MAVERICK 400 - With all the comforts of home…
The objective of the South African builder Maverick Yachts with this 400 is clearly to offer maximum comfort - worthy of that of a house - on board a 40-foot catamaran. The hull shapes are designed above all to be safe in bad weather and capable of taking a large payload. The 400 is easy to manage short-handed and has been optimized for easy maintenance. The finish of the fittings is absolutely meticulous. This model is available in a three or four-cabin version.
Builder: Maverick Yachts
Architect: Phil Southwell
Length: 40’ (12.20 m)
Beam: 24’5” (7.45 m)
Draft: 2’11” (0.90 m)
Displacement: 21,950 lbs (9.5 t)
Mainsail: 640 sq ft (59.4 m²)
Genoa: 350 sq ft (32.6 m²)
Motors: 2 x 30 HP
Fuel: 2 x 105 US gal (2 x 400 l)
Water: 2 x 132 US gal (2 x 500 l)
Price: US$ 648 720 ex-tax
DRAGONFLY 40 - Three hulls, two steering wheels
Test MW173
2021 Multihull of the Year Winner
Since its first presentation at Düsseldorf in 2020, this folding trimaran has become the flagship of the Dragonfly fleet - the last model in this size was the 12 M, whose production stopped several years ago. The program assumed by Jens Quorning, its architect-builder, is offshore cruising - with the emphasis on ease of handling, high average speeds and optimized size for berthing or storage ashore anywhere in the world thanks to a width contained to 13 feet (4 m) when the trimaran is folded. Note that there are two steering wheels. During our test in Denmark back in June, we appreciated the performance of the 40, but also its comfort and the extremely meticulous finish.
Builder: Quorning Boats
Length: 40’8” (12.40 m)
Beam: 13’1”/27’7” (4.00/8.40 m)
Draft: 2’4”/7’3” (0.70/2.20 m)
Light displacement: 12,790 lbs (5.8 t)
Mainsail: 700/805 sq ft (65/75 m²)
Genoa: 355/410 sq ft (33/38 m²)
Asymmetric spi: 1,185/1,505 sq ft (110/140 m²)
Berths: 6/8
Fuel: 40 US gal (150 l)
Water: 58 US gal (220 l)
Motor: 40/57 HP
Price: € 607 000 ex-tax
SEAWIND 1260 - Really neat folding door!
Test MW172
The 1260 adopts a famous Seawind specialty: the door separating the saloon and cockpit folds away into the roof in good weather, freeing up XXL-sized living space at anchor or while you’re sailing. Within the Seawind range, the 1260 is clearly oriented towards blue water cruising and remains a classic – a bit more dated, it does not adopt the modern design seen with the 1600 and 1370. The choice between different layouts is possible: galley ‘down’, or more traditionally, in the saloon. The 1260 can be delivered in three or four double cabin versions.
Builder: Seawind Catamarans
Length: 40’10” (12.45 m)
Beam: 22’4” (6.80 m)
Draft: 3’10” (1.16 m)
Displacement: 18,100 lbs (8.2 t)
Mainsail: 710 sq ft (66 m²)
Jib: 258 sq ft (24 m²)
Gennaker: 710 sq ft (66 m²)
Motors: 2 x 29 HP
Fuel: 127 US gal (480 l)
Water: 185 US gal (700 l)
Price: US$ 469,000 ex-tax
ASTREA 42 - A great cruising machine
Test MW161
This catamaran is the second in size in the sailing range from Fountaine Pajot and is a model now well-established in the cruising catamaran landscape: it has convinced charter companies and owners alike. The 42 is a beautiful cruising machine of reasonable size, is comfortable and technically accessible. Ease of use offshore, maneuverability in congested marinas, and attractive interior and exterior features: these are all assets for the Astrea 42, which adopts the latest generation Fountaine design. A model that’s perfect for a sabbatical year or a Mediterranean circuit. Agile enough to slip into those small, charming Greek ports and seaworthy enough to stream long blue wakes in the open ocean, the Astrea is a success.
Builder: Fountaine Pajot
Length: 41’3” (12.58m)
Beam: 23’7” (7.20m)
Draft: 4’1” (1.25m)
Light displacement: 28,000 lbs (12.7 t)
Mainsail: 753 sq ft (70m²)
Genoa: 441 sq ft (41m²)
Cabins: 3/4
Water: 2 x 92 US gal (2 x 350 l)
Fuel: 124 US gal (470 l)
Motors: 2 x 30/50 HP
Price: € 407,781 ex-tax
www.catamarans-fountaine-pajot.com
LEOPARD 42 - Forward door and lounge area
Test MW177
2022 Multihull of the Year Nominee
In the spirit of the 45 and the 50, the new Leopard 42 offers the best compromise between comfort and performance by keeping a powerful sail plan - overlapping genoa, square-topped mainsail (option) - and hulls with pronounced chines. This model has been designed to accommodate 8 people without restrictions thanks to its volume and its load capacity of nearly 4 tons. There’s the same generosity in terms of tank capacity. The 42 remains faithful to the forward door between the saloon and the foredeck, but offers a lounge on the coachroof, within reach of the raised helm station and with dedicated access. All sail maneuvers are accessible to the helmsman so as to facilitate short- or single-handed sailing. Inside, the yard has retained the concept of the galley being forward in the saloon and facing forward, as with the chart table. All berths (in 3 or 4-cabin version and the same number of bathrooms) are accessible from the sides.
Builder: Robertson & Caine
Architect: Simonis & Voogd Design
Length: 41’7” (12.67 m)
Beam: 23’1” (7.04 m)
Draft: 4’7” (1.40 m)
Displacement: 27,492 lbs (12.47 t)
Upwind sail area: 1,255 sq ft (116.6 m²)
Mainsail: 755 sq ft (70.1 m²)
Genoa: 500 sq ft (46.5 m²)
Motors: 2 x 45 hp
Fuel: 158 US gal (600 l)
Water: 174 US gal (660 l)
Price: € 429,000 ex-tax
LAGOON 42 - The pioneer of the latest generation
Test MW148
The 42 marked a turning point in the Lagoon range: on this model the aft-set rig really demonstrates its qualities: ease of use, versatility and sailing pleasure. With the 42, the ergonomics are still improving - especially the very successful centered navstation - and performance is on the rise. Tests under spinnaker in breezy conditions, although the boat was being handled by a professional crew in 28 knots with full mainsail and asymmetrical spinnaker, show an astonishing glide and passage through the water, with speeds of over 16 knots surfing, with video to back it up! Remarkable performance (and images) for such a comfortable 42-footer.
Constructeur : Lagoon
Builder: Lagoon
Length: 42’ (12.80 m)
Beam: 25’3” (7.70 m)
Light displacement: 26,675 lbs (12.1 t)
Draft: 4’1” (1.25 m)
Mainsail: 592/635 sq ft (55/59 m²)
Self-tacking jib: 376 sq ft (35 m²)
Code 0: 732 sq ft (68 m²)
Cabins: 3/4
Water: 79 US gal (300 l)
Fuel: 79 US gal (300 l)
Motors: 2 x 45 HP
Price: € 387,600 ex-tax
VAAN R4 - The alliance of aluminum and grand luxury
The aim of this new Dutch builder is to launch a range of luxury catamarans based on a maximum of recycled elements - the hulls of the R4 will be made of 50% recycled aluminum from window frames, road signs or license plates - and ecological materials such as cork or vegetable alternatives to leather. On deck, the two helm stations - one on each hull - and the absence of a rigid bimini are striking. The principle is to enjoy beautiful sensations at the helm. A removable cover can nevertheless be fitted. Inside, the yard wishes to break away from general trends and propose a design closer to the codes used in luxury hotels.
