orc catamarans

• Next events
• ORC Adventures

The Explorer

The Cruiser

ORC catamarans are revolutionising the sailing and cruising segment by creating a new category of adventure catamarans called “FAST & LIGHT”.

Very early on, the first peoples understood that the multihull concept was the most efficient on the water. They were first seen in the 17th century in the Gulf of Bengal and a little later in Polynesia. Nathan Herreshof, one of the greatest naval architects, designed them at the end of the 19th century. For many reasons, it was not until the 1980s that the concept of the travel catamaran developed. However, architects gradually sacrificed performance for space.

Marsaudon Composites goes back to the origins of the concept. Space on board is not synonymous with superfluity and weight. We design and build catamarans whose performance is taken into account from the very first line of code. We design and build catamarans whose performance is taken into account from the first line of code, with high acceleration capacities thanks to their lightness, capable of sustaining a very high speed even in heavy seas, without being unbearable racing machines.

Performance and usage, we guarantee the best of both worlds. worlds.

The other strong marker of Marsaudon Composites’ work is the quality of manufacture.

Absolute reliability is not an option at sea, it is at the heart of our philosophy and our process.

Vote for ORC 57!

Mar 29, 2023

Vote for the ORC 57 nominated for the Multihull of the Year in the “Sail Performance” category

Cruising Catamarans : stability and good seamanship

Feb 22, 2023

Let’s talk about catamaran stability in general: In fact, in the last few months, 3 accidents have occurred with ORC50s, which may have caused you or your family to worry. We deliver you the analysis of these events…

Our expertise

MARSAUDON COMPOSITES’ production is based on its know-how and its mastery of infused composites. We are experts in the infusion process for very large one-shot parts. This technique is the core business of the site, which works with vinylester and/or epoxy resins.

This manufacturing technique is manual and follows drastic quality standards.

BROKERAGE ORC SECOND HAND

No results found.

The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.

MARSAUDON COMPOSITES

The French Composite Manufacture

• Français ( French )

• € 0.00 0 items

Marsaudon Composites ORC50

Description

Racing or Cruising? Maybe both. The Marsaudon Composites ORC50   (formerly the TS5 before the launch of their new brand: Ocean Rider Catamarans) sits at the very head of the performance cruising catamaran category, well proven as a racing machine at St Barths and appreciated as a world cruiser. Designed by fast cats supremo Christophe Barreau (who has a whole range of fast Catana Catamarans and a few Outremers in his design archive), they are among the fastest livable multihulls in the world (capable of 350+ miles a day). If you want to make that step up on performance, this cat should be on your shopping list.

Photos credit, Marsaudon Composites and Olivier Tisserant

A Cheetah The profile is muscular and sporty, with long, mean straight bows that instantly say “racing catamaran”. The angular coachroof gives owners plenty of space and panoramic allround views. With the coachroof set back, a high freeboard, and big inverted bows, she cuts through the sea quickly. Add a powerful 20m Lorima rotating carbon mast and sail plan and you begin to understand how she achieves such high speeds. I can only think of one other boat to take her on in an offshore race. Read our Dazcat 1495 review for more information on that one!

• These boats are fast! They are among the fastest liveable multihulls in the world right now.
• The ORC50 or TS5 has more living space than the TS42. It´s the bigger sister.
• She is a very striking looking catamaran – she looks mean and a real speed machine even at anchor.
• The views in the salon are panoramic.
• There has been an almost maniacal attention to weight saving on this boat. She is light and accelerates quickly.
• There are many custom options available – use of carbon in the bulkheads, forward beam, compression beam and mast for example, the rotating mast.
• Those overhang seats and tillers aft give you the full sailing adrenaline rush. And you thought you were letting it all hang out o an Outremer bucket seat?!
• These are technical boats to sail and will only suit experienced sailors.
• Even the non sailors onboard are likely to feel intimidated by the power and speed of this yacht.
• The interiors of these boats are pretty spartan – it´s all about weight saving inside. She has her charm, but don´t expect to feel cosy.
• The underwater hull of the ORC50 is shaped for speed with slim, taut lines designed to reduce the wetted surface- so that means less living space, particularly down below in the hulls.

Strong and Light

ORC50s are stiff, light machines that have been designed to get you places fast. They are pretty minimalist inside, but if you want a fast cruising cat which you can win the occasional race on, this boat is hard to catch on most points of sail if she is handled well. The weight clocks in at around 9 and a half tonnes – pretty impressive for a boat this size with such a powerful sail plan. That gives you an SA/D ratio up in the mid 30s, which is well into Gunboat territory. If you add all the carbon options on you´ll be able to reduce the weight by another tonne, but that requires deeper pockets.

Built for Speed Marsaudon Composites, from Lorient in Brittany, have quite a reputation in the offshore cruising and racing world. The ORC50 (TS5) is built using an infusion process in a female foam-glass-poly/vinylester sandwich mold, and carbon structural elements can be added to suit the owner´s requirments. So the aft beam and main bulkhead can be made in carbon as can the forward beam and the compression beam, for example.

Simplicity Rules

The galley is L-shaped, with plenty of storage space. There´s a large L-shaped dining area that sits 6-8 people and a decent nav station. The general feeling is of a light, functional space that gives you the comfort you need without the weight.

The dining table in the Saloon is designed to be mobile and can slot out of its mountings and slot in to similar ones in the cockpit… thus saving the weight of a table aboard.

When we originally wrote this review, we had assumed that there was no table in the aft cockpit, but Marsaudon have corrected us on this point. I guess you can go for 2 tables if you are happy to carry the extra.

We love the skylight and down below you can choose between the 3 cabin owner´s version or the 4-cabin version which are home to pleasant, bright and wide spaces in the sleek hulls. The bunks measure 200 x 160 and the decor is warmer down here with wood-effect headlining panels. The big aft facing windows in the back cabins will grab your attention.

The heads and shower area is pretty cosy though!

The furniture is all foam cored to save weight.

On the Water

If you have chosen some of the sportier options, this boat will fly. Well, it´ll fly without some of the sportier options, it´s just a case of the level of speed that you require. 25 knots in 28 knots of wind? It´s been done. 30 knots? In the right conditions, yes. The bottom line is that she´ll comfortably sit in the high teens and low 20s in the right conditions.

She Points High The ORC 50 comes loaded with daggerboards, so you´ll be beating into the wind at speed while minimising your leeway. The bucket seats, tiller steering option and big daggerboards are all geared up for people who love the thrill of sailing at speed.

This boat is all about fun on the water: sitting in those bucket seats on the windward side, over the side of the hull with the carbon tiller in hand flying along will give you a real buzz.

The speed log should frequently hit numbers very close to true wind speed and you´ll be sailing up to 30 to apparent, and she can pinch even further.

This speed machine won´t suit everyone of course- it´s designed for experienced sailors who want maximum fun out on the water and who want to reach their destination fast. She´s pretty minimalist (there is no table in the cockpit for example), but if it´s a super-charged, finely balanced, seaworthy catamaran you´re after,  this could be it.

