2026 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 we’ve 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-foot range now includes the largest number of models - most of which are standard, but you do start to see the first semi-custom versions. 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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Publié le 27/11/2025
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Numéro : 205
Parution : Jan. / Feb. 2026
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Multihulls World #205

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 optional 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%.

Builder: Balance Catamarans
Length: 50’ (15.25 m)
Beam: 25’11” (7.9 m)
Draft: 3’10”/7’5” (1.16/2.27 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 (option) Fuel: 211 US gal (800 l)
Price (2025): 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: 31,970 lbs (14.5 t)
Sail area: 1,492 sq ft (138.6 m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 57 HP
Fuel: 232 US gal (880 l)
Water: 355 US gal (1,350 l) www.stfranciscatamarans.com

Lagoon 51 Iconic

The Overlapping Genoa Makes a Comeback!

 
 
Test MW184
Presented in 2022, the Lagoon 51 is in fact an 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. The raised helm station 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 is now stepped right at the front of the coachroof, and we see the return of the overlapping genoa. With its new look, the 51 is now available in Florida colors under the name Iconic.

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)
Sail area: 1,604 sq ft (149 m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 80 HP
Fuel: 275 US gal (1,040 l)
Price: € 1,070,900 ex-tax
www.cata-lagoon.com

Bali 5.2

It’s Making Eyes at Private Owners

 
 
Image retirée.
NEW
The 5.2, the 15th model to bear the Bali name, was launched at the last Cannes Yachting Festival. It features all the characteristics of the 5.8 - tilting aft door, forward door, rigid foredeck and huge flybridge. Available in 3, 4, 5 and 6-cabin versions and with numerous customization possibilities, this catamaran will lend itself to a variety of programs. The shipyard boasts an upgraded interior finish - all that remained was to perfect the underside of the coachroof overhang and the slightly high door threshold. Note that they’ve retained a “traditional”, forward-facing chart table - except that this location is now becoming becomes a genuine 100% connected control station.

Builder: Bali Catamarans
Architect: Xavier Faÿ
Interior design: Agence Berco Design and Piaton Yacht Design
Length overall: 50’6” (15.4 m)
Beam: 26’9” (8.16 m)
Draft: 4’7” (1.4 m)
Light displacement: 42,220 lbs (19.15 t)
Sail area: 1,571 sq ft (146 m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 57 to 115 HP
Fuel: 317 US gal (1,200 l)
Price: € 953,000 ex-tax www.bali-catamarans.com

X54’ E-Plus

On course for the Zero-emissions Catamaran!

 
 
Forever Green
NEW
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.

Builder: Xquisite Yachts
Hull length: 50’8” (15.44 m)
Beam: 26’3” (8 m)
Draft: 4’5” (1.35 m)
Displacement: 36,375 lbs (16.5 t)
Sail area: 1,830 sq ft (170 m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 15 kW and 2 x 80 HP
Fuel: 2 x 97 US gal (2 x 370 l)
Price (2025): US$ 1,900,000 ex-tax
www.xquisiteyachts.com

Aura 51

Seductive, but Without Overdoing It

 
 
Image retirée.
Forever Green
Tests MW184/MW186
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)
Sail area: 1,658 sq ft (154 m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 60/75 HP or 2 x 25 kW
Fuel: 2 x 118 US gal (2 x 450 l)
Price (2025): € 1,063,000 ex-tax
www.fountaine-pajot.com

Panther 48

High-performance, Eco-friendly Boating

 
 
Image retirée.
Forever Green
NEW
Apart from France’s Windelo shipyard, there are few builders offering multihulls that combine advanced performance features (lightweight carbon construction, powerful sail plan, and relatively narrow hulls) with electric propulsion. Now McConaghy Boats is entering this niche market, with a complete range. It’s worth remembering that speed under sail and electric is the best combination: less use is made of the less powerful motors, and recharging is more efficient at 10 or 15 knots than at 8!
More specifically, the Panther 48 has a sleek design with a marked inverted deck line and a coachroof that’s been particularly well integrated in terms of design. The range under power can reach 800 nautical miles thanks to low fuel consumption and 1,120 square feet (104 m²) of solar panels. The interior will feature satin black finishes, numerous carbon elements, and a few touches of gray.

Builder: McConaghy Boats
Architect: McConaghy Boats
Length overall: 51’6” (15.69 m)
Hull length: 48’ (14.62 m)
Beam: 26’5” (8.05 m)
Draft: 3’10”/8’3” (1.16/2.5 m)
Air draft: 68’7” (20.91 m)
Light displacement: 18,750 lbs (8.5 t)
Drivetrain: 2 x 15 kW
www.mcconaghyboats.com

Zen 50

Great start for Zero Emission Nautic!

 
 
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Forever Green
NEW
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 (2025): € 2,400,000 ex-tax
www.zenyachts.com

Outremer 52

(Very) Long-haul Cruising

 
 
Image retirée.
Test MW190
For this 52 launched in 2023, the Outremer shipyard took advantage of the expertise of the Gunboat shipyard, the goal being to reduce the weight of the structure while retaining its ultimate strength. 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
Architect: VPLP
Length: 51’7” (15.71 m)
Beam: 25’11” (7.89 m)
Draft: 3’6”/7’7” (1.07/2.3 m)
Light displacement: lbs (12.8 t)
Sail area (with genoa): 1,669 sq ft (155 m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 50 HP
Price: € 1,530,000 ex-tax
www.catamaran-outremer.com

Greencat 52’

Eco-responsible Boating

 
 
Forever Green
Test MW SP#22
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).

Builder: Chantier de l’Arsenal
Architect: Philippe Renaudeau
Length: 51’8” (15.75 m)
Beam: 23’11” (7.3 m)
Draft: 4’7” (1.4 m)
Light displacement: 30,900 lbs (14 t)
Sail area: 1,570 sq ft (146 m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 25 kW
www.chantierdelarsenal.fr

Leopard 52

A Versatile Catamaran with 3 to 6 Cabins

 
 
Image retirée.
NEW
Forever Green
Test in this issue
The replacement for the Leopard 50 has been designed to satisfy both owners and charterers with layouts incorporating 3 to 6 cabins. The 52 retains the watertight forward door introduced in 2010 but features a fully open saloon and aft cockpit. Efforts have been made to optimize performance with a 17% increase in sail area compared to the 50 for an equivalent displacement. It definitely bears the Forever Green label, as owners can benefit from integrated solar panels (1,600 Wp) on each boat, a lithium battery bank, and the Joool electric propulsion system already available on the Leopard 46.

Builder: Robertson & Caine
Architects: Simonis/Voogd Design
Length overall: 51’8” (15.75 m)
Beam: 26’9” (8.16 m)
Draft: 5’6” (1.7 m)
Light displacement: 45,232 lbs (20.52 t)
Sail area: 1,811/1,897 sq ft (168.3/176.3 m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 57 HP
Fuel: 237 US gal (900 l)
Price: € 899,000 ex-tax
www.leopardcatamarans.com

Island Spirit 525e

A Unique Design That Needs No Bulkheads!

 
 
Image retirée.
NEW
This new catamaran, which made its world debut at Annapolis is astonishing in more ways than one. Firstly, the construction, carried out in Thailand, uses a double sandwich structure comprising two layers of closed-cell foam and three fiberglass skins - one on the outside, one in the middle and one on the inside. The resulting thickness (7 cm/2¾ inches!) means that no bulkheads are required, allowing the catamaran to be fitted out as desired. This multihull also features twin 55-kW electric motors, an impressive 210-kWh battery bank and supports 4,900 Wp of solar panels - enough to ensure more than 100 nautical miles in electric mode and more than 1,800 miles in hybrid mode at a cruising speed of 6 knots.

Builder: Group Island Spirit
Length: 51’9” (15.77 m)
Beam: 26’10” (8.19 m)
Draft: 5’1” (1.54 m)
Displacement: 36,375 lbs (16.5 t)
Sail area: 1,905 sq ft (177 m²)
Fuel: 264 US gal (1,000 l)
Price: $ 1,500,000 ex-tax
www.groupislandspirit.com

HH52

Switching to Hybrid Power and Even Greater Performance

 
 
Image retirée.
Forever Green
NEW
The 52 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, we found the HH52 to be a real eye-catcher at Annapolis. 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 (86/98 m²)
Genoa: 587/683 sq ft (54/63 m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 38 HP and hybrid
Price: $ 1,570,000 ex-tax
www.hhcatamarans.com

Voyage 510

A Little Sistership to the 590!

 
 
Image retirée.
NEW
Although Cape Town-based Voyage Yachts has produced several models such as the 480 and 580, the catalog has latterly been reduced to the very comfortable Voyage 590, whose build quality we were able to observe at the shipyard itself.
A more compact model, the 510, now completes the range offered by this blue water cruising specialist. The little sistership to the 590, launched back in July, features high freeboard; circulation is well thought out aft with access to the dock thanks to a cut-out in the bulwarks and lowered sugarscoops. The flybridge features a suspended helm/maneuvering station and is protected by a T-Top. The yard offers several layout options.

Builder: Voyage Yachts
Architect: Voyage Yachts
Length: 51’10” (15.8 m)
Beam: 26’11” (8.2 m)
Draft: 4’11” (1.5 m)
Displacement: 43,000 lbs (19.5 t)
Sail area: 1,636 sq ft (152 m2)
Drivetrain: 2 x 57 HP
Fuel: 2 x 118 US gal (2 x 450 l)
Price: $ 1,220,000 ex-tax
www.voyageyachts.com

ORC 52.2

As Light and Powerful as Ever

 
 
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NEW
Out went the ORC42, in came the 57 with a higher standard of finish and, above all, the first makeover – for the ORC50. This light and powerful catamaran 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: 52’ (15.84 m)
Beam: 26’11” (8.2 m)
Draft: 4’7”/9’4” (1.5/2.95 m)
Displacement: (10.5 t)
Sail area: (147.5 m²)
Fuel: 2 x 52 US gal (2 x 200 l)
Price: € 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)

Sail area: 1,690 sq ft (157 m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 15/20/40 kW
Fuel (methanol): 105 US gal (400 l)

Price (2025): € 875,000 ex-tax
www.andamansails.com

MC55

A Modern Design that Leaves No One Indifferent

 
 
Forever Green
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. 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
Water: 120 US gal (460 l)
Price (2025): US$ 3,380,000 ex-tax www.mcconaghyboats.com

Neel 52

A Trimaran with 4, 5 or 6 Cabins

 
 
Test MW194
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, with a carbon mast proposed as an option? 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 nevertheless capable of carrying almost 7 tons in cruising mode.

Builder: Neel Trimarans
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) Sail area: 1,776/1,862 sq ft (165/173 m²)
Drivetrain: 110 HP
Fuel: 206 US gal (780 l) Price (2025): € 1,283,706 ex-tax
www.neel-trimarans.com

Delos 53 Explorer

Yet More YouTubers Switching to a Multihull!

 
 
Image retirée.
Forever Green
NEW
S/V Delos, sailing-YouTubers with 970,000 subscribers, have thus far been sailing on a monohull. They announced the construction in Brisbane, Australia, of Delos 2.0, an aluminum catamaran designed by Villiers Marine Design. This multihull, designed for expeditions in all latitudes, emphasizes energy self-sufficiency with a hybrid powertrain and 3.75 kWp of solar panels. But Delos 2.0 will also meet the needs of true adventurers while exploiting new, more environmentally friendly technological solutions. A small-scale production run may be possible.

Builder: Stradbroke Yachts (Australia) - Length: 52’6” (16 m) - Beam: 25’7” (7.7 m) Draft: 3’11” (1.2 m) - Sail area: 1,663 sq ft (154.5 m²) - Drivetrain: Nanni N4.80 Diesel + 2 x 25 kW www.stradbrokeyachts.com

Rapido 53XS

XS as in Xtra Space

 
 
Image retirée.
Forever Green
Test MW199
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, and this trimaran goes like a rocket!

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)
Sail area: 2,045 sq ft (190 m²)
Price: $ 1,750,000 ex-tax
www.rapidotrimarans.com

Seawind 1600 Passagemaker

An Offshore Catamaran That’s Evolved a Lot

 
 
Test MW159
Although the flagship catamaran will soon be celebrating its 10th anniversary in the Seawind catalog, it saw numerous improvements in 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)
Sail area: 1,555 sq ft (144.5 m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 57 HP
Fuel: 198 US gal (750 l)
Price: $ 1,200,000 ex-tax
www.seawindcats.com

Majestic 530

Robust and Dependable Above All

 
 
Forever Green
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. A hybrid powertrain is proposed as an option.

