Nautitech 48 Open, the comfort catamaran (14 m) to sail around the world

The French shipyard has just unveiled the new Nautitech 48 Open, a high-tech catamaran with excellent performance and great comfort designed by Marc Lombard for globetrotting families.

In recent years, the Nautitech shipyard has positioned itself in a very particular market segment that is popular with boaters. That of classic cruisers and high-performance catamarans, boats designed for those owners who wish to live aboard and sail long distances in comfort. On the wave of this success, the shipyard is proposing for this 2023 the new Nautitech 48 Open, which is set to become the flagship of the Open range.

It is a modern cruising catamaran, designed by Marc Lombard and his team (MLYDG) with the aim of ensuring maximum performance, comfort and refined style for family crews undertaking long-range cruises. And judging from the datasheet and renderings, it is an excellent synthesis of creativity and technology.

Nautitech 48 Open – Construction

In terms of hull lines, the Nautitech 48 Open is sleeker than that of many other cruising catamarans, an element that makes it responsive and very pleasant to drive. In fact, in addition to the inverted bow, the slimmer hulls that limit the wetted surface area and, together with high deck clearance, give the boat incomparable comfort at sea. The hydrodynamic shape of the hull toward the stern is transformed into a stepped configuration that widens the hull and provides space above the waterline. Finally, the infusion construction process ensures the watertightness and solidity of the structure.

Nautitech 48 Open – Deck

On the deck, the Nautitech 48 Open has a sleek, modern look and faithfully follows the Open concept, with two aft rudders opening up living space in the aft cockpit and salon, all arranged on one level. The helmsman is connected to the cockpit and crew for safer navigation. The deck hatches are flush and there are plenty of handrails to hold on to for safe movement when maneuvering. Everything looks neat and tidy, with a low, accessible boom and two steps to reach the bimini top from the foredeck.

Nautitech 48 Open – Sail Plan

As for the sail plan, the Nautitech 48 Open has a large 85-square-meter mainsail with track on the aft beam and a 42.5-square-meter self-tacking solent as standard. Options include a gennaker and a Code 0. Of course, other light wind sails can be flown on the bow of the boat, such as Parasailors, a popular option for sailors who sail these multihulls. There is also the option of configuring the boat with an overlapping genoa instead of the self-tacking solent, which offers less tacking comfort but a more punchy sail area/displacement ratio.

Nautitech 48 Open – interior

From the large bar area located in the heart of the salon and the center of gravity of the boat. To the left is then a large lounge area behind a large chart table. While to starboard a “J”-shaped galley stands out. Five different layouts are available for outfitting in standard light walnut or optional oak, including a Utility or SmartRoom option in the starboard forward hull. The finishes have gone a step further than previous models, with bright rooms, panoramic views, and quality materials. Also of interest is the possibility of installing retractable bunk beds in the starboard hull at the bow.

Finally, in terms of power, the Nautitech 48 Open is powered by two Volvo D2-60 diesel engines (but it is possible to upgrade to 75) that provide a theoretical maximum speed of 8-9 knots in calm conditions. Fuel consumption is about 5L/hour with one engine and 8.5/9L/hour with two engines. There are also two 300-liter fuel tanks and two water tanks, also 300 liters.

Nautitech 48 Open – Data Sheet

Length f.t.14.6 m
Width 7.97 m
Draft 1.55 m
Light displacement 13.5 t
Engine (standard) D2-60 Volvo
Engine (optional) D2-75 Volvo
Fuel 2 x 300 L
Fresh water 2 x 300 L
Cabins and bunks 2, 3 or 4
Sleeping places from 4 to 9
Sup. mainsail 85m²
Sup. self-tacking jib 42.5m²
Project and exterior design Marc Lombard Yacht Design Group
Interior Design Christophe Chedal-Anglay Design