Lagoon Sixty 5 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Sixty 5 is built for long-range cruising with an emphasis on stability and ease of handling rather than raw competitive speed. With a displacement often exceeding 40 tons depending on the load, the boat relies on its significant sail area to maintain momentum in light air. The mast is stepped further aft—a hallmark of VPLP’s modern designs—which allows for a larger, more versatile foretriangle. This configuration supports a self-tacking jib for easy upwind work and facilitates the use of powerful off-wind sails like a Code 0 or asymmetrical spinnaker.

In terms of handling, the flybridge serves as the primary command center. As noted in editorial testing by Cruising World, the visibility from the twin helm stations is expansive, though the height of the flybridge introduces significant windage that must be accounted for during close-quarters maneuvering. The transition to the "V-shaped" hull sections helps the vessel pierce through chop with less slamming than older, flatter catamaran designs. While its Displacement/Length ratio suggests a heavy-displacement cruiser, the efficiency of the rig ensures it can reliably maintain 8 to 10 knots in a moderate breeze without taxing the crew.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Sixty 5 is defined by its modularity and the sheer scale of its social spaces. Lagoon offers two primary configurations: "Galley Up" and "Galley Down." In the Galley Up version, the kitchen is integrated into the main salon, fostering a social environment where the chef remains part of the group. The Galley Down configuration moves the kitchen into the port hull, freeing up the entire main deck for a massive lounging and dining area, a choice often preferred by owners running a crewed charter operation.

The accommodation plan typically ranges from four to six cabins. The master suite is a standout feature, often utilizing the aft section of the starboard hull with private access directly to the aft cockpit and an optional "sea terrace"—a fold-down door in the hull side. Materials throughout consist of high-end Alpi woodwork and leather accents, consistent with the Nauta Design aesthetic. A unique architectural element is the forward cockpit access; a door from the main salon opens directly onto the sunken forward seating area, creating a wind-protected through-breeze and a secondary social hub that is rare in vessels under 70 feet.

The Sixty 5 shares its foundational hull and deck molding with the Lagoon Sixty 7, which is the dedicated power catamaran version. While the Sixty 7 removes the mast and rigging in favor of larger engines and increased fuel capacity, the interior volumes and exterior silhouettes remain nearly identical, allowing Lagoon to scale production efficiency across both sailing and power segments.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Lagoon Sixty 5 has secured a high-profile reputation within the luxury charter industry, frequently appearing as a featured vessel in international boat shows from Cannes to Miami. It earned the title of "Best Multi-hull Over 15m" at the International Yacht & Aviation Awards shortly after its debut. The model is also a frequent subject of technical walkthroughs by prominent marine journalists, such as those from Multihulls World, who have praised its transition from a pure production boat toward a "semi-custom" luxury feel.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers and surveyors should focus on the following high-signal areas:

• Flybridge Rigging Loads: Given the high center of effort and the leverage of the tall rig, the mast step and the structural supports beneath the flybridge should be inspected for any signs of compression or stress cracking in the gelcoat.
• Complex Systems Integration: The Sixty 5 utilizes sophisticated digital switching (often CZone or similar) and extensive hydraulic systems for the platform and sail handling. Ensure all firmware is updated and that the battery banks (often Lithium-ion upgrades) are balanced and showing healthy cycles.
• Thru-Hull Accessibility: Because of the extensive interior cabinetry and "Galley Down" configurations, some owners in community forums have noted that accessing certain thru-hull fittings or bilge pumps can be labor-intensive, requiring the removal of floorboards or decorative panels.
• Bimini and Canvas Wear: The massive flybridge bimini is subject to significant wind loads. Check the stainless steel supports for vibration-induced fatigue and the tensioning points of the fabric.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support is the Lagoon Owners Association, which provides a wealth of shared knowledge regarding maintenance schedules and factory upgrades. Additionally, because these vessels are common in high-end charter fleets (such as those managed by Navigare Yachting or Dream Yacht Charter), technical managers from these organizations are often the best source for "high-mileage" wear-and-tear data on the Sixty 5.

The Verdict

The Lagoon Sixty 5 is a definitive "lifestyle" catamaran that prioritizes volume, social flow, and luxury over exhilarating performance. It is an ideal platform for owners who intend to live aboard for extended periods or for those entering the high-end charter market.

Pros:

• Unrivaled Volume: The Galley Down option creates one of the most spacious salons in its class.
• Seamless Circulation: Direct salon-to-forward-cockpit access is a game-changer for ventilation and movement.
• Proven Pedigree: Built on a hull shared with a power sibling, ensuring a stable, buoyant platform.

Cons:

• Windage: The high profile and flybridge make it susceptible to leeway in breezy docking situations.
• System Complexity: Requires a knowledgeable owner or professional crew to manage the myriad of onboard mechanical and electrical systems.
• Weight: It is a heavy vessel that requires significant wind to perform optimally without engine assistance.