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BACK TO THE FUTURE

The IOR monohulls of the70s flew enlarged genoas.The half and one-tonnersand maxis thus paid their tri-bute to a rule which favouredthis configuration, but theyalso understood that thearea flown forward of themast is not perturbed by thespar. Cruising monohullsplunged into the gap, des-pite dubious manoeuvrabi-lity, resulting from the inap-propriate fittings of the time.The fashionable short(chord), deep keels, reinfor-ced the unsuitability of theseboats to the coastal cruisingand beaching which arenevertheless practiced by

the majority of users. Thecontemporary Snowgoosecatamarans (from Prout)were a big hit amongstBritish sailors who didn’tstop praising their truncatedmainsail (this is how itappeared in the 80s!), shal-low draft and moderatebeam, which allowed themto emigrate to the warmerlatitudes of the Mediter-ranean by taking the gastro-nomic Canal du Midi. Themessage sent by Phil Weldwinning the 1980 Ostar withthe 50’ Newick MOXIE,equipped with a rig he him-self described as ‘geriatric’was even less well unders-tood, as shortly afterwardsthe racing catamarans were

Lagoon 52'A bold development

The arrival of the Lagoon 400 in2009 pushed the 410 towards theexit. The 450 and 560 generation

inaugurated some very creative volumesand the appearance of the Nauta interiordesign did the same with the 500, trapped in a pincer movement by thesetwo champions of life aboard. TheLagoon 52 replaces its elder sister, with an innovative sail plan. Revolution,or development?

Text: Philippe Echelle - Photos: P. Echelle and Nicolas Claris

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flying mainsails with a huge area and acrobatic roaches, withHobie Cat jibs! Hard to get one’s bearings... The transfer ofracing solutions to cruising boats is not always relevant. Andthen development of the techniques and perfecting in competi-tions allowed construction of strong, reliable aluminium masts inlarge sizes, which were quickly adapted to cruising multihulls...‘Charente Maritime’ had just won La Rochelle – New Orleanswith a 150m² mainsail; the way therefore seemed to be markedout! 30 years later, the architect’s office which had won theAmerica’s Cup and the leading builder of cruising catamarans re-examined this set of problems and on the 39’ and 52’ modelsopted for a new balance of the sail plan...

LESS PROPULSION, MORE TRACTION!

The architecture of the company’s new sail plans was unveiledduring a lecture by Marc Van Peteghem at the Paris Boat Show,but we weren’t able to test them until the end of the GrandeMotte boat show, as part of a delivery trip to the Balearics. Let’squickly try to put into perspective the builder’s motivations,before going aboard. To return to the link with racing orienta-tions, everyone has noticed that from the last generation of 60-

footers onwards, masts moved aft (desirable development withthe appearance of curved foils and canting rigs) so as to favourthe boat ‘rearing up’ at high speed and avoid it ‘digging in’. Thistrend was confirmed with the ‘record-breaker’ trimarans (Idec,Sodebo, Groupama 3 and Banque Populaire V). The same logicapplies on a cruising catamaran, but the advantages of the newsail plans above all offer benefits through its new position. Fromthe point of view of the dynamic qualities, the movement aft ofthe rig’s mass is the target, to allow a reduction in pitching.Opening the forestay angle reduces compression and permits aslightly lower inertia tube to be used. The increase in the area ofthe foresails also contributes to the reduction of the mainsailarea and the weight of the boom. In addition, this arrangementallows the use of the new cuts and materials used by sailmakersfor light weather sails. We therefore end up with an elongatedmainsail which works better aloft whilst remaining easier to use(tacks and gybes) and reefing is delayed with no loss in the totalarea. The advantages are considerable, as they allow the under-water sections of the hulls to be slimmed down, and improvethe panoramic view from inside the coachroof, by doing awaywith the mast support strut’s casing from the forward bulkhead.

WHAT ARE THE CONSTRAINTS?

