Sailing Performance & Handling
The Sanya 57 is built using vacuum infusion and a balsa-cored sandwich construction, a technique Fountaine Pajot utilized to maintain a light displacement of approximately 21 tons—significantly lighter than many of its contemporaries, such as the Lagoon 560. This weight-conscious approach allows the boat to perform admirably in moderate conditions; editorial reviews have noted speeds of 8 to 9 knots in 15 knots of true wind when sailing off the breeze.
The helm station is a "semi-flybridge" design, positioned to starboard and elevated above the cockpit. This layout centers all sail controls—including three primary winches and the mainsheet traveler—into a single workspace, theoretically allowing for single-handed operation of the 1,600-square-foot sail plan. While the boat features fixed keels rather than daggerboards, which limits its ability to point extremely high to windward, the keels are designed with protective sacrificial tips to safeguard the hulls and rudders during accidental groundings. Owners often opt for the "Tall Rig" variant, which adds 3.7 meters to the mast height, specifically to improve performance in the light-air conditions often encountered in the Mediterranean or Caribbean.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The Sanya 57 was primarily offered in two configurations: the "Maestro" owner’s version and a 6-cabin "Charter" version. In the Maestro layout, the entire port hull is dedicated to a massive master suite featuring a queen-sized island berth, a desk/vanity, and an expansive en-suite head with a separate shower stall. The starboard hull typically houses three additional guest cabins, each with private heads, ensuring maximum privacy for up to eight guests.
The saloon is a hallmark of the Berret-Racoupeau design, utilizing the boat’s 8.88-meter beam to create an open-plan living area that flows seamlessly into the cockpit on a single level. The galley is positioned "up" on the starboard side of the saloon and features professional-grade appliances, including a double-door refrigerator with an integrated ice dispenser and a full-sized dishwasher. One of the model's most innovative features at the time of its launch was the "Lounge Deck," a secondary social area located on the coachroof next to the helm, providing a dedicated space for sundowners and sunbathing without obstructing the skipper’s visibility or operations.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers of a pre-owned Sanya 57 should focus their inspections on the specific technical demands of a boat of this complexity.
- Fixed Keel Attachment: Given that these are fixed-keel boats often used in charter fleets, a thorough inspection of the keel-to-hull joints is necessary to check for signs of stress or previous grounding repairs.
- Window Seals & Glazing: The Sanya features large vertical windows in the saloon that provide exceptional light but are subject to significant UV exposure. Check for "crazing" in the acrylic or any signs of weeping around the seals, which can be costly to rectify on a vessel of this scale.
- Engine Service Access: While the engine rooms are dedicated compartments in the transoms, access for heavy maintenance on the twin 75hp or optional 110hp Volvo engines can be tight. Prospective buyers should verify that all daily service points are easily reachable and that the soundproofing remains intact.
- Galley Fiddles & Sea-Stowage: Some owners and reviewers have noted a lack of high "fiddles" (lips on counters) and specialized storage for fragile glassware in the galley. If the boat is intended for heavy offshore use rather than island hopping, a buyer may need to retrofit secure storage solutions for galley equipment.
- Escape Hatches: Consistent with common maintenance protocols for Fountaine Pajot catamarans of this era, the emergency escape hatches located in the hulls should be inspected for seal integrity and updated if the original Goiot hatches have not been replaced or serviced.
The Verdict
The Fountaine Pajot Sanya 57 is a sophisticated bridge between the era of racing-inspired catamarans and the modern "lifestyle" multihull. It offers a rare combination of relatively light weight and high-volume luxury, making it one of the more agile options in the 55-to-60-foot cruising class.
Pros
- Weight-to-Volume Ratio: Lighter and often faster than comparable mass-market competitors.
- Social Layout: The Lounge Deck and single-level cockpit/saloon integration are class-leading for entertainment.
- Easy Handling: All lines lead to a single helm station, making it manageable for a cruising couple.
- Dinghy Protection: The unique aft platform shields the tender from UV rays and heavy seas.
Cons
- Limited Production: Only 26 hulls built, making parts and community-specific knowledge harder to find than for the Saba 50 or Saona 47.
- Upwind Limitations: Fixed keels and wide hulls trade off some windward performance for interior volume.
- Ventilation: Some cabins rely heavily on air conditioning, as natural airflow in the lower hulls can be limited in tropical climates.
