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The ferry between Bar Harbor, Maine and Canada is back in service after 13 years

The 3.5 hour trip gets you to Nova Scotia in no time with lots of onboard fun.

If you’ve stood on the Maine shoreline for the last 13 years awaiting your ride to Nova Scotia , your lips buttery with lobster residue, you’re in luck. Now you can finally take the Bar Harbor ferry which has resumed service after more than a decade, as reported by Travel + Leisure .

Launching from the adorable Bar Harbor (‘Bah Hah-bah’ in local vernacular), the 3.5-hour one-way trip to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia is a speedy, wave-cresting ride on the CAT High Speed Ferry for all sizes of vehicles. Even RVs and tour buses can fit on this sturdy vessel. But if you’re traveling lighter, you can also board on foot or on your bicycle, and you can bring your dog along, too. Since Bar Harbor is the front door to Acadia National Park with its incredible biking trails, you can organize a trip that lets you bike in Canada in the morning and in the US in the afternoon. The ferry leaves Yarmouth each day at 9:30am and departs from Bar Harbor at 3pm.

The Cat’s service between Bar Harbor and Nova Scotia was suspended in 2009, reports the Portland Press Herald , and the embarkation point was moved to Portland , Maine instead. The Portland route stopped in 2018 due to construction delays at the terminal — and then of course the pandemic reared its head. Many are thrilled to have The Cat return to Bar Harbor.

The ferry is more than just a place to park it and wait. Besides the gusty winds off the Atlantic and the ferry’s gorgeous sea views, there’s an onboard movie area where you can watch the film of the day, a cafe with homemade gelato, a cafeteria for more sturdy fare and a lounge for more liquid fare. There’s sometimes live music, or if you prefer to disappear into your headphones, the Bay Ferries Limited and Northumberland Ferries Limited have created a 3.5 hour playlist to listen to as you sail along. Bonus: depending on the time of year and your luck, you might spot a whale off the bow.

Check the website for discounts: right now, if you book two passengers and a vehicle, you can get three additional passengers on the ferry for free. Kids 6 and under ride for free all season long. And Nova Scotia residents get 50 percent off all passenger fares.

As for the small print details, make sure to have your passport, passport card or, depending on your home state, an enhanced driver's license or identification to board the ferry. If you are not vaccinated against Covid, you must do an on-arrival test in Canada, a Day 8 test and a 14 day quarantine—and all arrivals must register with the ArriveCAN system. Anyone entering the US who is not a resident is required to be fully vaccinated against Covid. Check website for more details.

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“THE CAT - USVI”

The vi cat - family-friendly catamaran tours.

Catamaran Sail Snorkel & Dinner Tours is St. Thomas’ best known sailing catamaran tourist services. The Cat offers daily departures to Turtle Cove, sunset sails & sunset dinner sails from the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove Dock.

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It’s always a marvelous night aboard the moondanceCat , but don’t forget to soak up the sun along our daily sails. The moondanceCat is 56’ long and 31’ wide, built by SeaIsland Boatworks in Charleston, South Carolina, a Kurt Hughes design modeled after the original moondance. Setting sail into a new horizon of accommodation, moondanceCat cruises with up to 75 passengers. The mysticCat is a 48’ long and 29.5’ wide, built by Matthew Reynolds in Sarasota, Florida. Equipped with ample tanning space, sound system and wetbar, entertainment has never been easier. Whether indulging in dinner and drinks in our enclosed area for seating and tables, or breathing easy on deck, moondanceCat and mysticCat put wind in the sails of relaxation. All on beautiful Lake Erie.

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• Sailboat Reviews

Fast and full of unique features, the stoutly built PDQ 32 is a great, in- or near-shore weekender the whole family will enjoy.

PDQ Yachts in Whitby, Ontario, Canada, launched the Alan Slater-designed PDQ 32 catamaran in 1994 and built 53 of the boats in the following eight years. The PDQ 32 has proven to be a high-quality boat—bashing through rough seas without a groan—with bulletproof basics. It remains pretty darn quick (PDQ), outpacing much larger boats, and most PDQ 32s today sell for what they cost 15 to 20 years ago ($85,000 to $110,000).

Photo by James Forsyth

The PDQ 32 was kept lightweight—7,200-pound displacement—through efficient design and the smart use of triaxial cloth, acrylic modified epoxy resin (AME 5000), Klegecell core, and even carbon fiber (in the main beam). As a general rule, fast cats have displacement-to-length (D/L) ratios between 50 and 70, and slow cruisers about 100 to 120. With a D/L ratio of 108, the PDQ 32 could be on the slow side, but the D/L doesn’t tell the entire story.

Its sail area-to-displacement (SA/D) ratio of 19 indicates ample power to drive the hulls; the SA/D increases to 23 with the addition of a genoa. The beam-to-length ratio is 0.52, meaning length overall is nearly twice the beam. While some catamarans, such as the Lagoon 37 (0.60 beam to length ratio) come in much higher, this is a compromise. Ratios greater than 0.5 can lead to bow-burying and increased dockage rates.

