Yachting World
- Digital Edition
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Yachting World cover](https://keyassets.timeincuk.net/inspirewp/live/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2024/07/YAW300.RGB_eseller_cover-155x200.jpg)
![](http://gbes.online/777/templates/cheerup/res/banner1.jpg)
Best catamaran and multihull: We sail the very best yachts on two and three hulls
- Toby Hodges
- March 20, 2024
Toby Hodges takes a look at all the nominees and the winner of the best catamaran and multihull category in the much-anticipated European Yacht of the Year Awards
There are many categories in the European Yacht of the Year awards, from the best luxury yachts and performance yachts to the best yachts for families and event a best specialist yacht category. But with multihulls rapidly increasing in popularity, the best catamaran and multihull category was possibly the most hotly anticipated.
The small number of entrants in this category in no way reflects the rich range or huge demand for multihulls. Many new models were launched by the big yards in the preceding years and they’re struggling to keep up with bulging order books.
However, these three shortlisted represented a choice pick of the latest fast cruisers and each, in their own very different ways, are responding to this insatiable demand for high end space and pace cruising.
Best catamaran and multihull
Best catamaran and multihull winner 2024 – outremer 52.
My highlight test of 2023? Sailing this Outremer 52 for 200 miles over two days and nights! Quite how such a large vessel, one that is capable of doing laps of the planet in true comfort, is also capable of providing such enjoyable sailing is the secret sauce that helps scoop this prize.
And it was pushed hard for this award by the disruptive HH. But the Outremer is such a well rounded, measured and thought out yacht for bluewater cruising at a reliable speed – it’s the full package, a dream boat for family bluewater sailing and arguably the French yard’s best and most refined model to date.
Designer VPLP was tasked with replacing the popular and well proven 51 with more comfort and stowage, while maintaining the performance. It says it took the best of the 55 (which won this award two years ago), and the best of the 51’s deck plan to create this 52. The result means too many good features to point out here, from the variety of helm positions, including a completely protected position inboard using the swing pedestal, to the well conceived spaces. I’d therefore recommend reading our full test report online or in YW’s June 2023 issue!
Neel continues to enjoy its cruising trimaran niche, using the wow factor of bridgedeck accommodation combined with the type of sailing enjoyment and feedback monohull sailors appreciate.
The impressive lightwind performance and direct feel of a Neel I am used to. But I don’t think I’ve ever been so surprised by the amount of cabins or space as I was on this 52. It’s available with four to six cabins plus the option for two crew cabins aft! Some of this maze works well, other areas, such as the forward cabins in the main hull not quite so well. Horizon and rig sightlines and some finishing also leaves room for improvement.
The HH44 seemingly manages to achieve the space and pace balance in a compact 45ft package, while also being one of the most innovative and exciting new production yachts I have sailed. From its looks to layout, to practical on deck solutions such as swing pedestals, side gates through the bulwarks and transom gates that double as swim platforms and boost cockpit security, it’s packed with fresh thinking.
And on the subject of ‘fresh’, the natural ventilation encouraged into the yacht through those massive forward facing coachroof windows which open – a feat made possible thanks to a stiff carbon composite structure – negates any aircon requirements.
With its deep carbon boards and tall carbon rig the HH44 is a powerful, reactive animal to sail. However, it’s the incorporation of the first parallel hybrid electric drive units which really makes this high tech high performance cat stand out. The electric motors are attached to the aft end of conventional diesel engines, not only providing silent power, but renewable energy through regenerative drives while sailing.
Best catamaran and multihull 2023
Best catamaran winner – nautitech 44.
If the very best catamaran delivers the ideal comfort to performance compromise, here’s a catamaran that seems to strike the perfect balance.
For those who cite a lack of visibility and protection as reasons not to choose this aft helm route, try sailing this first – direct steering brings so much more helming pleasure that you get the enjoyable feeling and communication more associated with a monohull. The attention to keeping weight low and central, vacuum infused vinylester build and a low coachroof and boom all aid this performance. The fine entry Lombard-designed hulls allowed us to properly point upwind at 8 knots (in 13), but it was the hands-on steering sensation that really stayed with me.
While there’s no real inside/outside boundary – the saloon bridges both – the Chedal-Anglay interior design works well. It is not as voluminous as some, but is certainly enough to be smugly comfortable at anchor, finished to a good quality, with walnut Alpi trim as standard. The layout option for a ‘smart room’ office/laundry/bunk room or stowage cabin is indeed really smart.
Out of all the multihulls nominated or sailed last year, this cat impressed me the most under sail. It’s the ideal size to go distance sailing, with good performance, low draught and space for family and friends. It had me dreaming.
Balance 482
I was drawn to the Balance 482, thanks to the combination of good looking modern design, high average speeds and, chiefly, the profusion of clever thinking and practical ideas that it brings. The South African build uses a foam core with E-glass laminate and cored furniture for a light weight of 11.3 tonnes, but also with the ability to take a generous payload.
An electric furler option combined with screecher sail helps offer effortless handling and fun sailing, although the 482 prefers a breeze in the double figures. Smart options such as load cells on the rigging, a bowsprit camera to monitor the anchor chain, plus engine room and mast cams all help for maintaining vigilance. Other features we like include the solar panels properly installed on raised brackets, raincatchers built into the coachroof, and how all sheets and lines are led to the helm station. But the prize solution is the VersaHelm, which allows you to swing the wheel inboard, close off the helm station, and stand watch and steer from a fully protected position.
Catana Ocean Class
The Catana Ocean Class is a bulky model which is geared more towards creature comforts than the higher performance of its predecessors. That said, it uses carbon in the structure and roof, foam cored furniture, the tanks are mounted low in the hulls and it has daggerboards and fine entry bows. The weight savings help it offer a massive 5.5 tonne cruising payload, plus there’s capacious stowage and large tank, refrigeration and laundry capacity.
Positioned between Lagoon and Outremer, the Catana echoes a bit of its sister brand Bali’s concept with its internal cockpit-cum-saloon layout while providing good ventilation via large sliding doors and opening windows. We liked how it’s easy to handle solo from one helm station, including the electric remote control of the boards, plus the layout of the galley and navstation.
Those chasing speed and helming pleasure should perhaps look to the C-Cat 48, as it’s as close to helming a fast monohull as a cruising cat is likely to get and one of the rare times we enjoyed sailing upwind in light breezes on a multihull! This is largely thanks to a lightweight, stiff build – the Comar yard has managed to save 1.7 tonnes over the first boat (9.5 tonnes light) and increased the draught of the curved daggerboards to 2.95m.
A carbon roof and rig comes as standard, as well as an epoxy hull, full carbon deck, bulkheads and compression beam. It is a little quirky with comparatively small volumes, but this François Perus design will outperform most other performance cats and monohulls of a similar length.
The Excess 14 shares that direct sensation you get from aft helms and some of the performance of the C-Cat, but in a more balanced, voluminous layout for cruising. The Excess 14 benefits from the research of VPLP’s Vannes racing office, where attention was focused on weight reduction, with savings particularly in furniture, on improved stiffness (PET foam cored sandwich for main structural bulkheads), and the efficiency of deeper fixed keels.
The result is telling on the water, as it should be for any best catamaran contender, where you can log easy miles: we clocked late 7s upwind, reached in the late 8s and regularly averaged 9 knots with gennaker in 12-15 knots. Clear glass windows give acceptable visibility from the helms through the coachroof and the comparatively minimalist interior. In short it offers a good mix of volume, reasonable performance and enjoyable sailing – see our full review last month.
Sailing performance was another key facet in the battle of the big cats from the big cat yards, Lagoon and Fountaine Pajot. Both models offer luxurious amounts of space for home from home comfort, as watersports bases for long term cruising.
The decision to push the mast to the front of the coachroof to allow for a larger genoa than its recent preference for self-tacking jibs has paid off on the Lagoon 51. It helped us sail efficiently into the waves (albeit not pointing too high) before clocking double figures reaching with the code sail in 15 knots.
The Lagoon’s large flybridge with dual access is a USP at this size that will be a hit or miss deal breaker for many. The 51 offers unrivalled accommodation volume in three, four or six cabins, and relaxation zones, and good circulation through these big spaces. Once again the jury applauds Lagoon for thoroughly testing the prototype model during a six month tour. Over 100 have already sold.
We saw in our December issue how the experienced owners of the Fountaine Pajot test boat choose to live and work full time aboard their Aura 51. It’s a design that promotes space, enough to take friends, family and crucially for them, all the toys to enjoy at anchor. Its capability of averaging 8-10 knots also appeals, although the single side helm and hydraulic steering result in scant connection to the sailing in light winds (the same applies to the Lagoon).
The fact the yard already offers this in a hybrid version and has an electric and hydrogen model in the pipeline could sway some, but the decision between the FP and the Lagoon will likely come down to preference between a central flybridge or offset bulkhead helm together with interior design and layout.
If you enjoyed this….
Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams. Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.
- News & Reviews
CRUISING WORLD: 2022 Boat of the Year: Best Performance Catamaran
Quick, fast and fun, the South African-built Balance 482 is a cat that will get up and go, but offers plenty of comfort once the hook is down.
During and in the four days immediately following the US Sailboat show in Annapolis, Maryland, the Cruising World judges inspected and sailed on 27 boats vying for recognition. Learn more about the boats in our 2022 Boat of the Year »
https://www.cruisingworld.com/sailboats/2022-boat-of-the-year-best-performance-catamaran/
OK, confession time. When the roster of nominees for the 2022 Boat of the Year awards was released, the contest’s team and judging panel couldn’t help themselves, and quietly put three check marks, little symbols of anticipation, alongside a trio of boats: the untamed cats that would vie for the title of best performer in their class. After all, both Balance and Seawind had entered the winner’s circle in previous BOTY competitions, and it was clear they’d have a serious contender for the throne in yet another player from cat-crazy South Africa, the Kinetic KC54. How’d it go? Let’s just say, nobody was disappointed. The conditions on Chesapeake Bay were ideal for putting the three nominees through their paces, and the trio of scalded cats all acquitted themselves superbly.
For 2022, if anything, the trend for flybridge catamarans is on a major upswing. New cats for 2022 from both Lagoon and Fountaine Pajot continued down that design path, putting an emphasis on living accommodations, not performance. But not aboard the latest Seawind 1600, a brand originally built in Australia that is now produced in Vietnam. And that suits judge Tim Murphy just fine. “This boat was very dialed in,” he said, “and one place Seawind has always been innovative is with their helms. This one was really great; it was -outboard and aft with great visibility, sort of half-protected where you could step in and out. There was also good access to the boom and mainsail, which you don’t always see on cats. The deck layout was excellent, particularly the forward trampolines. Some cats have lacings with large openings where you can twist an ankle, but these were nice and tight.”
“Compared to other Seawinds that I’ve seen, I was just blown away with it in terms of what it could do and how it performed,” said Ed Sherman. “It’s a fairly conservative boat in terms of technology compared to some of the other boats in the same category, which depending on a potential buyer’s state of mind, could be either a good thing or a bad one. I loved the centralized winch aft which is where all the sail-handling takes place. It’s pretty brilliant for a short-handed crew, and it’s all in a very safe and easy-to-access location that a cruising couple can deal with without scaring the heck out of themselves.”
The Kinetic KC54 is a fresh entry in the cat universe, and we’ll let Tim Murphy get right to the point: “This is a fairly new company that was started within the past couple of years. My breath was absolutely taken away by this boat; it was spectacular. I think it was the best-built boat in the entire fleet. It’s an all-carbon boat, with a foam core, epoxy resin, all infused–fantastic. The whole boat felt integrated. You didn’t feel like there was a conflict between the forces in terms of accommodation versus performance.” With a price tag approaching $3 million, it perhaps should not be astonishing. That was a major factor in evaluating the boat, and while it did not win its class, the experts panel did present it with a Judges’ Special Recognition prize to honor the boat’s overall excellence.
“It was my personal favorite in this year’s contest,” said Sherman. The materials that were used are absolutely the highest quality available in our industry at this point, and it’s a very high-tech boat in terms of systems.” Gerry Douglas was also duly impressed: “This was the Tesla of sailboats. I think that that was their model. In terms of design and execution and technology, it hit all three of those marks. This boat is built without compromise, and what it cost was not an issue, they just wanted to do the best they could in every aspect of the boat. The construction was impeccable, the fit and finish was amazing. There are some very clever design things in the boat, but it all really worked seamlessly.”
With that level of competition, the Balance 482 had a tall order to overcome to win its class. And it did. “The sailing performance was excellent,” said Douglas. “The boat felt really good. The steering was terrific. The structure of the boat throughout was exemplary. Storage is really good. Visibility was good. Ventilation was great. There was even a rain collection system on the cabin top, which is the only one of the boats we looked at had that. It was very well concealed because the gutters formed a handhold going forward. The solar panel installation was also well done. The panels were encapsulated into a fiberglass tray that elevated the deck so the panels wouldn’t overheat. Very clever.”
The driving force behind Balance cats is Phil Berman, a world champ at racing beach cats who brought that passion to developing and marketing fully found cruisers. Judge Murphy knows him well: “Phil comes from a very strong view of wanting to see boats that have solid sailing performance. He’s also a strong proponent of daggerboard boats, which tends to be quick shorthand for the dividing line between cats that are more about payload versus cats that are about performance, but not so much where you’re going to fly a hull or break a rudder. There’s a balance within a boat that really performs that you can still live aboard.” A winning balance, it turns out, with the Balance 482 securing its position as the Best Performance Cruiser for 2022.
Related Content
Sailing world: 2022 boat of the year - best multihull, raising the (performance) bar, balance 442: cruising world has something to say.
