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Test text and photos: Philippe Echelle 25 years of tests to be downloaded on www.multihulls-world.com The Nautitech 542’s first sail

Successful lines! The 542’s silhouette hides an efficient hull, perfectly suited to fast cruising. (Photo Olivier Blanchet) Builders don’t generally unveil their new boats until after private tests, so when Nautitech invited us to take part in the inaugural sail of its flagship, we Steering positions offset aft; the 542 really is a Nautitech... immediately seized the opportunity to join THE LOMBARD EDITIONS the reception crew for two days. Marc Lombard is a naval architect whose reputation rivals that of Marc Van Peteghem, Vincent Lauriot-Prevost or Nigel Irens. It must be said Here then is the preview test of the 542! that since the creation of the trimaran KER CADELAC and the F40 FESTIVAL DE LORIENT, the comrades have been playing in the same field and have deeply marked the development of modern multihulls. Marc cut his teeth on such improbable prototypes as TAHITI DOUCHE

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Nautitech’s 54’ gives off a real impression of power, which results in good averages. before becoming a highly estee- med specialist in the appen- dages of some very fast plat- forms. From the LEJABY RASUREL to the ocean- going F40 foiler FILDOU, via the Orma 60-footers BANQUE POPULAIRE and SOPRA, his mastery and talent have expres- sed themselves on innovative, reliable and fast racing boats. The office is not averse to com- mitting itself to projects for mas- todons, such as FRIDAY STAR (the sister-ship of VENDREDI 13) or Fedor Konioukhov’s 170’ record monohull! On the other hand, the Seacart 30’, built by Marström only weighs 700kg, but this pre-preg carbon bundle of nerves offers such potential that it could have been an alter- native to the Extreme 40’ on a top level international circuit. In with classic silhouettes and tas- ter phase is now carried out gic installation. The power take- the cruising multihull segment, teful accommodation. The pur- using infusion. The quality I was offs assembled by bolting onto the Privilèges carry his signa- chase of CIM (a leader in day- able to observe on the second substantial copper bars convey ture. charter , from 60’ to 54’, before it was decked, clearly the seriousness of this process. 110’) allowed it to transfer to the demonstrates the mastery of Result: there is a storage capa- Nautitech: from La Rochelle to superb factory in Rochefort, stop the present team and the mana- city of just 900 A/h and the mea- Rochefort, the development of a sub-contracting and bring the ger, Michel Atry; as much in the surements carried out during ‘Made in Charente’ builder." trades back in-house. Woodwork preparation of the cloths as in these two days indicated that Since it was taken over by Bruno and construction are the first the implementation. The sensi- 750 or 800 would be sufficient! Voisard in 2002, Nautitech has beneficiaries of this superb, tive areas, loaded with unidirec- Our test version had numerous based its development on the 6,000m² tool. tional cloths, where the resin consumers, and a generator dedicated to the air-conditioning. Doubling the area of the solar « During these two days, I helmed a lot, a sign of panels and adding a hydro-gene- rator would ensure (at lower obvious pleasure, and appreciated the regular speed cost and weight!) real and com- plete independence on a more on all points of , which at sea will result in high sober model. daily averages. » AN ELEGANT AND EFFICIENT SILHOUETTE restyling of the three jewels of When it comes under the the range: the 40’, the 44’ and A DECISIVE, LONG-MATURING has trouble migrating, were per- camera lens, the 54’ gives off an the 47’. Relying on a strategy of PROJECT fectly impregnated and the com- impression of power. The design is balanced, the coachroof is prudent conquest, the builder is The preliminary studies date posite of the hull panels presen- well-proportioned and the gene- celebrating its 60th multihull from more than 3 years ago, but ted a neat appearance, with an rously-glazed forward façade, since 2005, and exports a large the performance of the new fac- ideal cloth/resin ratio. Marc with its vague resemblance to part of its production. Boosted tory was essential to the launch Lombard and the company’s tra- Vador, caps a wide uncluttered by the restyling, the platforms of the 54’. Pulled along by this desmen have been meticulous tunnel. Standing firmly on long remain up to date, and the clien- industrial locomotive, the polyes- with the weight specifications. tele appreciates these multihulls In the research and development taut hulls with a small ‘step’ department, Nicolas Le Dorze’s above the waterline and a strake merchant navy experience gui- under the sheerline, the whole ded him in the design of the pre- asserts firm lines. The absence fitting of the technical elements of protruding hull sides combi- (pumps, distributions, plumbing) ned with the generous height of on independent aluminium the freeboard, optimises the racks; weight centering and evacuation of the water in the rationalisation of the installation tunnel and its capacity to clear are visibly optimised. The only the waves; it will be possible to snag: future extraction of the maintain a sustained point of sai- tanks will be problematic. The ling in the open sea. Close care taken with the realisation of observation of the underwater the electrical fittings is reassu- lines unveils the design work. ring. The clarity of the battery The sections are harmonious compartment, the meticulous and flow well, to the eye; the handling of the connections, and increase in volume is progres- the sizes of the cables reveal the sive and never marked, espe- conscientiousness of the profes- cially in the middle of the hull, sionals with regard to this strate- which is always prejudicial to the

