sport catamaran sailboat

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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2024 Boat of the Year: HH44

• By Dave Reed
• December 18, 2023

On a cool late-October morning in Annapolis, Maryland, Sailing World ’s Boat of the Year judges stepped on board the gleaming red HH44 built by the Hudson Yacht Group in China. With them for the test sail was HH Catamarans president Seth Hynes and commissioning skipper Chris Bailet, who had tuned the rig and bent on the boat’s Dacron delivery sails. (The race sails were delayed in shipping.) It was their first time sailing the boat too, and like the judges, they were eager to see what it could do.

As the crew slipped dock lines and motored away in silence, the boat’s twin 10-kilowatt electric engines propelled the sleek catamaran through the mooring field in silence. If not for the sound of water gurgling from the transoms and the apparent wind blowing across the foredeck, the judges could barely tell they were underway.

The mainsail was then carefully hoisted inside the lazy jacks, and the halyard held firm with an innovative Karver KJ cone (a conical rope-holding device that acts like a restricter). They bore away and unfurled the non-overlapping jib, which snapped full, and the boat immediately accelerated. 

“Once we got going, it was 5, 6, 7 knots and then—boom—we’re right up to 10,” Stewart says. And with that they were laying tracks all over the Chesapeake Bay, making good pace on all points of sail, even without a reaching sail to deploy. (That too was stuck in transit.)

After two hours of straight-­lining, tacking, jibing, and enjoying the comforts of the interior in a 10- to 15-knot southerly and sharp Chesapeake chop, I extracted the judges from the boat and asked, “So?”

“Boat of the Year,” was veteran Boat of the Year judge Chuck Allen’s immediate response. “That thing is wicked.”

Greg Stewart and Mike Ingham confirmed with nods of approval and big grins. There was no need to debate any further: The HH44 had earned the first award of what will be more to come. This $2 million crossover catamaran is the performance sailor’s retirement race boat. [Editor’s note: The judges’ estimated price was based on an expected racing inventory and associated hardware, but according to HH Catamarans, the new 2024 pricing is as follows: The HH44-OC will start at $995K and is approximately $1.3m fully optioned with EcoDrive and sails). The HH44-SC will start at $1.45m and be approximately $1.6 million fully optioned with EcoDrive and sails.]

With a stated 37 of these 44-footers on order as of late October and a waiting list of three-plus years, HH44s will someday be scattered about in cruising grounds around the world, says Hynes. But it’s only a matter of time—and it will be sooner than later—before owners gather and give the racing thing a go.  

The HH44 is the smallest of the builder’s new lineage of hybrid-powered performance catamarans (there is a 52-footer in the works), so it is positioned as an entry point into big-cat sailing. This model does not require a professional captain or crew because simplicity and owner-operator considerations are prevalent throughout the boat, which is designed by young naval architect James Hakes, son of Paul Hakes, one of the company founders. Chinese entrepreneur Hudson Wang is the other “H” of HH Catamarans.

“It had a great groove upwind. The self-tacking jib was really easy to deal with, and for the mainsail it was just a few feet of ease on the mainsheet, adjust the powered traveler up to center, trim on and go.”

“James brought the hybrid idea with him, and Hudson was willing to take a risk and look at doing something kind of game-changing in the industry with our parallel-­hybrid approach,” Hynes says. Morrelli & Melvin was intimately involved in every performance aspect of the boat, from the appendages to the final hull profile.

“It’s a diesel engine with a shaft drive, and then independent of that is an electric motor with a belt to the shaft, so they’re really independent of each other,” Hynes explains.  

HH isn’t the first or only builder to use the system from Hybrid Marine, but Hake’s approach to the boat overall is inextricably linked to maximizing solar coverage, which means a clean roof and placing the helm stations down in the cockpit. To address the known challenges of cockpit steering in such catamarans, the steering wheels pivot inboard and outboard to allow for better forward visibility and communication with anyone on the foredeck dealing with sails, anchors or dock lines.

Placing the steering stations in the cockpit eliminates the tiered wedding-cake look of most big catamarans these days. More importantly, doing so allows them to lower the sail plan. “That allows for more sail area and less stress on the standing rigging,” Stewart says. “Plus, it looks so much better.”

There are 4,432 watts worth of solar panels piled onto the coach roof, which Hynes says has plenty of juice to get by off the grid, even in low-light conditions. “At full battery capacity, you can run the boat at full throttle using the two 10-kilowatt electric motors and get 7 knots of boatspeed for approximately two hours,” he says. “In light air, you can even keep your leeward electric motor running to build yourself some apparent wind. That’s what’s great about this system: You can sail quietly when no one else can sail at all.”

The port helm station is where a lot of the boathandling happens; there are powered halyard winches and a meticulous array of labeled jammers. Tails disappear into a deep trough forward of the pedestal. The wheels are sized just right, Stewart says. “Initially, I was steering from the weather wheel and I could see fine, and when I went to the leeward wheel, I could easily see the telltales. It had a great feel to the helm—light and responsive with no slop or tightness.”

In Allen’s sailing assessment of the HH44: “It had a great groove upwind. The self-tacking jib was really easy to deal with, and for the mainsail it was just a few feet of ease on the mainsheet, adjust the powered traveler up to center, trim on and go. There is some choreography to learn with the steering wheel, though. You have to move the wheel inboard to get better access to the sail and daggerboard controls during the tack. But once you’re done, you pop the wheel right back out to the outboard position. We didn’t have a screecher to really light it up downwind, but even with the Dacron jib and main, the boat took off. I was really impressed.”

One wish for Stewart would be a sliver of a coach roof window for quick sail-trim checks, but he understood the priority of using every inch of solar-panel coverage.

Not having a sail-trim window wasn’t an issue for Ingham, however. “Most of the time, you’ll trim it to your best guess, take a step outboard and up the stairs right next to the wheel, and check yourself on the trim. It’s all push buttons anyway, so you’re not having to reload a winch or anything like that every time you make an adjustment.”

Even as the morning’s fresh breeze abated, the boat continued to perform beyond expectations, Stewart says. “As we got down to 5 knots of wind, the boat was still quick through the tacks. We didn’t have to back the jib at all, and it sailed at good angles upwind. I was impressed with how well it tacked, and how well it tracked with only one daggerboard down.”

