Fountaine Pajot dealership meeting in France

The award-winning French catamaran builder, Fountaine Pajot, recently held their global dealer meeting and used the event to introduce two exciting new model releases. Boating Word, their South African agent, attended the event.

During June 2016, Derrick and Suzanne set off for France, firstly to attend the global Fountaine Pajot (FP) dealership meeting, and thereafter, onwards to Sardinia, to spend a few days sailing a FP41 sailing catamaran.

At the dealership meeting in France, Fountaine Pajot released their new corporate colours and logo, and set out their plans for the future. According to Derrrick, with new ecocruising and smartcrusing technologies in the wing, power catamarans are fast catching up to the number of larger catamaran sailors globally, yet the trend is quite in the opposite directions in Southern Africa waters. Sailing editions remain ever-so-popular.

Two new models releases were introduced at the event. The new Fountaine Pajot 47 sailing yacht is what many circumnavigation sailors have been waiting for – especially for the balance between immense space and comfort aboard this vessel with good sailing performance parameters. Fountaine Pajot is expanding factory capacity as orders for the new 47 is expected to roll in, on top of its regular production. . A new motor yacht was also introduced.

The FP 47 sailing yacht is the result of a collaboration between yacht designer Pierangelo Andreani, whose career included stints at Jaguar and Ferrari, with architect Olivier Racoupeau of Berret-Racopeau. Designed to be the perfect yacht for circumnavigation, it has sleek performance lines and also more space and comfort on board.

Measuring a full 13.94 meters and with 13,8 t light displacement, there is plenty of performance locked up in a main sail area of 75m² and a Genoa area with a further 52m², at a ratio of 9.2 m² /ton. Should the wind let you down, this large vessel can comfortably power with a 2x40 hp or 2x55 hp engine backed by 2x470 liter fuel tanks. The water tanks hold 700 liters.

When it comes to adding more relaxing areas, clever is not the word. The extended swim platform connected to the transom acts as tender lift, a beach club, and as easy circulation and boarding walkway at the back of the yacht, apart from being the obvious place to be for fun in the water. The front sundeck covers a massive 5.5m², while the large cockpit table seats eight with comfort, and comes with extensions making it possible to host as many as twelve people. A large settee close to the integrated barbecue is an ideal spot to watch the lobsters cooking! All areas of the yacht is bathed in natural sunlight, as huge emphasis has been placed on the new shapes and placement of portholes, hatches, windows and skylights.

In the interior, the large salon has deep and very comfortable sofa seats. The galley has a standard oven four-burner stove, a 190l fridge and plenty of storage for the longer trips. Microwaves and freezers can be added based on owner preference. Given the emphasis on space and comfort, new owners can opt for the ultra-spacious 3 bedroom x 3 bathroom lay-out, or for the more conventional 5 bedroom x 5 bathroom suites, all with a/c and heating. Laundry can be done on-board.

According to Suzanne and Derrick, they were struck by the amazing professionalism of the French hosts and the whole team at Fountaine Pajot. “They were even dressed in shades of their new corporate colours, and rolled out a new website that is up there with the very best in terms of information we have ever seen in this industry. They know their market and their planning is as meticulous and precise as what they build their yachts.”

One of the more appealing aspects of ownership of this brand, mentioned by Derrick, is that new owners are invited to attend training sessions of their FP yacht in the Med. FP charges an absolute nominal fee, of about €350, and the new owner is taken through every step necessary to enjoy a long and happy sailing experience. Some of the topics covered include servicing of your new yacht, and successful mooring techniques.

The new Fountaine Pajot 47 sailing boat will be available early 2017 and the waiting list is growing. Speak to Derrick Levy at Boating World for more information.