Thira 80 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Thira 80 entered production in 2024, marking Fountaine Pajot's ambitious step into the realm of large, luxurious superyacht catamarans. This model is a natural progression for the builder, aligning with the growing demand for spacious and high-end cruising vessels. Fountaine Pajot, founded by visionary regatta competitor Jean-François Fountaine, has a rich history of pushing marine design boundaries, from early racing dinghies to innovative multihulls like the Royale trimaran. The company's manufacturing ethos, honed since the introduction of its first series production catamaran, the Louisiane 37, in 1983, has consistently focused on leveraging advanced construction techniques, such as foam-core sandwich, to deliver vessels that balance performance, comfort, and voluminous interiors. The collaboration with Berret-Racoupeau Design for the Thira 80 underscores Fountaine Pajot's commitment to combining their building expertise with cutting-edge naval architecture, aiming to create a vessel that rivals the living space and amenities of much larger monohull motor yachts.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of nearly 79 feet and a corrected light displacement of approximately 145,500 pounds, the Thira 80 is designed for a powerful yet comfortable sailing experience. Its Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of approximately 21.14 suggests a boat with ample sail power relative to its weight, indicating strong performance potential, particularly in lighter air conditions. This ratio places it firmly in the category of capable cruisers, able to maintain good speeds without requiring excessively strong winds.

While a traditional ballast-to-displacement ratio is not applicable to catamarans in the same way as monohulls, the Thira 80's substantial beam of over 36 feet and twin keel configuration inherently provide immense form stability, allowing it to stand up to a significant amount of wind with minimal heel. Its displacement-to-length ratio (D/L) of approximately 133.8 further classifies it as a relatively light displacement vessel for its size, which contributes to its performance-oriented character and ability to offer excellent sailing capabilities while under way. Reviews highlight its "excellent sailing" characteristics, emphasizing its capacity for comfortable and efficient passage making.

Accommodations and Layout

The Thira 80 is conceived as a "floating villa," prioritizing expansive living spaces and unostentatious luxury, reminiscent of grand yachts. Its interior layout, overseen by Racoupeau Design, is characterized by thoughtful arrangements that maximize volume and natural light. The main salon is particularly notable, featuring large windows that provide abundant light and panoramic 360-degree views of the surrounding seascape.

Typical layouts feature a "galley-up" design in some versions, fostering a communal atmosphere and integrating the culinary space seamlessly with the main living area. The cabins, designed as "true suites and guest rooms," offer an exceptional level of finish and attention to detail. The owner's cabin, in particular, is highlighted for its generous proportions, often exceeding the space found in comparable vessels. Throughout the catamaran, the emphasis is on creating a luxurious and comfortable environment with high-end features, ample storage, and excellent ventilation, catering to extended cruising and liveaboard lifestyles.