Super interesting! And loved the shots of BioTrek, of course. Did your mast builder confirm that the O55 mast can handle twin headsails up with no mainsail?
Yes you’re still our reference. As far as we understood we can use 2 sails downwind but not reaching but will double check. On the Lagoon we were used to put a double reefed mainsail up as well or to tighten the main halyard to the back of the boom
Really enjoyed your pragmatic view of why you switched to a more performance oriented catamaran design. Remember watching you guys out in Force 10 winds with your Lagoon 52s and I was very impressed with how well it handled in those conditions. Looking forward to watching your new adventures and hope your new cat exceeds your expectations, wish you many safe and enjoyable miles.
Brilliant insights, truely thank you for taking the time and for keeping it KISS. Can you share which weather apps you have used and which you prefer and why - Predictwind, Windy etc. Once again thanks, so exciting sharing this experience with you
We use windy and predictwind offshore via the iridium go, they mostly use the same models. Can’t use windy via satellite yet until we get our Starlink connection 😎
The overall load carrying capacity of the 055 would be significantly less than the 52 ( I assume ) Once you have full fuel and water tanks tanks, the air-conditioning system etc the 055 will be pretty close to full load capacity won't it ?? Can the 055 comfortably carry scuba gear, compressor etc, a few toys and family/friends without being overloaded ??
We expect to be between 16 and 16,5 with everything aboard including water and fuel so there’s still 2 to 2,5 tons left for your scuba gear and friends
We expect to be between 16 and 16,5 with everything aboard including water and fuel so there’s still 2 to 2,5 tons left for your scuba gear and friends
@@tonyhebden4699 well as I presume this is not a request to explain about the birds and the bees it will probably have to be a performance by a specialist Italian doctor 🙈
Really like your channel! Cats are a bit out of my aesthetic (maybe not yet)). Otherwise, my yachting philosophy is very similar to yours, I have Amel 54. I like your detailed technical analysis, a lot of useful information. And good quality films) Good luck with your project!
we hope the AST will be delivered around the Multihull Boat Show in LGM end of April so we can test it a bit more out here on the Med, but there might be a delay in the delivery of the engine.
A great explanation of your reasoning! Very valuable info from such an experienced couple. VMG difference is very telling. Thanks it will help us decide what way to go ourselves. Murray and Jean Australia
I asked myself the same question but I don’t expect this to be true as the price difference is in the base boat and not in the options. It’s the options that usually break. At least not in the period we expect to own the boat. It depends of course also on what happens, for instance hitting something with a daggerboard won’t help
Great video....great information.....were you able to sail the Outremer 55 and the Lagoon 55 before you ordered the Outremer 55? I am wondering if the Lagoon 55 was available when you ordered the Outremer 55?
Outstanding video as usual! I’m enjoying it while watching the snow come down for the 2nd time in a week in San Antonio TX. Looking forward to your coming sailing adventures...
Snow in Holland as well, we were skating on the lake for 4 days last week as well, first time in 8 years that it was cold enough. All green in the meantime...
I also am 6 ft 3 in, and this has been a problem on most every boat I have looked at/reviewed. Are you able to get around the saloon without having to bob around to avoid hitting your head?
Yes not a problem around the entire boat and you can even see outside through the front windows from the cockpit without bending your head sideways. Great improvement
@@CatGreatcircle I wish they would share their secret with Amel. I looked at Amel and Outremer a couple of years ago on factory visits. I like the Amel best with this one huge exception: headroom. They did have a hole you could stand in, but that seemed v. awkward. I should give Outremer another look, but I've been discouraged by the price increases - esp over the past year!
When people talk about performance vs cruising, they are generally talking about a price range that is half of the Outremer 55. Once the cat is over 50 foot long, the argument is irrelevant because it has a large enough carry capacity and size to have everything cruisers could want on board. The debate usually applies when the boat is under 50ft so adding weight reduces performance in a noticeable way and fit out decisions have an opportunity cost. When the boat is 55ft long you can cram anything on it and not notice.
And if we are right we might even prefer a bit more weight as it seems to help the stability and motion comfort also when docked/anchored. We have experienced the difference in motion between a Lagoon 52 and 39/42 and have to say the 52 felt much more relaxed
I reckon heavy deplacment is better than light deplacment and, curising cats mostly heavy and they have more durabilities on the rough sea.! if you got with laagon 27 knots imagine, how that can be with lighter and performance cat.! it is scary I would prefer more heavy and safe way instead of being fast or crazy coz going fast may make it everything jeopardizes.! and most of sailing people they aint professional competitor sailor! Plus calm weather performace cats could be better.! but safety more crucial for me.! Eventhough thanks for sharing your experiences. I also really wondering if you may catch again 50 knots wind how Outremer will handle it :))
Very good report. May be need to add electronic, motor and other facilities, like water supplies. You have done this after long experience with Laggon and before the same with Outremer. Should be very good a new report with a revision after your long experience with the second. Many thanks for this detailed report!