![best sailing catamaran 2022 life-of-sailing-logo](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5ce17ee07c5e2f299600a604/5f10ee0ae392696ed2f09838_Life-of-Sailing-Logo.png)
12 Best Catamaran Sailboats
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Best Catamaran Sailboats | Life of Sailing](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5ce44e4e8d1c1fc85b84c18d/61576cb4db71cbf92c718fd6_best-catamaran-sailboats-thumbnail.jpeg)
Last Updated by
Daniel Wade
December 28, 2023
The appeal of the catamaran sailboats in terms of speed , stability, and the ability to embark on long-range cruising has made them hugely popular with today's sailors. But what are the best catamaran sailboats?
Even though catamaran sailboats have become increasingly popular in the last few years, they have a truly rich legacy as one of the most sought after vessels for bluewater cruising.
Thanks to their incredibly wide beams and bigger daft, catamarans have become remarkably favorable for sailors looking to go for long-distance voyages, overnight cruising, and day sailing.
And if space is paramount for you when out there on the water, a catamaran sailboat is the only way to go as they offer extraordinary space to allow you to spend more time on the water with friends and family.
But even with all these amazing features, you're probably still wondering; what are the best catamaran sailboats?
Like their monohull counterparts, choosing the best catamaran sailboat can be quite overwhelming since there are lots of them out there. They come in a wide variety of designs and sizes ranging from small catamarans to huge ones.
The best catamaran sailboats can easily clock 250-mile voyages, offer incredible performance, and have layouts that can be easily optimized for individuals, charter markets, and great accommodation. In essence, the best catamaran sailboats offer respectable performance and offer good load-carrying ability.
That being said, here are some of the best catamaran sailboats that you can get your hands on.
Table of contents
Best Catamarans
{{boat-info="/boats/manta-42"}}
Even though many multihulls are no longer built in the United States these days, the Manta 42 is a true American-built catamaran that brings good living and good value into one package. Designed cleverly for easy handling, this American built catamaran is a great choice for a liveaboard cruiser for sailors looking to go for long-distance voyages. Thanks to its trademark high bows and an enormously curved incorporated forward crossbeam, this catamaran is easily recognizable even from a distance.
It is designed with a uniquely fixed crossbeam, which is very different from conventional aluminum cross beams that support the tension of the forestay. This fixed crossbeam allows for a little bit of movement thereby helping in absorbing enormous twisting forces of the bows. As such, you have to keep in mind that there may be resultant stress crack particularly in the bow area of the vessel.
All in all, the Manta 42 is a superb offshore cruising catamaran that offers a good sail-area-to-displacement ratio as well as plenty of space and accommodation. The cockpit area is refined, luxurious, and is designed with additional stainless pushpit contraptions to help in holding objects such as wind vanes, dinghies, and solar panels. The boat's quality in terms of performance and stability is the benchmark of what a catamaran should be.
Fountaine Pajot Elba 45
{{boat-info="/boats/fountaine-pajot-elba-45"}}
Recently named the "Boat of the Year" for 2019 by Cruising World Magazine and Sail Magazine, the Elba 45 is the latest model in the incredible line of Fountaine Pajot catamarans. This boat was designed to replace the outgoing Helia 44 and stands to be one of the most popular catamarans with Fountain Pajot having sold over 100 Elba 45 hulls long before even the first one emerged from production.
This French-built cat brings to the fore a well-thought-out, safe, and dependable features with 10% less drag, efficient motoring, top-notch performance, and high speeds. It's also designed with fixed stub keels and slightly aft-raked bows, which are all essential in enhancing windward performance; something that most catamarans struggle with.
To improve on safety, the keels of this amazing catamaran sailboat are glued into a particularly designed recess in the hulls. This is to ensure that there are no keel bolts that can rip out and put the boat in danger if the boat gets grounded or in the event of a collision. The rig is also ICW friendly and is a true representation of a standard catamaran setup.
This is, without a doubt, a modern-looking cruising catamaran that has a low-profile lounging space on its deck, high topsides and bows as well as a more pronounced reverse sheer that's essential in minimizing the bulk of the windows while creating additional and useful volume below. This is a true catamaran that occupies a sweet spot for those looking to sail along the bay or for those adventurous sailors looking to set sail for more ambitious offshore cruising plans.
{{boat-info="/boats/leopard-48"}}
With its fine design, straightforward systems, and easy handling, the Leopard 48 has everything it needs to be ranked among the distinguished category of the best catamaran sailboats. This is an excellent multihull that is structured with advanced materials, designs, and innovations that are meant to be fun, spacious, and comfortable.
Designed in South Africa by Simonis-Voogd, is probably the best design in the Leopard family of catamarans. Its two hulls are vacuum-bagged using balsa core to offer maximum firmness while ensuring that the weight is on the minimum. This is done by articulately regulating the level of resin in the layup. With such types of hull shapes, this catamaran sailboat is very fast and can consistently clock 12 knots of speed against the currents.
The boat is also designed with shallow keels as they're filled with closed-cell polyurethane foam that's of great importance in increasing buoyancy and preventing water ingress. To enhance the safety of the vessel, the stern and bow both have bulkheads that are essential in keeping out that water if the sailboat is involved in a collision.
The hulls of this boat are deep and narrow, particularly below the waterline. They also curve higher up to practically reduce the wetted surface area while offering enough deck space and plenty of room for accommodations. Its cockpit is another excellent feature thanks to its lavish spaces that give you the chance of kicking back and relaxing.
This boat is designed to offer superior livability, quick and easy to handle features, as well as enough space for friends and family. It is designed with beautiful lines and immense practicality for those who want to go on long cruising voyages.
Antares 44i
While many people often believe that voluminous cruising catamarans should be used as charter boats, the Antares 44i brings a very different perspective altogether. Designed in Argentina as a complete bluewater catamaran, this is a boat that's specifically built for private boat owners looking for a sturdy and well-equipped bluewater cruiser. This is an absolutely gorgeous catamaran that has a fully-equipped cockpit just to ensure that you can safely operate it even when shorthanded.
Like most catamarans, the Antares 44i is designed with features that allow for long-distance voyages. It comes with a minimum bridge deck clearance of 30 inches, which is essential in mitigating bridge deck slap. The helm station is designed to offer excellent visibility over the coach roof without having to perch the helmsman high above the cockpit.
If you're planning to make those long-distance cruising to exotic places, you'll appreciate this boat's layout. The galley is put down in the port hull so that it doesn't compromise the size of the galley and the saloon. The forward-facing navigation station is up there with the best and is up to offshore standards. And that's not all; the Antares 44i comes with good mounting points for electronics, a large table, comfortable seats, and provides brilliant visibility outside.
This boat is perfectly suited for extended offshore cruising and is a great reminder for anyone who thinks that all catamarans are charter boats and all offshore boats are monohulls.
{{boat-info="/boats/dolphin-ocema-42"}}
Designed by Philipe Pouvreau in northern Brazil, the Dolphin Ocema 42 is a truly unique catamaran sailboat that goes against the conventional norm of catamarans. It is equipped with daggerboards, which are essential in enabling it to point higher on the wind while reducing the wetted surface when running or anchoring in shallow surfaces. This, however, requires a higher level of expertise in sailing. This is because lifting the daggerboards higher up will expose the rudders while the daggerboards can also interfere with the hulls in the event that the vessel runs aground.
But even with that, the Dolphin 42 balances incredible performance and cruising comfort in a very compact package; something that is not very easy in bluewater cruising. That's why it's designed using a foam core to make it lightweight by reducing weight wherever possible. This vessel will most likely never let you down if you want to circumnavigate the bluewater on a high-performance boat that is safe and comfortable.
So if you've been looking for a real sailing catamaran that doubles up as a very comfortable liveaboard sailboat , look no further than the Dolphin 42.
{{boat-info="/boats/catana-50"}}
Regarded as the best built and most stylish cruising multihull, the Catana 50 is a very huge catamaran sailboat. Measuring about 50 feet long with a beam of about 26 feet, this is an amazing catamaran that will test your sailing skills as a single sailor or if you're planning to sail shorthanded.
This boat is designed with a rig that gives you the option of using either a screecher or a self-tending jib. This may seem complex since the sheets are led to winches near each wheel while all other controls lead to a centerline winch that's located in the cockpit. But even with that, this sailboat can be easily tacked once on the course.
This is a real performance-oriented catamaran with efficient hulls and rigs allowing for top speed. This vessel is also designed with a long waterline and a subtle underwater shape at the bow to help in increasing volume while minimizing wave drag. The stern platforms can help in stretching the waterline length while also providing easy access from a dock or a dinghy. The board trunks are also very strong and sturdy to protect the integrity of the hulls if a collision occurs.
In essence, this is a very modern catamaran that's designed to safely make long-distance passages with ease. It is subdued in terms of styling but this doesn't mean that it falls short as far as performance is concerned.
Atlantic 42
{{boat-info="/boats/atlantic-42"}}
Designed in 1993, the A42 has cultivated a legion of fiercely loyal fans thanks to its efficiency and aesthetic. This is the smallest of the Atlantic cruising catamaran line and is hugely popular with sailors thanks to its ease of handling, ocean-going capabilities, and superb use of space. From the forward cockpit, pilothouse to the sleeping cabins, and brilliant galleys everything about this cat is a true classic.
Unlike most catamarans, the Atlantic 42 is designed with a waist-high cockpit that's located forward of the pilothouse just behind the mast. It brings forth a solid construction thanks to the large metal girder-like bearers that run across the bulkheads. This helps the vessel in having the utmost strength, better air circulation under the engine, and a high level of flexibility as far as the size of the engine and its positioning is concerned.
Initially, the boat's style and its outlook were considered conservative but it soon became clear that it is built of high-quality materials and to last. The internal construction of the boat is impressive, to say the least. The exterior looks very beautiful and perhaps much more beautiful than most boats today. Its large aft cabin accommodation is a top drawer while the space separating en suite heads and shower compartments are considered a bonus.
{{boat-info="/boats/fountaine-pajot-bahia-46"}}
If you were to board the French-built Fountaine Pajot Bahia 46, you'll agree that the high-quality of workmanship, layout, and efficient use of space is quite exciting, to say the least. This cat remains very popular among sailors thanks to its easy handling features and incredible performance under the sails. Well, this may not come as a surprise to many of us given that the Fountain Pajot is known for building some of the most remarkable cruising catamarans out there that it can be quite overwhelming to narrow down to a single vessel, but the Bahia 46 simply stands out.
This vessel is designed with hulls that are broader than those of many other catamarans. It's also designed with centerboards and daggerboards that are meant to enhance its performance. These are essential in minimizing draft while ensuring reliability, generous bilge, and in helping to protect the rudders and propellers.
This boat is big enough to manage any type of serious offshore sailing. This is one of the best cruising catamarans for anyone looking for the right vessel for long-distance sailing. This vessel has a very more generous rig than most cruising catamarans, which is essential in enhancing its performance. The six-post Bimini is very strong and clean and can perfectly hold dinghies.
In terms of its look, the Bahia 36 is designed with gorgeous lines with the deck and hulls sculpted with lines that add a touch of elegance to the overall look of an already excellent catamaran sailboat.
Gemini 105MC
{{boat-info="/boats/gemini-105mc"}}
Whether you're looking for a comfortable catamaran vessel to take you for a weekend sailing trip or a long sabbatical vacation on the oceans, the Gemini 105MC is a very satisfactory liveaboard catamaran vessel that offers spacious accommodation, thoughtful design, and a stable cruising platform for anyone who wants to have some good time on the water.
Designed by the legendary Tony Smith, this is somewhat a sailing cottage. Like a land cottage, it is cozy, comfortable, and very safe. This is essentially a 35 feet catamaran that offers great value for any sailing looking for a reasonably-priced catamaran sailboat for the weekend or holiday cruising.
This boat is designed with incredibly slim hulls, which are teardrop-shaped with flat bottoms and smaller wetted surface area. This is to ensure that drag is minimized and to lead to more leeway under sail. Each of the boat's hull is designed with a kick-up centerboard is of great importance in enhancing the vessel's windward pointing capability. This boat also has its rudders raised to enable it to seamlessly cruise in shallow waters where most vessels would otherwise run aground.
The eccentric narrow beam, which measures about 40% of the boat's length, is very different from today's 50%. However, its low center helps in keeping its stable, upright, and of course, safe.
Lagoon 450 F
{{boat-info="/boats/lagoon-450-f"}}
If you're looking for a catamaran sailboat that offers prestige at its peak, look no further than the Lagoon 450. This cat is widely known for offering an all-around comfort without compromising its beauty, spaciousness, class, and elegance. This is an elaborate French catamaran that brings to the table fantastic craftsmanship while leaving nothing to chance.
This is a very safe 45 feet catamaran that's not just comfortable but also very luxurious. The deck layout is centered on an amazing flybridge, which has been redesigned and redefined to offer both the traditional and modern outlook. You can very easily access the bridge, engine controls, steering station in a matter of seconds. As a result, this boat is efficiently designed to give you the ultimate control of almost every situation while on the water.
The spacious and luxurious interior of this boat is worth experiencing. The cabins and saloons are perfectly lit. We're talking about four to six cabins, eight to twelve berths, and up to four bathrooms. In essence, this boat can comfortably sleep eight to twelve people. This boat is designed to offer ultra-modern accommodations and amenities that come with little but amazing touches; all designed to make your life inside the catamaran enjoyable.
{{boat-info="/boats/gunboat-62"}}
An original performance catamaran cruiser from the iconic Gunboat manufacturer, the Gunboat 62 has truly cemented its place as one of the best catamaran sailboats to ever grace the oceans. Honestly speaking, this cat-inspired a whole range of other incredible boats including HH66 Catamaran and the Balance 526.
This is a boat that can perform admirably well in storms with a speed of over 35 knots despite being built using epoxy and E-glass with carbon-fiber structural components. It's designed with a distinct angular outline than most catamaran sailboats of its size and category. This is a vessel that was built for people looking to add more stuff and more gear for their voyages. In other words, you can have all the gear and equipment on this boat and still outperform a racing monohull of the same size.
