Today we say goodbye to September. For us it is a special month: the busiest weeks of the season slowly quiet down, the sea is still warm and the catamaran world shows what comes next. At the Cannes Yachting Festival (8 to 13 September) and the Monaco Yacht Show (23 to 26 September) shipyards presented a long line of world premieres, from family cruising catamarans to fully electric superyachts. We followed them closely. These are the five we liked most. Different as they are, all five share one idea: living space that opens wider and wider to the sea. Most of them also bring electric power or solar energy on board.
Lagoon 47
Most of the catamarans we have worked with so far have been Lagoons, so we will admit it: this brand is closest to our hearts. The Lagoon 47 is the successor to the Lagoon 46, the best selling catamaran of its size. The flybridge stays and there is a new Smart Room that can be set up to suit the owner, as extra space for a family living aboard or as a cabin for crew. For us in charter, that means room for a skipper or hostess while every guest cabin stays with the guests. For the first time on a Lagoon under 60 feet, the saloon opens straight onto the forward cockpit. That is our favorite part of this catamaran.
Fountaine Pajot FP48
The successor to the Tanna 47 and the start of a new Fountaine Pajot generation, 14.43 m long. Wide glazing connects the aft cockpit and saloon, the galley sits at the center of the boat and a forward cockpit with a Lounge Deck is made for time at anchor. Integrated solar panels give her more energy independence. Our favorite moment on the FP48: the owner's cabin opens straight onto the stern. Wake up and dive right into the sea, a reality better than any dream.
Leopard 43
The successor to the very successful Leopard 42, redesigned to be sportier and more responsive under sail. Sliding glass doors join the aft cockpit and saloon into one space. Two details won us over. The mast is about a meter taller, with 12% more upwind sail area than on the Leopard 42. Wraparound saloon windows with no posts keep the sea in view all around.
Sunreef 100 Eco
Presented in Monaco, the first Sunreef 100 Eco, named Ipharra II, is a fully electric sailing catamaran of 29.26 m. Solar panels are built into her structure and a large battery bank powers the electric drive. At the stern, an Ocean Lounge opens the yacht to the sea. What won us over is the idea of a sailing catamaran this size running on electricity and charging herself as she sails. Relying less on generators, both at sea and at anchor, is true luxury for us.
Sunreef ULTIMA 88
Making her European debut in Cannes, this power catamaran brings together the agility of a monohull with the stability, space and shallow draft of a catamaran. She is also available with a hybrid option for quiet electric cruising. Our favorite spot on this catamaran is the Ocean Lounge. Its sides fold open and at anchor the stern becomes a large platform on the sea.
Five very different catamarans, one shared direction. We can't wait to see them in person. Next stop: the Genoa Boat Show, from 1 to 6 October.
Which one would you choose? Thinking about a new or pre-owned catamaran? We help with the choice and through the whole purchase process. Write to us and let's see if we're a match.
Photos: Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot, Leopard Catamarans, Sunreef Yachts