- Mainsail
- Genoa
- Selftacking jib
- Gennaker
- Spinnaker
Former owners of a Lagoon 52, this Dutch couple is more than happy to continue the adventure on an Outremer 55, which was delivered to them in 2021. Looking for comfort and sailing pleasure above all, they are delighted by this 55-foot catamaran, which combines performance and ergonomic innovations that make her both comfortable and easy to maneuver.
Can you add tillers to the outremer 55, is an electric version of the outremer 55 available, why did you redesign the deck seat.
Beyond building your boat, Outremer brings your dreams to life by being by your side at every stage of your project. To always better support you, we have created Outremer Services. This structure, integrated within Grand Large Services is able to meet all your needs, from the start of your project to the resale of your catamaran.
Seminars on the theme of blue-water cruising, training on land and at sea, charter, concierge services, refit, a network of approved partners around the world, OCM ™ e-maintenance and lastly brokerage. We offer complete and personalized support according to best fit your needs.
Impatient, not sure you can invest in a new catamaran or simply curious? See our latest second-hand boats on offer. Please note that the demand is high, don’t wait to contact us.
SHORT TERM CHARTER WITH SKIPPER
From the legendary Outremer 45 to the acclaimed Outremer 55, not to forget the 51 and the 4X, you will find a wide range of Outremer catamarans to charter, depending on your model of interest.
Your source for the latest news on yachts, boats and more. Read through our articles to find out how to compare boats and find the right fit for you!
Sep 25, 2020
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The best catamarans for ocean crossing have to embody a few key features in order to be safe for anyone on board, including guests and crew members. Most catamarans do perform quite well in open waters and are regarded as safe vessels to be offshore. This is especially true with large catamarans with big hulls.
In addition, many catamarans have sailed through horrific weather and have managed not to capsize due to their great roll inertia. What basically happens to a catamaran in a rough sea is the boat just surfs sideways when a big wave hits.
Not to worry however as in most cases, weather forecasts will determine whether a catamaran can go offshore on that specific day or not. In addition, the highest risks are when catamarans sail on a north- south axis between seasons. That said, there are a few catamarans that do perform better when crossing oceans than others.
Typically, cruising catamarans are divided into two categories:
Charter catamarans have fixed keels, shorter bows, forward masts, heavier displacement, high-windage flybridges, and low-aspect rudders. These boats are mainly chartered to guests and are not designed for ocean crossing rather than sailing close to shore and enjoying views in a touristic way.
High-performance cruising catamarans , on the other hand, have deeper rudders, less displacement, efficient daggerboards, a small weight and large sail plans. They are able to go at a 50-degree TWA to windward in all weather conditions, and can even outsail keelboats. In addition, when a storm hits, all that is needed is for the catamaran to sail at a higher speed and maintain balance and lower loads.
These features make them some of the best catamarans for ocean sailing.
After getting a quick glance of what makes a multihull a good fit for offshore sailing, let’s get to the good part: which one is the best catamaran for ocean cruising ?
Technically, there are thousands of options to choose from when it comes to catamarans. So today we are going to present our choice based on the criteria mentioned above.
One of the best catamarans for ocean sailing in 2020 is The Privilege 435 . This is a long-distance, light weight cruiser produced in the Gold Coast area of La Rochelle. The Privilege 435 is a heavy-displacement multihull that has been around for almost 30 years. This is a luxurious well-built yacht with a decent proportion that allows it to cross oceans safely. It has a 23ft 2in beam, 43ft 1in LOA, as well as good proportion with a low-slung superstructure which is perfect for low wind resistance. In addition, the Privilege 435 is equipped with 4 cabins and 4 showers and costs about $300,000 to $350,000. The ample interior makes for a comfortable vessel to withstand long- distance trips.
While this catamaran sits on the high-end of the spectrum when it comes to yachts, there are many other more affordable options to choose from, if you are looking to sail offshore on a long-distance trip. Use TheBoatDB with a free account to compare other catamarans to the Privilege435 and figure out which one is the best fit for you to ocean cruise. You can even browse through TheBoatDB database to get some more options on the table. Last but not least, make sure to take into account the route and predicted weather conditions before embarking on your adventure.
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Performance cruising catamarans are impressive-looking vessels that focus on speed above comfort. These fast boats are ideal for racing and long cruising vacations. But with the numerous brands and models on the market, how do you know which is the best one?
The best high-speed performance cruising catamarans are the Outremer 4x, McConaghy MC50, Nautitech 44, Gunboat 62, Balance 526, and Marsaudon Composites ORC50. All these boats deliver outstanding speeds and are light in weight, relatively comfortable, and incredibly safe.
This article will explore the brands and models that I believe have the best combination of performance and comfort . We’ll look at their speeds and what makes them cruise so fast. We’ll also examine the factors to consider when shopping for a performance cruising cat.
Table of Contents
Cruising catamarans are generally faster than monohulls of similar lengths. This means most well-built and well-balanced cats will arrive at their destination much sooner, and the cruise is much more comfortable. Performance cruising cats like the Nautitech include deep daggerboards and rudders, narrow waterline beams, hull chines, and big sail plans that allow for faster sailing than a standard cruising cat.
CATAMARAN | SPEED (Knots) |
---|---|
Outremer 4X | 20 |
McConaghy 52 | 22 |
Nautitech 44 | 17 |
ORC 50 | 23 |
Balance 526 | 20 |
Gunboat 62 | 20 |
Privilege Signature 510 (For reference) | 13 |
Fountaine Pajot Astréa 42 (For reference) | 10 |
Outremer Catamarans are well-known for their high speeds. These exciting cats sport brilliant designs, narrow bows, and large rigs. Built in Southern France, the vessels are strong and long-lasting since their structures feature materials such as carbon, glass, and vinyl ester.
The Outremer 4x is a stable and comfortable high-speeding cruising catamaran that performs ocean crossings and confronts any weather with remarkable ease. Named the European Boat of the Year in 2017, this 48-foot (14.6 m) bluewater cruiser sails faster than wind speed and attains maximum cruising speeds of 20 knots.
The 4x is an upgrade of the extremely popular Outremer 45, thus retaining Outremer’s core values of speed, safety, and comfort. It’s built for maximum performance and enjoyment, with the lightweight, carbon fiber structure allowing for additional speed under sail .
Featuring comfort typical of much larger vessels, the Outremer 4X features 4 double cabins, hot water showers, a full kitchen, spacious storage, and excellent ventilation. There’s also an expansive deck, an unobstructed cockpit, and large trampoline areas. Most importantly, your safety is assured through the cat’s unique features including a robust structure, offshore design, stability, and unrivaled speed potential.
The 4x’s cutting-edge design makes it ideal for competitive racing or blue water cruising, and it does both without compromising your comfort, safety, or onboard livability. However, to sail at maximum speed, the boat must remain lightweight, requiring your interior to be fitted out quite minimally. The other downside is the high price tag; the Outremer 4X commands a price between $912,322 and $1,202,945 .
The McConaghy MC52 is a performance luxury cruising cat reflective of McConaghy’s 50 years of experience in building high-tech composite projects. The luxurious boat features a flybridge, retracting centerboards, optimized hulls, and an open space bridgedeck combining the salon with the cockpit. You can also customize the boat to your specifications.