WAY TOO MUCH pausing in the video is needed to read the slides comfortably. Pausing every other slide for 5 extra seconds to completely read it is annoying, past this and I'm going to loose my mind.
@@CatGreatcircle given more time to read and space things out in a more absorbable fashion. It's interesting info, but trying to pay attention to what is being said, read the slides *really fast* and keep pausing and playing the video .... after about 4 min I couldn't do it any more. Lol, sorry
The only other alternative is to make the video twice as long or delete part of the info, both alternatives wouldn’t be appreciated by a lot of other viewers so this is the compromise you’ll have to deal with (or not of course)
Good Luck!! Wish you well on your ventures!! Hope we can come along for the ride!! When is the launching date please? Did someone say September or November? 😁👍😁👏👏👏😁👍😁
I saw this clip before. But after watching your old Lagoon S52 steered by your successors (a german couple) from the Netherlands to the mediterranian, I enjoyed and understood it even more.
Hmmm, I haven't been able to really "feel" what either one is like and that is a thing to consider. Thanks. Well I wish you and yours the best of luck, thanks for sharing and taking us along for the ride!
Thanks for a great video. Very good comparison. For information a Balance 526 just beat a very competently skippered Outremer 55 in the Cape to Rio race. It did it with better comfort and better performance. The Balance has much better visibility through the Salon too.
Thanks. Regarding the Cape2Rio, Hans on Aventureiro was sailing with his kids but they might be very competent. The boat was an Outremer 51 so the older and smaller model but still the performance of the Balance in those light winds seemed quite ok. The Outremer 55 (and the new 52) have perfect 360 visibility from wherever you are on the boat.
@@CatGreatcircle Just a side note since you mentioned it, the Balance 526 was also sailing with his wife and 2 young children. The Outremer was also handicapped to owe the 526 twelve hours at the finish because of the weight difference and sail inventory, but finished over 24 hours later. Both great boats, and both families had a great adventure!
O55 should be a rocket ship compared to the L52. A huge weight savings, far less drag/wetted surface/windage and comparable sail area. You'll probably notice it mostly in lighter air where the L52 could hardly move, the O55 will be a peaceful, fun sail. And then there's that ability to point 15 degrees higher - WOW.
To be fair the L52 isn’t even that bad in lighter wind but you need a lot of sail. The biggest difference is expected in more wind as the L52S isn’t able to sustain speeds above 10 knots. The angle upwind will be significantly different, max 53 degrees true on the L52S
Great video. Have you also compared the O55 with other daggerboard cats like Seawind and Balance? I expect you have prior to deciding on the Outremer, but I would love to see a video about it.
Seawind was not an option for us, but we did have a (short) look at the Balance 526 on the boat show in Cannes. Marijke does like the protected helm station on the Balance but on most other aspects we clearly preferred the O55.
Hmmmm that might be interesting, to get an actual verifiable statistic on that instead of just a loose remark. To be clear on our position: we’ve never ever felt unsafe on the Lagoon 52S but we do think the Outremer 55 will be even safer when counting every aspect of safe cruising
@@CatGreatcircle there is plenty of verifiable info available...with a performance cat you can stay ahead of squalls/weather using also modern technology for weather forecasting ...with these heavy Lagoons,Fountain Pajot, sunreef Yachts they are too heavy to sail fast and therefore are less seaworthy...and because of their high weight I have serious questions in regards to buoyancy and how they handle heavy weather...
But what I am doing, it’s just that I am a bit bored on waiting for our new boat that I am already starting discussion with people congratulating me with a smart decision
So the new one is bigger , faster but still comfortable. . .. one thing and the other never mixes. I see it's the natural evolution if you want to get round the world but, please not needed.
The O55 is smaller than the L52S, she is faster and in terms of comfort it’s probably more or less the same as they both score points on different aspects of comfort. But let’s wait and see until we have seen her in more different conditions
So when ordering with Outremer just say "I want the Cat GreatCircle model"? Great video, so much helpful information. One speed number that's important to me is how well does it do in 4-5 knot winds? I just can't see spending all that money on a beautiful boat and then spend significant amounts of time running the diesel engines. Thank you.
The owner of #1 was pretty happy with its light wind performance. We didn’t see it for ourselves yet but will definitely keep you posted as this is important for us too.
