H élia 44 MEDIA REVIEW NEW 2013 MODEL. A Fountaine Pajot Catamarans Signature. Live inside... outside... Interior space and onboard comfort

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Giles Walsh
6 years ago
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1 NEW 2013 MODEL H élia 44 MEDIA REVIEW Elegance, performance, comfort, innovation... the new worldwide reference in 44ft cruising catamaran A Fountaine Pajot Catamarans Signature Live inside... outside... Interior space and onboard comfort An outstanding catamaran in all conditions P4 P6 P8 P9 NEW 2013 MODEL - MEDIA REVIEW 1

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Introducing the all new Hélia 44, a catamaran designed to replace the Orana 44, positioned midway between the Lipari 41 and the Salina Evolution 48.

4 H élia 44 A Fountaine Pajot signature Fountaine Pajot Catamarans launches a new model, the Hélia 44, available in two versions. Already enjoying international acclaim, the Hélia 44 is set to be one of the shipyard s most successful models. Introducing the all new Hélia 44, a catamaran designed to replace the Orana 44, positioned midway between the Lipari 41 and the Salina Evolution 48. The Hélia 44 is the result of close collaboration between the shipyard s design consultant and architect Berret-Racoupeau, and has been designed with the utmost attention to detail, to satisfy leisure cruisers exacting demands in terms of comfort, quality, performance and pleasure. Ergonomic and spacious Our first contact with the boat immediately sets the tone: neither a large Lipari 41 nor a small Salina 48, it s more like a compact Sanya 57! Its influences from the 57-footer launched on the market last year are plain to see. I m itching to climb on board to discover more about this smaller Flagship! The line is recognisable, it is a Fountaine Pajot catamaran, and it would be closer to the pace of SANYA 57 in the heart of the range! Indeed, the affiliation with the 57 is obvious and I can t wait to get on to discover this catamaran s other similarities. Access is child s play via the transom skirt with its three teak-clad steps leading directly to a large cockpit area fully protected under the boat s elegant canopy. The single level lounge deck designed for unrestricted movement is an instantly seductive living space that brings the outside in. The cockpit, dedicated to the finest in onboard living, is connected to the lounge deck and steering station by two steps to the starboard aft roof. From the steering station, two further steps lead to the lounge deck on the roof. NEW 2013 MODEL - MEDIA REVIEW Hélia 44 4

5 Cockpit & saloon on same level Wide, fully flush fore-and aft bridges from the back of the cockpit lead to the bow end of the catamaran and the foot of the mast. NEW 2013 MODEL - MEDIA REVIEW Hélia 44 5

Live inside outside The living area s ambience is established with quality teak flooring in the cockpit.

Under the headrest is an external refrigerator with a stainless door for convenient access to refreshments.

6 Live inside outside The living area s ambience is established with quality teak flooring in the cockpit. To port is a fixed teak table with two benches, one with a backrest the length of the coaming, and an opposite bench with a large storage box concealed beneath. To starboard a welcoming sofa awaits for that short siesta, reading session or MP3 chill out. Under the headrest is an external refrigerator with a stainless door for convenient access to refreshments. Communication with the interior is seamless: a large glazed door closes totally away to starboard to allow cockpit access on the same level. To port, a wide glazed kitchen picture window opens completely to create a fully glazed cockpit-lounge deck area. NEW 2013 MODEL - MEDIA REVIEW Hélia 44 6

H élia 44 A beautifully light and protected cockpit To port is a user-friendly light and airy U-shaped galley complete with expansive work surfaces, four burner hob and gas oven, double sink plus

The designers have packed in a maximum amount of mod cons by incorporating a fitted unit on the starboard side of the entrance to provide extra storage space which holds two large easily accessible

