The last two years have not been the most salubrious for the sailing market and sailboat builders in Europe and North America due, in no small part, to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the war in Gaza. And now, builders in Europe, South Africa, China and Viet Nam are facing debilitating tariff from the Trump administration.
But, despite what seems like head winds, the multihull cruising market appears to be sailing forward at speed. In the Dock Talk section below, we have previews of the three new sailing cats that power-cat builder Aquila will be launching in the next two years. And, also below is the preview of Leopard Catamaran’s brand new 52.
In this flood of confidence, Fountaine Pajot has stepped forward with two stylish new cruising cats, the 41 and 44, and has also announced that the French builder will introduce three all-new designs in 2026. The designs for the 41 and 44 were launched in Europe last year and will make their U.S. debut at the Annapolis Sailboat Show.
The 41 has a huge amount of living space for a boat of this size, with a spacious cockpit, saloon and lounge on the bridge. The stern platform raises and lowers so it can be a proper beach front recreation area.
The new 44 has a truly stylish new look with the reverse curve to the sheer, the backward bow design and the aggressive angles of the cockpit hard top that looks like a bird of prey in flight
The 44’s lounge atop the cockpit is vast and will be the social area of choice in good weather.
Fountain Pajot, with Leopard, Aquila and Lagoon, are showing the cat cruising fleet the course to the future and you’ll be able to see them all in Annapolis.
