Test drive of the sailing cruise catamaran Fountaine Pajot Ipanema 58

Test drive of the sailing cruise catamaran Fountaine Pajot Ipanema 58

Ipanema 58 by Fountaine Pajot Is a truly gigantic and surprisingly nimble sailing catamaran. Fountaine Pajot is well known for using famous site names for its ever-expanding range of comfortable cruising catamarans, and the famous Brazilian beach Ipanema seems suitable for a graceful sailing yacht.

This model inherited the hulls and rigging from its successful predecessor. Sanya 57, which a few years ago amazed the imagination of the shipyard's customers. In addition to many innovations, for Ipanema 58 a completely new deck and interior space have been designed. One thing that hasn't changed is the fundamental building technique Fountaine pajot, and this is good. The shipyard has been steadily improving its process for decades and making changes when there is a good reason to do so. Fontaine-Pajot lately has been very actively working on innovations in the production and construction of yachts.

Test drive of the sailing cruise catamaran Fountaine Pajot Ipanema 58

Test drive of the sailing cruise catamaran Fountaine Pajot Ipanema 58

The hulls of the catamaran have a balsa base above the waterline and a durable fiberglass pad below. All major structures are vacuum infused using vinylester resin housings for osmosis resistance. Yet again, Fountaine pajot were the first to introduce these methods into productionand now they have become the standard among quality boat manufacturers. At the moment, the shipyard holds records in the production of the largest parts in the world using the infusion and injection method - customers receive high-quality and durable hulls.

The shipyard was also one of the first to establish distributed electrical systems, in which large power wires run directly from batteries to lamps and other utilities through a series of similar wireless switches controlled by a central computer. While some shipyards have had a variety of distribution problems with these systems, including corrosion on tiny contacts in remote switches, this has generally been quite difficult to implement. This system certainly makes it easier to diagnose circuits because there is much less tracing. The plumbing and electrical installations are top-notch as always, and the engine is very easy to access. The equipment is of excellent quality and the interior is light and attractive.

Test drive of the sailing cruise catamaran Fountaine Pajot Ipanema 58

Test drive of the sailing cruise catamaran Fountaine Pajot Ipanema 58

There is enough space on the deck where you can sit, sunbathe or put down your water toys. High-quality and comfortable non-slip surfaces and well-positioned handrails make it easier to move safely, and the trampoline on the foredeken reduces the weight in front.

The huge flybridge design provides separate comfort zones for both the helmsman and guests who prefer to follow the steering process. The steering wheel is shifted to the right, so it is more convenient to moor, and a small bimini protects the helmsman from the sun, while absolutely not limiting the 360-degree view.

Fountaine Pajot has its own unique style and can be seen in all the lines that lead to the central area at the mast, where electric winches handle the heavy work and a large line arsenal pulls all the sheets. The boom is slightly higher than usual, so to fold the mainsail you need to climb a couple of steps up to the mast. The mast carries a powerful mainsail with a square top corner, while the front triangle can be fitted with a small staysail for performance enhancement and a Genoese staysail. Also a catamaran Ipanema 58 equipped with two engines  Yanmar, each with a capacity of 75 hp, which can be replaced with more powerful ones.

On its maiden transatlantic voyage from France to Maryland, the professional team that ferried the catamaran logged 245 nautical miles per day at an average speed of 10 knots, and with a maximum speed of 16 knots under the staysail, during a squall of 40 knots. Which is very good for a cruise yacht.

The test in the Chesapeake Bay at 10 knots wind speed and a combination of mainsail and gennaker on a twist provided a large amount of payload. The wind was mostly disappointing, but nevertheless, at 6-7 knots true wind speed, Ipanema 58 reached a speed of almost 5 knots. Later the wind dropped to 5 knots, but the boat was still doing about 3 knots. This is very good for a large cruising yacht with working sails, five people on board and full! The load of the boat.

On a charter in the Caribbean, where the wind is rife and simplicity of armament is power, a catamaran can only be limited to genoa. It is worth noting that the mast is quite high, so consider the bridges on your route in advance.

The large display in the navigation post in the saloon is visible from the aft deck without difficulty, even in direct sunlight. Large windows on the main deck provide excellent visibility in all directions.

Test drive of the sailing cruise catamaran Fountaine Pajot Ipanema 58

Steering the catamaran from a raised ledge on the flybridge high above the water, gives the amazing feeling that you are walking through the air. But a pleasant comfortable sailing is only one of the goals of the boat, although for some owners, even this will not be the main feature. The size of the catamaran is impressive - this is a yacht on board of which you could hold three or even four parties in different spaces at the same time, and none of the guests of each party would meet :).

Ipanema 58 available in three different placement options. The living quarters are naturally equally luxurious. Including the charter version with six cabins, which won the nomination in 2016 Best Charter Yacht according to Cruising world.

The charter version provides simply unique privacy for all guests on board, as well as a separate space for the crew. The double staterooms are identical and spacious, designed with separate entrances, private showers, and ample space for charter items.

The seating areas are huge, scattered both vertically and horizontally, include sunbathing and dining areas, sun loungers, cushions, bar, refrigerator and barbecue. Children will appreciate the spacious trampolines and accompanying couches on the deck. In rainy weather, the spacious cockpit under the hardtop can accommodate a large number of guests, providing all the comforts.

The large dining area is located aft under the flybridge and can accommodate six people, and after dinner guests will enjoy lounging on top of the flybridge while enjoying the sunset, which also features a bar and sink.

Test drive of the sailing cruise catamaran Fountaine Pajot Ipanema 58

The saloon has an apartment-sized galley equipped with a refrigerator, dishwasher and washing machine, and a large lounge area with TV, as well as a navigation station and surfaces for electronics and maps.

Maestro version offers a large owner's stateroom and three or four separate guest cabins. In this version, the galley can be located on the main deck or below in the starboard hull.

Whether you are crossing the oceans, exploring the coastline or leisurely navigating tropical islands, catamaran Ipanema 58, with all its characteristics will absolutely satisfy any client.

Test drive of the sailing cruise catamaran Fountaine Pajot Ipanema 58

• Sailing catamaran Ipanema 58 by Fountaine Pajot

27.09.2017