Ample bridgedeck clearance and a good ratio of clearance to beam (the wider the boat, the more clearance she will require to avoid slapping) are vital; with 23 inches of minimum clearance over an 8-foot span, the PDQ 32 is nearly immune to bridgedeck slamming, the curse of catamarans that have accepted low clearance in exchange for increased salon headroom and convenience dockside.

Rigs on cruising catamarans usually look rather stubby, and the standard masthead rig on the PDQ 32 is no exception. With an I dimension (the distance along the front of mast from the highest genoa halyard to the main deck) of 40 feet, 10 inches and a sail area of 443 square feet, the PDQ 32 rig is a bit smaller than rigs on monohulls of similar length and has less sail area. For example: The Beneteau First 325 has an I of 41 feet, 7 inches and a 489-square-foot sail area; the Catalina 320 has an I of 43 feet, 7 inches and a 521-square-foot sail area. Also, the Gemini 105M cat carries 515 square feet of sail. However, the PDQ is by far the lightest of these boats, managing to still do well in light air and really scoot when the breeze hits 15 knots.

A tall rig was a PDQ 32 option, most common on the heavier long-range cruising (LRC) version. However, it has not proven to be faster through a range of wind strengths.

The PDQ 32 has a clever, unique cockpit design that allows three levels of seating—all under a hardtop. To help solve the headroom problem in the saloon, the companionway hatch is very wide and slides forward so that just aft of the dinette table, there is full headroom (6 feet, 11 inches) under the hardtop. When the hatch is closed (a rare occasion in most conditions, if you have vinyl windows connecting the hardtop to the deck), most crew must stoop with only 5 feet, 2 inches of headroom. However, when the slider is open, the saloon becomes a delightfully airy place.

Some owners have rigged mosquito netting from the hardtop to the main bulkhead, allowing for great ventilation, even on steamy nights. While the area is not very large, there’s plenty of seating, good visibility on the top tier, easy access to the deck, and yet a feeling of protection and shelter.

This setup also means that foul-weather gear is seldom used, as the boat is easily sailed from under the hardtop, and the deck stays dry aft of the beam. In winter, sweaters and windbreakers are the rule in all but sub-freezing weather, since wind is effectively blocked from the helm on most points of sail.

There is no exterior brightwork—music to a liveaboard’s ears—and the handrails are stainless steel. The double lifelines, on 24-inch stanchions, have gates at the aft corner and sugar-scoop transoms. Cleats are 10-inch anodized aluminum.

Most of the sail-handling equipment is Harken brand: blocks, cam cleats, and travelers for the self-tending jib, mainsheet, and slider. Primary and secondary winches are located on either side of the cockpit, a mix of two-speed, self-tailing Harken 32s and Lewmar 40s. Rope clutches are Spinlock Easylocks. Some boat owners lead lines back to the cockpit, while others have twin, two-speed winches mounted on the mast.

The PDQ 32’s  steering is by Whitlock. There is also a very workable emergency tiller, and jammed rudders are easily isolated thanks to access through a stern locker. Seacocks are Marelon by Forespar.

Factory ground tackle was most often a 25-pound Delta or Bruce anchor, backed with 50 feet of quarter-inch G4 chain and 150 feet of half-inch, nylon three-strand line led to a windlass and a bow chain locker. Cruising owners have generally upgraded to a 35-pound Rocna or Manson Supreme anchor and 100 feet of quarter-inch G4 chain, again backed with line.

Since these boats typically anchor in shallow water, this allows anchoring on all-chain about 90 percent of the time. A bridle constructed from half-inch line is typically used to secure the anchor rode, as the anchor rollers are mounted on the bows and the crossbeam is not designed for anchoring loads. Windlasses vary, but are most commonly vertical Lewmar Sprints with a combination rope/chain gypsy.

Tankage consists of a 30-gallon aluminum or polyethylene fuel tank aft of the cockpit, a 44-gallon polyethylene water tank under a shelf forward of the dinette, and a 30-gallon fiberglass holding tank that can be emptied offshore by means of a Y-valve and hand pump. The fiberglass holding tanks on our test boat have proven permeation-free after 18 years.

The gasoline tank is located in a sealed, bottom-vented bridgedeck compartment that can serve double-duty as safe storage for portable gas cans and propane cylinders.

The propane system is engineered to current standards, with a forward vented locker sized for two 12-pound tanks. Leak detection in both hulls is tied to a controller and a locker-mounted solenoid valve. Some of these boats have as many as four propane appliances fed from the locker-stove, refrigerator, water heater, space heater-each with a separate propane line.

PDQ thoughtfully located all through-hull fittings and head-related plumbing (except for about 10 inches of waste and intake hose) in a ventilated bulkhead compartment. If the hoses do permeate-as they did on the test boat (see PS April 2012 online)-the odor is isolated from the cabin. However, the holding tank vent is located in an unfortunate position, upwind of salon hatches, but this is easily managed with either proper holding tank treatments or a vent filter.