Fixing the mast support strut on the bulkhead was very practi-cal, despite the congestion of this area, which is already laden

with technology (cables, battery bank, chart table...). A suppor-ting structure therefore had to be created in the nacelle and theforces distributed laterally and above all longitudinally. Thesquare-section tubular mast support strut, moved a few metresaft, is now supported by a stiffened and strongly-ribbed ‘fishbone’, which occupies the central area underneath the floors.The concept transfers new responsibilities to the foresails; theirarea is increased, their role in the overall efficiency becomesessential. The qualities of the cut and the fittings (bowsprit,spreaders, furlers, turning blocks…) also become more exac-ting.

WELCOME ABOARD

During our week-long test (delivery trip from La Grande Motte toPalma, in Majorca) with the two boats (39’ and 52’), the firstoccupants’ resistance when it came to leaving ‘their’ 52’ awokemy curiosity and showed the beginnings of an attachment, inshort, they accepted grudgingly! We were considering a formalnotice to quit, when they finally decided to disembark. It must be

1 : The 52' is aimed at those who want to sail far in amazing comfort; the successor to the 50’ meets thesame programme, but in a different manner!

2 : The 52’s big surprise is how nice it is under sail in light weather.

3 : The aft positioned mast allows weight to be centred, and the sail plan to be redefined. The mainsailbecomes easier to handle, and the foresails offer new possibilities.

4 : At anchor, the new 52’ unveils its advantages: an exceptional platform for leisure afloat.

THE DECK PLAN DESERVES A SPECIALMENTION FOR THE QUALITY OF

ITS ERGONOMICS AND THATOF THE FITTINGS…

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THE 52’ OFFERS A MULTITUDE OF FEATURES CALCULATED TO APPEAL TO EVENTHE MOST CONSERVATIVE SKIPPER!

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said that the 52’ offers a multitude of fea-tures calculated to appeal to even themost conservative skipper; as for the firstmate, she has already embarked! The560 is a big boat; the 52’ offers identicalservices on a different, immediatelyaccessible scale. The charm worked fromthe moment we stepped aboard. Thefixed folding boarding ladder, equippedwith strong tubular handrails, sets thetone; the 52’ comes to meet you! Theheight of the sugar scoops’ steps, theirdepth and their width take into accountthe sometimes hesitant steps of anapprentice sailor, and assists disembarka-tion from a dinghy full of guests, in safety.The exterior lounge seems to display a

huge ‘Welcome Aboard’. Relieved of alltechnical functions, this multifunctional‘gazebo’ is both reassuring and convivial.The wide aft settee is supported by theelegant CNB davits; it is completed by alarge sunbathing area/day bed, an exteriordining area for 8 people and a small out-door kitchenette, practical for putting foodon the plates, preparing cocktails or gut-ting the fish you have just caught. Eachcabin’s privacy and comfort guarantee thesuccess of the conviviality during the stayaboard. The port aft cabin has its owncompanionway, accessible via a verylarge hatch with stainless steel gas struts(a remarkable creation); this independentresidence is full of charm. The panoramic

lounge contains a settee and a removabletable for 6 – 8 people; this is the perfectarea for enjoying the superb video, soundand multimedia system, with its bigscreen stowed in its own unit. The charttable desk has a place of honour on theforward bulkhead; we just regretted theabsence of a real navigator’s seat withreclining functions. The galley, with itsindependent stainless steel oven and 5-burner stove is perfectly functional; thebig sinks, the top quality taps, the widestainless steel work surfaces, the centralstowage ‘island’ which can also be usedfor serving, all help the cook work effi-ciently. The whole area remains easy toclean and discreet. The port forward cabin

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has its own private entry; thestarboard companionwaygives access to a charmingowner’s studio and a superbforward cabin. Whatever theresults of the draw, everyonewill be delighted with theaccommodation allocated,which is amazing in this sizeof boat! Life is comfortableaboard the 52’; the qualityhas come on in leaps andbounds in the last few years.The digital precision of theassemblies, the perfection ofthe Alpi decoration in recons-tituted wood help to showthe quality of the construc-tion and correspond to theuse; they also encouragerational maintenance andgood ageing.

