Nautitech 40 Open Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The defining characteristic of the Nautitech 40 Open is the placement of its twin helm stations at the outboard aft corners of each hull. This configuration, as noted in reviews by Yachting World, provides the helmsman with an unobstructed view of the sail plan and a direct connection to the water that is often lost in catamarans with flybridges or raised helm pods. The boat utilizes a fractional sloop rig with a self-tacking jib as standard, making it exceptionally easy to handle for short-handed crews.

With a displacement-to-length ratio that favors speed, the 40 Open is lighter than many of its competitors, such as the Lagoon 40 or Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40. This weight savings is achieved through vacuum-infusion molding and the use of closed-cell foam cores. On the water, this translates to a boat that "points higher and moves faster in light air" according to editorial testing by Sail Magazine. The trade-off for this performance is a lower bridge deck clearance, which can lead to occasional slamming in short, choppy head seas, a common compromise in lower-profile multihulls designed for speed.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The "Open" concept is most evident in the layout of the main deck. Rather than a massive enclosed saloon, the Nautitech 40 Open features a modest-sized galley and navigation station inside, which opens directly into a massive, sheltered cockpit. This effectively creates one continuous living space protected by a large hardtop bimini. This design is particularly well-suited for tropical or Mediterranean cruising, where life is lived primarily outdoors.

The vessel is typically offered in two primary configurations:

• The Owner’s Version: The entire port hull is dedicated to a private suite, featuring a large double berth aft, a desk/vanity area amidships, and a spacious head with a separate shower stall forward.
• The Four-Cabin Version: Primarily aimed at the charter market, this layout features two symmetrical hulls, each containing two double cabins and a shared head.

While the interior finishes are modern and clean, utilizing light-colored Alpi woodwork, the emphasis is on functionality. Headroom is generous throughout the hulls, though the saloon feels more compact than traditional "bridge deck" catamarans because it shares its footprint with the cockpit.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Nautitech 40 Open gained significant international acclaim shortly after its debut, winning the "Multihull of the Year" award and being nominated for the European Yacht of the Year. It has become a staple for performance-minded cruisers on YouTube, most notably featured in the voyages of several blue-water sailing channels who highlight the boat’s ability to maintain high average speeds on ocean crossings without the excessive heel of a monohull.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus their inspections on several areas specific to the 40 Open’s design:

• Exposed Helms: The aft helm stations offer great visibility but leave the helmsman exposed to the elements. Ensure the boat is equipped with high-quality biminis or "pulpit seats" for the helms, as these are essential for long passages in foul weather.
• Visibility from the Helm: While visibility of the sails is excellent, docking can be challenging due to the lack of visibility of the opposite bow. Buyers often look for units fitted with bow thrusters or rear-view cameras to mitigate this.
• Bridgedeck Slamming: Inspect the underside of the bridgedeck for any signs of stress or gelcoat cracking, particularly if the boat has been used extensively in heavy offshore conditions, as the low clearance makes it susceptible to wave impact.
• Sail Drive Diaphragms: As with many modern cats, the Volvo or Yanmar sail drives require regular seal replacements; verify the service history of these components during the survey.

Community & Resources

Owners of the 40 Open benefit from a robust community of Nautitech enthusiasts. The most prominent technical resource is the Nautitech Owners Association, which provides a platform for sharing maintenance tips and modification ideas. For technical specifications and historical design data, the Marc Lombard Yacht Design archives offer insight into the hull's polar diagrams and structural engineering.

The Verdict

The Nautitech 40 Open is a "sailor’s catamaran" that successfully bridges the gap between lethargic charter vessels and high-strung racing multihulls. It is an ideal choice for couples who prioritize sailing feel and outdoor living over massive interior volume.

Pros:

• Exceptional visibility of the sails and superior "helm feel."
• Efficient "Open" layout that maximizes social space in warm climates.
• Stronger performance and better windward ability than most entry-level cruising cats.
• Easy to manage single-handedly thanks to the self-tacking jib and cockpit-led lines.

Cons:

• Helm stations are exposed to rain and spray in heavy weather.
• Lower bridgedeck clearance can lead to slamming in certain sea states.
• Interior saloon space is smaller than that of more "voluminous" competitors.