The contained through-hull’s location proved its worth when the test boat was delivered shortly after its current owner purchased it. After sea trials, the speed transducer was removed and replaced with a plug; in the process, the O-ring was positioned improperly. Some hours into the two-day trip up the Chesapeake in December (think actual freezing water), the crew noticed a little water dripping past one of the head hoses. Investigation revealed that the forward through-hull compartment had flooded 2 feet deep. The crew pumped it out and realized it was still leaking, but rather than struggle with freezing plumbing in what had become gale conditions, they sailed the boat with the leak for two more days, because the flooding was so well contained. The boat has crash tanks fore and aft (the rudder post is in the latter), a glassed-in holding tank on starboard, and another sealed bulkhead before the cabins begin on each side.

The electrical panel, located in the starboard hull, contains numerous spare breakers; we’ve not heard of any owner running out. Wiring is well organized and labeled. An inverter with automated transfer switching feeds a 110-volt system sufficient for heating and air-conditioning loads; however, a generator is not standard, so you must be plugged in to shore power or invest in a generator in order to use them.

Batteries include three group 27, deep-cycle wet cells (or an equivalent bank) located in lockers surrounding the cockpit, which makes watering and replacing them easy. Most owners have added solar panels to the hardtop, and some have additional panels above the davits; 170 to 400 watts is typical.

The classic PDQ 32 is powered by twin, high-thrust Yamaha 9.9-horsepower outboards mounted in cockpit wells. This central location, 12 feet forward of the transom, places the engines near the boats center of gyration, virtually eliminating cavitation in all conditions and offering the ability to push into 30-knot headwinds.

The LRC version of the 32 has twin, inboard 20-horsepower Yanmar diesels mounted under the aft-cabin bunks. (About 20 percent of PDQ owners opt for the twin diesels.) The diesels offer less noise than outboards and add just a little more speed under power (7.4 knots versus 7.2 knots for the classic), but they reduce speed under sail slightly (about 1 knot), due to increased weight and prop drag. The diesel-LRC version gains a little storage in the cockpit (the outboard wells) but forfeits the cavernous space under the bunks for a net loss in storage.

Whether this storage loss and the weight gain is a fair trade for better propulsion and more reliability depends on whether you sail or motor most of the time, so opinions vary. With twin screws, either version will spin in its own length, and backing into a slip is common practice as boarding the boats is easiest from the stern quarter. However, the twin outboards can be retracted, significantly enhancing performance. Plus, they’re less expensive and can be taken to a shop for service.

Owners of the classic PDQ 32 compensate for lost battery charging power by adding solar panels and a small generator. A rare few add wind generators, but it is pretty common to see a Honda generator on a PDQ 32. Those who have opted for the new, high-thrust 9.9-horsepower Yamaha outboard conversions can expect a charging capacity of 6 amps at 12 volts each. This, with solar supplementing, is more than sufficient for a cruising couple.

Headroom is 5 feet, 2 inches in the saloon with the slider closed), 7 feet, 2 inches in the amas, and 6 feet, 5 inches in the aft cabins. In warm weather, the salon bunks become premium, comfortable in dimension and bathed in breeze from well-positioned fans and overhead hatches. Aft cabins get stuffy owing to their location aft of the cockpit, but hatches provide airflow on even the steamiest night.

While there’s a good deal of white fiberglass showing, the overhead liner is vinyl. The cabin sole is teak and holly. Plywood is used for under seats and bunk access boards. The sleeping cabins are primarily carpeted and have cherry and ash trim. Each has a small hanging locker and several enclosed cabinets for stowage.

There are two private staterooms, complete with six opening ports, numerous cabinets, and cavernous storage areas under the bunk (on the LRC models, this is an easy-to-access engine bay). The mattresses take standard queen bedding. The salon table converts into either a king berth or two twins; there are several versions. We recommend adding quality mattress toppers to the bunks.

With so much interior volume-and no factory air-conditioning (or heat)-good ventilation is a must, and the PDQ does not fall short. Two Bomar hatches above the amas ventilate the forward compartments, and two over the dinette provide salon ventilation; there are four smaller hatches aft, and three in the cockpit. Smaller Bomar side windows line the flanks (13) for a total of 24 opening hatches and ports.

There also are four solar vents in the forward compartments and cabins. Additional light pours in through the smoked acrylic windows surrounding the saloon, providing a rare 270-degree forward panorama, sufficient for watch-keeping during a quick meal.

Galley appliances include a Plastimo propane stovetop, a microwave, and a refrigerator (either a Dometic propane fridge or a top-opening icebox with a cold plate). Because catamarans do not heel much, the propane fridge actually works well, even if it’s less efficient than an icebox.

While galley counterspace and stowage is limited (there is a large cabinet under the propane fridge, and the bilge in the adjacent cabin is easily accessed), PDQ has worked in a few clever aids such as a pullout spice rack, hinged cutting board, and many shallow cabinets. It’s best to keep the gelcoated countertops covered to prevent wear.

PERFORMANCE

The PDQ 32 is basically a 7- to 10-knot boat. We’ve seen 14 knots in non-surfing conditions, using either a spinnaker or genoa, but we don’t recommend it. Although we have long experience with performance cats and know their habits, we only push for short periods and with full attention. We prefer to back off just a little, staying comfortably within the boats performance envelope and enjoying the day.

As a good rule, reefing begins at about 9 knots of boat speed or 20 knots of apparent wind to windward, starting with the main. The LRC model is about a knot slower. Upwind in sustained 15 knots true, expect about 6 to 7 knots with the jib and 8 knots under genoa. Beam reaching in the same winds, we’ve made 7 to 8 knots and 9 to 10 knots, respectively.

