VIDEO and PHOTOS The new Lagoon 55 is a luxury seaside villa!

When we get the opportunity to preview the new Lagoon 55, we don’t ask for it twice. We are more than curious, and the reason is simple. It was a model that picked up a heavy legacy, indeed very heavy: in fact, the more “mature” will recall that the Lagoon 55 was in fact the first Lagoon to be launched, back in 1987: with naval architects Marc Van Peteghem and Vincent Lauriot-Prévost (VPLP design) at its side, Lagoon launched into the “two-hull” market. Thirty-four years later, there are more than 6,000 catamarans from the French shipyard sailing all the seas of the world…

YESTERDAY AND TODAY: “MERCILESS” COMPARISON

It is impossible to compare the 1987 Lagoon 55 and the 2021 Lagoon 55 (although the designers have not changed: still VPLP. Contributed by Patrick le Quément for exterior design and Italy’s Nauta Design for interiors), would be wrong and merciless, as innovations changed the hulls and internal layout.

And above all, the spaces: for the same size (indeed, the old 55′ was 14 cm longer and 20 cm wider!) the livable space on deck on the new Lagoon 55 is immense precisely because of the different design of the boat, more “platform” than an old-style two-hull.

And then there is the flybridge, really XXL, with 2.30 meters of canopy height. The Lagoon 55 on which we boarded at the Open Days of Spartivento Yachts (Italian Lagoon dealer) at the Porto Turistico in Rome is a real villa on the sea, with megayacht rather than “normal” catamaran solutions.

THE DECK AND FLYBRIDGE

Let’s start with the blanket. As soon as we get on board we notice how, compared to smaller models such as the 52F and 52S (which the 55 replaces in the range), the ladders accessing the bridge were reduced in size and developed at an angle: this creates much more space in the swim platforms, which now become livable: on the model we visited there was a reclining seat on one side, and a nice ready-to-use barbecue on the other (side photo).

Once on deck, we quickly understand how maximizing space was the leitmotif of the design: we must always keep in mind that we are on a 16.56 x 9 meters, not a maxi. Huge the aft fold-down bridge, the aft living area counts to starboard on a sofa where 12 people are comfortable around a sectional dining table and a sunbed, to port is the sink, with built-in icemaker, a sunbed sofa and the ladder-very convenient, to be sure-access to the flybridge.

VIDEO – LAGOON 55, OUR TOUR BETWEEN DECK AND FLYBRIDGE

Which, as we said, is not limited to being the area dedicated to the wheelhouse: in addition to the helm station, which provides maximum visibility-and we would miss it, at that height! – and easy-to-manage mast-foot maneuvers, a sunbed that can accommodate at least four people (optional, side photo) is located on the forward canopy.

Then back to the sink with appliances, L-shaped sofa, dining table, and, aft, more loungers galore for uncompromising comfort.

We move to the bow where before the net a large C-shaped sofa completes the many areas dedicated to relaxation. It can be shaded with a classic awning to be mounted on poles, or there is a kind of “baby carriage” solution with metal tubulars and a kind of sprayhood that protects the seats: obviously not to be used while sailing.

On the bow is the classic jib with furler and on the center bowsprit is walled a furler with a Code Zero type sail.

THE GALLERY ON DECK

We forgot to mention the storage spaces: multiple and capacious, everywhere. The raft, which is immediately accessible, finds its place under the living area. The two engines (2 x 80 hp, optional 115 hp: the latter configuration appeals greatly to Italians, foreigners settle for less power, Spartivento people let us know) are also easily inspected from the two aft openings.

THE INTERIOR.

We venture inside, passing through the living area, which is separated from the square only by a sliding door. A square, but here we expected it, immense. On the port side is the chart table (a novelty, on the 52 it is central to the bow), on the bow is the C-shaped sofa and coffee table, and on the starboard side is the huge, fully equipped L-shaped galley (there is also a bar area). All, of course, is sea view thanks to the 360-degree windows that give the impression of being outside.

VIDEO – LAGOON 55, OUR TOUR OF THE INTERIOR

We go below deck to fully appreciate Nauta Design’s work: in the starboard hull, aft, is the king-size master cabin, with shower stall and separate bathroom. You can choose as many colors and essences as you like. The height in the cabin is more than two meters; there is no shortage of space. In the bow is a guest cabin with a shower stall and integrated bathroom.

THE GALLERY OF THE INTERIOR

The version we have been on is the four-cabin “owner’s” version, but there are 5- and 6-cabin layouts for those who like to sail with larger crews and for charter. The 4-cabin solution offers the possibility of, sorry to repeat ourselves, even larger spaces. In the port hull are two more double guests, each served by a bathroom, then there is even a refrigerator and technical area with a washing machine.

IN NAVIGATION.

Sailing (off the Port of Rome, 15 knots of air). there is very little to say, because those who are looking for this type of catamaran, performance and gliding matter very little: The boat performs exactly as one should expect from a 16-meter catamaran that displaces (empty) 27 tons, with a 107 sq. m. battened mainsail and a 74 sq. m. self-tacking jib. Stable and simple, while obviously less responsive than a monohull.

The price of this great “jewel”? If the base list is 1,085,000 euros (excluding VAT), bare hull without sails, it must be said that for a ready-to-sail model with all amenities (air conditioning, remotely controlled folding swim platform, electric toilets, watermaker, appliances, etc…) and the right equipment we are on the 1.8-2 million euros. If that seems too much, try looking up how much a three-story villa overlooking the sea costs…

E.R.

LAGOON 55 INTERIOR LAYOUTS

LAGOON 55, THE CARD

Overall length 16.56 m
Maximum beam 9.00 m
Dive 1.55 m
Maximum height 29.43 m
Empty displacement (EC) 27.036 T
Sail area upwind 186 m²
Battened mainsail 107 m²
Self-tacking jib on furling 74 m²
Standard motorization 2 x 80 hp
Optional motorization 2 x 115 hp
Fuel tank capacity 1100 L
Water tank capacity 960 L
Number of cabins 4/5/6
Number of bunks from 8 to 16
VPLP Design Project
Exterior design Patrick le Quément
NautaInterior Design
Italian dealer Spartivento Yachts

HELP US KEEP YOU UP TO DATE

The journalists of the Sailing Newspaper, strive every day to ensure quality, up-to-date and correct information about the boating world free of charge through their websites. If you appreciate our work, support us by subscribing to the magazine. The annual subscription costs only 49 euros and we also give you a gift!

DISCOVER THE SAILING NEWSPAPER YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Daily interviews, boat trials, webinars. The whole sail, minute by minute. But on video! CLICK HERE To sign up, it’s free!

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

To stay up-to-date on all the news from the world of sailing, selected by our editorial staff, sign up for the Sailing Newspaper newsletter! It’s super easy, just enter your email below, agree to the Privacy Policy and click the “Sign Me Up” button. You will then receive on your email, twice a week, the best sailing news! It’s a free service and you can unsubscribe at any time, with no obligation!