Lucia 40 Information, Review, Specs

With a length overall of just under 38.5 feet and an equivalent waterline length, coupled with a generous beam of nearly 21.7 feet, the Lucia 40 provides exceptional volume and stability for its size. Its production run spanned from 2015 to 2019, after which it was re-launched as the Isla 40, inheriting its successful design principles.

History and Design

The Lucia 40 emerged from Fountaine Pajot's long-standing tradition of innovation in multihull design, building on decades of expertise since their founding in 1976. As a company that began by crafting high-performance racing dinghies and later pioneered series-production cruising catamarans, Fountaine Pajot consistently emphasizes balancing performance, comfort, and spaciousness in their vessels. The Lucia 40, designed by Berret-Raccoupeau Yacht Design, replaced the popular Lipari 41, and despite its slightly shorter name, it actually offers more interior volume and a more spacious cockpit than its predecessor. The design features fine hull entries for improved performance and fixed keels, eliminating the need for daggerboards. The builder's ethos during this era, as evidenced by the Lucia 40, continued to prioritize maximizing interior volume and light, a hallmark of their cruising catamaran range.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40 is engineered as a performance cruising catamaran, designed to be safe, comfortable, and easy to handle. With a reported sail area of approximately 624 square feet, combined with a relatively light displacement of 19,621 pounds, the Lucia 40 is noted for its ability to perform well under sail. The emphasis in its design is firmly on sailing performance, making it responsive in various wind conditions. Its fractional sloop rig features a low boom, which facilitates easy access to the main, simplifying sail management. Owners and reviewers often describe the Lucia 40 as a well-mannered boat with good sailing characteristics. However, some note that while the long boom provides considerable power, it results in a less high-aspect sail plan compared to some competitors, though this is balanced by the flat-top main. It's important for sailors to adhere to recommended sail reduction guidelines in strong winds to prevent excessive heeling, as with any multihull.

Accommodations and Layout

The Lucia 40 is celebrated for its voluminous and stylish accommodations, maximizing interior space and natural light. The catamaran layout offers an expansive living experience. A key feature is the massive 130-square-foot cockpit, which comfortably seats eight to ten people around a large table, creating a highly sociable outdoor living area.

Below deck, Fountaine Pajot offers versatile interior configurations, primarily the Maestro and Quatuor versions, providing options for three or four cabins and two to four heads. The Maestro version, often considered the owner's version, dedicates the entire starboard hull to a spacious master suite, featuring a walk-around island berth aft and usually its own private bathroom. The Quatuor version typically offers four double cabins, distributed between the two hulls, providing ample sleeping arrangements for larger crews or charter groups. Cabins generally boast large, roomy layouts, and the saloon offers almost 360-degree views. While the saloon is notably large, some owners have noted that ventilation in this area could be improved. The overall finish quality generally leans towards practical cruising comfort with ample storage, making it suitable for extended voyages.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40 frequently praise its solid construction and comfortable motion in a seaway, consistent with Fountaine Pajot's reputation for robustly built cruising catamarans. Many owners appreciate the yacht's stability and the generous living spaces, particularly the large cockpit and the options for spacious cabins, which enhance the liveaboard and cruising experience. Its ease of handling is also a commonly cited strength, making it a popular choice for those new to multihulls or seeking a less demanding sailing experience.

However, some recurring observations from owners include specific design choices, such as the placement of electric winch switches being awkwardly tucked near the engine throttle handles, which can be inconvenient for those operating them. While generally well-regarded for its design, a few owners have mentioned that the large saloon, while a benefit for space, positions weight further forward, potentially affecting performance in certain conditions, and that the trampolines (nets) are relatively small. Despite these minor points, the Lucia 40 has fostered a strong community of owners, many of whom undertake significant voyages, including Atlantic crossings, attesting to the boat's capabilities and reliability for long-distance cruising.