Sailing Performance & Handling
The TS 5 is a "technical" boat designed to reward active sailors with performance usually reserved for racing machines. With a light displacement of roughly 8.6 to 9.5 tonnes and a sail area-to-displacement ratio in the mid-30s, it enters the territory of high-end custom builds like Gunboat. According to technical tests by Multihulls World, the boat excels in light airs, creating its own apparent wind to reach speeds exceeding the true wind speed.
The handling is defined by the inclusion of deep daggerboards and optional tiller steering stations located at the extreme aft of each hull. These "bucket seats" allow the helmsperson to sit outboard, feeling the rudders’ bite and watching the telltales with the intimacy of a sportboat. Under power, the TS 5 is typically equipped with twin 40 HP or 50 HP diesels, though custom electric versions using Oceanvolt systems have been produced to further reduce weight. In heavy weather, the boat is capable of sustaining 20-knot averages, with Seahorse Magazine reporting that experienced crews have pushed the chassis to bursts of 30 knots.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The interior of the TS 5 is intentionally minimalist, adhering to the "simplify, then add lightness" philosophy. The bridgedeck saloon is bright and open, featuring a panoramic 360-degree view through large vertical windows. To save weight, Marsaudon eschewed heavy wood veneers in favor of clean, white-painted composite surfaces and "Feng Shui" inspired open-plan layouts.
A signature innovation is the modular furniture; for example, the saloon table is designed to be moved easily to the cockpit, eliminating the need for a second heavy table. Configurations typically include a three-cabin owner’s version or a four-cabin charter-friendly layout. While the hulls are narrow to reduce wetted surface and improve speed, the TS 5 provides sufficient headroom and comfort for long-distance living, though it lacks the "luxury hotel" finish found in more mainstream catamarans.
The TS 5 was built alongside its smaller sibling, the TS 42 (later the ORC 42), which at approximately 13 meters offers a similar performance-to-cost ratio but with a more radical, lighter feel. The range has since evolved into the Marc Lombard-designed ORC 57, which maintains the same lightweight DNA while introducing more contemporary styling.
Popular Mentions & Media
The TS 5 and its ORC 50 successor have earned a formidable reputation on the international racing circuit. The model has secured class wins in the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) on multiple occasions, often arriving ahead of significantly larger racing monohulls. It has also seen success in the Rolex Fastnet Race, Les Voiles de St. Barth, and Spi Ouest-France. High-profile sailors, including Francis Joyon, have been associated with the development and early spirit of the TS line, cementing its status as a "sailor's catamaran."
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
- Weight Sensitivity: The most common "issue" for a TS 5 is weight creep. Owners often add heavy generators, air conditioning, and extensive toy collections, which can significantly degrade the bridge deck clearance and overall performance.
- Lee Bow Submergence: Technical discussions among offshore racers suggest that when pushed hard with a large racing rig in short, steep seas, the narrow, inverted bows can submerge. Buyers should inspect the forward trampoline attachments and bow reinforcements for signs of stress.
- Daggerboard Trunks: High-speed sailing puts immense lateral load on the daggerboards. The trunks and their internal gaskets should be checked for wear or impact damage from grounding.
- Rigging Tension: Given the high performance and rotating mast options (often by Lorima), the standing rigging is subject to significant loads. A professional survey of the carbon forward beam and compression beam is essential.
Community & Resources
Owners and prospective buyers primarily congregate around the Ocean Rider Catamarans (ORC) Association, which provides technical support and organizes rallies. Since the acquisition of Marsaudon by the Grand Large Yachting group, owners also benefit from the broader support network of one of France's largest yachting conglomerates, which includes brands like Outremer and Gunboat.
The Verdict
The TS 5 is a uncompromising machine for the sailor who values the journey as much as the destination. It is a purpose-built tool for swallowing miles at speeds that would leave most cruising catamarans in the wake.
Pros:
- Exhilarating performance; easily reaches 20+ knots in the right hands.
- Exceptional feedback via tiller steering and daggerboards.
- Lightweight, high-quality composite construction (vacuum infusion).
- Modular, easy-to-maintain interior.
Cons:
- Spartan interior may be too minimalist for some families.
- Technical to sail; requires an experienced crew to push safely.
- Performance is highly sensitive to overloading with cruising gear.