Stewart, a naval architect himself, also appreciated the boat’s modern styling and “sexy-looking profile,” especially the uncluttered interior. “It’s a nice departure from other similar-­size catamarans,” he says. “I like the styling—it caught my eye the very first time I saw the rendering. The transom angle and the reverse bow give it nice aesthetics and the buoyancy you need. The curved boards worked well and are integrated nicely on with the boat. Overall, it’s a great-looking package, and it would be a lot of fun to do some races on.”

“We will definitely end up racing in the Caribbean and doing some fun events for owners,” Bailet says. “The cool thing about this boat is you can take a smaller crew of friends and race competitively, and it isn’t going to cost you $50,000 in paid crew and housing. You can race this boat with three or four people, no problem. Doublehandling is pretty easy too, but if you really wanted to go banging around the buoys, with this boat it would be easy.”

• More: 2024 Boat of the Year , HH Catamarans , Print January 2024 , Sailboats
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6 Best Performance Cruising Catamarans (Buyer’s Guide)

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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

How Fast Are Performance Cruising Catamarans? 

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.

Outremer 4X

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 .

McConaghy MC52

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.

Nautitech 44

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 ORC50

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.

Gunboat 62 

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 .

Balance 526

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.

What Makes Performance Cruising Catamarans So Fast? 

Performance Cruising Catamarans Have Narrow Hulls 

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.

Performance Cruising Catamarans Have Considerable Length

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. 

Performance Cruising Catamarans Have Quality Builds

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.

Performance Cruising Catamarans Are Light-weight

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.

What To Consider When Choosing a Performance Cruising Catamaran

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:

•  What you’ll use the vessel for and where. Are you planning on doing coastal cruising or serious offshore cruising? Consider the number of people that you’ll be sailing with and the activities you’ll engage in. This also helps determine the size catamaran you’ll need.  
• Comfort. While some racing enthusiasts might prefer spartan accommodation plans, most enjoy relative comfort on the high seas. In any case, modern high-speed cruising cats are designed to provide a certain level of creature comforts. And since most performance cats are custom-made, new boat owners may decide precisely which features to include in their cats. 
• Quality. To produce light boats, builders employ the use of fine resins, carbon, epoxies, foam cores, and fiberglass. They build using a combination of vacuum-bagged techniques, foam cores, foam composite bulkheads, and make furniture and cabinetry with cored sandwich construction . 
• Livability. One cannot underrate the appeal of sailing in a vessel with no heeling, not to mention the high privacy attained from separate living and sleeping areas. Panoramic views and exceptional deck space for lounging and entertaining are also essential in ensuring maximum cruising comfort. Fortunately, most high-speed cruising cats offer all these features and more.
• Equipment. Sailing upwind is a challenge for cruising cats since they tend to make lots of leeway. To make things easier, high-speed cruising cats come equipped with bigger rigs and either daggerboards or centerboards. However, this also means skilled sailors are required to operate them. 
• Cost. Catamarans are generally expensive, but a cat built with longer, leaner hulls and less costly materials can still give an outstanding performance. Such materials include foam cores, epoxy bulkheads, and epoxy resins. Furthermore, it’s not necessary to use only carbon to build a lightweight boat. 

Final Thoughts

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. 

• Wikipedia: Spinnaker
• Wikipedia: High-Performance Sailing  
• Yachting World: Fountaine Pajot Elba 45 Review
• Aeroyacht: Catamaran Speed
• Cruiser’s Forum: Nautitech 44…
• Nautitech Catamarans: Nautitech
• Katamarans: Marsaudon Composites ORC50 (TS5) Review
• Outremer USA: New Outremer 4x Performance Catamaran
• Dutoit Yacht Design: Balance 526 Review
• Go Downsize: How Fast Do Catamarans Go?
• Catamaran Guru: The Cruising Catamaran Performance Debate
• The Boat App: The Fastest Cruising Catamarans of 2020
• Sail Magazine: Performance Cruising Cats Set New Standards in Sailing Speed
• Cruisers Forum: Fast Cruising Catamarans – How Fast?
• Lagoon – Inside: The Secrets of a Catamaran’s Performance
• Sail Magazine: 10 Great Cruising Cats
• Cruising World: 40 Best Sailing Catamarans and Trimarans, Cruising Catamarans…

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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Aquila 36 Sport Power Catamaran (2021-)

2 x 300-hp Mercury Verado V8 w/ Joystick Piloting Control

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Brief Summary

Aquila’s 36 Sport Power Catamaran offers the space and accommodations that only a cat can deliver on. Her wide 14’7” (4.45 m) beam allows for adding many features that don’t cramp on available space. With the ability to add a Hydro G lide Foil System™ , as on our test boat, Aquila says that efficiency is improved by up to 30%.

Test Results

Specifications

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Engine Options

Captain's Report -->

By capt. steve.

Her mission is to provide the ultimate in cruising and entertaining with a best-in-class layout and premium-level fit and finish.  Choose from an open main deck, enclose in isinglass or even order her with a full cruiser package with an enclosed main deck that includes a lockable 3-panel tempered glass sliding door that allows for true four-season boating, even in northern latitudes. With two ensuite cabins, she also brings luxury to extended journeys.  Great loop anyone???

Major Features (Including Distinguishing Features)

• An exceptional performing and seaworthy hull shape providing first-in-class stability and fuel efficiency.
• Expansive areas for entertaining and social zones from bow to stern with a well-appointed wet bar area with sink, refrigerator, storage and tilt-out trash bin.
• The bow seating offers optional seating configurations to either have plenty of comfortable seating for up to 8 people or fold the seats down to create a large sunbed.
• FUSION multi-zone audio system with 6 x Fusion speakers & Bluetooth connectivity.
• Plenty of comfortable seating throughout for up to 26 people onboard
• Expansive fiberglass hardtop with two opening hatches providing protection from sun and weather.
• High-quality living comforts within.
• Cabins and heads provide exceptional comfort for longer voyages on board.
• Custom-designed slide-out stainless-steel boarding ladder system providing easy access in and out of the water.

