catamaran yacht lagoon

• Yachting World
• Digital Edition

Lagoon 55 review: new iteration remains quintessential cat

• October 14, 2021

34 years on from the original Lagoon 55, the new iteration shows how much catamaran design has evolved towards loft living with a sea view from the terrace. François Tregouet reports

Product Overview

Manufacturer:.

The number 55 holds a special place in the history of Lagoon – it was its inaugural model, launched back in 1987. The 2021 version of the Lagoon 55, still designed by VPLP, is the quintessential modern cruising catamaran according to the world leader in the multihull market. Yachting World was able to hop aboard to measure just how far we’ve come from one millennium to the next.

Legend has it that the first Lagoon 55 was christened Lagoon , and that her owner drew the logo, the now famous palm frond, on a restaurant tablecloth.

After years of sailing on the family’s First 456, she wanted to ‘sail flat and have more space’. Convinced of the advantages of the catamaran, she wanted the silhouette to ‘resemble that of a monohull ’.

Flying a Code 0 kept the Lagoon 55 moving in our light airs trial. Photo: Lagoon / Nicolas Claris

Thirty-four years later, three design studios were involved in the creation of the brand-new Lagoon 55, including former Renault chief designer Patrick Le Quément on the exterior design. The imposing topsides deliver taut lines, sculpted bows and a pronounced lower chine to maximise interior living space yet minimise wetted surface area.

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A new feature from the Bordeaux-based yard is that the sugarscoop transoms extend beyond the topsides to make access to the boat easier. Once aboard, two steps lead up to the cockpit which is flush-decked with the aft platform. With the mainsheet track now on the bimini the aft beam disappears, freeing up the view and your options for moving around: this is a real terrace on the sea.

Aerial view shows off the new Lagoon 55’s outdoor living areas on foredeck, flying bridge and main deck. Photo: Lagoon / Nicolas Claris

Such fluidity of circulation is also to be found in the forward cockpit, no longer ‘dug’ into the foredeck but integrated seamlessly on the same level as the trampoline. With its comfortable seating, two options for sun protection and communication with the interior via the opening front window, this is a completely revised living space.

Command station

Higher up, it seems there’s now no longer a question of whether to have a flybridge on a 55ft cat – it’s a mandatory feature. The optional rigid bimini obviously means the boom is quite a lot higher, compelling the crew to undertake some challenging manoeuvres.

A second access to the flybridge on the starboard side deck, an option not fitted on our test boat, will avoid the need for any further acrobatics. Without it, it’s a long way from the helm to the foredeck via the aft cockpit to, for example, set the Code 0.

Forward sun deck continues seamlessly onto the trampoline. Photo: Lagoon / Nicolas Claris

These couple of reservations aside, the flybridge has a lot going for it. In addition to the forward and aft sunbathing areas and the outdoor galley, the forward-facing flybridge table and seating is very pleasant – in good weather and moderate wind anyway.

From their position to starboard, the person at the helm has a very good 270° view for manoeuvring off the pontoon and leaving harbour. At the foot of the mast, which has been moved aft in keeping with current trends, all sailing manoeuvres are carried out using three winches. The mainsail is hoisted and the self-tacking genoa unfurled with ease, by a single crewmember.

Aft cockpit and lounging areas are protected from the heat of the sun by the flybridge above. Photo: Lagoon / Nicolas Claris

However, on the day of our test, the Catalan coast was building up a swell, and the wind wasn’t forecast to exceed 9 knots. There was a lack of square metres to our white sails to get the fully-laden 33 tonnes moving forward. So a 154m² Code 0 was quickly unfurled, allowing us to sail at between 5.5 and 6.5 knots with the wind on the beam.

We then bore off under the 272m² asymmetric spinnaker at an average of 5.5 knots before returning upwind (40° to the apparent) at 5 knots. The Lagoon is very easy to handle, and with a little more time – and wind– we might have validated the 8- to 9-knot average speeds claimed by the works crew on their European tour.

Italian influence

The third group to have worked on this version 3.0 of the Lagoon 55 is Nauta Design, who drew the interiors. The joinery and materials are reminiscent of the atmosphere aboard Lagoon’s two big cats, the Sixty 5 and Seventy 7. This illustrates the high-end positioning of the 55, which for the time being tops the manufacturer’s ‘classic’ range.