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TEST

values of the specification. We area is pleasant and practical. find once again the stamp of the The galley’s central ‘island’ will latest 44 Exclusive, but the be lengthened on the next volumes available and the deco- examples and the hob placed rative choices show more exten- opposite the sliding door - a suc- sive possibilities and structure a cessful arrangement. functional and cosy marine atmosphere. The compartmen- A RATIONAL DECK PLAN talisation is imaginative; the The organisation of the control ergonomics and comfort of each lines is remarkable readable, the cabin are those of a huge convi- classic design (reefs at the vial unit (deck and bridgedeck) foot) favours this immediate which puts the accent on the pri- understanding. The mainsheet traveller is an integral part of the

A superb steering position, where visibility, pleasant steering and safety are brought together.

handling. The forward sections forcements. The rigid bimini is remain slim and the underwater always risky from an aesthetic lines are quite delicate; the flat- point of view; that of the 54’ tened aft sections, intended to passes the test, thanks to the help planing, join harmoniously deep rear cut-outs, which make with the rest of the hull. This the structure quite fluid and airy, result may seem familiar, but it whilst improving the look. is not: the success of a shape retaining good hydrodynamic CONTEMPORARY performance and having the ver- ACCOMMODATION satility necessary to cope with The 16.3m hulls and the trick of variations in load remains a the ‘step’ in the hull allow all the tricky exercise. The upper and visual space and ergonomics Inside, we find the stamp of the latest 44 Exclusive, but the volumes available and the choice of decoration give more extensive « Let’s say it straight away; the possibilities... steering positions were amongst vacy of the living units (in the bimini (stiffened by a steel the most pleasant ever met... » hulls). The various versions can beam), and control of the sheet meet the needs of demanding is carried out on the aft cross- programmes, from charter to beam. Our test 542 was equip- ped with a powerful multifunc- expected by the clientele for this family ocean cruising. The com- lower ribs act as stiffeners and tional electric winch next to the type of luxury catamaran to be munication between the exte- stabilise the long panels of the starboard console; the port aft housed, whilst preserving the rior saloon and the coachroof hull sides, avoiding internal rein- winch (traveller, mainsheet) would also benefit from being power-assisted. Lateral access to the coachroof has been provi- ded, but a handrail is lacking; the wide side decks integrate the hatches in recesses, improving safety and user comfort. The for- ward area (trampolines, ancho- ring beam, sunbathing areas in the bridgedeck extension) is a success. The classically constructed Maréchal alumi- nium tube has the usual splen- did lacquered finish of this well- known series (welded fitting plates). A BIG, AGILE CATAMARAN On leaving Rochefort with the architect and the validation crew, we were pleasantly surpri- sed by the engine torque

