Orana 44 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Orana 44 was in production from 2009 to 2012, an evolutionary step building upon Fountaine Pajot's established design principles. Founded in 1976 by regatta competitor Jean-François Fountaine, Fountaine Pajot has consistently evolved from building small racing dinghies to becoming a world leader in cruising catamarans. Since 1990, the firm of naval architects Michel Joubert and Bernard Nivelt, who also designed Fountaine Pajot's first series production catamaran, the Louisiane 37, have been central to the company's design philosophy. Their expertise, combined with Fountaine Pajot's commitment to foam-core sandwich construction, aimed to create vessels that balanced performance with enhanced interior volume and light, suitable for extended cruising.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Fountaine Pajot Orana 44, with an overall length and waterline length of approximately 43 feet (42.98 ft), is designed as a capable cruising catamaran. It has a reported sail area of 1183 square feet and a displacement of 21605 pounds, indicating a generous sail plan relative to its weight, which contributes to good sailing performance. As a catamaran, it benefits from inherently high initial stability due to its wide beam of 24.11 feet and twin hulls with shallow drafts of 3.61 feet and twin keels. This design allows the Orana 44 to feel light and responsive, making it enjoyable to sail, even capable of achieving speeds around 9 knots downwind with the right sail configuration. Its relatively narrow hulls further contribute to its performance under sail. The deck layout is designed to facilitate easy maneuvering and movement around the boat.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Fountaine Pajot Orana 44 is designed for comfort and functionality, maximizing the spaciousness inherent in a catamaran platform. It offers large and functional living areas. A common configuration is the "Maestro" version, which dedicates the entire starboard hull to an owner's suite. This owner's hull typically includes a large cabin forward, often with a workshop or additional storage area, and a private head. The port hull usually features two guest cabins, each with its own en-suite head, making the Orana 44 available in layouts such as a 3-cabin, 3-head or 4-cabin, 4-head version. The main salon on the bridge deck is typically bright and airy, offering panoramic views and encompassing a galley, dining area, and navigation station. The general finish often features a blend of wood trim and fiberglass, aiming for a comfortable and durable liveaboard environment.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Fountaine Pajot Orana 44 consistently praise its robust construction and suitability as a blue-water cruiser. Many find it an ideal platform for long-distance cruising and a "tropical lifestyle," appreciating its excellent blend of sailing capabilities and on-board comfort. The Orana 44 is often cited as one of Fountaine Pajot's most popular models on the used market, suggesting strong owner satisfaction and desirability. Owners frequently highlight the catamaran's stability, spacious interior, and ease of handling for its size, contributing to a secure and enjoyable sailing experience.