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