2024 Sail Buyer's Guide

From 45 to 50 feet

Just two years ago, this was almost certainly the category in which the biggest builders were competing most fiercely. And that was only to be expected: this size of multihull is undoubtedly the one that most family crews have in mind when they dream of letting slip the lines and living aboard. But rising prices and skyrocketing interest rates have put a damper on many plans... you’ll be on a comfortable, safe boat that remains perfectly manageable without the need for a professional skipper. But each model we present here has its own personality: you’re sure to find the multihull that suits you!

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Published 08/12/2023

By Mark Bernie, Julie Echelle, Dick Sawyer, Emmanuel van Deth and Kim Wellington

Subscribers Only

Issue: 193

Published: jan. / feb. 2024

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LEOPARD 45

A Lounge version that has made a name for itself

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In 2017, with their 45, Robertson and Caine offered an attractive catamaran: this model satisfies the expectations of charterers or owners who are sensitive to the concept of open spaces. A successful model that continues to evolve: the brand-new Lounge version with a fitted-out flybridge appears very popular, to the point of eclipsing the original configuration despite it having more canvas and a lower boom. During our tests, we appreciated the design of the hulls and the seakindly behavior under sail. The forward cockpit, accessible from inside, has become emblematic of the Leopard range: a definite asset for hedonistic sailors - and for all a must at anchor to enjoy life on board. The forward door is also an excellent way to ventilate the saloon in the tropical sun.

Builder: Robertson & Caine
Length: 45’ (13.72 m)
Beam: 24’2” (7.36 m)
Light displacement: 36,150 lbs (16.4 t)
Draft: 4’11” (1.50 m)
Mainsail: 813/841 sq ft (75.5/78.1 m²)
Genoa: 543 sq ft (50.4 m²)
Spinnaker: 1,789 sq ft (166.2 m²)
No. of cabins: 3 or 4 + port forepeak
Water: 206 US gal (780 l)
Fuel: 185 US gal (700 l)
Engines: 2 x 45 HP
Price: from € 659,000 ex-tax
www.leopardcatamarans.com

TANNA 47

The Saona reviewed and updated

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Presented for the first time at the 2022 Cannes Yachting Festival, the Tanna 47 is a successful and intelligent redesign of the Saona 47. The overall characteristics - rig, displacement and deck layout – all remain identical, but the nacelle has been reworked to feature new furniture with softer angles, larger overhead windows, but most importantly, a new galley – gone is the central island, but there’s now an extra 10.6 cubic feet (300 liters) of storage space. Like the latest models in Fountaine Pajot’s sailing range, the Tanna 47 has a lounger. A perfect place for the watchkeeper... but also for relaxing. However, this does mean losing the Saona’s chart table. Outside, behind the raised helm station, the lounge area has doubled in size. A large area of solar panels (50 to 100 sq ft / 5 to 9 m²) can be fitted.

Builder: Fountaine Pajot
Architect: Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design
Hull length: 45’9” (13.94 m)
Beam: 25’3” (7.7 m)
Draft: 3’11” (1.2 m)
Displacement: 32,400 lbs (14.7 t)
Mainsail: 830 sq ft (77 m²)
Genoa: 560 sq ft (52 m²)
Engines: 2 x 50/60 HP
Fuel: 2 x 124 US gal (2 x 470 l)
Water: 2 x 92 US gal (2 x 350 l)
Cabins: 3/4
Price: from € 769,800 ex-tax
www.fountaine-pajot.com

ST FRANCIS 46 CAT

Much more modern than the 50

Until now, St Francis Marine’s catamarans had been considered to be extremely solid but having a very traditional design, like the St Francis 50 MK2 with her sloping bows, just like her coachroof... The brand-new St Francis 46, announced by the South African builder in 2021, is a real break from the codes. ...

This article was published in the issue 193. To read the full article, purchase this issue or subscribe from $3/month.