During the EYOTY-Seatrials in Port Ginesta, the C-Cat 48 is moored every evening in the harbour next to the Lagoon 51 - and the contrast could hardly be greater. Although both ships have a similar hull length, the first step on board the C-Cat 48 makes it clear that the ship is not just designed for comfortable living, but above all for fast travelling.
With some bulkheads, the mast and the entire deck made of carbon fibre, the Italians have tried to make the C-Cat 48 as light as possible. In contrast to other modern designs, the demand for good sailing characteristics was always prioritised over comfort in the interior layout. The diesel engines, for example, are located under the berths in the aft cabins, which is favourable in terms of centre of gravity but not easy to maintain. The cabins in the relatively narrow hulls are designed to be functional but rather utilitarian. Sufficient for cruising with a sporty crew, but no comparison to a catamaran from Fountaine Pajot or Lagoon, which offer more living space even in the 40-foot size.
But the sailing characteristics far outweigh the rather pragmatic interior design, because the C-Cat 48 is simply fun to sail, starts immediately even in the smallest gusts and easily outruns all other catamarans. Even under mainsail alone, it can be sailed, tacked and jibed like a beach cat, responds well to the rudder and runs well upwind.
At 985,000 euros (net, plus VAT), the price of the C-Cat is roughly similar to that of the Lagoon 51, whose hull is three feet longer but offers around twice the living comfort. However, the direct comparison is misleading, as anyone looking for comfort alone is ill-advised with the C-Cat 48 anyway. It is aimed at sailors for whom sailing characteristics and speed are more important, but who still want to sail in comfort.
Further information on www.c-catamarans.com
