Production-built catamaran aficionados certainly know the Lagoon name. Part of the Beneteau family, the world’s largest producer of sailing and power cats, Lagoon specializes in the 38- to 62-foot (11.6- to 18.9-meter) range. Now it’s broadening its horizons and offerings with the introduction of Lagoon Custom, comprised of various megayacht models.
The yachts will be built at CNB, its sister company. CNB’s expertise in fiberglass and aluminum construction is well-publicized in the superyacht market. Projects like Mari Cha II and Chrisco garnered good attention, with the latter additionally winning design awards from the International Superyacht Society. But what some people may not know is that CNB has been building the 50-foot-plus Lagoons since 1999.
Lagoon Custom will offer models from 70 to 160 feet (21 to 48.8 meters). Instead of collaborating with just one naval architect and interior designer, Lagoon and CNB selected a handful of the leading names in the business: Van Peteghem-Lauriot Prévost (VPLP), Philippe Briand, Dixon Yacht Design, Morrelli & Melvin, and Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design.
Why so many different designers? Olivier Lafourcade, manager of CNB and the Lagoon Custom division, says some buyers don’t necessarily have a set look in mind. “Most of the prospects today have a hard time explaining or even knowing what kind of style they are looking for in their new or first boat,” he explains. “By showing different projects, we help the prospects to decide what they like. The second step is then to develop their own project with the appropriate length and final look with the chosen architect.” Furthermore, Lafourcade says that while multihulls appeal particularly to new sailors, inquiries are coming from experienced owners, too. In addition, he says inquiries are coming in from various countries.
As for some of the specific designs, among the smaller offerings is a 95 from Dixon Yacht Design (top). Note the rectangular ports and dual steering stations. She accommodates eight to 10 guests, and three to four crewmembers can also stay aboard. The largest offerings are a 146-footer and a 160-footer. The 146, from VPLP (above), has an air draft of 167 feet and a commodious 50-foot beam. That beam should make for comfortable spaces for the eight to 10 guests, both on the main deck and flying bridge. As for the 160, it’s a modern-looking power cat by Berret-Racoupeau that’s expected to hit 28 knots thanks to 3,500-hp diesels (brand not specified). She, too, will have a 50-foot beam and accommodate 10 people.
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