Most PDQ 32 owners buy 90-percent asymmetrical spinnakers for off-the-wind sailing. The tack is controlled with a 2:1 purchase tack line led to each bow cleat, allowing the tack to be moved from side to side to optimize set; it is generally centered through jibes. With a sleeve, setting and dousing the spinnaker is fail-safe, and the sleeve provides sufficient protection while the sail is stored in a bow locker, eliminating the need for a separate sail bag.

It is not hard to see double-digit speeds on the PDQ, but caution is warranted. In a breeze downwind, there is hidden power, and the tack should be kept to windward and the sheet well eased. The spinnaker is best considered a light- to moderate-wind sail, and returned to its bag in favor of the genoa when the true wind is over 15 knots. In a breeze, wing-and-wing dead downwind makes for solid velocity made good and glass-smooth sailing—what cruising in these boats should be about.

In any case, you’ll pass cruising monohulls up to 45 feet when reaching in a breeze, and pace 40-footers under most conditions. To windward, you’ll tack through a wider angle, but you’ll stay with considerably larger boats when the breeze is up. The PDQ 32’s PHRF ratings range from 135 to 234, depending on equipment and location.

The PDQ 32 has a deeper draft than its big sister, the PDQ 36—3 feet, 2 inches compared to 2 feet, 10 inches—improving windward performance by a few degrees. Tacking though 100 degrees over ground is possible, if the boat is sailed well and kept moving. The profile view reveals that the keels are unusually far forward; perfect for drying out, but all wrong for tacking.

The keel’s center of lateral resistance (CLR) is too far forward, relative to the sail’s center of effort (COE), causing the boat to snap into irons and stay there if given a chance. Back-winding the jib to force the bow through the eye of the wind is a sloppy solution; the boat nearly stops, control is lost, and it may pop back into irons. Backing her to one side, wearing ship, is not reliable either.

The savvy PDQ owner has a different tacking procedure: Accelerate to maximum windward speed by cracking off a few degrees, throw the wheel nearly hard over, release the jib the moment it luffs, and dump the main traveler all the way to leeward when the main breaks (the traveler cleats separately on each tack, allowing you to pre-set the traveler on the new tack down). Steer well beyond the normal 100-degree tack, placing the true wind on the beam, haul and grind the jib in as soon as it can fill to keep the bow off, and then steer back up to proper course, hauling the traveler up as the boat accelerates. The process is simple and quick, once dialed in.

There are currently three PDQ 32s listed for sail on the website Sailboatlistings.com as of this writing on September 18, 2024. They are each mid-90s vintage and priced between $80,000 and $90,000. We’re featuring one of them here. Serenity is owned by Practical Sailor contributor Alex Jasper, who reports a change in course means she’s reluctantly putting her PDQ on the market.

For Alex, Serenity checked all the boxes for an ICW boat with Bahamas aspirations. “We had friends with an Amel whose first boat was a PDQ 32, and while we were sailing the Amel they kept missing their 32,” says Alex. “That’s when we started considering a PDQ 32. Later, we decided the PDQ 32 was the right boat for us because of both price and size.”

Alex owns the tall-mast Altair version of the 32, which was built in 1998 at PDQ’s Whitby, Ontario yard. She is delighted with the mid-90s version of this Slater/Killing design, which shows a maturity in the build quality that has never let her down. “Sailors with older boats, like mine, frequently complain about hatch leaks,” Alex says. “We never had a hatch leak unless we failed to close the hatch properly. She has aged beautifully.”

Serenity’s highlights: Alex likes the bench seat on the forward edge of the coach roof just aft of the trampoline—a perfect spot for a sundowner or to sail in calm conditions.

Underway she appreciates the PDQ’s center cockpit, which can be enclosed with a hard-top bimini and canvas side screens. Sail control lines lead aft from the deck-stepped mast and there’s no reason to go forward underway, particularly helpful when she deploys either one of the boat’s two single-line mainsail reefing systems.

Traffic management through the boat comes down to a single lane, but there’s plenty of space for conviviality around the big U-shaped settee (with 5-foot, 2-inch headroom with the coach roof sliding hatch closed; well over 6 feet with it open). “You get full standing headroom when the cabin ceiling opens up. It gives you a light, airy feeling,” Alex says.

Alex is delighted with the full-size beds in the boat’s two, separate after staterooms. “The designers maximized every bit of space and it’s the most comfortable boat bed I’ve ever slept on.”

She is not thrilled with the carpet material on the interior walls, which she says is scratchy and becomes a mold catcher. She removed it in one of her staterooms and replaced with an easier-to-maintain vinyl.

Lastly, Alex delights in her boat’s safe handling: “She gives a beautiful ‘hove-to,” says Alex, extolling Serenity’s knack for hunkering down if her skipper needs to stop underway. “She’s the kind of boat that really knows how to take care of you.”

Because the CLR is in front of the COE, keep the traveler a few inches below centerline in lumpy conditions, centered when powered up on flat water. Never place the traveler over center, and always ease the mainsheet enough to preserve twist. Reef the main first; this also helps move the COE forward.

