49 Morphs into 51

A few years after its 2010 launch, the 49 was superseded by the Outremer 51. The changes are relatively insignificant and the additional length is courtesy of new aft swim platforms. A more obvious change is to the hull windows. Where they were quirkily asymmetric on the 49, they’ve been replaced by more conventional horizontal models on the 51. the 49’s a piece of cake. With the mast positioned so far aft the fore-triangle is large. This in turn allows for a decent-sized self-tacking jib – good for all points of sailing.

If you’re lucky enough to enjoy a protracted spell of broad reaching, it’s easy to deploy the furling gennaker, and for anything deeper than that I’d be tempted to explore a little gull-winging with jib and gennaker.

Those not involved in the sailing will relish the cockpit’s space – dominated by a large U-shaped settee around a central table. The cockpit floor is on the same level as the saloon, and with the large ranch-slider doors open there’s an excellent flow between the two areas.

A solid targo roof extends back from the cabin top under the boom and over the

cockpit, providing welcome relief from the elements. That targa is also a useful platform for the crew stowing the large mainsail.

For helmsmen seeking a little shelter, the wheel is the logical option. But in frisky conditions I’d urge you to ease into one of those sculpted seats and grab a tiller.

ACCOMMODATION

A fairly standard layout awaits you inside – a saloon/dinette/galley with exits down to the cabins in the hulls on either side. I like the galley layout – it’s all on the same level with masses of bench space. I’ve sailed on cats where the galley is “divided” – some components in the saloon and some down in one of the hulls. Not ideal.

Perhaps the most unusual feature of Lucia’s galley is her diesel-fired oven and hotplate – a first for me, though I understand these units are popular in the South Island’s commercial fishing fleet. Mark confesses to using the hot plate as a saloon heater in chilly conditions – its diesel consumption is evidently ultra-frugal – and it will be welcome when sailing around the South Island fjords.

The galley also has a 240-volt induction hot plate which Mark says is quick and easy to use. Lucia is equipped with an inverter and 660 amp-hours of battery power.

A very generous nav station with Raymarine electronics is tucked into the forward, starboard section of the saloon, and again, it works well. You can sit and navigate and see the surrounding terrain simultaneously – very reassuring when you’re negotiating tight channels or sailing around islands.

The décor is simple, crisp and elegant – a warm blend of suede fabric on the ceiling and hull sides, dark timber floors and light maple cabinetry. Another attraction for the Outremer, says Mark, is that each boat is effectively a custom-build. The yard tweaks the set-up to each buyer’s specifications.

“I’d heard the Outremer was the ‘sailor’s cat’ and was keen to test her. What surprised me most was the upwind perfornce in steep, choppy seas – amazing.” Barbara Kendall

Because of those arrow-like hulls, the 49’s interior volume is not as spacious as that of conventional cruising cats, but it’s perfectly functional. Various cabin layouts are available – Lucia has four generous-sized double berths, two in each hull, forward and aft. Each pair is separated by a midships bathroom.

There is also a “washroom” in the aft starboard pontoon which includes a 240-volt washing machine. The berths in the aft cabins are transverse mounted – though I understand you can opt to have them longitudinal if you prefer.

PERFORMANCE

With a full-width main traveller track on the rear crossbeam, there are plenty of options for tweaking the 49’s sail shape. Similarly, the self-tacking jib’s track is very wide – purists will enjoy coaxing the Outremer to optimum speed.

Our review day can only be described as blustery with choppy seas – 27 to 30 knots, occasionally gusting higher. We carried full sail and, as you might has guessed, Lucia relished it. We beam reached at a steady 13 – 14 knots with the speedo occasionally breasting 15 knots. Despite the conditions she was remarkably light – though the helming experience really comes alive when you grab a tiller.

Mark’s cruise log shows regular 200-mile-a-day performances, and in the trade winds 250-milers weren’t uncommon. Lucia covered the 3,000 nautical mile leg from the Galapagos to the Marquesas in 14 days. The top speed she’s recorded is 18 knots sustained, under main and gennaker.

For me, as a cat enthusiast the Outremer 49 is a successful compromise: she’s fast and manoeuvrable and, as multihulls go, she has excellent upwind performance. Her interior isn’t as expansive as you might find in a more conventional cat, but it’s perfectly functional and a compromise I’d be happy to concede.