We are so excited about our new boat, the Outremer 52, hull number 4. We made the decision to switch to a performance catamaran because we learned that we appreciated the joy of sailing and wanted to get more sailing range, be able to sail upwind, and have a more comfortable ride offered by a lighter, faster platform. She came out of the factory in July 2023.
We are most excited about this new boat because it really puts the fun back into cruising. With our first boat, we over-pivoted on comfort which made the boat heavy and not great in light winds. We also realized more about our cruising style and that we use less things than we thought we would (like the generator, air-compressor, many AC units, etc.) and were dragging around too much weight. We reassessed our needs for circumnavigation and decided we wanted to sail more and motor less, and, sail in a broader range of conditions, light wind and upwind.
https://youtu.be/KD9SE9ocnXY?si=o5WIxnQKcAQIDiXd
The O’Kelly’s joined us when we first got the boat and this is their take on it! See the full review here.
https://youtu.be/GdBkiIN3_1o?si=O02R0Fdke8bbQbqa
The Outremer 52 is a truly remarkable catamaran that is quickly earning a reputation as one of the finest cruising vessels available today.
What sets the Outremer 52 apart and makes it such a great boat can be attributed to the unique combination of design, performance capabilities, and comfort (both in sailing and in living).
First, the Outremer 52's design is a testament to the thoughtful engineering and craftsmanship of this artisanal boatyard. Its sleek, minimalist lines and lightweight construction not only enhance its aesthetic appeal but also contribute to its impressive performance. The boat's design is rooted in the principles of safety, speed, and efficiency, making it a dream to sail even in challenging conditions (which we have already gotten a taste of). The balanced hull design, weight distribution, and high-performance layout allows sailors to glide through the water, providing an exhilarating sailing experience. It’s a joy!
In addition to its performance, this boat prioritizes the comfort of its passengers which take on many different meanings. The open-plan interior offers a connection of the salon and cockpit with a practical bar areas and the open space brings natural light, creating an inviting and airy atmosphere. The clever use of space means that every square inch is optimized for both practicality and storage for liveaboards - which was way more than we needed. We feel this boat offers a true sense of home on the water. Its attention to detail, high-quality materials, and customizable options for interior layout and finishes make it a perfect vessel for people that want elegance with true sailing performance.
Finally, the Outremer 52 is a testament to sailing comfort and seaworthiness. This catamaran is built to withstand the rigors of long-distance cruising and ocean crossings, instilling confidence in its crew venturing into the open sea. It slices through the water more like a monohull while other boats hobbyhorse upwind. The interior is nearly silent while above deck you experience the sounds of water rushing past, that comes with sailing at 10-15 knots of boat speed.
The ergonomics of the boat are truly epic, we found it very easy to manage short handed and everything is easily accessible. Outside, there are natural workstations for lines and winches and inside all the plumbing, electrical and systems are easy to get to when needed. With its combination of design, performance, comfort, and durability, the Outremer 52 truly stands out as a great boat for those who seek a superior sailing experience for extended adventures.