And it's the same procedure again: The catamaran builders in Aigrefeuille near La Rochelle always start by presenting their new models with a working title. In this case it is "New 67". The definitive model name is not revealed until the première - as is the ritual at Fountaine Pajot. In any case, the New 67 will replace the Victoria 67, which was launched in 2013 as the successor to the Galathea 65. The XXL format over 20 metres in length is also a tradition at Fountaine Pajot.
The design and lines are the work of Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design. The striking deck projection and the negative bows are particularly striking. Despite its remarkable dimensions: Fountaine Pajot's new flagship comes in an excitingly elegant and sporty guise. The relatively high and performance-orientated double-reef rig with a widely flared mainsail and overlapping genoa matches this. A code zero or gennaker can also be set on the permanently attached bowsprit. There are also amenities on deck that only catamarans of this size can offer - for example the spacious flybridge on the second floor with a large lounge area and its own galley block with fridge. The large catamaran is steered from two separate helm stations, which offer a good overview on both sides, especially for manoeuvres in the harbour. Sheets, halyards and trim lines are guided centrally between them via large and, if desired, electrically operated winches.
A new feature is the large and deep front cockpit in the foredeck, which is directly accessible from the saloon. If you wish, you can have a whirlpool installed here. It will be interesting to see how and with which fresh water reserves this will be supplied at sea. If there is already enough water around the ship, you can also request a sun lounger instead of the Jacuzzi, which would also be the standard.
A large selection of possible layout variants is available for the interior fittings in the hulls. Arrangements are possible with between four and up to six double cabins, each with a bathroom and en-suite shower. Two cabins for the skipper can also be installed in the foredeck, both with a bathroom. And the two aft cabins can be accessed directly from the cockpit via separate companionways.
Exciting and new: if desired, a lounge version can banish the kitchen from the central saloon down to the port hull. In this case, the living area in the centre is supplemented with more seating areas and a bar.
Of course, luxury in XXL format has its price. At the project presentation, the shipyard communicated a base price ex shipyard of just under 1.78 million euros, not including VAT. At the upcoming boot trade fair in Düsseldorf, Fountaine Pajot will be announcing the plans and further details of the New 67 project at its stand in Hall 15 and will also be showing further plans and drawings. If this is all a bit too big for you, you can also find out about smaller formats here. The shipyard will be bringing and exhibiting a Lucia 40 to Düsseldorf, currently the smallest ship in the programme. The French are also announcing a "ground-breaking innovation". This is certainly something to look forward to.
The idea of the New 67 in the film
Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology
