2025 Sail Buyer's Guide

55 to 60 Feet
This category, which only 10 years ago symbolized ultimate luxury with a few rare semi-custom models, now boasts no fewer than 20 multihulls - some of which are already bestsellers. 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 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

Dazcat Ocean Cruiser 55

Designed and Built by Sailors, for Sailors

 
 
NEW
Forever Green
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: Dazcat
Overall length: 55’ (16.76 m)
Beam: 26’3” (8 m)
Displacement: 26,450 lbs (12 t)
Mainsail: 1,033sq ft (96 m²)
Jib: 592 sq ft (55 m²)
Gennaker: 1,292 sq ft (120 m²)
Spinnaker: 2,153 sq ft (200 m²)
Berths: 6/8
Price: £ 2,750,000 ex-tax
www.multihullcentre.com

Knysna 550

Much more Modern than her Predecessors

 
 
NEW
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 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)
Drivetrain: 2 x 80 HP
Fuel: 264 US gal (1,000 l)
Water: 264 US gal (1,000 l)
www.knysnayachtco.com

Swisscat 55

A Design that Leaves No One Indifferent

 
 
NEW
Swiss Cat Yachts is back in business, having kept a relatively low profile in recent years: their new 55 made a big impression at Cannes, with its inverted bows, modern, attractive layout and, of course, its electric metallic blue exterior. Circulation on board has been optimized thanks to wide side-decks and gentle slopes - such as the steps between the cockpit and the sugarscoops. The deck plan is particularly sleek, in the same style as the minimalist helm stations.
The weight calculation of around 31,000 lbs (14 t) and the generous sail area (1,840 square feet/171 m² upwind) guarantee excellent performance even in light airs. In bigger seas, the 3’3”/1-meter bridgedeck clearance will protect the catamaran from slamming. As for the cutter rig, it guarantees safety and ease of handling offshore. This new 55, like all Swisscat models, can be customized according to the owner’s wishes.

Builder: Swiss Cat Yachts
Architect: YDC
Design: Amadio and Partners
Length: 55’5” (16.9 m)
Beam: 26’11” (8.2 m)
Displacement: 30,865 lbs (14 t)
Draft: 2’2”/9’6” (0.66/2.9 m)
Mast: 73’10” (22.5 m)
Mainsail: 1,087 sq ft (101 m²)
Genoa: 753 sq ft (70 m²)
Gennaker: 1,722 sq ft (160 m²)
Spinnaker: 2,690 sq ft (250 m²)
www.swisscatyacht.com

Explocat 52

Polar Ice or the Tropics?

 
 
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)
Drivetrain: 2 x 60/75 HP
www.garciayachts.com

C-Cat 56

Blue Water Cruising with Italian Class

 
 
NEW
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: Comar Yachts
Length: 55’9” (17 m)
Beam: 25’9” (7.85 m)
Displacement: 30,650 lbs (13.9 t)
Draft: 3’/9’8” (1.25/2.5 m)
Air draft: 75’5” (23 m)
Mainsail: 1,141 sq ft (106 m²)
Solent: 753 sq ft (65 m²)
Code 0: 1,560 sq ft (145 m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 60 HP
www.comaryachts.it

Neo 560 Cat

Deep Daggerboards and All-carbon Construction

 
 
NEW
Italian builder Neo Yachts & Composites was founded in 2014 and quickly specialized in the production of very high-end IRC monohulls. The Neo 560 Cat becomes the first multihull offered by the shipyard, though the philosophy remains unchanged: Marco Veglia, the architect of the Slyder 47 and the Mattia 52 and 60, has designed a catamaran with racy lines (an aft-set coachroof, broken inverted bows, gigantic bowsprit and very deep daggerboards) that will be built entirely in carbon/epoxy using the infusion process. With 2,260 square feet (205 m²) of upwind sail area and a displacement of 32,000 lbs (14.5 t), the Neo 560 promises spectacular performance.

Builder: Neo Yachts & Composites
Architect: Marco Veglia
Length: 55’10” (17.02 m)
Beam: 28’1” (8.55 m)
Draft: 4’11”/12’ (1.5/3.65 m)
Air draft: 92’ (28 m)
Displacement: 31,967 lbs (14.5 t)
Mainsail: 1,292 sq ft (120 m²)
Jib: 915 sq ft (85 m²)
Code 0: 1,722 sq ft (160 m²)
www.neoyachts.com

Punch 1710 LC

Wood/Epoxy Catamarans Making a Big Comeback

 
 
NEW
The 17.10 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,” confirmed Alain Mortain, the naval architect for Punch. So, we’re back to wood/epoxy, and with a sail area to weight ratio of 12.19 m²/t, the flagship catamaran promises good performance. The version presented here is the Long Charter, designed for blue water voyaging. A day charter version, the DC, is also available.

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)
Drivetrain: 2 x 75 HP
Fuel: 2 x 105 US gal (2 x 400 l)
Water: 2 x 105 US gal (2 x 400 l)
www.multicat-algarve.com

Majestic 570 Fly

XXL Flybridge… Or Not

 
 
Majestic’s flagship was launched just over three years ago 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: 47,400 lbs (21.5 t)
Draft: 4’9” (1.45 m)
Mainsail: 1,302 sq ft (121 m²)
Genoa: 915 sq ft (85 m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 80 HP
Fuel: 2 x 158 US gal (2 x 600 l)
Water: 264 US gal (1,000 l)
Price: from $ 1,790,000
www.royalcapecatamarans.com

Navis 55

For Fast Cruising and Charter

 
 
NEW
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.

