Fountaine Pajot has unveiled its stunning new entry-level model, the ISLA 40. This impressive sailing catamaran reflects the hallmarks of the shipyard’s prestigious flagship range and is the new reference for multihulls in the 40-foot range, being significantly larger than its predecessor, the Lucia 40.
The exceptional catamaran features inverted bows and an innovative saloon where the chart table is accessible from the entrance and gives way to a relaxing daybed.
The Isla 40’s design is as sporty as it is seductive. In this pivotal 40-foot size, the performance/comfort compromise is a subtle equation, the Isla 40 scores highly, with sufficient but controlled volumes everywhere. A visible compromise on the water – the balanced silhouette is pleasing, but also on paper with a light displacement of less than 9 tons and a sail area of nearly 105 m² (1,150 sq ft) – giving a very favorable sail area to weight ratio.
It should be noted that the Isla 40, in addition to its sandwich construction, is equipped with four buoyancy zones. The assembly of the catamaran’s steering components is robust and all the elements such as the rod connecting the two rudders and the autopilot ram are accessible.
The helm and manoeuvring station is raised, but not on the flybridge. This layout offers many advantages: perfect visibility over the water, user-friendliness thanks to the double bench seat and the proximity of the cockpit, accessible sailing manoeuvres, the possibility of intervening on deck, a pleasant silhouette, better centering of weights, more mainsail area.
The mainsail is quick to hoist. As soon as the overlapping genoa is unfurled, the Isla 40 starts to move even though there’s barely a ripple on the water. From the three winches and two banks of clutches, the helmsman easily manages all sailing manoeuvres.
The deck is clean, bare and efficient. The side decks are at least 0.62 m (2 feet) wide; the non-slip is effective even when wet, and the handrails are right there on the coachroof. Forward, is sunbathing space, just behind the trampolines. As for the cockpit, it is protected by the generous – yet discreet – bimini. The anchoring gear is well designed and easy to use.
Close to the galley, the table seats five, but with the addition of four stools, you could squeeze in ten guests. To starboard, a comfortable lounger is an invitation to idleness. This seat is complemented by a 1.86 m (6- foot) aft bench seat. The large open areas facilitate circulation and access to the deck as well as to the wide sugarscoops.
The sliding bay door is of course the entry point – all on the same level – between the cockpit and the saloon. The opening is wide: the main door, which folds away into the bulkhead of the nav-station.
Fountaine Pajot has kept its sloping, forward windows, topped with the peak of a cap. This configuration avoids the greenhouse effect. The windows are wide on the sides, with the view very open towards the stern, so many windows make the saloon particularly luminous, especially since the structural uprights of the coachroof seem rather discreet.
Forward, the two very large opening hatches provide effective ventilation. The L-shaped galley is completed by a 3-burner hob, oven, double sink and drawer-type refrigerators. All the navigation equipment is grouped together to starboard, near the cockpit. This new layout is very strategic, being close to the helmsman, meaning that a comfortable watch can be kept from the interior. As a result, the saloon has a very enticing lounger, to port. The saloon table can be transformed into a double berth. In the hulls, there are three or four cabins and two to four bathrooms. In the aft cabins, there are island beds.
The Isla 40 perfectly embodies the spirit and innovative design of Fountaine Pajot and is distinguished by elegant and invigorating lines that are recognisable the world over.
SPECIFICATIONS ISLA 40
LENGTH: 11.93 M BEAM: 6.63 M
DRAFT: 1.21 M DISPLACEMENT: 8.9 T
MAINSAIL AREA: 59 M² GENOA: 36 M²
ENGINES: 2 X 20 HP OR 2 X 30 HP VOLVO
FUEL CAPACITY: 300 L WATER: 2 X 265 L
Further information can be obtained by contacting Multihull Solutions on 1300 855 338 or emailing info@multihullsolutions.com.au
Published in print January-March 2022