Loft apartment-style living in the spacious main saloon by Nauta. Photo: Lagoon / Nicolas Claris

While the hulls are available with four, five and even six-cabin versions, the layout in the nacelle remains identical. The L-shaped galley on the starboard side is extended by a nice bar unit.

The large U-shaped bench seat simply invites you to settle in comfortably, still with an unrestricted view of the sea. The telescopic table also adapts to suit the use.

There is plenty of stowage space, from floor hatches to bookshelves. In the four-cabin version we tested, the owner’s cabin, aft on the starboard side, enjoys a privileged amount of space, occupying two-thirds of the hull. That said, the guests in the three other cabins have nothing to complain about, each with an en-suite.

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Some 20 examples of the original 1987 Lagoon 55 were built but, even ahead of the official launch, its namesake from 2021 has already had more orders – confirmation enough that Lagoon excels in understanding the expectations of today’s sailors. The aesthetics may no longer have much to do with that of a monohull, and the displacement inherent with such volumes doesn’t lend itself to pleasure at the helm, but you have to be impressed by the variety of different spaces available inside and out this catamaran, as well as the level of finish. Ultimately, the design team has succeeded in integrating several big innovations, especially on the exterior. In this sense, the Lagoon 55, 2021 version, is a worthy heir to the original. It sets new standards for ‘Crossing the oceans in comfort and serenity’ as was the ambition stated in the sales brochure... from 1987.

Lagoon 450S Catamaran Review: Interior & Cockpit

The living space.

We’ve all heard the term “floating condo” used for these big-volume cats. That may be true, but what space! We love how much live-able space we have on our boat, inside and out! The contemporary accommodations and furnishings is designed by the Italian interior specialists Nauta Yachts.

The overall design maximizes space and adds small touches that makes the interior feel and appear very luxurious, e.g., the indirect lighting, a “hideaway” cabinet for the flat-screen TV, soft-close drawers and lockers, a washing machine with a nice adjoining hamper, and island beds to name a few.

Master Stateroom  

With Stephen’s height, headroom is a big deal for him and this cat has plenty of headroom throughout the boat including inside the cabins and in the heads. He is absolutely delighted that he finally doesn’t feel like a giant in an anthill anymore! Not feeling completely cramped for space and headroom is a luxury for people who live-aboard, so we are very pleased with this arrangement.

We converted our silent flush electric toilets (my only must-have upgrade) to be able to use either the fresh or saltwater flush. We prefer fresh water flush, which virtually completely eliminates any smell in the boat. Being able to convert to be able to use either supply, we have the option to use saltwater if we have to preserve the fresh water supply. The shower stall is humungous and the bathroom is well ventilated. In the separate bathroom stall, there is enough storage for a big linen closet and separate towel closet, besides the usual medicine cabinets. It’s absolutely great!

Master Stateroom 

The only thing that can be a little annoying is the creaky floorboards, but that is typical of production sailboats.

Guest Cabins 

The guest cabins are both a good size. The back cabin is slightly bigger with a walk-around bed and could easily have been the master cabin. I have laundry set up in the forward cabin and what a luxury! Laundry has been the bane of my life on board for more years than I care to remember. The Splendid washer unit is small, but efficient. I do a small load every 3 or 4 days to avoid a big washday. When at anchor, we run the watermaker and generator (which is in the chest locker in the forward cockpit and extremely quiet) during the wash cycle and it keeps up nicely. The guest bathrooms are a nice size, each with a separate bathroom and shower stall.

Given the choice, I would have preferred two bathroom stalls and a shared shower stall (Jack & Jill style). That would have allowed a lot more space in the guest cabins and bathrooms. But I do understand that everyone prefers their own bathrooms and showers so this is not a deal breaker.

Galley & Saloon 

All in all, the galley is a great layout and  fits all the criteria for my ideal galley . The fridge and freezer are a nice size.

The counter space right around the saloon is great to keep knick-knacks, books, baskets for fruits and vegetables, etc. The settee is comfortable and the dining table is interchangeable with the cockpit coffee table. The TV slides down into a concealed locker.