Some owners have added genoas to supplement the stock self-tacking jib. This is a real turbo-charge for the PDQ 32 all around the course, as the keels are large enough to support the additional loading and the genoa brings the COE better in line with the CLR, greatly improving balance.

Because the boat is catamaran rigged (no backstay, shrouds to the extreme beam), the genoa is generally rigged outside the shrouds and sheeted to the extreme beam. The resulting sheeting angle (24 degrees) is too wide for efficient windward work. A successful solution has been to add an inner track and a second set of sheets. The genoa is then sheeted tight against the hardtop, reducing the sheeting angle to 15 degrees and giving a good angle of attack without overpressing the low-aspect keels. The boat can’t point as high as a good monohull, but it can really stomp at 50 degrees true. When reaching, the outer tracks provide beautiful sail shape. If you’re a performance-oriented sailor considering a PDQ 32, look for a boat with a genoa and inside tracks. The difference is real.

Compared to other cats in the same class, the PDQ 32 is as fast in base form, and even faster when tweaked, something the strong but light design seems to encourage. Quality construction has proven to be a boon to owners as well. Sails and moving parts require replacement and upgrade, but the structure and basic systems have been bulletproof.

The center-cockpit setup is different, but testers like the privacy of queen cabins and the expansive forward view, something missing in most cats this size. The salon slider is a unique feature that allows incredible openness in warm weather, requires some stooping in cold weather, and is the cost of high bridgedeck clearance and superior helm visibility. All compromises. Among the few cruising cats of this size, the PDQ 32 offers excellent value.

• PDQ: Rugged Quality

• PDQ Owners Forum

This article was first published December 16, 2015 and has been updated

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Best, detailed, comprehensive review that I can recall reading. Thank you so much!!!

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12 Best Catamaran Sailboats

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.

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Daniel Wade

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.

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9 Safest Catamarans For Cruising, Circumnavigation and Why!

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Catamarans (cats) have become sailors’ favorite sea vessels in recent years, thanks to the extra space, comfort, and speed they offer. Additionally, they’ve built a reputation for their unrivaled safety. But which are the safest catamarans on the market?

The safest cruising catamarans offer a good beam to length ratio, sail fast, and are over 42ft. These include the Manta 42, the Lagoon 450F, and the Catana 44. They are stable, waterproof, easy to handle in stormy weather, and feature a sturdy design.

When boarding a boat, you expect to get to your destination safely, and with your bluewater boat intact, this is what cats are made for, but not all cats are created equal. Read on to learn what to consider when assessing a catamaran’s safety and check out my list of the safest cats available!

Table of Contents

What Does It Mean To Say a Catamaran Is Safe?

Cruising for weeks on open water comes with several risks, like strong winds, heavy rains, and other potentially dangerous obstacles. Because of that, you need a bluewater boat that’s designed to take a beating from the most demanding conditions because if you compromise your safety, you might end up in a very dire situation with possible deadly outcomes.

What does it mean to say something is safe?

In this context, the word safe means protected from danger , free from harm, or not likely to lose the boat, as well as not likely to cause danger or harm to either personal or cat.

Therefore, when a catamaran is said to be safe, it comes with features that protect you and your crew from danger. As a result, it would be best to consider a catamaran’s safety features before choosing it.

Here are some of the factors i (and sailboat engineers i should add) consider to be the most critical when determining a cat’s safety:

Beam-to-Length Ratio

Although catamarans generally have exceptional stability, this aspect is always relative, as you’ll find some cats more stable in rough seas than others. Therefore, you’ll want to check their beam-to-length ratio. As a general rule, a boat in the 42 to the 48-foot range should have a beam to length ratio of about 50%.

A ratio lower than that can hurt your boat’s stability in heavy winds, but a larger boat can be okay with a lower value. On the other hand, a larger ratio can make sailing more difficult.

Engine and Powertrain

Catamarans come with twin engines, which is a significant benefit since you can always use one if the other fails. However, a poor choice of engine location can be a safety risk. Generally, a central location distributes the weight evenly, which is better for safety.

On bigger cats, this is not much of a problem since the weight of the engines is only a small fraction of the total weight of the boat. But on smaller and lighter ships, weight location is of greater interest.

Nonetheless, a watertight bulkhead between the main cabin and engine room prevents flooding if the sail drive or shaft gets damaged. 

Having strong engines will also make the boat go faster and offer extra protection from getting stuck in bad weather.

Build Integrity and Quality

Build quality is a critical factor when determining whether a given cat is safe, depending on the nature of your voyages. You’ll want to check the manufacturer’s reputation, the strength and quality of the materials used, and waterproofing features. 

For instance, catamarans made of plywood or cored balsas are could be less safe since they often have maintenance problems once water enters them.

The underwater section of a cat should be solid, impact-resistant, and easy to repair for the boat to be considered safe. A significant portion of the vessel must be made of lightweight fiberglass to prevent the hull from sinking during a collision or capsizing. In other words, you’re safer with your boat upside-down on the water surface than right-side-up but submerged.

