Fountaine Pajot to Launch four new models at 2008

by Kate Elkington on 4 May 2008 Fountaine Pajot has announced it will unveil not just one, but four brand new catamarans in an unprecedented Asia Pacific launch at the 2008 Sanctuary Cove Boat Show.

EC Marine Pty Ltd, the Australian and New Zealand importers and distributors of Fountaine Pajot catamarans will showcase the brand new Highland 35 Pilot and Cumberland 46 power Trawlers, as well as the exciting new Orana 44 and Salina 48 sailing catamarans at the prestigious Queensland boat show in May.

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

Based in France, Fountaine Pajot is regarded as the world’s leading manufacturer of power and sail cruising catamarans and has recently celebrated 33 years in business with more than 1800 catamarans built over this time.

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

Designed by renowned Joubert/Nivelt team, the Orana 44 is priced from AUD$780,000 and is ideal for high-performance ocean sailing or modified for charter operators.

Boasting 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 area.

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.

The luminous interior comprises a light and airy galley 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. Alternatively, the Owner’s suite in the Maestro version is fitted with an Island bed, while the two supplementary cabins have semi-Island style beds.

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. Priced from AUD$1,000,000, 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’/14.30m) gives it a slender shape with a very low centre of gravity for optimal comfort and safety at sea while its 136m2 sail plan performs very effectively with minimal 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 catamaran is ideal for entertaining with its social areas comprising a games table facing the sea, an L-shaped galley featuring a revolutionary new refrigeration system, an indoor and outdoor dining table, an exterior corner lounge and decadent sunbathing deck that enjoys exceptional protection from the elements while underway.

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 further 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.

The Highland 35 Pilot is an outstanding evolution of the popular Highland 35 Trawler, retaining all of the original superior qualities but now with even more stylish and technologically advanced features including a host of electronic packs and an extremely practical integrated helm station on the lower deck.

Exceptional volumes, modern lines and an innovative design make the Highland 35 Pilot perfect for long-distance cruising and an outstanding power craft in her category. Fuel figures are quoted as low as 7 litres per hour.

The Highland 35 Pilot features a well-designed flybridge with seating for six, an expansive sunbathing area and helm station with panoramic views. The social areas comprise a large sheltered cockpit that opens directly onto the spacious and airy saloon that is also loaded with storage facilities. Three exceptionally roomy cabins are fitted with all of the modern conveniences including an exclusive bathroom, shower room and study area in the Owner’s Cabin.

Priced from AUD$505,000, the value-packed Trawler boasts excellent stability, safety and seagoing capabilities in keeping with the entire Trawler range. Whatever its speed, the Highland 35 remains stable and comfortable in all conditions.

The new Cumberland 46 sets a new industry standard for long haul and offshore power catamarans. Replacing the Cumberland 44, this new Trawler is available from AUD$1.25m and features a superbly redesigned galley, a new and more expansive Owner’s Stateroom, a new transom for improved boarding, generous use of luminous sycamore timbers and a host of other special features.

This stunning craft has enjoyed international acclaim for its exceptional range, spaciousness, comfort and superior seaworthiness. Designed by world-renowned architects O. Flahault and Joubert/Nivelt, the Cumberland 46 will particularly appeal to long-haul cruising enthusiasts who value true fuel economy, with the standard engines offering a range of 1,000nm at 7 knots (14 litres per hour).

As well as introducing these four exciting new models, Fountaine Pajot has also rejuvenated its other catamarans including the Mahe 36, Lavezzi 40 and Eleuthera 60 sailing catamarans as well as the Queensland 55 Trawler with a luminous and elegant interior design featuring lighter rose-tinted woodwork, new soft furnishings and stunning darker parquet-style flooring.

Further information and exclusive previews of the Orana 44, Salina 48, Highland 35 Pilot and the Cumberland 46 can be arranged by contacting EC Marine Pty Ltd on tollfree 1300 855 338 or +61 (0) 7 5452 5164 , email info@fountainepajot.com.au or www.fountainepajot.com.au