The MC60 is therefore a very unique catamaran in many aspects. Designed by Ker Yacht Design, it has a profile that, from the first glance, leaves no one indifferent. Nearly 60' (18.30 m
m) long, 28'1'' ( 8.58 m) wide and an interminable mast, the tone is set. The long hull windows already suggest a good habitability while the structure of the deckhouse plunging forward gives a sporty character to the boat. This feeling is accentuated by the flybridge placed completely aft - a true raised cockpit - which seems to have been inherited directly from a racing boat. On the front, the inverted bows and the three furling sails confirm that we are on board a catamaran where performance is not a secondary consideration.
The rear flybridge gives the McConaghy MC 60 a sporty look
The MC60 has a very unique deck layout. It starts in the cockpit, a space usually occupied by one or more bench seats and a table; here, we find a rather cumbersome staircase leading to the flybridge. A somewhat surprising architectural choice, but which shows once again that the catamaran is designed to sail miles with a small crew, and not to comply with charter requirements. Moreover, once at anchor, you just have to put the tender in the water and you will find yourself with an additional platform creating a beautiful and totally open space. The wide skirts also facilitate access to swimming or boarding. Finally, from there, it's easy to get to the bow thanks to the surprisingly wide catways for the category.
To keep the weight down, the McConaghy doesn't offer a large hard deck in the bow. Also, it does not have a front beam and has a traditional trampoline. A feature that allows easy access to the bowsprit if needed, but with three sails on roller furlers, this will normally only be necessary to check the anchor or to moor the multihull. Plunging forward, the deckhouse allows easy access to the mast step from the foredeck. A well thought out circulation that also applies to the sheets since everything comes back to the raised cockpit.
A really unique deck plan
As a true control tower, this flybridge is accessible from the carbon staircase of the main cockpit. Spanning the full width of the wheelhouse, it has a long arched bench seat for six to eight people while there is a helm station at each end with carbon wheel, piano, two nice sized winches and enough rope bags to clear the floor. The all area is topped by a hardtop and can be closed with a flexible transparent canvas. Offering a 360° view, this place is perfect to steer the multihull. Two small remarks however: no table or tablet is provided to put drink, food or personal items. As for the circulation between the helm station and the deckhouse, it is a bit acrobatic.
In front of this double helm station, the carbon rigging proudly points to more than 30 m high. As for the boom, it is so gigantic that you can literally lie down on it. The standing rigging is also made of carbon, while the mainsheet traveler is electrically assisted, a real plus when you need to tack. This setting allows the catamaran to be sailed with a reduced crew, as the owner and his wife often do.