Check for Uncluttered and Flat Decks

A cat’s deck is another essential factor to consider when assessing its safety. Generally, uncluttered and flat decks tend to be safer for sailing since the risk of tripping or getting in stuck on something is reduced. Most notably, you should check if your boat comes with an aggressive non-skid surface to prevent slip and fall accidents among your crew. The deck should have robust, quality fittings and large backing plates to distribute heavy loads evenly.

Shrouds and stays should be located so they only minimally interfere with moving about on deck.

Helm Placement and Cockpit Protection

The primary helm station should have an unobstructed view of all four corners of your cat that should be well protected from the elements, like wind and water, and accessible from the cockpit. The idea is to prevent damage to your cat by the weather and prevent flooding, which compromises your safety.

Cockpit Covers

Your cat’s cockpit cover can make or break it under heavy rains. A carefully designed cover protects it from water infiltration when it’s raining and allows for sufficient ventilation. 

Generally, the best cockpit covers come with removable curtains, allow for solar panel mounting, and can collect a significant amount of rainwater, which your crew can drink and use for washing.

Now that you have an idea of the things to consider when evaluating a cat’s safety, chances are you’re thinking of reviewing some of the boats on the market to determine if they’re suitable for your needs. To get you started on finding your dream boat I have put together this list, here are some of the best bluewater boats worth considering:

If you are looking for a specific type of cat i suggest you read on of my other articles such as:

• Best cats under 200k
• Best cats under 50ft
• Best cats for couples
• Best liveaboard cats

The Manta 42

Arguably, the Manta 42 holds near-iconic status among sailors because it has a solid reputation as a capable, practical long-range sailing bluewater boat. The laminated hull-to-deck joint and collision bulkheads create watertight compartments at the end of each hull, making the multihull flood-proof.

For additional structural integrity, the manufacturer joins the hull and deck using high-grade marine sealants and reinforces it with a 360-degree unidirectional laminate.

Overall, this is an excellent cruising cat. 

It offers an impressive sail-area-to displacement ratio and a pretty decent amount of deck and interior space, and its pushpit contraptions come in handy when you need to secure wind vanes, solar panels, and dinghies. Undoubtedly, this boat offers great performance and stability.

Lagoon 450F

The Lagoon 450F (F stands for Flybridge) is designed to deliver prestige and safety and features a deck layout centered on an easy-to-reach flybridge . Accessing the engine controls or steering station is a breeze, especially when you need to steer away from danger.  

The cockpit comes with a dining table to the left, an attractive comfort couch to the right, and a wraparound settee. The boat’s hard dodger comes with an apt opening hatch that offers good ventilation and sunshine in favorable weather and protection from harsh conditions in bad weather.

The construction is sturdy, waterproof, and durable. Besides, its construction can withstand high impact, a solid selling point. If you need a boat that gives you ultimate control and offers all-around comfort, spaciousness, and elegance, you’ll never go wrong with this elaborate cat.

Catana cats prove that the Bali Group means business when it comes to sailors’ safety. These boats are only produced in France, so the company maintains high-quality standards. Aboard Catana, you’ll immediately notice the manufacturer’s efforts to make it safe for cruising.

For instance, this boat’s foam sandwich construction is high density and lightweight, making it unsinkable, resistant to shock and impacts, and rigid. The use of aramid fiber makes this boat even more rigid and resistant to perforation. The helmsman can continue sailing even after impact.

It also comes with crash boxes and waterproof compartments to prevent water entry after a major impact. Arguably, this is a sure-fire way to guarantee buoyancy, making this boat hard to sink!

You can also use the multihull’s daggerboards to tack into strong winds and heavy weather, enabling it to glide over waves instead of capsizing. The high bridge deck clearance is another boost to safety since it prevents waves from reaching the cat’s deck.

Aventura 44

The Aventura 44 is the successor to the Aventura 43 built between 2012 and 2017, and its safety features are profound. 

The deck mold is integrated with its coachroof to make it lightweight and buoyant, while the hulls feature polyester with NPG Gelcoat. Its structural partitions come with laminated CTBX plywood, and the rudders come with foam-epoxy composite and a stainless-steel stock, making it solid and durable.

This boat can withstand high impact from waves, winds, and collisions because of its ingenious construction. The company proudly tells how they intentionally oversized much of the hardware just to make sure it is up for offshore cruising.

Fountaine Pajot Elba 45

The Elba 45 is a well-respected blue water cruiser, as it is safe, dependable, and beautiful to look at. The slightly aft-raked bows and fixed stub keels deliver excellent windward performance.

The multihull features keels glued into a recess in its hulls, ensuring no keel bolts will rip out if it gets grounded or collides. Because of that, this boat deserves to be mentioned among the safest.  

Safety aside, this boat provides ultimate bliss while cruising, as it comes with a generous living space with a large sofa, low dining table, and an open galley. The interior fittings in the cabins allow your crew to settle comfortably with an en-suite bathroom in each cabin.

As some put it, this is a true catamaran and it deserves a sweet spot for anyone looking for adventurous, open water cruising.

Dolphin Ocema 42

The Dolphin 42 is the ideal option for any sailor looking for a catamaran that defies all conventions. It comes with daggerboards, which you can use to point higher into the wind and also reduce the draft when anchoring or moving in shallow water thus reducing the risk of grounding.