This hi-tech cat comes with sizeable sliding salon windows and frameless doors that provide fantastic views. Its wave-piercing bows can cut through waves, thus helping to increase performance by minimizing pitch resistance, while still retaining a smooth ride. Also, the saloon offers spacious dining space for up to 8 people, and the galley area is more like a penthouse.
The manufacturer’s background in building high-end racing yachts has resulted in an incredibly strong and lightweight vessel capable of reaching 22 knots (40.7 km/h or 25.29 mph). The main downside to this boat is the boom placement on the mast, which is much higher than other high-performance cats. This makes accessing the mainsail somewhat challenging. It also increases the MC50’s center of gravity and center of effort.
You can get the MC52 for about $1.6 million.
The Nautitech 44 easily blends comfort and fun to deliver an impressive sailing performance, whether you take short trips or long ocean crossings. The boat offers a good balance under sail, and it features helming stations on each hull. Plus, there’s an integrated hardtop bimini complete with sunroof opening. Slim hulls translate to higher speeds, with the vessel reaching up to 17 knots (31.4 km/h or 19.51 mph).
The well-laid-out interior boasts a functional design, ample storage space, plus all the equipment you require for ocean cruising, such as a fridge, watermaker, and solar.
Nautitech 44’s twin helms give you the real sailing experience with a fantastic view of the sails and great visibility when maneuvering into port. However, you might not appreciate being stuck in the aft helm position without protection in lousy weather or during hot days.
Nevertheless, the boat’s responsiveness makes sailing more pleasurable. Plus, it’s affordable; the price is between $236,000 and $334,000.
Marsaudon Composites vessels are ideal for both racing and cruising. The sporty-looking ORC 50 comes with large inverted bows, an angular coachroof, a high freeboard, and a sturdy rotating carbon mast. In addition, the vessel is light which allows it to accelerate quickly, while the angular coachroof offers lots of space and excellent visibility.
The ORC50 can attain 23+ knots (42.5+ km/h or 26.41+ mph) and is among the fastest high-performance livable multihulls. It’s capable of doing more than 350 miles (563.27 km) per day.
The downside to the ORC50 is it’s a bit technical to sail, thus requiring a skilled sailor. Furthermore, its immense power and speed can be intimidating to less experienced sailors. Solely designed for speed, the ORC50’s interior is simple, less roomy, and somewhat spartan; hence the boat might not be all that comfy. Still, it’ll get you where you want to go pretty fast, and it’s an excellent value for money at approximately $787,751.25.
The Gunboat 62 is a true high-speed catamaran capable of sailing at 20 knots (37 km/h or 23 mph) over true wind speeds and known to notch up speeds of 36+ knots (66.7+ km/h or 41.45 mph) on a surf. The initial 3 Gunboat 62 boats featured epoxy, E-glass, and carbon fiber construction, but the fourth vessel was all carbon, sported a taller rig and a more expansive sail area.
These structural features made the Gunboat 62s extremely light, and they formed the original luxury high-performance cruising cats.
This multihull sailboat boasts a carbon mast, round hull sections for a minimized wetted surface area, high-aspect rudders, and retractable daggerboards. The steering station offers 360-degree visibility and sports overhead hatches that you can use to monitor the mainsail trim. The boat also contains 3 private cabins with queen berths, 2 spacious heads with showers, an aft cockpit, galley, and lounge.
On the downside, Gunboats are pricey cats; hence they’re also expensive to maintain. The Gunboat 62 isn’t that spacious either as it’s more focused on speed, but it’s extremely comfortable, plus there’s plenty of space for hanging out. You can buy this catamaran starting from $2 million .
Built with a combination of carbon fiber, E-glass, epoxy, closed-cell foam, and composite bulkheads, this boat is strong, light, and can withstand terrible weather. The retractable daggerboards allow for good upwind performance. All high load areas contain carbon fiber, while furniture and cabinets feature cored sandwich construction, producing the lightest yet most robust catamaran.
A Balance 526 will reach speeds of up to 20knots without stressing the rig too much.
The boat is available in various layouts and comfortably accommodates 6 people. The spacious aft cockpit and saloon provide panoramic visibility. And since Balance 526 can handle the extra weight, you get performance plus all the creature comforts you desire.
Still, Balance 526’s pricing is on the higher end, beginning at $1,440,000 . Also, the slender hulls result in less space down below. Nevertheless, the boat lives up to its name, achieving the perfect balance between superb performance and comfort.
Performance catamarans contain two small narrow hulls, which cause them to have less water resistance. Smaller hulls mean the vessels have much smaller bow waves to fight, allowing them to move extremely fast. In addition, the less hull area is underwater, the faster the boat is capable of moving since there’s less drag.
Having said that, it’s important to note that a narrow hull is more prone to burying its bows in rough seas. The wider the hull, the more buoyancy it offers, but only up to a given point. After which, the excessive width becomes unmanageable and performance suffers. The key lies in finding the right balance.
The longer a cruising cat is, the faster it’ll move. While each vessel bears a maximum hull speed, in most cases, the lengthier the boat, the higher the speed it can reach. The length of the hull (length on the waterline) also has a significant impact on the speed performance. Thus, the cat attains maximum speeds when the wavelength is equal to the length on the waterline (hull speed).
Therefore, the longer the length of the hull, the better the performance of a high-speed cruising cat. You can also compare two cruising cats’ speeds based on this measure.
Modern cat manufacturers continue designing more innovative high-performance cruising cats that deliver a new blend of performance and cruising features. They achieve this by using advanced construction materials, better daggerboard designs, and creative weight allocation. They also keep a keener focus on onboard amenities. For instance, asymmetrical daggerboards placed midships in each hull can help achieve proper balance and hull trim.
The overall goal is to design cruising cats that offer high speeds, outstanding performance, and enough offshore comfort.
Here’s an article if you are wondering what daggerboards and centerboards are and why they impact performance so much.
The lighter a cruising catamaran, the greater its performance. And some of the most popular high-performance catamarans find an optimal balance between performance and comfort. As a result, modern performance-based cruising cats have embraced the use of carbon composite construction for hulls, daggerboards, and rigging, instead of the somewhat heavier glass fiber materials.
A weighed-down cat produces less speed, which means excess immersion of the hulls renders the boat sluggish . The hull submersion also reduces the bridge deck clearance, promoting uncomfortable hull slamming.
You won’t find much difference in top speed between performance catamarans bearing similar lengths because they all have displacement hulls and mostly sail to hull speed with occasional surfing. This means that under skilled hands, these cats should exhibit roughly the same performance. A cruising cat’s performance is also highly dependent on the state of the sea, wind direction, and speed, amongst many other factors.
Speed is the number one consideration when choosing a high-speed cruising cat. Yet there are other factors just as important since they contribute to the overall cruising performance, including:
Performance cruising catamarans are built using exotic, high-tech, lightweight materials to deliver an electrifying sailing experience. And as we’ve seen from the above list, these boats deliver performance plus much more. They’re not only speed cruisers, but they also provide a smooth, comfortable, and enjoyable cruising experience.
So, whichever option you go for – from the luxurious Gunboat 62 to the much more affordable Nautitech 44 – you’re sure to get a boat that suits your needs.
