Piana 37 Information, Review, Specs

Naval Force 3, established in 1986 in La Rochelle, quickly made a name for itself through its dedication to composite construction and the production of innovative multihulls, including both trimarans and catamarans. The Piana 37, introduced in 1992, represents the company's commitment to the catamaran market, offering a design that emphasizes practicality and performance in a comfortable cruising package. While specific details on designer B. Desray's overarching philosophy for the Piana 37 are not widely publicized, its design aligns with Naval Force 3's broader approach to creating robust yet lightweight vessels. The company's focus on modern composite materials, evident in the Piana 37's fiberglass and plywood core hull and deck, aimed to provide durability and efficient performance. Production of the Piana 37 continued until at least the liquidation of Naval Force 3, which eventually led to the shipyard's takeover by Atlantic Boatyard by 2017. No significant variations like MkI or MkII versions or different rig options were found in available documentation.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Piana 37 features a catamaran hull with twin keels and is rigged as a fractional sloop with a rotating spar. This configuration suggests a design focused on a balance of performance and ease of handling. As a catamaran, the Piana 37 inherently benefits from a high degree of initial stability and a spacious deck area compared to monohulls of similar length. The twin keel design, a characteristic feature, allows for a shallower draft (2.95 ft) compared to many monohulls or deep-keeled catamarans, expanding cruising grounds to include shallower anchorages and tidal areas. While specific performance numbers are not extensively detailed, the broader Piana series has been noted by discerning sailors as "simple, compact, and a delight to sail," suggesting positive handling characteristics and overall sailing satisfaction for the line. The fractional sloop rig, coupled with a reported sail area of 634 square feet, indicates a sail plan that is manageable and efficient across various wind conditions, further enhanced by the rotating spar for optimal sail shape.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the interior accommodations and layout of the Naval Force 3 Piana 37 is scarce in publicly available resources. However, as a catamaran with a generous beam of 19.68 feet, the Piana 37 would typically offer substantial interior volume and living space distributed across its two hulls and the bridging deck salon. Catamarans of this size often feature a layout that includes multiple cabins, usually one in each hull forward and/or aft, providing privacy and separation. A common arrangement might involve a spacious salon area on the bridging deck, offering panoramic views and a comfortable gathering space, with a galley often incorporated into one hull or within the salon area. Heads are typically located in the hulls. The ample beam also usually translates to good storage capacity and excellent ventilation through multiple hatches and ports, contributing to a comfortable liveaboard or extended cruising experience. The design would likely prioritize practicality and efficient use of space, reflecting Naval Force 3's reputation for functional multihulls.