Following the extensive redevelopment programme at its La Rochelle manufacturing headquarters, Fountaine Pajot reveals that five new large cats will be launched in the next 12 months

“This is a very exciting time for our company,” says Eric Bruneel, General Director of Fountaine Pajot. “The new facilities have allowed us to hone our state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies and reduce our costs. Combine this with our strong financial situation and dedicated dealer network and it means that we can keep pace with an extensive fleet update programme.”

The first four new models to be revealed this year will be presented at the company’s dealer convention on 15th-16th June. They will include the new owner’s-layout versions of the Orana 44 and Salina 48 and the all-new Galathea 65, all sailing catamarans. The Summerland 40 Trawler cat will also be launched, filling the gap between Fountaine Pajot’s entry-level motor catamaran the Highland 35, and the recently stretched Cumberland 46.

The Summerland’s bold new design borrows extra freeboard on both hulls to create a voluminous interior. At the same time, the overall air-height has been minimised, creating a large flybridge without sacrificing a sleek profile. The covered aft deck and interior living space are on a single level, creating a light and airy space with over 6-feet of headroom throughout. If the weather’s not playing ball, there is still enough space for an interior dining area for up to eight guests.

The Summerland will be followed in early 2010 with the christening of the luxurious Queensland 55 Trawler catamaran. For both the Galathea and Queensland models, established naval architects Beret & Racoupeau have combined with the prodigious talents of Jean Jacques Coste, the designer responsible for the ‘Class-Beyond-First-Class’ suites on Singapore Airlines’ new fleet of Airbus A380s as well as numerous private yachts.

For more information, visit: www.multihull.co.uk