La Vagabonde is not just any ordinary catamaran; it is the sailing vessel that gained worldwide attention due to its association with the popular YouTube channel “Sailing La Vagabonde,” run by Australian couple Riley Whitelum and Elayna Carausu. Since 2014, they have taken their viewers on incredible journeys across the globe, sharing their adventures, the highs, and the lows of sailing life. Over the years, La Vagabonde has transformed into a symbol of freedom, adventure, and the nomadic lifestyle.
This 48-foot Outremer catamaran, built in 2017, has seen remarkable changes, upgrades, and even some mishaps, such as a collision that caused significant damage to the vessel in late 2024. Nonetheless, the catamaran remains one of the most iconic and admired sailing vessels of its size and type. If you’re wondering how much La Vagabonde is worth today, the answer depends on a number of factors, including its specifications, age, condition, and the brand value associated with the “Sailing La Vagabonde” channel. This article will explore these aspects in detail, helping you understand the true value of this iconic yacht.
Specifications and Features
La Vagabonde is a performance-driven catamaran designed by the renowned French shipyard Outremer. The vessel measures 48 feet in length, which is considered a perfect size for long-distance cruising. Here are some of its most significant specifications:
- Model: Outremer 45 (refurbished in 2017)
- Length: 14.45 meters (approximately 48 feet)
- Beam (Width): 7.80 meters (25.5 feet)
- Weight: 10.5 tons
- Cabins: Three cabins, with a spacious layout designed for both private use and possible charter operations
- Berths: The vessel can accommodate up to six guests, with additional crew quarters available
- Power: Equipped with twin 50-horsepower engines
- Deck & Sailing Features: Large sun awning, bimini, and swim platform for comfort while docked or anchored
The interior of the catamaran is designed for extended stays at sea, with a modern, minimalist aesthetic. Key amenities include air conditioning (for when docked), a water maker for fresh water production, and onboard Wi-Fi for connectivity during the journey. La Vagabonde also includes spacious storage and modern electronics for navigation and sailing control. The catamaran’s design emphasizes both performance and comfort, which is what sets it apart from many other similar-sized vessels in the market.
These features align well with those looking for a high-performance catamaran that can handle long journeys in a relatively small package. The yacht also provides comfort, which has contributed to its popularity among viewers of the YouTube channel.
How Much Is La Vagabonde Catamaran Worth?
When determining the current market value of La Vagabonde, we need to take into account several key factors that can influence its price. These include the age of the yacht, its condition, its performance specifications, the popularity of the “Sailing La Vagabonde” brand, and the market comparison to similar yachts of its class.
1. Age and Condition
La Vagabonde was built in 2017, meaning it is around eight years old as of 2025. For a yacht of this size and type, eight years is considered a relatively young age. However, age alone does not determine a yacht’s value; its condition plays a significant role.
La Vagabonde has been extensively used, and while it has undergone multiple upgrades over the years, its heavy use for sailing around the world means some signs of wear and tear are expected. Furthermore, in late 2024, the yacht experienced a significant collision off Okinoshima Island, Japan. This incident caused damage to the vessel, including structural issues that needed repair. This mishap may affect the current value of the yacht, as potential buyers would need to consider any repairs and maintenance performed.
It’s important to note that a well-maintained yacht, even one with a few years under its belt, can hold a higher value than a newer yacht that has been neglected. Given the care and attention to detail shown by Riley and Elayna, the yacht’s condition is likely to remain in good standing, but the incident may lower its immediate resale value.
2. Specifications and Features
La Vagabonde’s performance-oriented specifications and luxurious features also play a significant role in determining its market value. Outremer is known for producing some of the best performance catamarans in the world, and the Outremer 45 model is no exception. The vessel’s design allows it to handle rough seas with stability while offering comfort and style.
The large solar panels, water maker, air conditioning system, and top-quality electronics make it a highly sought-after yacht for people looking to embark on long sailing journeys. These features, along with the space it offers for a family or small group of people, position La Vagabonde as a luxury vessel in the mid-range catamaran market. Such a combination of performance and comfort can add considerable value.
3. Brand Association and Popularity
The brand value associated with La Vagabonde plays a major role in assessing its worth. As of November 2024, “Sailing La Vagabonde” has garnered almost two million subscribers on YouTube. The couple’s transparency, entertaining sailing content, and the sheer scale of their journeys have made them beloved figures in the sailing community.
Owning La Vagabonde could carry a certain prestige for those who admire Riley and Elayna’s adventures. Additionally, the large following of the channel means that potential buyers are aware of the yacht’s history, which can increase demand for it. The yacht is much more than a sailing vessel—it’s a piece of internet history. This could translate into a higher resale price, especially when marketed to fans of the YouTube channel.
4. Market Comparisons
To better understand La Vagabonde’s market value, we can compare it to similar yachts in the market. The Outremer 45, on which La Vagabonde is based, typically has a price range of €850,000 to €920,000 (excluding tax) when new, depending on the customization options and finishes chosen. However, when considering a second-hand version of this yacht, the price tends to decrease, as is typical with most yachts.
Taking into account the age of La Vagabonde, its condition, and its association with the “Sailing La Vagabonde” brand, it is estimated that the current value of the yacht would be in the range of US$500,000 to US$600,000. This range is a ballpark figure, and the actual market price may fluctuate based on demand and any improvements or repairs made to the vessel after the collision.
Income Potential
La Vagabonde isn’t just valuable because of its physical features and history; it also has the potential to generate income. The catamaran has been used as a charter yacht for several years, offering luxury sailing experiences to customers. Weekly charter rates for a similar vessel typically range from US$26,000 to US$30,000, depending on the destination, time of year, and customization of the services provided.
The yacht’s popularity and global recognition could make it a prime candidate for high-end charters in locations like the Caribbean, Mediterranean, or the Pacific Islands. This income-generating potential adds a new dimension to the overall value of La Vagabonde, as the yacht can be a source of ongoing revenue, making it a more attractive investment for potential buyers.
Recent Developments
In 2024, Riley and Elayna made an announcement about selling La Vagabonde and commissioning a new Outremer 45 catamaran. While this decision was partly influenced by the collision in Japan and the need for a more updated vessel, it also marks the beginning of a new chapter for the couple. Selling La Vagabonde presents an opportunity for someone else to take ownership of a yacht with significant historical and sentimental value.
This recent decision might also affect the market value. For prospective buyers, purchasing La Vagabonde would mean owning a vessel with direct connections to a popular sailing channel and the opportunity to continue the journey of “Sailing La Vagabonde” or start a new adventure.
Conclusion
La Vagabonde is a catamaran that goes beyond just being a sailing vessel—it is a symbol of adventure, freedom, and the nomadic lifestyle. Its value is influenced by several factors, including its specifications, condition, the popularity of the “Sailing La Vagabonde” brand, and the vessel’s income-generating potential. While a ballpark estimate places its value between US$500,000 and US$600,000, its true worth can vary depending on demand, repairs, and other factors.
For potential buyers, La Vagabonde offers more than just a yacht; it offers the chance to own a piece of sailing history. Whether you’re drawn to its performance, its story, or the idea of continuing Riley and Elayna’s journey, this catamaran remains a highly sought-after vessel in the sailing world.
