The very best yachts on two and three hulls

There are lots of classes within the European Yacht of the Yr awards, from the finest luxurious yachts and efficiency yachts to the finest yachts for households and evet a finest specialist yacht class. However with multihulls quickly growing in recognition, the perfect catamaran and multihull class is commonly hotly anticipated.

The small variety of entrants on this class under no circumstances displays the wealthy vary or big demand for multihulls. Many new fashions have been launched by the massive yards within the previous years they usually’re struggling to maintain up with bulging order books.

2024 noticed a lowered displaying of recent multihulls this yr, which is probably consultant of a market that’s been booming for a few years, but in addition one which is slowing its new mannequin releases because it struggles to fill order books.

Greatest catamaran and multihull

Greatest catamaran and multihull 2025 winner – Nautitech 48 Open

Area, pace and elegance. Is that this the best-looking present manufacturing cat? It builds on the success of the 44 Open, providing more room in the important thing areas you need it, growing sensible stowage all through, whereas that further waterline size helps provide excessive common speeds.

This can be a sailor’s yacht – on the helm you possibly can actually really feel the acceleration and sail the shifts as if aboard a efficiency monohull.

The Lombard design studio integrated its trademark reverse sheer to assist maintain a low freeboard impression, and shifted the rig aft to maintain the bows intentionally dry. The end result will be felt instantly on the water with the non-immersed bows leading to quick, simple tacking. There’s additionally much less hazard of catching a bow in waves as these dry ahead sections improve because the bows raise with pace.

We spent a variety of our trial matching single-figure windspeeds and when I discovered a 12-knot ‘gust’, I used to be amazed how rapidly we accelerated as much as double figures shut reaching. Aft helm cats usually obtain damaging feedback about their uncovered steering positions and a scarcity of clear ahead imaginative and prescient. And whereas these factors stand, I often really feel the trade-offs are worthwhile for the crusing expertise – actually so right here.

The direct steering is excellent, incomparable to a bulkhead helm or flybridge helm. Sensible options that can swimsuit bluewater cruising embody the low growth, forward-facing navstation, and redundancy options for {the electrical} and steering programs. The Naca profile fastened keels additionally enable for drying out.

The take a look at boat had a three-cabin structure plus a utility cabin. The hulls are noticeably slim ahead, however the yard has used the size nicely, particularly on this multipurpose SmartRoom. The construct and end high quality is manufacturing degree – properly designed however to a worth.

Have been I to be supplied €1m to spend on a brand new yacht, this would possibly make my shortlist. It’s one of many uncommon manufacturing cats that makes you need to stay on the helm. No advanced daggerboards hinder the lodging, which permits clever structure options to be supplied. For distance voyaging at an excellent common pace, this has the waterline size to ship, mixed with consolation all through.

Lagoon 43

Lagoon continues to construct the best numbers – practically 1,100 Lagoon 42s have launched since 2016. And whereas this new Lagoon 43 was slated as a substitute, the 42’s continued recognition sees its manufacturing run proceed (albeit solely the four-cabin mannequin for constitution). The brand new 43 is similar size and width, however in any other case fairly completely different.

A chief aim was to supply 4 equal measurement cabins for constitution company, and to maneuver the berth within the proprietor’s cabin model ahead away from the dock. The result’s that the 43 appears particularly extensive within the bows. Exhausting chines simply above the waterline on the inboard facet of the hulls assist to maintain the wetted floor areas down. VPLP admits there have been worries about its seakeeping in chop, however say its CFD evaluation exhibits it really works.

That mentioned, we discovered this 14-tonne cat struggles to level and prefers to be sailed barely freer, and a Code 0 is essential in lighter breezes. See extra subsequent month. Entry from the dinghy/dock/ocean has all modified, together with new bulwark door openings.

Nauta Design labored notably arduous on the connecting saloon and cockpit and the way the twin tables and chairs can mix. There’s additionally a flybridge space above the bulkhead helm which affords some seating with out pushing the growth too excessive, whereas the cockpit aft bench means that you can sit dealing with ahead or aft with ft on a internet.

Greatest catamaran and multihull winner 2024 – Outremer 52

My spotlight take a look at of 2023? Crusing this Outremer 52 for 200 miles over two days and nights! Fairly how such a big vessel, one that’s able to doing laps of the planet in true consolation, can also be able to offering such pleasing crusing is the key sauce that helps scoop this prize.

And it was pushed arduous for this award by the disruptive HH. However the Outremer is such a nicely rounded, measured and thought out yacht for bluewater cruising at a dependable pace – it’s the total bundle, a dream boat for household bluewater crusing and arguably the French yard’s finest and most refined mannequin thus far.

Designer VPLP was tasked with changing the favored and nicely confirmed 51 with extra consolation and stowage, whereas sustaining the efficiency. It says it took the perfect of the 55 (which gained this award two years in the past), and the perfect of the 51’s deck plan to create this 52. The end result means too many good options to level out right here, from the number of helm positions, together with a totally protected place inboard utilizing the swing pedestal, to the nicely conceived areas. I’d subsequently suggest studying our full take a look at report on-line or in YW’s June 2023 situation!

Neel continues to take pleasure in its cruising trimaran area of interest, utilizing the wow issue of bridgedeck lodging mixed with the kind of crusing enjoyment and suggestions monohull sailors respect.

The spectacular lightwind efficiency and direct really feel of a Neel I’m used to. However I don’t assume I’ve ever been so shocked by the quantity of cabins or area as I used to be on this 52. It’s out there with 4 to 6 cabins plus the choice for 2 crew cabins aft! A few of this maze works nicely, different areas, such because the ahead cabins in the principle hull not fairly so nicely. Horizon and rig sightlines and a few ending additionally leaves room for enchancment.

The HH44 seemingly manages to realize the area and tempo stability in a compact 45ft bundle, whereas additionally being probably the most modern and thrilling new manufacturing yachts I’ve sailed. From its appears to structure, to sensible on deck options resembling swing pedestals, facet gates by way of the bulwarks and transom gates that double as swim platforms and enhance cockpit safety, it’s filled with contemporary pondering.

And with reference to ‘contemporary’, the pure air flow inspired into the yacht by way of these large ahead dealing with coachroof home windows which open – a feat made doable due to a stiff carbon composite construction – negates any aircon necessities.

With its deep carbon boards and tall carbon rig the HH44 is a strong, reactive animal to sail. Nevertheless, it’s the incorporation of the primary parallel hybrid electrical drive items which actually makes this excessive tech excessive efficiency cat stand out. The electrical motors are connected to the aft finish of standard diesel engines, not solely offering silent energy, however renewable power by way of regenerative drives whereas crusing.

Greatest catamaran and multihull 2023

Greatest catamaran winner – Nautitech 44

If the easiest catamaran delivers the perfect consolation to efficiency compromise, right here’s a catamaran that appears to strike the proper stability.

For many who cite a scarcity of visibility and safety as causes not to decide on this aft helm route, strive crusing this primary – direct steering brings a lot extra helming pleasure that you simply get the pleasing feeling and communication extra related to a monohull. The eye to conserving weight low and central, vacuum infused vinylester construct and a low coachroof and growth all help this efficiency. The high quality entry Lombard-designed hulls allowed us to correctly level upwind at 8 knots (in 13), nevertheless it was the hands-on steering sensation that basically stayed with me.

Whereas there’s no actual inside/outdoors boundary – the saloon bridges each – the Chedal-Anglay inside design works nicely. It isn’t as voluminous as some, however is actually sufficient to be smugly snug at anchor, completed to an excellent high quality, with walnut Alpi trim as customary. The structure possibility for a ‘sensible room’ workplace/laundry/bunk room or stowage cabin is certainly actually sensible.

Out of all of the multihulls nominated or sailed final yr, this cat impressed me essentially the most below sail. It’s the perfect measurement to go distance crusing, with good efficiency, low draught and area for household and pals. It had me dreaming.

I used to be drawn to the Stability 482, due to the mixture of excellent wanting fashionable design, excessive common speeds and, mainly, the profusion of intelligent pondering and sensible concepts that it brings. The South African construct makes use of a foam core with E-glass laminate and cored furnishings for a lightweight weight of 11.3 tonnes, but in addition with the power to take a beneficiant payload.

