The new Fountaine Pajot 44 slots between the popular new Fountaine Pajot 41 and the Elba 45 in the French builder’s ever-evolving sailing catamaran range. First unveiled ahead of the 2025 show season, the 44 will be shown to the public at major European boat shows from the European autumn onwards. It inherits the modern styling and systems of the Tanna 47 and Aura 51, with particular emphasis on interior volume, helm visibility, and flexible cabin layouts. Like its siblings, the New 44 will also be available with the brand’s fully electric ODSea+ drivetrain, offering sustainable propulsion without compromising range or usability.
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Meet the new Fountaine Pajot 44
Designed by Berret-Racoupeau, the Fountaine Pajot 44 blends fluid lines with wide-open living spaces to create a vessel that feels much larger than its 13.26m length overall. Available in two main versions—the traditional diesel model or the ODSea+ electric drivetrain—it offers owners the choice between tried-and-tested reliability or cutting-edge, green cruising. The Maestro layout features an expansive owner’s suite and two guest cabins, while the Quatuor version adds a fourth cabin for charter use or larger crews. Whether you’re coastal cruising or bluewater voyaging, the New 44 offers performance, efficiency, and comfort in equal measure.
Exterior design
The New 44 draws the eye with its slightly inverted deck sheer, understated coachroof, and hull portholes accentuated by an elongated visual stripe. Subtle chines above the waterline improve hydrodynamics and internal volume without disturbing the catamaran’s balanced silhouette. From the helm station—set mid-height with excellent sightlines—to the forward lounging area and spacious flybridge, every element has been refined for ease of use and social connection. The twin helm and sail-control layout mirrors that of Fountaine Pajot’s larger models, offering clear views of the rig and separation of navigation and lounging zones. Solar panels up to 2000W can be specified, reinforcing the boat’s eco-conscious philosophy.
Interior design
Inside, the New 44 offers a refined blend of practicality and customisable elegance. The saloon features a central island galley, a full-width opening to the aft cockpit, and a serving hatch forward to blur the lines between inside and out. The Maestro layout includes a generous owner’s cabin to port with a private ensuite and options to personalise the forward area as a workspace, nursery, or storage. Aft berths are angled for easier access, while forward cabins gain beam thanks to the hull chines. Ample natural light, clever storage, and modern finishes throughout create a liveaboard-friendly environment suitable for extended passages.
Specifications
Spanning 13.26 metres in length and 7.44 metres across the beam, the New 44 delivers a stable and spacious cruising platform. Sail area includes a 78m² mainsail and a 45m² genoa, delivering lively performance in light air. Diesel models are equipped with twin 30hp engines as standard, with an option for 57hp upgrades. The ODSea+ electric version replaces these with dual 25kW motors powered by a 42kWh lithium battery bank, supported by hydrogeneration, a 24kW generator, and optional battery upgrades. Twin 300L water tanks and 350L diesel tanks (on the combustion version) support long-distance autonomy. The boat displaces 15.2 tonnes unladen.
Final thoughts
The Fountaine Pajot 44 continues the shipyard’s evolution toward lighter, brighter, and more sustainable cruising catamarans. With its balanced blend of performance, comfort, and design sophistication, the New 44 is an ideal choice for sailors seeking a modern liveaboard or long-distance cruiser. Whether rigged for offshore bluewater sailing or quiet electric propulsion in anchorages and coastal waters, this new model sets a high bar for the mid-40s catamaran market. Expect to see the first hulls on the water later this year, turning heads in marinas from the Med to the Pacific.