ACCESSIBLE AND UNDERSTANDABLE

TECHNICAL AREAS

The engine lockers house the

very modern 75hp, 4-cylinder, 16-valve Yanmar turbo diesels. The flooris clear; the cables, pipes, distributionmanifolds, pump supports, ventilationducts have all been carefully fitted(here again, there has been progress)and all the functions are labelled withengraved plates. The forward cross-beam compartment brings togetherthe converter-chargers, the batterybank in lidded lockers, the high powercables, arriving on generously-sizedcopper bars, fitted with welded bol-ted terminals, and the Cummins-Onan generator. Access to the 12 and220 volt circuit breakers, groupedtogether in watertight cupboards, isreadable and instinctive. There isenough space for maintenance ope-rations. Given the importance of thisvery sensitive, exposed area’s water-tightness, a safety warning light forthe single hatch and a water entryalarm would be relevant. And whilewe’re at it, the hatch fixing boltsshould have blind nuts on them, asthey can cause injury...

5 : The superb exterior saloon. Relieved of all technical functions, this area is bothreassuring and convivial…

6 : The flybridge is the strategic place aboard, both for manœuvres and for comfort, at sea and at anchor.

7 : In light weather, the 52’ moves efficiently…and will be capable of good averages in moderate conditions.

8 : Care has been taken with the technical compartments; the technician will find the space necessary for maintenance.

9 : Another living area where everyone will find their own space, with this deck saloon which is very pleasant at anchor and under way infine weather.

10 : Life aboard the 52’ is really appealing! For our test, we literally had to evict the 52’s first crew, to take its place…

11 : The galley is very pleasant to use and its central island is very practical. There is everything you need to prepare excellent meals forthe crew!

12 : In the gangway, we find a nice office area, to write, update the blog…or work, during the cruise.

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GOOD PERFORMANCE IN LIGHT WEATHER AND A VERY POPULAR

FLYBRIDGE

Engine operation remains really discreet inthe cockpit, and inaudible on the flybridge!Access to the boom, which may appear

acrobatic from the pontoon, is wellthought-out; the solutions offered by thestainless steel ladder and the walking areasintegrated into the canvas of the bimini aregood. The huge sunbathing area, equippedwith textile backrests, is wonderful anddoesn’t interfere with manoeuvres at all;the deck plan deserves a special mentionfor the quality of its ergonomics and that ofthe fittings. This deck plan is sometimescomplex (as is the genoa sheet path), andhas been the subject of amazing precisionin its set up (to the nearest degree for theturning blocks!). Its use is simple, the func-tions are readable, and the power of theelectric Harkens facilitates manœuvres inan impressive way. The shape of theIncidences mainsail was superb, but it wasabove all the cut of the gennaker whichimpressed me: the stability of the leechand foot, and its volume, were absolutelysublime for a cruising sail; it is perfectly sui-ted to this new kind of rig on a displace-ment boat. A pure code 0 would be aheresy; we expect power low down thescale (from 5 knots of wind), therefore a lotof volume, for a sail which flies well down-wind. This big foresail’s profile remainssuperb when it is sheeted in to the maxi-mum, which says a lot about the quality ofits design and its stability ; it is thereforepossible to sail to windward (50° from theapparent wind) – remarkable! The 54 takes

off in a light breeze and even proves to besurprisingly fast in very light weather (5 – 7knots of true wind). It accelerates in mode-rate breezes, making cruising under sailefficient, pleasant and interesting. Over the60 miles we covered aboard, this feelingdominated on all points of sailing; the deli-

very crew had suffered almost constantbad weather in March around Spain, andconfirmed that they had absolute confi-dence in the boat. This ‘Pullman’ is capableof good daily performances from 5 knots ofwind; the log quickly displayed 6 to 8 knotsin light to moderate breezes and 9 to 12 instrong winds. Surfing on the swell sent theneedle into other areas, but it’s the averagespeed which counts. The balance at thehelm was remarkable; the wheel on its til-ting column is really relevant and offersnice observation angles without thecongestion of a double installation.

