Alternatively, in these COVID-19 times, you can simply do your shopping through one of our experienced local dealers and put your travel costs into upgrades for the new boat. Whatever your choice of fun, COVID-19 has taught all of us to seize those moments when health, wealth and time conspire in our favour.
So, in these tough times when travel is too difficult and journalists such as myself are unable to attend Cannes this year, some online research and chats with dealers has to suffice. The results of my research are here in this eclectic mix of craft that range from handy runabouts that can sit on a trailer in your garden or be dry stacked, to the crème de la crème of European marine aristocracy.
Enjoying local waters, or travelling via road to those faraway fishing spots can be done with craft like the nippy Arvor 702 or for more comfort the popular Merry Fisher range — although the 23 foot 795 is more suited to marina berthing. The larger the hull, the larger the load carrying capacity, so moving up a notch for bigger family-friendly vessels for coastal hops takes you to the motor cruiser territory, where the family saloon car style Beneteau Antares packs a lot into 36 feet, including low maintenance twin outboards and a flybridge.
Choosing a performance boost may sway you to the stylish Beneteau Gran Tourismo 45, which will thrill both water skiers and cocktail party hosts alike; or the flashy flagship X-70 from Prestige. Beyond this size lies Eurovisions of exotica with iconic Italian brands such the muscular Riva Diablo 68 and the iconic Wally with its wraparound bow windows as part of the owner’s suite. Petrol heads will be unable to resist the 53-knot top speed of the sleek Otam and its aerospace sports console, while seekers of timeless classic aesthetics will mosey towards the uber-cool, triple-screwed lobster boat from Dutch Zeelander, that can range to 1800 miles.
Broadening your horizons and your beam, brings me to the fastest growing class, the power catamaran. Hugely spacious yet relatively frugal, avoiding the gas stations that tie us to land, this class is epitomised by the Chinese Aquila 54 that is a luxurious long-ranger. Perhaps do as tennis star Rafael Nadal did recently and order Sunreef. These French-designed and Polish-built mini superyachts ooze class and the 60 debuts at Cannes 2021 has also been ordered by F1 World Champion Fernando Alonso. Alternately, completely avoid the gas stations with the battery/solar powered Silent 60, a yacht I've enjoyed 'driving' around the Riviera minus noise grunt and fumes. Its sister ship, the Silent 64, is the first transatlantic electric catamaran. Closer to home, the Australian specified and China built Iliads are superb, as visitors to Sanctuary Cove found. Multihull Solutions tell me the new 80-footer will be arriving soon, so good news for aspiring long range-cruisers and liveaboards.
Coastal warriors and would-be explorers will cast their eyes beyond these categories already mentioned, toward the functional trawlers where weather protection, economical displacement mileages and more self-sufficiency are the go. Beneteau recognised lite versions of these decades ago and introduced its Swift range that now has a grand flagship launching, the Grand Trawler 62. Asia is also producing a more customisable version with the semi-displacement Malaysian Grand Banks 54, while the Italian Magellano 66 would feel at home in St Tropez yet can do 1000 miles on a tank. Or perhaps the Sirena 68, designed by the iconic German Frers Naval Architects. This Turkish-built trawler-style motor yacht has a joystick ZF gearbox for those tight marinas yet can do 1200 miles on one tank at double-digit speeds.
However, for those remembering that seven tenths of the planet is water, with many blue bits unexplored, the expedition class is ultimate. The steel-hulled Numarine 37XP, while without an Ice Class hull, has a RINA unrestricted navigation certificate. So, it has the capability to take your team of adventurers through the summertime Northwest Passage and beyond, thanks to a 6000-mile range. The Rosetti RSY 38m has similar credentials with its steel hull and aluminium topsides and a 5000NM range at 10 knots; so go without fear among the remote coral lagoons.
Finally, we have the class of vessel that harnesses the freedom of the winds blowing around this amazing planet at predictable seasonal times. One of the best and most comfortable ways of enjoying this natural phenomenon is on a sailing catamaran. Another advantage is the power capabilities of these sailing boats that have two substantial engines. I've comfortably sailed around tropical Australia on a boat similar to the Leopard 42 listed here using the prevailing winds. While the older siblings of the Fountaine Pajots 57 and Lagoon 55 have thousands of ocean miles under their hulls.