Builder: Vaan
Length: 42’ (12.80 m)
Beam: 23’3” (7.10 m)
Displacement: 24,000 lbs (10.9 t)
Mainsail: 592 sq ft (55 m²)
Solent: 323 sq ft (30 m²)
Motors: 2 x 10 or 15 kW
Price: € 399,000 ex-tax
BALI 4.2 - Approved front door
Test MW178
2022 Multihull of the Year Nominee
This is the replacement for the 4.1! Bali clearly understood the interest of having a forward door and are now adding it to the list everything that makes up a Bali: tilt-and-turn door, flybridge, maximum deck area and large tanks - fuel, water, and refrigerators (11.5 cu ft/326 liters!). The new 4.2, launched in February 2021, is certainly a leisure multihull, in the same spirit as the Catspace, though does carry a little more canvas. Ease of handling, shallow draught and plenty of room to laze around are perfectly suited to charter. But that’s not all: the manufacturer is planning a new optional space in the saloon, the “Club Corner” - a bar area with proper, comfortable armchairs.
Builder: Bali Catamarans
Architect: Xavier Faÿ
Interior Design: Lasta Design Studio
Length: 42’2” (12.85 m)
Waterline length: 40’11” (12.46 m)
Beam: 23’3” (7.08 m)
Draft: 3’8” (1.12 m)
Displacement: 25,350 lbs (11.5 t)
Mainsail: 540 sq ft (50 m²)
Self-tacking jib: 375 sq ft (35 m²)
Gennaker: 680 sq ft (63 m²)
Fuel: 169 US gal (640 l)
Water: 227 US gal (860 l)
Motors: 2 x 30/45 HP
Price: € 392,700 ex-tax
NEEL 43 - The cruising trimaran reinvented
Test MW178
2022 Multihull of the Year Nominee
The concept of a wide catamaran-type nacelle on a three-hull platform is NEEL... A great idea that has allowed the shipyard to build up an incredible reputation in just barely 10 years and to restore the good name of trimarans. The NEEL 43 is the smallest model of the range, having replaced the 45. More compact obviously than her big sisterships, the 43 will still have a high freeboard and a very similar nacelle in terms of design. The central hull adopts a pronounced rocker to be able to increase the volume. The load capacity is very impressive for a trimaran, reaching nearly 3 tons. One innovation: the use of bio-sourced and recyclable materials. During our tests last spring, we were won over by the pleasure of helming and the performance of this new model.
Builder: NEEL Trimarans
Architects: Marc Lombard Yacht Design Group
Length: 42’4” (12.90 m)
Beam: 24’3” (7.40 m)
Draft: 4’11” (1.50 m)
Air draft: 62’4” (19.00 m)
Light displacement: 19,850 lbs (9 t)
Upwind sail area: 1,098 sq ft (102 m²)
Mainsail: 630 sq ft (58.60 m²)
Solent: 467 sq ft (43.40 m²)
Motor: 50 HP Volvo saildrive
Price: € 332,000 ex-tax
DAZCAT 1295 - A catamaran for winning!
Darren Newton, the designer-builder of the Dazcat range, likes to validate his work by racing his catamarans, even those (such as the 1295) that are oriented towards blue water cruising. Designed to sail far and long-term with a short-handed crew, the 1295 is also often the fastest in a race, even on a technical course. The designer and shipyard are very exacting on the weight calculations and weight centering. As with all Dazcats, each owner has a margin of customization according to his or her program. This is a most talented cat!