From the saloon to the cockpit, via the cabins, the accommodation structures a functional and cosy marine atmosphere. 80-83 NAUTITECH 542_MM149-US-OK_Decouverte 15/09/11 16:16 Page79

the panoramic visibility and the 54’s dynamic qualities. With a clever positioning of the master superb asymmetric on a furler, electric winch. Unrolling the self- we sailed long legs at 12.6 knots tacking jib was a mere formality; on a reach, with 15.5 knots of a glance through the large frontal true wind. The overall attitude panels allows the position of the and directional stability are a traveller and the leech tension to sign of healthy and pleasant be adjusted. As we left the behaviour in rough seas. Charente, the platform’s ease Returning to harbour is not to be immediately became noticeable. feared; the machine, equipped It felt like a fast, agile limousine, with precise and intuitive electric and the speed on the GPS varied gearbox controls, manoeuvres between 8.5 and 9.5knots, at efficiently and pivots with an agi- 50° to an apparent wind of 12 lity its size would not suggest; knots. If necessary, the 542 will there is no need to use the rev point at 35 to 40°; the speed counter, as it has the necessary The aft cabin of the 4-cabin version tested gives a good idea of drops to 7 knots, but the keels reserve of power! the boat’s style – both modern and consensual. The choice of do not stall. Let’s say it straight materials, and the work on the lighting and the volumes allow the CONCLUSION 54’ to offer a welcoming and marine atmosphere which preserves away, the steering positions the privacy of each living unit. were amongst the most plea- The Nautitech 54' is elegant, sant ever met! The directional very pleasant to live aboard and effect of the rudders, the cohe- sail; it displays high performance rence of the linkages (cables and in its category (despite a ple- rigid rods) and the feel of the thora of optional equipment on wheel rim (leather on a Goiot this example) and offers direct carbon wheel) combined, for the pleasure to the helmsman. This helmsman’s satisfaction. I would catamaran will probably prove to not use fewer superlatives for be an excellent ocean cruising the ergonomics: the control of boat for rich families; the others the vessel, the visibility, as well will have to save up and break as the feeling of safety and pro- open their piggy bank to charter tection at the two steering posi- it in the far-off tropical destina- tions deserves a special men- tions that will be its playground. tion. During these two days, I helmed a lot, a sign of obvious pleasure, and appreciated the TECHNICAL regular speed on all points of sai- SPECIFICATION ling, which at sea will result in s Architect: Marc Lombard high daily averages. We enjoyed Interior designer: Franck Darnet A very pretty double/single aft cabin steady breezes of from 10 to 15 Builder: Nautitech (a special request by the owner). knots and noted that the Length: 16.30m Nautitech sails well in light wea- Beam: 8.55m ther and accelerates in moderate Air draft: 23.72m conditions. The cut of the Mast height: 21.80m Incidences sails accompanied Bridgedeck height: 0.95m this result ( in Dacron, Unladen weight: 15.5t Laden displacement: 22t however!) and participated in the Material: foam/glass/polyester sand- wich; infusion process Windward sail area: 144m² THE PLUSSES Mainsail: 98m² (roach) Self-tacking jib: 46m² • An obvious success Gennaker: 115m² • Collective comfort and privacy in the Spinnaker: 180m² remarkable cabins Water: 2 x 400 L Fuel: 2 x 400 L • Performance and pleasure at the helm Engines: 2 x 75hp turbo Yanmars / sail- THE MINUSES drive / folding three-bladed propellers Structural homologation: Veritas • A few elements of the fittings to be Price: 754,800 euros exc. VAT for the upgraded (mainsheet jammer, return 4-cabin version / 794,600 euros exc. VAT for the owner’s version The central forward cabins with their athwartships island beds also blocks, sheathing) seem attractive! Exclusive finishing: 56,900 euros exc. • Frontal access to the top of the VAT coachroof Blue water cruising pack: and power. At an economical • Reefing pendants on manual winches 117,970 euros exc. VAT 1900 rpm, the speed was over 8 knots, at 2400, we reached 10 knots and almost 11 at 3000. The THE COMPETITORS increases in rpm are clear and linear, sign of a good balance of MODÈL SWISS 55 DIAMANTE 555 SANYA 57 the engine/folding three bladed Builder: Swiss Catatamaran Diamante F. Pajot propeller/hull package. The first metres of the main halyard were Windward sail area in m²: 165 155 175 easily hoisted by hand; just one Weight in t: 14 12 19 person can take care of the hois- Price exc. VAT in K euros: 1 100 950 ? ting (whilst steering) thanks to

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