Helia 44 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Helia 44 in 2012 marked a new chapter for Fountaine Pajot, building upon the legacy of its predecessors like the Orana 44, which it replaced. Fountaine Pajot, founded in 1976 by Jean-François Fountaine, a visionary regatta competitor, transitioned from building small racing dinghies to becoming a global leader in cruising catamarans, known for pushing the boundaries of marine design. Their manufacturing ethos during the Helia 44's production era emphasized balancing performance, comfort, and spaciousness, with a key aspect of their design philosophy being the maximization of interior volume and natural light. The Helia 44 was conceived through a deep collaboration between the in-house Fountaine Pajot team and the external Berret-Racoupeau architects office. The design aimed for a "light" concept, prioritizing performance while ensuring a practical and livable environment. Towards the end of its production run, Fountaine Pajot introduced the "Helia 44 Evolution," which primarily featured cosmetic improvements to the original design, with most dimensions and specifications remaining consistent.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a cruising catamaran, the Fountaine Pajot Helia 44 is designed to offer a comfortable and stable sailing experience. While traditional monohull performance ratios do not directly apply to multihulls, the Helia 44 is generally perceived as a capable performer for its class. With a reported sail area of 753 square feet and a displacement of 23,810 pounds, she is equipped for enjoyable passage-making. Owners have noted that the Helia 44 handles well, particularly excelling on a beam reach in calmer seas where she can demonstrate impressive speed. Overall, it is widely regarded as a comfortable and seaworthy vessel, embodying the design philosophy of performance and practical livability.

Accommodations and Layout

The Fountaine Pajot Helia 44 is celebrated for its generous accommodations and flexible interior layouts, designed to maximize living space and natural light. The catamaran was offered in two primary configurations to cater to different owner needs: the "Maestro" version and the "Quatuor" version. The Maestro layout dedicates the entire starboard hull to a spacious owner's suite, typically featuring a large berth, ample storage, and a private head with a separate shower. This configuration is highly sought after by private owners and those living aboard for extended periods. The Quatuor version, often favored for charter operations, provides four double cabins across both hulls, accompanied by either two or four bathrooms. notes, 23] Regardless of the specific layout, the Helia 44's interior is characterized by a classy design, often incorporating elements like white finishes contrasted with wood trim, enhancing the sense of brightness and space. Catamarans like the Helia 44 are inherently designed for superior interior volume, offering expansive salons, well-appointed galleys, and comfortable cabins, contributing to a high degree of livability and comfort during extended cruises.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Fountaine Pajot Helia 44 generally praise its robust construction and comfortable motion, particularly in a seaway, which aligns with Fountaine Pajot's reputation for building sturdy cruising catamarans. Many appreciate the spaciousness and livability of the design, finding it well-suited for long-term cruising and liveaboard lifestyles. Its sailing characteristics are often described as enjoyable, with the boat proving capable of good speeds, especially on a beam reach.

However, some owners have noted recurring issues that warrant attention. A significant concern for some has been leaks, including a reported serious leak in the AC seawater pump due to a melting plastic housing after extensive use. Other common discussions among owners revolve around the original davit system, which some find flimsy and prone to issues with the windows, and certain design flaws that can lead to water ingress, often requiring re-bedding of fittings or modifications to water runoff paths. Despite these potential maintenance points, the Helia 44 maintains a strong and loyal owner community, underscoring its overall appeal as a comfortable and capable cruising platform.