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The success of catamarans in our seas - 1
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26 March 2018

The success of catamarans in our seas

In recent years, the propensity to buy a multi-hull has increased a market until recently considered a niche. This evolutionary trend on the part of shipowners to consider yachts with such original shapes has certainly been facilitated by policies aimed at eliminating prejudices that are now part of the past. The work carried out in this direction over years by the company Euro Sail Yacht has undoubtedly contributed to the growth of catamarans, both sailing and motorboats, in our seas.

The company based in Lignano Sabbiadoro (UD) has been rewarded by the Fountaine Pajot shipyard as the best European dealer of the past season for the sale of the French manufacturer's motor catamarans and, through a forward-looking approach, has created the conditions to facilitate shipowners of this type of yacht. A network of marinas has been created and consolidated, with which Euro Sail Yacht cooperates in order to stipulate preferential agreements for mooring catamarans whose beam has a structural bulk greater than a single-hull hull.

The peculiar characteristics that unite this type of boat, exploiting the two side semi-hulls, are found in comfort and stability both in navigation and at anchor with low rolling phenomena compared to single-hulled hulls.

Precisely because of the particular shape of the living structure, the open areas have, as a consequence, comfortable sunbathing areas and decking surfaces with higher than average surfaces while the internal partitions have important and exploitable volumes. The design philosophy that until a few years ago could appear to be brave has received unexpected performance and living results.

Euro Sail Yacht has been shaped over the years to meet the needs of many fans who do not have the time necessary to justify the possession of a boat by opening the base in the low Tyrrhenian dedicated to high-level charter. It is also offered the possibility to customers to rent the boat for a long time and eventually, with experience, to proceed with the purchase by scaling the cost of the rental.

The company is also able to reduce waiting times for the delivery of the vessel to the shipowner relying on yachts previously purchased directly from the shipyard.

Euro Sail Yacht, is the reference point in Italy for the catamarans of the French shipyard Fountaine Pajot. The company has the dealership for the Adriatic basin for sailing and motor catamarans while covering the areas of Liguria and Tuscany for what concerns only sailing catamarans.

Fountaine Pajot is the first manufacturer in the world of cruising catamarans. The French shipyard, since its foundation in 1976, has progressively developed aiming at obtaining high quality standards to conquer market shares in the nautical sector of excellence.

Over the years the Fountaine Pajot catamarans have gained international fame thanks to their innovative design, the maneuverability of the boats combined with remarkable qualities of sea keeping and comfort.

The site is spread over two important sites on the French territory, one of 8,000 m² in La Rochelle and the other of 26,000 m² in Aigrefeuille.

In 2016, Fountaine Pajot exceeded the considerable milestone of 2700 catamarans made in 40 years of activity. A result so far incomparable when compared to the numbers of any other multi-hull yard at international level. The building site continues in its constant updating policy, exploiting the new potential offered by technology, for example on materials and techniques for making the sails.

All Fountaine Pajot sailing catamarans and motoryachts have a certificate of conformity in line with the current European directive 94/25 EC.

The shipyard is the first French boat manufacturer to have obtained the "ISO 9002 Quality" certification for the entire production cycle and has recently also obtained the ISO 9001 v2000 quality mark confirming the company's policy projected towards quality research, necessary condition to win the trust of customers.

The Fountaine Pajot team is constantly expanding and today the company can count on a workforce of more than 650 people divided into two production sites. As evidence of the very prolific design strength, since 1983, the shipyard designers have created 20 different models, increasing the already wide range of boats produced.

The Fountaine Pajot catamarans stand out for the two different production lines, namely motoryachts and sailing catamarans. They are particularly suitable for long and demanding navigations even in poor weather conditions. Their hulls, designed by a team of expert designers, including the presence of real seafarers, can count on well balanced volumes, ideal for long stays on the cruise.

The line of sail and motor catamarans includes checks at every stage of production. Glass fiber fabrics are checked before use and each lamination step is followed by an inspection. The company has developed and perfected sandwich construction technology and all catamarans in the range are characterized by a core of vacuum laminated PVC foam and outer skin made of a laminate of glass fiber fabrics treated with isophthalic polyester resins. The vacuum pressure during the gluing operations is continuously measured and the quality of the workpiece is checked systematically.