Performance

The Aquila 36 Sport Power Catamaran has an LOA of 36’ (10.96 m), a beam of 14’7” (4.45 m) and a draft of 2’ (.61 m).  With an empty weight of 14,770 lbs. (6,700 kg), full fuel, full water and three people onboard, we had an estimated test weight of 17,927 lbs. (8,132 kg).  With twin 300-hp Mercury Verado V8s turning 14.6 x 17 propellers and wound up to 5700 RPM, our speed topped out at 44.1 mph.  Best cruise came in at 5000 RPM and 37.7 mph.  It was at that speed that the 29.3 gph fuel burn translated into 1.3 MPG and a range of 412 statute miles, all while holding back a 10% reserve at about 356-gallon (1,348 L) total fuel capacity.

We came up on plane an average of 5.5 seconds, passed 20 mph in 8.4 and cruised through 30 mph in 15.2 seconds.  I wasn't able to take a 36 with and then without the hydrofoil, so I'm only able to comment on how it feels with the hydrofoil installed.  That said, I know we're lifting up a bit since that's what hydrofoils do, but I can't really feel that from the helm and you probably won't either.  What I do notice is when we're turning, Aquilas tend to lean into the turn a bit more.  Now we're higher up so we're staying flat in the turn.  We were testing in flat calm conditions, so we had another boat make some wake for us up to about a foot and we sliced right through it.  No pounding, no hard hit.  It was just a nice clean slice through like an Aquila does.  That means the big takeaway with the foils is going to be in the improved performance, which Aquila says is in the range of a 40% increase in efficiency and 25% gain in speed.

Power options include a pair of 400-hp Mercury Verados or the 300-hp of our test boat that also come with the option of the hydrofoils.

I noticed when you're trying to walk the 36 Sport Power Catamaran sideways on the joystick, the bow wants to go a little faster than the stern, just a little, so it just needs to have an extra twist in the joystick to accommodate that.  Once that technique is down, she comes sideways nicely and she can be put right alongside a dock with ease.   

Boat Inspection

The hydrofoil.

Since our test boat had the optional hydrofoil installed, let’s start underneath the boat. It's mounted at about the midship point of the hull length.  Each of the wings is 42” ( 106.68 cm ) and the entire unit protrudes down about 8” (20.32 cm) from the bottom of the keel.  Obviously, this assembly is not just put into position and glued on.  Quite the contrary, it goes into the hull where it’s supported, bolted and bonded into place. The hull is pre-built to accommodate this added structure right from the factory, so it's added after the build.   Moving back to the stern, two stabilizing fins come out 20” ( 50.80 cm ).   

The caveat of this system is that it is only available with the 300-hp package.  The thinking is that it provides performance enhancements that equal or surpass the larger engine choices. 

We’ll start our features inspection with the 25” ( 63.5 cm ) wide boarding gates, one to each side, and the gates open inward.  Entertainment starts right in the cockpit area with a forward-facing bench seat 88” ( 223.52 cm ) across to bring guests right into all the action.  A starboard side module will take care of all our grilling needs.  It also includes refrigeration just underneath.  This module is an option, it replaces another seat.   Another version complements a fishing package and will have a bait-prep area, freshwater washdown and a livewell just alongside.

Continuing forward under the hardtop, to starboard is another cooking area with plenty of open counter space.  Hatches in the counter reveal a single basin sink alongside an electric grill or electric single burner induction cooktop.  Underneath there’s plenty of storage along with refrigeration. 

To the port hand side, L-shaped seating wraps around a large table on a high low pedestal, allowing it to drop and convert into a sun pad.  Aquila takes advantage of all useable space, so behind is compartmentalized storage cubbies in the shelf space behind the seat.  This is a nice way to utilize what would otherwise be dead space.

Just ahead is the observer’s station measuring in at 53” ( 134.62 cm ) wide.  It converts to forward-facing seating just by flipping the seat back and the outboard bolster is angled nicely so it's much more comfortable to sit sideways in the seat.  Normally we simply see padded bolsters added to a vertical bulwark.  Additionally, this seat is 10” (25.40 cm) higher than the seat just behind. 

All of this is under the protection of the standard hardtop that gives us headroom inside of 6’10” (2.08 m).  This customer also ordered Stand-up Paddleboard racks that mount above the hardtop.  Two electrically actuated sunroofs add ventilation as well as letting the sun in.  Huge glass windows to both sides provide outstanding visibility along with protection.  The boat can be ordered with these full-height side windows or half-height windows.  We can also get a Cruiser Package with a full glass enclosure with a 3-panel tempered glass sliding door. 

As we continue forward, the walkthrough to the bow has a 33” ( 83.82 cm ) average width.  There’s a 23” ( 58.42 cm ) doorway at the walkthrough windshield and a 9” (22.86 cm) step.  The bow social zone is remarkably spacious.  It starts with doublewide forward-facing seating at 43” ( 109.22 cm ) each.  T here's a flip-down armrest on the inboard side of both seats.  Just ahead are 33” ( 83.82 cm ) wide aft-facing seats.

A stainless-steel framed acrylic gate leads us through the 18” ( 45.72 cm ) passageway to the aft area.  There’s a 53” ( 134.62 cm ) wide aft-facing seat and a convenient waist-high grab rail to the starboard side.  A hatch in the middle of the engines exposes the swim ladder that slides out for deployment.  If we flip the seatback down, the seating morphs into a 66” ( 167.64 cm ) long sunbed.  There’s an option for putting davits to the aft deck to support a tender. 

Cabin Class

Not only is the Aquila 36 Sport Power Catamaran a capable entertainment platform, but she is also great for overnighting with two cabins and two heads, one to each side.   The berth is fully forward and measures 77” by 68” ( 195.58 cm x  172.72 cm ) and is 29” ( 73.66 cm ) off the deck.  Headroom throughout is 6’7” (2.01 m).  The head is located aft, and it includes hull side windows and plenty of storage.   

