Some catamarans promise bluewater capabilities, while others have already proved themselves. Molipa unquestionably belongs to the second category! Aboard, we meet the Absolute Sail team for a tour of this Christophe Barreau-designed Catana 47, one of the builder's most iconic models.
Her Owners, Patrick and Virginie, spent four years sailing the world's oceans, from 2022 to 2026. Their route took them from the Caribbean to the Pacific, then through Oceania, Asia and the Indian Ocean before rounding the Cape of Good Hope and heading north across the Atlantic. Their complete circumnavigation ended with a return to the Mediterranean in August 2026.
Although this Catana 47 is now 16 years old, she retains the qualities that made the model so successful: carbon-infused construction, daggerboards that combine sailing performance with access to shallow anchorages, and accommodations designed for extended life aboard.
On deck, the twin helm stations provide excellent visibility of the sails and bows. The cockpit, protected by a rigid bimini, features a large table, while the aft platforms make moving around and accessing the tender easier. Inside, the panoramic saloon incorporates a galley to port and a navigation station to starboard. Each hull accommodates two double cabins, all with their own bathrooms.
Over € 256,000 Invested in Refits
Naturally, it's the history of the work carried out that makes this yacht particularly interesting. Two major refits were completed in 2019 and 2022, at a combined cost of € 256,385. The second, undertaken with Absolute Sail as part of its Blue Water Program, was specifically intended to prepare the catamaran for her circumnavigation.
The work covered the hulls, portlight seals, rudders, hull-to-deck joints, interior fittings, rigging and electrical systems. The twin 50 hp Volvo Penta engines were replaced in 2019 and have now accumulated 2,960 hours.
The navigation equipment has also been extensively upgraded, including a Raymarine Axiom chartplotter, Quantum radar, and an autopilot with a Lecomble & Schmitt hydraulic ram and an independent backup ram.
As for the sails, the mainsail dates from 2023, while the genoa and 1,593 sq ft (148 m²) asymmetric spinnaker were both replaced in 2024. The standing rigging has undergone successive replacements through 2026, when the trampolines were also renewed.
Energy autonomy is provided by 1,300 Wp of solar panels and a bank of five 225 Ah Mastervolt AGM batteries. A watermaker producing 13 US gal/h (50 l/h), installed in 2023, completes the bluewater cruising equipment. Safety hasn't been overlooked either, with a ten-person life raft, an EPIRB and several man-overboard recovery devices.
Following her return, Molipa underwent another comprehensive overhaul in September and October 2026 in preparation for sale. A few items still need to be checked, however, including the air-conditioning compressor.
Technical Specifications
Builder: Catana Catamarans
Designer: Christophe Barreau
Construction: Carbon infusion
Year: 2010
Hull: #15
Length: 46' (14.03 m)
Beam: 25'1" (7.64 m)
Draft: 3'7"/8'2" (1.1/2.5 m)
Light Displacement: 10.7 t
Mainsail: 926 sq ft (86 m²)
Genoa: 570 sq ft (53 m²)
Gennaker: 904 sq ft (84 m²)
Asymmetric Spinnaker: 1,593 sq ft (148 m²)
Symmetric Spinnaker: 1,399 sq ft (130 m²)
Powertrain: 2 × 50 hp Volvo Penta D2-50F (2019)
Engine Hours: 2,960 hours
Fuel: 87 US gal (330 l) + 58 US gal (220 l) reserve
Water: 177 US gal (670 l)
Watermaker: ECH2O Tec, 13 US gal/h (50 l/h)
Layout: 4 double cabins, 4 bathrooms
Asking Price: € 485,000 (VAT paid)
Contact: Absolute Sail - +33 6 88 35 33 32