CONCLUSION

A very good cruising and holiday catamaranfor sailors who have the means and thewish to leave as a big crew, without givingup the usual comfort. Once settled aboard,it is hard to leave this boat, whose qualityof services is superior to most homesashore! The additional nice surprise wasdiscovering a lively and reactive platform:the recent redefinition of the sail planseems to be a success. To enjoy it to thefull, a broad-shouldered asymmetric wouldcomplete the self-tacking jib as well as agennaker absolutely identical to our testmodel. I would add a carbon spinnaker polefixed to the coachroof, which would securethe jib, for sybaritic sailing downwind.

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� Amazing comfort� Balance between conviviality and privacy� Good performance under sail

� Davit fixings to be reinforced� The bows ‘push’ the water a bit� No navigation seat at the chart table

Model: PRIVILÈGE SÉRIE 5 CATANA 53 DISCOVERY 50 NAUTITECH 542Builder: Privilège Marine Catana Discovery Yachts NautitechWindward sail area in m²: 141 174 138 144Weight in t: 16 14 14.5 14.9Price exc. VAT in €: 840,000 1,112,000 954,000 795,000

T H E C O M P E T I TO R S

THE 52 ACCELERATED IN THE SLIGHTEST BREEZE, ANDPROVED TO BE AMAZINGLY FAST IN VERY LIGHT WEATHER…

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1513 : Well situated forward, the chart table only lacks a real navigator’s seat with reclining functions for night watches…

14 : The bathrooms, just like all the accommodation, are extremely practical and ergonomic.

15 : We are nevertheless ‘only’ on a 52-footer! But the cabins are worthy of bigger boats.

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A consequence of moving the sail planaft; slimmer hulls and bows, allowing

a reduction in pitching

The separate entry to the‘magic house’, the superbaft cabin

Access to the top of thebimini via a ladder, to give

good access to the boom

The steering wheel on amovable column is anergonomic advantage

A generous and efficient flybridge,allowing very good contact with thesail plan A choice of foresails

in large sizes (here,the asymmetric spin-naker), which givegood performance inlight weather

A panoramic coachroof with nomast support strut structure, bet-ter ventilation and forward view

Delicate aft sections whichconvey good hydrodynamicqualities

A sail plan moved aft, ashorter boom for easymanœuvres (100m² ofmainsail, nevertheless)

Elegant davits, made byCNB, into which a wide,forward-facing setteeis integrated

Generously-sized 75hpengines which are very discreet (cruising speed: 8 knots)

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Architect: Marc Van Peteghem andVincent Lauriot PrévostBuilder: LagoonLength: 15.84m (waterline 15.60m)Beam: 8.60mDraft: 1.50mAir draft: 27.22mTunnel height: 0,85mUnladen weight, equipped to ECstandards: 26tMainsail area: 101m² (107m² withthe square-headed option)Self-tacking jib: 59m²Spinnaker: 255m²Gennaker: 150m²Engines: 2 x 54hp or 2 x75hpTransmissions: SaildriveDiesel: 2 x 496lWater: 4 x 240lMaterial: Polyester composite usingthe infusion process(Balsa/glass/polyester sandwich withanti-osmosis resins, for the hull sidesand the deck. Monolithic polyesterfor the bottom of the hulls, withanti-osmosis resin). Price: Owner’s version with fullluxury pack (ocean cruising equip-ment): 939,401euros exc. VAT.

The builder isoffering fouraccommodationversions, withfrom 3 to 6double cabins.

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