Though the first Aura 51 launched at the end of last winter (on test in MW184) was fitted with two internal combustion engines, that was so the model could quickly obtain the necessary certification. Following a few tests and photo shoots, the new Fountaine Pajot catamaran went back to the yard to switch over to electric mode. Unlike the Lucia 40 that was unveiled three years ago, the Aura 51 that the public will discover at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival is not a prototype but a production catamaran. As such, Fountaine Pajot is the second major multihull builder to attempt to make an electric drivetrain a permanent feature. Lagoon launched their hybrid 420 back in 2006 but ultimately had to back out. Judging by the growing number of smaller builders who are also banking on electric power, we are definitely witnessing a change of era...
More information in our Forever Green Special Edition, to be published on July 2nd 2022.
