The Saba 50 was a real bestseller for the multihull specialists in Aigrefeuille near La Rochelle (test YACHT 24/2014). The shipyard has launched more than 200 of this type in just under ten years on the market. The popular format with a hull length of 15 metres is interesting for both owners and the charter market. Following the usual Fountaine Pajot project presentation under the working title New 51, the French catamaran builders have now also announced the official type designation: Aura 51.
The Berret-Racoupeau design is slightly larger and slightly wider than its predecessor. The new boat adopts the design language of the latest model generation from Fountaine Pajot and thus closes the last remaining gap to complete the current programme. The concept also features some remarkable innovations. For example, the cabins in the stern can now be accessed directly from the cockpit via separate companionways, which simplifies procedures and provides more privacy for the owners. A total of four different layout variants are available for the interior design of the New 51, with four, five or six cabins, each with its own bathroom with shower facilities. As a novelty on the 50-footer market, Fountaine Pajot is also offering an exciting extension version with two spacious owner's cabins aft and two smaller guest cabins installed transversely at the front.
Choice between diesel and electric drive
There are plenty of large areas on deck to relax, enjoy and sunbathe, for example in the spacious front cockpit or on the second floor of the flybridge. The helm cockpit is raised to the side and can be accessed from the running deck or directly from the cockpit. With a standard sail area of 154 square metres on the wind, the new Aura 51 is pretty well loaded. The sail load factor is a comparatively high 4.7, which speaks in favour of good, high-performance sailing characteristics.
Interesting fact: The Aura 51 can also be powered by two electric motors, each with an output of 25 kW, as an alternative to two diesel engines. The energy for this is supplied by two battery packs, each with a capacity of 27 kWh. The extensive hybrid system, known as the "Smart-Electric System", also includes a generator set with 32 kWh of power. If the large batteries are ever empty, the generator can also supply the two electric drives directly with electricity without any detours, which increases the range almost indefinitely. The cabin superstructure is covered with solar panels to generate additional electricity. The base price for the Aura 51 from Fountaine Pajot is just under 1.3 million euros gross.
The YACHT test editorial team has already been on board the new Aura 51 with Smart Electric equipment. The comprehensive test report will be published in an upcoming issue. Until then, here are the first photos from the YACHT test:
The Aura 51 in the YACHT test
Technical data Aura 51
- Designer: Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design
- Interior design: Isabelle Racoupeau
- Hull length: 15.54 m
- Width: 8.08 m
- Draught 1.30 m
- Weight 18.1 t#
- Mainsail 95.0 square metres
- Genoa 59.0 square metres
- Motorisation 2 x Volvo Penta D2-50, Saildrive (opt. 75 hp)
- Fresh water capacity: 900 litres (two tanks)
- Fuel capacity: 2 x 450 litres
- CE design category A (14 pers.)