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)
Price: from € 750,000 ex-tax www.navislr.com

ORC57

A Racer That’s Got Us Dreaming…

 
 
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 ORC. This is clearly a catamaran that’s going to keep us dreaming for a long time to come…

Builder: ORC
Length: 57’7” (17.56 m)
Beam: 29’8” (9.05 m)
Draft: 5’5”/10’10” (1.65/3.3 m)
Light displacement: 25,130 lbs (11.4 t)
Mainsail: 1,150 sq ft (107 m²)
Genoa: 905 sq ft (84 m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 57 HP
Berths: 8
CE Category: A
Price: from € 1,625,000 ex-tax
www.ocean-rider-catamarans.com

Bali 5.8

A New Flagship as the Range Celebrates its 10th Birthday…

 
 
NEW
The biggest of the Balis is impressive to say the least! The integral deck instead of a trampoline is able to offer both a forward cockpit and a real beach club area at the stern - connected to a hydraulic platform - but also optimal rigidity. To keep weight under control, the yard has used Catana technology, implementing carbon structural bulkheads. On board, you’ll find the opening forward door, the saloon-cockpit (a true Bali signature) and the famous tilting aft door. The galley, chart table/desk and cabins (of which there are anywhere from 3 to 6, depending on the version) are all designed in an XXL spirit that should satisfy the most demanding owners in terms of comfort.

Builder: Bali Catamarans
Architect: Xavier Faÿ
Design: Piaton Bercault Yacht Design
Overall length: 57’11” (17.65 m)
Beam: 29’9” (9.06 m)
Draft: 4’10” (1.47 m)
Displacement: 54,900 lbs (24.9 t)
Sail area: 1,700 sq ft (158 m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 80 or 115 HP
Fuel: 317 US gal (1,200 l)
Water: 348 US gal (1,320 l)
CE Category: A16/B16/C24/D40
Price: from € 1,449,000 ex-tax
www.bali-catamarans.com

Vaan R6

Still in Aluminum... and Green!

 
 
NEW
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
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)
Drivetrain: 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

 
 
NEW
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: 58’4” (17.78 m)
Beam: 28’6” (8.69 m)
Draft: 4’3”/7’11” (1.3/2.41 m)
Light displacement: 20,950 lbs (9.5 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)
Drivetrain: 2 x 57 HP
Price: from US$ 2,088,288 ex-tax
www.curemarine.com.au

HH60

Hybrid Drivetrain and XXL Solar Panels

 
 
NEW
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 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: 4’3”/10’10” or 5’3”/13’3” (1.3/3.3 m or 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)
www.hhcatamarans.com

Seaview 59

Tranquil Cruising

 
 
With the Seaview 50 and 59, Chinese yacht builder HeySea now offers a range of comfortable catamarans. The 56 - the first model ordered in 2021 - was launched with an original set of blue sails – extended, it is now a Seaview 59. 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: 59’ (18.00 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: 700 sq ft (65 m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 75 HP
Fuel: 2 x 132 US gal (2 x 500 l)
Water: 264 US gal (1,000 l)
Price: from US$ 1,390,000 ex-tax
www.heyseayachts.com

Sixty Solar Sail

Optimized for Full-comfort Blue Water Cruising

 
 
NEW
Forever Green
Presented as an avant-premiere at Annapolis, the big sistership of the X5 Plus adopts a relatively conventional design - the big arch around the cockpit is now more gone. Our visit on board, followed by a test that will be published shortly in Multihulls World, highlighted the care given to overall ergonomics and the finish. 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, the aft platform equipped with a carbon mini-crane and the large holds, and lockers ready to store all your nautical equipment. 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)
Drivetrain: 2 x 110 HP and electric
Price: US$ 3,300,000 ex-tax
www.xquisiteyachts.com

Rapido 60

The Fastest Production Multihull?

 
 
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, which allows for a bluewater cruising program. The speed potential of this model is outstanding, as it can withstand average speeds as fast as 15 to 20 knots for several hours. A very satisfying sailing multihull but demanding nonetheless.

Builder: Rapido Trimarans
Length: 59’5” (18.1 m)
Beam: 38’5” (11.7 m)
Draft: 3’3” (1 m)
Light displacement: 21,385 lbs (9.7 t)
Mainsail: 1,345 sq ft (125 m²)
Solent: 764 sq ft (71 m²)
Reacher: 1,400 sq ft (130 m²)
Drivetrain: 53 HP
www.rapidotrimarans.com

Lagoon 60

Offering Exceptional Comfort

 
 
NEW
Test in MW197
In terms of outline, the new 60-foot model, as ever signed by VPLP, presents 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 on deck 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. For the interior, the designers have managed to ensure totally flush circulation from one cockpit to the other, including of course the nacelle - a floor without steps, and that changes everything!

Builder: Lagoon
Architect: VPLP Design
Length overall: 59’11” (18.27 m)
Beam: 32’5” (9.87 m)
Draft: 5’5” (1.65 m)
Air draft: 98’5” (30 m)
Light displacement (CE): 70,560 lbs (32 t)
Sail area: 2,571 sq ft (239 m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 150 HP
Fuel: 343 US gal (1,300 l)
Water: 254 US gal (960 l)
Berths: 8 to 14
Price: € 2,182,800 ex-tax
www.catamarans-lagoon.com

Tags : 2025 sail buyer guide , Sail

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