Yacht Reviews

The Nautitech 542 is a multihull catamaran cruiser that provides the perfect combination of generous lounging space along with exceptional handling and performance.

My friends and I recently enjoyed the privilege of sailing this yacht off the renowned coastline of the Cote d’Azur in France, and needless to say, it was an unforgettable experience.

Planning a Nautitech 542 catamaran yacht charter in the French Riviera will provide you with an exhilarating adventure nearly without equal, but no matter what the waters are in which you choose to set sail, you can’t go wrong with this highly reliable and strikingly luxurious cruising cat.

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Accommodation

In a word, the Nautitech 542 is gorgeous, with seamless transitions between the cockpit and the saloon, and a generously sized forward-facing nav station, which offers mesmerizing views for those of us who love to just gaze out into the open and watch the world go by.

Below deck, we enjoyed a generous three-cabin layout, which afforded plenty of space to move around within the boat’s elegant interiors.

The high-quality finish of the accommodations is a clear reflection of Nautitech’s commitment to design excellence and client satisfaction.

Since this charter comes with a skipper, we were able to completely relax and enjoy the ride, even though I did request to helm the ship more than once.

Thankfully, the skipper was exceptionally gracious and allowed me to do so, even giving me insightful tips that I know will help me on my next sailing excursion.

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Interior

Designer Franck Darnet employed the best of his experience and expertise to provide a contemporary look and feel to the interior spaces of the 542, with luxurious sensibilities and meticulous attention to detail.

One of the most notable features that I appreciated about the salon was its sizable U-shaped sateen with a folding teak table that can be easily converted to a large dining table.

The interior is both light and spacious, affording you magnificent open views of the sea while simultaneously providing you with an insulated comfort that is second to none.

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Exterior

On deck, one of the most immediately noticeable details of the Nautitech 542 is its impressive twin helms, which are cleverly set well aft in order to provide you with an unobstructed view of the rig and bows when you’re driving the boat.

The side decks are exceptionally wide and offer clean lines, with anti-skid surfacing that reduces glare and ensures safer movement on the deck.

The flush hatches help to keep the decks clear, which means you won’t even be able to find something upon which you could stub your toe–not a bad thing at all.

The 542 also features a finely constructed hardtop that provides excellent protection from the sun, as well as a retractable moonroof that is controlled by an electric motor. What more could you ask for?

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Under Sail

We were graced by the sea gods with fine weather on our sailing excursion, but not without a little chop in the waters.

Fortunately, the 542 was well able to negotiate this turbulence, slicing through the chop like a hot knife through butter and offering little in the way of rolling like many top-heavy boats have a tendency to do in similar conditions.

This is primarily due to the boat’s low profile and narrow hulls, both of which make it a very capable performer in stiff breezes and less-than-calm waters.

As we continued playing the waves and the shifts, it became more and more evident to me that this performance cat not only offers outstanding luxury and comfort, but it actually sails well–a rare combination if you can find it.

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Under Power

We enjoyed the sharp performance of the boat’s twin 75hp Yanmar engines, which easily managed an impressive 7.2 knots at 2,000 rpm.

The boat offered outstanding handling, basically turning on a dime when we experimented with it a little by playing each of the engines against one other (one forward and one in reverse).

It should be noted that some 542s feature twin 75hp Volvo Penta engines instead of the Yanmars, but the general consensus among experienced cruisers is that the Yanmars are the best way to go in terms of overall performance.

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The 542 vs. the Open 40

The Nautitech 542 definitely leads the way in terms of LOA, offering nearly 14 additional feet of length over the Open 40.

Engine power for the 542 is also notably higher, with twin 75hp Yanmar engines versus the Open 40’s twin 21hp Yanmars with sail drive (e.g., horizontal input and output shaft) transmission system.

The sail area for the 542 is 1,550 square feet (full main and jib), versus only 979 square feet for the Open 40.

Both vessels are designed by Marc Lombard, so you really can’t go wrong with either choice, but for those who want a little more room as well as more engine power, the Nautitech 542 definitely has a clear advantage.