Builder: Multimarine Manufacturing Ltd
Length: 42’6” (12.95 m)
Beam: 21’8” (6.60 m)
Light displacement: 12,125 lbs (5.5 t)
Draft: 2’8”/6’7” (0.80/2.00 m)
Mainsail: 645 sq ft (60 m²)
Genoa: 323 sq ft (30 m²)
Asymmetric spi: 1,560 sq ft (145 m²)
Cabins: 2/3/4 Water: 132 US gal (500 l)
Fuel: 31 US gal (120 l)
Motors: 2 x 21 HP
Price: £ 698,480 ex-tax
ORC 42 - Athlete of the oceans
Six years after the launch of the first TS42 - and some twenty units sold - the Marsaudon Composites yard has reworked the deck plan, overall design and accommodation, to offer us the ORC 42 - TS have in the meantime become ORC. The displacement (a shade over 6 tons) is unchanged: this is half that of most catamarans of this length! And it is precisely the compact size, ease of handling and ease of maintenance that are also the assets of this superb machine. The ORC 42 is always fun to helm and performs well racing. The uncluttered styling of the layout, combined with meticulous ergonomics, does not prevent the cocooning feeling that is appreciated when blue water cruising.
Builder: Marsaudon Composites
Length: 42’10 (13.05 m)
Beam: 24’3” (7.40 m)
Light displacement: 14,110 lbs (6.4 t)
Draft: 4’11” (1.50 m)
Mainsail: 705 sq ft (65.5 m²)
Solent: 382 sq ft (35.5 m²)
Motors: 2 x 29 HP
Price: € 475,000 ex-tax
MAX 42 SC - With or without daggerboards, diesels or outboards…
Max Cruise Marine, a builder based in Vietnam, is offering an attractive 42-foot catamaran. Inverted bows, narrow hulls at the waterline (3’5”/1.05 m max hull width), carefully designed appendages (daggerboards or keels) and only 16,300 lbs (7.4 tonnes) announced as ready to sail: the Max 42 SC, with nearly 1,100 sq ft (100 m²) of upwind sail area, should prove to be very pleasant and fast to sail. For propulsion, the shipyard offers diesel or outboard engines. This catamaran can be delivered in separate kits, with a view to amateur construction. The manufacturer also offers two other catamarans of 44 and 48 feet - not to mention a 30-foot trimaran).
Builder: Max Cruise Marine
Length: 43’ (13.10 m)
Waterline length: 42’ (12.80 m)
Beam: 23’11” (7.30 m)
Draft: 1’9”/5’9” or 3’10” (0,54/1,76 m ou 1,16 m)
Displacement: 16,975 lbs (7.7 t)
Upwind sail area: 1,060 sq ft (98.4 m²)
Mainsail: 730 sq ft (68 m²)
Self-tacking solent: 330 sq ft (30.4 m²)
Gennaker: 840 sq ft (78 m²)
3DM kit price: US$ 168 000 ex-tax
AVENTURA 44 - A particularly attractive price
Test MW170
This model, designed by Lasta Design and the STGI design team is the largest sailing multihull from Tunisia-based Aventura Catamarans. The 44 is an original, low-cost proposal price in this particularly competitive sub-45-foot cruising catamaran sector. Elegant with its slightly inverted bows, chined hulls and a well-proportioned coachroof, it works well under sail and is very well placed in terms of price. The deck layout to starboard of the helm station is perfectly coherent for single-handed operation. Sail trimming is easy to perform; note the really ergonomic mainsheet traveler.
Builder: Aventura Catamarans
Length: 43’4” (13.20 m)
Beam: 23’ (7.00 m)
Draft: 4’3” (1.30 m)
Light displacement: 20,950 lbs (9.5 t)
Mainsail: 818 sq ft (76 m²)
Genoa: 420 sq ft (39 m²)
Gennaker: 968 sq ft (90 m²)
Cabins: 3/4
Water: 2 x 79 US gal (2 x 300 l)
Fuel: 2 x 52 US gal (2 x 200 l)
Motors: 2 x 40 or 2 x 57 HP
Price: € 379,500 ex-tax
MAVERICK 440 - Ready to go blue water!
