Sailing Performance & Handling
The Eleuthera 60 is a dedicated passage-maker rather than a performance-oriented racing multihull. With a lightship displacement of approximately 18,000 kg (nearly 40,000 lbs) and a substantial beam of 27.9 feet, the yacht prioritizes stability and a "stiff" sailing attitude. Its underwater profile features fixed fins rather than daggerboards, a design choice by Fountaine Pajot intended to simplify operation for short-handed crews and provide protection for the rudders and sail-drives during accidental groundings.
Under sail, the Eleuthera 60 utilizes a high-aspect fractional rig. Handling is centralized at a raised helm station, which was an innovative feature at the time, offering the helmsman clear sightlines over the coachroof while maintaining a connection to the social activity in the cockpit. Editorial sea trials from the period noted that while the boat requires a decent breeze to overcome its mass—typically 10-12 knots of true wind to find its groove—it tracks exceptionally well in offshore swells. The high bridge deck clearance is a critical design element that significantly reduces "slamming" in choppy head seas, a common complaint in smaller or lower-profile catamarans.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The interior of the Eleuthera 60 was designed to maximize the "panoramic" experience that has since become a Fountaine Pajot hallmark. The saloon features vertical windows that minimize greenhouse heat gain while providing 360-degree views. This model was primarily offered in two major configurations: the "Maestro" (Owner’s) version and the "Charter" version.
In the Maestro configuration, the entire starboard hull is often dedicated to a massive master suite, featuring a king-size longitudinal berth, a dedicated office space, and a large head with a separate shower stall. The Charter variants maximize occupancy, offering up to five guest cabins plus additional crew quarters in the bows. Regardless of the layout, the use of cherry wood veneers (typical of its era) and light-colored headliners creates an airy, sophisticated ambiance. The galley is "up" in the saloon, designed as a focal point for social interaction, equipped with multi-burner stoves and substantial refrigeration capacity required for long-range cruising.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers of an Eleuthera 60 should approach the survey with a focus on the complexities inherent in a yacht of this scale and age.
- Hydraulic and Electronic Systems: As a flagship model, many Eleuthera 60s were fitted with complex hydraulic gangways, electric winches, and sophisticated DC/AC power management systems. Buyers should verify the service history of the gel-cell or lithium battery banks and the functionality of the primary generator, as the yacht’s high-draw amenities (air conditioning, watermakers) are reliant on them.
- Balsa Core and Delamination: While Fountaine Pajot used vacuum-bagging, it is essential to have a surveyor perform a moisture test and percussion "tap" test on the decks, especially around aftermarket fittings like solar panels or davits where water ingress may have compromised the core.
- Standing Rigging: Given the age of these vessels, many are reaching or have exceeded the 10-year recommended lifespan for standing rigging. Inspect the swage fittings and the mast step for any signs of compression or galvanic corrosion.
- Escape Hatches: Earlier Fountaine Pajot models sometimes experienced issues with the bonding of the safety escape hatches located in the hulls. These should be inspected for seal integrity and structural soundess.
Community & Resources
Owners and enthusiasts of the Eleuthera 60 often find support through the Fountaine Pajot Yacht Club, an official community platform that offers technical resources and organizes owner rendezvous. Additionally, because these yachts were popular in premium charter fleets, technical discussions and maintenance workarounds are frequently documented in specialized multihull forums where long-term cruisers share specific mechanical upgrades for the Berret-Racoupeau designs.
The Verdict
The Fountaine Pajot Eleuthera 60 remains a formidable choice for sailors seeking a voluminous, blue-water capable catamaran with "big boat" presence at a pre-owned price point.
Pros:
- Massive Volume: Offers living space comparable to much larger monohulls, making it an ideal liveaboard.
- Proven Design: The Berret-Racoupeau hull is widely respected for its balance of safety and sea-kindliness.
- Bridge Deck Clearance: Superior clearance minimizes pounding in heavy seas compared to competitors of the same era.
Cons:
- Maintenance Intensity: The sheer number of systems (dual engines, generators, multiple heads) requires a significant annual budget.
- Size Constraints: At 60 feet with a nearly 28-foot beam, finding slip space in older or smaller marinas can be challenging and expensive.
- Light Air Performance: Its heavy displacement means the yacht may struggle to maintain speed in light winds without the use of an asymmetric spinnaker or engine assistance.