Bij de L52S kon je in de sportop met alle panelen erin geritst bij slecht weer nog “droog en beschut” zelf aan het roer staan. Kan dat straks op de O55 ook nog? Kun je met de beweegbare stuurwielen ook nog droog onder de bimini staan? Bij de moderne zeilboten zie je de stuurwielen altijd helemaal achterop de boot staan en sta je bij minder weer out in the open. Naar mijn mening is een layout, met soort cockpit waar je onder de buiskap staat te sturen, wel heel prettig. De Amel 50 en 60 hebben ook zo’n layout. Dan maakt het niet uit wat voor weer het is om toch droog aan het roer te staan.
je kunt dus wel volledig droog en uit de wind en/of zon onder de bimini sturen (en ook de throttles bedienen), ook met de tent (deels) dicht maar voor de winches moet je alsnog naar "buiten"
Thank you for this indepth review. Coming from someone who has had tremendous experience with a brand such as lagoon, moving to the O55. Does the O55 not have the capability of having a full cockpit enclosure?
Thanks for the very interesting video. It clarifies a lot. Another question. What kind of batteries will you have on the O55? And is the solar array large enough for the normal day-to-day electricity use? even with Airco?
we will have 3 Mastervolt 24V 240Ah Lifepo4 batteries. Solar should be enough on a good day with 2200W of Solar panels but I am prepared to experience in real life that we will run the genset every now and then to top up the batteries. They advise us to run the genset when running the A/C, we don't use A/C a lot. Only on very warm days without wind to cool down the master cabin for an hour before going to bed.
Really great video ! Can't wait to see you and your O55 in Tahiti next year. Say hi to the Outremer team from us. Also, the young sailor on the Onefly foiling dinghy that was in one of your previous video is from Tahiti. Tom Lamotte, learned sailing at the Yacht Club de Tahiti. One more reason to sail west soon :-)
@@CatGreatcircle yes exactly, he is a young sailor raised in Tahiti, learned sailing and racing at the Yacht Club de Tahiti and now training with the French national Youth Team in la Grande Motte
Je kunt de twee boten eigenlijk niet vergelijken omdat het totaal verschillende concepts zijn. Zeker de juiste keuze gemaakt alleen kun je nu nooit meer terug naar een cruising cat, but who cares?
Voor ons zijn het gewoon 2 geschikte cats voor een setje zoals wij die het leuk vinden om te zeilen maar niet perse hoeven racen... En never say never, wij sluiten niet uit later nog eens voor een Lagoon (of welk merk dan ook) te gaan hoor. Maar eerst eens even uitvinden hoe ons dit ook echt in praktijk bevalt. De voortekenen zijn goed!
Wow- I can't believe how 'fired up' I get about this topic. Obviously (and clearly!) each couple must decide together what compromises are to be made- even which issues genuinely matter to them as a couple! However, I value your long term ownership experience in the Lagoon 52S, and- your choice in a build out of the Outremer. I started writing with fire, but- appreciate all of your combined efforts to present the build, the very difficult choices that you both made in the performance vs. comfort areas, and finally the happiness that working with your team at Outremer! I was going to press for consideration of the Balance cats, but- understand how long, difficult & joyful your process has been! A very long way of saying "Thank You!!!" for making these videos, taking the time to bring us along with you, and allowing us into the trusting, friendly relationships made with the Outremer team!
You're absolutely right, there's a cat for everybody and it's crucial to know what's important for you. And even that can change over time...We did have a look at the Balance 526 by the way at Cannes boat show 2019 before deciding to continue the discussion with Outremer and Lagoon.
@@CatGreatcircle Funny, but very few boats get one's creative juices flowing, right? To me, the original 12 metre formula created dozens & dozens of hours 'cheating' the design system to create a very fast boat! Then, so many years with conventional monohulls (family, children, safety) and I thought that the passion had died in working & re-working fiberglass. Then, one look at the Balance and I woke up again? I had missed the passion, the dreams of performance with limited compromise- but, alas, after hours & hours the limitations still exist. (Well, at this stage of development at least). I was feeling very grateful that both had taken us along to watch the build with you. I too am excited for tomorrow!!!
Hi Mark, I can't remember seeing anything, but did you guys look at any other performance cats besides Outremer? Eg. Balance, McConaghy, Mausaudon, Catana, HH ??
Yes we did look at almost all the other brands every year on both the LGM multihull and Cannes boat shows. Based on that we decided to have a more detailed look at the Outremer 5X which wasn’t 100% our choice as well. During that factory visit we were told about the upcoming O55 .... For us it was an easy choice compared to the other brands your mentioning but other people have other criteria and/or taste.
With some miles in your pocket would you rate your decision the same or have some points changed? Handling? Speed on light wind Going upwind Heavy weather Would be interesting after the ocean crossing Thanks for the video
We just arrived in Mindelo Cape Verde so some first feedback. We haven’t had any heavy weather yet, but really happy on the other points. For the next one we would change our sail plan a bit by exchanging the code D / downwind gennaker by a code 0 that Saga has, more like the one we had on the L52S.
