Expert review of the Cruising World catamaran Astrea 42

Expert review of the Cruising World catamaran Astrea 42

French shipyard Fountaine pajot, based in La Rochelle, has been building beautiful and reliable cruising catamarans for almost half a century, which has everything you need for a big trip. Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42 follows a simple, proven recipe: smart design, quality workmanship and many innovative features.

I have always believed that boats Fountaine pajot well assembled and stocked, a pleasure to sail, and in terms of comfort, innovation and performance, I would tick absolutely all the boxes on the list, both on the move and at anchor. Simply put, these are cool kats. New Astrea 42 more than worthy of being part of a large shipyard lineup that now extends from 40 to 67 feet.

I'm probably a fan of the brand, but I'm definitely not alone!

When the company unveiled plans for the construction of the catamaran Astrea on Cannes Yachting Festival two years ago, in the next few months, the shipyard took over 150 orders for this catamaran ... long before the world saw the first hull live Astrea. By any measure, it was a resounding success.

Cockpit Astrea 42

Galley Astrea 42

Galley Astrea 42

It's funny that with monohulls we came to the adoption of the so-called "Traditional" layout: owner's double cabin; salon with a dining table in the center; galley and chart table on the sides. But over the years, the design of the catamaran has evolved in such a way that the kats have also developed their own traditional layout: double doors connecting the salon with a spacious cockpit; steering wheel raised to starboard for a good view of all maneuvers; galley with cockpit view for convenience; sofa, dining table and chart table in front of the saloon; and spacious, cozy cabins tucked away in hulls, often with a single hull reserved exclusively for owners, with a luxurious bed, work area, plenty of storage and their own shower and toilet.

This "menu" here at Astrea is superbly done on a grand scale in the French style.

Salon Astrea 42

Salon Astrea 42

I like it location of the raised helm station, with space divided between two work areas. Ahead are all sail controls - sheets with a bag for ropes, shoulder straps for boom sheets and winches Lewmar, including an electric winch for the mainsail. Behind the aisle, place for the helmsman with steering wheel and double seat, complete set of electronics Garmin, autopilot, engine control systems and even buttons for windlass control Quick, why not?

Expert review of the Cruising World catamaran Astrea 42

Climbing a few steps up, you get access to sundeck on flybridgewhich, if you think about it, has become another traditional feature for many kats. Likewise, the company has done a sensational job with owner's cabin in version Maestro, which occupies the entire starboard hull and is a truly private space. The cabin has a stunning king size bed with space on the sides. In the center of the building, closer to the aisle, there is a place where you can work in silence. The cabin has plenty of storage space. A private bathroom and a giant shower stall in the bow will make any hotel the envy.

Once on board Astrea, you need a really good reason to leave.

Owner's cabin Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42 Maestro

Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42 Maestro

Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42 Maestro

Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42 Maestro

Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42 Maestro

Fountaine pajot takes seriously the weight of the catamaran, its lightness, in the design and construction process, since heavy katas are not maneuverable, the shipyard strives to strike a balance between performance and comfort. The hulls are manufactured by vacuum infusion using a balsa core at the top of the boards to a level just below the waterline; the deck made of polyurethane foam is installed by injection method. All bulkheads are made of composite laminate and wood is used for furniture and decoration Alpi.

Small fins that improve ride and stability are blades that are glued into the body, rather than screwed on, so that if they get stranded they will shear off and not compromise the integrity of the body. The engine compartments are very spacious with good access to all systems. All wiring is clearly marked. Attention to detail has been paid throughout.

We tested Astrea 42 in light weather in the Chesapeake Bay, when the wind could not rise above 6 knots. However, we had a good sailing, almost 4 knots of boat speed both upwind and tailwinds. The two headsails provide some versatility in tuning depending on wind speed and angle. My notes were simple: “Strong steering. Merry sailing. "

Astreawhich we went to was perfectly stocked. IN many respects, for me it was one sheer pleasure... Many new US owners host yachts in France themselves and explore Europe and the Mediterranean first, enjoying pleasant yachting, local culture and cuisine, before heading out to the Caribbean or around the world.

Expert review of the Cruising World catamaran Astrea 42

This model is named Best Multihull Yacht 2018 in France, the famous magazines Voile Magazine and Le Monde du Multicoque, and Best Multihull Yacht 2019 in Europe received the European Yacht of the Year 2019 award. Nominated for Best Boats 2019 by Sail Magazine (USA), 2019 Boat of the Year by Cruising World and Multihulls World.

Specifications:

Interparus Yachting is the official representative of the Fountaine Pajot shipyard. 

Especially for owners of multihulls, we have developed an effective course on kat management. When buying a boat, this course at our yacht school is free of charge. Also, our team will be happy to help with insurance, registration, organization of transportation and selection of a marina for parking.

For all questions call +33644142168 (WhatsApp) Sasha Goron. We are waiting for you in La Rochelle!

19.07.2019