Chichester-based M.i.Cats – the UK’s sole Fountaine Pajot dealer – has just revealed the Summerland 40, the latest Trawler Catamaran to come out of the famous multihull yard in La Rochelle, France.

Taking its place between the established Highland 35 and Cumberland 46, the new model marks 33 years of boat-building experience for Fountaine Pajot and redefines luxurious cruising. “The Summerland 40 combines class-leading space, comfort and privacy with the inherent stability, safety and efficiency that is standard with every boat in the Fountaine Pajot Trawler Catamaran range,” says Carl Livett, MD of M.i.Cats.
 
The Summerland’s design borrows extra freeboard on both hulls to create a voluminous interior. At the same time, the overall air-height has been minimised, this cleverly creates a vast flybridge without sacrificing a sleek profile. The covered aft deck and interior living space are on the same level and the 6+ feet of headroom gives great freedom of movement.

From the covered aft deck there is wide obstacle-free access on both sides for secure movement forward. Large integrated steps provide direct access up to 120 square feet of flybridge, which remains spray-free even in heavy seas, thanks to integrated deflectors built into both hulls. The large, comfortable upper helm position is complemented with wrap-around seating and a large sun-bathing platform.

Full-height sliding doors show the way into the Summerland 40’s large main saloon. Well defined areas and a commanding central helm provide the light and comfort of a much bigger craft. If the weather’s not playing ball, the interior dining area accommodates up to 8 people and a fitted kitchen is spacious enough for even the most demanding chef.

Crew also benefit from exceptional levels of privacy on the Summerland 40, impossible in comparable monohulls. In the seclusion of the entire starboard hull is the superb owner’s suite, fitted with a bed with a view out to sea, plenty of storage space, a desk/dressing table and a large private bathroom with a roomy shower enclosure. To port there are two fine guest cabins that share another well-equipped bathroom, both cabins have either double or twin beds and ample storage space.

The most distinctive feature of Fountaine Pajot’s Trawler Catamaran range is their efficiency when under-way. They benefit from 40% less fuel consumption than a monohull of the same size and equivalent performance. Combine this with large fuel and water tanks and you have real blue-water cruising capability.

Two hulls represent the safety of independent engines and also make for very manoeuvrable boats. The engine room has been optimised so that all the main elements are easily accessible to facilitate daily maintenance and filter checks.

Unlike other power catamarans, Fountaine Pajot’s Trawler Cats are all fitted with integral fixed skegs. These protect the propellers and rudders and keep the boat watertight and safe in the event of underwater collision. It also means that the prop-shafts enjoy maximum protection and that all Trawler Cats can be beached, opening crew to all kinds of cruising opportunities.

Summerland 40 Technical Specification:
Base Price (on-the-water)         €366k excluding VAT
Length                                      11.98m (40ft)
Beam                                       5.45m (17ft 8in)
Draft                                         1.07m (3ft 6in)
Water tank capacity                  Approx. 600 litres (158 US gallons)
Fuel tank capacity                     2 x 700 litres (2 x 185 US gallons)
Standard engine                        Volvo 2 x 160 Hp (2 x 120 kW)
Optional engine                         Volvo 2 x 190 Hp (2 x 140 kW)
Displacement unloaded             12 tonnes
Cabins                                      1 owner suite + 2 double cabins
Range                                      1000 miles at 7.5 knots
Interior design                          Coste design & Partners
Naval architect                         Joubert-Nivelt