Fountaine Pajot Tanna 47 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Tanna 47 is engineered as a capable blue-water cruiser that prioritizes stability and ease of handling over raw racing speed. With a displacement-to-length ratio that leans toward the heavier side of the performance spectrum, the vessel relies on a generous, roachy square-top mainsail (77 m²) and a slightly overlapping genoa (52 m²) to generate power. During editorial sea trials in 13 to 15 knots of breeze, the boat comfortably achieved speeds of 6.5 to 7.5 knots, according to Cruising World. While catamarans are not traditionally known for their windward pointing ability, the Tanna 47 can "nibble" up to an apparent wind angle of 55 to 60 degrees, though leeway becomes more pronounced when pinched too tightly.

The helm station is a standout design feature, positioned mid-level on the starboard bulkhead. This "semi-flybridge" configuration offers excellent sightlines forward while maintaining a physical connection to the cockpit and the lounge deck above. Canadian Boating noted that the separation of the winch pod from the steering wheel allows for easy shorthanded sailing; a skipper can engage the autopilot and step forward to the dedicated line-handling area, which features three Lewmar winches to manage the "spaghetti" of sheets and halyards.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The most dramatic interior update from previous models is the adoption of a U-shaped galley, which replaces the L-shaped configuration of the Saona 47. This change significantly increases storage capacity—providing over 300 liters of dedicated refrigeration space and an overall 1,400 liters of storage within the salon and galley area. The "Millésime" interior design emphasizes natural light through wrap-around windows and overhead skylights, creating a seamless transition to the cockpit via a large sliding bay door.

Fountaine Pajot offers two primary cabin configurations:

• Maestro Version: A dedicated owner’s layout where the entire port hull is a private suite. It features a queen-sized island berth aft, a central desk/vanity area, and a massive forward bathroom with a walk-in shower.
• Quintet Version: Aimed at the luxury charter market or large families, this version provides five double cabins, each with its own en-suite head. A unique "nested" cabin design in the port hull allows for high occupancy without compromising the structural integrity of the bridge deck.

Sibling models such as the smaller Elba 45 and the larger Aura 51 share the same design language, including the inverted bows and the "roof cap" aesthetic that has become a Fountaine Pajot signature.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Tanna 47 has established a strong media presence as a benchmark for "sustainable cruising." Beyond its award-winning debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival, it has been featured extensively in long-range cruising documentaries on YouTube, such as those by the channel "Sailing Ithaca," which documented the vessel's performance during extended charters in the Caribbean. Its reputation is built on its ability to run "silent" at anchor, using its integrated Solbian solar panels to power high-draw appliances like air conditioning without the constant need for a diesel generator.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers and surveyors should pay close attention to several technical areas identified by owners and professional reviewers:

• Aft-Port Visibility: Due to the raised helm and the size of the flybridge, visibility to the port-aft quarter is significantly obscured. This makes docking on the port side challenging without a dedicated crew member or the installation of a rearview camera system.
• Helm Exposure: While the helm is protected by a dedicated Bimini, it is still relatively exposed to the elements during heavy squalls. Many owners recommend retrofitting clear "Eisenglass" or similar enclosures to prevent the skipper from getting wet in beam-reaching sprays.
• Engine Room Access: Common to the Fountaine Pajot range, engine access is through the transom steps. Buyers should check the seals of these hatches for water ingress and ensure that the anti-osmotic resin coatings remain intact, particularly near the saildrive seals.
• Windage and Maneuvering: The high freeboard and large flybridge create significant windage. In tight marinas with 20+ knots of crosswind, the boat can be prone to "sailing" at its moorings, requiring aggressive engine work to maintain steerage.

Community & Resources

Owners are supported by the Fountaine Pajot Yacht Club, an official manufacturer-led association that coordinates owner rendezvous and provides technical documentation. For more technical, peer-to-peer support, the Fountaine Pajot Owners Group on various social platforms serves as a hub for discussing specific DIY maintenance projects and solar system optimizations.

The Verdict

The Tanna 47 is a premier choice for cruisers who value living space and modern energy solutions over high-performance racing metrics. It is a "social" boat that excels in tropical climates where its massive solar capacity and expansive outdoor lounges can be fully utilized.

Pros:

• Energy Autonomy: The 1,700W solar integration is market-leading for a boat of this size.
• Social Ergonomics: The enlarged flybridge and U-shaped galley make it an exceptional platform for entertaining.
• Safety: Recessed deck hatches and wide side decks provide secure movement at sea.
• Owner’s Suite: The Maestro version offers one of the most spacious master cabins in the 45–50ft class.

Cons:

• Limited Visibility: Significant blind spot to the port-aft corner from the helm.
• Weight Sensitivity: Like most cruising cats, performance drops off quickly if overloaded with heavy gear in the ends.
• Helm Motion: The elevated helm and flybridge amplify the sensation of rolling in heavy cross-swells.