Probably not as much as we do, so we can stop talking and start sailing again. I must admit though that we do like the opportunity to follow the build process of the boat as well (once).
different times different age, no more drysuits through the icecold water now (and making sure the cat stays right side up does seem to make sense indeed)
@@CatGreatcircle I guess No. 4 will be dynamic enough for guys/girls of our age. The performance of no. 4 at higher wind speeds looks like pure power - and that is most enjoyable. Sailing at its best - for grown-ups.
I have to admit the 55 is the best looking Cat i have ever seen. I know the Outremer ethos is wind in your hair while i race you, but i cant help thinking if this boat had a fully protected helm every other Cat manufacturer would be shaking in their boots !
We just arrived in LGM again, amongst others to have another look at how to implement our basic sunshade solutions like we had before on the Lagoon. As you can see in the L52S videos even with a very protected helm station you're out there in the sun a lot. We will at least implement the Nescool triangles on the front again, but we will have a look whether it makes sense to implement something simple and easily removable over the winches and the bench outside as well. All in addition to the ability to manoeuvre from the cockpit, just to have several options for different situations and moods. But ....as long as there will be around 10 O55's a year there doesn't seem to be a reason to start shaking too much
@@CatGreatcircle I am sure you will come up with a solution for this, then it will be perfect ! My point is maybe you should not have to think about this Outremer should have it covered as an option, how many more boats would they sell ? I can`t wait until you sail off in this fabulous boat, and i bet you can`t either.
We had a dodger on our option list but weren’t happy enough with the alternative designs available. In addition we want to experience the boat first as designed to know exactly if we are still missing something and if so what. There’s a good chance that the temporary / cheap solutions we’re trying now will already do just fine. To be sure it won’t ruin the rest of the design we will meet with the specific supplier for Outremer of the enclosures (Bilbo) as well.
Hoi hoi... Jeetje, wat een uitleg allemaal, ik heb er een pauze knop-duim eraan over gehouden.(LoL) Maar zeer duidelijk uitgelegd, zelf voor een leek als ik. En wat een grote open ruimte als de salon open is, je hebt er een bal-zaal bij ! Comfortabel en veilig, daar gaat het om, soms is snelheid wel leuk, maar is dat belangrijk? Als je tijd genoeg hebt, is snelheid het laatste waar je aan moet denken, behalve natuurlijk als je veiligheid in geding is. En een combinatie van die twee, is dus ideaal. Zit hier al met spanning af te wachten op jullie komende avonturen. Wanneer hopen jullie eigenlijk te gaan? Groeten, Marco
Eind april in het water, juni delivery Snelheid is soms ook gewoon leuk niet alleen maar veilig. Wij zijn juist happy met die veelzijdigheid zodat je de boot kunt gebruiken zoals het op dat moment uitkomt of waar je net zin in hebt
@@CatGreatcircle I sailed on a TS5 years back. The comfort was okay (for a normal cruise at least), but the power was frightening. As you are way more experienced sailors than me, you can probably tame this beast, but I agree with your choice: the 55 seems an amazing boat!
Hi from New Zealand to you. Really like your work and especially appreciate your no self promotion crap others have in their content! Each to their own when watching a cruising channel I accept that. Yours and bio trek are very good in my opinion for me. Again thank you. Anyway we are starting building custom design now in NZ a 3 yr build in house in our own boat building business. We looked hard at Outremer 51, 5x and later too late for us the 55. All figures of performance are stated at optimum load etc and for us we just couldn't make the figures work for our home while retaining the performance one buys an Outremer for. My questions are what is dwl beam to length ratio on your 55 at what DWL? What was it on 52s? Next what is your beam to length ratio at your quoted loaded weight on the 55 given your hulls are sitting lower in water so new reference bwl/dwl? Bridge deck clearance dwl to underside bridgedeck between hulls at your loaded home weight on the 55? Same on your 52s? Last if you parked 52s beside your new 55 and off loaded your 52s home onto your 55 home what wouldn't/couldn't go on to the 55? Appreciate your time to reply. Jessica & Craig SV Forte' 67 in build.
I will try to answer the first couple of questions once our own #4 is actually delivered although it might not even be easy for amateurs like us to get exact data on the level you’re looking for.
As to the offloading the 52 and loading the 55 question we will find out as we took literally everything from the 52, brought it to LGM and will load it on the 55. Can’t think of something we will have to leave behind but of course a couple of things like A/C, genset, tender are much lighter than before
Not sure whether we are the most suited to advise you as we are still from the "work your ass off and start your own company first" generation. Younger RU-vid colleagues seem to have more modern strategies 🤣
I can only hope there will be more actual data around as even the semi-scientific formulas and numbers tend to be misleading and abused. And I see no reason why someone can’t like different types and brands of boats, we’re still very positive about our Lagoon