Thanks to its lightweight feature, this vessel can sail upwind at speeds of over 17 knots and pinch up to 30 degrees. Just for comparison, the Gunboat 62 can tack through 95 degrees and still outperform the best racing monohulls. This boat is designed with a comfortable helm seat that offers 360-degree visibility as well as plenty of storage space, a functional working surface, and a luxurious cabin. Like many performance catamarans, the Gunboat 62 can attain about 20 knots if the conditions are right.
Privilege 615
{{boat-info="/boats/privilege-615"}}
Combining elegance, comfort, and style, the Privilege 615 is a lovely catamaran sailboat that seems to be always ready for a long offshore voyage. The roots of this incredible cat can be traced back to the 1980s when Philippe Jeantot opened up a boat-building company in France. As one of the best productions from the company, the privilege 615 sports a flybridge that comes complete with twin wheels, a sprawling sunbed, and other excellent features that will make your bluewater cruising a breeze.
Whether you want the charter version or a privately-owned version, the Privilege 615 is one of the most versatile catamaran sailboats. Step inside this vessel and you'll instantly notice the quality of the wood finish and the elegance of design. The advanced navigation station is not only ultra-modern but is perfectly stationed at a dedicated corner where you can control everything while still having a conversation with your friends and family.
This boat comes with multiple sleeping configurations to ensure that you and your guests can live aboard the boat for months on end. Although the boat appears like some sort of maze on the inside, you'll easily get used to it when you enter the forward section. That's not all; this boat has gorgeous lines that make the exterior beautiful just like the interior. Its sleek profile, incredible volume, and versatile interior make it one of the best catamaran sailboats out there.
There you have it; these are the best catamaran sailboats out there. It doesn't matter the one you choose, these cats will make your day out on the water and will serve you just right for your offshore voyages or for day sailing along the bays.
Related Articles
I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.
by this author
Best Sailboats
Most Recent
![best sailing catamaran 2022 What Does "Sailing By The Lee" Mean? | Life of Sailing](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5ce44e4e8d1c1fc85b84c18d/651aeefc68441b4bf2a4420c_whatdoessailingbytheleemean.jpeg)
What Does "Sailing By The Lee" Mean?
October 3, 2023
![best sailing catamaran 2022 The Best Sailing Schools And Programs: Reviews & Ratings | Life of Sailing](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5ce44e4e8d1c1fc85b84c18d/65129048129ad3dbb8c722b4_thebestsailingschoolsandprogramsreviewsratings.jpeg)
The Best Sailing Schools And Programs: Reviews & Ratings
September 26, 2023
Important Legal Info
Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.
Similar Posts
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Affordable Sailboats You Can Build at Home | Life of Sailing](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5ce44e4e8d1c1fc85b84c18d/6500182988bf8cf6b8e93b4f_affordablesailboatsyoucanbuildathome.jpeg)
Affordable Sailboats You Can Build at Home
September 13, 2023
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Best Small Sailboats With Standing Headroom | Life of Sailing](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5ce44e4e8d1c1fc85b84c18d/64f606bb072e989e8fddb4f2_bestsmallsailboatswithstandingheadroom.jpeg)
Best Small Sailboats With Standing Headroom
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Best Bluewater Sailboats Under $50K | Life of Sailing](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5ce44e4e8d1c1fc85b84c18d/64ecbc33f9337ce073a9bf99_bestbluewatersailboatsunder50k.jpeg)
Best Bluewater Sailboats Under $50K
Popular posts.
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Best Liveaboard Catamaran Sailboats | Life of Sailing](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5ce44e4e8d1c1fc85b84c18d/61576a458b6e8650e8c88c9e_best-liveaboard-catamaran-sailboats-thumbnail.jpeg)
Best Liveaboard Catamaran Sailboats
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Can a Novice Sail Around the World? | Life of Sailing](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5ce44e4e8d1c1fc85b84c18d/61576aa4795c32620f8d0eef_can-a-novice-sail-around-the-world-thumbnail.jpeg)
Can a Novice Sail Around the World?
Elizabeth O'Malley
June 15, 2022
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Best Electric Outboard Motors | Life of Sailing](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5ce44e4e8d1c1fc85b84c18d/61576c9b599f9809905b7a63_best-electric-outboard-motors-thumbnail.jpeg)
4 Best Electric Outboard Motors
![best sailing catamaran 2022 How Long Did It Take The Vikings To Sail To England? | Life of Sailing](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5ce44e4e8d1c1fc85b84c18d/61576f434f82e14c2cc51cc7_how-long-did-it-take-the-vikings-to-sail-to-england-thumbnail.jpeg)
How Long Did It Take The Vikings To Sail To England?
![best sailing catamaran 2022 10 Best Sailboat Brands | Life of Sailing](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5ce44e4e8d1c1fc85b84c18d/61576f6d552ad8378c84a30f_best-sailboat-brands-thumbnail.jpeg)
10 Best Sailboat Brands (And Why)
December 20, 2023
![best sailing catamaran 2022 7 Best Places To Liveaboard A Sailboat | Life of Sailing](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5ce44e4e8d1c1fc85b84c18d/6157704165392a687514fa19_best-places-to-liveaboard-a-sailboat-thumbnail.jpeg)
7 Best Places To Liveaboard A Sailboat
Get the best sailing content.
Top Rated Posts
Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. (866) 342-SAIL
© 2024 Life of Sailing Email: [email protected] Address: 11816 Inwood Rd #3024 Dallas, TX 75244 Disclaimer Privacy Policy
- AROUND THE SAILING WORLD
- BOAT OF THE YEAR
- Email Newsletters
- America’s Cup
- St. Petersburg
- Caribbean Championship
- Boating Safety
- Ultimate Boat Giveaway
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Sailing World logo](https://www.sailingworld.com/uploads/2021/10/cropped-SLW-New-Logo-768x334.jpg)
2022 Boat of the Year: Best Dinghy
- By Dave Reed
- December 17, 2021
Sailing World Magazine’s annual Boat of the Year tests are conducted in Annapolis, Maryland, following the US Sailboat Show. With independent judges exhaustively inspecting the boats on land and putting them through their paces on the water, this year’s fleet of new performance-sailing boats spanned from small dinghies to high-tech bluewater catamarans. Here’s the best of the best from our 2022 Boat of the Year nominees »
Skeptics be warned: The Happy Cat Hurricane is legit. This is the unanimous assessment from our Boat of the Year judging squad after sailing the surprisingly quick and nimble 16-foot inflatable catamaran in 10 knots of breeze. While it delivers exhilarating sailing, it’s much more than a recreational rubber dinghy—it’s an adventure craft, a portable sailboat, a pontoon motorboat, a lazy-river drifter, or anything you want it to be once it’s pumped and splashed.
Grabner is an Austrian manufacturer of all types of inflatable watercraft, which the company has been building since the mid-1980s. The Happy Cat Hurricane came online in 2017, and a carbon-mast version was added in 2019. The Hurricane Carbon, which the judges tested, is the company’s flagship go-fun craft, and apparently, it can’t make them fast enough.
We racers know fiberglass better than we do rubber, but Alex Caslow, of Redbeard Sailing in Baltimore (the US importer), says Grabner’s vulcanized rubber is “tire-quality” and sourced from Continental. All of the Happy Cat’s tubes, he adds, are handmade, glued and welded in Austria, producing high-quality hulls that should last at least 20 years. There’s a seven-year warranty on the hulls, he says, but should you ever need to, $2,000 is your replacement price (per hull). The all-up price for a new boat, with everything you need to go racing or gunkholing, is currently $15,000.
The magic to keeping the Happy Cat’s tubular platform stiff is the anodized aluminum frame that holds it all together. Tension cables crisscrossed beneath the trampolines provide additional stiffness in waves. The frame also serves as attachment points for the trampolines, which are clipped on rather than laced like most catamaran tramps.
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Happy Cat Hurricane](https://www.sailingworld.com/uploads/2021/12/SLWWI22_BOTY05-1024x682.jpg)
The boat, Caslow says, can be assembled in roughly 40 minutes—from taken out of the storage bags to inflated and sails hoisted. Upgrading from the standard manual pump to a 12-volt air pump accelerates the process, of course.
Bags? That’s right. The entire boat and rig fit into four bags collectively small enough to transport in the average-size car trunk. This portability is its primary selling point, especially in Europe, where hundreds of owners and devotees regularly gather to rally and raid on alpine lakes and coastal enclaves. Its second selling point is that it sails as well as most fiberglass recreational catamarans.
“It definitely caught my eye when we first walked up to it,” Chuck Allen says. “The bright-red hulls, the carbon rig, all the ropes, but especially the interesting setup with the rudder and centerboard being on centerline. I’d never sailed a catamaran with a centerboard.
“The hulls are really firm—they feel just like a RIB tube, and all the aluminum framing and wires are nice quality. I was really curious how it would sail, and believe it or not, it sailed like a champ.”
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Happy Cat Hurricane](https://www.sailingworld.com/uploads/2021/12/SLWWI22_BOTY06-1024x682.jpg)
Greg Stewart says his first impression was one of skepticism as well. “It seemed like it would be one of those boats that looked cool on land but would let us down, but it didn’t at all. It sailed amazingly. It tacked well enough that I didn’t have to backwind the jib, and got up to speed again quickly.”
The ability to tack it like a dinghy, Stewart says, is because of the centerboard and because the rudder is mounted in the best place possible. “What makes it steer so well is the rudder is so far aft, which gives you a nice turning moment between it and the centerboard.”
The centerboard has up/down lines that are led to the front beam and cam cleats, but there is a breaker line in case you get into shallow waters. The centerboard casing also acts as an anchor point for the dolphin striker.
The reverse “wave-piercing” bows have a lot of buoyancy down low, Stewart adds. When he was sailing upwind through chop, they “just want to lift and rise up over the wave.” If flying a hull gets a bit too unnerving, he says, a small ease on the mainsheet or a slight bear away makes the boat settle right down with a soft and pillowy landing. Stewart forgot to conduct the obligatory capsize test, but he said afterward that the boat tended to simply slip sideways if the weather hull got too high. The optional masthead float, however, would be a good choice for peace of mind, he says.
“There’s a great sensation of speed,” Powlison reports, especially with the 91-square-foot gennaker. “The Velocitek SpeedPuck that was on the boat was reading 10 to 11 knots regularly, and it wasn’t hard at all to tack or jibe either. The spinnaker clew is pretty high, and the boomless square-top mainsail (124 square feet) makes it really easy to get across the boat.”
“This boat rips,” was Allen’s final assessment. He gave it high marks all around, but what ultimately stole his favor was a browse through Grabner’s catalog, which showcased the Happy Cat’s versatility: Leave the mast in its bag, erect the optional sun awning, and slap on the outboard motor bracket to transform it into an outboard-powered exploration craft and swimming platform. Or strap on extra fore and aft trampolines, load the boat up with camping gear in dry bags, and explore new places.
“Its biggest appeal really is its portability,” Stewart says. “If you don’t have easy access to a yacht club or storage near the water, you can easily keep this in the garage or apartment without taking up much space at all. Throw it in the car and take it wherever you want.”
Assembly, Caslow says, is simple and quick once the hulls are inflated. The tubes slide into grooves in the frame, tension cables are clipped on with carabiners, the trampoline is strapped on, and the mast can be raised by one person once it’s pinned onto the ball joint.
When it’s assembled, the Hurricane Carbon is only 175 pounds, but it is still a bit unwieldy for solo ramp launching. For this particular challenge, Grabner offers flip-up “slip wheels” that mount to the aft beam and stay on the boat while sailing. With your standard big-wheeled catamaran dolly, however, it’s easy to move around and beach-launch. And once you’re underway and zipping along, crew extended on the wire and the soft bounce of the hull on your bottom, you’ll just want to keep on sailing—happy as a cat on nip.
- More: Boat of the Year , Boat of the Year 2022 , Sailboats
- More Sailboats
![best sailing catamaran 2022 ClubSwan 28 rendering](https://www.sailingworld.com/uploads/2024/03/CS28-.273-300x169.jpg)
Nautor Swan Has A New Pocket Rocket
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Pogo RC Visuel](https://www.sailingworld.com/uploads/2024/01/Pogo-RC-Visuel-300x300.jpg)
Pogo Launches its Latest Coastal Rocket
![best sailing catamaran 2022 The Storm 18](https://www.sailingworld.com/uploads/2024/01/Storm-18-enews-2-300x225.jpg)
A Deeper Dive Into the Storm 18
![best sailing catamaran 2022 best sailing catamaran 2022](https://www.sailingworld.com/uploads/2023/12/SW_BOTY2024_Z24-0316-300x220.jpg)
2024 Boat of the Year Best Recreational Racer: Z24
![best sailing catamaran 2022 PredictWind DataHub](https://www.sailingworld.com/uploads/2024/08/DataHub-HERO-SHOT-Top-768x576.jpg)
Smart Polars Are Here
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Superyacht Raven](https://www.sailingworld.com/uploads/2024/08/DJI_0435_edit-768x576.jpg)
The Skimming Superyacht
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Shilshole Bay](https://www.sailingworld.com/uploads/2024/07/12748-768x576.jpg)
Improve Your Weeknight Race Results
![best sailing catamaran 2022 2024 Sailing World Regatta Series Sailing World Regatta Series – Marblehead](https://www.sailingworld.com/uploads/2024/07/07282024_SWRS_Marblehead-0103-768x576.jpg)
Townie Showdown in the Harbor
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Sailing World logo](https://www.sailingworld.com/uploads/2021/10/cropped-SLW-New-Logo-300x130.jpg)
- Digital Edition
- Customer Service
- Privacy Policy
- Terms of Use
- Cruising World
- Sailing World
- Salt Water Sportsman
- Sport Fishing
- Wakeboarding
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Sail Universe](https://7343d5.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Logo-normale-nuove-dimensioni.jpg)
Top 15 French Sailboats (and Catamarans) for 2022
![best sailing catamaran 2022 top 15 French sailboats 2022](https://7343d5.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/top-15-french-sailboats-2022.jpg?time=1722517248)
France is undoubtedly one of the homelands of sailing. Monohull or multihull, every year the French shipyards present models that are successful all over the world. This is why we decided to select our top 15 French sailboats (and catamarans) for 2022; we choose them between the new ones and the slightly older ones. And you? What’s your favorite model?
