Eleuthera 60 Information, Review, Specs

With a substantial length overall of nearly 60 feet and a broad beam exceeding 28 feet, the Eleuthera 60 is engineered for serious offshore voyages, offering a stable and capacious platform for extended liveaboard adventures or high-end charter operations. Her design reflects a commitment to integrating modern technical solutions with a focus on both interior and exterior liveability.

History and Design

The Fountaine Pajot Eleuthera 60 officially commenced production in 2009, although models from earlier years (such as 2006, 2007, and 2008) can also be found on the pre-owned market. As a product of thirty years of Fountaine Pajot's expertise, her design by Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design aimed to combine elegance with high performance, comfort, and safety.

Fountaine Pajot, founded by regatta competitor Jean-François Fountaine, has a well-established history of pushing marine design boundaries, transitioning from racing dinghies to pioneering cruising catamarans. Their manufacturing ethos, evident in the Eleuthera 60, centers on maximizing interior volume and light, utilizing robust foam-core sandwich construction for both the hull and deck. The Eleuthera 60 was specifically designed to offer cutting-edge technical solutions in its fittings and interior layout, reflecting the builder's continuous innovation. The model was produced with various layout versions, including three configurations tailored for private owners and two distinct versions for charter operations, showcasing its adaptability.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a large catamaran, the Eleuthera 60 is characterized by its substantial sail area of 1185 square feet, which, combined with a displacement of nearly 40,000 pounds, provides a balanced sailing experience. Her twin keels and fractional sloop rig contribute to her overall performance and stability. With a maximum draft of 4.75 feet, she offers reasonable access to shallower anchorages, a significant advantage for a vessel of her size.

Anecdotal reports suggest that the Eleuthera 60 is a versatile performer. While designed for comfortable cruising, she can achieve respectable speeds and exhibits good maneuverability, even being described as capable of "making circles" when handled by an enthusiastic crew. Her wide beam of 28.1 feet contributes significantly to her stability and provides vast exterior deck space, enhancing both her sailing characteristics and her capacity for on-deck living. She is powered by twin Yanmar 150 HP diesel engines, offering reliable propulsion for long-range cruising when under power.

Accommodations and Layout

The Fountaine Pajot Eleuthera 60 is celebrated for its voluminous and flexible interior accommodations, designed to offer both a luxurious atmosphere and privacy. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the design philosophy of Fountaine Pajot emphasizes maximizing interior volume and light, ensuring a comfortable living environment for a vessel of this magnitude.

The Eleuthera 60 offers multiple cabin configurations, accommodating anywhere from one to eight guests across one to four cabins, often with additional dedicated crew cabins. Typical layouts feature spacious V-berths or island berths, well-appointed heads (frequently with electric toilets), a large central salon that serves as the main living area, and a functional galley designed for extended cruising. The focus on "the latest technical solutions in fittings" extends to the interior, where owners can expect a high quality of finish and material use, creating an elegant and comfortable living space conducive to both private family cruising and luxury charter operations.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Fountaine Pajot Eleuthera 60 consistently laud its design as a large, luxury catamaran that meets high expectations. Many praise its robust construction and the comfortable motion it provides in a seaway, attributes that align with Fountaine Pajot's reputation for solid, well-built cruising vessels. The Eleuthera 60 is often highlighted for its "elegance, performance, comfort, conviviality," particularly the seamless flow between interior and exterior spaces, enhancing the overall living experience on board. Its suitability for long-range cruising and its spacious decks are frequently cited as strong points, making it a popular choice for those seeking expansive and capable multihulls for extended adventures.