Sailing Oscars: The nominees in the Multihulls category

YACHT-Redaktion

· 16.01.2024

Sailing Oscars: The nominees in the Multihulls category

Photo: YACHT

On the first Saturday of boot Düsseldorf, the coveted trophies of the European Yacht of the Year, the sailing Oscars of 2024, will be awarded during the Flagship Night. Three candidates have been nominated in the Multihulls category. Here are the details

Topics in this article

Outremer 52
HH 44
Neel 52

The candidates in the other categories:

Outremer 52

The construction of the Outremer is not as high as is usual for cruising catamarans. The boom remains close above the cabin roof

The large windows provide light and transparency in the well-ventilated saloon. The all-round view from the navigation table and inside helm station is phenomenal

The overhanging bimini covers the entire outdoor area. The cockpit can also be completely closed with flexible side panels

The steering column can also be folded inwards into the cockpit. This allows different steering positions. The plotter swivels with

13 Images

Photo: YACHT/L. Fruchaud

This model developed by VPLP incorporates the concentrated experience of the market leader for performance catamarans. According to the data and first impressions, it is a promising synthesis, combining the best of the Outremer 51 and 55 in one boat. The 52 proved what it can do in the YACHT test, which will be published shortly: sail 200-metre times with ease and spoil the crew with every comfort. Hull length 15.73 m; beam 7.90 m; draught 0.95 m; weight 12.5 tonnes; sail area 135 m²; sail carrying capacity 5.0; ex-shipyard price 1,642,200 euros.

Z to test the Outremer 52

HH 44

Helm position of the HH44. The pillars can be swivelled inwards or outwards from their central position. This allows better utilisation of lever clamps and winches - and improves either the view of the sails or the weather protection. However, this is implemented even more consistently on the Outremer 52

Reaching the trim lines is not ideal because the crew or helmsman have to lean far over the wheel or work from the side - especially because of the sometimes very heavy loads. But with practice and caution, it works

The sterns are designed very much as wave piercers and are very narrow, but therefore go cleanly through the sea

An unusual sight. Almost all catamarans have open transoms with steps. The HH44, on the other hand, relies on retractable bathing platforms and closed sterns, which has many advantages. Also great: the high bulwark, which gives the helmsman a secure feeling and the opportunity to lean against it

20 Images

Photo: EYOTY/L. Fruchaud

Highly innovative cat, which strictly speaking remains just under the 45-foot limit. However, thanks to fold-out bathing platforms, the HH 44 actually offers more space on and below deck than many larger multihulls. Optionally available with diesel-electric drive, as a long-distance version or, as shown here, as a performance cat with carbon centreboards. Chic, functional interior design, which is also variable and made of lightweight foam sandwich. Length 13.41 m; width 7.50; draught 1.10-3.00 m, weight 9.4 t; sail area 125.3 m², sail carrying capacity 5.3; ex-shipyard price: 1,441,190 euros.

YACHT test in preparation

Neel 52

Three hulls and flybridge. The Neel appears more powerful than the Outremer 52, which was also nominated, but displaces only slightly more

The boat from La Rochelle is also designed for performance, but does not start quite as easily as the other two candidates

The raised steering position with seating area on the cabin roof sets the Neel apart from the competition - and of course its three hulls, of which the two outer ones are quite narrow

Sunbed. On the first floor, the Neel 52 has two large loungers and an L-shaped seating area, but these are not shaded

Line management at the helm is divided into groups

17 Images

Photo: EYOTY / L. Fruchaud

The same length as the Outremer 52, similar potential, but three hulls instead of two: this is a duel between the large multihulls, even if they are very different in concept. The Neel 52 caters more to the cruising segment and, with its flybridge and raised helm position, looks more conventional than the more sporty and dynamic Outremer. Thanks to the combination of cockpit and saloon, the Tri offers the largest seating area in its class and a huge technical room in the centre hull. Hull length 15.90 m; beam 8.80 m; draught 1.90 m; weight 12.6 tonnes; sail area downwind 127 m²; STZ 4.8; base price 1,188,810 euros.

No test report available yet

The 3 candidates in the video

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