At 59.74 feet overall, with a 31-foot beam and a modest 5.41-foot draft, the Samana 59 sits firmly in the large-volume owner-cruiser and charter class rather than at the performance-racing end of the spectrum.
Design and Construction
The Samana 59 has a resin-infused, balsa-cored fiberglass hull designed for strength and stiffness. The deck and several smaller components are injection-molded, giving them a finished appearance on both the top and bottom.
Cored-composite bulkheads are tabbed to the hulls with fiberglass cloth and resin. Wherever hardware is mounted, aluminum plates are laminated into the structure, then drilled and tapped during assembly.
The boat displaces roughly 59,500 pounds and has a capsize ratio near 3.18. Together, those figures fit its character as a stable, voluminous cruiser. The balsa-cored sandwich structure and infusion process also reflect the builder’s broader approach to catamaran construction.
Rig, Helm, and Sailing Performance
The Samana 59 carries a versatile cutter rig, with a slightly overlapping jib and a large genoa on electric furlers. Electric Antal winches handle the loads. The helm station is at the foot of the mast, with all maneuvers brought together so the skipper can stay in constant control of performance.
The standard sail plan includes a 117 m² mainsail and an 87 m² genoa. The published dimensions of 18.78 m overall and 9.46 m beam give the rig a broad, stable platform.
In a test sail with 9 to 10 knots of breeze, speed held around 6 knots on a reach and eased slightly when closehauled. The result suggests that, while the Samana 59 is no light-air rocket, it moves willingly enough for a boat of its beam and displacement.
Accommodations and Living Spaces
The Lounge Maestro version includes an owner’s suite, two double cabins, a bunk-bed cabin, three bathrooms, and two skipper cabins. The owner’s cabins have two access points, one from the saloon stairway and another from aft.
A galley-down Maestro version places the galley in the center of three staterooms in the port hull. The boat has two galleys: a social galley with a central island and a second galley tucked near the crew cabins. A forward-facing navigation station occupies the saloon’s forward starboard corner.
The flybridge is described as the largest in its category, reinforcing the Samana 59’s emphasis on entertaining and social cruising.
Engines and Systems
Standard power comes from twin 110 cv diesel engines, with twin 150 cv engines available as an option. Fresh-water capacity is 1,150 liters, while diesel capacity is 1,200 liters.
The ODSea+ package replaces the conventional propulsion setup with two 50 kW motors, two 24 kW generators, an 118 kWh battery park, an 18 kW inverter, and hydrogeneration. It is offered as a hybrid option rather than an aftermarket addition.
A hydraulic swim platform extends the cockpit living area aft. It can be raised for sunbathing or lowered to the water.
The Verdict
The Samana 59 is a thoroughly modern flagship catamaran built around generous volume, social spaces, and manageable systems for a boat of its size. Its flybridge, two galleys, and Lounge Maestro layouts make it a strong platform for either private ownership or charter. The infused, balsa-cored hull and consolidated helm provide a coherent approach to construction and handling.
It isn’t a light-air sprinter, and its draft and beam suit sheltered cruising grounds more than tight anchorages.
Pros
- First Fountaine Pajot sailing catamaran with a category-leading flybridge
- Resin-infused, balsa-cored hull with tabbed composite bulkheads
- Lounge Maestro layouts with dual-access owner’s cabins and two galleys
- ODSea+ hybrid option with hydrogeneration and a large battery bank
Cons
- Closehauled speed was slightly lower than reach speed in a light breeze
- 5.41-foot draft limits shallow-water access
- Injection-molded deck components and the broad beam favor comfort over agility