The concealed lighting as well as the overhead lighting are LED lights  with fans in either side of the saloon.The panoramic windows make for beautiful views and the forward opening windows are wonderful for ventilation. We ordered the curtains which look elegant and work great to keep the saloon cool. The saloon and galley are well designed with very good use of space.

Interior Navigation Station

We really like the big, dedicated forward-looking navigation station inside the boat that doubles as Stephen’s office. We set up a dedicated laptop to download weather reports, send/receive emails, house our logbook, and use our charting programs. BUT this is also where he works on Catamaran Guru business daily. It’s a nice size and there is enough space to have a proper office chair with a backrest, which is awesome. We have our Ipad mounted here and connected to the B&G WiFi network that doubles as a repeater for the chart plotter upstairs.

Aft & Forward Cockpit Areas And Scoops  

The huge sliding doors from the saloon and galley open up to the cockpit, which makes this one huge indoor/outdoor space and having the spacious cockpit, makes up for the “cramped” saloon area. It is absolutely great for entertaining (something we do a lot of).

I chose a coffee table for the cockpit instead of the big dining table, which is very easy to switch out with the big dining table. However, with the coffee table arrangement, the aft cockpit becomes a huge open outdoor saloon! The bimini over the cockpit is substantial and extends over the entire cockpit.

All the seating in the cockpit is covered by the Bimini and does not get wet when it rains. That’s a really nice feature, having lived on a boat with a Bimini just slightly too small and always having wet cushions inside the cockpit. We had the factory fit the Bimini shades which not only cool the entire boat down, but also provide privacy without blocking the breeze. We love everything about this area.

Aft & Forward Cockpit Areas And Scoops

The only negative about the aft cockpit is the absence of a cockpit fridge and there is no easy place to fit it in the SporTop version. The Flybridge version has a great outdoor “bar counter” with a fridge and icemaker fitted underneath. Unfortunately, the semi-raised helm position takes up that space. We will eventually have a fridge fitted, but for now we use the built-in cooler for drinks but it is not very efficient. Meanwhile, we have a domestic counter top icemaker that works great, so no need to fit an expensive icemaker.

The Lagoon 450S is a great live-aboard boat! It is fast, safe, and has enough living space to be comfortable. Also read our review of the Lagoon 450S: Exterior, Design, Construction & Sailing Ability .

Walk-through Video of the Saloon

Walk-through Video of the Master Suite

Estelle Cockcroft

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An enjoyable catamaran

For this new model, Lagoon has redesigned access to the catamaran by creating an additional aft entryway for each hull.  This innovative solution facilitates movement between the boat and the dock, combining comfort and safety to promote well-being on board.

With its unique signature design, the new access is perfectly integrated into the lines of the catamaran.

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The new hull form of the Lagoon 43 features generous interior volumes – as well as larger berths, with greater dimensions in every cabin – offering unprecedented living space for her category.

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Lagoon has reimagined life on board, presenting a versatile boat with modular boundaries.  This advance makes it possible to transform the space, connecting the interior and the exterior, the saloon and the cockpit, according to preference.

Create numerous arrangements quickly and easily, with a dining table able to accommodate up to 12 people.  An inviting new living area is formed for gathering and sharing a moment together with family or with friends.

Specifications

• Hull length 12,82 m / 42'1''
• Length Overall 13,85 m / 45,5''
• Beam overall 7,69 m / 25'3''
• Naval architect VPLP Design
• Exterior design Patrick le Quément
• Interior design Nauta Design
• Draft 1,31 m / 4'4''
• Air Draft 19,94 m / 65'5''
• Light displacement (CE) 13,3 T / 29,327 Lbs
• Upwind sail area 105 m² / 1,130 sq.ft
• Square top mainsail 68 m² / 732 sq.ft
• Furling genoa 37 m² / 398 sq.ft
• Engine power 2 x 57 CV
• Fuel capacity 570 L / 151 US gal
• Water tank capacity 300 L / 79 US gal
• Number of berths From 6 to 13
• CE Certification A:12; B:14; C:20; D:30

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