Design and Construction
Lasta Design Studio's brief was to create a large-volume, elegantly proportioned hull that doesn't trade one virtue for another. The result is a catamaran with relatively narrow bows below the chines, which helps cut through head seas rather than slamming, and good bridgedeck clearance that guarantees passage through bigger seas. At 7.61 meters of beam across a 13.53-meter hull, the proportions are generous without tipping into unwieldy territory. Construction is GRP infusion with polyester resin, a method that delivers weight savings and structural consistency compared to hand-laid alternatives. The imposing freeboard is a deliberate choice, one that translates directly into interior volume rather than being purely cosmetic.
Deck Layout and Helm Configuration
The deck arrangement is organized around the principle of keeping the crew close together without crowding anyone out. The manufacturer places a double helm seat close to the roof lounge, a layout decision that creates natural conviviality both underway and at anchor rather than isolating the helmsman at the stern. The sail handling station in immediate proximity to the sail plan keeps sheet and halyard work intuitive, while the dedicated staircase connecting the cockpit to the roof gives the overall deck flow a logical hierarchy. The cockpit itself is dimensioned for serious entertaining: spacious seating around a large table accommodates up to twelve guests, and an integrated plancha and ample storage make it function as a complete outdoor living area rather than a transit space between the helm and the companionway.
Sail Plan and Performance
Aventura's stated philosophy is that a sailing catamaran must first and foremost be able to cover miles, and the specification reflects that ambition. The upwind inventory runs to 1,345 square feet of working sail — 797 square feet of mainsail and 549 square feet of genoa — while an optional 915-square-foot gennaker extends downwind range without requiring a structural commitment. A weight-to-sail ratio carefully optimized for performance on all points of sail means the boat is not just fast in a narrow wind angle. The CE Category A ocean rating confirms the designer's confidence in the seakeeping, and the twin 57-horsepower engines give ample maneuvering authority in tight marinas or when the wind dies on long passages.
Interior Layout and Accommodations
The saloon is designed to comfortably welcome eight to ten guests without resorting to cramped fold-out solutions. The galley is exceptional in scope for this size class: standard equipment includes a 585-liter fridge-freezer, oven, microwave, dishwasher, and navigation station incorporating the EmpirBus electrical management system. The standard three-cabin layout includes a true owner's suite with a desk area, dressing room, private bathroom with separate shower, and extensive storage. For those needing the boat to work harder commercially, configurations run from four to six cabins in both owner and charter versions, giving operators genuine flexibility without requiring structural modifications. Fresh water tankage sits at 800 liters across two tanks, and the 260-liter holding tank is substantial enough for extended marina stays.
Finish Quality and Value Positioning
The Aventura brand built its following on price, but the 45 represents a conscious departure from the era when a lower price was reflected in more approximate quality of finish. The Multihulls World reviewer, who examined hull number one at close quarters at Cannes and later in Dénia, noted the level of finishing detail as a genuine shift in the brand's trajectory. That perception shift matters because it repositions the Aventura 45 not as a budget option with trade-offs but as a serious value proposition in a segment dominated by French and South African marques with substantially higher price points. The infusion build process underpins that quality claim structurally, as it reduces resin-to-glass ratios more reliably than hand-lamination.
The Verdict
The Aventura 45 is a coherent, well-resolved cruising catamaran that delivers on a difficult brief: high volume, multiple layout options, ocean-rated construction, and a sail plan genuinely designed for passage-making, all within a package that challenges the pricing assumptions of the segment. The Lasta Design hull is attractive without being derivative, and the deck ergonomics — particularly the helm-to-lounge relationship and the sail-handling station — reflect real sailing experience rather than showroom optics. The move to infusion construction at the Tunisian yard marks a meaningful maturation for the brand.
Pros
- CE Category A ocean certification on a production catamaran under 14 meters
- Exceptional galley specification with full domestic appliances as standard
- Six-cabin charter configuration available without structural compromise
- Narrow bow entry and good bridgedeck clearance improve seakeeping
- Optional gennaker expands downwind capability without structural commitment
Cons
- Limited independent long-term sea trial reporting available to buyers
- High freeboard improves interior volume but increases windage in anchorages
- Polyester resin infusion, while efficient, is a step below epoxy for long-term osmotic resistance