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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Liveaboard catamaran sailboats are some of the most comfortable vessels on the water for long-term living and traveling. The choices when shopping for a cruising catamaran can be daunting, however.
So, without further ado, here are some of the best liveaboard catamaran sailboats that are 40-plus-foot and comfortable for long-term offshore cruising.
9 best catamaran for liveaboard, 1. antares 44, 2. knysna 440/500, 3. leopard 42/43/45/47 (circa 1998–2004), 4. lagoon 42/46 (circa 2018), 5. manta 38/40/42, 6. alliaura marine privilege 42/435/45/445/465, 7. catana 401/42/431/471, 8. fountaine pajot orana 44/helia 44, 9. voyage/norseman 380/400/440/470, why a liveaboard catamaran, questions to ask before choosing a liveaboard catamaran, performance cats vs. cruising cats, size — what’s too small and what’s too big, build quality and longevity, owners vs. charter layouts, galley up vs. galley down, open transom/traveler up vs. closed cockpit, best features of a liveaboard catamaran, 1. downsize and organize, 2. learn to conserve, 3. maintenance skills, 4. safety first, 5. stay connected, 6. embrace the lifestyle, 7. financial planning, 8. health and well-being, 9. environmental responsibility, 10. education and learning, which is the best catamaran for liveaboard cruising, best catamaran for liveaboard faqs.
Picking the right liveaboard catamaran for your crew is a big choice. This list has been handpicked based on personal experience of years living on the water.
Boat | Pros |
---|---|
Antares 44 | Gorgeous, seaworthy, comfortable, good support |
Knysna 440/500 | Extremely well built, high quality, pretty |
Leopard 42/43/45/47 | Shaft drives, good looks, spacious, popular |
Lagoon 42/46 | Self-tacking jib, modern design, open layout |
Manta 38/40/42 | Quality construction, good reputation |
Privilege 42/435/45/445/465 | High quality, well-designed |
Catana 401/42/431/471 | Performance-oriented, dual helm stations |
Fountaine Pajot Orana 44/Helia 44 | Good balance of features, right size |
Voyage/Norseman 380/400/440/470 | Open cockpits, easy walkaround, low windage |
Note that some of these are grouped based on the boat model. Many times, a boat goes out of production, and the hull molds get bought by another yard. They change the name and sell it under their brand. As a result, you will find a lot of boats listed with multiple names.
Are you looking for a smaller, cheaper option? Check out our list of cheap catamarans , including many older and smaller models that can be gotten for a bargain.
Originally built by Canadian builder PDQ, it’s now produced by an Argentine company. The Antares 44 is one of the few purpose-built yachts for owners and cruisers.
They include training with new boat sails and have excellent after-sales support. The boats are gorgeous and some of the most seaworthy and well-appointed catamarans on the market, with high bridge deck clearance and everything to make life aboard as comfortable as possible.
Knysna is a boutique, semi-custom yacht maker from South Africa. Their boats are extremely well built to a very high standard. The designs came from the St. Francis boats (also really nice options!) but have been updated and redesigned. Knysnas are some of the prettiest cruising cats you’ll ever see.
These early Leopard models had a lot going for them. The 43 is probably the most popular, but the 42 is in the same boat but a few years older.
The Leopard 43 was made popular recently by the Gone With the Wynns YouTube sailing channel. What’s to like? They’ve got shaft drives (not sail drives, so less maintenance), good looks, spacious cabins, and lots of living spaces.
This newer line of Lagoons has a self-tacking jib and sleek, modern design. What we like most is the layouts, which have wide open spaces between the salon, cockpit, and helm station.
Manta was a US builder with a great reputation for building quality boats. They only built one model, which started as the 38 and progressively got more and more added to the transoms (sugar scoops).
These older French boats were built to a much higher quality standard than current charter boats. They’re well-designed, even if the layouts are a bit dated by modern standards. There are many offshore cruisers that have been comfortably live aboard Privilege owners for years.
Catana is a performance-oriented French company. Their boats have distinctive daggerboards, narrow hulls, and asymmetric hulls. Catana now also makes the new Bali line of charter liveaboard catamarans. One of the company’s trademarks are the dual helm stations mounted aft on each hull, a really fun place to sail from.
Many FPs could be on the list, but the 44s are my favorite. They have just the right balance of good looks, useable space, and a workable layout, and it is just the right size. For tours and videos of the Helia, check out the Out Chasing Stars YouTube channel.
A South African yard from the early 2000s, the Voyage boats have a nice feature set and are built well. Unique for the era, these boats have open cockpits and easy walk-around side decks. Compared to many of today’s cats, these have low windage and low-slug decks for a sleek, seaworthy look.
Whether you want to set off and sail the world or just live comfortably while tied to a dock, catamarans are a great way to do it.
Catamarans first became popular with charter companies because they had more space to sleep more people . But something else became apparent quickly—non-sailors liked them. While they have all the parts and equipment to sail, they also have more space for guests to spread out. Everyone can have a private cabin, and there’s tons of space on deck to lounge where ever you like.
What’s more, the space on a catamaran feels different. The salon, the main living area in the cabin, is up high on the bridge deck. It has large windows that let in lots of air and light. A sliding patio door opens directly into a large cockpit , usually with bench seating for up to ten people and a dedicated large table for meals. All of this is separate from sailing controls and the helm, which is nearby but not in the way.
The dream of sailing and living on a sailboat appeals to many people until those people see the inside of a typical monohull sailboat.
You see, the classic sailboat is cramped and dark. Many sailors describe the cabin of their sailboat as a “cave.” Windows are limited. Every inch of space in a sailboat has a purpose, so the space is usually packed with furniture, storage lockers, and need-to-have items. The outdoor space, called the cockpit, is crammed around the sailing controls and the helm or wheel. Getting between the cabin and cockpit requires climbing a steep ladder. The deck space is taken up with lines and sails, with no room designed to stretch out and enjoy yourself. And then you step on a catamaran.
The difference between a regular monohull sailboat and a catamaran is night and day. If you look at pictures of the two, the monohull is undoubtedly a boat. But the promo shots of a catamaran could be a seaside cottage or tiny house. It’s more comfortable and more approachable for the non-boater despite the spacious interior. And for boaters, it represents a huge step up in space and comfort .
Here are some critical questions to ask yourself before making this investment:
Reflecting on these questions can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your sailing aspirations, lifestyle preferences, and financial situation.
There’s a lot to look at when thinking about catamaran liveaboards.
Here are a few things to consider as you browse Yachtworld, Sailboat Listings, and Catamaransite.
Cats are unfairly divided into two groups, but it’s often oversimplified. All catamarans are built for cruising once they’re above a certain size (about 35 feet). At the same time, all catamarans are built for some amount of performance. The trick is figuring out which manufacturers balance these two things the same way you do.
Cruising catamarans are generally charter cats from companies like Lagoon, Leopard, Fountaine Pajot, and Bali. These boats lean on the side of having bigger hulls, stub keels, and easier-to-sail rigs . They still sail well, though. Unless you’re a racing sailor, know that most owners are very happy with how these catamarans sail.
There are also a few companies making cruising cats that are aimed at private owners. Antares and Knyesna are two examples of spacious cruising catamarans perfect for living aboard. These are built semi-custom and are more likely to have space dedicated for storage, workspace, and offices.
Performance catamarans usually have smaller accommodations and sleeker profiles . They are also likelier to have daggerboards than stub keels, narrow hulls, and more sail area. Brand examples include Catana, Outremer, Maine Cat, and Gunboat. They’re built as lightly as possible out of the best materials and aim for the highest speeds and the most miles sailed per day. Boats in this category are much more expensive due to their higher construction costs and more advanced features.
More and more companies are spouting up with their own balance of performance vs. cruising space. No company picks one or the other; they all make compromises somewhere.
Picking the right size for your catamaran is important. If you’ve been boating on a few types of vessels, you might have some ideas. But if you’re shopping online, it is almost impossible to tell.
As a rule of thumb, the smallest liveaboard catamarans are usually between 35 and 40 feet long. This isn’t just about accommodations, it’s about weight-carry capacity. It’s very easy to overload a catamaran, affecting both its performance and stability. If you’re a couple and want to go long-distance cruising, a 38-foot-class cat is best. This has space for you, your stuff, and an occasional guest or two.
If your budget allows, a 42 to 44-foot class boat is superior in a few ways. If you often have guests or more kids coming with you, this size boat is about right. They also carry more load, perform better (more miles per day), and ride better in a choppy sea.
Of course, there are couples cruising out there who couldn’t possibly do it on anything less than 65 or 70 feet! The size of your boat is a personal choice based not only on your budget but what you are comfortable with.
You really won’t know where you fit until you get on some boats. Visit a major boat show to get aboard some boats. Even if they don’t have the exact models you like the most, you can probably get an idea of what sizes work. If you’re close to buying, you can also enlist the services of a buyers broker to show you around some boats and help you pick the right size for your trip.
However, It must be said that bigger boats come with bigger price tags—for as long as you own it. Just looking at asking prices, you’ll quickly see that they leap at intervals as the boats become more complex. A nice, sail-away-ready 38-footer can be found for $250,000, but a 45-footer in similar condition will likely be over $400,000.
But everything is more expensive on a bigger boat, not just the purchase price. Dock space, boatyard fees, and most labor tasks (waxing, bottom paint, rerigging, etc.) are priced based on the boat length, not time. It is always beneficial to buy the smallest boat you’re comfortable on and save the extra money for longer cruises and future boat projects!
When shopping for a catamaran, it’s really important to gauge the build quality of the boat. This can be a daunting task for first-time buyers as you learn about how these boats are made and the differences between manufacturers.
The bottom line is this—since catamarans are built for speed and performance, they are built lightly with modern techniques and materials. Unfortunately, most boat builders aren’t paying much attention to how that boat will last after ten or twenty years of pounding across oceans. Stress and flexing issues on these boats are real, as are manufacturing issues that don’t appear until years later.
If you’re looking to buy a used boat, you want to ensure it’s been built by a reputable builder and has been taken care of. Therefore, a survey from a professional who knows about catamarans is really important.
For liveaboards, a few layouts and features set catamaran designs apart from one another.
Since many catamarans were designed and built for charter use , their layouts often feature as many staterooms as possible with en suite heads (bathrooms) . This enables groups of couples to pool their resources and travel on a boat but still have personal space and privacy. It also allows hiring a crew to work the boat for your charter and for everyone to have separate accommodations.
The result is a pretty common layout found in many catamarans that features four cabins and four heads. The 4/4 will have a bunk on each end of the hull, each connected to a small bathroom and shower. If the catamaran is under 40 feet, it might be a 4/2 with only one larger bathroom in each hull. If you assume two per bed, and the salon settee converts into a fifth bunk, this boat could conceivably sleep ten.
A private owner probably doesn’t need or want this many bunks. Most boats are owned by cruising couples that occasionally have friends visit or small families with one or two kids. Two bunks are plenty.
For this situation, the owner’s version layouts are much better. In this case, the owner’s stateroom takes up an entire hull . There’s extra storage space , a very large head, and a more spacious cabin . Plus, you usually get a very roomy separate shower that feels like home. All that extra space can make an office space or room to install amenities like a washing machine. The other hull shares the same layout as the charter version, with a smaller cabin on each end and one or two bathrooms in between. So, the owner’s version is either a 3/2 or 3/3.
Owner’s versions are slightly harder to come by and usually more expensive. However, many go into charter service despite the name, so they are out there. They’re more desirable and have higher resale value. On the other hand, the charter versions are often the cheapest liveaboard catamaran options because they’re common and less desirable in the resale market.
The next feature is how the boat is laid out with the galley.
Most modern charter cats have adopted the galley-up layout, which has the galley in the upper salon . That way, it’s right next to the indoor and outdoor dinettes, and the cook can be part of the social action.
A galley-down design has the galley tucked into one of the hulls . It’s more common on smaller boats where the upper salon is too small for the galley. But having the galley down is a safer and easier arrangement if you are cooking at sea, where the chef needs to brace themselves against a counter to get things done.
Galley up or galley down? It’s a matter of personal preference. Some like being up with the views and fresh air while cooking, while others like the counter space and useability of a well-laid out galley down layout.
One big difference between modern charter catamarans and early models (and older monohulls) is the cockpit’s layout.
On catamarans, the cockpit is open and easy to walk around. You can step out onto the boat’s transom or side deck without stepping over any seats or deep coamings . This is a much more comfortable arrangement for living aboard.
But, if you’re crossing an ocean and the weather turns ugly , being tucked inside a deep cockpit with a tall coaming is pretty comforting.
A common feature to look for is an arch or hardtop over the cockpit. The main sheet, the line that controls the mainsail, attaches to a control called the traveler. If this is on the deck at the back of the cockpit, it’s very hard to work around it. But if this is on top of a hardtop or arch, the cockpit will feel more open and spacious. Many older Lagoons and FPs had deep cockpits with the traveler on deck. Leopard catamarans were among the first to put it on an arch and open up the cockpit.
Again, it’s a matter of personal preference. But you definitely want to consider what you like and why before purchasing a catamaran because these are not features you can easily change.
Here’s a list of the best features to look for, tailored to ensure a harmonious balance between sailing performance and liveaboard lifestyle:
That said, each potential owner’s priorities will vary, so it’s important to consider which features align best with your lifestyle and sailing plans.
Living aboard a catamaran is not just about adjusting to the physical constraints of boat life; it’s also about embracing a lifestyle that is both challenging and immensely rewarding. With the right preparation and mindset, you can make your liveaboard experience truly unforgettable.
The good news is that we live in a time when catamarans have become mainstream. They’re exceedingly popular and more exciting new models are coming out each year. We’ve moved past the years when the only boats to choose from were built for charter. There are now great choices aimed at liveaboards and cruising families.
For most cruising couples, the smallest catamaran they’d want to consider is in the 35 to 38-foot range. Small families prefer a slightly bigger boat, from 40 to 42 feet, while those with older kids or more people on board like something in the 45-foot range. Everyone is different, of course, and you’ll find families of 4 or 5 living happily on 35-foot cats and couples that could never live on anything less than 60.
Yes and no. Most catamarans 38 feet and over are certified for offshore sailing and can safely handle any conditions—so long as they are sailed conservatively. In general, as long as you reduce sail early and travel carefully, catamarans are safe at sea.