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Why Sail the Nautitech 542

* Exceptional handling even in stiff breezes and choppy waters
* Top-notch materials and construction
* Powerful and robust rig
* Helms have an excellent feel
* Luxurious interiors
* Fantastic open views of the sea

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In Conclusion

The Nautitech 542 not only looks great but sails great as well. It is the mark of an exceptional designer to offer outstanding aesthetics along with premium performance, and the 542 has both in spades.

The boat’s remarkable performance and handling are no mistakes; they come from the designer’s commitment to top-notch quality, which is what most Nautitech owners have come to expect from this storied builder.

This is the type of boat that a family or group of friends could take onto the open waters and enjoy spacious accommodations, luxurious relaxation, and top-quality performance.

If you haven’t yet experienced a chartered sailing excursion aboard the Nautitech 542, you don’t know what you’re missing!

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Specifications

• Manufacturer: Nautitech
• Engine Make Yanmar:
• Engine Power: Hp 2 x 75
• Length (M): 16.3
• Draft: 1.54
• Beam: 8.55
• Weight: 14.9
• Decks Material: Polyester/ fiberglass composite
• Engine: Yanmar
• Horsepower: 2 x 75 HP
• Fuel Type: Diesel
• Cabins: 4
• Berths:10
• Bathroom: 4

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Have you sailed the Nautitech 542? If so, share your experience in the comment below.

Only a couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of embarking on a chartered sailing adventure with some close friends aboard Fountaine Pajot’s most recent flagship cruiser, the Sanya 57, and to say that I was impressed with this cruising cat would be a huge understatement.

Not only did I enjoy the spacious and luxurious accommodations aboard this stylish catamaran, but the level of professionalism and attention to detail I received from the crew was second to none.

In short, they spoiled me (as well as my friends) with top-notch service, which made our time at sea a truly enjoyable experience.

This Fountaine Pajot Sanya 57 review will reflect the most prominent features and characteristics that I took note of during my time aboard this vessel, but without a doubt, the only way to fully appreciate all that the Sanya 57 has to offer is to charter your own sailing excursion on this outstanding boat.

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Accommodation

The Sanya 57 exhibits the perfect combination of the performance you would expect from a cruising cat along with remarkably comfortable accommodations; this is not as easy as it looks, but it’s simply a reflection of the years of experience that the builder brings to the table.

What I was most struck by when I entered the interior living spaces of our boat was the sheer amount of room I had to move around.

Far from being cramped quarters, the strikingly spacious saloon boasted a massive settee, a sleek, low-slung coffee table to port and a stunning galley to starboard.

I took note of the generously-sized double-door refrigerator (which included an automatic water/ice dispenser) as well as the full-sized dishwasher and twin sinks.

The working counter space was more than generous, but as far as storage space goes, I would have to say that it fell a bit short of my expectations.

Just based on what I observed, it appeared as though space to securely store fragile kitchenware items (such as glasses) was slightly inadequate.

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Interior

Our boat was designed with the charter layout, which features three staterooms per hull.

I was thoroughly impressed with the size of the sleeping quarters down in each hull; they seemed to stretch on for miles.

Those who enjoy en-suite heads will definitely appreciate the Sanya 57, as it offers just that in all staterooms, along with separate showers (only the skipper’s quarters lacks the separate shower space).

I was impressed with the well-thought-out layout of the cabins on both sides, all of which feature twin companionways that afford optimal privacy (e.g., nobody has to walk through your bedroom to access their own sleeping quarters).

One of the details that I appreciated the most about the interior of the Sanya 57 was the attention to detail given to the finish quality throughout the vessel.

Instead of seeing exposed fiberglass at every turn (like many boats I have been on before), I saw pleasant hardwood parquet or stylish veneers, along with fabric and leather.

Chartering this vessel for your next sailing excursion is essentially a guarantee of comfortable cruising, no matter where you go.

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Exterior

The basic design of the Sanya 57 is what you would commonly expect for a cruising cat.

