The leading catamaran builders from Bordeaux are thus responding to a frequently expressed wish from customers who want their catamaran in a more conventional design, without a flybridge. The French have now released the first drawings showing how the boats will look in the new hard-top version.
The choice is available for the two models Lagoon 450 (test YACHT 2/2011) and Lagoon 52 (short test YACHT 12/2013). The standard versions of the VPLP (Van Peteghem/Loriot Prévost) designs come with the flybridge configuration, i.e. with the raised helm position on the second floor, on top of the cabin roof. The flybridge is attractive because the helmsman sits high up and can steer with a clear view. In addition, the guest cockpit on the lower floor remains completely free of all actions relating to setting and trimming the sails. This has many advantages.
Nevertheless, not everyone likes the flybridge and the associated complete separation of the working cockpit on the roof. As Lagoon product manager Yann Masselot explains, older sailors in particular do not always feel comfortable on a cat with a flybridge, if only because of the height and the separation of the areas.
With the new Sport-Top versions, Lagoon can react to this. In this case, the helm stations are mounted sideways in an only slightly raised position, which basically corresponds to a very conventional, widely used catamaran concept. Furthermore, the sheets, halyards and trim lines run over the roof and can still be operated by the helmsman in single-handed mode.
Further advantages of the Sport-Top versions: the boom is no longer set so high, the rig can be shorter and the pressure points are lower. This means that the cat should pitch less in swell. The boom is also easier to reach. The boom can also be closed without the need for breakneck climbing. And from the side steering position, all four hull ends are easier to see for mooring manoeuvres in the harbour.
The first Lagoon 450 & 52 in the new Sport-Top version have been announced for summer 2015. However, the prices have not yet been finalised and will not be available until April. Multihull fair in La Grande Motte be communicated. Lagoon dealer Nils Heyde from the German sales department Lagoon Catamaran North GmbH expects that the Sport-Top versions could be offered at a much lower price compared to the standard versions with flybridge.
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Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology
