– Lagoon 55 - Curvaceous Cat –
The Lagoon 55 promises to be a comfortable long-range cruising yacht. Image Lagoon
Curvaceous and vastly spacious, the newly launched Lagoon 55 is a quiet evolution o this cruising marque, reports Kevin Green.
The 55 is the latest Lagoon, yet also the first because in 1987 it was the size of model that launched the brand. The 2021 version was unveiled in March, when the company gave a global press briefing as the first hull slid into the river from the CNB yard at Bordeaux. Curvaceous, is a word that describes this 55 footer and exterior designer Patrick le Quément agrees: “This boat has no straight line, no flat surface, all the lines are drawn taut, all the surfaces are compound”.
Overall design is from the usual collaborators who also did the 1987 model, VPLP. Since then interiors have improved greatly thanks to Italian specialists Nauta Design – who have drawn between four to six cabins in this model.
Deck space is vast, across four separate cockpits and includes large transom area with easy water access. Image Lagoon
Deck space is maximised throughout the Lagoon 55 by the use of the flybridge lounge and both bow and stern cockpits. In addition, the company is highlighting the transom platform and enhanced water access as a major feature on the 55. The sailplan has a self-tacking jib and squared topped mainsail (186m2 upwind area total) to push the hefty 26,500kg hull along, plus large off-the-wind sails for those tropical water cruises. “As we were saying during the press conference, the design and volumes of the boat have dramatically changed in 34 years, but the aim of the boat remains exactly the same, a boat to travel around the world, in safety and comfort,” Thomas Gailly, Lagoon Director, told me.
Sail controls are conveniently around the flybridge deck and on this model the helm is offset to starboard. Inside, the signature box-like saloon offers vast space and comforts – including a large chart table, offset lounge and expansive galley with extra refrigeration space in the hulls. Smart design from Nauta includes a drop-down television from the ceiling. Australian dealer TMG is looking forward to seeing the first one in Australia, says boss John Cowpe.
The Lagoon 55 can have between four to six cabins. Image Lagoon
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1987 LAGOON 55
LEFT: The 1987 Lagoon 55 introduced many sailors to bluewater catamaran cruising. Image Lagoon
RIGHT: The cost of the aerodynamic 1987 design is lack of space, when copared with the 2021 model. Image Edwards Yacht Sales
The 55 is the latest Lagoon, yet also the first because in 1987 it was the size of model that launched the brand. The 2021 version was unveiled in March, when the company gave a global press briefing as the first hull slid into the river from the CNB yard at Bordeaux. Curvaceous, is a word that describes this 55 footer and exterior designer Patrick le Quément agrees: “This boat has no straight line, no flat surface, all the lines are drawn taut, all the surfaces are compound”.
Overall design is from the usual collaborators who also did the 1987 model, VPLP. Since then interiors have improved greatly thanks to Italian specialists Nauta Design – who have drawn between four to six cabins in this model.
Deck space is maximised throughout the Lagoon 55 by the use of the flybridge lounge and both bow and stern cockpits. In addition, the company is highlighting the transom platform and enhanced water access as a major feature on the 55. The sailplan has a self-tacking jib and squared topped mainsail (186m2 upwind area total) to push the hefty 26,500kg hull along, plus large off-the-wind sails for those tropical water cruises. “As we were saying during the press conference, the design and volumes of the boat have dramatically changed in 34 years, but the aim of the boat remains exactly the same, a boat to travel around the world, in safety and comfort,” Thomas Gailly, Lagoon Director, told me.
Sail controls are conveniently around the flybridge deck and on this model the helm is offset to starboard. Inside, the signature box-like saloon offers vast space and comforts – including a large chart table, offset lounge and expansive galley with extra refrigeration space in the hulls. Smart design from Nauta includes a drop-down television from the ceiling. Australian dealer TMG is looking forward to seeing the first one in Australia, says boss John Cowpe.