RUNABOUTS
ARVOR 705 SPORTFISH
Arvor has launched the Arvor 705 Sportfish, the latest addition of this new generation of dedicated fishing boats, following the 805 Sportsfish. This trailerable has two berths and cooking facilities inside the 22-foot hull, which is licenced to carry seven. It’s rated to take up to a single 225hp outboard and there’s both inside and outside helms. Fishing features include a fish station with livewell system, large fish locker with oxygenated water system, raw water wash-down, rod holders, and port and starboard toe rails. A high freeboard is ideal for offshore, and the cabin is fully walk-around with sliding door access each side. Stock will arrive for the summer, according to the Sydney dealer.
Quick Specs
PRICED FROMÂ $104,990 incl GST with 150HP
LENGTH 6.63m (22ft)
BEAM 2.54m (8ft 3in)
MAXIMUM DRAFT 0.53m (1ft 9in)
DISPLACEMENT 1825kg (with engine)
FUEL 200L
WATER 45L
ENGINE 1 x Mercury outboard
POWER 150hp Std (225hp option)
TOP SPEED 30 knots plus
SLEEPING CAPACITY 2
JEANNEAU MERRY FISHER 795 SERIES 2
The larger Merry Fisher models are Australian favourites, for some good reasons. These include their versatility and utilitarian approach, making them ideal for anglers and family weekenders alike. Another plus is the large wheelhouse surrounded by usable decks and a protected cockpit aft. The 795 is a global success, selling 2000 hulls, so revamping this popular 24 foot model (Series 2) makes sense. The practical interior with double cabin and dinette continues but the hull has been upgraded to take a more powerful 250HP outboard and a side door added and overall aesthetics are sleeker.
Quick Specs
PRICED FROMÂ $145,000
LENGTH 7.19m (23ft 7in)
BEAM 2.79m (9ft 1in)
DRAFT 0.58m (1ft 10in)
DISPLACEMENT 2177kg (no engine)
FUEL 280L
WATER 100L
ENGINE 1 x Outboard
POWER 175hp (250hp option)
TOP SPEED ESTIMATED 25–30 knots plus
SLEEPING CAPACITY 4
MOTOR CRUISERS
BENETEAU ANTARES 11 FLYBRIDGE
The Antares 11 flybridge follows the coupe version launched last year, so now offers three levels of living space in this compact coastal cruiser. As the flagship of the Antares range, this 37-footer has two double cabins, galley and saloon plus flybridge dinette. Expect around 30 plus knots from twin outboards, which is ideal for coastal hops and weekend forays.
Quick Specs
PRICED FROM POA
LENGTH 11.16m (36ft 7in)
BEAM 3.51m (11ft 6in)
DRAFT TBC
DISPLACEMENT: 6148kg
FUEL 800L
WATER 200L
ENGINE 2 x Suzuki/Yamaha/Mercury outboards
POWER 300hp each maximum
TOP SPEED OVER 30 knots
SLEEPING CAPACITY 4
BENETEAU GRAN TOURISMO 45
A Cannes show 2021 debutante, the stylish GT range has a new flagship with the launch of this 45-foot sports cruiser that surpasses the 41 that I've enjoyed in the past. The essence is style with versatility in the GT range, so the 45 delivers this with two usable levels — a saloon downstairs (or a third cabin) while the topside has an al fresco dinette and galley. The long foredeck easily accommodates a double sunbed and there’s even a dinghy garage. Like all Gran Tourismos, performance is assured, from the combination of Air Step hull that promotes planing to the Volvo 380hp.
