Design and Construction
Designed by Chris White, the Atlantic 42 measures 42 feet overall and 41 feet on the waterline, with a generous beam of 23 feet 4 inches. Its light 14,500-pound displacement accounts for much of its lively character.
White’s Atlantic series earned a reputation for fast cruising catamarans, and the 42 follows the same formula. Its epoxy, fiberglass, and carbon composites were chosen for strength, rigidity, and low weight. The epoxy, fiberglass, and carbon composites were chosen for strength, rigidity, and low weight. The hull itself uses a foam core with epoxy and glass, with carbon introduced only in high-stress areas.
Each boat begins with the same basic structure of amas, bridge, and pilothouse, but every example is customized within that shell. Underwing clearance is 28.5 inches. The daggerboards provide a draft range from 2 feet 8 inches to 7 feet, combining shallow-water exploration with deep, weatherly performance under sail.
Cockpits, Rig, and Handling
A trademark of the Atlantic series is its second cockpit between the cabin and mast, where the crew has excellent sightlines for checking sail trim. On the 42, this waist-high forward cockpit sits just aft of the mast. A full-size door connects it directly to the pilothouse, allowing the helmsman to move easily between protected inside steering and the outside helm. The pilothouse also serves as the navigation station.
Owners praise the boat’s ease of handling. Most customers prefer the conventional sloop rig, but the Atlantic 42 can also be fitted with White’s MastFoil arrangement. This uses two rotating wing spars with staysails carried on booms to create a self-tending sail plan. Electric furlers on the headsails allow the crew to slip a mooring and set sail within moments.
The standard sloop carries a 620-square-foot mainsail and a 370-square-foot jib beneath a 62-foot mast. Together, the sail plan and light displacement allow the boat to bang along at 12 knots with a confidence owners describe as unforgettable.
Accommodations and Cruising Capacity
The pilothouse, forward cockpit, well-regarded galley, and sleeping cabins are classic Atlantic Cat features. Taking advantage of the boat’s considerable beam, the layout provides three double-berth staterooms and a spacious saloon. The inside steering station offers an alternative to the forward helm.
For extended cruising, the Atlantic 42 carries 80 gallons of water and 80 gallons of fuel.
Ownership and Custom Builds
About 17 Atlantic 42s have been built, and all are still sailing. It’s a small fleet with a loyal following.
Because the design remains available on a custom basis, no two interior fit-outs are identical. The standard structure of amas, bridge, and pilothouse gives buyers a known framework around which to specify cabins and systems. The original series is out of production, but the custom-build option keeps the model available to sailors who want a new boat built to order.
Verdict
The Atlantic 42 is a specialized, lightweight composite cruising catamaran for sailors who value visibility and easy handling. Its forward cockpit provides a clear view of sail trim, while the pilothouse offers protected steering and navigation.
Its custom nature and tiny production count make the Atlantic 42 a rare find. Even so, it has a coherent design logic and an enthusiastic owner base.
Pros
- Lightweight epoxy, fiberglass, and carbon-composite construction, with carbon in high-stress areas
- Forward cockpit with excellent sightlines for sail trim
- Protected inside steering in the pilothouse
- Still available as a custom build despite being out of series production
- Lively handling and 12-knot capability
- Easy sail handling with either the MastFoil arrangement or conventional sloop rig
Cons
- Only about 17 built, limiting brokerage availability
- Daggerboard draft of up to 7 feet can complicate some shallow anchorages
- Custom interiors leave no standardized layout for comparing boats