The Maverick 440 has been available in a new Hybrid version since 2019. This model is based on the 400 platform, but being longer offers a greater payload and less pitching. The yard still offers its catamarans as semi-custom, allowing each owner to customize their boat. The Hybrid version is really ready to go: thanks to its two electric motors, two generators, solar panels and lithium-ion batteries, the 440 offers total self-sufficiency. There’s also a version with a shorter rig, for sailing on America’s Intracoastal Waterway without unstepping the mast.
Builder: Maverick Yachts
Length: 43’8” (13.30 m)
Beam: 24’5” (7.45 m)
Light displacement: 21,900 lbs (9.93 t)
Draft: 3’3” (1.00 m)
Mainsail: 730 sq ft (68 m²)
Genoa: 460 sq ft (43 m²)
Gennaker: 1,505 sq ft (140 m²)
Berths: 6 + 2
Water: 264 US gal (1,000 l)
Fuel: 211 US gal (800 l)
Motors: 2 x 40 HP or 2 x 15 kW + 2 x 18 kW DC generators
Price: US$ 855,000 ex-tax
NAUTITECH 44 OPEN - A long-awaited new model
We’ve been waiting for a new model from Nautitech for a few years now - the first version of the 46 Open dates back to 2015. And now there’s good news: the French builder has just published on social media and then on its website, the very first images of what is to be the Nautitech 44 Open. A wise choice in terms of size: first because it’s right in the heart of the market, then because there are many 42 and 45-footers in the catalogs, but not so many 43 or 44-footers. We can see that there’s going to be a short coachroof, twin helm stations on the hulls, measured displacement and a lower boom to optimize the sail area: the yard looks to be maintaining course with a highperformance multihull – staying faithful to its 40 and 46 Open, and of course, Marc Lombard. Another innovation is the addition of a “smart room”, that can be a utility room/workshop, very useful when blue water cruising.
Builder: Nautitech Catamarans
Architect: Marc Lombard
Length: 43’8” (13.30 m)
Beam: 24’2” (7.36 m)
Draft: 4’9” (1.45 m)
Displacement: 23,590 lbs (10.7 t)
Upwind sail area: 1,142 sq ft (106.1 m²)
Motors: 2 x 30 HP
Fuel: 2 x 66 US gal (2 x 250 l)
Water: 2 x 79 US gal (2 x 300 l)
CE Certification: A10 - B10 - C22 - D22
Price €: 480 000 ex-tax
ELBA 45 - Semi-flybridge helm station
Test MW167
The replacement for the Helia 44 was launched in June 2019, and in less than three years this model fitting between the Astrea 42 and the Tanna 47, has already seen great success, with 100 units delivered so far. The Elba 45 incorporates the essentials of the new Fountaine/Racoupeau generation and in particular the semi-flybridge helm station with sail handling console. This arrangement is practical and ergonomic for use short-handed or when solo. The interior design is convincing, the light and ventilation well-designed, the clever volumes... as for the silhouette, it’s in the moment, so what more could you ask for? The 45, from a technical point of view, is also innovative with the form of the after end of the hulls helping reduce pitching movements. The revisited interior gives pride of place to daily life on board. The galley, for example, is a relaxed space, and gone is the chart table, whose use no longer seems relevant in these days of chartplotters and tablets.
