The French company Fountaine Pajot kept the name of their new 40-footer a secret for a long time. Now it's out: the model produced at Aigrefeuille near La Rochelle is called Lucia 40.
Olivier Racoupeau (Berret/Racoupeau) has designed the new boat for the French and has adopted the modern look of the two larger sister models Helia 44 (test in YACHT 3/13) and Saba 50 (test in YACHT 24/14). Compared to the predecessor model Lipari 41 (a design by Joubert/Nivelt), this means significantly more angular shapes, more and larger window areas in the superstructure and hull, and apparently more negative leap over the entire deck. In addition, the deckhouse is larger compared to the length of the hull. The mast no longer stands in front of the cabin roof, but on it.
Conceptually, however, the innovations remain rather inconspicuous compared to the Lipari 41. The conventional catamaran rig remains with an overlapping genoa and a mainsail with a square-head top. Fountaine Pajot continues to do without a self-tacking jib, such as on the competitor yachts Nautitech Open 40 or Lagoon 39. All halyards, sheets and trim lines are deflected directly to the helm station. This means that the large external cockpit remains free of all functions; steering and work is carried out exclusively from the helm station.
However, a sunbed can now be installed on the foredeck, although the upholstery for this is only available as an option. In addition, a staircase now leads from the raised side helm station directly to the fixed bimini roof.
The interior layout also generally remains the same as the previous Lipari 41 model, with the spacious L-shaped galley in the saloon still positioned aft. However, the sliding door and the windows to the guest cockpit can now be opened further, which connects the guest cockpit directly to the galley.
The fittings in the hulls are based on the tried-and-tested layout variants typical of catamarans. The Maestro version with three cabins and three heads is primarily intended for owners; the starboard hull is designed as a spacious cabin with a very generous bathroom in the foredeck. Nice: the toilet room and the bathroom with the shower cubicle remain separate. The Quatour version, on the other hand, is designed more for the demands of the charter market with four cabins and four toilet rooms.
Fountaine Pajot unveiled the Lucia 40 for the first time at the trade fair in Düsseldorf. The boat is available in the Maestro owner's version for a basic price of 320,110 euros (gross, ex shipyard, including sails). The charter version Quatour costs slightly more at 322,490 euros.
The Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40 will be on display until next Sunday, 31 January, at the boat show in Düsseldorf in Hall 15, Stand A 42.
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Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology
