When talking about spacious sailing, catamarans are what immediately come to the centre of the story. For many, catamarans are the best choice for spending quality time at sea. This is not surprising considering that catamarans provide incredible comfort, and the time spent on them is always relaxing. You'll have to agree that catamarans give off that floating apartment vibe and never make it the least bit difficult to carry out everyday activities like cooking in the large kitchen, reading a book on a forward sundeck, or relaxing on the spacious flybridge. There are also benefits related to boat performance, so the best catamarans are the ones that are known for being easy to manoeuvre and incredibly stable.

When we talk about the best catamaran brands, the offer is very wide, and the market is quite dynamic. So, there are many great catamaran brands on the market right now whose design and performance are being worked on tirelessly, and we present to you some of the best.

Lagoon Catamarans – the tradition of excellence

Lagoon is a shipbuilder that has been continuously working on perfecting catamaran designs since 1984. It is a French brand whose appearance on the market marked a revolution in understanding the advantages of multihulls. The philosophy on which the brand is based consists of impeccable design and quality performance with a touch of French flair.

The reason why Lagoon enjoys such an excellent reputation for so long is that throughout all these years it has listened to the wishes of its customers and fully adapted its products to them. Although their primary occupation is sailing catamarans, they also have two models of power catamarans on offer.

Main characteristics of the Lagoon catamarans

Lagoon has been involved in efforts to make their catamarans more environmentally friendly, exploring options like hybrid propulsion systems and sustainable materials. Also, these catamarans typically feature large cockpits and deck spaces, perfect for outdoor living, entertaining, and enjoying the scenery while underway.

Lagoon 43

The Lagoon 43, showcased at the Yachting Festival in September 2024, is the perfect choice for family adventures, stylish gatherings, or unforgettable journeys with up to 12 guests. Designed for versatility, this model effortlessly combines and transforms spaces, blending the interior with the exterior and seamlessly connecting the cockpit with the saloon. The Lagoon 43 offers additional aft entryways on each hull, enhancing accessibility. With a length of 13.92 meters, a beam of 7.69 meters, and a draft of 1.4 meters, it is powered by twin 57-hp engines, providing reliable performance. Carrying the legacy of Lagoon catamarans, the 43 introduces innovative features that redefine comfort and adaptability, making it a standout choice for modern cruising. 

Book Lagoon 43!

Bali Catamarans – rule breaking brand

In the last few years, Bali Catamarans have become a real hit on the world seas, and all eyes are on them. These catamarans will not leave any sea and sailing lover indifferent. Perfect aesthetics, maximum comfort, and a panoramic view from every corner of the boat make these catamarans somewhat poetic. Bali catamarans are created at the French Catana shipyard, and perhaps that is the reason why they are so refined and unique. Every inch of these boats is meticulously designed and brought to perfection. There is no idling, and pleasure is guaranteed wherever you are on the boat.

Bali Catamaran characteristics

Bali Catamaran line is often called revolutionary due to the use of innovative ideas never
before used in this sector. One of the more special technologies is the natural ventilation
system. The main features of the Bali catamaran are the famous tilting "Bali door" and the rigid foredeck platform, the immediate access to the cockpit from the saloon.

Bali 5.8

Bali 5.8 impresses with its sleek lines and spacious layout.  Its flexible interior options range from four to six cabins, each with island berths and private bathrooms, while the master suite offers an en suite bathroom and large shower for ultimate comfort. The salon is a standout feature, designed to effortlessly blend indoor and outdoor living with large sliding windows and a forward cockpit that’s perfect for socializing or relaxing. The yacht's exterior boasts a hardtop flybridge, a forward door opening to a sunbathing and dining area, and an optional hydraulic swim platform for easy water access.  

Maneuverability is simplified with a self-tacking jib and well-organized helm, ensuring smooth sailing even with a smaller crew. Equipped with solar panels for eco-friendly power solutions, the Bali 5.8 minimizes engine use when anchored, enhancing the overall sailing experience. 

Book Bali 5.8!

Fountaine Pajot - performance and sustainability

This French shipbuilding brand produced its first sailing catamaran in 1983 and its first motor catamaran in 1998. What adorns the models of this brand are their innovative design, top performance, and ease of life on board. Also, they are particularly proud of their sustainable development and environmental protection. Considering this, they try to include as many renewable energy sources as possible in their catamarans. Their eco-cruising and smart cruising concepts significantly reduce the environmental impact of ships.

Fountaine Pajot advantages

All Fountaine Pajot catamarans allow very easy boarding and disembarking, as well as unhindered movement around the boat during sailing. Also, the decks are very spacious and allow for a very pleasant stay on board. What is also important to emphasize is the excellent performance on board as well as the simple and easy manoeuvring in the port. 

Higher speeds are achievable in tough conditions due to Fountaine Pajot Motor Yachts' semi-displacement hull design.

Fountaine Pajot Aura 51 

The Fountaine Pajot Aura 51 is the largest sailing catamaran in the brand's lineup, notable for its unique design that excludes the typical flybridge. This model stands out for its flexible hull configuration, which allows for an exceptional layout, including the option for two owner’s cabins, each with direct access from the stern, providing enhanced privacy and convenience. The Aura 51 also boasts an innovative "Smart Electric" propulsion system, ideal for eco-conscious sailors. Equipped with fully integrated solar panels generating 2,000 watts of power, it allows for reduced reliance on the engine and a more sustainable sailing experience. The catamaran offers versatile accommodation with up to six double cabins, making it perfect for both private owners and charter operators seeking spacious, high-performance yacht. The Aura 51 combines luxury, comfort, and modern technology, creating a refined and efficient experience on the water. 