The helm is starboard mounted and starts with a soft-touch dash across the top of the console.  The panel includes room for two 12” ( 30.48 cm ) displays with a SmartCraft display in the center and a compass just above.  A Fusion stereo is over on the left-hand side of the wheel, which is mounted to a tilt base.  To the starboard side are the digital throttle and shift (DTS) levers and joystick (JPS).  A VHF is mounted just ahead. Down below is a stainless-steel footrest.  Seating is at a double-wide helm seat at 39” ( 99.06 cm ). It adjusts fore and aft and includes individual bolsters.  Overhead are LED lights and a manual red one directly over the helm. 

Options to Consider

Options for the Aquila 36 Sport Power Catamaran include…

• Aquila Hydro-Glide Foil System (AHG):  Enhances performance, consumption and handling by up to 30% gains in fuel efficiency and 25% gain in speed versus a non-foiling boat. AHG only compatible with the base engine package (2 x 300-hp).
• Cruiser Package:  Full-height tempered glass windshield, side windows and fixed aft 3-panel sliding door. Cockpit table upgraded to a folding table with additional built-in storage drawers below table. Curtains covering aft and side windows; upgraded salon/galley wood and headliner details.
• Fishing & Dive Package:  Starboard aft module with electric BBQ and 42L fridge/freezer. Central aft module including four (4) fishing rod holders, large fish box/cooler with saltwater washdown. Port aft module consisting of livewell tank. Aft platform deck including stainless steel fold-down dive ladder with wrap-around railing in lieu of standard ladder.

Observations

There’s nothing like a cat for handling and roominess onboard.  Aquila is putting out premium-level models that have a huge following, and for good reason.  They simply provide the most features and take advantage of the wide beam that no mono-hulled boat can touch.

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Aquila 36 (2018-)

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Aquila 32 Sport Power Catamaran (2021-)

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Best Cruising Catamarans

• By Cruising World Editors
• Updated: July 1, 2021

Cruising catamarans have been around for decades, but early models—often plywood and fiberglass vessels built by their owners from plans and kits, kept the boats on the fringes of mainstream sailing. That all changed, though, as big roomy cats were discovered by sailors who went off to charter in the Caribbean, where the multihulls proved their worth as comfortable liveaboard and party boats.

Today’s bluewater catamarans roam the globe, carrying families to exotic destinations across the Pacific and beyond. Just as with their monohull cousins, there is no best catamaran. Instead there is a wide variety of designs, ranging from small catamarans that offer the ease of maintenance a couple might enjoy to performance catamarans capable of easily knocking off 250-mile days. Today, the best catamaran brands offer a range of size models and layouts that can be optimized for an owner sailing with family and friends, or for the charter market, where there’s a demand for four, five and even six cabins worth of accommodations.

The most prolific catamaran manufacturers are in France and South Africa where yards include both large-run production builders and niche companies building fewer than 10 boats a year.

The best cruising catamarans offer good load-carrying ability and respectable performance. As with any sailboat , a modern catamaran’s design is a result of compromises. Daggerboards or keels? Galley up or galley down? Spacious owner’s cabin or extra bunks? There are lots of options to choose from—and that’s what makes looking at these sailboats fun!

Here, then is an eclectic A to Z list of some of the best catamarans that have helped shaped the evolution of how we live and sail on two hulls.

Antares 44i

Now built in Argentina as a full-fledged, bluewater catamaran and cruiser that can be safely operated by a shorthanded couple or family crew, the Antares 44i features a fully covered cockpit with a quartet of big, standard solar panels recessed within the hardtop, one example of a yacht capable of long-range passagemaking.

Atlantic 42

Almost 30 years ago, yacht designer Chris White revolutionized catamaran design with the first in his series of Atlantic cats, the primary feature of which was the innovative mid-ship sailing cockpit forward of the main cabin. The smallest in the Atlantic line, the 42 remains White’s most popular design ever.

Fountaine-Pajot has built so many outstanding cruising catamarans that it’s difficult to narrow down any single boat, but we’ve always been fans of the good-looking, well-thought-out Bahia 46. At 46 feet, the boat is large enough for offshore forays and has plenty of volume; with its simple but powerful sail plan, it’s also an excellent performer.

Beginning around 1996, the French builder Catana was one of the first companies to manufacture fully found cruising cats for private ownership, and this Christophe Barreau design, which enjoyed a nearly 10-year production run from 1997-2006, was emblematic of this first generation of safe, fun, long-legged offshore voyagers.

Click here to see more cats from Catana.

When it comes to speed, light boats are fast ones. And if you wish to save weight, that means exotic modern materials like carbon. Catana now infuses the laminates of their entire production line with carbon fiber, and for this list, we’ve chosen the Catana 50 Carbon, one of the zippiest cats now crossing oceans.

Click here to read about a couple’s charter aboard a Catana 50.

Gemini 105M

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.

Click here to read about the Gemini Legacy 35.

Built between 2000-2005, the Gunboat 62 firmly established the Gunboat brand: go-anywhere cats that applied race-boat technology to a world-cruising platform. Hull no. 1, Tribe, was built for company founder Peter Johnstone, who then spent a year-and-a-half cruising with his family, smiling all the way.

French builder Henri Wauquiez is best known for his long career building monohulls, but the Kronos 45 cat, which he launched in 1992, was ahead of her time. Classic lines, the aft “targa bar” over the cockpit, the louvered coach roof windows, even the distinctive stripes on her hull: the Kronos 45 remains timeless.

No roundup of cruising cats would be complete without several Lagoon entries, and the best of that impressive bunch might well be the Lagoon 380. Originally launched in 1999, and revered for its combination of quality, volume and performance, with over 740 boats built the 380 is still going strong.

Launched five years after the breakthrough 380, the Lagoon 440 was an evolutionary design that featured a raised flybridge helm station, a unique “gullwing” configuration below the bridge deck, expanded windows in the hull and much more. With 400 boats built in a 6-year production run, the 440 was an unqualified success.

How big can a production cat, still operable by a short-handed crew, really be? The builders at Lagoon discovered that 62-feet hit a sweet spot in the marketplace, and have sold over 70 boats since its introduction in 2010. The centerpiece of this design is the sensational steering station atop the flybridge, with expansive views of the sea and sky.

Click here to see more cats from Lagoon.