Where is the Marsaudon Composites ORC50 (TS5) made? The company is based in L´Orient in Brittany, France, in the old submarine base.

Why is the company called Marsaudon Composites? The company was started in 1999 by Samuel Marsaudon. The composites refers to their skill in producing strong lightweight structures for racing and their production cats.

What Boats are they Famous For? Marsaudon are behind IDEC 2, the holder of the Single handed Around the World record, and  Prince de Bretagne, winner of the Route du Rhum 2010 in the 50’ class.

How much are Marsaudon Composites ORC50s (TS5s)? What´s their price? Dependent on options, but these boats are pretty good value for money for this type of yacht: approximately €650k before tax. Options include: rotating carbon mast with fiber rigging: 80k, fiber standing rigging for aluminum mast: 10k, carbon cross (forward beam and compression beam): 28k, mast bulkhead and aft beam in carbon: 20k, carbon daggerboards: 12k, electronics pack: 18k, 4x160W solar panels + davits: 10k, watermaker: 14k, deck hardware for gennaker: 4k.

There are plenty of other options of course! As with all boats, good luck on sticking to the standard configuration when they start tempting you with all of the extras 😉

ORC50 Video and Specs

Technical specification.

Related Catamarans

Seawind 1600

Browse, search and find your perfect catamaran!

Privacy Overview

• Custom Cats
• Performance Cats
• Cruising Cats
• Luxury Cats
• Owner Reviews
• YT Channels

Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Preview: ORC 57 performance cruising catamaran

• Toby Heppell
• June 3, 2021

Marsaudon Composites has announced a new multihull in the ORC 57 alongside which the company has announced a rebranding of their range, now all of which will be known as Ocean Rider Catamarans (or ORC)

Marsaudon Composites has built an enthusiastic following for its TS42 and TS50 catamarans since the smaller boat was launched six years ago. Now they are adding a new design to their range, the ORC 57.

The ORC 57 will follow in the footsteps of her predecessors, offering a tiller steered performance multihull – though this time at c.60ft LOA.

The yard is based at Lorient La Base, at the heart of the French offshore racing scene, so it’s perhaps no surprise these designs are lightweight and have more than a nod towards the performance end of the sailing spectrum.

The direct tiller steering on both previous moles is an example of the thinking that sets these boats apart from other multihulls and makes them sought after models. Yet they also have enough space both on deck and below to offer very comfortable living.

Having seen success with their first two cats, the French marque is now launching the new 57-footer, the ORC 57, which comes from the pen of designer, Marc Lombard. It shares the same hallmarks as the existing models, although a wheel steering option will also be offered.

In suitable conditions this is a cruising yacht that can be expected to hit speeds of well over 20 knots.

The hull shape of the ORC 57 is clearly a progression from the earlier models, while following the same light displacement principles with fine hull shapes. Lombard drew a new shape for the bows to increase efficiency and reduce the tendency for bow-down trim.

The additional size makes the interior spaces of this boat significantly larger than those of the 50-footer, especially in the hulls. Much thought has also gone into ergonomics and weight saving, stripping out and simplifying anything that is not essential. CEO Damien Cailliau likes to draw on a quote from Colin Chapman, founder of Lotus Cars: “Simplify, then add lightness.”

As an example, there are no hull linings, which saves weight and complication, but requires extremely neat moulding.

As a low volume builder – only 28 of the smaller boats have been built in total – Marsaudon Composites offers semi-custom interior arrangements, providing they don’t add unnecessary weight.

At the same time as announcing this design Marsaudon launched a rebranding of the range, which will now be known as Ocean Rider Catamarans (or ORC).

Specifications: 

LOA: 18.4m / 60ft 4in Beam: 9m / 29ft 6in Lightweight: (ISO) 11.3 tonnes Maximum weight: (ISO) 13.9 tonnes Draft: 1.5m – 4.5m / 4ft 11in – 14ft 9in Air draft: 25.7m / 84ft 4in Mainsail Area: 108 m² Genoa: (J1) Area : 87 m² Engines: 2 x Saildrive 57hp

Enjoyed reading this?

A subscription to Yachting Monthly magazine costs around 40% less than the cover price .

Print and digital editions are available through Magazines Direct – where you can also find the latest deals .

YM is packed with information to help you get the most from your time on the water.

• Take your seamanship to the next level with tips, advice and skills from our experts
• Impartial in-depth reviews of the latest yachts and equipment
• Cruising guides to help you reach those dream destinations

Follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram.

Grand Large Yachting takes over Marsaudon Composites and the ORC brand

The French Grand Large Yachting group has acquired the Marsaudon Composites shipyard, a well-known manufacturer of high-performance catamarans based in Lorient. The takeover includes the ORC brand, under which the Marsaudon Composites shipyard produces its catamarans that are sold and appreciated worldwide. The news was announced by the Lorient Commercial Court at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2023 , held from 12 to 17 September.

Grand Large Yachting already owns some iconic boat brands, namely Allures, Garcia, Gunboat, Outremer and RM . With this acquisition, the French group is completing its range of grand cruising yachts: whether for small or large cruises, ORC catamarans (acronym for Ocean Rider Catamarans ) offer a sailing experience that complements that of the other brands in the Grand Large Yachting group. In addition to this, these catamarans are highly renowned for their performance and build quality.

The takeover of Marsaudon Composites includes the acquisition of the shipyard’s entire team, numbering some 65 people.

About Marsaudon Composites

Founded in 1999, Marsaudon Composites was first dedicated to the manufacture of models and moulds, then to the manufacture of composite parts, developing recognized expertise in the process of infusion of very large pieces. On the strength of this experience, Marsaudon Composites was quickly entrusted with the construction of multihulls for both yachting and competition. Since 2014, it has been developing and marketing its own line of sailing catamarans under the ORC brand, designed as fast sailing yachts for yachting and racing purposes.

About Grand Large Yachting

Founded in 2003, Grand Large Yachting has five sailboat brands (Allures, Outremer, Garcia, Gunboat and RM) and two companies specializing in owner services, making the group an international leader in grand cruising, as well as being renowned for the quality and reliability of its sailboats. Grand Large Yachting’s mission is to enable everyone, experienced sailors or not, to make the dream of a small or large sailing voyage come true, respecting the oceans and providing safety, serenity and support to the owner at every stage of the project. Grand Large Yachting offers a range of training services ashore and at sea and organizes a round-the-world rally in three years, the first edition of which is launched in 2021.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

You might be interested in

International Multihull Show 2024: big multihulls take center stage in La Grande Motte

Outremer in Miami with two catamarans and a training seminar

Outremer 55: the perfect catamaran, an unforgettable sea trial

Our Transatlantic Passage on AWEN, Outremer 52

Stunning success for Fiart at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2023. The entire fleet was on display alongside the P48 world premiere

The Vieux Port in Cannes gets a makeover: renovation work begins

To provide the best experiences, we and our partners use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us and our partners to process personal data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site and show (non-) personalized ads. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.