Quick Specs
PRICED FROMÂ $1,100,000
LENGTH 14.78m (48ft 6in)
BEAM 4.2m (13ft 9in)
DRAFT 1.2m (3ft 11in)
DISPLACEMENT 10,061kg
FUEL 900L
WATER 400L
ENGINE 2 x Volvo Z-Drive D6
POWER 2 x 380hp D6 or D6-IPS 600 (440hp)
TOP SPEED OVER 30 knots plus
SLEEPING CAPACITY 2 or 3 cabins (six people)
RIVA DIABLE 68
Riva’s lineage dates back to 1842 and started with Italian fishing boats, before they went on to build the sleekest powerboats ever. Since 2000, this has continued under the ownership of the Ferretti Group, allowing greater investment.
The Diable 68 is the latest expression of this that debuted at the Genoa boat show on 16 September 2021. Decades of design knowledge had gone into this 68-foot sports cruiser that can reach 40 knots with the optioned-up V12 Man 1650hps. Its cockpit has twin sun pads, one shaded, and a dining space with a moveable bimini. Below deck are three cabins for six guests, arranged around an open space containing a galley and a dinette. The master cabin is midships, with the twin cabin with single beds to port and the VIP forward.
Quick Specs
PRICED FROM POA
LENGTH 20.67m (67ft 10in)
BEAM 5.29m (17ft 4in)
DRAFT TBC
DISPLACEMENT TBC
FUEL TBC
WATER TBC
ENGINE 2 x Man V12
POWER 1550hp or 1650hp
TOP SPEED 37 knots (1550hp) or 40 knots (1650hp)
SLEEPING CAPACITY 4–6
PRESTIGE X-70 FLAGSHIP
Europeans know Prestige well because it epitomises the nautical lifestyle many choose, yet this also applies to Australia where it’s mid-range models sell well. However, the flagship Garroni designed X-70 is mini-superyacht territory, which I have already tried with the 750 I took to sea a few years ago.
This model increases the style and subtlety considerably with a Valentina Militerno De Romedis interior. This emphasises main deck entertaining with the saloon/cockpit divided nearly equally. Below are two large suites, well secluded from crew quarters aft. Slightly more modest is the smaller X-60 that may suite a couple enjoying more privacy and less decadence.
Quick Specs
PRICEDÂ $4,700,000
LENGTH 21.83m (71ft 7in)
BEAM 5.34m (17ft 6in)
DRAFT 1.7m (5ft 7in)
DISPLACEMENT 33,400kg
FUEL 4000L
WATER 760L
ENGINE 2 x Volvo IPS 1200 (IPS1350 option)
POWER 2 x D13 900hp (1000hp option)
TOP SPEED 25 knots (20 knots cruising)
SLEEPING CAPACITY 10
WALLY WHY200
Italian Wally is associated with striking aesthetics among its sailing yachts, and this applies to the upcoming motor cruiser, the WHY200, which features outrageous wraparound bow windows — an industry first.
Penned by the historic English architects at Laurent Giles & Partners and interior design by Vallicelli Design Studio, carbon is extensively used throughout hull and tri-deck topside that has four guest cabins and three for crew.
Another bold feature, behind those bow windows, is the main-deck owner’s cabin with a forward-facing island bed and 180-degree views. Power comes from quad IPS drives with range about 400NM.
Quick Specs
PRICED POA
LENGTH 27.03m (88ft 8in)
BEAM 7.66m (25ft 2in)
DRAFT 2m (6ft 5in)
DISPLACEMENT 188,000kg
FUEL 12,000L
WATER 2200L
ENGINE 4 x Volvo Penta D13 IPS 1200
POWER 4 x 900hp (1,000hp option)
TOP SPEED 21 knots
SLEEPING CAPACITY 12
OTAM 70HT
Custom Italian sports yachts are epitomised by this new Otam 70.
Sleek and raked back, it oozes menace which it backs up by having plenty muscle. This comes from the twin 2000hp engines and 21-degree deadrise hull, that promises performance with style. Hull one has three cabins instead of two and a beach club, plus separate galley and double crew berth in the bow. The owner enjoys a full beam ensuite cabin.
Topside, the windows retract between the two sofas to create an en plein sunbathing deck.
The final flourish is the aeronautical influenced carbon fibre helm console, which is a good idea given the 53-knot top speed.