With an unmatched pedigree – designed by premier multihull naval architects Gino Morelli and Pete Melvin, built by the prestigious Robertson & Caine boatyard in South Africa, and commissioned by chartering giant The Moorings – the Leopard 40 was, perhaps unsurprisingly, Cruising World ’s Import Boat of the Year in 2005.

Louisiane 37

Based on the famous French racing cat Charente-Maritime, the Louisiane 37, designed by Joubert/Nivelt and launched by builder Fountaine-Pajot in 1983, was a light, fast liveaboard cruiser with full accommodations that represented a radical departure from the hefty British cats that preceded it.

Maine Cat 30

One of the more versatile and clever cats ever created, the central feature of the cool Maine Cat 30 is the open bridge deck/living room sandwiched between the hulls and canopied by a rigid, permanent hard top (the comfortable accommodations/ staterooms are stationed in the hulls). Ideal for a winter in the Bahamas but with the ability to sail offshore, it’s a boat for all seasons and reasons.

Built in Florida and beloved by the owners of the over 120 boats built during the company’s existence from 1993 to 2009, the Manta Catamarans range included 38-, 40- and 44-foot cats. For this exercise, however, we’re heralding the original Manta 42, which won the Best Value Overall prize in CW’s 2001 Boat of the Year contest.

Moorings 4800/Leopard 48

Another Leopard/Moorings collaboration built by the wizards at Robertson & Caine (though this boat was designed by fellow South African Alex Simonis), the Leopard 48 was another CW Boat of the Year winner with all the contemporary bells and whistles: forward cockpit, flybridge helm station and solid hardtop dodger, just to name a few.

Click here to read more about the Leopard 48, and click here to see more images.

Nautitech 441

The Best Multihull Under 45 Feet: So said the CW judging panel in the 2013 Boat of the Year competition, regarding the Nautitech 441. But what makes this versatile platform so intriguing are the different helm set-ups. The 441 employs a single wheel, to starboard, ideal for solo sailors, while the 442 has a pair of helm stations aft.

Click here to see more Nautitech Catamarans.

Outremer 5X

A state-of-the-art all-oceans cat that exemplifies how far multihull design has come, the 59-foot Outremer 5X was a winner on both sides of the Atlantic, taking top honors in the European Boat of the Year competition in 2013, and following up as the Best Full-Size Multihull in CW ’s contest a year later.

Click here to see more cats from Outremer.

St. Francis 50

The flagship of the proud St. Francis line – built in South Africa since 1990 to designs by local legends Lavranos Marine Design – the St. Francis 50 is another “luxury cat” that shares much in common with an earlier 48-foot sister-ship, but packs even more payload into its roomier lines.

Click here to read more about the St. Francis 50

Seawind 1000

Founded by Aussie surfer and sailor Richard Ward in 1982, the 33-foot Seawind 1000 is easily the most popular cruising cat ever built in Australia (the company has since moved its manufacturing and management operations to Vietnam). Roomy and airy, these cats dot the coastline of eastern Oz.

Seawind 1160

If the Seawind 1000 was a minimalist approach to cruising cats, the 38-foot Seawind 1160 is the flip side of the coin, a full-fledged long-range voyager. Among the reasons it was named CW ’s Most Innovative boat for 2007 is the unique “tri-folding” door that stashes overhead to open up the saloon and cockpit into a spacious living area.

Click here to read more about the Seawind 1160.

Sunsail 384

Every sailboat is a compromise, and in the case of the Sunsail 384 (also sold privately as the Leopard 38) that’s a good thing, because designers Morrelli & Melvin and builder Robertson and Caine got the balance just right with this relatively small catamaran. With four cabins, the 384 can carry the same size bareboat charter crowd as her larger siblings, but does so with a decided bounce in her step. Named CW’s Import Boat of the Year in 2010, you can gauge the success of the design by the grins on the crew as they barrel down Sir Francis Drake channel in the British Virgin Islands.

Victoria 67

The French design office of Berret Racoupeau drafted the lines of Fountaine-Pajot’s new flagship, introduced in 2013, a magnificent world-girdling voyaging catamaran. Like other giant cats launched in recent years, the boat features a sensational upper deck with all sail controls, helm and lounging stations.

Click here to see more images of the Victoria 67.

Wharram Tanaroa

No list of influential multihulls would be complete without the work of James Wharram, and while Tangaroa wasn’t a production cat by any means, it showcases the British designer’s respect for ancient Polynesian craft. Wharram sailed this 23-foot-6-inch “double-hulled canoe” across the Atlantic in the 1950s, and sold countless plans for similar boats for decades afterwards.

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Pacific 3200

Beauty & stability.

The Pacific 3200 catamaran is a uniquely designed boat with unparalleled performance. The twin asymmetrical hulls create a high speed, stable, and efficient ride not found in other boats this size. The patented catamaran design greatly reduces side rolls and pitching from wave action. The planing hulls allow you to cruise at 20+ knots, even when the weather turns bad. Reduced drag results in better fuel efficiency, allowing you to go further on a tank of fuel.  The interior has all the features needed for extended cruising and with four different layouts available, you can customize the boat to fit all your needs. All of this, along with the respected SeaSport name and matchless reputation, gives you the finest built, best handling cruising catamaran in it’s class.

Fuel Capacity

Water capacity.

• Twin-hull Catamaran design bombs through chop with ridiculous ease
• Bow-thruster  optionand wide motor base makes docking a breeze
• Flybridge offers endless configuration possibilities
• Impressive fuel performance for such a brute

Great Ride & Flow

• Ingenious use of space, customizable to individual desires
• Made-in-America promise with seasoned craftsmen
• Built to last with limited maintenance and warranty concerns
• Fish, play, and entertain in our Pacific 3200
• Wider engine bracket makes storing the dinghy almost enjoyable
• Outfitted or pre-rigged with any engine make or model
• Best performance with Twin 350

Specifications

General specifications.

