Performance is definitely part of the shipyard's DNA and this MC60 is no exception. The catamaran is built entirely in vacuum infusion using fiberglass, carbon and Gurit Corecell for the sandwich parts. The whole thing is reinforced with carbon stringers for maximum rigidity. A method which allows to obtain a very solid structure, but also relatively light since the catamaran is only 18.50 tons on the scale.
Performance first
Unlike many multihulls in this class, the MC60 has neither light daggerboards that can be raised above the deck nor keels, but a hybrid system. Each integrated centerboard is positioned in the center of the hull and can be partially retracted with a push button when the boat is at the marina or in shallow water. Three preset positions are available. In addition, a safety system allows the centerboards to rise automatically if they touch the bottom. Made of composites, these two fins can dive up to 3.75 m (12') underwater and rise up, limiting the draft to 1.35 m (4'42'').
Upwind, the MC60 has a sail surface area of 210 m2 (2,260 sqft). However, the sail area is usually custom designed for each owner. For Noble House, it is a North Sails set custom made in Fort Lauderdale (USA) and described as "Performance cruising". Having just returned from a few weeks in the Bahamas, the MC60 confirms its vocation as a long-distance sailor.
1 and 1.5 times the wind speed
Thanks to its length, its living space and its sail area, it is capable of long cruises in a reasonable time. When sailing, under mainsail and jib, the catamaran does not require a lot of wind to move. On the day of our test, we had 6 to 8 knots of wind which was enough to pull us between 6 and 7 knots. With the Code 0, performance soars as the McConaghy easily sails between 1 and 1.5 times the wind speed. In fact, with 7 knots of wind, we regularly hit 9 knots in real speed.
This is an excellent performance, especially since it is quite comfortable. Thanks to the configuration of the sheets and halyards and the electric assistance, the boat can be maneuvered without too many problems with a crew of three people, or even less for experienced sailors. Not bad for a 60-foot unit. Of course, you can opt for an even more powerful sail set, but the idea here was to find the right compromise between performance and comfort at sea. Another advantage of this model is that the high bows limit the effects of spray as much as possible and, in general, the catamaran's movements remain very smooth, which contributes to comfort on board.
For windless days, the McConaghy is equipped with two 57 HP Yanmar engines. This power can even be increased to 2 x 80 HP as an option, a motorization that remains economical while propelling the boat at nearly 10 knots. Finally, thanks to the 600-liter tank (136 gal), it has a good range.
