NAUTITECH 441
Originally part of the Dufour Group, Nautitech broke out on its own a decade or so ago. The 441, which debuted in 2009, is a sleek-looking cat with an attractive reverse sheer and plumb bows.
The infusion-moulded hull features a fixed, low-aspect keel, and is solid GRP below the waterline, whereas both the topsides and deck are lightweight PVC foam-cored. Internal bulkheads are structural.
Like the Lagoon, the 441 has a single, raised helm station at deck level, which protrudes through an aperture in the solid cockpit bimini. All mainsail controls, including the mainsheet, terminate on winches and clutches beside the helm, so singlehanding is easy. The track for the mainsheet runs along the aft coaming, as is common on cats.
Her wide, flat sidedecks increase security going forward in a seaway, and she boasts a very deep anchor locker in the foredeck.
The saloon layout is practical, with a spacious and well-equipped U-shaped galley, comfortable U-shaped saloon seating and a decent forward-facing navigation station. She came in owner or charter versions, the former sporting a palatial en-suite master cabin in the starboard hull and two VIP guest suites with athwartships berths to port.
Standard or performance sail plans were offered, the latter giving her a definite edge on most cruising cats. She carries a 120% furling genoa, with the option of a large gennaker on a separate outer headstay, tacked to the short bowsprit.
She sails well and quickly, her keels ensuring a better-than-average pointing ability to windward. Off the wind, speeds of up to 12 knots are possible using the large gennaker.