But are they comfortable in rough seas? This is a question for which everyone has a different answer, and a lot depends on the model of the catamaran. Catamarans are built light in order to move quickly over the waters. Unfortunately, the two hulls mean that the boat is slammed by each wave twice. In some conditions, this makes for a choppy ride that makes some people seasick quickly.
Yes. Most catamarans are set up for short-handed or single-handed sailing . Much of it is simply how the boat is rigged and whether or not all the control lines are led to the helm. Even if a boat isn’t set up this way, it’s usually fairly straightforward to make it so.
People live on all sizes of vessels, so there’s no minimum. It’s a personal choice and depends on how you like to live. The most common size for liveaboard boaters is between 35 and 45 feet. These boats are small enough to be easy to drive, store, and maintain while still having enough space to live comfortably.
Matt has been boating around Florida for over 25 years in everything from small powerboats to large cruising catamarans. He currently lives aboard a 38-foot Cabo Rico sailboat with his wife Lucy and adventure dog Chelsea. Together, they cruise between winters in The Bahamas and summers in the Chesapeake Bay.
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Developed by anchor yachts, built by pacific seacraft in the usa, razor cat 38 – foiling performance power cat.
The Razor Cat 38 is your “escape pod” for adventure cruising. Providing performance, efficiency, and comfort on the water through the unique features and well thought design. The foil system increases efficiency by up to 40% over non-foiling boats, while improving performance and ride comfort. With 400 gallons of fuel aboard you have a 500+ mile range cruising at 30 knots, with a top speed of 45 knots. A key design element that the Razor Cat 38 shares with the Razor Cat 52 is the central inside helm station and 360 degree views throughout the bridge deck from both the sitting and standing positions.
The Razor Cat 38 provides seamless indoor/outdoor living with the Vista Door, which enables the entire aft wall of the salon to raise into the cabin top when desired. This combined with the near 17 foot beam creates a very spacious “single level” living space that is larger, and more usable, than most 50′ monohull powerboats. The innovation does not stop there, the cockpit has a built in electric grill station on the port side (with a 12 volt icemaker beneath) and built in beverage fridge opposite on the starboard side. The aft cockpit seat spilts into two benches that can be relocated next to the deck steps when you want to access the transom. The transom folds down to make a large swimming platform or boarding area. The fold down transom has the added benefit that it extends beyond the end of the outboards when they are tilted out of the water which allows you to board from the transom when you are stern to a dock. You can also board the boat from either side with the convenient side cockpit access just forward of the outboards.
The salon has a linear galley to port that spans almost 8 1/2 feet and features a 24″ work station sink, Vitrifrigo DRW180 stainless steel fridge/freezer drawers, induction cooktop and oven, along with generous storage. Opposite the galley is the settee which has a high/low folding table (when lowered forms a coffee table or a double berth). The settee seat backs can flip forward or aft facing depending on how you wish to use the seats. The settees also have large slide out drawers beneath providing easy access to provisions. The central helm station commands the forward portion of the salon, with a large sliding hatch directly above the helm. There is also a removable co-pilot seat that locks in place on the starboard side of the helm chair.
Each hull features a standard queen size berth with an opening hatch at the head of the berth. The large hull window features an opening port, providing ventilation and light that will be appreciated those aboard. The cabins also have a generous amount of storage with slide out drawers at the foot of the berth, inboard hanging locker, and outboard storage shelves. Moving aft past the steps from the hull to the salon you come to the head compartment and separate shower stall. Both the head compartment and shower stall have opening ports to add to the ventilation.
Forward of the salon is the systems room which is accessed by a large deck hatch that opens on gas struts. This is where the Lithium Ion batteries, inverter/chargers, and air conditioning units are located. This allows all the systems to be easily accessed and serviced while keeping them separate from the rest of the living area. Forward of the systems room is the comfortable forward cockpit which has storage beneath the cockpit seats. There is also large storage lockers in each bow which can be accessed by deck hatches and feature watertight bulkheads for added safety.
With the Razor Cat 38 you enjoy the journey as well as the destination!
The focus of this design is elegant performance. An offshore capable multihull which is easily controlled and operated by one person from the safety and comfort of a central inside helm station, featuring 360 degree views throughout the bridge deck. All lines (with the exception of the genoa/spinnaker sheets) lead to two electric reversible winches located either side of the helm. The genoa/ spinnaker sheets are handled by the two electric reversible winches in the cockpit (that can also be controlled remotely at the helm). Couples that have spent time cruising know how critical it is to be able to handle the boat easily while on watch without having to wake your partner, this is not possible on most catamaran designs.
A properly designed and constructed catamaran can be a very fast, but only if it remains light and easily driven. This design has relatively narrow hulls with dagger boards, along with simple powerful rig. The high bridge deck clearance minimizes pounding in a seaway and greatly adds to the comfortable motion aboard while sailing. All systems are designed to be easily accessed and maintained, a critical feature on any true cruising sailboat.
The bridge deck offers indoor/outdoor living at its finest, with excellent sight lines when sitting or standing, in the salon as well as on the aft deck. While the inside helm is the control center of the boat, the large U-shaped galley is the heart of the boat and is located on the bridge deck across from the dinette with easy access to the aft deck. The galley features a bar, under counter fridge/freezer drawers, a large sink, a proper stove with oven, along with substantial counter space and storage.
The accommodations in each hull are configured to provide a generous aft cabin with a queen berth that is easy to get into from the foot of the berth, along with ample storage. Moving forward is a modified queen midship berth (which folds up to reveal a work bench when needed). Next is a large forward head compartment with separate shower stall and large hanging locker. On the occasion you have additional guests the dinette also converts to a spacious double berth.
The market has seen an ever increasing demand for catamarans, particularly among sailors who have previously owned cruising monohulls. These buyers are looking for a catamaran that is well built offering: speed, comfort, and safety that is easy to handle while remaining a joy to sail. They also want a design that allows them to enjoy indoor/outdoor living (while underway and at anchor) in a way that is not possible on a traditional monohull. However, most catamarans on the market are designed and built for the charter market, which focuses on maximizing the number of berths and interior accommodations without concern of the adverse effects it has on sailing performance. The Razor Cat focuses on what experienced sailors are looking for in a performance cruising catamaran.
The development of the Razor Cat is the result of my personal experiences cruising with my wife aboard a performance catamaran, as well as my nearly 20 years selling new and used yachts. During that time I have been listening to what my clients have been searching for in a cruising catamaran, and the Razor Cat is the culmination of those experiences.
I am excited to be working with such a talented team to bring the Razor Cat to life:
Schionning Designs has been designing performance multihulls for over 25 years. Credited with over 400 boats on the water and cruising the world and zero failures on record, speaks to the success of their designs.
Pacific Seacraft has earned a reputation as a highly skilled builder of ocean going yachts, which they build with pride in Washington, NC USA. Their passion for boat building will be evident from your initial contact, throughout the entire build process, and after you take delivery of your new Razor Cat.
I am confident that the Razor Cat’s combination of innovative design, remarkable performance, and exceptional build quality, will bring joy to her owners and all aboard.
Elevate your time on the water.
Josh Hodgson – Owner of Anchor Yachts and Principal of Razor Cat
Anchor Yachts – Developer of the Razor Cats
Anchor Yachts was established in 1998. Providing international yacht brokerage services, as well as authorized representation for number of high quality build to order yacht lines, for both sailboats and powerboats. Our experience saves our clients time, money, and mistakes when purchasing and selling their yachts.
Josh Hodgson is the proud owner of Anchor Yachts. His love of boats started early in life while living aboard a catamaran in the Virgin Islands with his family when he was young. Boats have always been a presence and a passion in his life. He even met his wife while water skiing!
Applying his own sailing experiences, from living aboard a sailboat, to offshore voyages and coastal deliveries aboard a variety of boats, he has gained a firsthand appreciation of what makes a boat ready for sea. In addition, as the owner of Anchor Yachts since 2004, Josh has gained valuable experience by working with boaters to determine what they need in a boat to best accomplish what they are looking to do on the water.
Josh has listened to the comments and concerns of hundreds of boaters and have learned what it is that both men and women want in a proper boat. Through his long standing relationships with previous clients, he has come to know what they love about their boats and what they would like to change.
Josh is proud to have a long track record of helping people get what they want and maintaining positive relationships with his clients long after the sale. He looks forward to helping you expand your horizons on the water.
Pacific Seacraft -Builder of the Razor Cats
Pacific Seacraft was conceived more than 40 years ago in Southern California and has over the years become the preeminent builder of heavy weather capable bluewater sailing vessels. Astonishingly, each model boat in the line has circumnavigated, with the venerable PS-34, 37, 40, and 44’s continuing to do it with regularity.
In 2007 Pacific Seacraft came under new ownership and was relocated to North Carolina. Many of the longtime key personnel and department heads made the move to North Carolina and continue there today. This new era saw an even further evolution of the commitment to robust construction, real world ocean performance, and aesthetic beauty.
Pacific Seacraft has continued to build the Crealock line which remains a very relevant and viable cruising sailboat series. With Steve Brodie at the helm, the company began to expand their talent base and pursue larger custom and semi-custom projects. These included the SouthSea 61 designed by Robert Perry, which is available in a dual cockpit ketch and deck salon sloop configurations. This vessel is a model of modern technical construction with very traditional finishes. She is billed as a gentleman’s world cruiser whose beauty is only exceeded by her capability.
Working in conjunction with designer Ted Fontaine, Pacific Seacraft built the very unique, and very high tech, Surfari 50 performance sloop for entertainer Jimmy Buffett. Surfari boasts a lightweight infused epoxy hull with carbon reinforcing structure, carbon chain plates, hydraulic and electric controls for everything from mainsheet to transom tailgate, a pushbutton hydraulic lifting keel in a carbon fiber trunk, etc. All of this was executed with an of exceptional level of craftsmanship throughout, including unmatched interior woodwork details.
On the other end of the spectrum (and indicative of the company’s range), Pacific Seacraft is currently performing a full restoration of the last remaining North Carolina built Skipjack, built in 1915, and a very important part of North Carolinas maritime heritage.
While remaining true to the companies roots by continuing to produce very strong, beautiful, uncompromising vessels; Pacific Seacraft is also embracing new technologies, materials, and processes to continue to evolve and improve performance at sea. This includes epoxy sandwich infusion construction, employment of high strength aramid and carbon fiber laminates, titanium fabrications, advanced hydraulics, etc.
An uncompromising high quality standard is maintained by performing the work in-house and in the USA. Additionally, all materials and components undergo a rigorous evaluation with American and European components being employed where possible. While having evolved into more of a semi-custom builder, Pacific Seacraft has maintained and developed a broad range of in-house artisans and capabilities ranging from high tech composite fabrications, to metal fabrication and machining, to exquisite upholstery. The Pacific Seacraft team boasts over 200 years of combined boatbuilding experience. This level of experience, range, and control not only ensures a very high standard of quality but also to allow advanced levels of customization and engagement for discerning clients.
Schionning Designs – Designer of the Razor Cat 52
Schionning Designs has been working within the marine industry, in Australia and around the World, to engineer and develop luxury cruising and racing multihulls using the best composite solutions. Having designed catamarans for more than 25 years, Schionning Designs has grown to become one of the World’s top multihull designers.
Schionning Designs are some of the safest, fastest, most luxurious cruising catamarans on the market today. With over 400 boats on the water, cruising the worlds oceans, and zero design failures on record, the designs have proven themselves in the real world.
Crescendo Designs – Designer of the Razor Cat 38 Power Cat
Robert Quinn is the principal of Crescendo Designs who was the lead designer at Schionning Designs that was responsible for Razor Cat 52 design. His work in marine design and engineering has included both sail and power, with a focus on performance catamarans in both categories. He has also designed the innovative Max Cruise Marine catamarans. After having such a positive experience working closely with Robert on the Razor Cat 52 project it was clear that Crescendo Designs was the perfect fit to design the Razor Cat 38 Power Cat. His attention to detail, creative design ideas, and passion for yacht design result in yachts that are remarkable in both form and function.
Icarus Marine – Designer and builder of the foiling system for the Razor Cat 38 Power Cat
Icarus Marine was established in 2006 in Cape Town, South Africa as a Naval Architecture company specializing in high-speed craft design including hydrofoil-supported catamarans. From its outset the company was internationally focused and has established long term relationships with shipyards and end-users around the world. In 16+ years of operations, Icarus Marine has developed specialized knowledge in the design and construction of hydrofoil supported multihulls. The design and supply of turnkey hydrofoil supported vessels has become one of their core activities.
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While strolling the docks of the Annapolis Sailboat Show each fall for, let’s say, at least the past decade, one thing has become abundantly clear: Between the rows of charter catamarans lining the docks of the so-called Vacation Basin and the ubiquitous lineup of cats (and trimarans) on display on the Spa Creek Marina piers, the twin-hull phenomenon continues to resonate, and it easily remains the fastest-growing segment of the sailboat universe. That anecdotal observation was backed up by hard numbers in the 2024 Boat of the Year fleet, with more than half the contestants being multihulls.
Fittingly, then, the most competitive category in this year’s contest was this class of four cruising cats. Amazingly, in features and layouts, each nominee was decidedly different from the others, a true benefit to potential owners, who now more than ever have real choices to ponder.
It’s hard to say if it’s a definite advantage, but in recent Boat of the Year contests, when inspecting boats with their owners aboard—folks who have put some hard miles under their keels, and who can speak with authority on the positives and negatives of their vessel—the track record shows that such nominees do very well. Which is the case with the Vision 444, whose owner took delivery of the boat at its building site in Knysna, South Africa, cruised to Mozambique, and then sailed it up the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean.
Judge Mark Pillsbury picks it up from there: “Many of the big cruising cats that we step aboard are a compromise by design because some of the fleet will go to private owners and the rest into charter. The Vision 444 was different, and after a 14,000-mile shakedown cruise, it clearly reflected the thinking of its owner, who was aboard every step of the way. This is a pure cruising cat, and a fine one. Gear was of good quality and well-sorted. Living accommodations were practical and proven. And build quality was readily apparent because the boat looked terrific after all those hard miles. I think it’s one of the only cats I can recall having a full and proper nav station. And the walk-in workshop forward in the starboard bow? Brilliant.”
