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Nautitech New 46 Open: Even more attractive!

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Practical info

Like the 40 Open which had a facelift in 2017, the 46 on display at the last Cannes Yachting Festival has been reviewed and updated. A new design, more powerful sail plan and reworked interior, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about this new boat!

On the cruising catamaran market, the Nautitech 40 and 46 are in a somewhat paradoxical situation: their Open concept, born in 2014, is clearly up to date. The success of the range, and also that of Bali, easily demonstrates this. The same goes for the performance/comfort positioning, as it is precisely on this balance that makes sailing pleasurable – highlighted by a nacelle with a contained volume - that the new Excess catamarans are positioned. This focus on speed long held back the builder from offering a flybridge version. But this was finally seen in 2016 with the 46, a few months after the launch of the Open. Heavier (by 400 kg/88 lbs) but with 6.5 m² (70 sq ft) less canvas, the Fly version offers a remarkable amount of living space: it corresponds to the demand from yachtsmen looking to handle their boat with a 360° view of the water. As for the New 40, she should also be offered in this configuration by the end of the year.

So, were Nautitech ahead of their time? Yes, but they're just getting a bit old now! And that's why the manufacturer is launching new, updated models. That said, real new models would be welcome!

Open or Fly version

It was the Open version - faithful to Nautitech's original values with its twin helms, discreet superstructures and a more powerful sail plan - that we were able to test during the show. Seen from the outside, the New 46 has a new design with a two-tone coachroof and double windows in the hulls. There’s nothing new about the construction: PVC/polyester foam sandwich throughout, which is very stiff, with an excellent surface appearance.

We took advantage of a light thermal breeze in the late afternoon to make a few tacks off Cannes. Upwind, we progressed at 3 or 4 knots in only 6 knots of wind and a bit of a chop. It's hard to say whether the extended mast and lowered boom - 2 m² (21½ sq ft) of additional mainsail area - gives us any significant bonus. In any case, in these conditions, we missed the extra 12 m² (130 sq ft) of genoa. Admittedly, we’d then lose the advantage of the self-tacking jib - we can't have everything. With the genoa and the new mainsail, the sail/weight ratio of the New 46 climbs to 11.67 m²/t (126 sq ft/t), where most of its competitors don't reach (or rather exceed) 10 m²/t (108 sq ft/t). Either way, we were able to point well thanks to the relatively deep skegs (1.45 m / 4’9” draft). On a fine reach, thanks to the large asymmetrical spinnaker, we managed to exceed 5 knots. A nice speed given the light airs and with the sea state being far from flat. During our test of the first version of the Nautitech 46, we reached 9 knots under gennaker with only 14 knots of wind. The New 46 just does a little better!

The Open concept, quite a find!

The very wide entrance - 1.76 m (5’9”) - and the shape of the table seats, which blend in with the lounger, help to erase any boundaries between the outside and the inside. You enjoy a new feeling of space, whereas the nacelle itself is actually very compact. On the large table measuring 1.76 m by 0.79 m (5’9” x 31”), you can share a meal with ten people, using the extra three stools on board. This optional table top can even be transformed into a lounge bed. The main saloon is therefore set back into the cockpit, which is itself perfectly protected. In addition to being able to enjoy this space, the configuration makes it possible to dispense with a traditional saloon. It is precisely inside the nacelle that the modifications are the most significant. The galley, previously forward, to port, now adjoins the cockpit on the starboard side. This gives us a proper chart table with an unobstructed view forward. As for the mini saloon, it remains at the front of the nacelle but moves from starboard to port. As an option, it can be transformed in a few seconds into a double berth. During longer passages, this becomes an ideal watchkeeping area. The overall layout is unquestionably happier in this smaller nacelle - it feels less crowded. There are also new materials and a more luxurious style. For example, the yard is now offering leather upholstery as an option. This is also a good point for optimizing the available storage space. In the hulls, no changes for the 3-cabin version, but the 4-cabin version abandons the single bathroom per hull, and there are now two, though obviously they are more cramped. The beds are comfortable thanks to their generous dimensions: 2 x 1.60 m (6’7” x 5’3”) ... just like at home!

Deck layout unchanged

In contrast to the exterior design, rig and interior, the deck plan is unchanged. In the cockpit, there are three large lockers and two liferaft compartments (80 cm x 30 cm x 52 cm / 32 x 12 x 20”). All sail controls return to the helm stations. The lines, both from the mast foot and from the bimini - for adjusting the mainsheet and the traveler - are very cleverly guided by a set of leads and blocks. At the helm stations you benefit from reasonable protection (mini bimini as an option). But the superstructure hides the opposite bow. You get used to watching this area through the windows. Understandably, the view is better from the raised helm station on the Fly version. Three steps lead to particularly wide side-decks. Effective non-slip and good hand-holds mean that movement around on deck is excellent. Forward of the nacelle, the anchor locker and windlass are set back to center the weight as far as possible. The yard has provided a nice lounging area on the trampolines, with comfortable mattresses and a fold-down table. A ladder is fitted for climbing up onto the coachroof. The boom, already set quite low, has become even easier to access when handling the lazy bag or a reefing line.

Conclusion

This Version 2 of an already very successful model is convincing: the work on the distribution of the different elements of the nacelle is a success. Mile-eaters will appreciate the potential of the New Nautitech 46 under sail - in Open version with genoa. The more epicurean buyer will opt for the Fly version.

Attractive Open concept, under way and at anchor

Very nicely finished

Performance hulls from 6 knots of wind

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Lack of power with the self-tacking jib

View of the bow opposite the helm station (Open version)

Blinds would be indispensable in the tropics

Technical specifications

Builder: Nautitech Catamarans

Architect: Marc Lombard

Interior Design: Roseo Design

Overall length: 3.79 m (45’3”)