Top 15 French sailboats for 2022: monohulls
Allures 51.9.
The Allures 51.9 innovates with its full-beam aft owner’s cabin. This model disrupts the codes of the yard also outside with its cockpit of 6 meters long with sunbath and swim platform for comfort; the navigation space can be protected by a hardtop to navigate in any security. The boat has a length of 51.9 feet (15.8 meters) and a beam (width) of 15.4 feet (4.7 meters). It is equipped with a fixed keel and a composite hull, which provides good stability and seaworthiness. The Allures 51.9 is available in a variety of configurations, including a three-cabin layout with a spacious owner’s cabin and two guest cabins, or a two-cabin layout with a larger owner’s cabin and a smaller guest cabin. It is also equipped with a well-equipped galley, a large saloon, and a navigation station. The boat is designed to be comfortable and easy to handle, with a simple sail plan and a self-tacking jib. The Allures 51.9 is a popular choice for sailors looking for a high-quality, reliable, and seaworthy yacht for extended cruising. Allures official website .
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Amel 50](https://7343d5.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Amel-50.jpg)
With this 15-meter unit , the La Rochelle shipyard opens the Amel concept to a new category of clients, thanks to more accessible dimensions. While they are not abandoning the emblematic ketch design of the La Rochelle shipyard, Amel has chosen the sloop for this unit. However, this is not a new format as such, as a number of sloops have already left the shipyard in the past. Among the innovations on this new model, the choice of a straight, powerful bow is a break from the shipyard’s habits. The waterline is extended to improve performance, making the front part of the boat more spacious. The addition of a bowsprit makes it possible to tack an additional sail such as an asymmetric spinnaker or a code-0. Amel official website .
Beneteau First 36
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Beneteau First 36 top 15 French sailboats](https://7343d5.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Beneteau-First-36-1024x576.jpg)
The Beneteau First 36 has a mission to bridge the gap between high-tech development in the world of racing and mainstream racer-cruisers. To be specific, even the standard version of First 36 will fully plane in a moderate breeze. Positioning six winches, steering wheels, and other deck gear was thoroughly tested on several mock-ups and a full-scale testbed sailboat to enable the sailing experience promised on the previous page.
Details like an offshore hatch on the foredeck or removable cockpit benches show the priority of sailing functionality over style used throughout the design process. Standard aluminium rig and cast iron keel were chosen to keep the boat accessible. Yet, Sam Manuard brought his experience and focused on perfecting the shape and design of these two key ingredients for a great sailing experience. The draft of 2,25 m was chosen as a compromise between performance and ease of use. Beneteau official website .
![best sailing catamaran 2022 dufour 32 sailboat top 15 French sailboats](https://7343d5.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Dufour-32-1024x576.jpg)
The new Dufour 32, designed by Umberto Felci, has been developed in the same spirit as all the latest models in the Dufour range: it’s a sporty, innovative yacht that is easy to handle, both with a crew and single-handed. All the spaces have been completely redesigned to create a multitude of playful and intelligent uses. For the first time on a 32-foot sailboat , you can now enjoy an aft sunbathing area … sheltered by a fabric shade that can be adjusted in moments. The inflatable and removable aft door of the cockpit folds down to complete this large friendly space. Dufour official website.
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 380
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 380 top 15 French sailboats](https://7343d5.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Jeanneau-Sun-Odyssey-380-1024x576.jpg)
Designed by naval architect Marc Lombard with interior styling by Piaton Bercault, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 380 complete with the award-winning walk-around deck, follows the same design trend of its predecessors the Sun Odyssey 410, 440, and 490. On the interior, while the design features the hallmarks of this line, careful consideration was given to the perception of space and the simplification of lines, with the objective of creating sensations of peace and calm. Jeanneau official website .
![best sailing catamaran 2022 pogo 44 top 15 French sailboats](https://7343d5.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Pogo-44.jpg)
For this fast cruising yacht , the shipyard has once again entrusted the Finot-Conq naval architecture firm to apply the very successful design of the Pogo 36 to a larger model. As for the hull, the Pogo 44 features a wide, chine hull, which guarantees high performance in planning and comfort when sailing at all speeds. The bow has a large volume, which is reminiscent of the Pogo 3. The keel of the Pogo 44, still made with a vacuum infused Monolithic Fiberglass veil and a lead ballast, receives the same hydraulic system as the Pogo 12.50 or Pogo 50. Pogo official website .
![best sailing catamaran 2022 RM 970 top 15 French sailboats](https://7343d5.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/RM-970.jpg)
The French yard is well known not only among ocean sailors but also to those who love short-handed sailing and are looking for seaworthy and easily driven boats, both safe and comfortable. This last aspect is where Fora Marine has made great progress in the last few years, shedding some of the spartan image that characterized their products for many years.
What has not changed, and what is still the RM range’s defining characteristic, is the twin-chined hull, made of Okumé plywood impregnated with epoxy resin (the deck is in fiberglass sandwich). Below the hull, the yard offers two options, a single deep keel or double shoal draft keels. The RM are designed by Marc Lombard , probably one of the architects most able to transform the fashionable chine into an important element in cruising design. A chined hull, when properly drawn, gives both better hull shape and interior volumes. RM Yachts official website .
Top 15 French sailboats for 2022: catamarans
![best sailing catamaran 2022 bali 4.4](https://7343d5.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/bali-4.4-1024x576.jpg)
The new Bali 4.4 offers interesting living spaces, both inside and outside. With an optimized sail plan, sailing should gain in performance. The French shipyard is constantly developing its range and, after the 5.4, the fleet’s flagship, and the recent 4.2 and 4.6, the Bali 4.4 joins this renewed family. The Bali 4.4 replaces the 4.3 and 4.5 from the Bali catamaran range. With the same origins (designer Olivier Poncin, architect Xavier Fay and Lasta Design for the interiors) the Bali 4.4 has the DNA of the last models with slender bows, a silhouette lightened by the presence of long hull portholes and vast living spaces. The latter are divided between the spacious rigid forward cockpit between the two hulls, the flying bridge with its saloon and solarium, and finally the tilt-and-turn door joining together the cockpit and saloon. Bali official website .
Excess 15 (bluewater sailing configuration)
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Beneteau excess 15 catamaran top 15 French sailboats](https://7343d5.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Excess-15-2.jpg)
The bluewater sailing configuration of the Excess 15 consists of twin Deep Blue 50 kW electric saildrives in cooperation with ZF, two Deep Blue high-capacity lithium-ion BMW i3 batteries, and a full energy management system for harvesting green energy and charging the boat’s batteries while underway. On the yacht’s long test sail, the hydro generation system easily provided enough electricity to power one hundred percent of the onboard hotel loads at a cruising speed of seven to eight knots. Adding solar photovoltaics, planned for phase two of the Excess 15 with Deep Blue Hybrid project , will extend the system’s range and provide even more hybrid power and comfort on board. Excess Catamarans official website .
Fountaine Pajot Isla 40
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Fountaine pajot Isla 40 top 15 french sailboats](https://7343d5.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Fountaine-pajot-Isla-40-top-15-french-sailboats.jpg)
The 12m Isla 40 embodies the spirit of French yard Fountaine Pajot and is distinguished by invigorating lines. The catamaran features inverted bows and a particular saloon where the chart table is accessible from the entrance. Her performance is complemented by optimal liveability with the option of three or four double cabins plus the possibility of a skipper’s cabin if required. Olivier Racoupeau Yacht Design , in collaboration with the engineers at Fountaine Pajot, has designed this new model, taking inspiration from the strengths of the other models in the range, and giving this 40-foot catamaran even more space and storage. Fountaine Pajot official website .
Garcia Explocat 52
The Garcia Explocat 52 is custom made with aluminum hulls and structures and fiberglass composite deck roofs. Aluminum shipbuilding has been Garcia’s strength for over 40 years. In Normandy (France), the Garcia shipyard has built more than 300 monohulls, catamarans, and trawlers up to 102 feet in length. Garcia Explocat 52 is specially designed for owners who want to walk in high latitudes and / or in the tropics. In addition to the three versions offered, the aluminum structure allows the yard to customize the yacht to meet all the expectations of the owner. Available in 3 or 4 cabin versions, each Explocat 52 is uniquely adapted to fit your cruising dreams. Garcia Yachts official website .
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Lagoon 55 top 15 french sailboats](https://7343d5.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Lagoon-55-top-15-french-sailboats.jpg)
With nearly 6,000 units produced since the French shipyard began in 1987, Lagoon remains by far the world leader in the multihull market. To celebrate this international success, the shipyard launched last year the Lagoon 55. Designed by the VPLP team on the naval architecture side, this 16.56-meter long and 9-meter wide multihull was designed by Patrick le Quément for the exterior and Nauta Design for the interior. This 55’ model is equipped with an extra-large 25 m2 (269 sq ft) cockpit, including a large dining area; two large loungers at the stern, a comfortable deck chair in the shade of the roof; as well as a bar area perfectly equipped to ensure comfort on board. Lagoon official website .
Nautitech 40 Open
![best sailing catamaran 2022 nautitech 40 open](https://7343d5.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Nautitech-40-open.jpg)
The redesigned roof enhances the streamlined silhouette and “Open Concept” of this award-winning yacht. The remodeled structure with large windows has optimized the helmsman’s 360-degree view from both helm stations. A skylight window in the cockpit roof provides the helmsman a clear view of the mainsail’s trim. The lounge area with a U-shaped sofa can now be found on the port side. And for those who don’t want to lose touch with the office on long trips, a desk can be included in the lounge area, if so desired. Nautitech official website .
Outremer 55
![best sailing catamaran 2022 outremer 55](https://7343d5.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Outremer-55.jpg)
The Outremer 55, a liveaboard catamaran, is easy to maneuver, whether short-handed or even solo. The Outremer 55 features twin helms but they can be switched from on deck in a new double helm seat with full outdoor visibility for fun sailing, or switched down into the cockpit for fully protected sailing in bad conditions. The Outremer’s design team from VPLP have used CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) to reduce drag ad forward resistance, while allowing for higher carrying capacity hen blue water cruising. At just 13.5t and combined sail area of 172 sm (Mainsail & Genoa) sailing in light winds will be a joy, but if needed the twin 60hp diesel motors are ready to engage. Outremer official website .
Windelo 50 Adventure
![best sailing catamaran 2022 windelo 50 catamaran](https://7343d5.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/windelo-50-sailing-1024x576.jpg)
Designed in partnership with the architects Christophe Barreau and Frédéric Neuman, this fast blue-water cruising catamaran features an electric propulsion system that includes great hydro-generation facilities, solar panels, and the possibility to work under generator when it’s a necessity. With the development of an eco-composite in basalt fiber and PET foam, this is definitely an eco-friendly boat. Behind the mast, the forward cockpit has two helm stations protected from the wind and spray, a good view of the sails and the bows, and all the running rigging at hand. At anchor, the cockpit can be well protected from the elements and opens up to the stern. The self-tacking facilitates maneuvers also with limited crew; the lifting daggerboards are placed at the center of the hull to optimize their hydrodynamic performance. Windelo official website .
So, this is the selection of our top 15 French sailboats (and catamarans) for 2022. And you? What’s your favorite model?
Nautor Swan Merges With Sanlorenzo Group
Top 15 places sailing around mediterranean sea this summer, royal huisman project 410, ready to roll the hull, the first wallywind110 to debut at the monaco yacht show 2024, live your passion, subscribe to our mailing list.
- 30 SportCat
- Sixty Solar Sail
- 40 PowerCat
- Sixty Solar Power
- Pricing & Options
Owners Support
Brokerage Events
Certified pre-owned yachts.
![best sailing catamaran 2022 X5 Plus – ‘LEVANTE’, X5 – ‘SHELL SHOCKED X’ and X5 – ‘VANQUISH’ now up for Sale!](https://xquisiteyachts.com/wp-content/themes/yootheme/cache/97/cpo_06052024-977ee5c9.png)
Certified Pre-Owned Program: X5 Plus – ‘LEVANTE’, X5 – ‘SHELL SHOCKED X’ and X5 – ‘VANQUISH’ now up for Sale!
![best sailing catamaran 2022 best sailing catamaran 2022](https://xquisiteyachts.com/wp-content/themes/yootheme/cache/90/cpo_levante_FB2-90b97530.png)
Certified Pre-Owned 2022 X5 Plus – LEVANTE – is now on sale!
![best sailing catamaran 2022 best sailing catamaran 2022](https://xquisiteyachts.com/wp-content/themes/yootheme/cache/ee/xquisite-in-house-boat-show_FB2-eeced556.png)
Xquisite In-House Bahamas Boat Show on May 10-11, 2024
![best sailing catamaran 2022 best sailing catamaran 2022](https://xquisiteyachts.com/wp-content/themes/yootheme/cache/d1/cpo_levante_small-2-d199580d.png)
- Model: X5 Plus - LEVANTE
- Year Built: 2022
- Location: Alicante, Spain
- Price: $ 1,650,000
![best sailing catamaran 2022 best sailing catamaran 2022](https://xquisiteyachts.com/wp-content/themes/yootheme/cache/21/cpo_X5_shell_shocked_2020_FB_rev1-2142b7ca.png)
- Model: X5 - SHELL SHOCKED X
- Year Built: 2020
- Location: Freeport, Bahamas
- Price: $ 1,350,000
![best sailing catamaran 2022 best sailing catamaran 2022](https://xquisiteyachts.com/wp-content/themes/yootheme/cache/7b/cpo_X5_2018_FB_rev1-7b5f9774.png)
- Model: X5 - VANQUISH
- Year Built: 2018
- Price: $ 1,150,000
Ready to get started?
