11” (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

Seawind 1600 Passagemaker

An Offshore Catamaran That’s Evolved a Lot

 
 
Although the flagship catamaran will soon be celebrating its 10th anniversary in the Seawind catalog, it has undergone numerous improvements for 2021. Here are the main modifications: 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. This year, the hulls have been lengthened and the bows modified, bringing the waterline length from 15.74 m (51’8”) to 16.1 m (52’10”).

Builder: Seawind Catamarans
Length: 52’10” (16.1 m)
Beam: 26’7” (8.1 m)
Light displacement: 31,750 lbs (14.4 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)
Drivetrain: 2 x 57 HP
Fuel: 198 US gal (750 l)
Water: 174 US gal (658 l)
www.seawindcats.com

Bali 5.4

So Much Better than at Home…

 
 
On what for a long time was 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 usable 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. The space and equipment “just like at home” will also win over some private owners. The performance of this imposing catamaran 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)
Drivetrain: 2 x 57/80 HP
Price: from € 1,228,973 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.

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)
Drivetrain: 2 x 80 HP
Price: from $ 1,390,000 ex-tax
www.royalcapecatamarans.com

New Windelo 54/55 Sport

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 result: the initial, somewhat “agricultural” lines have been transformed into a far more flattering aesthetic. 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. The latter of these three, which is highly advanced in terms of performance optimization, is now called the Windelo 55 Sport.

Builder: Windelo
Length: 53’3”/54’3” (16.24/16.54 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) or 3’4”/9’2” (1.03/2.8 m)
Mainsail: 1,066 or 1,141 sq ft (99 or 106 m²)
Genoa: 484 or 495 sq ft (45 or 46 m²)
Gennaker: 2,045 or 2,303 sq ft (190 or 214 m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 20 kW
Fuel: 145 US gal (550 l)
Water: 105 US gal (400 l)
Berths: 1
Price: from € 1,380,000 ex-tax
www.windelo-catamaran.com

KC54

A Particularly Sleek Design

 
 
In 2022, Kinetic Catamarans launched a particularly racy 54-footer. On board, the sail handling station is found at the mast foot, and there’s also a forward cockpit. 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, as we were able to verify during our test sail out of 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)
Drivetrain: 2 x 80 HP
Fuel: 264 US gal (1,000 l)
Water: 264 US gal (1,000 l)
Price: from $ 3,385,000 ex-tax
www.kineticcatamarans.com

Slyder 55

Almost 4,000 Wp of Solar Panels

 
 
NEW
Forever Green
The 3D images of the Slyder 55 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 55 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: 54’10” (16.7 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: 1,453 sq ft (135 m²)
Solent: 915 sq ft (85 m²)
Water: 2 x 132 US gal (2 x 500 l)
Drivetrain: 2 x 57 HP and 2 x 20 kW
Price: from € 1,799,000 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: 5’3” (1.6 m)
Displacement: 64,375 lbs (27.7 t)
Mainsail: 1,108/1,173 sq ft (103/109 m²)
Solent: 742 sq ft (69 m²)
Water: 252 US gal (960 l)
Fuel: 290 US gal (1,100 l)
Drivetrain: 2 x 110 HP
Price: € 1,564,900 ex-tax
www.cata-lagoon.com

Ocean Renegade R5 MKII

A New Version for Even More Comfort

 
 
NEW
Forever Green
The MKII 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 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’ (16.6m)
Waterline length: 53.1’ (16.2m)
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
www.oceanrenegade.com

Xquisite X54 E-Plus

On course for the Zero-emissions Catamaran!

 
 
This blue water cruising catamaran is a forever green evolution of the X5 Plus (itself derived from the X5), with a parallel hybrid drivetrain, a super-powerful 60 kWh lithium battery bank and no less than 4.75 kWp of solar panels (distributed over the coachroof, bimini and arch). The X54 E-Plus also introduces a number of evolutions, including a new interior design, a new design for the sugarscoops, a practical retractable swim ladder with handrails, semi-recessed deck hatches and a very impressive black lacquered rig. The helmsman is perfectly protected from the elements and benefits from a furling mainsail. But less pollution doesn’t mean less elegance: the builder offers hull paints and a North Sails wardrobe in black laminate...

Builder: Xquisite Yachts
Length overall: 54’7” (16.63 m)
Hull length: 50’8” (15.44 m)
Length at waterline: 50’ (15.25m)
Beam: 26’3” (8 m)
Draft: 4’5” (1.35 m)
Air draft: 78’9” (24 m)
Displacement: 36,375 lbs (16.5 t)
Mainsail: 1,130 sq ft (105 m²)
Genoa: 700 sq ft (65 m²)
Gennaker: 1,808 sq ft (168 m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 15 kW and 2 x 80 HP
Water: 4 x 57 US gal (4 x 215 l)
Fuel: 2 x 97 US gal (2 x 370 l)
CE Category: A
Price: US$ 1,900,000
www.xquisiteyachts.com

Outremer 55

Design, Pleasure and Performance

 
 
Image removed.
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)
Drivetrain: 2 x 60 HP
Price: from € 1,690,000 ex-tax
www.catamaran-outremer.com

HH56

An All-carbon Construction and Hybrid Propulsion

 
 
NEW
Forever Green
The Morrelli-Melvin designed HH56, an evolution of the 55, 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 and mast and boom also in the black fiber... nothing has been left to chance! The SCF option of the 55, with central wheel steering just aft of the mast foot cockpit, has been adopted aboard the 56. In addition to appealing to customers accustomed to this type of unit, it offers a lower boom anchorage. The HH56 features a hybrid drive system with a 46.7-kWh battery capacity and 4.5 kWp of solar panels.

Builder: Hudson Group
Length: 54’19” (16.7 m)
Beam: 26’7” (8.1 m)
Light displacement: 31,750 lbs (14.4 t)
Draft: 4’3”/10’10” (1.3/3.3 m)
Mainsail: 1,345 sq ft (125 m²)
Genoa: 850 sq ft (79 m²)
Gennaker: 1,653 sq ft (140 m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 57 HP and 2 x 10 kW
Price: from $ 3,440,000 ex-tax
www.hhcatamarans.com

Tags : 2025 sail buyer guide , Sail

Numéro en cours

MM233 - octobre-novembre 2025

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