Click below to consent to the above or make granular choices. Your choices will be applied to this site only. You can change your settings at any time, including withdrawing your consent, by using the toggles on the Cookie Policy, or by clicking on the manage consent button at the bottom of the screen.

Subscribe For Latest Updates

Sign up to receive the best of Yachting News, sea trials, boat review and world premieres .

The only ADVERTISING FREE newsletter

• 0 No item in your cart
• SUBSCRIPTION
• Classified Ads
• Technical Specifications
• Destinations
• Address book

• All the magazines

The scoop of the season - TS is becoming ORC, and there’s a new 57 as a bonus!

Article published on 08/10/2020

By Emmanuel van Deth

published in n°174 nov. / dec.

A few months ago we announced a 57-foot mystery catamaran and a new brand... but today, October 8th 2020, the cat is out of the bag! The big surprise is that the famous TS range from Marsaudon Composites are now called ORC (for Ocean Rider Catamarans).

Create a notification for "Catamaran"

We will keep you posted on new articles on this subject.

The TS42.2 becomes the ORC 42 and the TS5, the ORC 50. Obviously, the big new model just announced will be the ORC 57. Signed by Marc Lombard, this speed machine should promise some exceptional performance.

Overall length: 60’8” (18.50 m) Hull length: 57’5” (17.50 m) Beam: 29’6” (9 m) Light displacement: 24,900 lbs (11.3 t) Mainsail area: 1,150 sq ft (107 m²) Genoa: 905 sq ft (84 m²) No. of berths (standard version): 8 CE Category: A

www.marsaudon-composites.com

Did you like this article ?

Share this article

Most-read articles in the same category.

Arkea Ultim Challenge - Brest: Charles Caudrelier's coronation aboard his Maxi Edmond de Rothschild

Alegria 67 - A Jacuzzi at La Grande-Motte?

Discovery 40 - A sedan built in Turkey

Bali 5.8 - The new flagship of the range

Dracan 42 - Another manufacturer on the powercat market!

WiderCat 92 - First model just launched

What readers think.

Post a comment

No comments to show.

Follow us on

Vous avez ajouté " " à vos favoris., vous avez supprimé " " de vos favoris., in order to add this article to your favorites, please sign in..

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

The best bluewater multihulls of all time: a complete guide

• Toby Hodges
• October 6, 2021

Toby Hodges and François Tregouet consider the best bluewater multihulls and look at the options for sailing the oceans in spacious comfort

What are the best bluewater multihulls for long term cruising? The one you own, or the one you can afford is the simple answer.

There is a wealth of proven designs to suit bluewater sailing and a variety of budgets. While we have focussed here on the best bluewater multihulls in production, we’ve also included some cracking pedigree multihulls which tour the planet and might occasionally pop up on the brokerage market.

If you can afford to, then pushing towards the 45-50ft length will buy you space, pace and that extra payload capacity needed to take all the items you’d want on your home afloat.

When looking at the best bluewater multihulls, the choice will come down to that perennial balance between comfort/space and speed/weight. Choosing a lighter weight performance design will obviously help you cover distance voyages more rapidly and potentially allow you to outrun weather systems. It means you can sail faster, with less sail up and less load and stress. But you’ll have to sacrifice some luxuries and need to be quite scrupulous about keeping weight down and centralised in order to maintain high average speeds.

For the majority of cruisers, however, it is the amount of space multihulls offer once you’ve reached your destination that really appeals. As well as the non-heeling living area and real estate they provide, they’re well suited to typical tradewind sailing .

If you’re considering your first or next multihull, we hope the following will serve as a taster.

Best bluewater multihulls for performance cruising

Outremer 51/55.

When you think of multihulls designed for bluewater cruising, Outremer will likely be one of the first names that comes to mind. Its heritage lies in building catamarans that can sail fast and are built strong enough to do laps of the globe.

The 51, the current version of which launched three years ago, is an archetypal example of what to look for in terms of blending speed and space is a dream design for a family circumnavigation.

The French yard’s new 55ft VPLP design may look boldly different from its past models, but the philosophy behind it remains the same. It is designed to match windspeed up to 12 knots and Outremer reasons that its ability to sail in 5 knots of breeze will allow it to sail for 95% of the time on a circumnavigation.

Read more about the Outremer 51 and Outremer 55.

Photo: Diego Yriarte

Seawind 1600/1370

For nearly four decades the Australian Seawind brand and its founder Richard Ward have been gearing catamarans around safe bluewater sailing, including performance, protection and ease of handling. Its Reichel Pugh-designed 1600, which launched three years ago, is an elegant looking cat with relatively low, long lines and some smart solutions for fast bluewater sailing.

Seawind also launches its new 1370 later this year, a staggering 60 of which have sold on plans alone.

This first 50 is built from a composite sandwich of basalt fibre, a cloth made from volcanic rock, and PET foam from recycled plastic bottles, which helps to reduce carbon emissions by nearly 50% when compared with traditional glassfibre methods.

This new 50 footer is perhaps a more appealing and practical prospect than Rapido’s previous 60 (with its significant fixed beam), particularly as the amas on this new model can fold to reduce beam to 18ft.

Infused carbon foam sandwich construction is used, along with beams, daggerboards and rudder in pre-preg carbon to keep displacement to 8,200kg.

Read more about the Rapido 50

This OC50 is designed as a more affordable cruising alternative, than the HH models which have preceeded it. This model targets ocean sailing.

It’s still stiffened and strengthened by carbon, but built in vinylester composites with a gelcoat finish. This adds an additional 300kg or so over a full carbon HH50, but cost savings are in the region of $400,000.

Read more about the HH OC50

Balance 526

The 526 launched four years ago, designed to suit short-handed sailors and families looking to sail long distances, hence it can carry large payloads and promises easy maintenance. It looks good too.

Berman’s Versahelm design is a key feature. The wheel cantilevers, allowing the helmsman to steer from outboard with clear sightlines or from the hardtop protection of the aft cockpit.

Photo: Christopher White

Atlantic 47

The A47 suits short-handed fast ocean sailing at an approachable size. Lengthening it to 49ft allowed for an aft cockpit. It is available as a sloop or with White’s patented MastFoil ketch rig – rotating aerofoil masts designed for easy short-handed cruising without sacrificing performance.

Read more about the Atlantic 47

A combination of sharp design from François Perus and high build quality brings plenty of appeal to this sporty Italian-built cat. The first example launched three years ago with a light displacement of 10.5 tonnes, thanks to an E-glass epoxy-infused build with carbon strengthening. The yard offers semi-custom construction and full hybrid packages.

Catana 53/Ocean class 50

Catana’s performance model from 2017, sports twin aft helms (which may not suit ocean sailors), reverse bows and carbon daggerboards. The high topsides help create good bridgedeck clearance and plenty of accommodation. Its new Ocean Class 50 seems more in the shipyard’s bluewater DNA. The light weight, and dynamic and modern shape with slim hulls and a relatively short nacelle suggests a seaworthy nature and high speeds.

