Bluewater catamarans are designed for long-distance cruising, offering stability, speed, and ample living space. Selecting the right catamaran involves understanding your cruising needs, budget, and desired amenities. Below is a curated list of eight top bluewater catamarans, combining professional insights with straightforward descriptions to aid your decision-making.
8 Best Bluewater Catamarans
1. Lagoon 450
The Lagoon 450 is renowned for its spaciousness and ease of handling, making it a favorite among cruising families. Its design emphasizes comfort with a flybridge offering panoramic views and an expansive cockpit for outdoor living. Over 1,000 units have been built since its launch in 2010, underscoring its popularity.
Key Features:
- Size: Length Overall (LOA) of 45.5 feet and a beam of 25.6 feet.
- Living Space: Offers multiple cabin configurations, accommodating up to 12 guests.
- Performance: Designed for stability and ease of sailing, suitable for short-handed crews.
2. Fountaine Pajot Helia 44
The Fountaine Pajot Helia 44 is celebrated for its sleek design and efficient performance. Lighter and more agile than some competitors, it offers a responsive sailing experience. The cockpit seamlessly integrates with the saloon, creating a spacious living area.
Key Features:
- Size: LOA of 44.3 feet with a beam of 24.6 feet.
- Living Space: Available in three or four-cabin layouts, accommodating up to 8 guests.
- Performance: Noted for its sailing capabilities, offering a balance between speed and comfort.
3. Atlantic 47
Designed by Chris White, the Atlantic 47 is a performance-oriented catamaran built for bluewater cruising. Its fine hull entries and innovative rigging contribute to its speed and stability. The pilothouse design ensures excellent visibility and protection from the elements.
Key Features:
- Size: LOA of 47 feet with a beam of 25 feet.
- Living Space: Features a forward cockpit and aft pilothouse, providing versatile living areas.
- Performance: Designed for short-handed sailing, offering responsive handling and speed.
4. Outremer 45
Outremer’s 45-foot catamaran is engineered for performance and ease of handling, making it suitable for sailors seeking adventure without a large crew. Its design emphasizes safety and speed, with a focus on bluewater capabilities.
Key Features:
- Size: LOA of 45.5 feet with a beam of 24.6 feet.
- Living Space: Designed for efficiency, offering comfortable accommodations for extended voyages.
- Performance: Known for its sailing prowess, capable of handling various sea conditions.
5. Lagoon 440
The Lagoon 440 is a well-regarded model among bluewater sailors, known for its spacious layout and reliable performance. Its design includes a flybridge and expansive outdoor spaces, enhancing the cruising experience.
Key Features:
- Size: LOA of 43.6 feet with a beam of 24.6 feet.
- Living Space: Accommodates up to 12 guests with multiple cabin configurations.
- Performance: Balanced design offering comfort without compromising sailing capabilities.
6. Beneteau Oceanis 473
The Beneteau Oceanis 473 combines comfort with performance, making it a popular choice among cruising enthusiasts. Its spacious interior and user-friendly design cater to both novice and experienced sailors.
Key Features:
- Size: LOA of 47.3 feet with a beam of 14.9 feet.
- Living Space: Features a spacious saloon and multiple cabins, accommodating up to 10 guests.
- Performance: Designed for stable and comfortable cruising across various sea conditions.
7. Neel 51
The Neel 51 is a trimaran offering exceptional living space and performance. Its innovative design provides a unique cruising experience, combining the benefits of both catamarans and monohulls.
Key Features:
- Size: LOA of 51.2 feet with a beam of 26.2 feet.
- Living Space: Offers a spacious central hull with panoramic views and comfortable accommodations.
- Performance: High-performance design suitable for long-distance cruising.
8. Alegria 67
The Alegria 67, built by Fountaine-Pajot, is a luxurious catamaran designed for bluewater cruising. Its spacious layout and high-end finishes provide a comfortable and elegant cruising experience.
Key Features:
- Size: LOA of 66.8 feet with a beam of 32.3 feet.
- Living Space: Features multiple cabins with private heads, accommodating up to 16 guests.
- Performance: Equipped with dual diesel engines and optimized hull design for efficient cruising.
Conclusion
Selecting the ideal bluewater catamaran is a significant decision that balances performance, comfort, and safety for long-distance cruising. The eight catamarans discussed—Lagoon 450, Fountaine Pajot Helia 44, Atlantic 47, Outremer 45, Lagoon 440, Beneteau Oceanis 473, Neel 51, and Alegria 67—each offer unique features catering to diverse cruising preferences and budgets. It’s essential to assess your specific needs, desired amenities, and sailing performance expectations when making your choice. Consulting with current owners, engaging with sailing communities, and, if possible, experiencing sea trials can provide valuable insights to ensure your selected catamaran aligns with your cruising aspirations.