Book Fountaine Pajot Aura 51!

Leopard – wild and powerful

Leopard Catamarans was established in 2000 in South Africa through a partnership with builder Robertson and Caine and has been raising the bar in catamaran design and performance ever since. At first glance, it can be seen that these are very luxurious yachts that satisfy even the most demanding wishes of customers. The South African signature is inscribed at the core of these catamarans, so they seem very exotic,  powerful, and wild and provide a sense of security.

Specifics of Leopard catamarans

Leopard's sailing catamarans between 42 and 58 feet are large enough to have a lot of space to rest and enjoy sailing. On the other hand, power catamarans between 50 and 53 feet offer a new dimension of luxury in navigation. Stepped hulls and strong rigging with a folding genoa are ideal for delivering top performance in all wind conditions. Also, the sheltered helm station is designed so the boat can be steered with one hand, and we all know that's a big flex in the sailing world.

Leopard 45

The Leopard 45 catamaran offers a variety of cabin configurations, with options for either three or four cabins, accommodating different group sizes and preferences. Each cabin includes its own ensuite toilet, ensuring privacy and convenience for all passengers. With a generous number of berths available, the Leopard 45 can comfortably sleep up to 12 people, making it ideal for family vacations or group charters.

This model made its debut in 2017, marking a significant addition to the Leopard Catamarans lineup. Notably, the Leopard 45 received acclaim in the sailing world, winning the prestigious Boat of the Year award, a testament to its outstanding design and performance. Additionally, the Leopard 45 offers several layout options, catering to various needs and preferences, whether for chartering, cruising, or living aboard, making it a versatile and highly sought-after catamaran in the sailing community.

Book Leopard 45.

Nautitech - built to withstand the rigours of the sea

Since 1994, Nautitech Catamarans has been writing their shipbuilding story in Rochefort, which was previously a naval base and dockyard. The philosophy of this famous catamaran brand is that navigation must be at the heart of a multihull's DNA. A feature of all Nautitech models is that they are incredibly good both when sailing and when at rest. Superb comfort, strong construction, and incredible performance - these catamarans have it all.

An elegant and inviting living space is the highlight of every model. Also, what Nautitech takes great care of is quality, strong construction, and solid materials, so that the safety of the catamaran is never in doubt. Hull shape, length, weight, and sail area are things that are paid a lot of attention to achieve excellent performance and great buoyance.

Nautitech 44 Open

The Nautitech 44 Openis a new, magnificent sailing catamaran celebrated for its spaciousness, performance, and open-concept design. Featuring two helm stations, this boat offers optimal control and flexibility while cruising. Its open-concept layout seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor areas, providing a spacious and inviting atmosphere for all onboard activities. With sleek hull lines and an optimized hydrodynamic bottom, the Nautitech 44 Open boasts exceptional performance and efficiency, making it a true sailor's delight. Additionally, its lower main sheet track location enhances stability and responsiveness under sail, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience on the water. Overall, the Nautitech 44 Open is a versatile and stylish catamaran that combines luxury, functionality, and excellent handling for sailors and charter enthusiasts.

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Sunreef - attention to detail

Sunreef Yachts is the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of luxury sailing and power multihulls. What is very interesting is that every Sunreef catamaran, yacht, and superyacht is custom-made. Therefore, uniqueness is the main feature of these catamarans.

The visionary and driving force behind the Sunreef Yachts shipyard is Francis Lapp - the company’s Founder and President. He founded the shipyard in Gdańsk, a city with a long shipbuilding tradition, with the vision of creating luxurious and comfortable catamarans that would satisfy all the wishes of its customers.

In 2003, Sunreef Yacht started the era of luxury catamarans and presented to the world its first 74-foot catamaran with a flybridge. This started a revolution in the creation and construction of luxury ships and prompted a change in the multi-hull design philosophy.

Sunreef Yachts models

Today, Sunreef Yacht has a large number of models of power yachts, sailing yachts, and eco yachts in offer. Equipped with the world’s first and only composite-integrated solar panel system and using the industry’s lightest batteries. Due to this,  the Sunreef Yachts Eco catamarans provide the best autonomy and energy efficiency for environmentally conscious luxury cruising.

When it comes to sailing catamarans, they all have a unique style and exceptional comfort in common.

Sunreef 50

The Sunreef 50 is a luxurious sailing catamaran known for its elegant design and exceptional craftsmanship.  This catamaran offers an impressive sail area, often exceeding 1,600 square feet coupled with advanced rigging and sail handling systems for excellent performance under sail. The Sunreef 50 can accommodate up to 10 guests on board, making it suitable for small groups or families looking for a luxurious sailing experience. A large flybridge with the main helm enables multiple outdoor spaces for relaxation and navigation. The Sunreef 50 catamaran features a saloon that opens onto a bow terrace, providing a seamless connection between the interior and exterior living spaces. There is also the hydraulic aft platform that can be lowered into the water, providing easy and convenient access to the sea.

Book Sunreef 50.

Which catamaran should I choose?

Chartering can be very interesting and challenging. There are simply too many things you want your boat to satisfy in order to experience complete pleasure at sea. Fortunately, in the last few years, the competition in the catamaran market has increased significantly, and they have been brought to perfection. In view of the above, we have no doubt that everyone can find a catamaran according to their wishes and needs, with which they will spoil themselves.

Here are five main criteria to keep in mind when selecting a catamaran:

• Size and capacity
• Budget
• Intended use
• Sailing performance
• Design and layout.
  
  We hope this article has helped you in discovering a catamaran brand for your next sailing adventure. On our blog we have plenty more useful articles covering a wide range of topics related to sailing in Croatia, so check it out!