This vessel balances stunning performance and remarkable comfort in one package, a rare feat in blue water boats. The foam core makes it lightweight and impact-resistant at the same time, making cruising in the most demanding conditions less strenuous.

If you need a cruising boat that will never let you down, then you can never go wrong with the Dolphin 42.

Caveat: Pointing high on the wind using this boat requires pretty decent sailing expertise. If you lift the daggerboards too high, you may expose the rudders or interfere with the hulls if it runs aground.

Atlantic 42

Since its introduction in 1993, the Atlantic 42 has grown its loyal fan base, thanks to its aesthetics and efficiency.

The multihull comes with a high-waist cockpit located in front of the pilothouse and behind its mast. As evidenced by the metal girder-like bearers that transverse the bulkheads, the solid construction is a selling point for any cruising enthusiast with safety considerations in mind. 

Most notably, these features make it stronger, improve circulation, and offers a helm position in the middle of the boat.

Although some consider this boat’s style conservative, its durable, impact-resistant build quality is unrivaled. Without a doubt, the Atlantic 42 is built with your safety in mind, but it also comes with beautiful interior and exterior finishes. If you need a boat that delivers comfort, safety, and efficiency in a compact package, you’ll never go wrong with this blue water cruiser.

Outremer 45

Looking at the Outremer 45, you can tell that it took careful, detailed planning to build. Its weight distribution is remarkably balanced for added stability, and it minimizes pitching, ensuring you have the smoothest sailing. Its parts meet international quality and safety standards.

The boat’s interior structure is pretty stiff since the components are directly laminated to its hull, improving its sturdiness.

It features the proprietary Jefa steering system, which is light and highly responsive to winds, a true mark of a quality multihull. If you try out its autopilot feature, you’ll immediately notice how its rigs and hulls balance remarkably.

In a nutshell, this boat is designed to take good care of your crew. 

It comes in different versions, like an owner’s version, a club version with additional berths in the owner’s hull, and a four-cabin version. Arguably, this multihull deserves to be on the list of the best and safest blue water catamarans.

What Is The Best Sized Catamaran For Ocean Sailing?

The best-sized catamaran for ocean sailing is around 42ft; it is small enough to be sailed by one person but big enough to provide safety and speed. But, of course, there are many variables to consider, if you want to understand why, I suggest you read my article on the topic:

Best sized Catamaran for Ocean Sailing and Liveaboard?

Wrapping Up

Cruising on a catamaran can be thrilling and worthwhile, as they come with impressive features that make them the favorite option for those seeking open water adventure. They offer incredible comfort, speed, maneuverability, and room space. Besides, they’re safer than monohull boats, thanks to their twin-hull design, which uniformly distributes their load.

Nonetheless, before buying any of the cats mentioned in this article, ensure you check the following specifications about them:

• Their beam-to-length ratio
• Helm placement
• Their structural integrity and quality
• Passagemaker: The Top Catamarans of 2020
• Sail Magazine: 10 Great Cruising Cats
• Catamaran Guru: Catamaran Safety
• Dream Yacht Sales: Best Catamaran Brands Guide – 6 Top Catamarans
• Aeroyacht: Catamaran Safety
• Yachts International: Sailboat Debate: Monohull vs. Catamaran
• PureTravel: Are Catamarans Safe in Rough Seas?
• Ocean Navigator: Evaluating Modern Catamarans
• Velmundi: Catamarans – Advantages and Disadvantages
• Catamaransite: Brand: Manta 42
• Multihull Solutions: Catana Safety
• Sail Magazine: Boat Review: Outremer 45
• Instant Sailing: Lagoon 450 F: Prestige at Its Peak
• Sail Magazine: Heavy Weather Strategies When Sailing a Catamaran
• Caribbean Multihulls: Fountaine Pajot Elba 45
• Boat Safe: Best Catamarans (Plus Pro Tips and Buying Guide)

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!

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8-Hour Day Sail & Sunset

Join us for a Day Sail - one of the best catamarans cruises in Antigua!

Sail along the Southern coastline to our favorite location, Cades Reef. Dive into pristine waters, snorkel the abundance of marine life or relax in the sun or shade and let the ocean breezes caress your skin. This is a must do - Antigua yacht sailing trip!

Catamaran 6-Hour Day Sail

Sail along the Southern coastline to our favorite location, Carlisle Bay.

See picturesque lush rolling hills and secluded bays while lounging in the sun or shade. Try our famous “Rock the Boat – Rum Punch” Cocktail whilst we prepare your snacks on board. One of the best Catamaran sailing trips in Antigua!

Private Charters in Antigua

Come sail with us on "Catch the Cat" Catamaran and choose the destination.

Our private cruises are especially suited for intimate gatherings of friends who wish to have their own private sailing cruise. Getting married, having an anniversary, getting together with your family, book with us in advance and enjoy an exceptional cruise.

Antigua Catamaran Sailing Cruises!

Whales and Dolphins Spotted in Antigua! Watch the videos we took directly from "Catch The Cat" Charters... See videos

Private day sailing charters aboard "CATCH THE CAT" offers a unique, intimate and exclusive experience. "CATCH THE CAT" is the newest catamaran sailing the coastal waters of Antigua. This elegant 2010, 41ft Lipari built by Fountaine Pajot offers space, style, luxury and relaxation.

