Gold Coast Launch of Two New Sailing Cats

by Fountaine Pajot/Sail-World Cruising on 22 Dec 2007 If you're thinking of purchasing a new sailing catamaran, it might be worth investigating two that will be unveiled on the Gold Coast in May.

EC Marine Pty Ltd has just announced it will unveil two new sailing catamarans in an unprecedented Asia Pacific launch in 2008.

May’s 2008 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show will be the venue for the official launch of the exciting new Orana 44 and Salina 48 sailing catamarans.

Fountaine Pajot has invested AUD$20m over the last three years developing these two new models and two motorised catamarans, new manufacturing facilities and production lines, and setting new benchmarks in state-of-the-art production techniques with continual improvements in infused sandwich composite hulls and new RTM eco-technology.

The highly anticipated new Orana 44 and Sa lina 48 sailing catamarans replace two of the company’s greatest successes, the Belize 43 and Bahia 46.


The Orana 44:

Designed by Joubert/Nivelt, the Orana 44 will be available for delivery in early 2008 and is perfect for high-performance ocean sailing or modified for charter operations.

Sporting a high degree of comfort, the Orana 44 has a low centre of gravity to afford maximum safety and with a generous 110 square feet of sail, the catamaran can easily sail in medium wind conditions effectively reducing engine use.

New manufacturing technologies employed in the vessel include a single piece hull infused with composite partitions and a deckhouse constructed with RTM eco-technology.

An innovative sliding bay provides direct open-plan access between the spacious saloon and cockpit, enhancing safety and easy of movement.

The ergonomic helm station accommodates three people and groups all navigational manoeuvres together affording excellent visibility above the deckhouse.

A sunbathing deck aft of the catamaran features two mattresses with deck-chair style adjustments for optimal comfort.

The luminous interior comprises a light and airy kitchen that opens onto the cockpit, a beautiful saloon table that seats eight people with panoramic views, as well as a card table that faces the sea.

Each of the four cabins aboard the Orana 44 enjoys its own private bathroom with separate shower. The Owner’s suite in the Maestro version is fitted with an Island bed, while the two supplementary cabins have semi-island style beds.


SALINA 48:

The Salina 48 has been launched to replace one of Fountaine Pajot’s greatest successes, the Bahia 46 sailing catamaran.

Retaining the most popular features of the Bahia 46, the Salina 48 has been designed to the most demanding list of specifications by architects Berret/Racoupeau.

Available for delivery in early 2008, the Salina 48 is an extremely capable catamaran that is ideally suited to offshore sailing with an emphasis on comfort, safety and spaciousness.

Its length (48'/14.30 m) gives it a slender shape with a very low centre of gravity for optimal comfort and safety at sea while Its 136 m2 sail plan performs very effectively without any pitch in more choppy conditions.

With a clean and obstacle-free deck, the Salina 48 affords easy movement and safe handling with an integrated saloon and cockpit that has generous entry access.

There is ample room at the raised helm station to accommodate three people and all manoeuvring is conveniently controlled from this one central location.

The Salina 48 has been manufactured with new technology including an infused sandwich composite hull plus a deckhouse moulded with new RTM eco-technology.

The catamaran is ideal for convivial entertaining with its social areas comprising a card table facing the sea, an L-shaped kitchen featuring a revolutionary new refrigeration system, an indoor and outdoor dining table plus exterior corner lounge.

A decadent sunbathing deck at the aft of the Salina 48 enjoys exceptional protection from the elements while underway and provides yet another idyllic setting for relaxation.

Each of the cabins boast magnificent sea views from the spacious portholes while the low beds, private bathrooms with separate showers and passageways without thresholds enhance the vessel’s appeal.

The Salina 48 is available in two versions; The Quatuor version comprises four cabins and four bathrooms while the Maestro version has a private owner’s suite separate to the guest accommodation.