Quick Specs
PRICED POA
LENGTH 22.30m (73ft 2in)
BEAM 5.40m (18ft)
DRAFT TBC
DISPLACEMENT TBC
FUEL TBC
WATER TBC
ENGINE 2 x MTU (or 2 x CAT), Arneson transmission
POWER 2 x 2000hp (2400 hp option)
TOP SPEED 53 knots
SLEEPING CAPAC-
ITY 6
W otam.it
ZEELANDER ZYF
Harking back to lobster boats of old, the graceful sheer lines of this Dutch built Z72 hide a wild streak.
This flagship model has a top speed of 40 knots with its optioned triple engines, yet with displacement range of 1800 miles, which gives this stylish cruiser plenty of versatility. A vast aft-deck swim platform with large tender garage denotes this as warm-water boat, yet inside there are three large cabins plus crew quarters. The owner’s suite is forward, where the flared bows maximise volume and two VIP guest cabins are aft; the transom has crew quarters.
Quick Specs
PRICED POA
LENGTH 22.07m (72ft 4in)
BEAM 6m (19ft 7in)
DRAFT 1.45m (4ft 8in)
DISPLACEMENT 42,000kg
FUEL 5300L
WATER 189L
ENGINE 3 x Volvo Penta IPS 950 (options IPS 1050, IPS 1200 and IPS 1350)
POWER 3 x 725hp (options 800hp–1,000hp)
TOP SPEED 40 knots
SLEEPING CAPACITY: 6 plus 2 crew
POWER CATAMARAN
AQUILA 54
The Aquila 54 builds on the success of the 44 and 36 to produce this substantial Chinese built boat, with credentials from MarineMax, one of the USA’s largest powerboat dealerships and the experienced J&J Design Group. New local dealer, Whitehaven, says the 54 was designed with Australian conditions in mind, including remote coastal cruising, thanks to a 1000-mile range. Customisation is a major feature offered along with 3–5 cabins, plus skipper’s quarters and galley-down layouts.
Quick Specs
PRICED FROMÂ $2,099,000
LENGTH 16.5m (54ft 2in)
BEAM 7.68m (25ft 2in)
MAXIMUM DRAFT 1.37m (4ft 6in)
DISPLACEMENT 23,300kg
FUEL 2200L
WATER 1000L
ENGINE Volvo Penta D6
POWER 2 x 380hp Vdrive or 480hp
TOP SPEED 19 knots
SLEEPING CAPACITY 6
SILENT-YACHTS SILENT 60
Silent Yachts has pioneered solar boats for a decade or so and continue to evolve with technology gains.
These Swiss-designed and Thai-built electric catamarans are steadily gaining market share because of their eco power and spaciousness.
Clever features include the retractable bimini, and accommodation includes up to six cabins plus the vast main deck saloon.
The latest deploys a kite from a box in the bow when running downwind. Main power is from two 340kW motors fed by 17kW of solar plus there’s a backup diesel generator for dull days. Electric cruising speed is about 8 knots, with maximum of 16–20 knots.
Quick Specs
LENGTH 17.99m (59ft 1in)
BEAM 8.99m (29ft 6in)
DRAFT 0.93m (3ft 1in)
DISPLACEMENT 29,000kg
FUEL 1600L
WATER 1000L
ENGINE 2 x electric
POWER 2 x 340kW, plus 286kW batteries
TOP SPEED 16 knots
SLEEPING CAPACITY 12
SUNREEF 60 POWER
These French designed and Polish built catamarans ooze style, both in their power and sailing varieties.
The Sunreef 60 that debuted in Cannes is the latest, available in both standard and Power Eco versions. Eco comes with 13kW of solar panels integrated into the topsides and fly. With vast entertaining and storage throughout, including the semi-enclosed flybridge. Up to eight cabins can be chosen and the galley can be up or down.
The owner’s suite uses half of the port hull, with a generous bathroom in the aft. Large tankage is another plus, along with an efficient hull that should allow long-range cruising.