![best sailing catamaran 2022 best sailing catamaran 2022](https://downloads-yootheme.storage.googleapis.com/library/devstack/images/background-square-01.png?GoogleAccessId=GOOG4MS2DYOANFZBKT5C&Expires=1633982850&Signature=2mEZ6z6Qkb8roP7FUVTbve5y7P8%3D)
- Feature Index
- Documentation
- Community Forum
- Feature Requests
- Getting Started
- Learn the Basics
- Configurations
Mainstreet 1234 12345 Anytown, Germany + 44 555 00 00 15
Pinewood Lake
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Xquisite X5 Plus - Boat of the Year](https://xquisiteyachts.com/wp-content/themes/yootheme/cache/52/X5_plus_2022_beat_boat_nominee_small-5200c7b8.jpeg)
X5 Plus - Multi-award winner
- Technical Specs
- X5 Custom Design
- Layouts & Sail Plan
- Trade-in Program
- X5 Plus Awards
X5 Plus - Chief among the changes relative to its predecessor are lighter displacement and a more powerful rig in the interest of speed.
Latest Yacht News
![best sailing catamaran 2022 best sailing catamaran 2022](https://xquisiteyachts.com/wp-content/themes/yootheme/cache/86/annapolis_sixty_sail_FB_rev5-86da321d.png)
World Premiere: The Boat of The Year-Nominated Sixty Solar Sail at the Annapolis Sailboat Show 2024
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Xquisite Yachts Unveils the New Sixty Solar Power](https://xquisiteyachts.com/wp-content/themes/yootheme/cache/0f/XPC60_video_FB_rev3-0fa0f521.png)
Xquisite Yachts Unveils the New Sixty Solar Power
![best sailing catamaran 2022 best sailing catamaran 2022](https://xquisiteyachts.com/wp-content/themes/yootheme/cache/85/sixty_charters_FB_10off-855e3537.png)
Just Launched! Secure Your Holiday on the New Sixty Solar Sail & Sixty Solar Power Yachts in the Bahamas
Service & Maintenance
Certified Pre-Owned
Boat of The Year
X5 luxury catamarans have won multiple prestigious awards, including: - The Best Boat - Best System - Most Innovative Sailboat awards
Xquisite X5 PLUS – Best cruising catamaran of 2022
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Xquisite X5 PLUS – Best cruising catamaran of 2022](https://xquisiteyachts.com/wp-content/themes/yootheme/cache/74/Best_Cat_2022_winner_Xquisite-74c7b8af.png)
Xquisite X5 – Boat Of The Year – yet again
NEWPORT, R.I. (Dec. 6, 2021) – Cruising World magazine today announced the winners of its 2022 Boat of the Year competition.
Are they really all-around cruising sailboats, or are they luxurious and large party platforms that are best-suited for crewed charter vacations in tropical settings? That was once a fair question to ask of the builders knocking off long, tall, beamy vessels balanced on a pair of cabin-filled hulls. But no longer.
Despite their respective girths and displacements, not to mention a wide variety of wind speeds and sea states, this quartet of full-size cats performed admirably across the board in this year’s BOTY sea trials. Yes, they now truck along like good, honest sailboats. All that room is icing on the cake.
”I’d liken the Xquisite business model, which is exemplary, to the automotive sector for high-end cars, such as BMW and Mercedes.” — Ed Sherman
Xquisite X5 Plus
There’s much to like about this 53-foot South African-built cat. For judge Tim Murphy , the important details weren’t necessarily the ones you could easily see, but rather the ones you couldn’t.
“What I was most struck by on our tour of the boat was actually the service side of the whole equation,” he said. “There are 40,000 man-hours invested in this boat. And you can see it—those are solid hours of labor. One thing that was pointed out was two different marks on the heads of bolts showing they were torqued. And part of the Xquisite program is they spend two weeks with each owner, training them up with systems. All told, this is really one strong product.”
![best sailing catamaran 2022 X5 PLUS Production Schedule](https://xquisiteyachts.com/wp-content/themes/yootheme/cache/fc/X5_plus_production_schedule_CTA-fc73e04c.png)
The 2022 Boat of the Year contest will be featured in full in a 24-page special report in the January 2022 issue of Cruising World . For further information, visit www.cruisingworld.com
![best sailing catamaran 2022](https://www.catamaranfreedom.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/small-logo-300x87.jpg)
17 Best Catamarans for Sailing Around the World
![best sailing catamaran 2022](https://www.catamaranfreedom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Excess15-Webpage-27.jpg)
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site.
Catamarans are quickly outstripping single-hull boats for long-distance journeys. They are more stable and comfortable , and some can travel more than 200 miles in a day. In today’s article, I have put together a complete (well almost) list of some of the best catamarans for circumnavigating the planet; the question is, which one is best for you?
The best catamarans for sailing around the world include:
- The Fountaine Pajot Ipanema 58
These cats focus on speed, safety, and comfort for longer journeys.
This article will show you the seventeen best catamarans for long journeys, and why they’re the best. You’ll also learn some great tips on what to look for in a Catamaran and how to save money by buying a used catamaran. Let this list be a jumping-off point for your future research!
Pro-tip; here are the actual costs of maintaining a cat and here are considerations on how to circumnavigate .
Table of Contents
The Best Catamarans for Sailing Around the World
A catamaran is a double-hulled boat with a deck or cabin area in between (bluewater cat definition in this article ). The double hull design means that the boat rocks less, sits higher on the water, uses less fuel to sail, and can be sailed in shallower waters than a single-hulled boat without worrying about grounding.
Catamarans come in a variety of sizes and can be sail-powered or motor-powered and range from single-person sailing boats to family-sized yachts. Every catamaran design is different, and the twin-hull shape offers many ways to customize the layout of a ship.
Each boat on this list is a larger catamaran (+40ft, more on size here ), so if you’re going to sail around the world, you want lots of space for provisions and rest.
Of course, there are tons of technical specs for each of these boats, but I’m going to focus on the overall features of each of these catamarans, what makes them stand out, and why they would each be an excellent choice for a transatlantic journey.
Antares 44i
The Antares 44i is an excellent option for sailing around the world and was explicitly designed for long-distance cruising. It performs well in any weather conditions, can be sailed easily by two people, and you’ll be able to sail long distances and live in comfort.
Although it can be easily sailed by a crew of two I believe that a true bluewater cat should be set up for single-handed sailing, more on that in another article .
This catamaran features a stateroom on each hull and a forward cabin with plenty of storage space. The living and entertainment features include a flatscreen tv and a high-end deck speaker system.
With this model, Antares dedicates itself to high-quality boats with optimal rigging and engine configurations.
![](http://gbes.online/777/templates/cheerup/res/banner1.jpg)
Atlantic 42
Atlantic is no longer building this catamaran, but there are usually a few pre-owned boats on the market. You can also get it made custom if you love the design, but be prepared to spend more money on a custom boat (custom boat also gets custom problems ;)).
The Atlantic 42 is slightly smaller than some of the other catamarans on this list but is a seaworthy vessel. 42 ft is what most sailors I interview ( in this article ) said was the smallest cat to safely cross big oceans. It is also a decent size to counter the risk of capsizing (more on that here ).
It has a forward cockpit and pilothouse, which gives the owner a better use of space and makes the boat easier to navigate. With single-handed capability, one person can sail it easily and let the rest of the crew relax.
One of the best-praised aspects of the Atlantic 42 is its galley, more extensive than most 42-footers (12.8-meter) can offer.
One of the few 50 footers (15.24 meters) that can be sailed by just one person (many would of course disagree on this).
The Catana 50 is a catamaran worthy of an overseas journey. Its size adds to its stability on the open waters and its ability to sail straight through the choppy ocean and windy conditions.
The Catana is also incredibly spacious on the inside, with substantial cabins and showers. The biggest downside to the Catana 50 is its price, as it’s much more expensive than most of its competitors.
Catana also holds up well against some of the fastest cruising cats out there, here’s a list of the fastest cruisers if you are interested in that.
However, if you can find a gently-used Catana 50, you can rest assured that this boat will last!
The Dolphin 42 is unique because of the use of daggerboards instead of fixed keels. This upgrade means that the boat has some pretty decent upwind performance while at the same time being faster downwind.
Centerboards and daggerboards offer some interesting downsides compared to mini keels. This is an interesting discussion and I suggest you read another one of my articles if you want to deepen your knowledge a little.
These catamarans are some of the lightest on the market. Not many Dolphins were made, so they are relatively hard to find. However, if you want a small, lightweight boat capable of going great distances, the Dolphin 42 is an excellent choice.
Fountaine Pajot Belize 43
The Fountaine Pajot Belize is another well-built cruising yacht. Its core is made of foam instead of balsa, which reduces the risk of structural damage due to a rotten core in case of water intrusion.
The design of Belize offers many options for customizability, with large open spaces and a combined saloon, navigation, and dinette area.
There are two styles of Belize catamarans for sleeping quarters. You can either purchase a boat with an entire primary suite on one hull or one with two cabins in each hull. The first option is great if you are sailing the world alone and not expecting many guests, as it increases the storage capacity.
Understanding what factors to consider when getting a cat can be hard, there are just so many of them (such as the daggerboard discussion above), I have tried to compile some of the most important in this article .
The boat also has wraparound windows to increase the sense of space in the galley.
Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40
Fountaine Pajot is one of the best sailboat manufacturers existing today, as their boats are well made and highly versatile. The Lucia 40 is no exception – it’s a smaller boat but has a lot of room for moving around and on-board living.
The living area is remarkably spacious on this catamaran for its size.
The galley and lounge easily accommodate 6+people. The Lucia 40 doesn’t disappoint when it comes to sailing either, as the narrow hulls slice through choppy waters with ease.
Most catamarans today are built to withstand rough weather but that doesn’t matter as much if the crew isn’t up for the task, I firmly believe that the most important thing a boat should consist of, is knowledge. Therefore taking online courses ( two free here ) or reading books ( my favorites here ) is imperative.
Gemini 105M
Gemini’s boats have been on the market for years and are solidly built for cruising. This boat is one of the most popular ever made, I personally would consider something different for offshore cruising, but since it has such a good reputation, I felt I had to add it to the list.
If you want to understand why I am hesitant to take this boat around the world, I recommend you read my article: What are trampolines on a catamaran?
The Gunboat 62 is a great catamaran and set the standards for the rest of the impressive Gunboat lineup. It’s sleek and spacious while being robust and capable of transatlantic journeys. You can easily travel the world in a Gunboat 62 with several people and not feel cramped.
The yacht was made for speed and power and remains one of the fastest catamarans on the market, even rivaling the newer Gunboat models. GABO
Although the earlier models of the Gunboat 62 weren’t designed for a lot of cargo, you can still find space for everything you need without compromise.
Lagoon catamarans are known for their reliability and ease of use. If you are considering a catamaran for the first time and are unsure about the technicalities of sailing, a Lagoon boat is a great option.
The Lagoon 380 is probably the smallest cruiser on this list, which makes it better suited for solo or couple sailing.
When I go looking to buy something, whether it be a boat, campervan, or whatever, I create a checklist and classify all the things I want either by NEED or NICE to have.
I believe the Lagoon 380 to be sub-optimal for my NEEDS, even though it does check a lot of NICE boxes, there’s a step-by-step article on the NEED and NICE method here .
There are several cabin options available on the Lagoon 380, but if you’re sailing by yourself, you can settle for three cabins and a larger galley and living space. With a smaller cockpit and broader side decks, the Lagoon 380 packs a lot of practicality and ease of sailing into a more compact catamaran.
If you like the idea of a Lagoon boat but want a little more space, the Lagoon 42 is the upgraded version of the Lagoon 380. With all of the same benefits, it comes with more space for cabins or storage, making it one of the best-selling Lagoons of all time.
The Lagoon 42 is also a faster cruiser built for strength. While it’s not the fastest on the market, it works well in choppy waters and windy conditions, making it great for the beginning sailor to go on a more extended trip.
Many people have completed an around-the-world sail with this ship.
Although there is a flybridge version, I would recommend the “open” version due to several factors, some including increased windage and a higher boom. More on flybridges pros and cons here .
For stability, safety, and durability, you can’t beat the Lagoon 42.
The Leopard 45 performs better with less storage weight because of the relatively low bridge deck clearance. If the boat is fully loaded, you could experience some wave pounding. However, the cockpit is open and airy, with devices that block the sun and provide maximum comfort while sailing.
The Leopard 45 is an incredibly beautiful boat, and has a strong reputation for excellent build quality!
Leopard catamarans are one of my personal favorites, as such I have written an entire article about the brand, so if you want to understand its pros and cons then here is the link . Gabo
Designed in South Africa, it features a high rear arch for extra support and very smoothly connected decks. The galley is large and open, and most Leopards offer a four-cabin plan. If you are traveling with another person, this boat is an excellent option for you!
The Manta 42 is another classic catamaran that you can buy used (at a decent price), as it is an incredibly seaworthy vessel. While still in production, the Manta was one of the most popular catamarans on the market.
It is still in high demand amongst circumnavigators. Buying a used Manta 42 usually means that you inherit some of the previous owner’s boat upgrades!
The Manta 42 also made it to my list of the 9 safest catamarans on the market ( link ).
This blue water cat can be sailed by one or two people, making it ideal for liveaboard couples or long-distance shorthanded sailing. The galley is in the saloon ( instead of in one of the hulls ), making the cabins below more spacious and better equipped.
Overall, the Manta is well equipped for sailing around the world.
Nautitech 44
Nautitech is an excellent brand of the catamaran, with several different designs per boat. The Nautitech 44 has a unique feature, you can have it with two options for steering: twin wheels or a single wheel.