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)
Sail area: 1,696 sq ft (157.8 m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 80 HP and 2 x 10 kW (option)
Price (2025): $ 1,390,000 ex-tax
www.royalcapecatamarans.com

New Windelo 54/55 Sport

Restyled in Efficient and Quick Form

 
 
Forever Green
Test MW SP#22
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 for the good, given the flattering result. As for the standard of finish, the yard has made a staggering leap forward. 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: 27,120/28,220 lbs (12.3/12.8 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: 12
Price: from € 1,450,000 ex-tax
www.windelo-catamaran.com

KC54

A Particularly Sleek Design

 
 
Image retirée.
Forever Green
Test MW183
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. 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: 36,270 lbs (16.45 t)
Sail area: 1,819 sq ft (169 m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 80 HP + electric
Fuel: 264 US gal (1,000 l)
Price: $ 3,455,000 ex-tax
www.kineticcatamarans.com

Slyder 55

Almost 4,000 Wp of Solar Panels

 
 
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Image retirée.
Forever Green
The 3D images of the Slyder 55 reveal hulls with a high freeboard, but whose lines remain 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 aluminum ultimately retained, the weight is kept interesting. With a sleek sailplan associated with deep daggerboards, 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 15-kW electric motors.

Builder: Maeva Yachts
Length: 56’5” (17.2 m)
Beam: 26’11” (8.2 m) Displacement: 34,610 lbs (15.7 t)
Draft: 4’7”/10’6” (1.4/3.2 m) Sail area: 1,830 sq ft (170 m²) Fuel: 2 x 132 US gal (2 x 500 l) Drivetrain: 2 x 57 HP and 2 x 15 kW
Price: € 1,899,000 ex-tax www.slyder-catamarans.com

Lagoon 55

Successor to the Very First Lagoon

 
 
Test MW178
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 – the fast cruising and charter catamaran has now become 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: 5’1” (1.55 m)
Displacement: 64,375 lbs (27.7 t)
Sail area: 1,916 sq ft (178 m²)
Fuel: 290 US gal (1,100 l)
Drivetrain: 2 x 110 HP
Price: € 1,564,900 ex-tax
www.cata-lagoon.com

Renegade R5 MKII

A New Version for Even More Comfort

 
 
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Forever Green
The MKII vintage has gained 5½” (14 cm) in length and, above all, 18” (45 cm) in beam, with the aim of offering even greater comfort - without compromising performance, since the R5 evolution is more powerful, yet only slightly heavier (450 lbs/200 kg more), and still boasts 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
Length overall: 54’6” (16.6m)
Beam: 26’11” (8.2 m)
Draft: 4’11”/9’10” (1.5/3 m)
Light displacement: 25,350 lbs (11.5 t)
Sail area: 1,431 sq ft (133 m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 25 kW or internal combustion
www.oceanrenegade.com

Balance 540

Replacing the Legendary 526

 
 
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Forever Green
NEW
This new model follows the same program as its predecessor – the Balance 526 - but features improvements across the board with an integral carbon structure for greater stiffness, a more powerful sail plan, and 25% more volume. Other changes include a larger opening to the nacelle/saloon, bigger hull portholes, as well as the adoption of a cutter rig with three furling headsails, as on the 580.
The 540 also offers the optional VersaDrive propulsion system, which combines dual ICE/electric motors. Fuel consumption can be reduced by 25%, while the 36kWh battery bank can be quickly recharged under sail (up to 15 kW per motor). The solar panels have a combined capacity of 3,000 kWp - enough to be self-sufficient at anchor.

Builder: Balance Catamarans
Length: 54’6” (16.61 m)
Beam: 27’6” (8.38 m)
Draft: 4’1”/10’4” (1.24/3.16 m)
Light displacement: 32,000 lbs (14.5 t)
Sail area: 1,942 sq ft (179.54 m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 57 HP or hybrid
Fuel: 2 x 132 US gal (2 x 500 l)
www.balancecatamarans.com

HH56

An All-carbon Construction and Hybrid Propulsion

 
 
Forever Green
NEW
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)
Sail area: 2,195 sq ft (204 m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 57 HP and 2 x 10 kW
Price (2025): US$ 3,440,000 ex-tax
www.hhcatamarans.com

Tags : 2026 Sail Buyer s Guide

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MM233 - octobre-novembre 2025

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