Fountaine Pajot is continuing to restructure its model range and is launching a new cruising catamaran in the upper mid-range with the FP 55. The new model replaces the Ipanema 58 from 2016 and is to be positioned as the new flagship for the cruising catamaran range. In this function, the FP 55 also acts as the interface in the transition to Fountaine Pajot's upmarket yacht programme with the Samana 59 models and the larger models, from the FP 70 to the FP 120.
Flybridge in XXL format
The new FP 55 clearly focuses on comfort, spaciousness and range. Even at first glance, it is clear where the journey is heading: the FP 55 is designed as a blue water catamaran for owners with high demands, but is also designed for larger crews or upmarket charter operations. The most visually striking feature of the new FP 55 is probably the huge, fully covered flybridge lounge on the upper deck, which extends far forward.
At a lofty height, no less than 22 square metres of space are available for relaxing, eating and sunbathing. There is also a kitchen module with a refrigerator compartment, sink and grill. The helm station on the new 55-footer is now also integrated in the centre at the front of the flybridge. This gives the helmsman the best possible view to all sides and into the sails and also allows him to see both bows from an elevated position during harbour manoeuvres.
Further links on the topic
Fountaine Pajot also paid great attention to the front cockpit during development. The deep and well-protected cockpit built into the foredeck offers additional large areas for sitting and lounging as well as a refrigerator for drinks and a sink. In addition, the front cockpit can now be accessed directly from the saloon via a watertight door.
Versions for owners and for luxury charters
The shipyard is focussing on variability in the interior design. A maestro version with an owner's suite and four guest cabins, a double maestro version with two suites and two additional cabins and a charter version with a total of six double cabins are planned. All cabins have their own bathroom with separate shower area. Regardless of the chosen layout, there are also always two separate crew cabins with their own bathrooms in the forecastles. This is a clear signal in favour of higher service and charter requirements. The possible layout variants are shown in the gallery above
In terms of technology, the topic of energy self-sufficiency plays a central role. According to the shipyard, the FP 55 carries 6300 watts of solar power, divided into 3800 watts on the roof and 2500 watts on the hardtop. The catamaran is also available with an optional hybrid-electric drive. The ODSea+ package includes two electric motors with 50 kW each, a 38 kW generator, 38 kWh battery capacity and hydrogen generation. Two 80 hp diesel engines are used in the standard version, with 110 hp available as an option.
Construction number one of the FP 55 will be completed this summer and presented for the first time at the Cannes Yachting Festival in autumn 2026. Fountaine Pajot has also already announced an initial price range. The base price for the boat in its basic configuration is expected to be €1,395,000 net. The gross price including 19 per cent VAT is therefore around 1,660,000 euros.
Technical data Fountaine Pajot FP 55
- Designer: Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design
- Interior design: Isabelle Racoupeau
- Hull length: 16.98 m
- Width: 8.80 m
- Draught: 1.85 m
- Weight: 32.1 tonnes
- Mainsail: 110.0 m2
- Genoa: 66.0 m2
- Motorisation standard: 2 x 80 hp built-in diesel / Saildrive
- Fuel capacity: 2 x 610 litres
- Fresh water capacity: 900 litres
Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology
