Yacht Class n°39 (dec 2024/jan-feb 2025)

YOT – Catana Group

The Catana group is strengthening its Power Catamaran range with a new 41-foot cruising model. With more space than her predecessor, the 36, the YOT 41 boasts modular living spaces, a revamped layout and good sea passage.

Written by : Nicolas Massines.

Since its takeover by the Poncin group in 2003, Catana has specialised in sailing catamarans with the Bali and Catana brands. But in 2023, it is launching a new brand of motor catamarans, produced at its sites in Portugal and Marans (Charente-Maritime): the YOT Power Catamarans. The successor to the YOT 36, the YOT 41, presented at the last Cannes boat show, is now moored at her pontoon in Canet-en-Roussillon for a sea trial. Measuring 12.57 metres in length and 4.49 metres in width, she has the same dynamic overall appearance as her predecessor. The design of this new opus has once again been entrusted to the Slovenian firm J&J, which is currently working on the future 46-footer due to be launched next year.

A living space that is easy to transform

The YOT 41 is boarded from the stern, via the space between the two engines, using a submersible bathing platform that allows easy access to the water. The spacing between the two 300 hp Mercury V8 engines (2 x 400 hp V10 engines optional) makes port manoeuvres easier and means you do not need a bow thruster. The vast aft cockpit is occupied by two telescopic tables surrounded by seats. When electrically lowered, they transform this space into two large sunbathing areas, under which there are good-sized lockers. Immediately noticeable are the two tilting bulwarks that deploy to increase the beam from 4.49 m to 5.82 m. This is undoubtedly one of the YOT 41’s strong points: her modularity, even if some conversions require some handling. It is much appreciated to be able to move from a dining area or navigation seats to a place dedicated to lounging and relaxing. The large corner sofa on the port side, abutting onto the leaning post, adds to the convivial feel. Shade, so much sought-after on hot days, is available thanks to the bimini deployed from the hard-top. Catering is not forgotten either, with a galley equipped with a grill-plancha and a standard 90-litre fridge. Reaching the bow via the central passageway, you will find yourself in the middle of two symmetrical sunbathing areas measuring 1.90 m by 1.40 m in width. Well-placed handrails and a deep forepeak make this a safe space, even when sailing. Two deep lockers are accessed by lifting the benches at the bow. The symmetrical cabins in each float are accessed via sliding doors at the helm station. Descending the Japanese steps of one of the hulls, we come to an interior living space – where a person over 1.90 m tall will feel at ease – including a large double cabin forward and a shower room aft. Natural light, as well as high ceilings, are much appreciated.

Good recovery in the swell

Back on deck, sheltered by the large hard-top almost 2 metres high, it is time to take the helm. It may be noted that the large console seats enable 4 people to face the sea. The equipment is complete, with two 12′ Simrad screens and the Mercury JPO joystick. The bolster upholstery is comfortable and the view is panoramic. This vision remains perfectly unobstructed when you lift off. The plan is reached in just over 8 seconds, while 20 knots are reached in 11 seconds, a result to be combined with the YOT 41’s weight of over 7 tonnes. The passage through the heavy seas during the test was smooth, and the relaunch between each wave was effortless. The YOT 41 runs flat, which is typical of a motor catamaran, but loses revs and speed when cornering at high speed. With the help of the trim, maximum speed peaks at 34 knots, with appreciable overall stability despite the swell. To conclude this test, despite a few finishing touches that need fine-tuning, the YOT 41 offers very appreciable access to the sea, as does her interior space, and sailing qualities that match her ambitions