Sailing Performance & Handling
The handling of the Catana 70 is defined by its daggerboards and its distinctive outboard steering stations. Unlike many modern catamarans that utilize high flybridges, the Catana 70 keeps its helmsman at the aft quarters of each hull. This positioning provides an unparalleled view of the sail plan and a direct connection to the water, allowing for a more visceral "monohull-like" feel. According to editorial assessments by Multihulls World, the yacht excels in upwind performance, thanks largely to its deep-draft daggerboards that significantly reduce leeway compared to fixed-keel competitors.
With a sail area-to-displacement ratio geared toward performance, the Catana 70 is capable of exceeding 20 knots under the right conditions, yet it remains remarkably stable due to its wide beam and optimized hull shapes. The Marc Lombard design features tulip-shaped hulls that provide buoyancy in heavy seas, preventing the bows from "digging in" when surfing downwind. The use of carbon fiber in the roof, structural reinforcements, and the mast further lowers the center of gravity, enhancing the vessel's sea-kindliness and reducing the "hobby-horsing" motion common in lighter, less refined multihulls.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The interior of the Catana 70 is a study in semi-custom luxury, designed to accommodate long-term live-aboard owners or high-end charter groups. The flagship status allowed for significant variation in layout; most hulls were configured in either a four-cabin "Owner" version or a five-to-six-cabin "Charter" arrangement. In the Owner’s version, an entire hull is dedicated to a master suite featuring a king-sized island bed, a desk/office area, and an expansive head with a separate walk-in shower.
The main salon is characterized by a "flush" transition to the cockpit, creating a singular, expansive living space that emphasizes natural ventilation and light. Materials typically include Alpi wood finishes, leather upholstery, and high-tech composite accents that nod to the boat's carbon construction. Because the Catana 70 was often built to order, interior variations are common; some owners opted for a "galley-down" configuration to maximize the salon’s lounging area, while others preferred a "galley-up" setup for social cooking. The headroom throughout is exceptional, typically exceeding 2.1 meters, ensuring a sense of volume that rivals much larger motor yachts.
Popular Mentions & Media
The Catana 70 has been a frequent subject of maritime acclaim, notably featured in international boat shows from Cannes to Miami as a showcase of French naval engineering. It has been the recipient of "Multihull of the Year" nominations and has been extensively reviewed by high-authority publications like Yachting World and Cruising World, which often cite the model as the benchmark for "grand touring" under sail. The vessel’s ability to cover 250 to 300 nautical miles in a day has made it a favorite among high-profile circumnavigators who demand both speed and safety for transoceanic passages.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers of a pre-owned Catana 70 should focus their due diligence on the complex systems and specialized construction materials inherent in a high-performance flagship.
- Daggerboard Trunks and Bearings: Given the loads placed on the daggerboards during high-speed upwind legs, the trunks and nylon bearings should be inspected for wear or structural stress. Ensure the lifting mechanisms (often hydraulic or high-purchase tackle) operate smoothly without binding.
- Carbon-Infusion Integrity: While the carbon infusion process is robust, any history of grounding or collisions requires a specialized ultrasonic survey. Traditional "tap testing" is insufficient for evaluating the structural integrity of carbon-reinforced foam cores.
- Complex Systems Integration: The Catana 70 utilizes sophisticated electrical (often EmpirBus or similar CAN-bus systems) and hydraulic systems for winches and furling gear. A specialist marine electrician should verify the health of the lithium-ion banks (if equipped) and the status of the decentralized power modules.
- Rigging Tension and Mast Step: The carbon mast exerts immense downward pressure. Buyers should inspect the mast step and the surrounding structural grid for any signs of compression or spider-web cracking in the gelcoat, which may indicate over-tensioning of the stays.
Community & Resources
Owners of the Catana 70 often engage with the Catana Owners Association, a global network that provides technical support and organizes rallies for performance catamaran enthusiasts. While the Catana 70 is a rare model with limited production numbers, technical data and historical brochures can often be sourced through the Catana Group’s corporate archives or through specialized forums like the Multihull Company’s editorial archives, which frequently document the specific histories of individual hulls in this class.
The Verdict
The Catana 70 remains one of the most capable blue-water catamarans ever built, successfully merging the speed of a racing hull with the sophistication of a luxury villa. It is a boat for the experienced sailor who prioritizes performance and is willing to manage the complexity of daggerboards and high-tech systems.
Pros:
- Superior Pointing: Daggerboards allow for windward performance far beyond the reach of standard cruising cats.
- High-End Construction: Carbon-infused hulls provide a stiff, light, and durable structure.
- Helm Visibility: Twin outboard helms offer an exceptional line of sight and an engaging sailing experience.
- Flagship Volume: Massive interior and exterior living spaces suitable for global exploration.
Cons:
- Operational Complexity: Managing daggerboards and high-load rigging requires an active, experienced crew.
- Draft Sensitivity: While boards up allow for shallow water access, the rudders and sail drive units still require significant depth compared to smaller catamarans.
- Maintenance Costs: High-performance components (carbon fiber, hydraulics, high-tech sails) command premium service and replacement prices.