We offer private and fully customized, Antigua yacht sailing trips around the island. "CATCH THE CAT" is perfect for celebrating memorable occasions. Our private sailing cruises and day trips are especially suited for intimate gatherings of friends who wish to have their own exclusive sailing cruise aboard a catamaran.

The exquisite layout allows easy movement about the boat. From the spacious aft deck, the step down to the swimming platform or relaxing on the foredeck and trampoline. The four well appointed cabins with fans each have a roomy double-bed with generous cupboard and locker space, ideal if one of the children needs an afternoon sleep, plus two bathrooms and two separate shower rooms.

We care about the environment. Read more about our environmental-friendly charters...

Personal Services – We limit ourselves to just 8 guests, to give you that special pampered feeling you deserve on your vacation holiday. Board as guests… Leave as friends!

Our Exclusive 62ft Lagoon

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Shared charters

Mingle on the water with a small selection of fellow luxury cruisers., view more details.

private charters

The cat & the fiddle is perfect for creating lasting memories for any occasion..

The Cat & the Fiddle is a sleek and exclusive 62-foot Luxury catamaran from Lagoon Catamarans – the most prestigious Catamaran manufacturer in the World. The Cat & The Fiddle emanates an elegance with its plush interior spaces and its multiple decks. The cabins and interior saloon are fully air-conditioned, and the exterior area’s are spacious with well-appointed deck space – all spaces on board are perfect for the ultimate relaxation in the turquoise waters of Barbados .

Cat & The Fiddle has differentiated itself in the luxury sailing category in Barbados through its extraordinary on-board service offered on all of the sailings.

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Smart Cat is fun. It is the perfect playground for your family and friends.

Smart Cat has everything you need. Just enjoy your time on the water.

The most affordable catamaran from the beginning. Even lower maintenance costs.

Our Smart Cat models have an innovative wide-open deck and interior design with the innovative shipping methods.

Our innovative design and engineering ability create one of the best catamaran boats in the industry that never been introduced before. From drawing board to final assembly, we pursuit precise engineering levels so our customers experience the best product in the industry.

Performance

Pursuing the best performance by cutting edge test..

Smart Cat has proven performance by improved prototype and we always make sure the best performance design with safety in mind. Smart Cat always pursues the best performance for our models. We spend a lot of effort and investment in researching and developing the best hull design and performance.

Exceptional quality with functionality.

Our open deck and cockpit design show exceptional quality but you will find tremendous functionality as well. Smart Cat pursues the best quality for comfort, relaxation, and easy interface for users. Quality for the interior means more comfort and relaxation. Smart Cat focuses on interior quality in details so users feel more comfortable while on board.

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• This New 111-Foot Hybrid Catamaran Is Topped With a Glass Hot Tub

The new flagship of the Ultima range is green, zippy, and just the right amount of glitzy.

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This new 454-foot gigayacht concept comes with a bonkers underwater lounge, meet gx superyachts, a new shipyard creating custom hybrids ranging from 78 to 164 feet.

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The Sunreef family just got even bigger.

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Penned in partnership with fellow Dutch outfit Phathom Studio , the latest addition showcases the signature Ultima DNA and a sporty, automotive-inspired design. The eco cruiser is outfitted with Sunreef’s proprietary solar skin, custom-engineered battery banks, and an advanced hybrid propulsion system. It can also be equipped with hydrofoils that will allow it to soar across the waves with even less drag.

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CAT 12.0 Cruise

• up to 12 knots
• up to 4 hours
• up to 14 hours
• up to 25 Kw
• up to 160 kWh
• WC and shower
• layout cruise
• 50 -70 lt / h
• 31P + (Charts)

A truly sustainable cruiser catamaran with unlimited autonomy

A sustainable cruiser catamaran for an even more comfortable ride, cat 12.0 cruise specifications, energy & range, base equipment, gallery of cat 12.0 cruise.

Uniqueness of

Sustainable cruising and maneuverability.

With an unlimited range at low speeds and a maximum speed of 15 knots, the Sun Concept CAT 12.0 Cruise offers no compromise at sea. One of the very few compact electric catamarans, this 40-foot boat features exceptional torque at low revs, low drag and light weight, providing for excellent manoeuvrability and ease of use.

A Luxurious Floating Living Lifestyle

An energy-wise self-sufficient boat, the Sun Concept CAT 12.0 Cruise makes a luxurious floating living platform with sleeping spaces up to 7 persons. While the double cabins with private bathrooms are not overtly spacious making a perfect living space for 1-2 persons each, the helm is a truly transformable space where the dining table can give way to a double bed in moments and the transformable sofas are there if you need another sleeping place above deck.

View video reviews, onboard virtual tours and walkthroughs, sea trials and test drives of CAT 12.0 Cruise from the manufacturer and independent yachting experts.

Download PDF documents for the CAT 12.0 Cruise model including brochures with standard specifications, price lists featuring optional upgrades, performance charts and test drive data.

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Leading europe's electric boat revolution since 2016.