Read more about the Catana 53

Best bluewater multihulls for pedigree performance

Veteran multihull designers Morrelli & Melvin designed this smaller model for the Gunboat range. It was built to be more manageable for an owner-driver yet still capable of up to 300-400 mile days.

The Gunboat 48 is something of a rare breed, just six 48s were built between 2004 and 2009. Oh, to have a spare €1.3m right now… one of them is actually on the market.

Read more about the Gunboat 48

At the start of the Millennium, Catana offered fully equipped boats as standard for long distance cruising. The Catana 471 or 472 (one or two helms respectively), represented at the time the optimum in ocean-going catamarans.

Chincogan/Lightwave

Tony Grainger has been drawing fast multihulls for 35 years, including racing trimarans and the Lightwave and Chincogan cruisers. The popular Lightwave 38 has admirable performance and comfort, and the Chincogan 52 (pictured) has the length to clock high average speeds.

Outremer 45 G. Danson

With its characteristic roof, narrow hulls and daggerboards, the Outremer 45 is a standout design which has become somewhat iconic. Despite a rather spartan interior, it has been a great success with fast cruising enthusiasts. On board, family ocean crossings at an average of 10 knots are the norm.

Best bluewater multihulls for family cruising

Photo: Nicolas Claris

The Lagoon 450 remains the most popular model in Lagoons already popular range. It exemplifies the VPLP/Nauta design partnership which has made these the very definition of modern mid-size cruising catamarans which can appeal to families and charterers alike.

Indeed the 450 marked the modern look of Lagoon and was the first with interior styling from Nauta. It originally launched over a decade ago as a flybridge design with central helming position (450F), before this ‘sport top’ option (450S) was offered with a starboard helm station and lower boom.

Read more about the Lagoon 450

Photo: Guilain Grenier

Fountaine Pajot Saona 47

The 47 has a modern shape, with straight bows and a reverse sheer line. It incorporates significant volume in the hulls below the bridgedeck to create room for the optional athwartships cabins. Cabin space is a prime selling point, particularly the owner’s suite to port, where there is also abundant natural light and headroom.

Photo: Tui Marine

Leopard Catamarans, together with designer Simonis Voogd and builder Robertson and Caine, produce the archetypal dual-purpose owner-operator or charter boat in their modern catamaran range.

Key features of the 45 are the amount of light in the saloon and the incredible volume and space on offer in the cabins above the relatively narrow waterlines. Vast social living areas include the flybridge, saloon and dual cockpits.

Read more about the Leopard 45

Photo: www.jfromero.fr

Nautitech Open/Fly 46

During the 1990s and noughties Nautitech earned a good reputation for its elegant catamarans. The 441 is a timeless example and the 44 can be credited with the ongoing trend in hardtop biminis. While its acquisition by Bavaria seven years ago helped Nautitech implement industrial build techniques, the French brand has retained its DNA at its Rochefort sur Mer yard.

The modern Marc Lombard designs have tall rigs with generous square-top mainsails. Twin wheels in the aft quarters of the Open 46 offer a direct feel on the helm, however those spending long periods in the tropics may prefer the shade of the bimini-equipped flybridge option. The layout is also open, with a saloon more outside than in. Styling is clean, modern and simple, and the standard of build and finish are good.

Photo: Olivier Blanchet

First impressions of the Neel 51 are sure to centre on its sheer size and space inside. But as you’ll see from our review of the Neel 43 on page 83, when you sail one overriding impressions quickly centre on its performance.

These trimarans are becoming a popular mass production-built option.

Photo: Christophe Launay

The Excess 11 packs plenty of potential as the smallest yacht offered by the big production yards. A little like the Lagoon 380 of old, it presents a good value new entry-level boat for genuine cruising in a more sporty, modern and enticing design. Some may argue against aft helms for ocean sailing, but those coming from monohulls will appreciate the more direct steering they offer.

Broadblue 385S

Broadblue is a UK brand which offers a distinct line of cruising and Rapier performance catamarans. Its staple 385 packs a lot of cruising comfort into its length, including generous tankage, and has been sailed all over the world. Broadblue built its first electric drive catamaran 12 years ago and offers the only all-electric production sailing catamaran under 40ft in Europe.

Photo: Christophe Breschi

Bali Catspace

For those looking for maximum volume within 40ft, it’ll be hard to beat the Catspace – although it is more of a holiday apartment than a traditional bluewater cruiser. Bali’s garage style sliding aft door does help offer an enormous amount of enclosed (or open) living space.

Best bluewater multihulls for luxury cruising

Photo: Nico Krauss

Privilège 510 Signature

The 510 is designed to take a serious amount of cruising gear – up to six tonnes of it in fact. The excellent helm station now has a fixed windscreen and all lines lead to hand. Finish quality including the electrical installation is first class and Privilege’s trademark, an admirable full beam (26ft) forward cabin, is sumptuous.

Photo: Jérôme Houyvet

Garcia Explocat 52

Garcia Yachts has cornered the market for series-built aluminium monohulls and multihulls in the last decade and this new Explocat 52 is sparking real interest. We ran a full test report in our February issue, describing it as a go-anywhere cat with an enticing combination of space, pace and rugged construction.

Read our review of the Garcia Explocat 52

Built in Argentina, the Antares 44 is the ultimate evolution of a model launched 21 years ago. Entirely dedicated to bluewater cruising, it is the yard’s only model and is constantly being improved according to owner feedback.

Time seems to have no hold on this boatyard and, against the trend, the standard equipment of the Antares 44 is extremely complete

Photo: Richard Langdon

Discovery Bluewater 50

This luxury Bill Dixon design may be a decade old now and into its third iteration, but the concept behind its original appeal remains. For those used to sailing high-end thoroughbred monohulls, here is an option to consider for a comparative level of build quality and fit out when moving to a multihull.

Read more about the Discovery Bluewater 50

St Francis 50 MKII

With this latest version of its original model, this experienced South African builder has optimised a catamaran cut out for the unforgiving seas of the Indian Ocean and the South Atlantic. The MKII allows for an increased load capacity, an important point in long distance cruising.

Xsquisite X5

Intelligent features on the X5 include the protected helm station with glass windscreen, integrated rainwater catcher, UV-protective glass and generous tankage.

Best bluewater multihulls for size & speed

Mcconaghy mc52.

The MC50 (now MC52) was the first and promises some high speed sailing, but it’s the open plan main living deck which will attract the majority. It incorporates an intelligent centreboard system, which hardly affects interior space, but arguably its exposed helms at the aft end of the flybridge will not suit serious ocean cruising.

Photo: Florian H. Talles

HH in Xiamen is building some really impressive large, luxury fast cats up to 90ft. This was its second model to launch, a high-end, high performance Morelli & Melvin design capable of rapid passagemaking speeds and enjoyable regatta sailing. Features include C-shaped boards and central or aft helms.

Photo: Mike Jones/Waterline Media

Ocean Explorer 60

If Nautor’s Swan made catamarans, they may look like this… The Ocean Explorer 60 uses the same designer in German Frers and some of the same builders who worked at the famous Finnish yard to produce this world cruiser. The resultant quality shines through. A new OE72 is due soon.

Kinetic KC54

A young company with plenty of experience, Kinetic produces custom fast ocean cruisers, which can occasionally race. Its 62 is a serious performance vessel with carbon hulls, rigs and rigging, daggerboards or centreboards. With fast bluewater cruising the goal, carbon is used to minimise weight so features/toys can still be added. The swim platform and hardware on the newly launched 54 weighs just 90kg, and the generous sized tanks are all in carbon too. Views from the saloon and forward cockpit also look special.

Best bluewater multihulls for ultimate performance

Marsaudon ts4/orc 42.

Few catamaran builders produce genuine performance cruisers at this ‘smaller’ size: this one is kept minimalist and light weight (around 6 tonnes) – the yard’s philosophy is ‘simplicity, then add lightness.’ The 42 is a cruiser-racer with the ability to outpace most yachts across the Atlantic, win a regatta and still offer some space for island hopping. Standard tankage is minimal however. Marsaudon recently rebranded its TS range to Ocean Rider Catamarans (ORCs) and has an ORC 57 in build.

Dazcat 1495

Dazcat builds fast, seaworthy cats from its Multihull Centre in Cornwall. The 1495 is a true ocean cruiser-racer, which is stiff and rewarding to sail, with direct steering linked to carbon rudders. The 1495 can hit 20+ knot speeds with relative ease, but it is the consistent high average speeds which will attract those looking to cover serious miles. Weight is centralised including engines, tanks, and systems all located amidships to help reduce pitching. Dazcat has a semi-custom build approach and creates all sorts of weird and wonderful craft for all abilities.

Dragonfly 40

Dragonfly trimarans are known for their high quality construction and ability to delight sailors with their ease of planing speeds. For those who can live without the space of similar length cats, the new flagship 40 is large enough to offer cruising space, while folding outriggers and retractable appendages mean you can dry out where others wouldn’t dare.

Looping 45/Freydis 48

These two designs by Erik Lerouge both offer a high-performance vision of ocean cruising. The Loopings were built individually and the Freydis in small series, and on both you can sail as fast as the wind in complete safety. Interior quality depends on whether finished by an amateur or by a shipyard.

Swisscat 48

An attractive combination of luxury, comfort and performance, the S48 is a stiff, go-anywhere premium cat that is easy to manage single-handed. The lightweight build (11t) is in epoxy infusion with carbon reinforcement.

Schionning Designs

Jeff Schionning has catamaran design in his blood. His designs exude performance and seaworthiness with flowing, even aerodynamic lines. On all tradewind routes you’ll find a G-Force (models from 12m to 23m) or an Arrow (12m to 15m) sailing more quickly than the rest. His latest venture is with Current Marine in Knysna, South Africa.

Best bluewater multihulls for pedigree cruising

The long-time best-seller from the world leader in catamarans, with more than 1,000 produced over almost 20 years from 1999. With its characteristic vertical windows, the 380 and its big brother the 410 made the purists scream when they were presented. But the 380 proved a pioneer of its kind. Safe bow volumes and light displacement (7,260 kg) helped its seaworthy behaviour. The high number of boats on the market makes this the most affordable bluewater cruising multihull for its size, even if price range is as wide as condition is variable.

Casamance 44/46

Between 44ft and 46ft depending on the year of construction and the length of its transoms, the Casamance was an impressive catamaran on launch in 1985. The design by Joubert/Nivelt offered good volume and load capacity. Of the 490 units produced, many joined the charter fleets. The exterior of the Casamance is dated, but the interior in grey ceruse oak has retained plenty of charm.

If you enjoyed this….

Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams. Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

Catamaran Show.com

Sail Performance

Description

ORC42 is a fast cruising catamaran, built by MARSAUDON COMPOSITES, entirely designed for both performance and comfort. The open space between outside and inside gives the ORC42 a much larger living space. Offset helm stations allow a good vision forward and on the rig, easy access to the tuning of the sails. This is very much like the helm position found on dinghies. All of this optimizes the tuning. The space on the platform is customizable. The access to the hulls is watertight. Security to thefts with the textile entry door. The rig is very simple: no spreaders (carbon version), lower shrouds and staysail with short and stiff luff, which makes it more efficient. The rig is also quite set back to maintain a good self-tacking forward sail surface. The rest area, very enjoyable, offers a 360° sea view. This particular spot allows participation to life onboard, without getting in the way of the rest of the crew. This is also a perfect spot to keep an eye on a child while he’s taking a nap. The kitchen is really spacious, especially considering the size of the boat. You will also find a large bathroom in each hull. The aft cabins are full of light, with a nice view on the aft of the boat. ORC42 exists with both removable or textile doors, and with dagger boards or fins according to the sailing programme.

Explore in 3D

Performance Indicators

Performance

Bruce Number

(higher is faster)

Sail Area to Displacement

Displacement to Length

(lower is faster)

Specifications

Length (LOA)

Length (LWL)

Displacement ​ (light)

Payload capacity

Sail Area (main+jib)

Draft (min)

Draft (max)

Mast clearance

Bridgedeck clearance

Manufactured Since

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Engine (hp) ​

Hull Material

Christophe Barreau

Daggerboards

Mechanical/Hydraulic

I'm interested in buying this catamaran  but have questions

There are many ways to buy a catamaran and the procedure varies between manufacturers. It's a process that takes time and you should not be afraid of starting talks with the manufacturer.

Here are some common questions you might have:

Can I afford it?  Talk to the manufacturer and they can advise you on financing options.

Can I sail it?  Arrange a test sail with the manufacturer, or ask them directly what kind of support and education they offer for boat buyers. 

If you need anything else, be it more details , an introduction to the manufacturer , a shipyard visit , a  test sail , or help with  customatization,  let us know on the Help  M e page after clicking below and we’ll help you take the next step.

You might also like

Portofino CAT 67

Length (ft):, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14.

HopYacht 30

  Didn't Find Yours?  

Do Our Boat Quiz!

Answer  the 5 most critical questions when choosing a catamaran, and we give you 3 boats that match your sailing plans best. It's easy, fun!

Compare Favourites!

Compare three catamarans side by side. What better way to see and find out their differences in specifications and looks, and make an educated choice! 

Find Your Brand

Find out who is who when it comes to different catamaran manufacturers. They all serve a different clientele, find the brand story you vibe with!

You've made the Quiz, compared your favourites and gotten to know all the Brands but still havent found your boat. Dont worry, we are here for you!

AMAZING SAILING EXPERIENCE

MARSAUDON COMPOSITES ORC 57 #3 - RACER-CRUISER CATAMARAN - AVAILABLE FOR CHARTER WITH CREW

We make farther destinations available to our guests. We enjoy the sail as much as the destination.

