Ita 14.99 Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the ITA 14.99 began around 2016, when founder Emanuele Caprini, a seasoned yachtsman, embarked on a personal quest to create a distinctive 50-foot catamaran that transcended existing market offerings. This ambition led to the establishment of ITA Catamarans in 2017. The builder then collaborated with the Yacht Design Collective, a team including naval architects François Pérus, Romain Scolari, and Hertwig, to bring Caprini's vision to fruition. The ITA 14.99 was subsequently launched into production in 2019, quickly gaining recognition for its innovative design and a focused approach to development.

The design philosophy behind the ITA 14.99 emphasizes a harmonious blend of comfort and performance, characterized by elegant and dynamic lines. The designers aimed for a vessel that offers sporty, fast, and easy navigation while ensuring total comfort for its occupants. Key signature features include wave-piercing reverse bows and fine V-shaped bow stems and forefoots, which are meticulously engineered to reduce forward weight, improve water shedding, and enhance overall performance and comfort across various sea states., 15] This commitment to design is complemented by ITA Catamarans' manufacturing ethos, which prioritizes high-quality construction, sophisticated technology, and safety, all crafted by experienced artisans in Italy's renowned "Sailing Valley.", 9, 18] The ITA 14.99 is offered in various configurations, including an owner's version with three cabins and a four-cabin layout, catering to different cruising needs.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The ITA 14.99 is engineered as a performance cruiser, boasting a long waterline length of 49.18 feet, which contributes significantly to its speed potential and ability to maintain pace with larger vessels. Its generous beam of 25.59 feet not only provides inherent stability but also allows for voluminous interior spaces, characteristic of a modern cruising catamaran. With a light displacement of 23,149 pounds, the boat is relatively light for its size, a characteristic that enhances its agility and speed.

The calculated sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 29.66 (using light displacement) suggests that the ITA 14.99 is a powerful sailboat, particularly adept at performing well in light winds and capable of achieving exhilarating speeds. Its displacement to length ratio (D/L) of around 86.8 further underscores its lightweight, performance-oriented design. While these metrics indicate a fast vessel, the design also incorporates features to manage this power effectively. Owners and reviewers praise its excellent driving characteristics and thrilling performance, noting impressive upwind angles of up to 35 degrees and top speeds reaching up to 20 knots when sailing upwind. The fractional sloop rig is designed for easy handling, making it manageable for single-handed sailing or with a reduced crew. A notable feature is its daggerboard keel system, allowing for a variable draft from a shallow 2.13 feet to a deeper 7.71 feet. This enables the catamaran to access shallow anchorages while also providing superior upwind performance when the boards are fully deployed. Furthermore, the inclusion of an Oceanvolt electric engine highlights a modern, eco-conscious approach to auxiliary propulsion, offering quiet and efficient motoring.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the ITA 14.99 is celebrated for its spaciousness and meticulous attention to detail, designed to offer a level of comfort comparable to the finest monohull cruisers. With an impressive maximum headroom of 6.89 feet in the saloon, the interior provides truly unexpected volumes and an airy ambiance. The saloon is particularly bright and inviting, benefiting from large expanses of flat glass that afford panoramic views. A distinctive design element is the elimination of central uprights in the saloon, creating a vast, open-plan living area.

The typical layout often features a U-shaped galley, thoughtfully integrated into the living space. Depending on the chosen configuration, the boat can accommodate three or four cabins. The owner's version often includes a luxurious master cabin, two guest cabins, and both private and shared head compartments, providing ample privacy and comfort for extended cruising. Storage is well-considered throughout, including a large sail locker, ensuring practicality for long voyages. The overall finish quality and use of materials reflect an undeniable "Italian touch," emphasizing elegant design and robust construction techniques. The generous 174-gallon water capacity further enhances its suitability for extended periods away from shore.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the ITA 14.99 frequently laud its robust construction and comfortable motion, particularly praising its performance in challenging conditions. 9, 14, 18, Builder Article Many have been so impressed during sea trials that they made immediate purchase decisions, highlighting the catamaran's ability to exceed expectations. The vessel is often perceived as a choice for sailors who are not "Sunday sailors," indicating its appeal to those who appreciate and actively seek out its high-performance capabilities and responsive handling. The ITA 14.99 is consistently described as a performance cruiser that successfully marries high build quality with a luxurious cruising experience, making it a strong contender for bluewater cruising enthusiasts. While specific common issues are not widely reported, the overall sentiment from owners underscores the boat's strengths in design, build quality, and sailing prowess.