As multihulls increasingly become the boats of choice for bluewater sailing, Toby Hodges and Fran\u00e7ois Tregouet have been selecting the best designs. Here, they take a look at the Outremer 51 and 55When 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.
\nThe 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. Weighing a light weight 11 tonnes, it\u2019s designed to take another three tonnes of cruising gear.
\nThe option to sit out and tiller steer from the bucket seats and enjoy thrilling performance is a prime draw, while it is configured to manage the powerful sailplan short-handed.
\nPhoto: Didier Hillaire
\nBut this also has a light, airy and nicely finished interior with forward-facing navstation, albeit more minimalist than the voluminous family cats from production yards. The dream design for a family circumnavigation?
\nMeanwhile, the French yard\u2019s 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. Should you get your routing wrong and actually have to sail to windward, the daggerboards provide up to 15\u00b0 better performance.
\nA swing helm pedestal allows you to sit up on the side deck in fine weather, or shelter under the bimini when it turns inclement. And ventilation has been well thought out, negating the need for aircon, which means less fuel and weight.
\nOutremer 51 and 55 prices ex VAT
\nOutremer 51: \u20ac830,000;
\nOutremer 55: \u20ac1,215,000<\/p>\n
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As multihulls increasingly become the boats of choice for bluewater sailing, Toby Hodges and Fran\u00e7ois Tregouet have been selecting the best designs. Here, they take a look at the Outremer 51 and 55When you think of multihulls designed for bluewater … <\/p>\n