Quick Specs
PRICED POA
LENGTH: 18.3m (60ft)
BEAM 10.7m (35ft)
DRAFT TBC
FUEL 10,000L
WATER 800L
ENGINE TBC
POWER 2 x 300hp (450hp option)
TOP SPEED TBC
SLEEPING CAPACITY 12
ILIAD 80
The Australian-specified and Chinese-built Iliad range has been a success for the Multihull Solutions dealership with the 50 and 70 models already here, so the upcoming 80-foot version builds on this demand for long-range cruising powercats.
A high degree of customisation is offered with extensive use of quality materials in finish and near-commercial level build in systems and engineering. This 80-foot flagship is aimed at dedicated liveaboards and claims a cruising range of an incredible 8000 miles while carrying a 1500kg payload. Vast space across three levels puts the Iliad 80 into superyacht territory, with owner’s suite plus four other cabins.
Quick Specs
PRICE POA
LENGTH 23.99m (78ft 7in)
BEAM 9.96m (32ft 7in)
DRAFT 1.65m (5ft 4in)
DISPLACEMENT 63,000kg
FUEL 10,000L
WATER 1500L
ENGINE 2 x Volvo D11 (or CAT C8.7 or Cummins QSK 19)
POWER 2 x 725hp (650hp–1800hp)
TOP SPEED 15–20 knots estimated
SLEEPING CAPACITY 8+
TRAWLERS
BENETEAU GRAND TRAWLER 62
The Swift Trawler range from Beneteau is well established and several smaller models are in Australia, being ideally suited as all-weather boats, offering sun protection with generous accommodation.
However, this flagship designed by Italians Micad, that debuted at Cannes, drastically increases both the functionality and the design flare of these flybridge boats.
The Nauta Design interior has a partitioned galley in the saloon while below are three or four cabins, with owner’s suite midships in the three cabin layout, so good during passage-making. Deck space includes a hull-length flybridge entertaining area and lower cockpit with swim platform. A range of 900 miles at 9 knots gives access to remote Australian coasts.
Quick Specs
GRAND TRAWLER 62
PRICED FROMÂ $3,200,000
LENGTH 18.95m (62ft 2in)
BEAM 5.45m (17ft)
DRAFT 1.4m (4ft 7in)
DISPLACEMENT 28,500kg
FUEL 4000L
WATER 840L
ENGINE 2 x MAN shaft drives
POWER 2 x 730hp
TOP SPEED 20 knots (cruise at 9 knots)
SLEEPING CAPACITY 8 max
GRAND BANKS 54
Grand Banks has 60 years’ experience of building sturdy semi-custom trawler style yachts. The latest generation, such as this 54-footer, have been significantly optimised to become luxurious, long-distance cruisers. Reduced weight via infused composite e-glass foam on their V-warp hulls with fine entry has given them longer high-speed ranges (394NM at 25 knots).
Customisation is the other factor, cost-effectively offered from their Malaysian yard that also produces the stylish Palm Beach models. This customisation covers layouts and a myriad of fabrics and colour palettes. The standard layout has three large cabins with owner’s stateroom in the bow, but other layouts include a galley-down and midships owner’s suite.
Quick Specs
PRICED USD$2,720,000
LENGTH 18.1m (59ft 5in)
BEAM 5.34m (17ft 6in)
DRAFT 1.22m (4ft)
DISPLACEMENT 23,500kg
FUEL 3400L
WATER 1000L
ENGINE 2 x Volvo D11 shaft drive
POWER 2 x 725hp
TOP SPEED 31 knots
SLEEPING CAPACITY 6
AZIMUT MAGELLANO 66
The Magellano line of stylised trawlers has proven popular over the years for Azimut. Reasons include it being a highly functional motoryacht that has vast storage yet looks more stylish than utilitarian — as many other trawlers often do.
For the 2021 version of this 66 footer, weight has been taken out of the superstructure by using carbon fibre, while the frugal 800hp Volvos are again used and should easily give a range of 1000 miles in displacement mode — yet speed is also there for stemming strong tides.
Trawler characteristics such as high bulwarks, enclosed decks and tall topsides to deflect spray are all part of this vessel.
Central to everything is the open plan saloon with galley forward, drinks bar aft and the owner has a full beam suite plus two guest cabins. Also, crew quarters are at the transom, giving good privacy.
