Zatara isn’t just a sailing catamaran—it’s a symbol of freedom, adventure, and life lived on the water. Made famous by the Whitaker family through their YouTube channel “Sailing Zatara,” this vessel has become a dream for those seeking long-distance cruising with all the comforts of home.
Built for performance, luxury, and bluewater readiness, Zatara is more than a yacht—it’s a floating home designed to cross oceans and connect people with the world. This article explores every facet of this remarkable catamaran, from design and technology to real-world performance and value.
Overview of the Zatara Sailing Catamaran
The Zatara Sailing Catamaran stands as one of the most recognized catamaran yachts in the sailing world. Known widely through the popular YouTube channel “Sailing Zatara,” this vessel represents a dream realized—a luxurious, family-oriented sailing catamaran designed for long-range cruising and off-grid living. Zatara is not just a boat; it’s a floating home and a global classroom, having taken the adventurous Whitaker family across oceans and continents in pursuit of freedom and exploration.
Crafted for performance and comfort, the Zatara Sailing Catamaran merges modern design with proven bluewater capabilities. It embodies the essence of a well-thought-out catamaran—versatile, spacious, seaworthy, and loaded with tech-savvy solutions. While many sailors dream of crossing oceans, Zatara makes that dream a reality, providing a glimpse into life lived in rhythm with the sea.
Size and Specifications
The Zatara Sailing Catamaran is based on the Privilege 585, a premium French-built catamaran known for its exceptional build quality and long-range cruising capabilities. Below is a detailed table of the vessel’s dimensions and technical specifications:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | Privilege 585 |
| Length Overall (LOA) | 58.5 ft (17.8 m) |
| Beam (Width) | 30.5 ft (9.3 m) |
| Draft | 5.5 ft (1.68 m) |
| Displacement | 27 tons |
| Sail Area | Approx. 2,000 sq ft (186 m²) |
| Engines | 2 x 110 HP Yanmar diesel |
| Fuel Capacity | 2 x 250 gallons |
| Fresh Water Capacity | 2 x 130 gallons |
| Cabins | 4 + Crew Cabin |
| Bathrooms | 4 En-suite |
| Construction Material | Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) |
Design & Architecture
Hull Design
The Zatara catamaran features a robust hull designed for stability and performance. The Privilege 585’s wide beam provides a stable platform that excels in rough seas, making it ideal for bluewater sailing. The high bridge-deck clearance minimizes wave slapping and enhances comfort during long passages.
The hulls are constructed using vacuum-bagged fiberglass, ensuring strength without excessive weight. Reinforced bulkheads and keels provide additional structural integrity for demanding conditions.
Dimensions & Layout
Zatara’s layout is optimized for both family living and ocean travel. The dual hulls house the sleeping quarters, allowing for privacy and sound isolation. The central salon provides a communal area for dining and entertainment, while the galley is well-equipped for long-term provisioning.
The layout includes:
- A full-beam master suite
- Three guest cabins with en-suite heads
- A crew cabin with private access
- A dedicated navigation station
- Spacious cockpit and flybridge
Aesthetic Features
Elegance defines Zatara’s visual presence. The interior features cherry wood cabinetry, soft leather upholstery, and panoramic windows that flood the space with natural light. Teak decking in the cockpit and subtle LED lighting contribute to a refined nautical ambiance. It’s a yacht that balances the rugged needs of sailing with the comforts of high-end living.
Performance & Sailing Capabilities
Sail & Rigging
Zatara is rigged for both performance and ease of handling. With a fully battened mainsail, roller-furling genoa, and optional staysail, the sail plan offers flexibility across a range of conditions. The mast is deck-stepped and strongly supported, designed to handle the forces of long-distance sailing.
Winches, sheets, and halyards are thoughtfully positioned to allow shorthanded or family sailing. The electric winches further enhance convenience when hoisting sails or reefing in heavy wind.
Engine Options
The yacht is powered by twin 110 HP Yanmar diesel engines, giving Zatara the thrust needed for docking and motoring through calms. The engines are housed in well-insulated compartments, minimizing noise and allowing for easy maintenance.