For this, we have built the most advanced cruiser-racer sailing catamaran and we make it available.

For passionate cruisers, demanding racers or for team building and special events. Or just for the fun of it!

One of the best high-performance catamarans ever built is available for charter with crew for cruising or racing.

Yard: ORC (Lorient - France)

Model (hull): ORC 57 (#3)

Architect: Marc Lombard Yacht Design

Launch: January 2024 - Delivery February 2024

Vessel name: Avel Vaez (Offshore Wind)

Flag: RIF (France commercial sailing vessel)

Avel Vaez is hull #3 of the ORC 57 racer-cruiser sailing catamaran designed by Marc Lombard Yacht Design and built by Marsaudon Composites shipyard in Lorient, Britany, France. This model is the third and largest from the ORC (Ocean Rider Catamaran) series. Extremely light weight with generous sail plan makes the ratio sail area/weight amongst the very best on this market.

ORC 57 #3 "Avel Vaez" sailing with the gennaker

Avel Vaez offers four large confortable double cabins for guests

Photo: Mikhael Brun

With 57ft (18m) in length and 30ft (9m) in breadth, Avel Vaez offers a very spacious platform. The cabins are large, and showers are separate from heads. The salon is very cozy and can seat eight. The cockpit has a large table to seat ten guests. Imagine yourself at anchorage having drinks with friends after a fun day of sail seating in this cozy cockpit. Electric power is provided by solar panels. The potable water is made on board. The boat size also allowed to install a larger dinghy which will be really handy to disembark or explore areas further away from the anchorage. It can as well take a group of divers to the close reefs.

The hull is made of infused foam glass vinilester composite and the main bulkheads are made of carbon fiber for light weight and strength. There are two retractable daggerboards which allows great performances at all wind angles and yet access relatively shallow and protected anchorage for a great and relaxing night.

ORC 57 #3 after launching in Lorient in January 2024

ORC 57 #3 "Avel Vaez" trying the sails in February 2024 in Lorient

The rigging and sail plan retain the spirit of the rest of the vessel, it is simple and very efficient. The fixed carbon mast also has composite rigging. The performances are exceptional, and the boat speed often exceed the wind speed. To help the crew, the three main winches are electric powered. You can also grind if favor the exercise, but the ease and comfort of the electric winch make sail handling really safer, quicker and with less efforts.

Unlike standard chartered catamaran, Avel Vaez simply offers more fun! You can decide to explore destination that are further away. For the same number of days on board, you will discover places that no other sailboat can reach in the same timeframe and without the boring slow speed long tacks or even motor sail. If shorter distances are preferred, you will be the first to arrive at the next anchorage and get the best spots and spend more time enjoying other activities like exploring the island, snorkeling around the nearby reefs, diving to the deeper side of the reefs. You can also decide to depart later and enjoy a tour on the stand-up paddle as the day begins and the sun rises.

ORC 57 #3 "Avel Vaez" under main sail and genoa J1 during sea trials in Lorient in January 2024

Photo: Mikhael Brun 

Avel Vaez offers exceptional experience on board one of the world fastest 57 ft high performance catamaran 

Photo: Manon Le Guen

Onboard Avel Vaez the certified professional skipper and crew are familiar with the vessel operation and the cruising area. Every guest will have a fantastic experience, fast and fun sailing in a really comfortable and safe boat.

Welcome on board !

Avel Vaez means "Offshore Wind" in Breton language

Come sail on the fastest 57ft catamaran available for cruising in the following lo cations :

European season May to September

Ocean Crossing November

America season December to March

Ocean Crossing April

The 8 Fastest Cruising Catamarans (With Speedchart)

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site.

Cruising catamarans are some of the most comfortable boats to roam the water, making them fantastic for both long-term voyages and short-term vacations. Still, cruising catamarans can be great racing boats, but just how fast can they go?

Some of the fastest cruising catamarans include the Gunboat 68 (35 knots), Outremer 45 (25 knots), ORC50 (25 knots), FastCat 435 (20 knots), TS 42 (35 knots), and Lagoon 440 (20 knots). Yet, there are many more cats that can reach 35 knots safely. 

If you are interested in knowing about the fastest cruising catamarans, I have you covered. I will be discussing some of the most popular, fastest cruising catamarans and the features that make them so excellent for sailors in need of speed. You will learn more about each catamaran’s speed and amenities, and I will let you know a trick or two to maximize your speed under sail. 

How Fast Are Cruising Catamarans?

On average, cruising catamarans can reach top speeds of 15 knots , around 17.3 mph (27.84 kph). However, some exceptional, racing-designed cruising catamarans can reach up to 30+ knots in the right wind conditions. 

When you want to better understand catamaran hull characteristics, I suggest the book Catamarans a Complete Guide (amazon link) by the president of Aeroyacht catamarans and that you check out my article Why catamarans capsize .

Factors That Impact Speed

Weight & size.

When you consider a catamaran’s speed, you will need to keep in mind the boat’s weight and narrowness. A vessel that can travel at 15 knots will still move slower if the boat is heavy or has a wide, extensive hull. When increasing the total weight of the boat, the boat “sits” lower in the water, thus increasing water drag and reducing speed.

Why trimarans are faster than catamarans!

Now that we know how weight impacts sailing characteristics, it follows that; if you are planning on racing your catamaran, you should remove as much luggage or extra gear as possible. Eliminating as much weight as possible will help you travel at your cat’s maximum speed .

Narrow Hulls

The hydrodynamics of the ship will heavily affect your speed. Narrower boats can chop through the water with less effort, making slender ships with pointed hulls far faster than wide vessels. So if you are looking for the fastest one available, you should look for a slender hull.

Slim hulls vs. space is a common tradeoff for catamarans optimized for family sailing .

Wind will also affect your ship’s speed, so do not expect your cruising catamaran to reach the maximum speed without heavy wind. Generally, cruising catamarans have two large sails (at least) to power them through the water, and some are so efficient that they can travel even faster than the wind.

Although a strong wind is needed to energize the sails and move the boat, too much wind will instead make the sails less efficient, and maximum speed is most often attained at lower wind speeds but with flat water.

Light Weight Materials

Faster cruising catamarans are often made from carbon fiber materials and fiberglass to keep the weight down. If you are looking for the quickest catamaran that you can find, you should note the materials that the ship is made out of and try to get one that is primarily made from carbon, glass, and resin materials. 

While you are looking for the perfect catamaran for you, you should keep in mind what you NEED and what is NICE with your ship. Usually, this decision is between size and speed, but some of these excellent vessels have both. 

Lightweight materials are usually costly; for example, a carbon fiber mast will probably cost you +$20 000, depending on the cat’s size.

I have written a buyer’s guide that explains the concept of NEED vs. NICE , which will make choosing the right boat faster and more accurate.