The use of various materials, quality hardwood and stylish furniture elevates this to a luxury motorboat capable of enjoying both the Riviera lifestyle and the adventurous one, thanks to a large garage for tender and toys.
Quick Specs
PRICED POA
LENGTH 20.15m (66ft 1in)
BEAM 5.4m (17ft 9in)
DRAFT 1.67m (5ft 6'in)
DISPLACEMENT 45,800kg
FUEL 4500L
WATER 100 L
ENGINE 2 x Volvo D13 V-drive
POWER 2 x 800hp
TOP SPEED 23 knots
SLEEPING CAPACITY 10
SIRENA 68
Designed by the iconic German Frers Naval Architecture, this Turkish-built expedition style motor yacht has an impressive 11 hulls on order, despite it only making its debut in Cannes 2021.
The Sirena 68’s semi-displacement GRP hull is capable of 1200 miles on one tank of fuel (at 10 knots). The theory behind these shallow draft semi-displacement designs is less wetted surface area, thus requiring less horsepower to propel them compared to full displacement ones. Carbon fibre reduces topside flybridge weight and the blunt profile with towering topsides maximises interior space where various layouts are available and up to six cabins plus two crew berths. The owner enjoys a full beam suite.
Quick Specs
PRICED POA
LENGTH 21.1m (70ft)
BEAM 5.9m (19ft 4in)
DRAFT 1.3m (4ft 3in)
DISPLACEMENT 47,000kg
FUEL 5250L
WATER 1400L
ENGINE 2 x Volvo D13, ZF gearbox and V-drive shafts
POWER 2 x 900hp (1300hp option)
TOP SPEED 26 knots
SLEEPING CAPACITY 6 guests plus 2 crew
EXPEDITION YACHTS
NUMARINE XP37
The fashion for go-anywhere yachts — the Expedition class — is prompting builders such as Turkish Numarine to bring out more of these, and the XP37 is a particularly sturdy example.
Ruggedness includes a full displacement steel hull, which is not Ice Class, yet will cope with such hazards, or coral groundings. Topside, is a composite superstructure for weight saving.
Range is the other Expedition perquisite, and the XP37 does 5000 nautical miles at 10 knots, which is on par with the world’s best expedition yachts in this class.
Italian naval architects (Umberto Tagliavini) and superyacht specialists Hot Lab designed the interior with six cabins. This ensures the XP37 is superyacht class in furnishings and style as well, including a palatial owner’s suite. Hull one debuted at Cannes.
Quick Specs
PRICED POA
LENGTH 37.2m (122ft)
BEAM 8m (26ft 2in)
DRAFT 3.9m (12ft 7in)
DISPLACEMENT 300,000kg
FUEL TBC
WATER TBC
ENGINE 2 x MAN D2868 L425, ZF 665A gearbox
POWER 2 x 800bhp at 2100
TOP SPEED 14 knots
SLEEPING CAPACITY 12 (6 cabins)
ROSETTI RSY 38M
Significant for being the first superyacht from the Ravenna-based yard, the Rosetti RSY 38m enters the growing Expedition class. Its credentials for this class include a steel hull and aluminium topsides and a 5000NM range at 10 knots. Hull design is by Hydro Tec and fully custom interior by Burdisso Capponi Yachts & Design.
Among its three deck levels are works of art, including a striking central staircase with a three-storey sculpture. Twelve guests are hosted in six cabins, comprising a main deck master suite and four lower deck guest cabins. The master cabin has his-and-hers bathrooms, a walk-in wardrobe, and a built-in balcony. Crew berths are for seven.
Quick Specs
PRICED POA
LENGTH 38m (124ft 1in)
BEAM 8.9m (29ft)
DRAFT 2.37 m (7ft 9in)
DISPLACEMENT 400,000kg
FUEL TBC
WATER TBC
ENGINE 2 x MAN D2868 425
POWER 2 x 735hp
TOP SPEED 13 knots
SLEEPING CAPACITY 12
SAILING CATAMARANS
FOUNTAINE PAJOT 47
The Tanna 47 promises more of its predecessor’s (Saona 47) practical layout. A semi-flybridge design lowers the sailplan and the high-volume hull with mini keels won't break any race records but will voyage anywhere safely. Notable features include a larger overall lounge-aft cockpit area plus 9sqm of solar panel space.