The hulls are noticeably wide (to maximize the volume of the interior space), and the vessel features slightly limited bridge deck clearance.

The aft deck is remarkably spacious and elegant, communicating the obvious intention of the builder to make the social function of this vessel a top priority.

Expansive teak decking marks the lounging area, which features a hardtop Targa roof for shelter from the sun.

I was duly impressed with the length of the L-shaped settee, as well as the amply sized open dining table with chairs.

What I appreciated the most about the way the lounging area was designed is that it was completely absent of rigging/working lines and other eyesores, which makes for a more comfortable and intimate setting during social functions.

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Under Sail

I had the privilege of temporarily taking the helm and sailing the Sanya in about 9 knots of true wind off the southeast coast of Mauritius (the Bay of Mahebourg off the Ile de la Passe, to be exact).

Our boat sailed well in the somewhat choppy waters in the middle of the bay.

While the hydraulic steering system took a little getting used to (there’s quite a bit of distance between the helm and the rudders), I did take note of the smooth motion of the boat on the water, and although the sea state was slightly choppy, the vessel did hardly hobbyhorse at all.

When you charter this boat, you will automatically be furnished with three experienced and highly attentive crew members (included in the price) who will do everything in their power to help you enjoy some uninterrupted leisure time at sea with family or friends, and should you choose to make the request, you might even get a little time at the helm as I did.

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Under Power

I can’t say that I was surprised at the deft maneuverability of this catamaran in close quarters, which can be attributed to the twin 75-horsepower diesel engines in the two hulls.

One of the features that impressed me the most about the Sanya 57 was its 680-watt solar panel array (comprised of four 170-watt panels) situated on the Targa roof, offering outstanding energy efficiency.

All of the vessel’s systems are well laid out, and the helm station offers plenty of comfortable seating to accommodate the skipper and a crewmate.

The Sanya’s nearly 300-gallon fuel capacity ensures that you’ll have the wherewithal to enjoy plenty of time aboard this long-legged cruiser, but hey, why crank up the motors when you can sail, right?

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Sanya 57 vs. Lagoon 560

Besides the fact that both vessels are the creations of highly respected French builders, the Sanya 57 and Lagoon 560 have quite a bit in common.

Both boats are powered by 75-hp twin engines, but the Lagoon 560 has a slightly higher fuel reserve than the Sanya 57, coming in at 344 and 291 gallons, respectively.

In terms of LOA, the Sanya 57 has the Lagoon 560 beat by a slim margin (seven inches to be exact), but the Lagoon 560 offers a little more square footage in terms of sail area.

In terms of weight-saving, Fountaine Pajot’s extensive background in racing clearly gives them the advantage, as the Sanya 57 weighs in at 21 tonnes unladen, compared to the significantly heavier Lagoon 560, which comes in at around 28 tonnes.

While both vessels are definitely ample cruisers, my personal opinion is that the Sanya 57 offers a lighter build without sacrificing luxury and a more comfortable passage overall.

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Why Sail the Sanya 57

* Fantastic accommodations
* Generous working area
* Spacious helm area
* Sleek look and luxurious interior

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In Conclusion

I thoroughly enjoyed my experience aboard the Sanya 57, and I can easily see why this very capable vessel is famously known as a “cat that purrs”.

The Sanya 57 offers the perfect balance of relaxed luxury and performance cruising, with generous accommodations and eye-grabbing aesthetics.

This boat makes it easy for you to lavishly entertain your family and friends, and should you choose the Sanya 57 for your next charter excursion, it will be a decision that you won’t regret.

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Specifications

• Manufacturer: Fountaine Pajot
• Length: 57,00 feet (17,37 m)
• Width: 8,88m
• Draft: (minimum)1,40 m
• Engines: 275,00 hp
• Diesel Fuel tank: 1 100,00 L
• Water tank: 1 050,00 L
• Cabins: 4 to 5
• Berths: 8 to 10

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Have you sailed the Sanya 57? If so, share your experience in the comment below

The Nautitech Open 40 was a new experience for me, and not just because it was a model I’d never sailed before. The Open 40 has a unique layout that intrigued us and had us marveling at how such a change could make a sailing trip seem so different.

