Lagoon 440 – helm station on the flybridge, cockpit in front of the mast – these technical solutions implemented on three large cruising catamarans are quite pleasant on the water.
Square vertical windows framing the wheelhouse also look defiant on the Lagoon 440, as well as on the Lagoon 380 and Lagoon 410. But let’s not dwell on this interesting decision, because first of all, checking the vessel on the water allows us to confirm the validity of the solutions used both on deck, and in the interior. The idea of placing the helmsman with the helm and all the winches on the flybridge is surprising only at first glance.
In reality, this location is very convenient on the water. Excellent visibility, and the helmsman, having the ability to dispose of all the halyards and sheets directly next to him, is able to control the catamaran alone, like a real “man-band”! In addition, he is assisted by electric winches, an autopilot, and a color chartplotter with GPS.
Such an atypical use of the deckhouse roof for a sailing vessel as an extension of the control post there allows arranging three cockpits on the catamaran to satisfy the needs of all crew members. The first cockpit is classic, at the stern, under a hard plastic bimini, which allows you to perfectly relax in it in any weather. Several steps lead to the upper cockpit, on the flybridge, where three crew members can sit together with the helmsman.
Finally, a third cockpit appeared in front of the mast. This is the most wind-blown spot on the boat – in good weather these will be the most in demand for idleness – and also the least noisy cockpit of all. Skillfully positioned between the saloon and the aft cockpit sofa, the upper cockpit footwell fits perfectly into the layout of the ship’s quarters and is only interrupted before descending into the cabins on the port side to provide sufficient headroom.
The cockpit aft, sheltered from the sun and rain, is a veritable complementary wardroom. There is also a sink on the port side, and in addition a refrigerator and an icemaker can be installed in the cockpit. There is no fixed cockpit table, but there are holes for table legs that can be moved from the salon. It is convenient – depending on the weather, to dine outdoors or inside. The table can be stowed away in a special locker in the bimini ceiling.
Lagoon 440 interior
The layout and workmanship of the interior is quite traditional for ships of this type – the details of the interior are carefully finished, numerous equipment in the galley and in the salon. Having barely crossed the entrance, which is slightly shifted to the left of the catamaran DP, which connects the salon and the cockpit, we estimate the total height of the ceiling – more than 2 m! Navigator’s seat on the right in the bow. The map table is not large enough to lay out a large paper map on it, but there is enough space for navigation devices, a chartplotter in particular.
Due to the remoteness of the navigator’s seat from the post, many owners install a catamaran joystick, an autopilot and an additional engine control post on the navigator’s table. Now you can control the catamaran from the salon without getting up to the helm! The passage to the cabins on the starboard side has been shifted forward and thus freed up considerable space for the galley. The long working table is very comfortable, a lot of light thanks to the large windows. The galley has a lot of space to install all the necessary household equipment.
The overall color scheme of the interior is white and carefully selected in the excellently finished interior, white tones are combined with lacquered pear wood, including the floorboards.
Depending on whether we are focusing on a version with a master cabin or a charter version, we are talking about one or two cabins on the starboard side. We examined the master cabin version. In this layout, the entire starboard hull is equipped as one huge suite, which can be isolated from the saloon by a sliding door. Note the double bed aft, which is accessed by several steps to the center of the cabin – access is less acrobatic than on many catamarans with berths raised high above the floor.
In the center of the cabin there is a place for rest or work, with a sofa in front of which you can install a flat screen, a practical bureau or numerous equipment. Dressing room in the bow, with separate shower and toilet. Ventilation and lighting are provided through large windows.
In the charter version, you will find four symmetrical cabins of a more familiar size, with double sofas that can be approached from different directions and a latrine for each cabin.
What we liked:
The galley is well positioned between cockpit and saloon.
Aft sofas with comfortable approach from both sides.
Panoramic view in the saloon through wide vertical windows.
What did not like:
Generator 220 V. under the can in the cockpit.
The chart table is located far from the helm station, however, as an option, the chart station can be equipped with an engine control station.
Lagoon 440 under sail
All sail maneuvers are carried out from a perfectly positioned helm station on the flybridge. Mainsail setting is usually the most difficult maneuver on a catamaran, with the exception of the Lagoon 440 equipped as standard with electric mainsail winches with control buttons underfoot in the deck. The helmsman can, in principle, work with the sails without leaving the helm.
On our test catamaran, the sheet winches are electric, and it was a pleasure to pick up or bait the genoa. The control post can safely accommodate four people. The clew of genoa is quite high, and the transparent opening in the sail leaves practically no “dead” zone for the forward vision, which is a rarity on cruising catamarans. The boom-sheet shoulder strap is located on the stern of the rigid bimini, away from the aisle, and this is very convenient.
With a wind of 15 knots, the Lagoon 440 demonstrates its handling characteristics. With a wind of 18 knots, we recorded a speed of 8 knots. The helm is relatively sensitive, the catamaran is confidently keeping its course, and the helmsman, in general, is not burdened with work at the helm. The autopilot is only needed if the helmsman needs to move away for a while. Without lifting the spinnaker and gennaker, we achieved the best result in the fresh backstay – the speed exceeded 9 knots.
The wide deck is covered with an effective anti-slip coating.
The large portholes that illuminate the cabins are hidden behind bars and are almost invisible on board. Large vertical cockpit windows give the catamaran a distinctive look that is well recognized on all Lagoon.
What we liked:
Excellent visibility from the helm station on the flybridge.
A special platform on the bow trampoline makes it easy to work with the anchor.
The aft cockpit is well protected by a rigid bimini on which a boom-sheet shoulder strap is installed.
What did not like:
In order to pass from the cockpit to the deck with the bimini awning raised, you need to tilt your head.
The bow cockpit prevents free passage in front of the mast and will be overwhelmed by water in high seas. At the same time, a well-ventilated bow cockpit will be very useful during extreme heat.
Output
The main novelty of this catamaran was the removal of the control post to the flybridge, as well as the creation of a bow cockpit. Both in the charter version and in the version with a master cabin, this catamaran meets numerous requirements: you can live on board for a long period, or you can enjoy walking in a large company by taking the catamaran on charter. Free places will be in any case!
Source: Bateaux Magazine, June 2006
Chief Editor
catamarandecksinnovationlagoon
What do you think?