The ‘Owner’s’ layout has the port hull as one large apartment while two ensuite cabins reside on the starboard side. Charterers will favour the Quintet, with five ensuite cabins. Dealer Multihull Solutions report four sold already for factory pick-up on the glorious French coast.
Quick Specs
PRICED FROMÂ $1,500,000 sailaway (subject to exchange rates)
LENGTH 13.94m (45ft 7in)
BEAM 7.7m (25ft 3in)
DRAFT 1.2m (3ft 9in)
DISPLACEMENT 14,700kg
FUEL 940L
WATER 700L
SAIL AREA 77sqm
ENGINE 2 x 50hp
SLEEPING CAPACITY 10 max
W catamarans-fountaine-pajot.com
FOUNTAINE PAJOT 51
The Berret-Racoupeau designed FP 51 replaces the popular Saba 50 that sold 200 hulls and offers comfortable cruising with improved stability via a lower level helm station and rig. Charters will love the six-cabin version while bluewater owners enjoy their own dedicated layout with separate deck access.
At this length of 51 feet, off-the-wind sea miles are easily done and most importantly can be done under a large payload. So, generators, large dinghies and ancillary gear can easily be shipped. A manageable sailplan ensures no dramas and a vast flybridge for relaxing is available once you get that anchorage.
Quick Specs
PRICEDÂ $1,900,000 sailaway (subject to exchange rates)
LENGTH 15.84m (51ft)
BEAM 8.08m (26ft 5in)
DRAFT 1.3m (4ft 3in)
DISPLACEMENT 8100kg
FUEL 900L
WATER 900L
SAIL AREA 164sqm
SLEEPING CAPACITY 10
W catamarans-fountaine-pajot.com
LAGOON 55
Another Cannes show debutante is the Lagoon 55, a cat that is all about comfortable cruising, with three vast levels, but the trade-off is a rather high mainsail. However, the sail plan is easily manageable thanks to self-tacking jib, with options for square topped main and large headsails to ensure that engine use is minimised.
Liveability is key on the latest Lagoons like this 55 that can entertain an entire footy team in its open plan saloon and very nearly accommodate them at night (it sleeps up to 12 in six cabins) and all done stylishly thanks to Italian Nauta Design.
Quick Specs
PRICE POA
LENGTH 16.39m (53ft 9in)
BEAM 9m (29ft 6in)
DRAFT 1.55m (5ft 1in)
DISPLACEMENT 26,500kg
SAIL AREA 186sqm
FUEL 1100L
WATER 480L
ENGINE 2 x Yanmar
POWER 2 x 80hp (115hp options)
TOP SPEED OVER 34 knots
SLEEPING CAPACITY 12
LEOPARD 42
An ideal entry-level catamaran with good credentials — naval architects, Simonis & Voogd, and built by the prolific yard of Robertson & Caine in South Africa — the Leopard 42 made its debut in Australia at the Sanctuary Cove 2021 Boat Show.
It’s characterised by cruising comforts yet with a usable sailplan that includes a low-profile flybridge lounge. The Leopard 42 has a foredeck cockpit and functional interior with up to four cabins and a large aft deck entertaining area. Production cruising catamarans like this with mini keels are not about drama or exhilaration, yet they are far from dull either, so are a safe bet for family coastal cruising with the wind generally behind the beam.
Quick Specs
PRICEÂ $1,100,000
LENGTH 12.67m (41ft 7in)
BEAM 7.04m (23ft 1in)
DRAFT 1.4m (4ft 7in)
DISPLACEMENT 12,467kg
SAIL AREA 123.4sqm
FUEL 600L
WATER 660L
ENGINES 2 x 45hp Yanmar saildrive diesels, 3 bladed fixed propellers.
POWER 2 x 45hp
SLEEPING CAPACITY 8