The Nautitech 44 also features a cockpit on the same level as the saloon. The door between the two is more convenient than a hatch and dramatically reduces the risk of water damage during rain pour.
This is also the same boat that aeroyacht president Gregor owns, he has offered some great insights into Nautitech in the book Catamarans (amazon link )
Outremer 45
Outremer is famous for being one of the fastest brands of catamarans on the market. If you need speed, the Outremer 45 might be the perfect choice for you. It has a top speed of 16 knots, which is higher than almost every other catamaran of its class.
While the Outremer 45 is known for speed, it doesn’t compromise on the quality of living.
You can settle into life on this boat with complete peace of mind. Even as a beginning sailor, the steering is simple and easy to use, and the autopilot is top of the line, so you’ll be able to sail across the ocean in an Outremer without issue.
Privilege Serie 5
A French-designed catamaran, the Privilege Serie 5 is one of the most comfortable 50-foot (15 m) yachts available. The unique cabin layout includes the master cabin in the boat’s center instead of in one of the hulls.
The Privilege Serie 5 is also incredibly easy to sail, despite its larger size.
The sails and controls lead to the helm, where the raised deck makes it easy to see all around the deck. If you want to cross the ocean with a full crew then the Privilege Serie 5 might be perfect for you!
Seawind 1000
The Seawind 1000 is the smallest boat on this list, measuring 33 feet (10 meters) long altogether. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s not livable. If you are sailing on your own or with a partner, there is more than enough space to live in the Seawind 1000, which includes the option of a centered cabin or two hull cabins.
Because it’s small, the Seawind 1000 is easy to handle. The mast and sails are all manufactured for extra stability and ease of use.
Overall, the Seawind 1000 is an excellent example of a simple, safe, and seaworthy catamaran.
Note: since this is a small catamaran it will also be more sensitive to heavy weather so trip-planning becomes even more important.
The Voyage 44 is one of the oldest cats on this list, having had its hay-day in the mid-1990s. However, this also means that a used Voyage 44 will be cheaper than a newer boat. If you can find a Voyage with previous responsible owners, you will inherit any upgrades and fixes that they’ve made on top of a very seaworthy boat.
The Voyage 44 has more storage and space than most cruisers of its size and is known for behaving very well in choppy waters.
This catamaran does its job well while providing adequate space for cooking, sleeping, and living aboard.
What To Look For in a Long-Distance Cruising Catamaran
If you are planning to sail around the world, you need to be very careful about which kind of catamaran you decide to use. Many of the things you want in a boat really comes down to personal preference, so be sure you know what design preferences you want before you start shopping!
Size and Payload
The most important thing to consider when buying a catamaran is how much space and cargo you need because the larger the boats are, the bigger the payload it can handle. Decide how long you want the ship to be and how much you’re taking with you.
It’s vital not to overload a catamaran, this will reduce performance and increase risk of unwanted behavior in heavy seas.
Cabin Placement
Most catamarans have options for a “Maestro” cabin placement, where one entire hull is the master suite, and the other cabins are located on the opposite hull.
Cockpit and Protection From The Weather
Is the cockpit on the boat you’re looking at covered or open? This can make a difference on the high seas, especially during rainy weather.
The size of the ship also can affect how many people you need as a crew. If you’re traveling by yourself or with one other person, you don’t want to buy a boat that needs a larger crew.
Buying Used?
If you don’t want to spend the money on a brand new catamaran, I don’t blame you. Several of the ships on this list are out of production and can only be found used. However, for circumnavigation, you do want a boat of high quality to keep you safe and dry until you make it to your destination.
When buying a suitably used catamaran, it’s essential to look at the refit history of the boat more than the year it was made. Catamarans are sturdy, and the general design has been the same for at least the past decade.
If you find a newer, larger, cheaper boat, you should look into its history.
Your best bet to save money while buying a catamaran will be to buy an older, probably smaller boat with an excellent refit history and no serious issues. It will still be an investment, and a sturdy used catamaran will serve you well.
Final Thoughts
No matter which catamaran you decide to buy for your journey, you’ll be able to sail safely and comfortably. Catamarans are great yachts for long-distance sailing, and the ships on this list are the best of the best. These brands are time-tested and ready to accompany you on an adventure around the world!
Here are Some of My Favorite Catamaran Cruising Resources
Thank you for reading this article. I hope you found it helpful as you hopefully start your sailing adventures. Here are some resources that I use as a sailor that I hope you’ll also find helpful. These are affiliate links, so if you do decide to use any of them, I’ll earn a commission. But in all honesty, these are the exact things that I use and recommend to everyone, even my own family. Sailboats: If you’re looking for the best boat to suit your needs, I would recommend a catamaran. If you’re interested, I can show you the differences between catamarans and other types of sailboats .
Books: For getting started, I really like Cruising catamarans made easy . It is actually a textbook from the American sailing association; it is used to get a cruising catamaran certification. There are some other great books, and I have compiled a list of books about cruising catamarans that you will find useful.
Communication: Being out on adventures, whether it be sailing or climbing mountains, good communications are essential to being safe. I recommend two things Google fi (incredibly simple cellular data all over the world) and Garmin inreach mini (for text and voice in remote areas without cell coverage)
Sailing courses: Online sailing courses are great for beginners starting out their sailing career; it’s an efficient way of learning the basics of navigation, throttle controls, and maritime safety. I suggest starting with two free courses from NauticEd .
To see all my most up-to-date recommendations, check out this resource that I made for you!
- Wikipedia: Catamaran
- Cruising World: A-Z Best Cruising Catamarans
- Dreamy Yacht Sales: Four Best Catamarans for New Buyers
- Atlantic Cruising: Good Cat/Bad Cat
- Yachting World: Catamaran Sailing Across the Atlantic
- Boat Affair: What is a Catamaran?
- Nautilus Sailing: Catamaran Sailing
Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!
3 thoughts on “ 17 Best Catamarans for Sailing Around the World ”
I like the efforts you have put in this, regards for all the great content.
Thanks Elisabeth I really appreciate the kind words 🙂
I appreciate you sharing this blog post. Thanks Again. Cool.
Leave a Reply Cancel reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment.
Recent Posts
Must-Have Boat Gear for Catamaran Sailors!
Sailing is probably the most gear-intensive activity I've ever done; there are so many decisions to be made about what gear to buy now, for tomorrow, and what to definitely never buy. The gear on...
6 Best Trailerable Trimarans For Bluewater and Coastal Sailing
Having a boat costs a lot of money, even when you are not using it, marina fees, etc. And once it is in the water most sailors never go very far from their "home marina" and sailing will be somewhat...
Gary King Has Ruined Below Deck Sailing Yacht's Future (It Will Never Be The Same)
- Gary King's sexual misconduct allegations have cast a shadow over the future of Below Deck Sailing Yacht.
- Despite his problematic behavior, Gary has continued to film for the upcoming season of the show.
- The handling of Gary's actions has raised questions about the show's direction and the potential for a cast shakeup.
Below Deck Sailing Yacht 's future is uncertain after First Officer Gary King 's sexual misconduct allegations. Gary premiered in the franchise in Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 2 under Captain Glenn Shephard. Gary came into the franchise with more than 10 years of experience in the yachting industry when he joined Parsifal III in 2021. Gary showcased his abilities as a leader and demonstrated his prowess on deck and familiarity with sailboats. He quickly made friends with Captain Glenn, and the two have become close friends over the years.
Outside of his abilities on deck, Gary proved to provide highly entertaining reality TV. The playboy did not shy away from developing boatmances, and his player attitude has drama for him every season. Gary hails from South Africa and is currently 35 years old. On the show, Gary most notably made waves for his friendship turned situationship with Below Deck Sailing Yacht Chief Stew, Daisy Kelliher . The pair have had a contentious working relationship and an even more complicated friendship. However, there are bigger problems than his relationship with Daisy that are affecting the franchise as a whole.
20 Best Reality TV Shows Right Now
Reality TV is more popular than ever. With so many to choose from, here are some of the best reality TV shows to stream or watch right now.
Gary's Sexual Misconduct Allegations Explained
The incident happened in summer 2022.
Allegations from Below Deck makeup artist Samantha Suarez against Gary came out in August 2023. She detailed an incident that took place during the filming of Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 4, which filmed in the Summer of 2022. She alleged that while Gary had COVID-19 and was isolating in a hotel prior to the season's filming, he trapped her in his hotel room and attempted to block her exit while grabbing her from behind. She got away from his attempts at physically retraining her and left the room. She then reported it to the network.
Gary and the Below Deck franchise have seemingly taken no responsibility for the incident. The network claims the allegations were investigated and that " action was taken based on the findings." The only reprimand Gary has appeared to have was Bravo pulling him from BravoCon 2023. On Gary's side of things, he doesn't believe he is getting a fair shake and is denying that the incident happened. In a quickly-deleted Instagram comment from Gary, he showcased his lack of awareness and culpability.
"Its so weird, its also so far from the truth. She always wanted a platform and unfortunately Im the unlucky target." Gary continued, "Im not going to let some lying girl get to me read that article fully, multiple times, and this happened to her on multiple seasons seems odd."
Since the allegations have surfaced, Gary has continued to post on social media, although he has steered clear of the misconduct topic after his off-handed Instagram comment. Gary's already-negative reputation has gone further down the drain since the claims surfaced and its fallout. Not only has Gary damaged his own standing among viewers and within the franchise, but his behavior has affected the future of Below Deck Sailing Yacht due to the handling of the situation.
Gary Has Been A Below Deck Franchise Villain
Gary has had outrageous behavior.
The sexual misconduct allegation is another mark against Gary's already terrible image. Gary has conducted himself in his boatmances with little to no regard for the other person's feelings. Gary comes off as selfish, impulsive, and irresponsible. In Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 2, Gary originally hooked up with his deckhand, Sydney Zoruba, who quickly developed feelings for Gary. Gary threw her to the side and made the charter season more awkward and uncomfortable by getting into boatmance with stewardess Ali Dore.
Gary has a habit of going after multiple women each season and shooting his shot in rude and disrespectful ways.
Gary also stirred the pot in Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 4, when he divulged that he and Daisy had secretly hooked up. Daisy was in a relationship with Gary's BFF, and Parsifal III's engineer, Colin MacRae. Gary seems to always top his bad behavior with no regard for the consequences or people's feelings. Gary is also a heavy drinker on the show during crew nights out or in, which only contributes to his negative image.
Below Deck Sailing Yacht Is Returning
It's slated for fall 2024.
Bravo 's Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 5 should have returned in the Spring of 2024. However, Below Deck Med season 9 took its place, even though Below Deck Med season 8 had ended in January 2024. The skipping of BDSY season 5 was likely due to Gary's sexual misconduct allegations and the strategy of Bravo as to how they were going to handle it. The network could have tried to edit Gary out of the season, as they had done with publically marred crew member Peter "Pete" Hunziker in Below Deck Med season 5.
The other route Bravo might have taken, was to scrap already-filmed season 5 completely, in favor of filming an entirely new season without Gary. While that would be the more costly of the two options, it could get the BDSY franchise back in fans' good standings. In any case, Gary has affected the Below Deck Sailing Yacht schedule , and fans have been upset that he even returned to film season 5 given his bad history.
Will Gary Be A Part Of Season 5?
Are there any returning cast.
\n "">
Gary did film Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 5, and Daisy was also rumored to have returned for the season. Recently, Daisy shared a carousel of pictures hanging out with Gary, solidifying to fans that they are still in each other's lives. Besides that, in a recent preview of what Bravo has in store for the Fall of 2024, a logo for Below Deck Sailing Yacht was present. That means that Below Deck Sailing Yacht will remain a spinoff in the franchise , but it remains to be seen if Gary will continue to be a part of it.
Gary's actions and behavior over the years has damaged fans perceptions of Below Deck Sailing Yacht .
If they ditch their connection with Gary, there is hope for a brighter future with more quality cast members. For now, Daisy is well-liked and the Chief Stew of the spinoff, but that could change as she's aligned herself with Gary. It is likely there will be a lot of fresh faces in Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 5, and that can only help the show's image.
Below Deck Sailing Yacht will return in the Fall of 2024.
Source: Bravo /YouTube
Below Deck Sailing Yacht
Cast Daisy Kelliher, Colin Macrae, Gary King, Glenn Shephard
Release Date February 3, 2020
Genres Reality-TV
Network Bravo
Franchise(s) Below Deck
Showrunner Rebecca Taylor Henning, Doug Henning, Mark Cronin
Main Genre Reality-TV
Rating TV-14
Cruise Routes (Interactive Map)
Request a quote download brochure
Russian River Cruises
- Find your cruise
- Moscow — St. Petersburg
- Moscow — Astrakhan
- Astrakhan — St. Petersburg
- St. Petersburg
- Cruise Highlights
- News & Travel Tips
Russia is again welcoming travelers!
- A negative PCR test is all that's needed to enter Russia
- Regular flights are now operating to / from Russia
- Visas can be issues quickly (Volga Dream provides your invitation)
- All Volga Dream personnel and guides are fully vacinated
- Bookings are transferable without penalty for 12 months
- Volga Dream arranges PCR-tests if needed for your outbound flight
Check our COVID-19 Policy page to learn more.
Lorem Ipsum
Luxurious river cruises in russia.
Explore authentic Russian cities. Enjoy premium service and engaging activities as you sail the Volga River.
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Moscow. Red Square. St. Basil Cathedral](https://www.volgadream.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Layer-0-1000x397.jpg)
2022 Cruise Season
Join our signature small group journeys and cruise in luxury along the Russian Volga river!
![best sailing catamaran 2022 St. Petersburg. Palace bridge](https://www.volgadream.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/experiment-4-1000x398.jpg)
The Russian Odyssey
An extended 'South to North' view of Russia from Astrakhan to St. Petersburg through Moscow.