Builder: Fountaine Pajot
Length: 44’2” (13.45 m)
Beam: 24’9” (7.55 m)
Draft: 3’11” (1.20 m)
Mainsail: 850 sq ft (79 m²)
Genoa: 527 sq ft (49 m²)
Cabins: 3/4
Water: 184 US gal (700 l)
Fuel: 124 US gal (470 l)
Motors: 2 x 50/60 HP
Price: € 543,081 ex-tax
www.catamarans-fountaine-pajot.com
ANDAMAN 42 - Helm station and cockpit forward
The little sistership to the Andaman 50 offers an original deck layout with a helming and sail maneuvering station installed in a forward cockpit, ahead of the mast. This layout, which is popular with the big boys - Gunboat and HH - but also with innovative catamarans like the Windelo, has the advantage of completely freeing the aft cockpit for relaxation. Light and well-canvassed, the Andaman 42 should perform well. The manufacturer is open to all possible customizations…
Builder: Catathai
Architect: Alexandre Fortabat
Length: 44’3” (13.50 m)
Beam: 23’2” (7.05 m)
Draft: 4’7” (1.40 m)
Displacement: 20,300 lbs (9.2 t)
Upwind sail area: 1,055 sq ft (98 m²)
Fuel: 2 x 53 US gal (2 x 200 l)
Water: 2 x 79 US gal (2 x 300 l)
Motors: 2 x 31/42 HP
Price: € 308,000 ex-tax
BALANCE 442 - Movable helm station
The forthcoming Balance 442 is slated for imminent launch. This model, the first in the range, has beautifully inverted bows and the famous moving helm station - the low position allows the helmsman to be perfectly protected. The 442 promises excellent performance - but also exemplary robustness: “It’s one thing to build fast and beautiful catamarans, but they have to be built tough enough to withstand the worst weather a sailor can encounter,” - Phillip Berman, founder and owner of the Balance shipyard.
Builder: Balance Catamarans
Architects: Phillip Berman and Anton Du Toit
Length: 44’3” (13.50 m)
Beam: 24’11” (7.60 m)
Air draft: 65’8” (20.01 m)
Draft, boards down: 7’1” (2.15 m)
Displacement: 23,700 lbs (10.75 t)
Upwind sail area: 1,205 sq ft (112 m²)
Motors: 2 x 29 HP
Fuel: 2 x 105 US gal (2 x 400 l)
Price: from $ 807,804 ex-tax
ANTARES 44 GT - Adventure for the connoisseur
For several years now, the Antares has been a sure bet for sailors looking for an owner’s catamaran to sail around the world. But the distribution of these craft remains discreet. Built in Argentina, the Antares has the particularity of being offered “ready to go” with all the options necessary for life on board for a round the world trip. The GT version offers a new helm station, well protected by a large bimini. The skipper will appreciate this attention to detail as much when in the tropics as when in the North Atlantic... or South Atlantic. The Antares’ hulls are efficient: this multihull is aimed above all at a clientele of demanding adventurous sailors.
Builder: Antares
Length: 44’7” (13.60 m)
Beam: 21’8” (6.60 m)
Draft: 3’11” (1.20 m)
Light displacement: 19,510 lbs (8.85 t)
Mainsail: 613 sq ft (57 m²)
Genoa: 475 sq ft (44 m²)
Gennaker: 730 sq ft (68 m²)
Cabins: 3
Water: 150 US gal (568 l)
Fuel: 120 US gal (455 l)
Motors: 2 x 40 HP
Price: US$ 1,182,600 ex-tax
SEAWIND 1370 - A future best-seller!
2022 Multihull of the Year Nominee
Seawind, based first in Australia and then in Vietnam is well-known in the 35 to 42-foot market with more than 700 catamarans built. The relatively traditional design of the models has upturned by the arrival of the Seawind 1600, a much more modern boat. The 1370 drives the point home with very similar lines. Much lighter than most of her competitors, she is intended to be more powerful while being able to accept a large payload. The design is very contemporary with strongly inverted bows - a break with the smaller models - but the care taken with the interior ventilation, visibility, comfort at the helm and ease of handling are all part of Seawind’s DNA. Announced in July 2020, this new model has been very well received - the launch of the first model, although delayed, is imminent.
Builder: Seawind Catamarans
Length: 45’ (13.70 m)
Beam: 24’11” (7.60 m)
Draft: 4’3” (1.30 m)
Air draft: 70’10” (21.60 m)
Displacement: 24,250 lbs (11 t)
Mainsail: 860 sq ft (80 m²)
Genoa: 390 sq ft (36 m²)
Motors: 2 x 40 hp
Fuel: 158 US gal (600 l)
Water: 158 US gal (600 l)
Price: $ 759,000 ex-tax