An electrical furler possibility mixed with screecher sail helps provide easy dealing with and enjoyable crusing, though the 482 prefers a breeze within the double figures. Sensible choices resembling load cells on the rigging, a bowsprit digicam to watch the anchor chain, plus engine room and mast cams all assist for sustaining vigilance. Different options we like embody the photo voltaic panels correctly put in on raised brackets, raincatchers constructed into the coachroof, and the way all sheets and features are led to the helm station. However the prize resolution is the VersaHelm, which lets you swing the wheel inboard, shut off the helm station, and stand watch and steer from a completely protected place.

Catana Ocean Class

The Catana Ocean Class is a cumbersome mannequin which is geared extra in direction of creature comforts than the upper efficiency of its predecessors. That mentioned, it makes use of carbon within the construction and roof, foam cored furnishings, the tanks are mounted low within the hulls and it has daggerboards and high quality entry bows. The burden financial savings assist it provide an enormous 5.5 tonne cruising payload, plus there’s capacious stowage and enormous tank, refrigeration and laundry capability.

Positioned between Lagoon and Outremer, the Catana echoes a little bit of its sister model Bali’s idea with its inner cockpit-cum-saloon structure whereas offering good air flow through massive sliding doorways and opening home windows. We appreciated the way it’s simple to deal with solo from one helm station, together with the electrical distant management of the boards, plus the structure of the galley and navstation.

These chasing pace and helming pleasure ought to maybe look to the C-Cat 48, because it’s as near helming a quick monohull as a cruising cat is prone to get and one of many uncommon instances we loved crusing upwind in mild breezes on a multihull! That is largely due to a light-weight, stiff construct – the Comar yard has managed to save lots of 1.7 tonnes over the primary boat (9.5 tonnes mild) and elevated the draught of the curved daggerboards to 2.95m.

A carbon roof and rig comes as customary, in addition to an epoxy hull, full carbon deck, bulkheads and compression beam. It’s a little quirky with comparatively small volumes, however this François Perus design will outperform most different efficiency cats and monohulls of an identical size.

The Extra 14 shares that direct sensation you get from aft helms and a number of the efficiency of the C-Cat, however in a extra balanced, voluminous structure for cruising. The Extra 14 advantages from the analysis of VPLP’s Vannes racing workplace, the place consideration was targeted on weight discount, with financial savings notably in furnishings, on improved stiffness (PET foam cored sandwich for fundamental structural bulkheads), and the effectivity of deeper fastened keels.

The result’s telling on the water, appropriately for any finest catamaran contender, the place you possibly can log simple miles: we clocked late 7s upwind, reached within the late 8s and usually averaged 9 knots with gennaker in 12-15 knots. Clear glass home windows give acceptable visibility from the helms by way of the coachroof and the comparatively minimalist inside. In brief it affords an excellent mixture of quantity, affordable efficiency and pleasing crusing – see our full evaluate final month.

Crusing efficiency was one other key side within the battle of the massive cats from the massive cat yards, Lagoon and Fountaine Pajot. Each fashions provide luxurious quantities of area for house from house consolation, as watersports bases for long run cruising.

Lagoon 51

The choice to push the mast to the entrance of the coachroof to permit for a bigger genoa than its latest choice for self-tacking jibs has paid off on the Lagoon 51. It helped us sail effectively into the waves (albeit not pointing too excessive) earlier than clocking double figures reaching with the code sail in 15 knots.

The Lagoon’s massive flybridge with twin entry is a USP at this measurement that can be a hit and miss deal breaker for a lot of. The 51 affords unrivalled lodging quantity in three, 4 or six cabins, and leisure zones, and good circulation by way of these massive areas. As soon as once more the jury applauds Lagoon for totally testing the prototype mannequin throughout a six month tour. Over 100 have already offered.

We noticed in our December situation how the skilled homeowners of the Fountaine Pajot take a look at boat select to stay and work full time aboard their Aura 51. It’s a design that promotes area, sufficient to take pals, household and crucially for them, all of the toys to take pleasure in at anchor. Its functionality of averaging 8-10 knots additionally appeals, though the one facet helm and hydraulic steering end in scant connection to the crusing in mild winds (the identical applies to the Lagoon).

The actual fact the yard already affords this in a hybrid model and has an electrical and hydrogen mannequin within the pipeline might sway some, however the resolution between the FP and the Lagoon will doubtless come all the way down to choice between a central flybridge or offset bulkhead helm along with inside design and structure.

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