Le new FP 48 marks an important milestone in the revamp of the range of Fountaine Pajot sailing catamarans. Having been previewed in La Rochelle in early July during the Fountaine Pajot Open Days, it will be officially unveiled to the public at its world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival.
As a Fountaine Pajot dealer in the Mediterranean, Canet Boat Plaisance was able to experience this model first-hand on board during the Fountaine Pajot Open Days. This visit confirms the FP 48’s positioning: a catamaran designed to be easy to sail, but above all to offer plenty of living spaces that are well connected to one another.
The video below, produced by Emmanuel van Deth of Multihulls World, offers a detailed tour of the boat with Erwan Vuillefroy from the Fountaine Pajot team.
Watch Multihulls World’s video tour of the FP 48:
A holistically designed layout for the FP 48
The FP 48 is not defined solely by its dimensions or its interior layout. It is, above all, the flow between the different spaces that catches the eye. From the aft cockpit, you can easily access the saloon, the foredeck, the gangways and the lounge deck, without feeling as though you are moving through separate areas.
The wide gangways, fitted with handrails, make moving about safer whilst the boat is underway. This ease of movement is a major plus for family cruise programmes, particularly when everyone is doing their own thing, alternating between swimming, relaxing, eating and sailing.
A helm where everything is within easy reach
The helm station combines navigation and sail handling in a single area. The screens are arranged around the helm to maintain the essential information within the helmsman’s field of vision.
The manoeuvres are also grouped together nearby : the mainsail, traveller, genoa, furling system and halyards are all routed back to this point. The aim is to make the boat easier to use and to ensure a more relaxed sailing experience, even with a small crew.
This focus on accessibility is part of the ongoing evolution of sailing programmes. Boat owners want to be able to set sail with their loved ones, without the day-to-day running of the boat becoming too complicated.
The foredeck becomes a real living space
On the FP 48, the foredeck is not just for mooring and preparing the sails. It also features a front cockpit with seating and sunbathing area, offering a more private space, sheltered from the aft cockpit.
The large storage compartments beneath the seating provide ample space for fenders, ropes, sails and sailing equipment. The windlass, positioned further forward, allows for more direct control of the chain and anchor.
The boat is also equipped for use with a gennaker, with a carbon bowsprit. The FP 48 therefore retains its true identity as a sailing catamaran, whilst offering the leisure areas that are usually sought after when at anchor.
The lounge deck: an alternative to the flybridge
One of the most interesting features of the FP 48 is its lounge deck. This raised area takes its cue from the concept of a panoramic viewpoint, but without accommodating the helm station as on a conventional flybridge.
This lack of controls frees up the entire space for relaxation. It features a table seating around eight people, bench seating and two sun loungers at the bow. The lounge deck can therefore be used as a place to read, enjoy an aperitif or have a meal, with unobstructed views of the anchorage and the surrounding area.
From opening panels They also provide a link to the lower cockpit and contribute to natural ventilation. This solution is particularly well-suited to a Mediterranean setting, where shade and air circulation are essential on board during hot spells.
Outdoor spaces designed for life at anchor
The FP 48’s aft cockpit is clearly designed as a living space. The central table can seat up to ten guests with its extension. It is ideal for use on a boat where meals and time spent together are a key part of the experience.
The layout also includes a chaise longue and several seats, allowing you to change the atmosphere throughout the day.
At the rear, a space situated closer to the water creates a direct link to the swimming area. It is a a natural spot from which to keep an eye on children in the water, get your snorkelling gear ready or simply enjoy the sea.
The storage units have also been developed, particularly for leisure equipment and safety equipment. A dedicated access point is provided for the life raft.
Generating your own energy on board
The FP 48 we visited in La Rochelle was fitted with 2,800 W of integrated solar panels. This power generation can help meet the vessel’s day-to-day needs, particularly for electrical systems and refrigeration, whilst underway or at anchor.
The integration of this solar power capability meets the current expectations of boaters, who are looking for greater autonomy without compromising on comfort. On a summer cruise, where the boat may remain at anchor for several days, this type of equipment can make a real difference to energy management.
An open and welcoming square
Inside, The kitchen is centred around a central island. This layout makes it easier to move around, provides extra storage space and offers a generously sized worktop.
It also reflects a desire not to isolate the person preparing the meals. The galley opens onto the saloon and the cockpit, whilst an opening at the front makes it easier to interact with those seated in the front cockpit.
This design enhances the boat’s user-friendliness. It also helps to promote the natural ventilation in the saloon, which is a real bonus when the temperature rises.
A Maestro version for long-haul cruising projects
The version on display in La Rochelle featured a Maestro layout. The entire port side of the hull is therefore reserved for the owner, with one access point from the saloon and a second direct access point from the aft cockpit.
This suite features a study area, storage space, a dedicated laundry area, a large walk-in shower and a separate toilet. It may be suitable for owners wishing to spend long periods on board, whilst maintaining a clear separation from the guest areas.
On the starboard side of the hull, the FP 48 features several guest cabins as well as’a forward cabin for the skipper. The latter has its own facilities, including a bed, storage space, a shower and a toilet.
See you in Cannes for the world premiere
Following this unveiling in La Rochelle, the FP 48 is shaping up to be a highly anticipated model. Its design prioritises openness, versatility and a seamless experience throughout the boat, from the helm to the foredeck.
Canet Boat Plaisance will be attending the Cannes Yachting Festival to assist visitors wishing to explore the FP 48 at its world premiere. This will be an opportunity to appreciate its spaciousness, its various living areas and its layout options first-hand on board.
Book your appointment now so you don’t miss out on seeing these wonderful innovations.