• LOA  32’2″
• Beam  12’10”
• Cabin Headroom 6’6″
• Cabin Size (L x W) 11’2″ x 9’5″
• Cockpit Size (L x W) 8′ x 10’7″
• Draft (motors up) 28″
• Draft (motors down)  40″
• Approximate Dry Weight  16,000 lbs
• Holding Tank Capacity  30 US gal.
• Water Capacity  60 US gal.
• Fuel Capacity  400 US gal.
• Sleeping Capacity 8
• Deadrise 22°

Hull, deck and cockpit

• Ten (10) year Warranty
• Diamond Sea Glaze aluminum windshield w/tempered safety glass
• Custom non-skid roof, deck, cockpit surface and gunwale boards
• Self-draining cockpit with scupper drains
• 316L stainless steel bow rail
• Heavy duty rub guard
• Unitized construction
• Anchor locker with bow roller and cleat
• Bomar foredeck hatch with screen
• Sliding forward side windows with screens
• Ten (10) 316L stainless steel 10″ mooring cleats
• Courtesy cockpit lights
• Large cockpit storage compartment
• Bentley helm seat with armrests
• Hardtop 316L SS hand rails
• Deck dogleg 316L SS hand rails
• Cockpit shelves
• Hydraulic steering
• Fiberglass transom door
• Powdered coated diamond sea glaze sliding bulkhead door
• Raw water washdown
• Catamaran hull design
• Fresh water anchor wash down pump
• (4) Bomar port lights

Performance

Comfort and interior.

• Complete marine floor carpeting
• Removable vinyl headliner for easy access to the hardtop
• Large V-berth w/ storage beneath and privacy curtain
• Full fabric cushions
• (2) adj. 12-volt reading lights w/ switch in v-berth
• 110V outlet, GFI protected
• Customized table tops with electric aluminum pedestal
• Wood inlaid table at dinette seating area with storage underneath
• (4) custom interior options
• Dinette converts to sleeper
• Large refrigerator
• Premium wall covering
• AM/FM/CD player with 2 speakers
• Twin helm seats
• Ambient Air Defroster
• 2 Large quarter berths
• Hot and cold water

Galley and Head

• Complete galley top with storage underneath
• Deep sink w/pressurized cold water faucet
• Galley storage cabinets
• 2 burner propane cooktop
• FW electric marine head with macerator
• Head compartment drain with pump
• Hot water shower
• Water and waste tank gauge
• Lighted mirror
• Corner vanity
• Forward hamper

Instrumentation and Safety Equipment

• Sea Sport custom master circuit breaker switch panel for 12V &110V
• (3) batteries, (1) 4D for the house and (2) for the starts
• Seastar steering cylinder with tilt helm
• Deluxe Richie Compass
• Battery charger
• Fresh water tank – 60 Gallons
• Fuel tank – 400 gallons
• Forward facing dual trumpet horn
• Automatic/Manual bilge pumps (4)
• Bennett trim tabs
• Certification/Standard Compliance: ABYC, USCG, CE
• Shore power

Color Selection

• Colored Gunnel Stripe and Boot stripe color options — Blue, Cabernet, Forest Green, Black
• Custom colors optional
• Fabric packages to match gel-coat colors

Specifications as well as standard and optional equipment are subject to change without notice. All measurements approximate. For more information and pricing, please contact your local Sea Sport dealer .

Explore all the Sea Sport Series

Let’s find your perfect sea sport.

Sea Sport Dealers

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• By Dave Lear
• Updated: September 21, 2007

The expression, “Two’s company, three’s a crowd,” isn’t heard much around the Pro Sports factory. That’s because with three models of the 28 Pro Kat catamaran now available – Walkaround, Sport Cuddy and Center Console – there’s one to satisfy most every boater.

“Anyone interested in a 28- to 29-foot conventional boat will be impressed with the Pro Kat,” explains Pro Sports president Mike Robinson. “It’s a hands-down winner for stability, and it lends itself to serious fishing and diving because of its range, ride and handling.”

All three models are based on the same planing hull. Reverse chines on each sponson provide increased lift for stability, fuel efficiency and a drier ride, as we discovered during choppy conditions in Alabama’s Mobile Bay. The Pro Kat sliced through the waves and tracked exceptionally well. Straight runs allowed nearly effortless steering with the Sea Star hydraulic system, while on gradual turns the boat would follow the heading without hesitation or drift. We did encounter some tunnel slap in a head sea, but were able to eliminate it by angling slightly into the waves.

In addition to stability, our test ride demonstrated the Pro Kat’s other positive performance characteristics. It stays abeam of the seas on a drift, offering unhindered fishing from either side, and the effect of whitewater funneling tightly between the sponsons and outboards, combined with the gurgling noise it produces, is sure to raise fish when trolling.

Incredible Range

And speaking of trolling, the Pro Kat will let you maximize your fishing time, according to Pro Sports’s performance data. A Sport Cuddy rigged with twin 200 Mercury OptiMax outboards is capable of 51.9 mph at a wide-open 5800 rpm. Throttle back to 4000 rpm for a cruising speed of 39.1 mph and 19.6 gph, or save even more gas by dropping to 3200 rpm (28 mph and 12.6 gph). With a fuel capacity of 238 gallons, that translates into a 474-mile range at cruise.

Every model of the 28 Pro Kat features plenty of standard angling amenities. Topping the list are a 40-gallon, oval bait well with macerator pump and cutting-board top; two large, insulated fishboxes; molded rod racks, and a molded backing plate in the cockpit sole for mounting a fighting chair. Add the 28’s immense cockpit, padded coaming bolsters, rod holders and ample storage for tackle and gear, and you’ve got a very versatile fishing machine.

Removable transom bench seats and forward padded seating complement the large helm leaning post and console. The console (with standard stainless steering wheel) is large enough to accommodate a typical electronics package, while the carpeted interior offers access, plus additional storage and room for an optional head. A handy console T-top/radio box combo is also available as an option.

The center-console model has wraparound seating in the bow, along with a convenient, lockable storage area that’ll easily handle rods and gear for overnight stays in a marina. The cuddy version, on the other hand, uses that same space for a small yet cozy cabin. The finished space features twin padded berths with storage below. All models in the 28 Pro Kat line come equipped with stainless bow railings, an anchor roller with hawse pipe, and a lifetime hull warranty against rot.

With very affordable price tags for boats of this size, no matter which model of the 28 Pro Kat you choose it’s sure to draw a crowd – of admirers, that is.

