The Lagoon 52 replaced the Lagoon 500 and initiated a more innovative generation of faster vessels. For nearly a decade, it remained the brand’s largest owner-operated catamaran.
Design and Construction
The mast sits at the 43 percent point, opening up a larger foretriangle. This change also required Lagoon to move the hulls’ center of buoyancy aft. According to Marc Van Peteghem of VPLP, moving the center of buoyancy aft theoretically allowed finer bows, more buoyancy aft, and better forward visibility.
Supporting the rig required a large, stiff, reinforced grid concealed within the cabin and hull, along with a strong central compression post. A galvanized steel beam, set into composite reinforcement, transfers the loads through the bulkheads and into the hulls.
The hull and deck are vacuum-infused and balsa-cored, with solid glass below the waterline—a construction that should provide a long service life. Interior liners are either solid glass or a core-mat sandwich. The joinery uses Alpi wood-surfaced laminate, with teak available as an option. The builder is also noted for proper electrical and plumbing installations, with good access to systems and engines.
Rig, Helm, and Handling
Moving the mast aft produces a shorter boom. To recover the lost sail area, Lagoon fitted a taller rig, which proves efficient. The mainsail is easy to trim, raise, and furl, although the standard electric halyard winch remains essential. The roller-furling headsails also behave nicely.
In theory, the aft-set rig brings several additional benefits: a sleeker mainsail, less pitching because the weight is better centered, wider shroud angles with less compression, and a shorter boom that simplifies gybing and reefing.
The flybridge helm sits at the mast base, so halyards and sheets fall naturally to hand. A central pedestal places the electronic displays ahead, while the wheel can be moved to starboard, port, or center. The structural hardtop over the flybridge also provides walking access to the boom, even for shorter sailors.
Under sail, the Lagoon 52 came through the wind smoothly during tacks and accelerated well. However, a tester writing in Boat Review: Lagoon 52 found the helm response a little vague when holding the best angle. In short, 5-to-7-foot seas, the motion was lively.
Close-quarters maneuvering was simple and predictable: the catamaran stopped, backed, and turned as it should. Under power, it reached 8 knots easily at 2,400 rpm, with a low sound level of 62 dBA.
Accommodations
Life aboard follows Lagoon’s familiar emphasis on maximum comfort, easy handling, and vertical coachroof windows. Large sliding doors connect the cockpit and saloon to form one barrier-free living space. The interior accommodates tall sailors throughout, with 6-foot-9 headroom and berths measuring 6-foot-9 by 5-foot-3.
One reviewer sailed the four-cabin layout. Its forward double cabins were pleasant and had private heads and showers, while the two aft cabins qualified as owner’s or VIP quarters. To starboard, the bright cabin included a large glass-walled shower and sink, with a separate head near the dressing table. The port cabin had its own direct entrance from the cockpit. The owner’s cabin reads like an upscale hotel room.
A central navigation station has panoramic views and allows remote sailing in bad weather. A large dining table and well-equipped galley complete the interior plan. The saloon helm, set against the aft bulkhead, also facilitates sailing and can optionally be enclosed by a pivoting gate in heavy weather.
Outside, the coachroof has a fluid silhouette and carries a large sundeck. Depending on the layout, the Lagoon 52 provides berths for 6 to 14 people. CE certification covers 14 persons in categories A and B, 16 in C, and 30 in D.
Performance Under Sail
Despite moderate displacement and moderate sail area, the Lagoon 52 produced respectable speeds. With its optional square-top mainsail and Code Zero, the test boat reached 10–11 knots on a beam reach in 18–20 knots of wind. Under the self-tacking jib, it made about 9 knots.
Owner reports from an Atlantic delivery cite regular 200-mile days and a best run of 220 miles.
Introduced in 2016, the SporTop version did away with the flybridge, reducing weight and windage and allowing a lower gooseneck. Multihulls World judged the VMG package’s square-topped mainsail and overlapping genoa to be the right formula.
Verdict
The Lagoon 52 is a thoughtfully engineered, owner-operated flagship. Its aft-stepped rig and concealed structural grid show clear design intent, while its multiple layouts offer genuinely luxurious accommodations. Reported Atlantic passage speeds support its blue-water ability without a professional crew.
The trade-offs for the boat’s size and innovation are a somewhat vague helm when sailing at the best angle and lively motion in short seas.
Pros
- Aft-set rig with a larger foretriangle and an efficient tall rig
- Concealed reinforced grid and steel-beam support structure
- Luxurious multi-cabin layouts with a panoramic navigation station
- Owner-reported Atlantic delivery runs with regular 200-mile days
Cons
- Helm response can feel a little vague when sailing at the best angle
- Lively motion in short, 5-to-7-foot seas