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Kizhi Island](https://www.volgadream.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/41-white-sky-retashed-1-1000x398.jpg)
Explore Moscow, St. Petersburg and Russia’s Golden Ring in greater depth. Stay at gorgeous Four Seasons hotels. Enjoy special access to iconic cultural sites.
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Moscow. Red Square](https://www.volgadream.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/MOS_560_aspect16x9-1000x398.jpg)
Lower Volga
Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience cruising the Volga river from Moscow to Astrakhan. The tour includes 2 nights in Moscow.
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Yaroslavl. Local Church](https://www.volgadream.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/GrandVolga-Jaroslavl-web-1-1000x398.jpg)
Find Your Cruise
Select destination Moscow — St. Petersburg Moscow — Astrakhan Astrakhan — St. Petersburg
View all months
A Volga river cruise is more than a geographical voyage; it’s also a journey through Russia’s rich and captivating history. No other experience takes you so completely to another place and time. The Volga is Europe’s longest and largest river; it meanders through the stories of Ivan the Terrible and his rise to power, the two historic ‘Greats’ Peter and Catherine, and then on into today. It’s a unique opportunity to see modern Russia in the context of its intriguing history, ably assisted by friendly and professional academics and tour guides. A Volga Dream Russian river tour promises to leave you with an unforgettable afterglow of fond memories.
![best sailing catamaran 2022 St. Petersburg. Petehof](https://www.volgadream.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/St-petersburg-peterhof-panorama-03-665x420.jpg)
Moscow to St. Petersburg River Cruise
Moscow and St. Petersburg are Russia’s best-known cities, but the towns of Russia’s historic Golden Ring are delightful too. The luxurious Volga Dream offers a unique opportunity to visit these Russian gems by sailing gently along the Volga River on an unforgettable cruising experience. In small, exclusive groups you’ll enjoy preferential access to some of Russia’s most significant cultural sites.
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Volgogard. Mamaev Hill](https://www.volgadream.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/cover32-665x420.jpg)
Moscow to Astrakhan River Cruise
Your River Cruise on the luxurious MS Volga Dream takes you from Moscow along Russia’s grand Volga River to the legend that is Volgograd (formerly Stalingrad) and Astrakhan on the Caspian Sea. Along the way, you’ll discover the treasures of Yaroslavl, the oldest city on the Volga, medieval Nizhniy Novgorod and beautiful Kazan, the ancient Tatar capital. We plan our tour carefully to combine the very best of Moscow with a world-class Volga River cruise.
Discover Russia with MS Volga Dream - Click-through map
![best sailing catamaran 2022 best sailing catamaran 2022](https://www.volgadream.com/wp-content/themes/volga/img/imap/Moscow_active.png)
We love hearing from guests about their time in Russia and one comment often hear is how surprised people are by the Russian capital. We can’t say for certain what people expected but we do know that it’s always far removed from what they imagined! It’s been called a modern metropolis, a cosmopolitan city, an historic gem, an architectural treasure and a cultural powerhouse, among other descriptions. Majestic Moscow has always surprised our guests and left them with lasting and fond memories.
Russia’s famous Golden Ring is an archipelago of historic towns surrounding Moscow. Uglich is one of the oldest and was founded under Igor, the last Varangian prince. It once resisted the Mongol invasion and its ancient walls saw the grisly murder of young Dmitri, son of Ivan the Terrible. The impressive Church of St. Dmitri on the Blood, with its classic onion domes and blood red walls, is a fine example of classic Russian architecture. The tour ends with an enchanting choral concert.
This, the oldest city on the Volga River, and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts a wealth of ancient orthodox treasures. The impressive Transfiguration of the Savior, adorned with murals depicting St. John’s apocalyptic visions can be seen in the Spassky Monastery. The Church of St. Elijah the Prophet is decorated with an awe-inspiring selection of rich frescoes. For a real taste of pre-revolutionary Russia, visitors are entertained by a costumed reception at the Governor’s House.
Close to the shores of White Lake once were the ‘tsar’s fishing grounds’. It lies in a place so serene that ancient monks chose to build no fewer than three holy sites here, including the Ferapontov Monastery. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, its chapels boast magnificent frescoes by Dionysius, one of Russia’s most renowned icon painters. The Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery was a refuge for many nobles during tumultuous times and later a fortress that successfully repelled invading armies.
The Karelia region is a vast and naturally beautiful wilderness that spreads all the way from St. Petersburg to the Arctic Circle. The glorious island village of Kizhi consists almost entirely of the traditionally styled wooden buildings of ‘Old Russia’. Among them is the famous Transfiguration Church built in 1714. Remarkably, and in testament to the craftsmen of the time, not a single nail was used in its construction! Kizhi is one of the favorite stops on the river cruise to St. Petersburg.
A typical rural hamlet brought to life by warm and welcoming villagers. Volga Dream guests are invited into local homes to enjoy classic Russian fare, tea with jam and ‘pirozhki’ (pies). Enthusiastic hosts share Russian traditions and the appeal of village life while proudly showing off their scrupulously kept homes and kitchen gardens. The tour continues with a brief bus ride to see a unique World War II memorial and then, for a real glimpse of Russian life, a visit to a local primary school.
Nizhny Novgorod
This was once a wealthy city thanks to its proximity to rich eastern trading routes. During the Soviet era, the city was closed to outsiders because of its military importance. It’s also where many political prisoners were sent to live out their days in exile. The 16th-century Kremlin ramparts offer spectacular views and the city is known for its elaborately decorated churches. For Volga Dream cruise guests, the highlight of the day is an evening folk concert performed by local children.
Sailing along the Volga river, the riverbank gradually ceases to be dominated by Orthodox churches. Instead, beautiful mosques appear as the river crosses into Tatarstan where the first stop is scenic Kazan, the region’s capital. Inside the white walls of the citadel, the famous Kul Sharif mosque and the old Cathedral of Peter and Paul stand side-by-side symbolizing the two faiths’ long and peaceful coexistence in the region. A concert of traditional Tatar music ends the Volga Dream tour in Kazan.
Passing the Zhigulevskie Mountains offers wonderful views from the sundeck before touring the city. One of the key attractions is the fascinating Space Museum, which offers a revealing glimpse of how the Soviet Union pursued its ambitious journey to the cosmos. The town is also noted for its beautiful esplanade, perfect for a relaxed stroll beside the Volga river. This in turn leads to the Samara State Art Museum. Founded in 1897, it is home to a collection of more than 16,000 works of art.
This city is best known for its close associations with cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin. The Russian hero who achieved worldwide fame as the first man in space lived and studied here. Saratov used to be home to a large German community, a heritage that can still be seen in the local architecture. The Volga Dream tour visits the Radishchev State Art Museum, the first picture gallery in Russia outside Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Originally called Tsaritsyn, the city was renamed Stalingrad from 1925 to 1961 in honor of the USSR’s leader. During World War II, the city’s residents put up a heroic defense, repelling an advancing Nazi invasion. The battle for Stalingrad has gone down in history as a pivotal moment in the bloody conflict on the eastern front. The most ferocious and deadly fighting took place on Mamayev Hill, where an imposing memorial now stands close to the excellent Battle of Stalingrad Panorama Museum.
Saint Petersburg
If Moscow surprises, then St Petersburg delights. Peter the Great founded the city to showcase Russia’s newfound enlightenment. He wanted to show the modern world a cultured and advanced society. In short, he built the city to impress and in that he succeeded splendidly! The striking buildings were designed by some of the finest architects Europe had to offer and even now, the ‘Venice of the North’ never fails to enchant with its spectacular buildings and impressive canal network. It is a city of true grandeur.
Cocktails with the Captain
Commanding any ship is a complex role that calls for a long list of skills. Captains know their vessels inside out as well as well as the routes they sail and when things don’t go to plan, they have to make instant decisions. Above all though, the most important part of the job, underpinning everything they do, is to keep the ship and everyone aboard safe. The Captain’s cocktail party is a great and a wonderful opportunity for passengers and crew to get acquainted as the gets underway.
Matryoshka doll painting
There is nothing more typically Russian than a Matryoshka. It embodies the fact that there’s always something deeper to be found in every aspect of Russian life. Learning the traditional designs and techniques used to decorate these iconic dolls offers a pleasant diversion and some cathartic creativity!
Superb Service & Dining
Our restaurant serves the highest standard of international cuisine, freshly made by our Cordon Bleu Chef. Choose either a sumptuous buffet or set menu for lunch while dinner is always four or five courses with full service. High praise for the exquisite quality of meals is yet another constantly recurring feature in feedback from our guests.
Meet the Professor
From the Mongol hordes to Soviet times, Russia’s history is, like all of Europe’s, a complex web of political intrigue, war and peace, trade and treaties, as well as heroes and villains. Academics devote whole lifetimes to studying Russia’s long past and one of them presents a series of lectures shedding light on everything from Gorbachev to Chekhov, Khrushchev to Ivan the Terrible and of course, contemporary Russia. Our Professor is on board throughout the river cruise for informal conversation.
Beginner’s Russian
The Russian language can be rather beautiful and poetic and we know that many seasoned travelers enjoy trying their hand at different languages. Our onboard teachers provide an introduction to the riches of Russian, so guests can try out a few useful words and phrases on real Russians during the exciting river tours from Moscow to St. Petersburg or from Moscow to Volgograd!
Russian tea tasting
The drink we tend to associate with Russia is vodka, but tea, in fact, is the much more universal beverage of choice throughout the country. Guests will get acquainted with the Russian tea etiquette, a fundamental component of the country's social culture, and enjoy the traditional tea ceremony while cruising from St. Petersburg to Moscow or taking a Grand Volga river tour.
Russian Dinner & Vodka Tasting
All our dining is international but for Russian Dining night, the Chef includes a selection of traditional Russian dishes: Chicken Kiev, Kulebyaka and no Russian table is complete without Borsch. To add to the ‘Taste of Russia’ optional Russian dress, or at least a touch of Russian style, is provided along with enthusiastic help from our staff!
Russian Cooking Class
A plate of pelmeni might not look like much to the untrained eye, but it forms the heart of Russian cuisine and culture. Basically, it's a type of dumpling: small portions of meat and onion wrapped in a thin sheet of unleavened dough and boiled, a little like ravioli. Guests can join a Russian cooking class onboard the MS Volga Dream to learn how to cook this delicious Russian dish.
Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov Piano Recital
Some of the greatest classical music ever written comes from Russia. It’s hard to imagine a more fitting stage for a virtuoso solo recital by our resident concert pianist than the mighty Volga or a better backdrop than the heart of Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov’s own serene homeland.
Russian River Cruise Aboard Volga Dream
Moscow to St. Petersburg
Why Volga Dream
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Kizhi Island](https://www.volgadream.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/VD1-web-600x365.jpg)
Family Owned & Operated
MS Volga Dream is Russia’s only family-owned river cruise ship. She can accommodate up to 100 guests, far fewer than most other cruise ships on the river making for a uniquely friendly and intimate atmosphere aboard.
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Moscow. Four Seasons view](https://www.volgadream.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/4.jpg)
Five-Star Central Hotels
We at Volga Dream are completely convinced that, our guests should stay in great 5-star hotels in Moscow and St. Petersburg within comfortable walking distance of all the major attractions, theaters and restaurants, rather than having to waste time in traffic.
![best sailing catamaran 2022 MS Volga Dream. Owner's Suite](https://www.volgadream.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/36906836401_309e97a399_k-600x399.jpg)
Luxurious Accommodation
The MS Volga Dream is the most intimate and elegant 5-star cruise vessel in Russia. She boasts 56 cabins, all river facing, ranging from comfortable Standard Cabins to spacious Junior Suites and the luxurious forward facing Owner's Suite.
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Yaroslavl. Local Church](https://www.volgadream.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/3.jpg)
Russian Cultural Experience
Explore Russia's past with the help of professional tour guides. Our on-board program includes fascinating talks on Russian history and politics, Russian language lessons, a festival of Russian cuisine (including vodka tasting!), and much more.
![best sailing catamaran 2022 MS Volga Dream cuisine](https://www.volgadream.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/5.jpg)
Gourmet Dining
Our on board restaurant serves international cuisine to the highest standard, all freshly made by our Cordon Bleu Chef. For Russian Dining night, he prepares a selection of traditional Russian dishes: Chicken Kiev, Kulebyaka and Borsch.
![best sailing catamaran 2022 MS Volga Dream bartenders](https://www.volgadream.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Image-318.jpg)
Tailored Service
All our service crew members are native Russians who are fluent in English and handpicked by the Owner. Proudly, the Volga Dream is famous for her hard working and very hospitable personnel who take care of every aspect of your life aboard.
Download Our Brochure
It's never been easier to plan your next holiday in Russia. Download our free brochure to learn more about authentic Russian river cruises.
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Volga Dream Brochure](https://www.volgadream.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/7.png)
Escape the hassle and bustle and add a satisfyingly informative element to your trip and bring together a colorful mosaic of people, history, traditions, religion, music and art. These are the many strands that time has woven into what is known today as Russia.
What people are saying
Jacqueline Lapwood
Great Britain
Rick Dowden
United States
Alexander Powell
Monique Verbrugge
Peter & Annemieke English
Philippa Calnan
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Sign up for our newsletter and keep up to date with the latest offers, savings and news at Volga Dream
- BOAT OF THE YEAR
- Newsletters
- Sailboat Reviews
- Boating Safety
- Sails and Rigging
- Maintenance
- Sailing Totem
- Sailor & Galley
- Living Aboard
- Destinations
- Gear & Electronics
- Charter Resources
- Ultimate Boat Giveaway
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Cruising World Logo](https://www.cruisingworld.com/uploads/2022/02/100-cruisingworld-logo-2022.jpg)
2024 Boat of the Year: Best Cruising Catamaran Over 50 Feet
- By Herb McCormick
- December 15, 2023
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Fountaine Pajot Aura 51](https://www.cruisingworld.com/uploads/2023/12/CW_BOTY2024_Foutaine_Pajot_Aura51-0035_edit-1024x768.jpg)
It was perhaps fitting that Fountaine-Pajot and Lagoon Catamarans—two longtime pillars in the production catamaran community—came head-to-head for the title of best cruising cat over 50 feet for 2024. Talk about symmetry: Both boats measure in at about 51 feet. A nearly exact price point of just around $1.6 million. Each is produced by one of the pioneering French multihull builders that’s been at the game for decades. In some ways, this matchup was not unlike a heavyweight boxing bout between Ali and Frazier, or a good old-fashioned feud like the Hatfields and McCoys. It was a duel that the judges relished and dreaded because the competition would undoubtedly be close—but there could be only one champ.