Pro Sports Boats, Lincoln, AL; (205) 763-0231; www.prosportsboats.com

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Our catamarans

Championship Season  is starting again! Get a head start  by ordering your spare parts today!

Usage Resorts, sailing schools & clubs

Crew MAX 3  sailors

Crew MAX 4 sailors

Usage learning & racing 3

Crew Configurable 5 

3 – The Nacra 15 is available in semi-foiling and full foiling configuration. 5 – The Nacra 15 is available in single and double crew configuration.

Usage Competitive racing 6 

Crew configurable 4

6  – The Nacra F16 Carbon is only Class legal for races in double crew configuration. 4  – The Nacra F16 Carbon is available in single and double crew configuration.

Usage racing, foiling †

Crew 2  sailors

† – The Nacra F18 Infusion  is available with an  Retrofit compatible   FCS Package . 

Usage Competitive racing

Crew 2 sailors

Usage Technical racing  3

3 – The Nacra F20 Carbon is also available as full foiling cat with the FCS Package.

Usage Youth Olympics & worlds

Crew 2 Youth sailors

Usage Olympics & worlds

Crew 2 Mixed sailors

NACRA WORLDWIDE DEALER NETWORK

Nacra Sailing wants catamaran sailing to be available to everyone – to the young and the old, the new and experienced sailors, the holiday makers and racing buffs, the beach heads and the Olympic medal contenders.

To accomplish that goal we have been investing in a good and reliable network of dealers around the world. Wherever there’s water, Nacra is nearby.

Locate a certified Nacra Dealer near your area, or see if our staff is on site at events. Pick your desired catamaran and contact us. We’ll make sure it’s in your waters in no time.

Can’t find a Nacra Dealer nearby, or does your local sales point not offer Nacra? Contact us and we’ll find a solution.

Shop all your spare parts and accessories directly from our online store.

Shopping for your business?

Do you order for a sailing school or club, a resort, or do you want to become a Nacra Certified Dealer? Contact Nacra Sailing to apply.

© Nacra Sailing INT. 2024

Free Shipping on All Boats to Lower 48 States!

Stable in heavy winds, fast in light winds. Full speed ahead.

The XCAT combines versatility, portability and performance in a way that no other boat on the market can. Harness the winds with the X CAT Sail or row for fun and fitness with our innovative forward-facing RowVista or rear-facing RowMotion rowing systems. The X CAT opens up a whole new world of adventures.

A winner of SAIL Magazine’s 2017 award for Best Daysailer, the X CAT is engineered to endure any challenge including some of the world’s top boat races. During the 2018 Everglades Challenge Red Beard’s very own Alex captained an X CAT Sail with RowVista.

From performance to safety gear, we carry the widest range of X CAT  accessories   to get you from your car to your next adventure.

XCAT Sail Innovations

The XCAT Sailing model has everything you need to start harnessing the wind. Both sails and all the rigging are included. We strongly recommend the Sailing Equipment Set to take your XCAT sailing experience to the next level.

1  - Fully battened square-top mainsail creates a lot of power. This sail is looped onto the mast for easier mounting and so it can be stowed still attached to the mast while rowing.

2  - Large laminated window in the genoa allows for safe navigation regardless of what tack you are on.

3  - Forestay is cleated at the mast step. This allows you to drop the mast while on the water for easy passage under low bridges and powerlines.

4  - Trampoline is made of a Textiline mesh that automatically tensions when the trampoline is installed. This prevents the need for tedious and time consuming lacing.

5  - Color coded and marked trampoline speeds up assembly by removing the guesswork. Shroud blocks and shrouds are marked with their respective red and green coloring. The positioning for the genoa and mainsheet blocks are marked on the center beam.

6  - Full length hull keels afford leeway resistance to the XCAT without the unnecessary draft of daggerboards or a centerboard. The boat will float in 6 inches of water!

Not the right sailboat for you? Let’s find your perfect boat.

XCAT Sail Features & Benefits

The world’s first hard-hulled catamaran that can be transported on the roof of your car and assembled in 12 minutes—all without sacrificing quality or performance.

Lightweight Construction

The XCAT hulls are made of an HDPE skin wrapped around EPP foam forms to create unsinkable but ultra-light hulls. Combined with the anodized aluminum frame and carbon mast, the XCAT weighs in at 165 pounds when rigged as a sailboat. The heaviest part of the boat are the hulls—at only 38 pounds each—which is lighter than most kayaks!

Continuous Line Furler

An in-house designed endless loop genoa furler allows for easy reefing of the sail area when on the water. An endless loop furler allows you to easily furl and unfurl the sail regardless of wind direction and speed.

Safety as a Priority

The XCAT was designed to be an expedition boat, which required a focus on durability and endurance. This translates to a day sailing beach cat that makes light work of foul weather. The XCAT rig has been tested to withstand conditions as high as a Beaufort 8. The mast float and mast with floatation inside makes sure this boat is quick and easy to right in the event of a capsize.

Built-In Heave-To Feature

Most sailboats can heave-to without too much trouble, but many boats struggle to remain hove-to as the wind builds. On the XCAT, if you furl the genoa, hard sheet in the mainsail, let the rudder free and sit forward of the mast: the boat will sit within 5º of true wind direction and will average a half knot in reverse, regardless of wind speed. This is a fantastic feature for novice sailors or anyone who gets caught by a squall in open water.

OE Inboard Electric Motor Option

The XCAT is the smallest production sailboat with an optional inboard motor! Whether you want the security of being able to get back home when the wind doesn't cooperate or the ability to short tack up a narrow river, the eProp is the perfect solution for any XCAT sailor!

Fast & Easy Assembly

The XCAT assembles with no tools or hardware. There are audible *clicks* when things get attached or are tight. This lets you know that it is locked and ready. Once you are familiar with the process, assembly can be done in about 10-15 minutes. The Red Beard Record is seven minutes and thirty seconds.

Genoa with Barber Hauler

Oversized 110% genoa allows for the XCAT to be rigged with a much shorter mast without sacrificing performance. This reduces heel in heavy winds and allows you to sail under bridges for which other other sailboats would have to de-mast. The centralized genoa cleats allow you to trim regardless of which side of the boat you are on. The barber hauler, typically seen on racing boats, allows you to haul the genoa clew closer to the centerline, allowing you to point higher on the wind.

