Outremer 51 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Outremer 51 is designed around a power-to-weight ratio that separates it from the heavier, volume-centric "condo-marans" typically found in charter fleets. With a lightship displacement of approximately 10 tons and a generous sail area, the 51 is capable of maintaining high average speeds even in light airs. According to testing by Sail Magazine, the yacht is capable of sailing at or near wind speed in 10 knots of breeze, a feat rarely achieved by cruising multihulls of this size.

A critical component of its performance is the use of deep, retractable daggerboards. These boards allow the 51 to point significantly higher than fixed-keel catamarans, often achieving an apparent wind angle of 30 to 35 degrees. Beyond upwind performance, the daggerboards provide a safety margin in heavy seas; by retracting them, the boat can "slide" sideways down large waves rather than tripping over its own keels. The steering configuration is equally specialized. While the primary helm station is located at a raised bulkhead for visibility, many owners opt for the signature carbon fiber tillers with bucket seats on the aft quarters. This setup offers a tactile, dinghy-like connection to the rudders that is almost entirely lost in the hydraulic steering systems of contemporary cruising cats.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Outremer 51, designed by Franck Darnet, focuses on functionality and weight savings without sacrificing the comfort required for a circumnavigation. The most common configuration is the "Club" or Owner’s version, which dedicates the entire port hull to a master suite, featuring a large double berth, a desk/office area, and an expansive head with a separate shower. The starboard hull typically houses two guest cabins and a shared head. A four-cabin variant also exists, primarily utilized by large families or those with crew requirements, though it is less common on the secondary market.

In the 2018 update, the manufacturer optimized the bridgedeck salon to increase natural light and improve "fluid circulation" between the galley and the cockpit. The use of Alpi wood and composite materials keeps the cabinetry light, while the 360-degree panoramic windows provide excellent situational awareness from the nav station. Unlike many modern cats that prioritize "living room" furniture, every piece of the Outremer’s interior features rounded corners and sturdy handrails, acknowledging that the boat is intended to be lived in while underway in blue water.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Outremer 51 has gained significant visibility through its dominance in the "rally" circuit, frequently appearing at the top of the leaderboard in the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC). It is also a favorite among the "YouTube generation" of sailors who document high-performance voyaging; while the 45 model was made famous by Sailing La Vagabonde, the 51 has been the vessel of choice for numerous high-profile YouTubers and professional sailors looking for a boat that can cover 200+ miles per day with ease. Its reputation as a "speed-seeker's family boat" has solidified its place in nautical media as the aspirational standard for performance cruising.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Outremer 51 with a focus on weight management and technical maintenance. While the hull is robust, performance is highly sensitive to the addition of cruising "clutter."

• Weight Sensitivity: Buyers should inspect the "as-shipped" weight versus current displacement. The addition of oversized generators, dive compressors, and heavy tenders can significantly degrade the bridge deck clearance, leading to increased "slamming" in head seas.
• Daggerboard Trunks: Inspect the daggerboard trunks and the boards themselves for wear on the sacrificial bearing pads. If the boards have been grounded, there may be stress fractures at the top of the trunk or damage to the board's internal core.
• Rigging Tension: Given the high loads generated by a performance catamaran, the standing rigging—especially if it is the optional Kevlar/Carbon package—requires strict adherence to replacement intervals.
• Trampoline Integrity: The large forward trampolines are exposed to high UV levels. Check for fraying and the condition of the lacing, as these are critical for safe foredeck work.
• Engine Access: While the Yanmar sail-drives are generally reliable, access for major repairs can be tight in the narrow hulls of a performance cat compared to a wider cruising model.

Community & Resources

The "Outremer Family" is one of the most active owner associations in the multihull world. The shipyard organizes the "Outremer Cup" annually in La Grande-Motte, France, which serves as a training ground and social gathering for owners to hone their racing and maintenance skills. Additionally, the Grand Large Yachting group provides a dedicated "Grand Large Services" program, offering technical support, refit management, and training for owners planning to embark on long-distance voyages.

The Verdict

The Outremer 51 is a specialized tool for the sailor who refuses to compromise on speed but requires the safety of a proven blue-water platform. It is not a boat for those who prioritize maximum interior volume or "dockside entertaining" above all else; it is a boat for the voyager who wants to sail when others are motoring and reach their destination safely and quickly.

Pros:

• Exceptional light-wind performance and high daily mileage.
• Daggerboards provide superior upwind pointing and heavy-weather safety.
• High resale value due to brand prestige and limited production.
• Tactile helm experience via optional carbon tillers.

Cons:

• Performance is easily compromised by excessive cruising weight.
• Narrower hulls offer less storage and living volume than "comfort" competitors.
• The high bridge deck and performance rig require more active sail management.