Text> Pillsbury has sailed the complete range of Excess cats, a relatively new brand from Groupe Beneteau, and has a unique viewpoint on how the range has evolved: “Each of the first three Excess catamarans we looked at brought us something new to talk about, and the latest, the 46-foot Excess 14, didn’t disappoint. The builder says that they want to try new things as they expand the lineup, and with the 14, they let the design team of VPLP push off in a couple of new directions when it comes to hull shape, and the width and depth of the keels to improve sailing performance. Unfortunately, we had pretty light wind for our sea trial in Annapolis, but in under 5 knots of breeze, we were still able to see speeds in the 3-plus-knot range. Visibility from the helms was good—our entire judging team are fans of the steering stations, located well aft and outboard— and the boat was easy to move around on. The 14 fits very well in what the builder is aiming to accomplish.”
Text> Unfortunately, due to a shipping snafu, this latest offering from HH Catamarans arrived too late to Annapolis to be displayed at the boat show. But it did make it in time for the sea-trial portion of the Boat of the Year contest. The judges were very pleased that it did, for on a windy test sail, the 44 had the opportunity to strut its stuff, so much so that the panel awarded it with the Judge’s Special Recognition prize .
The Seawind collection of cats has seen more than its fair share of success in previous Boat of the Year contests. As judge Tim Murphy summarizes, the builder’s new 38-footer is carrying on with that positive tradition: “Our test boat, Hull No. 2, was built at the company’s primary facility in Vietnam, but going forward with the 1170, the line will be produced in a new plant in Turkey to service the European market. The infused hull is vinylester throughout with a PVC core; it’s a good, cost-effective choice that avoids osmosis. Foam is perforated and ‘double-cut’ with kerfs around curved surfaces. It has a Mastervolt lithium-ion battery system, no genset, but with 990 watts of solar power (an optional 1,320 watts is available). I like the cabin top/boom relationship: It doesn’t invite lounging guests to lounge in the boom’s path, but does give the operator easy access to the entire foot of the mainsail. The galley is down—a good layout on a smaller cat. The sail plan is simple but effective. This is a very solid couple’s boat.”
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The incursion caught Russia by surprise and signified a shift in tactics for Kyiv after more than two years of war with Russia.
By Andrew E. Kramer Constant Méheut Kim Barker Anton Troianovski and Cassandra Vinograd
Ukraine pressed ahead with its offensive inside Russian territory on Sunday , pushing toward more villages and towns nearly two weeks into the first significant foreign incursion in Russia since World War II.
But even as the Ukrainian army was advancing in Russia’s western Kursk region, its troops were steadily losing ground on their own territory. The Russian military is now about eight miles from the town of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine, according to open-source battlefield maps . The capture of Pokrovsk, a Ukrainian stronghold, would bring Moscow one step closer to its long-held goal of capturing the entire Donetsk region.
That underscored the gamble Ukraine’s army took when it crossed into Russia: throwing its forces into a daring offensive that risked weakening its own positions on the eastern front.
Whether that strategy will prove advantageous remains to be seen, analysts say.
On the political front, the offensive has already had some success: Ukraine’s rapid advance has embarrassed the Kremlin and has altered the narrative of a war in which Kyiv’s forces had been on the back foot for months.
Here’s what to know about Ukraine’s cross-border operation, which President Biden said last week was creating a “real dilemma” for the Russian government.
Ukrainian troops and armored vehicles stormed into the Kursk region of western Russia on Aug. 6 , swiftly pushing through Russian defenses and capturing several villages.
Held by Ukraine
as of Aug. 13
Sverdlikovo
Sievierodonetsk
Area controlled
Zaporizhzhia
Sea of Azov
Ukrainian incursion
Source: Institute for the Study of War with American Enterprise Institute’s Critical Threats Project
By Veronica Penney
The assault, prepared in the utmost secrecy , opened a new front in the 30-month war and caught not only Russia off guard: Some Ukrainian soldiers and U.S. officials also said they lacked advance notice.
Analysts and Western officials estimate that Ukraine deployed about 1,000 troops at the start of the incursion. But military analysts say that it has since poured more troops into the operation to try to hold and expand its positions.
Gen. Oleksandr Syrsky, Ukraine’s top commander, said last week that his army now controlled more than 80 Russian settlements in the Kursk region, including Sudzha , a town of 6,000 residents. His claims could not be independently verified, although analysts say that Sudzha is highly likely to be under full Ukrainian control.
Ukraine’s advance in the Kursk region has slowed in recent days, according to open-source maps of the battlefield based on combat footage and satellite images, as Russia sends in more reinforcements. The Ukrainian army appears to be trying to dig in along the border area rather than pushing deeper into Russia.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine acknowledged that on Saturday, saying : “Now we are reinforcing our positions. The foothold of our presence is getting stronger.”
Kyiv has regularly bombarded Russian oil refineries and airfields with drones since Moscow’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022. It has also helped stage two other ground attacks in Russia. Those, however, were smaller forays by Russian exile groups backed by the Ukrainian army, and they ended in quick retreats.
Until two weeks ago, Ukrainian forces had not counterattacked in Russia. The gains in Kursk are the quickest for Ukrainian forces since they reclaimed the Kherson region of their own country in November 2022.
As Ukrainian forces pushed deeper into Russia, Moscow scrambled to shore up its defenses, and President Vladimir V. Putin convened his security services to coordinate a response. The Russian military said it was sending more troops and armored vehicles to try to repel the attack, with Russian television broadcasting images of columns of military trucks.
Military analysts and U.S. officials have said the Russian command had so far brought in reinforcements mainly from within Russia so as to not deplete its units on the Ukrainian battlefield, in what they described as a disorganized effort.
“Russia is still pulling together its reaction,” Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli, NATO’s top military commander, said last week during a talk at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York. He described the Russian response as having been “fairly slow and scattered” as the authorities sorted out which military and security forces should take the lead.
The incursion has embarrassed Mr. Putin and his military establishment, prompting questions about Russia’s level of preparedness .
Underscoring how the attack rattled the Kremlin, Mr. Putin lashed out last week at the West in a tense televised meeting with his top officials. “The West is fighting us with the hands of the Ukrainians,” he said, repeating his frequent depiction of the war, which he started, as a proxy campaign against Russia by the West.
Ukraine’s incursion has brought the war into Russia like it never has before, and tens of thousands of civilians have evacuated the border area.
Analysts say that Ukraine’s offensive has two main aims : to draw Russian forces from the front lines in eastern Ukraine and to seize territory that could serve as a bargaining chip in future peace talks.
Mykhailo Podolyak, a top Ukrainian presidential adviser, said last week that Russia would be forced to the negotiating table only through suffering “significant tactical defeats.”
“In the Kursk region, we can clearly see how the military tool is being used objectively to persuade” Russia to enter “a fair negotiation process,” he wrote on social media .
The operation has offered a much-needed morale boost for Ukrainians, whose forces have been losing ground to Russian troops for months.
But military analysts have questioned whether Kyiv’s cross-border assault is worth the risk, given that Ukrainian forces are already stretched on the front lines of their own country.
Russian forces have been pummeling Ukrainian troops in the east even as Moscow races to respond to the incursion into Kursk , according to analysts, Western officials and Ukrainian soldiers.