The hardness of the composite is weighted on each element at the exit of the mold and the samples taken from each vessel are tested in order to verify the resistance to hydrolysis of gelcoat and laminates. To guarantee the protection of the boats only isophthalic gelcoats applied in an extremely uniform manner are used by means of spray guns.

The resistance to wear and weathering of adhesives used for coatings and floors is also tested.

Fountaine Pajot's engineering team uses advanced design technologies with "stress testing" capabilities to identify any areas of structural weakness in the skeleton of each catamaran. 3D computer software simulate the tensions and stresses of the hull in extreme marine conditions. Through the use of these software engineers are able to verify the points of the hull more sensitive to stress so as to strengthen the bulkheads through the use of additional layers of glass fiber.

The choice and composition of the materials and fibers to be used during construction is therefore carried out according to the mechanical stresses. For areas subject to lower stresses, lighter fabrics are used than those used for structural parts of the hull, subjected to higher stresses.

The strength of the structures and the bulkheads are key elements to make these yachts unaffordable.

The unsinkability is also guaranteed by volumes of foam positioned in the front and back ends of the hulls. The watertight bulkheads inside each hull provide a total isolation that guarantees seaworthiness even after a leak caused by an accidental collision.

Once completed, the boat reaches the test basin where all its equipment is tested as well as the tightness of the entire structure. Every single unit is cataloged so as to memorize the details and the equipment installed on each piece that leaves the production line in specific archives.

The drawings of some specific components of the hull as well as samples of the composite are also stored. There is a total traceability of each unit leaving the building site: a rigorous but essential system for subsequent maintenance. The company's technical department and engine manufacturers carry out sea trials on all catamarans to ensure delivery in perfect condition.

Fountaine Pajot sailing catamarans are distinguished by their performance and are characterized by an excellent relationship between displacement and sail surface, always generous and equally distributed between mainsail and genoa.

The sail area is structured in such a way as to be able to prepare it for any meteorological condition, taking full advantage of the vessel's potential.

The movements on board are always easy and safe due to the absence of dangerous accessories on the bridge that could cause obstacles to maneuvers. The external layouts, especially in the operational areas, are designed to make life on board safe and easy for the crew and guests.

The tender fastening system is also safe and hauling is facilitated by the stainless steel davit. The aft stern area therefore remains completely clear thus eliminating the risk of damage to the drift.

The internal compartment consists of the living room on the upper deck and the sleeping area positioned in the two hulls.

On any model the salon offers a 360 ° panoramic visibility. It is an excellent sharing area, ideal for cooking, dining, relaxing with friends or taking part in planning a cruise. The famous "x-cap" system common to all Fountaine Pajot catamarans prevents the greenhouse effect and keeps the salon shaded. The play areas are very comfortable because of a large and practical cockpit table and comfortable sofas that hide large lockers.

In the chart table the tools to trace the navigation routes are easily accommodated.

The kitchen is not only functional but also very well equipped. Everything necessary is arranged on one level to facilitate the cooking phase in any sea condition. There are numerous storage spaces to satisfy cruise passengers in anticipation of long navigations. The galley area extends to the cockpit, doubling the available area for social activities during breaks.

On the Fountaine Pajot catamarans, the cabins are positioned in the ends of the hulls. This provides a perfect separation of private areas and their independence. The heights in the cabin as well as the width of the accesses are always generous while the insulation from the engine rooms and the ventilation of the rooms are taken into consideration. Access to the beds is very comfortable. Each cabin is ergonomically designed to have enough room for life on board even during long cruises.

For the models of the entire range, both sail and motor, Fountaine Pajot has designed a cabin version called "MASTER" to satisfy the owners who wish to live comfortably on board for long cruises or to offer their guests the internal volume of one completely dedicated hull.

 

Published by "777 IL PORTOLANO" on 26/03/2018

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