Aura 51 Information, Review, Specs

The Fountaine Pajot Aura 51 emerged in 2021 as a new flagship offering in the builder's extensive range, succeeding models like the Saba 50 and further cementing Fountaine Pajot's position at the forefront of the cruising catamaran market. Berret-Racoupeau Design's philosophy for the Aura 51 centered on creating a yacht that optimizes ease of movement and offers expansive, convivial living spaces, both indoors and out. This design ethos aligns perfectly with Fountaine Pajot's long-standing reputation for crafting vessels that expertly balance performance with supreme comfort and voluminous interiors, characteristics that have been central to their manufacturing approach since their pivot to series production catamarans in the early 1980s. The builder consistently prioritizes maximizing interior volume and natural light in their designs, a hallmark evident in the Aura 51. Furthermore, Fountaine Pajot's modern commitment to sustainability, exemplified by their "OD Sea Lab" innovation platform, likely influenced the Aura 51's development towards more eco-conscious solutions, such as its availability with Smart Electric© power options and robust solar and hydro-generation capabilities for battery management, 1, 12].

The Aura 51 offers significant flexibility in its internal configuration, allowing owners to choose from various layouts to suit their specific cruising needs. Options range from a Double Maestro version, which includes two owner's suites and two bathrooms alongside two additional double cabins, to a Full Maestro version featuring a large owner's suite and three double cabins. For those requiring even greater capacity, a Maestro 5-cabin version and a 6-cabin version, each with corresponding bathrooms, are available, with the owner's hull option providing an exceptionally spacious dedicated area notes, 2, 5, 6, 7, 10].

Sailing Performance and Handling

While designed for luxurious comfort, the Fountaine Pajot Aura 51 is also lauded for its capable sailing performance. With an overall length of just over 50 feet and a generous beam of 26.51 feet, she presents a substantial presence on the water. Reviewers have noted her ability to maintain pace, even when sailing close to the wind, and commend her general ease of handling. The yacht's reported sail area of 1657.64 sq ft, combined with its fractional sloop rig, contributes to its ability to perform well across various wind conditions. The catamaran design, featuring twin keels and two rudders, provides inherent stability and maneuverability, making her a predictable and enjoyable vessel to command during extended voyages.

Accommodations and Layout

The Fountaine Pajot Aura 51 is engineered to provide a grand and opulent living experience on the water, with a particular emphasis on space and comfort for extended periods aboard. The interior is characterized by "massive amounts of headroom and space," creating an open and airy ambiance. The design prioritizes "spacious living" and "incomparable spaces," making it stand out in its class for its sheer volume. The convivial areas, both inside the saloon and out in the cockpit, are meticulously designed to foster social interaction and relaxation, contributing to the overall sense of luxurious comfort.

The flexibility of the Aura 51's layout is a significant highlight. The most common configurations include a dedicated owner's hull, providing an expansive, private retreat complete with a sculpted bulkhead for enhanced space. Beyond the owner's suite, various layouts offer multiple double cabins, often with en-suite bathrooms, making the Aura 51 particularly well-suited for multiple couples or larger families. The galley and saloon are central to the interior layout, designed for practical use and comfortable living, while the deck layout, including a flybridge, further extends the usable living areas outdoors. The impressive water capacity of 238 gallons and fuel capacity of 238 gallons also underscore its capability for long-distance cruising without frequent stops.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Fountaine Pajot Aura 51 generally express high satisfaction with their vessels, reflecting that the catamaran fulfills its promise of luxury cruising and comfortable liveaboard capabilities. The advanced power generation systems, including solar and hydro-generation, are often noted for their efficiency in managing battery needs without reliance on a diesel generator on sunny days, contributing to a hassle-free experience. While specific common issues are not widely reported in general reviews, the overall consensus points to a well-built and reliable vessel that lives up to Fountaine Pajot's reputation for solid construction and a comfortable motion in a seaway.