Lagoon, the world chief in cruising multihulls (with 7,000 constructed since 1984), didn’t use all its most inventive concepts throughout the euphoria that gripped when COVID-19 struck. Now that the market is more durable, the producer is pulling out all of the stops with two new crusing catamarans, the 43 and the 60, every to be introduced on the upcoming Cannes Yachting Competition (Sept 10-15, 2024).
It was the bigger of the 2 catamarans, now the flagship of the “commonplace” vary, that we acquired the prospect to find within the crystal-clear waters off the northern finish of Menorca, Spain.
Changing the previous first-in-class mannequin was by no means going to be a simple process. On this case, the shadow of the 620 was hanging over the 60. Lagoon bought 169 models of the bigger 620, earlier than the Premium model of the mannequin launched, and it was an amazing success.
Again in March in Bordeaux, the place all Lagoon yachts over 50ft are constructed, we have been capable of see for ourselves, on the first presentation of the Lagoon 60, how all the important thing factors of the 620 had been taken up and, in fact, optimised to fulfill immediately’s necessities. Now we acquired to see them in motion.
Model supervisor Thomas Gailly and product developer Bruno Belmont welcomed us to Fornells Bay, Menorca.
There we have been, in circumstances very near these of correct cruising: the Lagoon 60 was anchored right here, with the Lagoon employees staying on board. The big catamaran had simply accomplished an extended sea trial, and the crew had been requested to report again to the shipyard on all sensations, good and unhealthy. The intention, in fact, being to fine-tune this new catamaran earlier than the massive business launch in September.
As quickly as we step aboard, the evolution from the 620 is instantly perceptible – it’s surprisingly straightforward to climb the steps as much as the cockpit, or quite the seaside membership. Gailly and Belmont set out the positioning baseline “Openness, fluidity, consolation, generosity: the Lagoon 60 is a dream stage”.
Past the advertising and marketing language, the figures affirm the XXL atmosphere on board: a 36sqm cockpit with pivoting terrace, a flybridge equally as huge, a 20sqm proprietor’s suite, a cockpit accessible by way of a ahead door, and saloon area of over 20sqm. Such options are nearly exceptional on this dimension vary.
A Prolonged Growth
Numbers alone could be inadequate to explain the particularities of this new mannequin. Belmont advised us that it took two years of growth to reconcile passable efficiency underneath sail with the final word in yacht consolation.
It wasn’t straightforward to suit the immense area of the cockpit-terrace lounge on the identical degree because the ahead cockpit. As for the central bay window, it opens out to its full width, and the aft beam has been performed away with to permit an unobstructed view over the water.
The entire structure is designed to stiffen the platform, making it extra proof against torsional forces. The return to a forward-stepped rig presents an a variety of benefits: a extra forgiving and highly effective sail plan in mild uneven climate, a extra open saloon due to the elimination of the mast compression publish, and a flybridge that’s now completely unobstructed.
The decreed specs have been clear: the Lagoon 60 needed to stay a easy catamaran, straightforward to handle, and extra energy-efficient.
For the powertrain, Yanmar was requested to develop a particular 150hp motor with sail-drive transmission, an association that saves area and is extra dependable than a V-drive.
As for the chilled-water air-conditioning, it consumes 25 per cent much less power – it’s designed to run all night time on the lithium battery financial institution. With two 125A alternators on every engine, the generator solely must run for eight hours out of each 24 to fulfill substantial on-board ‘lodge’ necessities.
Ease of Use And Versatility
All of the technical facets have been designed to optimise on-board consolation, together with ergonomics and modularity. In these latter areas, the 60 boasts options instantly impressed by the premium Lagoon SIXTY/SEVENTY vary.
It’s straightforward to get round on board, due to a fastidiously thought-out circulation system. The 45-degree flybridge companionway, with large steps the place you’ll be able to cross each other, and the single-level ground are a lot appreciated.
The aft terrace, with its giant modular desk and fold-down wings – facilitating boarding when alongside the dock – is successful. As for the full-width bathing platform, it’s essential function. The saloon is equally convincing, particularly within the galley-down model. The area features a counter/bar, half exterior and half inside, the place all of the company on board can meet for a snack, that’s merely good. The desk and couch are very snug and luxuriate in an unobstructed sea view.
The sunbathing space ahead on the flybridge is extraordinarily nice. Underneath the onerous high, the immense area is modular to the proprietor’s style, with choices obtainable from {the catalogue}. The selection of 4 or 5 cabins is decided by whether or not to have the galley down or up. The proprietor is pampered with a set that has direct entry to the aft deck.
Cupboard space is each plentiful and spacious, and finishes, such because the oak Alpi, are of the best high quality. The choices information for customising finishes and selecting equipment runs to a minimum of 150 pages.
Energy and Stability
All this consolation, in fact, comes with a excessive displacement (34 tonnes versus 30t for the Lagoon 620 and 28.2t for the Fountaine Pajot Samana 59). With an upwind sail space of 233sqm, the sail area-to-weight ratio is 6.85sqm/t (7.67sqm/t for the Lagoon 620 and seven.23sqm/t for the Samana 59).
Would the Lagoon 60 be outfitted to deal with the sunshine air on the day of our check, although? “It’s not simply the ability to weight parameter that dictates the efficiency of a cruising catamaran,” warned Belmont. “The hull kind and the prismatic coefficient additionally play an essential position.”
All of it is determined by what you’re in search of: lengthy, exhilarating crusing at over 20 knots, or a snug common velocity in most circumstances? On the face of it, the Lagoon 60 ticks the second field.
With sails set, our multihull headed off on a slight swell. We saved an in depth eye on the GPS to maintain monitor of the acceleration, and the Lagoon 60 ultimately settled down at 8 knots, regardless of a real wind that wasn’t exceeding 10 knots.
The ability provided by the gennaker additionally helps stabilise this flattering velocity, because the hulls easily trip the waves. Even in these mild circumstances, we might see that this massive catamaran, as soon as it will get going, is an efficient performer. Underfoot, you too can really feel that the construction is completely inflexible.
When it’s time to drop sail, it’s a must to go as much as furl the primary within the lovely Lorima canoe growth; it’s only a disgrace {that a} furling growth isn’t (but) included within the catalogue of choices.
Final however not least, the stern-mounted engines are notably discreet, which is an plain asset in the case of sustaining a median velocity of eight knots within the absence of any breeze.
A contemporary cruising catamaran is a platform that’s turning into more and more complicated as consumers demand ever extra consolation. Lagoon’s designers are nicely conscious of this evolution and have succeeded in combining ease of use with nice consolation.
The Lagoon 60 advantages from the expertise gained with the Premium vary: and with just some extra toes, it’ll be a superyacht.
Picture courtesy of Lagoon and the writer
catamarans-lagoon.com
asiamarine.com
This story was first seen on Yachtstyle.Co.
For extra on the newest in yachting information, click on right here.