ORC 57 PERFORMANCE CRUISING CATAMARAN
Marsaudon Composites has built an enthusiastic following for its TS42 and TS50 catamarans since the smaller boat was launched six years ago. The yard is based at Lorient La Base, at the heart of the French offshore racing scene, so it’s perhaps no surprise these designs are lightweight and have more than a nod towards performance.
The direct tiller steering on both previous models is an example of the thinking that sets these boats apart, but they also have enough space to offer comfortable living.
Having seen success with their first two cats, the French marque is now launching the new 57-footer, the ORC 57, designed by Marc Lombard. It shares the same hallmarks as the existing models, although a wheel steering option will also be offered.
In suitable conditions this is a cruising yacht that can be expected to hit speeds of well over 20 knots. The hull shape of the ORC 57 is clearly a progression from the earlier models, while following the same light displacement principles with fine hull shapes. Lombard drew a new shape for the bows to increase efficiency and reduce the tendency for bow-down trim.
The additional size makes the interior spaces of this boat significantly larger than those of the 50-footer, especially in the hulls. Much thought has also gone into ergonomics and weight-saving, stripping out and simplifying anything that is not essential. There are no hull linings, which saves weight and complication, but requires extremely neat moulding. As a low volume builder – only 28 of the smaller boats have been built – Marsaudon Composites offers semicustom interior arrangements, providing they don’t add unnecessary weight.