Design and Construction
Fountaine Pajot asked Berret-Raccoupeau to bring big-boat appeal to a smaller footprint. The resulting 40-foot catamaran is actually larger than the Lipari 41 it replaced, with a more spacious cockpit, greater interior volume, and larger windows throughout.
The Lucia 40 has an all-up unloaded displacement of 19,621 pounds, making it comparatively light at under 20,000 pounds. Its hulls use PVC foam-core sandwich construction with vacuum-laminated outer skins. The deck and cabinhouse are made by resin transfer moulding, with gelcoat sprayed on both sides for a finished appearance from every angle. Fixed keels avoid the need for daggerboards.
Numerous design elements—including the bow shapes, raked saloon windows, and weight distribution—point to a boat intended to sail in waves.
Rig, Performance, and Handling
The standard sail plan combines a full-batten square-top mainsail with a 110% genoa, providing just over 1,000 square feet of sail area. The rig has swept spreaders and no backstay, with diamond stays carrying much of the load. Its long boom supplies plenty of power, although it makes the rig less high-aspect than those of some rivals.
A mainsheet traveller runs almost the full beam and is anchored to the composite bimini over the cockpit. Both sails are handled from three winches, one electric, positioned immediately ahead of the raised helm.
Test sailors found that the boat performed admirably on all points of sail. Acceleration was palpable when a puff arrived, and the Lucia maintained adequate power at 55° apparent while keeping way to about 30° apparent.
Steering is by a traditional cable system rather than hydraulics. The builder chose not to lighten the wheel with hydraulic steering, a passagemaking-minded decision because cable steering is easier to repair underway.
Cockpit and Helm
The Lucia 40’s cockpit is almost as large as that of the Helia 44. A portside L-shaped dinette seats up to eight, supplemented by lounge seating at the transom and to starboard. A swanky bow sun deck and weather-protected helm canvas complete the outdoor living areas.
Forward visibility from the helm is good to starboard but restricted toward the port-forward corner. There’s no view of either transom without looking beneath the bimini. The electric-winch switches are also awkwardly tucked beside the engine throttle handles, making them inconvenient for anyone operating the winches from outboard.
Interior and Accommodations
The saloon and cockpit are on the same level, with glass doors linking the two spaces. An L-shaped galley sits to port, opposite Vitrifrigo refrigerator drawers to starboard. The dedicated navigation station shares the L-shaped settee seat, and the settee seats six; a breezeway to the cockpit creates an easy indoor-outdoor flow.
A skylight brightens the saloon, but there’s no opening hatch overhead. The horizontal portlight may add heat without providing extra ventilation. Galley counter space and stowage are limited, although there are plenty of soft-close drawers.
Four layouts were offered across the three- and four-cabin Maestro and Quatuor versions. In the Maestro, the starboard hull becomes a master suite with a walk-around island bed and small desk. The toilet has its own compartment, allowing the shower and sink to be used independently. The tester described the separate shower as the largest seen on a boat under 40 feet, though it has no door dividing it from the cabin.
The bow spaces are reserved for stowage rather than berths, and large bow compartments provide still more capacity.
Machinery, Equipment, and Options
Engine access is a notable strength. The machinery compartments are outside the living areas and reached through aft-deck hatches in each hull. The engine rooms are spacious and provide excellent 360° access.
Standard power is supplied by twin 20hp Volvo Penta diesels. Optional power is described as 30hp Yanmars or two 30hp units. The port engine room can also accommodate an optional Northern Light genset.
The test boat carried an upgraded bowsprit and flying-sail gear. Another option was a sun-pad lounge across the forward end of the cabinhouse. Beneath it, lockers house the water tank, Quick vertical windlass, and additional stowage.
The Verdict
The Lucia 40 is a thoughtfully packaged small catamaran that offers more than its length might suggest. It combines genuine passagemaking intent and easy engine servicing with a bright, open social layout. Helm blind spots and several galley compromises come with the compact hulls, but the boat balances space and performance unusually well for a family cruiser.
Pros
- Larger cockpit, greater interior volume, and more glazing than the Lipari 41 it replaced
- Excellent all-around engine access through aft-deck hatches
- Passagemaking-oriented cable steering that is easier to repair at sea
- Bright, level saloon-to-cockpit living space with useful stowage
Cons
- No helm visibility toward the transoms and restricted visibility at the port-forward corner
- Limited galley counter space and stowage, with no opening hatch above the saloon
- Master shower is open to the cabin
- Electric-winch switches are poorly positioned
