Outremer 52 Information, Review, Specs

Outremer, a brand synonymous with blue water sailing, was founded in 1984 by Gérard Danson, who envisioned catamarans that seamlessly combined performance with long-distance cruising capabilities. Since 2003, the shipyard has operated under the Grand Large Yachting group, which has further solidified its position as a leading performance catamaran builder.

History and Design

The Outremer 52 entered production in 2023, representing a significant evolution in the builder's highly regarded line of cruising catamarans. The design of the Outremer 52 is a collaborative effort involving some of the most respected names in marine architecture and design. VPLP Design, known for their expertise in high-performance multihulls, spearheaded the naval architecture, while Darnet Design was responsible for the interior layout and aesthetics. Patrick Le Quément and Saguez & Partners also contributed to the overall design vision, ensuring a harmonious blend of form and function.

Outremer's overarching design philosophy, consistently applied to the 52, emphasizes performance, reliability, and safety, coupled with a focus on ease of handling and a high quality of life aboard. The builder aims to create yachts that are not only seaworthy and robust but also pleasurable to sail, capable of proving themselves in all sea conditions. The Outremer 52, building on the innovations of its larger sibling, the Outremer 55, was conceived to simplify handling at sea and enhance movement both above and below deck. This model replaced the very popular Outremer 51, which sold over 100 units, underscoring the high expectations for the new 52.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Outremer 52 is engineered for exhilarating sailing performance, promising less reliance on motoring for long passages. With a length overall of 51.61 feet and a waterline length of 51.54 feet, combined with a relatively light displacement of 27,557 pounds, she is designed to be a fast and responsive cruising catamaran. Her impressive beam of 25.89 feet contributes significantly to her inherent stability and spaciousness.

Equipped with daggerboards, the Outremer 52 offers a variable draft, ranging from a minimum of 3.61 feet for accessing shallow anchorages to a maximum of 7.55 feet for optimal upwind performance. This feature, coupled with a reported sail area of 1668.41 square feet (main and self-tacking jib), allows for excellent performance across a range of wind conditions. Reviews highlight the Outremer 52's ability to achieve impressive speeds, with reports of averaging 11-12 knots and surfs up to 17 knots under gennaker in favorable conditions. She can achieve approximately 7.7 knots sailing at a 50-degree angle to the true wind. The helm is described as light and responsive, making the boat enjoyable and manageable, even for short-handed crews. The deck layout is ergonomically designed to facilitate sail handling and overall boat operation.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Outremer 52, crafted by Darnet Design, prioritizes comfort, visibility, and practicality for extended blue water cruising. With a generous maximum headroom of 6.5 feet, the living spaces feel open and inviting. The saloon is well-appointed, featuring a well-equipped galley that often includes a worktop with an exterior bar and a stainless steel sink. The design seamlessly integrates the interior with the surrounding seascape, enhancing the experience of life aboard.

Outremer offers a high degree of customization for the interior, allowing owners to configure the layout to their specific needs and preferences. A popular arrangement is the three-cabin layout, where one hull is entirely dedicated to the owner's suite, often including a forward bathroom. The shipyard has also introduced innovative modular spaces, such as "My Free Space" in the port forward cabin, which can be adapted for various uses. The general finish quality typically involves a thoughtful selection of materials, contributing to a refined and comfortable environment suitable for long-term living at sea.

Owner's Perspectives

As a relatively new model launched in 2023, extensive long-term owner reviews for the Outremer 52 are still emerging. However, initial feedback from the sailing community and boat testers has been overwhelmingly positive. Owners and reviewers praise its blend of speed, comfort, and safety, confirming its suitability for serious blue water voyaging and even circumnavigations. The improved living space compared to its predecessors is a frequently noted benefit, alongside its ability to deliver exhilarating sailing performance. While specific common problems have not yet been widely reported due to its newness, the brand's reputation for robust construction suggests a high level of reliability. The primary "challenge" noted by those interested in the Outremer 52 appears to be the potential waiting period of two to three years to acquire one, a testament to its demand. Owners appreciate the responsive helm and the overall ease of managing such a capable vessel, even for smaller crews.