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Sunreef completed its modern four-strong range of sailing catamarans with the summer launch of the first Sunreef 70, Ocean Vibes, which joined the 80 launched in 2018 and the 50 and 60 added last year. Measuring a touch over 70ft in overall length, the newcomer offers almost 3,100sqft of living space due to an enormous beam of 35ft 5in, contributing to large floor space on all three decks.

Ocean Vibes features five cabins, but the 70 is available in a variety of accommodation layouts. Standard features include a large aft cockpit that can connect with the hydraulic swim platform, a large flybridge and a bow terrace accessible from the saloon. The mainsail and genoa are 160sqm (1,722sqft) and 120sqm (1,292sqft) respectively, while twin 180hp or 225hp engines can take over in no or low wind, with fuel capacity options up to 4,000 litres.

 The Lagoon 65 joins the Seventy 7 as the French builder’s biggest sailing cats

The Lagoon 65 is another high-profile offering in the world of large and luxurious sailing catamarans. Successor to the popular 620, the 65 is the smaller sister of the Seventy 7 that debuted at Cannes in 2016 and the sailing counterpart of the 67 powercat that premiered at Cannes last year.

Notable features include the cockpit’s adjustable aft bench that can either face forward or toward the sea, while the cockpit also has a smokeless barbecue and a wet bar. The saloon connects to a sunken lounge in the foredeck, while the generous flybridge has room for sofas, sunpads and an eight-person dining table. Layout options include galley up or down, and up to six cabins in the hulls.

Fountaine Pajot’s Samana 59 is the brand’s second-biggest sailing cat

Fountaine Pajot has also launched its second-biggest sailing catamaran this year, showcasing the Samana 59, whose 320sqft flybridge is billed as the biggest in its class according to the French builder.

Samana effectively replaces the Ipanema 58, but the newcomer is more reflective of a new generation pioneered by the flagship Alegria 67, which debuted at Cannes two years ago. As well as an enormous flybridge, other highlights on the 59 include a 300sqft cockpit, a foredeck with modular sunbathing stations and the option of up to six guest cabins and two crew cabins.

Fountaine Pajot’s smallest sailing cat, the Isla 40 is just over 39ft in length

Fountaine Pajot has recently unveiled the Isla 40, whose release was pushed forward after initially being slated for a 2021 debut. Just over 39ft in length, it’s the brand’s new entry sailing model, sitting below the Astrea 42 and Elba 45, yet can offer up to four double cabins with ensuites or sharing two bathrooms, one in each hull, with an optional skipper’s cabin in the starboard forepeak.

Alternatively, the Maestro version features two doubles in the port hull and a full-length owner’s suite occupying the full starboard hull. The sheltered cockpit has facing sofas and a long dining table aft of an open portside galley that provides a seamless connection to the saloon. A chart table and controls are accessible from the entrance, while forward is an aft-facing C-shaped sofa.

Bali debuted its 4.8 at its own event on France’s south coast in July

Bali continues to expand and upgrade its sailing range. Having held the world premiere of the Catspace Sail at Boot Dusseldorf in January, the young French brand staged the premiere of its 4.8 in July at its first ‘Les Rendez-vous Bali’ at Canet-en-Roussillon on the south coast, welcoming clients, prospects and dealers for an ‘in person’ alternative to the online shows held post-Covid.

Bali was scheduled to stage the show debut of the 4.8 and the official world premiere of its even newer 4.6 at Genoa in October. Both models feature flybridges and Bali’s signature solid foredecks with expansive seating and sunbathing areas.

The Bali 4.6 is the brand’s third new sailing model debuting in 2020

The 4.6 offers up to five cabins plus crew berths in the forepeaks or a three-cabin version with full-length master to starboard. The 4.8’s options include a six-cabin, six-bathroom version, which the brand describes as a first on a 48-footer.