Instead of the galley and saloon being located below deck, the customary social center of the boat is moved to a widened cockpit on deck.

The Nautitech Open 40 Yacht Charter is the perfect boat for sailors who want to spend as much time as possible on deck but still be well protected from the elements.

The Open 40 was a wholly pleasant surprise, and I enjoyed all the little details that went into the design of this vessel.

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Accommodation

The Nautitech Open 40 is available in a charter version or an owner version. The charter boat has 4 cabins and 2 heads, while the owner’s layout features a massive master suite.

Showers are in each head, located in the main cabin head and off the combination cockpit/saloon.

We had no trouble fitting everyone onboard, and it was especially nice being able to go below deck and get away from everyone if you needed some privacy. This is especially useful for moody teenagers!

It should be noted that the “open 40” does not come with a crew, but there is the possibility to hire a crew if you desire one. The crew usually consists of a skipper, a hostess, and a cook.

The cockpit layout is fantastic for skippering the vessel yourself and still remaining part of the group at all times, but I can see the usefulness of a crew onboard as well. Either way, you go; you’re in for a fun time!

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Interior

The Open 40 is one of the few yachts where the interior and exterior collide. Technically, the saloon and galley are part of the interior, even though the design is an open concept.

The saloon is furnished with huge bench seats that can fit 8-10 people seated or 5-6 people in a lounging pose.

The table is large enough to accommodate everyone. The entire saloon is surrounded by windows, offering passengers an incredible view.

The galley is off the saloon and can be separated by a sliding glass door or left open to keep the cook as part of the group.

The galley is equipped with a 2-burner stove, a small refrigerator, and a handful of other essentials, but is not ideal for cooking meals.

We found that breakfast and lunch were easy enough to prepare onboard, but dinner required a trip to dry land.

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Exterior

Since the cockpit of the Open 40 is part of a supersized multi-purpose area, the entire design of the yacht has been altered in comparison to traditional sailing yachts.

The twin helms extend out to the hulls and lend stability and ease of control when skippering the vessel.

Equipped with electric winch control and Garmin MFD, the yacht is a joy to skipper, and I was amazed at how little effort it took to dock the boat the first time we tried.

The single drawback of the cockpit, in my opinion, was that the wheels are exposed to the elements, and you would find skippering on a long-term trip difficult.

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Under Sail

In a high wind, we could reach around 10 knots at a 110-degree wind angle before we knew it!

As long we used the jib, we would hover around 8-10 knots, but even without the use of the jib, we could reach 7-8 knots in a good wind.

The boat remained stable and rode the water smoothly as we watched the faraway land fly while we relaxed on the deck.

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Why Sail the Nautitech 40

• Unique construction and design add stability and increase performance
• The decks will stay mostly dry due to the configuration of the boat
• The cockpit is directly attached to the galley and saloon, optimizing space
• The layout of the boat offers the skipper a 360-degree vantage point from any position
• Spacious cabins with wide berths and other storage space
• Easy to skipper and very responsive to the controls.

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In Conclusion

My experience with the Nautitech Open 40 opened my eyes to a new kind of yacht. If you have the opportunity to charter this vessel, do not hesitate!

The open design is a novelty to many sailors, but this is not a flash-in-the-pan trend, so don’t scoff just because it’s different.

Your only regret would be if you never got the chance to try out this fast, fun, and sailor-friendly vessel!

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Specifications

• LOA: 11.98m
• LWL: 11.50m
• Beam: 6.50m
• Draught: 1.35m
• Sail area: 91sq m
• Gennaker: 70sq m
• Water: 480 liters
• Fuel: 300 liters
• Cabins: 4 to 6
• Berths: 8 to 11

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Have you sailed on the Nautitech Open 40? If so, please, share your experience in the comment below.