Wauquiez continues to decline its "Pilot Saloon" range from the bottom by launching the smallest model of the 3. After the release of the 48 in 2015 and the 58 at the beginning of 2017, it is the Pilot Saloon 42 which was presented at the beginning of 2018. A model that is more modern with a vertical bow, a wetted surface optimized for downwind and light airs, thanks to reworked aft water lines and a natural chine that stabilizes the boat and increases comfort at sea. "In the past, the boats were fitted with an imposing, aggressive cap. With the Pilot Saloon 42, you break the spirit of the boat high on the water with a young, dynamic look." explains our contact person from the communication department during our visit to the construction site stand.
The appendages also change as here we switch to bi-safran for better sailing comfort and greater stability at the heel. The shaft line propulsion is also replaced by an inverted sail drive, to get closer to the boat's centre of gravity. A propulsion system that was not available on the Pilot Saloon 48.
The Pilot Saloon 42 retains the spirit of the range of "being outside while being inside". "We wanted to offer the spirit of the catamaran, to be able to sit and see the outside, a real deck saloon." we are told.
The transom opens to become a bathing platform (manual or electric as an option), it gives access to the liferaft space on the starboard side. There is also a large locker at the stern that runs the full width of the boat. " On this 42 footer, there's a lot of storage, we also have a sail locker the size of a 45 footer" .
"On the deck fittings, the winches are made of stainless steel and the fargue rail is made in one piece. We also have 3 dies instead of 2 for more safety on board" . There are no cleats protruding over the side decks for easy movement on deck. The shipyard has left open the possibility of installing a self-tacking jib track. On the roof side windows, a wooden insert breaks the line of the porthole, provides a step to climb onto the roof, but also prevents the sheets from going inside when open.
The manoeuvring stations are set back aft, close to the helm, to free up a convivial cockpit, with no winches or piano on deck. The helm stations are raised for greater manoeuvring comfort and visibility when sailing.
The saloon is raised to offer a view of the sea with glazing that automatically tints with the sun and on demand to keep out the sun and outside eyes. Even at the darkest point, one can still see outside, but it is impossible to see the interior of the boat from the outside. "If Pilot Saloon 42 is more modern in terms of hull and deck, it is also more modern in terms of interior design and decoration, which combines modernity and tradition," explains the communication department.
On the starboard side, there is the wax cupboard, on the port side the galley equipped with a 3 burner gas and a double drawer fridge. In the centre, the raised saloon has a central bench seat that delimits a passage to the forward cabin and allows for the separation of spaces. There is plenty of storage space on board, particularly under the bench seats. A real engine room (air conditioning, generator) is located under the raised saloon.
The chart table is pushed back to port near the companionway. The saloon is very bright and well ventilated thanks to the 6 openings. Behind one of the saloon benches, against the front wall, there is a bar or an optional television.
The Pilot Saloon 42 is offered in a 2 cabin version, but a 3 cabin version is to come, with 2 double cabins at the stern. The forward cabin with spiked head has been cut to accommodate a large sail locker at the front of the boat.
At the stern, the master cabin is equipped with a large double bed and a bathroom with a real shower. Here too we find the same system of obscuration of the glazing. The double bed houses a storage locker and the cabin is quite spacious, but with a somewhat reduced headroom due to the cockpit floor.
The Pilot Saloon 42 is really well thought out and very well finished, designed for a travel or long cruise program.
Ex worksite price : 380 000 euros HT