Kick-up Rudder

The anodized aluminum rudder is resilient and perfectly formed. There is a built in lifting and kick up feature. You can easily lift the rudder to clear any seaweed or for shallow waters.

Dyneema Shrouds

Dyneema shrouds are lightweight, easy to store and still allow for an incredibly tight rig that is ready to withstand heavy winds. The shrouds feature a double shackle system where it attaches to the boat. This makes the XCAT easier to right from a capsize by lightweight sailors.

XCAT Sail Technical Specifications

Packing & Assembly Specifications

XCAT Sail Featured Accessories

Sail it. row it. power it. go ahead, it's your move.

The XCAT combines versatility, portability and performance in a way that no other boat on the market can. The XCAT Sail is perfect for achieving your fitness goals, or use it on your next river or lake rowing adventure. You can maximize the XCAT’s versatility by powering it with an optional outboard motor, or add a sailing kit to XCAT RowVista for the ability to row and sail at the same time.

XCAT Sailing Equipment Set

The X-Cat Sail is a great boat, but with the addition of these select accessories, you can really round out the whole experience. The Hiking Seats provide more ergonomic seating plus added storage for oars and paddles. The Bow Mesh provides a lot of storage capacity for gear and an anchor without cluttering up the main tramp. The Tiller-Fix can hold the tiller steady while sailing or off center for solo paddling from one side. The X-Cat is stable enough to do without, but it is highly recommended to have hiking straps equipped.

• Increase storage without cluttering the main trampoline.
• Adjustable Hiking Seats provide curb-height seating in high winds or tilted as a backrest in light winds.
• All of the most popular accessories for the X-Cat bundled at a $120+ discount.

Accessory Kit Includes: One Bow Mesh ($525 Value), One Pair of Hiking Seats Plus Storage Bag ($555 Value), One Pair of Hiking Straps ($125 Value), One Tiller-Fix ($65 Value).

RowVista® Forward Rowing System Add-On

The world’s best forward rowing system with linkage mechanism and blade feathering integrated. The RowVista system holds both national and international patents, and pending patents. If you want to maximize your X-Cat Sail with the ability to row & sail at the same time, then the RowVista is the best system for you.

• When combined with a sail, the revolutionary forward-rowing systems allows you to row and sail the X-Cat at the same time.
• Oarlocks snap onto the side beams without the need for tools.
• A technical masterpiece – Oar blade feathering despite reverse direction.
• No energy is wasted thanks to the highly efficient linkage.
• During sailing, the oars are folded together and can be stowed under the seat.

Kit Includes: XCAT RowVista® rowlocks, foot stretcher, sliding seat, stopper, bag. 1p RowVista® forward rowing Carbon oars (81”) with linkage mechanism & blade feathering integrated, and RowVista® sculls Storage Bag.

RowMotion Classic Rowing System Add-On

The classical method of rowing, straight sticks with a flappy bit on one end. Pull the sticks and off you go, it’s as simple as that. The RowMotion is the classical rowing setup for the X-Cat Catamaran. These oars will get you moving when the wind dies down. it definitely beats the heck out of paddling with a little rescue paddle. Equipped with Concept2 oarlocks, you can use your old oars from college, or add our 2 piece carbon oars in the list below to get you upstream with two paddles.

• Carbon fiber sculls with an adjustable cuff make blade feathering easy.
• Concept2 oarlocks are familiar to any rower and are the perfect fit for any aftermarket oar.
• During sailing, the oars can be stowed behind the optional Hiking Seats.

XCAT eProp Inboard Motor

XCAT Mast Float

XCAT Launching Hull Cradles

XCAT Roof Rack Accessory Kit

XCAT SUP Paddle

XCAT Anchor

XCAT Launching Cart

XCAT Launching Cart with Balloon Tires

XCAT Additional Center Beam Seat

HIKO Dry Bag for Paddleboards

XCAT Dry Bag

XCAT Hiking Straps

XCAT Tiller-Fix

Carbon 2-Piece Oars for ROWonAIR and XCAT

XCAT Bow Mesh / Front Trampoline

Side beam clamping block railblaza.

XCAT Fenders

XCAT Tie Down Strap

XCAT Hiking Seats

XCAT Small Bag

Xcat velcro strap.

XCAT RowMotion Add-On Option

XCAT Motor Mount

Resources & support.

This thing is a little rocket.

This is my Third year with the X-cat.

I still love it. I also have a 30 foot keelboat, but I take the X-cat out a lot.

The X-cat is stable & well designed.

I just took it out in worsening weather (against my better judgement). Very choppy conditions and accelerating winds with some light rains.

I was sure I would pitch-pole but did it just would not happen.

I also stayed pretty dry which was a big surprise.

The motor is also wonderful for leaving against the tide.

We’re still happy with it.

The X Cat is fast, easy to rig & de-rig, NO trailed needed, easy to learn on, much less likely to capsize or pitch poll when sailing fast. I'm no longer concerned about sailing solo in the ocean. I'm very old & the X Cat and Alex Caslow have extended my sailing experience by several years. Several people have asked me, after I had rigged the boat, how I could get it in the back of my truck. All I had was the truck & a truck bed extender - NO TRAILER. My wife has a navicular fracture so I'm now sailing solo. Not a problem.

Thank God for Alex Caslow at Red Beard Sailing and for the X Cat Catamaran!

Update for 2017.

I would purchase an Xcat again.

Frankly, I'm surprised how happy we are with this boat.

The Xcat handles the short chop well. Great for daysailing on LI sound. It's drier than I thought it would be.

The quality & durability of the Xcat are amazing.

The boat tolerated the winter very well. The fit & finish appear to have been designed for decades of use.

The quality stands out. The Xcat gets compliments from other sailors & the harbor police.

XCAT WARRANTY 2-Year Warranty against defects in the material or workmanship that affect usability. XCAT does not require that you register your boat for registration. To file a claim or for assistance with your XCAT, please email us at [email protected] or give us a call at 410-705-5026.

XCAT Owner's Manual Bowsprit Errata for OM eProp Electric Motor Manual XCAT Sales Brochure

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