Fountaine Pajot Aura 51: The Perfect Cruising Catamaran

A short introduction to Aura 51

Almost two years have passed since the publication of the Aura 51 in the “First Look” series, where we give a short overview of recently announced yachts and catamarans. During this time The Interparus team managed to carry out an upgrade this catamaran for our client and to study in depth the specification of the Aura 51.

In addition, over the past two years we have managed to film a large review in which our permanent skipper Sasha Goron spoke in detail about all the features of this model.

However, having delved into the text annals of the site, we still have not found a full review. We are correcting ourselves!

Aura 51 and the legacy of the catamarans of the past

Once upon a time, before fiberglass was invented, the yachting world was ruled by the single-hull yachts of the Golden Age. Catamarans were unheard of back then, mostly as small vessels, and not widely available. 

The main drawback of the catamaran was considered to be the high complexity of construction. The bulkhead between the hulls was the weakest point of the structure, and engineers struggled for a long time to solve this problem. However, with the spread of metal and the invention of new types of resins and plastics, the situation changed. 

Catamarans from niche boats have become quite a popular phenomenon. Since the middle of the 20th century, they have finally received the attention they deserve from yachtsmen. As soon as the design of the catamarans became strong and reliable, sailors saw the main advantages of this type of vessel - stability and maneuverability. 

Then comfortable cabins began to appear on board the catamarans. The public was excited again: now catamarans competed on equal terms with monohull yachts. Time passed, the design and construction of the catamarans were improved and it seemed that nothing better would appear. It was at this moment that the Fountaine Pajot shipyard entered the scene and loudly said: “Now everyone will look up to us.” And so it happened.

Aura 51 became the successor of more than one or even two generations of catamarans. Immediately after the announcement, the catamaran from Fountaine Pajot was showered with attention from the audience and fans of the brand. I would like to note that it was absolutely deserved. Today, Aura 51 is a benchmark catamaran that has absorbed all the best features of the shipyard's previous models and its predecessors from other builders.

The main feature of Aura 51

We can discuss at length the innovativeness of this or that thing on board the Aura 51, but the following should be highlighted. The Aura 51 does not try to be something it is not – while builders try to cram everything they can into other catamarans, Fountaine Pajot remains true to its traditions.

Aura 51 is a medium-sized catamaran, in the development of which engineers have competently used every cubic centimeter of space. This is a family multifunctional catamaran in the good sense of the word with good running characteristics, which will suit almost any yachtsman.

What do we imagine when we hear the phrase "family catamaran"? The first association: large and spacious cabins that can accommodate all family members. The second association: reliability and safety. The third: measuredness and relaxation. We are happy to please future owners of the Aura 51: this catamaran meets all your expectations.

Even fans of solo sailing will be satisfied. The shipyard has developed a unique deck design and thought through the placement of all the equipment. Due to this, it becomes possible to control the catamaran with just one pair of hands. To sum up, the main feature of the Aura 51 is its absolute versatility for any task. 

Aura 51 Deck

The deck space is used wisely. Closer to the bow, on the crossbar, there is a table and a soft sofa, where you can sunbathe and relax after an intense sailing or swimming. Above, on the large flybridge, there is also a full-size sofa and two places for sunbathing. On the starboard side is the steering post. 

The helm station has a good view and direct access to three winches on the roof of the wheelhouse. All controls are brought almost directly to the wheel, which makes it easier to control the sails. In addition to a good view, the helm station can also offer a universal location - the skipper will be well heard and seen from both the flybridge and the saloon. 

A similar layout of the steering post was ignored by other shipyards for some reason, despite its convenience. If there is only one skipper on board, then with a slight movement of the hand you can switch the catamaran to autopilot, and take two steps to the winches yourself. So much for independent control of a 15-meter cat.

The navigation instruments on the steering post are by default from Garmin. The winches are automatic and electric, the manufacturer is Lewmar. 

Aura 51 body and interior

The Aura 51 hulls have the maximum possible waterline, the float bows are inverted. A transom swimming platform is installed at the stern. Skylights are located on the sides and on the decks of the hulls. They fit perfectly into the overall style of the catamaran and add natural light to the interior.

The hulls are of composite construction, formed using resin infusion technology and balsa cores. The deck is made using DivinyCell foam. The saloon matches the deck – plenty of space, comfortable sofas, countertops and a large galley. The saloon has direct access to the stern.

The shipyard also pleased with the number of layouts for all occasions. So, bend your fingers:

• Double Maestro version – 4 cabins and 4 bathrooms; 2 of which are master cabins and two more optional cabins.
• Full Maestro version – 4 cabins and 4 bathrooms; including 1 master cabin, 3 double cabins and optional 2 cabins for the crew.
• The Maestro version has 5 cabins and 5 bathrooms; of which 1 master cabin, 4 double cabins and optional 2 crew cabins.
• 6 cabin version – 6 cabins and 6 bathrooms.

As you can see, there are many layout options. The shipyard's attention to the crew cabins is pleasing. 

Technical characteristics and features of the Aura 51 catamaran

Another technical feature of the catamaran is the use of green energy. The shipyard confirms its serious intentions regarding the "greening" of its products by the availability of a fully electric version of the Aura 51. The electric version is called "Smart Electric" and offers many remarkable functions.

Thus, solar panels with a total capacity of 2000 W will be installed on the flybridge. This electricity will be enough to supply the equipment. A fully electric power plant running on LiFePo batteries can be installed on board the cat instead of a conventional engine. 

If you choose the Aura 51 with the Smart Electric System, the engines are replaced by electric saildrives. There is also a 32 kW diesel generator on board, just in case.

New video on the Interparus channel🎥

Deep modification of the yacht is good, but absolutely not necessary. In the new issue we will tell you how to make the yacht of your dreams with minimal investment using the example of Isla 40. Enjoy watching!

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13.08.2024