March 31 was a day of celebration in both the United States and France. That’s when the first Long Island 85, for an American owner, launched at the French shipyard JFA Yachts.
Announced in 2011, the Long Island 85 is a semi-custom catamaran series. JFA Yachts constructs the hulls of aluminum and the superstructures in composite. LOA is 86’1” (26.25 meters), and beam is a healthy 39’1” (11.93 meters). JFA Yachts turned to Marc Lombard for naval architecture. Lombard’s studio, also in France, specializes in racing and cruising monohulls and multihulls from 16 to 165 feet (4.88 to 50 meters). On a related side note, JFA Yachts has delivered three catamarans to customers in recent years.
Due to the semi-custom nature of the Long Island 85, buyers have a choice for the general arrangement. A full-beam saloon, open to the helm, is a feature of hull number one. A bar is also in the saloon, ideal for entertaining. Since the house of the Long Island 85 is rimmed with windows, the views should be terrific.
The mega-catamaran further has a full-beam owner’s suite fully forward on the main deck. It’s spread over two levels, with an office and en suite head in the starboard hull. The suite’s upper area yields direct access to the trampoline. The alfresco area just outside the master suite additionally includes dining and sunning areas. For family or friends, there’s a guest stateroom in the port hull and another in the starboard hull.
For easier maneuvering in and out of ports, the Long Island 85 has twin 3380-hp Yanmar diesels. JFA Yachts will step the mast in the coming weeks. The yacht will have a 3,875-square-foot (360-square-meter) sail plan. The owner’s cruising plans have not been released. However, the 7’3” (2.24-meter) draft means a good number of regions can be accessed.
The Long Island 85 is set for delivery in several weeks.
Cap. Frenchie
Congratulation mes amis.
I’ve been sailing cats since my early twenties and have not seen any catamaran with such a deep draft of 7’3″ !.
I guess we don’t plan to sail the Bahamas and some of the Virgin Islands too soon !.
If in need of local knowledge in the US & B’S, I sure can help you there.;)
“Smooth Sailing” mates.
Cap. Frenchie
‘PATOUCHE11’