7 H élia 44 A beautifully light and protected cockpit To port is a user-friendly light and airy U-shaped galley complete with expansive work surfaces, four burner hob and gas oven, double sink plus generous cupboard and drawer storage space. A built-in bin is vertically accessible from the work surface. The designers have packed in a maximum amount of mod cons by incorporating a fitted unit on the starboard side of the entrance to provide extra storage space which holds two large easily accessible stainless steel refrigerators with drawer compartments. The cockpit, boasting a 360 degree panoramic view, has a warm and inviting ambience with its light alpine woodwork and contrasting fine Wenge floors and granite brown leather-style cushions. To port, at the end of the bench, is an easy-to-use chart table featuring everything the sailor needs; the top opens up to reveal a storage space and the front is fitted with onboard electronics,with the main electrical console situated below. The table is discreet yet perfectly formed: the digital display featuring large format maps is great for planning that dream cruise and for winter fireside reading. On board, the radar, GPS systems and other digital tablets you would expect to find enjoy pride of place. NEW 2013 MODEL - MEDIA REVIEW Hélia 44 7

The aft cabins are light and well ventilated with an opening bridge hatch, large lateral oval porthole, plus a panoramic porthole behind the double bed which looks out over the access steps on the

8 Interior space and onboard comfort The hulls and cabins are extremely easy to access via internal stairwells. In the four-cabin version, the two hulls layouts are identical with a passageway servicing the cabins and ensuites to aft and fore. The aft cabins are light and well ventilated with an opening bridge hatch, large lateral oval porthole, plus a panoramic porthole behind the double bed which looks out over the access steps on the transom skirts. The fore cabins are a slightly smaller yet retain the idyllic sense of relaxation and privacy. They also feature their own ensuite, large 180cm wide berths accessible from both sides, and thoughtfully positioned hatches for ventilation and light. Crews will love the abundance of cabin and gangway storage in the cabins, which makes the catamaran ideal for extended cruising. Technology The Hélia 44 is built using vacuummoulding technology that the shipyard has mastered over many years; the main advantages of this process include a reduction in waste, weight optimisation, highly homogenous laminates and much healthier working conditions due to the absence of solvent waste in the workshops. The bridge, roof and hood are moulded in one piece using RTM technology or vacuum injection moulding. Successfully producing a piece measuring 120m2 such as this is delicate work which demands extensive experience that only Fountaine Pajot possesses. However, it is a process which makes it possible to obtain a perfect finish directly on the inside and outside of the part. This means appreciable time-saving for visible parts which, up until now, had to be clad with a ceiling vaigrage. Specifications Length: Beam: Draft: Displacement unloaded: Main Sail Area: Genoa Area: Water tank capacity: Diesel tank capacity: Standard engines: m / ft 7.40 m / ft 1.15m / 3.80 ft 10.8 tonnes 70 m 2 / 753 sq ft 45 m 2 / 484 sq ft 2 x 375 litre (approx.) 470 litre (approx.) 2 x 40 CV Diesel/hp Standard version: 4 double + 4 bathrooms Owner version: 1 owner suite + 1 bathroom / 2 guest cabins + 2 bathrooms Naval architect: Berret Racoupeau NEW 2013 MODEL - MEDIA REVIEW Hélia 44 8

9 An outstanding catamaran in all conditions All that remains is to raise anchor, head out to sea and test our seductive catamaran. From the raised steering station the skipper starts his engines, two Volvo diesel 40 CV Saildrives, and supervises the maneuver. Raising himself or lowering himself slightly he can easily control the four points of the boat, a major advantage when it comes to port maneuvers. The crew slip the mooring ropes, fastened on each side, off the three generously proportioned cleats situated on the foredeck, transom skirt and mid-ship For more information please contact Multihull Solutions: AUSTRALIA I NEW SOUTH WALES I QUEENSLAND I WESTERN AUSTRALIA Tollfree info@multihullsolutions.com.au NEW ZEALAND I AUCKLAND Tollfree office@multihullsolutions.co.nz NEW 2013 MODEL - MEDIA REVIEW Hélia 44 9

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