Astréa 42 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Astréa 42 in 2018 marked a significant addition to Fountaine Pajot's celebrated lineup of cruising catamarans. The design brief for the Astréa 42, penned by Berret-Racoupeau, prioritized ease of handling, maneuverability, and a sleek, powerful sailplan, all while ensuring supreme comfort onboard. This model was conceived to represent the "Art de vivre" – the art of living – by fostering a profound connection between the occupants and the sea. Its distinctive avant-garde styling, characterized by an inverted bow, not only contributes to its elegant and dynamic lines but also optimizes interior volume.

During this period, Fountaine Pajot, a company founded by Jean-François Fountaine in 1976 and a global leader in catamaran construction, continued its commitment to innovative building practices. The Astréa 42 reflects the shipyard's proven recipe of smart construction, solid execution, and the integration of numerous innovative features, with a strong focus on evolving interior design and layout to meet contemporary cruising demands. The model offers versatility with options for propulsion, including standard and optional 2x 40 hp engines, and is also available with Fountaine Pajot's eco-conscious Smart Electric© power system.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a catamaran, the Astréa 42 prioritizes stability and spaciousness, offering a distinct sailing experience. Owners and reviewers frequently commend its dynamic qualities, highlighting its "best sailing characteristics" and overall easy and pleasant navigation. The design ensures excellent maneuverability and ease of handling, allowing the boat to be easily sailed by a single person, especially with the assistance of electronic controls.

Performance tests indicate that the Astréa 42 can achieve speeds of nearly 4 knots both upwind and downwind, showcasing its capability across various points of sail. Under power, the vessel can reach speeds of just under 7.5 knots, with a more economical cruising speed around 6.5 knots. The fractional sloop rig and twin rudders contribute to its balanced feel and responsive steering. The inclusion of two headsails provides versatility, allowing for optimized tuning depending on the specific wind conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Fountaine Pajot Astréa 42 is celebrated for its spaciousness and thoughtful design, crafted to deliver 360 degrees of comfort for all on board, whether for family cruising, entertaining friends, or charter operations. While specific headroom details are not provided in the specifications, the design emphasizes maximizing interior volume and natural light, a hallmark of Fountaine Pajot's philosophy., 4]

The Astréa 42 offers flexible interior configurations to suit diverse needs. Common layouts include a three-cabin, three-head "Oceanis" version, which often features a private head in the master cabin, and a four-cabin, four-head arrangement ideal for larger groups or charter fleets. Reviewers consistently praise the clever interior design choices, which create a more expansive and livable space compared to some predecessors in its class. The clear helm station is thoughtfully integrated, allowing the helmsman to remain connected to the social activity in the cockpit while providing space for two. The general finish quality typically features a blend of modern materials and tasteful appointments, contributing to a luxurious and comfortable onboard environment.

Owner's Perspectives

The Fountaine Pajot Astréa 42 has achieved significant commercial success, with over 200 units sold internationally since its launch, reflecting strong owner satisfaction. Owners frequently praise the catamaran for its solid construction, comfortable motion in a seaway, and overall innovative features. Many appreciate its ease of handling, noting that it can be sailed effectively with a small crew or even single-handedly. The spacious and well-configured interior is consistently highlighted as a major strength, making it a highly suitable vessel for extended liveaboard periods or comfortable holiday charters. The Astréa 42 is regarded as a fun-to-sail boat that thoughtfully ticks all the boxes concerning comfort and innovation.