Outremer 48 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Outremer 48, with its production commencing in 2025, represents the latest chapter in Outremer's storied history of crafting formidable blue water catamarans. Founded in 1984 by Gérard Danson, Outremer has consistently adhered to a philosophy of creating yachts capable of ocean crossings and circumnavigations, prioritizing safety, reliability, and sailing pleasure. The 48 embodies this ethos, drawing on the builder's commitment to robust construction and performance.

The design collaboration for the Outremer 48 involves a trifecta of celebrated names. VPLP Design, known for their high-performance multihull expertise, served as the naval architects, while Patrick Le Quément contributed as the design consultant, lending his artistic vision to the exterior. Darnet Design, the interior architect, focused on optimizing the living spaces. The specific design goal for the Outremer 48 was to achieve a performance profile somewhere between the Outremer 45 and the Outremer 4X, while simultaneously delivering a higher level of comfort for those undertaking extensive voyages. This reflects Outremer's continuous pursuit of refinement, integrating the best features from their iconic models into this new design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a performance-oriented catamaran, the Outremer 48 is engineered for efficient and exhilarating sailing on the open ocean. With a waterline length of 48 feet and a substantial beam of 24.8 feet, she is designed to harness the wind effectively. The vessel incorporates the latest advancements in engineering and naval architecture, allowing it to achieve speeds close to wind speed in light air, while maintaining exceptional safety and stability in heavy weather.

Her fractional sloop rig and twin rudders contribute to her responsiveness and control. The design features a high and powerful rig combined with a low boom, which not only enhances performance but also simplifies sail handling, making actions like reefing or stowing sails safer and more manageable without requiring acrobatic maneuvers. This focus on ease of maneuverability aligns with Outremer's reputation for building catamarans suitable for short-handed or even solo sailing, proving their resilience across diverse sea conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed interior specifications often vary with custom builds, the Outremer 48 is notable for its significantly optimized interior layout compared to its predecessor, the Outremer 45. The interior, envisioned by Darnet Design, prioritizes light and space, aiming to create an inviting and functional living environment. The catamaran offers flexibility with up to ten different interior versions, allowing owners to customize the arrangement to suit their specific cruising needs and preferences. This adaptability ensures that the Outremer 48 can serve a variety of cruising lifestyles, from family adventures to serious blue water expeditions.