Russia has begun to withdraw small numbers of troops from Ukraine, they said, to try to help repel the Ukrainians, but not enough to significantly affect the overall battlefield for now.
Senior American officials have said privately that they understood Kyiv’s need to change the narrative of the war, but that they were skeptical that Ukraine could hold the territory long enough to force Russia to divert significant resources from the front lines in eastern and southern Ukraine.
While Kyiv’s allies have in the past been wary that Ukrainian incursions in Russia could escalate the war, the European Union’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell Fontelles, said last week that Ukraine had the bloc’s “ full support .”
Ukraine has used some Western-supplied weapons in the Kursk operation. But so far, the United States and Britain, two of Kyiv’s closes allies, have said the incursion did not violate their policies.”
As the Ukrainian offensive approaches its two-week mark, analysts say that Kyiv has several options, each with its own challenges.
Ukrainian forces could try to keep pushing farther into Russia, but that will become harder as Russian reinforcements arrive and Ukraine’s supply lines are stretched.
They could keep digging into the territory they now hold and try to defend it, but that could expose fixed Ukrainian positions to potentially devastating Russian airstrikes.
Or, battered by continual losses in eastern Ukraine, they could decide that they have made their point and pull back.
Thibault Fouillet, the deputy director of the Institute for Strategic and Defense Studies, a French research center, said Ukraine’s next move would depend on how Russia responds. “The coming week will be decisive,” he said.
Eric Schmitt contributed reporting.
Andrew E. Kramer is the Kyiv bureau chief for The Times, who has been covering the war in Ukraine since 2014. More about Andrew E. Kramer
Constant Méheut reports on the war in Ukraine, including battlefield developments, attacks on civilian centers and how the war is affecting its people. More about Constant Méheut
Kim Barker is a Times reporter writing in-depth stories about national issues. More about Kim Barker
Anton Troianovski is the Moscow bureau chief for The Times. He writes about Russia, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia. More about Anton Troianovski
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Gunboat 62. gunboat_catamarans. 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.
Gemini 105M Courtesy of Gemini Catamarans. Pioneering catamaran sailor, builder and designer Tony Smith launched the first of his 33-foot Gemini 105M's (10.5 meters = 33′) in 1993, and soon after found a ready and willing stream of sailors enamored of the boat's compact size, affordable price tag, and such innovations as the nifty lifting rudder and transom steps.
Here's a list of the Top 15 best Multihulls reviewed in this article: Leopard Catamarans - 41 ft 7 in - Leopard 42. Balance Yachts - 48 ft 26 in - Balance 482. Kinetic Catamarans - 54 ft 2 in - Kinetic KC54. Xquisite Yachts - 53 ft - Xquisite X5.
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 ...
Toby Hodges takes a look at 5 launches in 2024. Explore the latest in ocean cruising catamarans for 2024 with our lineup of five exceptional boats. From the eagerly awaited Seawind 1370 to the eco ...
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 5 Best Sailing Catamarans. 1) Lagoon 42 sailing catamaran - From $365,000. 2) Leopard 45 best sailing catamaran - From $519,000. 3) Fountaine Pajot Astréa 42 catamaran - From $429,000. 4) Seawind 1600 catamaran - From $859,000. 5) Outremer 45 best sailing catamaran - From $757,000. Budget sailing catamarans for sale.
Atlantic 47. The A47 suits short-handed fast ocean sailing at an approachable size. Lengthening it to 49ft allowed for an aft cockpit. It is available as a sloop or with White's patented ...
Oct 8, 2020. Powercats continue to gain traction in the cruising-boat market offering owners more space, greater privacy and better fuel efficiency and seakeeping ability than monohulls of similar length. Here is a sample of some of the best cats (and tris) on the market today. NAUTITECH 47 POWER. Nautitech 47 Power.
HH50. HH boats are built in Asia as cutting-edge sailing catamarans for the owner/sailor market. They're designed by Morrelli and Melvin, one of the multihull world's top design firms. These boats are also semi-custom, so you won't find many on the used market.
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.
The Outremer 55, a 55-foot liveaboard catamaran, is easy to maneuver, whether short-handed or even solo. It offers living spaces, circulation, light and ventilation that set new standards. 54.9 ft. 13.9/ 18.5 t. 27.2 ft. 172 m² (upwind) Download the brochure.
One of the best catamarans for ocean sailing in 2020 is The Privilege 435. This is a long-distance, light weight cruiser produced in the Gold Coast area of La Rochelle. The Privilege 435 is a heavy-displacement multihull that has been around for almost 30 years. This is a luxurious well-built yacht with a decent proportion that allows it to ...
The Outremer 4x is a stable and comfortable high-speeding cruising catamaran that performs ocean crossings and confronts any weather with remarkable ease. Named the European Boat of the Year in 2017, this 48-foot (14.6 m) bluewater cruiser sails faster than wind speed and attains maximum cruising speeds of 20 knots.. The 4x is an upgrade of the extremely popular Outremer 45, thus retaining ...
It was one little thing in a series of them, all of which added up to a boat—the Leopard 42—that was the unanimous winner in the 2022 category of Best Cruising Catamarans (Under 50'). Advertisement. More: bali catamarans, Boat of the Year, Boat of the Year 2022, Fountaine Pajot, leopard catamarans, Sailboats.
9 Best Catamaran for Liveaboard. Picking the right liveaboard catamaran for your crew is a big choice. This list has been handpicked based on personal experience of years living on the water. Boat. Pros. Antares 44. Gorgeous, seaworthy, comfortable, good support. Knysna 440/500. Extremely well built, high quality, pretty.
The Razor Cat 38 is your "escape pod" for adventure cruising. Providing performance, efficiency, and comfort on the water through the unique features and well thought design. The foil system increases efficiency by up to 40% over non-foiling boats, while improving performance and ride comfort. With 400 gallons of fuel aboard you have a 500 ...
Offshore Sailing School Returns to Captiva Island, Florida ... Absolutely the best seven-day adventure ever. An amazing instructor, exuded knowledge, skill and most of all, patience. ... (OSS101) were informative and fun. Coming into the bareboat catamaran cruising portion of the course, our instructor made sure we had fun while learning too ...
That anecdotal observation was backed up by hard numbers in the 2024 Boat of the Year fleet, with more than half the contestants being multihulls. Fittingly, then, the most competitive category in this year's contest was this class of four cruising cats. Amazingly, in features and layouts, each nominee was decidedly different from the others ...
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Windfinder.com - Detailed wind & weather forecast for Kursk / Kursk Oblast, Russia for kitesurfing, windsurfing, sailing, fishing & hiking. (Bird's-eye view)
On 6 August 2024, during the Russian invasion of Ukraine as part of the Russo-Ukrainian War, the Armed Forces of Ukraine launched an incursion into Russia's Kursk Oblast and clashed with the Russian Armed Forces and Russian border guard. [38] [39] [40] According to Russia, at least 1,000 troops crossed the border on the first day, supported by tanks and armored vehicles. [41]
Aug. 18, 2024. Ukraine pressed ahead with its offensive inside Russian territory on Sunday, pushing toward more villages and towns nearly two weeks into the first significant foreign incursion in ...