FP44

Presented by the manufacturer as a particularly convivial cruising catamaran, the FP44 puts the emphasis on relaxation areas. Comfort has been further enhanced on board this new model compared to the Astrea 42 and Elba 45. This is clearly evident from the increase in volume and the forward deck extension at the expense of the trampolines. These have actually become almost symbolic, as they can be replaced by solid panels as an option, as was the case on the model we tested. A little more freeboard, more space available on deck, more volume in the hulls and in the nacelle... all this inevitably translates into an increase in displacement: from 29,650 lbs (13.45 t) for the Elba 45 to 33,510 lbs (15.2 t) for the FP44. Almost an extra 4,000 lbs (1.75 t) for a catamaran that is 7½ inches (19 cm) shorter and just over 4 inches (11 cm) narrower is no small matter...
At the same time, the upwind sail area of 1,313 sq ft (122 m²) has only seen an increase of 11 sq ft (1 m²). These figures clearly show that the approved specifications required a clear shift in favor of comfort on board - a choice that inevit...