Catana 651 Information, Review, Specs

From its origins in Cogolin, France, Catana Catamarans has distinguished itself by crafting multihulls synonymous with swiftness and capability, a vision reflected in their very name, a nod to the "Katana," the legendary Japanese sword Catana builder article. The Catana 651, produced between 1999 and 2003, emerged during a period of significant development for the shipyard, following Yves Gallot-Lavallée's leadership transition in 1999 Catana builder article, 1. Christophe Barreau, the designer behind the 651, is celebrated for his expertise in high-performance multihull design, aligning perfectly with Catana's ethos of building fast, robust, and comfortable cruising vessels. Catana's commitment to quality is evident in their construction methods, utilizing fiberglass composite materials to achieve both strength and a lightweight structure Catana builder article. This foundational approach, combined with innovative hull designs and thoughtful deck plans, ensures that models like the 651 deliver both spirited performance and comfortable living on the open ocean Catana builder article.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Catana 651 is engineered for impressive sailing performance, characteristic of the Catana brand's reputation for speed and agility in large catamarans Catana builder article. With a substantial length overall of nearly 65 feet and a waterline length of over 62 feet, she is designed to harness wind efficiently. Her reported sail area of 3,121.53 square feet indicates a powerful rig, capable of propelling the vessel to a hull speed of approximately 10.58 knots. Key to her versatile performance are her twin daggerboards, a signature Catana feature. When deployed, these daggerboards allow for excellent upwind performance and reduced leeway, a significant advantage over fixed-keel catamarans. When retracted, they reduce draft significantly from 9.19 feet to just 3.28 feet, enabling access to shallow anchorages and coastal areas typically inaccessible to vessels of her size. The 651's fractional sloop rig is designed for ease of handling and efficient sail management. Furthermore, Catana's characteristic high freeboard and excellent bridge deck clearance ensure a drier and more comfortable ride, even in challenging sea states, contributing to a secure and stable feel at sea Catana builder article.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its generous beam of 33.46 feet, the Catana 651 boasts an exceptionally spacious and well-optimized interior layout. Catana's design philosophy prioritizes natural light and an open feel, with wide windows in the main salon creating an inviting and bright living space. The integration of the daggerboards, which are positioned outboard in the hulls, ensures they merge seamlessly with the interior layout, preventing intrusion into the living areas. While specific interior configurations can vary, a vessel of this size typically offers multiple private cabins, each with an en-suite head, providing ample privacy and comfort for owners and guests. The expansive salon is designed for comfortable lounging and dining, often featuring a large galley equipped for gourmet meal preparation on long voyages. Storage is abundant throughout the vessel, a crucial consideration for extended cruising. The emphasis on high-quality finishes, typically incorporating wood trim and durable fiberglass surfaces, creates a refined yet practical environment for life at sea. The thoughtful design extends to excellent ventilation, crucial for comfort in diverse climates, making the Catana 651 a truly livable offshore home.