Sailing Performance
The catamaran’s lightweight hulls and ample sail area enable respectable performance under sail. Cruising speeds of 8–10 knots are common, with the potential for higher speeds in ideal wind conditions. The vessel tracks smoothly and handles confidently, even in heavy seas.
Bluewater Readiness
Zatara is fully bluewater-ready. Equipped with redundancy in navigation systems, watermakers, large fuel tanks, and solar arrays, she is designed to cross oceans and remain self-sufficient for weeks at a time. Storm sails and safety gear round out the vessel’s ocean-going credentials.
Interior & Comfort
Living Spaces
Living aboard Zatara feels more like a floating home than a yacht. The main salon includes a plush U-shaped sofa, a large dining table, and a media station. Below deck, the cabins offer full-sized beds, private bathrooms, and ample storage—essential for extended voyages.
The cockpit is shaded and furnished for relaxation, featuring a dining area and outdoor grill. The flybridge offers panoramic views and extra lounging space, making it a favorite spot for sunsets and star-gazing.
Amenities
Zatara includes a range of modern amenities:
- Full galley with oven, refrigerator, and freezer
- Washing machine and dryer
- Air conditioning and heating
- Watermaker for fresh water generation
- Entertainment system with TV and satellite communications
Eco-Friendly Features
With solar panels and wind generators, Zatara reduces dependence on fossil fuels. The vessel also uses energy-efficient LED lighting and has the ability to operate “off-grid” for extended periods. Waste systems are designed to comply with marine environmental standards.
Technology & Innovation
Navigation Electronics
Zatara is outfitted with advanced navigation equipment, including:
- Raymarine multifunction displays
- AIS (Automatic Identification System)
- Radar and sonar
- Autopilot system
- Satellite internet and VHF radios
All systems are integrated and can be controlled from the navigation station or remotely.
Safety Systems
Safety is paramount aboard Zatara. The vessel features:
- Liferaft with EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon)
- Fire suppression systems
- Bilge pumps with high-water alarms
- Full suite of life jackets, flares, and first aid gear
Customization
Zatara has been customized to meet the needs of a full-time cruising family. Custom cabinetry, tailored storage solutions, and educational spaces for homeschooling are just a few personalized touches that set this sailing catamaran apart.
Zatara Sailing Catamaran Price
Base Price
The Privilege 585, upon which Zatara is based, originally sold for approximately $1.5 million USD when new. Fully outfitted and customized like Zatara, the cost can rise significantly depending on upgrades and equipment.
Delivery
Pre-owned models of similar build quality, with extensive modifications, generally range from $800,000 to over $1.2 million USD. Factoring in long-term cruising gear, insurance, and maintenance, ownership is a serious investment—but one that pays off in unparalleled freedom.
Zatara Sailing Catamaran Review
Strengths
- Spacious Living: With ample room inside and out, the vessel is ideal for families or groups.
- Seaworthiness: A strong hull and robust design make it suitable for offshore and transoceanic voyages.
- Comfortable Amenities: Designed for long-term living, the onboard features rival many apartments.
- Self-Sufficiency: Solar, wind, and watermaking capabilities allow extended off-grid cruising.
- Proven Pedigree: Backed by the reputation of the Privilege shipyard and tested in real-world sailing.
Weaknesses
- Size Limitations in Marinas: Its wide beam can restrict access to some docks.
- Maintenance Cost: A vessel of this size and complexity requires ongoing maintenance and skilled servicing.
- Initial Investment: Entry cost is high, even in the used boat market.
Conclusion
The Zatara Sailing Catamaran is more than just a yacht; it’s a lifestyle statement. For those seeking the thrill of global exploration, combined with the comforts of home, Zatara delivers in spades. It exemplifies the power and potential of catamaran yachts, bridging the gap between rugged seaworthiness and luxurious living.
Whether you’re a sailor at heart or a dreamer inspired by the call of the sea, Zatara proves that a life of adventure isn’t just possible—it’s profoundly rewarding. As one of the most famous sailing catamarans cruising the oceans today, it continues to inspire thousands to unfurl their sails and chart their own course.