Gunboat 68 (+35Kts)

Gunboat 68 is a cruising catamaran designed to reach the highest speeds possible. Made by Gunboat, the ship uses Grand-Prix racing boats’ designs to develop the speediest cruising catamaran on the market. 

Gunboat 68 is made entirely from carbon composites, which keeps the ship lightweight and fast. Gunboat 68 is the perfect catamaran for anyone who wants to reach the highest speeds possible while maintaining control of the vessel and not bouncing around too much. 

Gunboat 68 has comfortable, spacious living quarters, though it also has a spacious deck with luxurious seating. Indeed, this cat has it all, making it one of the best cruising catamarans for racers and casual sailors. The design maximizes all of the living spaces and uses lightweight materials to add elegance and luxury to a speedy racing catamaran. 

Gunboat 68 is one of the fastest cruising cats out there, with its maximum speed at more than 30 knots . Gunboat 68 can achieve these fast speeds, thanks to its lightweight construction and narrow hull design. 

Still, Gunboat can customize your ship’s plan to accommodate your needs. Whether you are looking for a faster, more lightweight boat with a more extensive sail or a more comfortable cruiser, Gunboat 68 is an excellent option for you. 

Specifications

• Maximum Speed: 35 knots
• Length: 68 ft (20.75 m)
• Beam: 29.9 ft (9.1 m)
• Draft: 3.9 ft (1.2 m) board up and 9.84 ft (3.8 m) board down
• Displacement: 23.7 tonnes

TS 42 (ORC 42)

The TS, or Tres Simple , cruising catamarans, designed by Marsaudon Composites, are some of the fastest cruising catamarans in the world. 

Marsaudon developed the ship’s plans using racing boats’ streamlined designs and combined them with a cruising catamaran’s comfortable living spaces. The TS 42 has an inverted hull which helps it glide on the water swiftly without requiring much fuel, but it also has a spacious below-deck area with plenty of luxuries.

TS cruising catamarans are often considered the fastest cruisers on the market, with their speed comfortably reaching upwards of 35 knots in the right wind conditions. Generally, TS catamarans can sail at 20 knots, even with moderate wind. They are the perfect catamaran for racers and high-speed travelers, and yet they still have the amenities of a pleasant live-in vessel. 

The TS 42 has a large galley and comfortable cabins, making it a cozy home or vacation vessel. With multiple bathrooms, large windows, and open lounge spaces, these catamarans are superbly comfortable to live in. 

The deck and cabin space are divided by a large, openable window, which adds extra light and ventilation to the living areas. It also has plenty of on-deck space, which is rare in such a small vessel with an inverted hull. 

If you think I’m using too many confusing nautical terms, you’ll find all the answers on my Catamaran parts explained page .

• Length: 42.8 ft (13 m)
• Beam: 24.3 ft (7.4 m)
• Draft: 4.9 ft (1.5 m) with boards up and 7.5 ft (2.3 m) with boards down
• Displacement: 5.8 tonnes

Outremer 45

Based in France, Outremer (pronounced uutremeer 😉 ) designed their Outremer 45 to be a long-lasting cruising catamaran that sails smoothly at high speeds. The Outremer 45 can reach about 15 knots, but the most comfortable sailing speed is 10 knots. However, it can travel up to 25 knots in the right wind conditions, making it a quick ship with all of a perfect cruising catamaran’s luxuries. 

It is made for durability from carbon, vinyl ester, and divinycell so that it can last many years without repairs. The Outremer 45 has a narrow hull, and it is designed to be as thin as possible to maximize speed and fuel efficiency. Outremer 45 still has comfortable living quarters with large windows and lounge spaces within the boat. Indeed, it sacrifices no comfort for speed.

In this article, I talk a lot about catamaran characteristics, both interior and exterior, if that’s something you want to better understand, then I recommend an article where I write about trade-offs in design choices .

The Outremer 45 was initially designed to be a boat that would last 50 or more years, and it excels in its durability. It has an open, uniquely expansive side deck and plenty of on-deck conveniences that make sailing a breeze in the ORC50.

With supreme safety features such as tall railings, slip-free grips on deck, and enclosed lounge spaces, it is one of the safest catamarans available (is safety your top concern? I wrote a list of the safest catamarans on the market). 

• Maximum Speed: 25 knots
• Length: 48 ft (14.6 m)
• Beam: 23.3 ft (7.1 m)
• Draft: 3.3 ft (1 m) with boards up and 6.7 ft (2.04 m) with boards down
• Displacement: 8.2 to 11.1 tonnes

Marsaudon Composites ORC50

Marsaudon Composites designed the ORC50, or Ocean Rider Catamaran 50, with both speed and comfort in mind. The ORC50 can be used for cruising, but it is also a great racing boat that has been awarded honors from many races worldwide.

Marsaudon borrowed designs from racing skippers to plan the ORC50, bringing together a cruiser’s comfort with the speed of an award-winning racing boat. 

This cruising catamaran is lightweight, which allows it to gain speed at a fast rate, but still has comfortable living quarters inside the boat. It has a rotating carbon mast, which helps to eliminate turbulence over the mainsail and therefore increasing sail efficiency and speed!

With strong winds, the ORC50 can reach up to 23 knots , making it extremely fast for a cruising catamaran. The ORC50 can easily reach speeds much faster than the wind speed, which is a unique quality of this fast, yet comfortable catamaran.

The ORC50 is an excellent long-term living ship with its many organizational compartments, expansive galley, and well-ventilated sleeping cabin. It also has plenty of couches and seating areas built into the boat, and its intuitive design adds plenty of comfort to the cruising catamaran without weighing down the ship. 

• Length: 50 ft (15.23 m)
• Beam: 27 ft (8.2 m)
• Draft: 5.6 ft (1.7 m) with boards up and 8.9 ft (2.7 m) with boards down
• Displacement: 13 tonnes

FastCat 435

African Cat’s catamarans, including the FastCat 435, are designed for speed and racing. This ship is mainly composed of epoxy, fiberglass, and carbon components, making it very lightweight to ensure that it travels as swiftly as possible. 

The FastCat 435 may be as light as possible, but it is durable enough to last for many years in the most extreme conditions.

The FastCat 435 has comfortable living quarters and well-designed comfort spaces so that you can get the most out of your trips. The FastCat also has a green hybrid design, and it uses primarily electric power, which can help you prolong your sailing and use less fuel. 

I find solar-powered/electric cats pretty exciting, so much so that I wrote an entire article called The Best Solar-Powered Catamarans on the subject.

The FastCat is an excellent option for anyone who wants a smaller cat with a comfortable design and incredible speed. FastCat’s electric power is also a unique, favorable feature for anyone who wants to use less fuel. 

• Maximum Speed: 20 knots
• Length: 42.7 ft (13 m)
• Beam: 24.4 ft (7.4 m)
• Draft: 3.9 ft (1.2 m) with boards up
• Displacement: 2.4 tonnes

The Lagoon 440 cruising catamaran, like the FastCat, has an electric powering version, which cuts down on fossil fuel usage and ensures that your ship will keep moving. The Lagoon 440 is also among the easiest catamarans to maneuver, thanks to its electric drivetrain and automatic engines. 

The speed of the Lagoon 440 usually maxes out at 10 knots with low winds, but with higher winds, it can quickly gain speeds up to 20 knots (some argue even higher, but I’m doubtful). The Lagoon 440 is an excellent cruiser and comfortable catamaran, but it is not an all-out racing cat.

Lagoon is a well-known brand, but there are some caveats, and are Lagoons still making good catamarans?

Below the deck, the living spaces in the Lagoon 440 are magnificent. The ceilings are high, allowing the tallest of passengers to stand in the cabin. The many storage compartments and furnishings have a modern, elegant design. The interior is one large primary cabin with a few private spaces below the deck. 

• Length: 44.6 ft (13.6 m)
• Beam: 25.3 ft (7.7 m)
• Draft: 4.3 ft (1.3 m)
• Displacement: 10.5 tonnes

Fountaine Pajot Astréa 42

Fountaine Pajot designs some of the most luxurious yet speedy cruising catamarans available in the world. They are renowned for their safe, durable designs that make sailing a comfortable, relaxing experience. And on a personal note, i think the name sounds beautiful!

Their cruising catamarans use an inverted hull design that has become a signature mark of Fountaine Pajot vessels. This hull type allows the water to pass beneath the ship quickly, which increases the speed and fuel efficiency of the cat. 

The Astréa 42’s primary benefit is its spacious, comfortable living quarters and large, open deck spaces. The ship’s interior spaces have large windows, large lounging areas, and plenty of storage compartments. 

The cabin’s ventilation is also excellent, which reduces the classic musty smells of sea living. You can also get two different models of this catamaran, either in a one-cabin option or a two-cabin option, making it an excellent vessel for larger or smaller families.

The Astréa is ideal for long-term sea living and family vacations (it is not as fast as some more racing-oriented cats). Although the Astréa is not the speediest cat available, with its speed maxing out at about 10+ knots, even in favorable wind conditions, its luxurious atmosphere and comfortable cabin spaces make up for its relatively slow speed. 

Don’t get me wrong, despite its lower speed compared to the boats on this list, the Astréa 42 can still get you places quicker than many other cruising catamarans (and most monohulls). So, if you want all of the elegance and comfort of a cat and are not too worried about racing, this ship is an excellent option for you.  

• Maximum Speed: 10 knots
• Length: 41.3 ft (12.6 m)
• Beam: 23.6 ft (7.2 m)
• Draft: 4.1 ft (1.3 m)
• Displacement: 12.3 tonnes

Privilege Signature 510

The Privilege Signature 510 is a long-distance cruising catamaran designed for long-term voyages and sailing in extreme weather conditions. It features a durable, weatherproof design that will protect you from rainy and cold weather while sailing. 

The helm and living spaces are completely covered, making it safe to live in, even in cold or stormy weather. It also has an automatic sail adjustment system with the controls at the helm, allowing you to make any adjustments from the helm’s safety and comfort. 

Privilege Signature 510 also has an elegant, well-designed living space with plenty of amenities, including an accelerated cooling system, a spacious bathroom and kitchen, and plenty of windows for natural lighting.

With an elegant floor plan, this cozy ship is perfect for long-term living.

The Privilege Signature is not the fastest catamaran on the market, with a maximum speed of around 13 knots. Still, it is one of the quicker cats considering its elaborate amenities and comfortable size.

• Maximum Speed: 13 knots
• Length: 50 ft (15.24 m)
• Beam: 26 ft (7.98 m)
• Draft: 5 ft (1.57 m)
• Displacement: 25 tonnes

Although cruising catamarans are great boats for slowly cruising along the water, they can also be swift, substantial racing boats that reach speeds of up to 35 knots. These speedy cruising catamarans still come with all of the amenities of leisure boats, but they also reach incredible speeds without rocking or tossing. 

Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment.

Recent Posts

Must-Have Boat Gear for Catamaran Sailors!

Sailing is probably the most gear-intensive activity I've ever done; there are so many decisions to be made about what gear to buy now, for tomorrow, and what to definitely never buy. The gear on...

6 Best Trailerable Trimarans For Bluewater and Coastal Sailing

Having a boat costs a lot of money, even when you are not using it, marina fees, etc. And once it is in the water most sailors never go very far from their "home marina" and sailing will be somewhat...

Yachting Pleasure INTERNATIONAL

ORC “Ocean Rider Catamarans”

ORC "Ocean Rider Catamarans"

Marsaudon Composites have been building and selling a range of high performance catamarans since 2014 under the name of TS42 (42 feet, 18 units sailing) and TS5 (50 feet, 10 units sailing), designed by Christophe Barreau.

This range gained a very solid reputation over the year both as cruising sailing catamarans and as racer catamarans.

Indeed they all share key characteristics:

• Lines unlike any other, that immediately strike your eyes, give a feeling of lightness and power
• Lightweight (around 7t for the 42 feet and around 9.5t for the 50 feet), and a solid, stiff build that gives unmatched performance : boat speed always very close to wind speed
• Easy to steer and sail, thanks to a serious work on the design and ergonomics, but also thanks to the use of a tiller at the helm station
• Provide unique sailing sensation, with instant acceleration, powerful sliding sensation
• Well balanced design between hull, rigging and deck plan ergonomics that lead to easily sail fast while remaining in safe situation
• All the comfort you need for long term cruising across the ocean
• A pure interior style where you’ll find what is necessary and only what is necessary
• Why changing brand

As the reputation of those boats grows outside of France and Europe, it is now for us key to communicate about them under a brand that is:

• Understandable internationnaly
• Better match our DNA
• Better match who are their owners

Our owners are seasoned sailors, looking for true sailing sensation, fast and versatile boat, comfort and safety. They come either from monohull and look for higher performance, or from slower multihull and look for faster sailing without sacrificing comfort and living space.

They sail a lot (several 1000 miles /year).

Some are racers, but the vast majority are sailors looking to cross the oceans fast while taking pleasure.

So what is this brand ? You might want to know, now ?

From now on, Marsaudon Composites will commercialise its catamarans under the name: Ocean Rider Catamarans ; ORC for short.

• “Ocean” because they all cross the oceans, toping several thousand miles every year, and spending little time at quay
• “Rider” because of the sensation they provide
• ORC as a reference to the storm sail and obviously to offshore racing

Besides we decided to adopt the tiller as the distinctive symbol of the brand: all of our catamarans is equipped with a tiller as standard, hence providing a unique connection with the boat, a straightforward feel of the sailing experience and a unique control.

Last, as the current owners say about them: they are “True sailing machines”. And we commit to respect and fulfill this promise ! It’s a strong statement.

More Stories

Saxdor Yachts

TANKOA YACHTS INTRODUCING 70MT MILANO

Bucharest International Boat Show 2024