The twin daggerboards are unmistakable - a signature feature (and even part of the logo) of Catana catamarans! With a hull length of 53' (16.15 m), a beam of 28'5" (8.65 m) and carbon-infused construction reinforced with Twaron fibers, this Catana 53 belongs to a generation of multihulls designed to cover long distances without sacrificing performance. Her light displacement of 14.5 t reflects the emphasis on weight reduction, while the twin daggerboards allow her draft to be reduced to just 4'10" (1.48 m) for accessing shallow anchorages.
Named Ambian'c, this particular yacht was built in 2019 and has sailed mainly in the Mediterranean. Yet, at seven years old, her condition pleasantly surprised us. Vincente, who welcomes us aboard on behalf of Absolute Sail, even describes her as being in "almost concours condition."
On deck, we find the builder's characteristic twin helm stations and a particularly uncluttered sail-handling layout: all halyards and control lines lead back to the helm stations. Electric winches make maneuvers easier, while a carbon fiber bimini shelters the generously sized cockpit, arranged around a large table and a relaxation area.
Inside, a three-panel sliding door opens the saloon wide to the cockpit. The upholstery is remarkably well preserved, as are the interior fittings. Forward in the saloon, the navigation station features a comprehensive electronics installation, including a FLIR day/night camera whose images can also be viewed from the helm stations. A 40-inch television that retracts into a cabinet is another pleasant surprise during our tour.
The particularly spacious galley features a central island and plenty of storage. Refrigerators, a freezer, wine cooler, dishwasher and washing machine - there's certainly no shortage of creature comforts for an extended passage!
Our tour continues in the port hull, which accommodates two guest cabins. The aft cabin features two single beds that can be converted into a double. But it's naturally the starboard hull that really catches our attention: entirely reserved for the Owner, it houses a suite with a king-size bed, bathroom and separate toilet. An additional cabin with its own bathroom, accessible from the deck, is fitted into the starboard forepeak.
Equipped for Bluewater Cruising
The equipment inventory confirms this Catana 53's offshore ambitions. In addition to the fully battened Hydranet mainsail and self-tacking Hydranet Solent jib, she carries a Code 0 made from the same fabric and a 2,045 sq ft (190 m²) asymmetric spinnaker.
For self-sufficiency, Ambian'c is equipped with an Aquabase watermaker producing 28 US gal/h (105 l/h), eight solar panels, a 7 kVA Onan generator and 211 US gal (800 l) of fresh water capacity. Reversible Webasto air conditioning completes the equipment package.
The electronics were upgraded in March 2020, notably with the installation of an additional Raymarine Axiom display, an i70s instrument display and the FLIR camera. Two underwater lights were also added.
Absolute Sail: Much More Than a Broker
Our visit also gives us an opportunity to discover Absolute Sail's distinctive approach. The company specializes exclusively in Catana catamarans, particularly models from generations prior to 2019. But its role goes far beyond simply connecting buyers and sellers. "We provide support throughout the buying and selling process for people planning an extended cruise or a circumnavigation," Vincente explains. This service also includes refit advice and ongoing technical support during their voyages.
To provide this continuity, Absolute Sail operates from three locations: Canet-en-Roussillon, Le Marin in Martinique, and Raiatea in French Polynesia. These technical bases allow the company to stay in touch with crews and offer advice throughout their adventures.
Technical Specifications
Builder: Catana Catamarans
Designer: Catana Design Office
Construction: PVC/glass/carbon sandwich, vinylester resin, Twaron reinforcements
Year: 2019
Hull: #7
Hull Length: 53' (16.15 m)
Length Overall: 55'9" (17 m), including bowsprit
Beam: 28'5" (8.65 m)
Draft: 4'10"/9'10" (1.48/3 m)
Light Displacement: 14.5 t
Powertrain: 2 × 80 hp Yanmar, saildrives
Fuel: 227 US gal (860 l)
Water: 211 US gal (800 l)
Layout: 3 cabins + 1 skipper's cabin, 4 bathrooms
Mainsail: Fully battened Hydranet
Solent Jib: Self-tacking Hydranet
Additional Sails: Hydranet Code 0, 2,045 sq ft (190 m²) asymmetric spinnaker
Generator: 7 kVA Onan
Watermaker: Aquabase, 28 US gal/h (105 l/h)
Asking Price: € 1,000,000 ex-tax
Contact: Absolute Sail - +33 6 88 35 33 32 - direction@ucandri.com