Winner: Fountaine-Pajot Aura 51
During deliberations, judge Mark Pillsbury summarized the overall layout of the Aura 51, a viewpoint shared by his fellow panelists: “A length overall of 51 feet is enough space to give designers options when it comes to how a cruising cat is laid out, and Fountaine-Pajot takes advantage of this by offering a variety of layouts, with up to six cabins in charter mode. The boat we sailed in Annapolis had what they term a ‘double Maestro layout,’ i.e., a master cabin aft in each hull, with guest quarters forward. It would be a boat that two owners might share, sailing separately or together occasionally. I really liked their decision to locate the helm station on the Aura partway between the cockpit and the flybridge, which they called the sky lounge. That way, the skipper stays in contact with guests below and above, and has good visibility astern when docking. I also like the separation between the steering seat and the three winches on the cabin top. Shorthanded, the autopilot can be engaged when the skipper steps forward to trim sails, and with crew, the trimmer has room to work and the skipper room to steer. We had light wind the day we sailed, only about 5 to 8 knots, and the Aura made 4 knots closehauled—a good run for a big, well-stocked cruising cat.
Judge Herb McCormick weighed in: “I really thought that this category was a toss-up. Both boats will be sold to private owners and will also be set up for the charter trade. At the end of the day, what leaned me toward the Aura was that helmsman’s arrangement, centered between the cockpit and the top deck. I loved that big flybridge on the Lagoon, which will be a great space especially on charter, but this is the best ‘cruising’ cat, not best ‘charter’ cat, and that one feature I believe is better-suited to real cruising.”
Runner-up: Lagoon Catamarans 51
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Lagoon 52 being tested during Boat of the Year](https://www.cruisingworld.com/uploads/2023/12/CW_BOTY2024_Lagoon-0021-Enhanced-NR_edit-1024x768.jpg)
The French boatbuilding industry is to be applauded for its forward-thinking approach to sustainable building practices and exploring next-generation powering and propulsion systems. Judge Tim Murphy focused in on Lagoon’s approach: “This is largest Lagoon fully intended for owner-operators. Beginning with 55, the next size up in the range, a professional captain is expected to be involved. Lagoon produces 275 boats per year. From this year’s Boat of the Year fleet, Lagoon is at the forefront of carbon-positive materials: 35 percent biomaterial in the polyester resin (compared with 14 percent last year), with hemp fibers employed instead of glass in some of the smaller molded parts. The production plant is certified ISO 9001, 40001, 50001, which is notable for the commitment to sustainable manufacturing.”
Unlike McCormick, judge Mark Pillsbury liked the Lagoon’s helm station just fine. He said: “The 51 is a big boat, but the layout of the helm station on the flybridge makes the boat simple to operate with a shorthanded crew. All sail controls are led to three winches on the cabin top, and there is a Harken electric sidewinder winch adjacent to the wheel to control the traveler. And for a large cruising cat, I thought that the 51 sailed well. The steering was very smooth. In 8 to 12 knots of breeze, we saw boatspeeds in the high 6s and 7s depending on our point of sail. The view from the helm was tremendous.”
- More: 2024 Boat of the Year , Fountaine Pajot , Lagoon Catamarans , Print January 2024
- More Sailboats
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Little Harbor 63 Ketch](https://www.cruisingworld.com/uploads/2024/08/1987-little-harbor-63-ketch-sail-9464773-20240711121536940-1_XLARGE-300x213.jpg)
For Sale: Little Harbor 63 Ketch
![best sailing catamaran 2022 helm-station on the Aura 51](https://www.cruisingworld.com/uploads/2024/08/220308FP51_2JML1955_edit-300x225.jpg)
Sailboat Review: Fountaine Pajot Aura 51
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Southerly Yachts](https://www.cruisingworld.com/uploads/2024/08/7730b4bb-c17b-1b0a-ce0b-8db3004ac137-300x225.jpg)
A Superyacht Approach at Southerly Yachts
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Seawind 1700](https://www.cruisingworld.com/uploads/2024/08/CW_BOTY2024_Seawind-0188-Enhanced-NR_edit-300x225.jpg)
Sailboat Review: Seawind 1170
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Herb with friends on a sailboat](https://www.cruisingworld.com/uploads/2024/08/Intrepid-768x576.jpg)
Off Watch: School Daze
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Tyrell Bay Anchorage](https://www.cruisingworld.com/uploads/2024/08/Tyrell-Bay-Anchorage-JPG-768x576.jpg)
Paradise Pummeled
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Bequia post office](https://www.cruisingworld.com/uploads/2024/08/Bequia-Post-Office-768x576.jpg)
A Guide to Cruising Paperwork
![best sailing catamaran 2022 Southerly Yachts](https://www.cruisingworld.com/uploads/2024/08/7730b4bb-c17b-1b0a-ce0b-8db3004ac137-768x576.jpg)
- Digital Edition
- Customer Service
- Privacy Policy
- Terms of Use
- Email Newsletters
- Cruising World
- Sailing World
- Salt Water Sportsman
- Sport Fishing
- Wakeboarding
Sign up and
GET 20% OFF
Your first boat rental
Welcome to Sailo !
Your code is:
Enjoy 20% off
- Explore boats
- Text (910) 447-2456 Call (910) 447-2456
Departure date
Trip duration, multiple days (less than 1 week), weekly trip show boats that have weekly prices. most weekly boats outside of the us are available only saturday to saturday., boat length: 5ft -, manufacturer, boat build year: -, weekly trip, price: $ - $, no boats found, to see more results try changing your dates, moving the map, or removing your filters, renting a yacht is the best way to discover moscow, russia, learn how to find the right boat for great yachting experiences, how much does it cost to rent a moscow, russia boat for a day, will i be charged a security deposit for my sailo charter, because we love the ocean.
- Don’t litter or throw waste overboard - take rubbish home and dispose of it responsibly
- Eco-friendly sunblock can help prevent damage to marine life
- buy local and sustainable food products
- FAQ and Policies
- Accessibility Statement
- Boat Rentals
- Boat Calculator
- Discover Boating
- Community questions
- Referral Program
- British Virgin Islands
- La Paz, Mexico
- Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
- Key Largo, FL
- St. Vincent and Grenadines
![](http://gbes.online/777/templates/cheerup/res/banner1.jpg)
IMAGES
COMMENTS
A winning balance, it turns out, with the Balance 482 securing its position as the Best Performance Cruiser for 2022. More: balance catamarans, Boat of the Year, Boat of the Year 2022, catamaran, Kinetic Catamarans, print 2022 jan, Sailboats, seawind catamarans. With a powerful, versatile sail plan—as well as light, solid construction and go ...
The larger sibling of the two Bali cats entered for BOTY 2022—all the Bali offerings feature an innovative "garage door" separating the saloon and cockpit, which when raised creates a seamless indoor/outdoor living space that has proven to be highly popular—was the 46-plus-foot 4.6. It's yet another one of this year's catamarans ...
And when the votes were tallied, it was the Xquisite X5 Plus that was the obvious choice as Best Cruising Catamaran (Over 50') for 2022. Advertisement. With an unusual profile and exterior aesthetic, the Xquisite X5 Plus is a singular cruising catamaran in many aspects, but the sum of her many interesting parts added up to a winning effort in ...
This has been awarded the Cruising World Best Large Multihull 50ft and Above Boat of the Year 2022 as well as the Special Recognition Award - for Overall Excellence 2022 by Sailing Magazine. Said Gerry Douglas of Sailing Magazine: 'This was the Tesla of sailboats…in terms of design and execution and technology, it hit all three of those ...
Best catamaran and multihull winner 2024 - Outremer 52 My highlight test of 2023? Sailing this Outremer 52 for 200 miles over two days and nights! Quite how such a large vessel, one that is ...
For 2022, if anything, the trend for flybridge catamarans is on a major upswing. New cats for 2022 from both Lagoon and Fountaine Pajot continued down that design path, putting an emphasis on living accommodations, not performance. ... SAILING WORLD: 2022 Boat of the Year - Best Multihull Read More. 08 Feb 2023. Top 10 Best Boats Review ...
More: balance, Boat of the Year, Boat of the Year 2022, Sailboats. The Balance 482 catamaran is a 48-foot performance cruising catamaran that can be recreationally raced or used for coastal ...
The best catamaran sailboats can easily clock 250-mile voyages, offer incredible performance, and have great layouts. ... So if you've been looking for a real sailing catamaran that doubles up as a very comfortable liveaboard sailboat, ... 2022. 4 Best Electric Outboard Motors. Daniel Wade. June 15, 2022 ...
The Happy Cat Hurricane is an 18-foot inflatable sailing catamaran built of high-quality rubber. The boat is designed for recreational adventure sailing and racing, as well as portability.
Picking out a great vessel is imperative to enjoying a great sailing experience. We have selected the creme de la creme of sailboats suitable for a range of budgets and needs. Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 380. Beneteau First 44. Fountaine Pajot Isla 40. Hylas 57. Leopard 42.
Some of the best catamarans for cruising are the Sunreef 60, the Leopard 45, the Saona 46, the Manta 42, and the Antares 44i. A good cruising catamaran offers plenty of space, extended range and is optimized for comfort and safety. A cruiser is slower and less exciting to sail than a performance cat.
With an optimized sail plan, sailing should gain in performance. The French shipyard is constantly developing its range and, after the 5.4, the fleet's flagship, and the recent 4.2 and 4.6, the Bali 4.4 joins this renewed family. The Bali 4.4 replaces the 4.3 and 4.5 from the Bali catamaran range.
2022 Best Boat Nominees. Author: SAIL Editors. Updated: Jun 21, 2024. Original: Aug 13, 2021. ... LOA 39ft 2in BEAM 21ft 10in DRAFT 4ft DISPLACEMENT 21,280lb SAIL AREA 1,022ft 2 Fountaine-Pajot Sailing Catamarans, catamarans-fountaine-pajot.com. LAGOON SIXTY 5.
Boat of the Year 2022. Cruising World's team of expert judges put the best of this year's boats through their paces. After a year in which boat shows and sail tests were upended in these pandemic times, an impressive fleet of 27 new monohulls and catamarans gathered on Chesapeake Bay for the 2022 Boat of the Year competition. It was the ...
Other upgrades include everything from a state-of-the-art electrical system to more handholds - all with an eye toward ensuring the best sailing experience possible. Amenities include a dedicated tool cabinet, a forward-facing nav area, a raised outside helm station to port, a large galley, and a wealth of saloon and helm windows.
The best catamarans for sailing around the world include: Lagoon 42. The Fountaine Pajot Ipanema 58. Manta 42. Catana 50. Dolphin 42. Gunboat 62. These cats focus on speed, safety, and comfort for longer journeys. This article will show you the seventeen best catamarans for long journeys, and why they're the best.
Best Sailing Catamarans Lagoon 51. The older version Lagoon 52 seen here has been replaced by the 51, which should be on the market any day now. ... Seawind may have been a bit surprised shortly after they announced the creation of the 1370 in 2021, because before 2022 had even begun they had taken orders for dozens of these 45' long, 24'11 ...
Photo: Leopard Catamarans. Displacement: 14.5 tons Beam: 24ft 2in Draft: 4ft 11in Features: Forward-facing cockpit, 3 or 4 cabins, 8 to 12 berths, up to 4 heads, up to 5 showers, 2 45hp engines, 780L water capacity, 700L fuel capacity. The big unique selling point of this best catamaran for sailing around the world is the forward-facing cockpit - a shaded and well-ventilated area to relax ...
Rent a Power catamaran in Moscow Region for a fantastic price ⛵ Choose among thousands of charter yachts available online and save money ... Summer 2021 - over 651 exclusive deals online Best prices - save on average CHF 848 on each booking. ... We speak your language and are here for you 7 days a week. Petra Your sailing assistant info ...
Bravo's Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 5 should have returned in the Spring of 2024. However, Below Deck Med season 9 took its place, even though Below Deck Med season 8 had ended in January 2024.
A federal court in San Francisco, though, eventually acquitted Lynch of 15 fraud charges in 2022. Read More Colorado woman dies after tourism catamaran sinks in Bahamas
2022 Cruise Season. Join our signature small group journeys ... Sailing along the Volga river, the riverbank gradually ceases to be dominated by Orthodox churches. ... The best part of spending time on the Volga Dream was getting to meet the crew. They are such a gracious and talented group of people who really went out of their way to make ...
Walter Cooper. It was perhaps fitting that Fountaine-Pajot and Lagoon Catamarans—two longtime pillars in the production catamaran community—came head-to-head for the title of best cruising cat over 50 feet for 2024. Talk about symmetry: Both boats measure in at about 51 feet. A nearly exact price point of just around $1.6 million.
Tutta La Vita, Moscow: See 271 unbiased reviews of Tutta La Vita, rated 4 of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #495 of 15,369 restaurants in Moscow.
The best Sailo deal for daily boat rentals in Moscow, Russia starts at $250. The average price for a daily Moscow charter is $1100, making it the best choice for a private sunset cruise, a sightseeing tour or an action-packed day on the water with family or friends! For those of you who are looking to splurge, check out our more expensive ...
Stay up to date with the biggest stories of the day with ANC's 'Dateline Philippines' (15 August 2024)