In the category of small livable catamarans, the manufacturers are not fighting much to occupy this market. Only Aventura Catamaran still offers a range with the smallest model being a 34 (9.98 m).
The Windpearl shipyard, now based in La Rochelle, wants to renew the genre with the Palma 30, a 30-foot platform (9.56 m overall) that will be offered in 3 versions. The interest is to be able to start with the first version (the least expensive) and then upgrade it according to your needs.
3 versions adaptable to the navigations
The Open version is a dayboat version. The large platform between the 2 hulls offers a large cockpit that can accommodate 10 people (in category C). The cockpit remains very protected on each side by the deckhouses which give height under the hulls.
The hulls are fitted out with 2 cabins at the rear (with double berths 1.40 m wide), while the front is occupied on starboard by the galley and a shower room in the port hull. The forward peaks can be optionally equipped with single berths (1.20 m at the head) which brings the maximum number of berths to 6.
In this very light Open version, 1850 kg empty, and propelled by a generous sail area, 32 m2 mainsail and 18 m2 jib, this catamaran should offer great performances.
A Navigator version more oriented towards cruising will also be available. A composite hoop is installed on the back of the cockpit and a canvas (like a hood) covers the cockpit. This solution is designed to reduce the weight of the boat and to be able to sail in good weather by folding the hood.
Finally, for longer distance cruising, the Grand Tourisme version will be equipped with a rigid deckhouse that can be completely closed at the rear. In this case, the galley goes upstairs and faces the road at the foot of the mast. The 2 hulls are then symmetrical with a toilet in each. Largely more equipped, this version weighs 2,300 kg light and will be approved in category A for 6 persons.
An outboard sufficient for the expected weight
To be in line with the program, these catamarans are powered by outboard engines (from 10 hp to 20 hp). An option with inboard engines will be available (Nanni of 14 hp) only in the Grand Tourism version. Indeed, the extra weight generated by this solution requires the buoyancy of the deckhouse so that if the catamaran were to capsize, the safety hatches would remain above the new waterline.
Aggressive pricing
For its launch, the shipyard announces aggressive prices for the Palma 30. Indeed, the Open version will be available ready to sail at 89 000 euros with sails (mainsail + jib) and a 10 hp engine. The Navigator version (with sails and a 15 hp engine) will cost 115,000 euros before tax and the Grand Touring version (with sails and a 20 hp engine) will cost 125,000 euros before tax. With these prices, the Palma 30 does not suffer from any competition todayâeuros¦
The molds are being manufactured in La Rochelle and the first model should sail in the second quarter of 2022.
