A luxurious and spacious catamaran, the Lagoon 500 is more than just a houseboat. Quite the opposite! Our essay aims to show a modern boat, reliable and with amazingly responsive steering!
We visited the Lagoon shipyard in May to try to better understand the philosophy of the creators and learn about the production methods of catamarans. The emergence of the new line of Lagoon catamarans (the range of catamarans extends from 38 to 67 feet), associated with rivalry with maxi-catamarans, has allowed the development of know-how in the field of underwater design and hull construction in general.
All Lagoon catamarans are very heterogeneous in design, but their drawings confirm the reputation of architects Marc Van Petegem and Vincent Loreo-Prevost as leaders in the field of multihull design.
The new Lagoon 500 is made by infusion – a method that offers a far from meager benefit in terms of weight and strength of the case. The architects worked on the sailing characteristics of the ship, while not compromising on comfort: a “gull wing” for better sailing along the waves (“gull wing” is the proprietary shape of the bow boom), calculated in the best way, length at the waterline, straight stem.
Life on board is even more enjoyable: flybridge, vertical windows and panoramic views from the saloon, wide solarium. Finally, numerous handrails are provided for safety. This catamaran is of noble origin, in the creation of which the solutions have already been tested on other Lagoon, especially the 440.
A monohull adept with his lively control, I have to admit that sailing aboard the Lagoon 500 brought me two hulls together. If I had no doubts about the exceptional convenience of such a catamaran for housing, then I was more skeptical about its ability to withstand squalls, behavior on the water and the feel of the helm. Indeed, cruising catamarans have evolved markedly.
With a mistral of about 40 knots, I could happily drive the “500”, contemplating the sea from a height of the flybridge, deftly manipulate the sails, drink a glass in the cockpit, protected from sea spray, look at sea charts in the wardroom, not worrying about the bad weather at sea, approach the mooring place without fear of hitting the bottom.
The Lagoon 500 (4th in a row) provided for the test drive, already sold, is equipped with a maximum of options: three electric winches (only one in the standard), an excellent gennaker, a lazy-jack and lazy-bag system, and a davit in addition. In the interior, attention is drawn to the washing machine, dishwasher, flat-screen TV. I must say that many owners use such a catamaran for long trips with their families.
On the run
We leave Hyeres port under the engines very easily, thanks to the two engines. Right, left, and the big catamaran leaves the pontoon in no time. The anemometer rises smoothly as we step to the left to raise the sails. All maneuvers are controlled from the flybridge.
Aft sheet management, end lockers, four winches, an engine control panel, a small table to read maps, handy banks, and the flybridge is the nerve center of the entire voyage. This is good not only because it offers a wide view, but also allows passengers to use more space on the deck, cockpit and bow area without interfering with the helmsman. From there, from above, you can act: foot on the pedals, sheet in hand, and the mainsail rises by itself. The same goes for genoa.
We are heading to the Porquerolles island to moor for breakfast. The wind continues to pick up and I feel perfectly content at the helm. I tumble into the wind to accelerate: 8, 9, 10 knots … What a pleasure! Finally, we decided to take the reef. We end the day with two mainsail reefs, three genoa reefs and an average speed of 12 knots with winds reaching 38 and sometimes 40 knots!
The entire crew climbed onto the flybridge to admire the view from above. Down in the cockpit aft – that’s something! The wind is not felt, only the wake stream shows that we are going at a good pace. Cleaning the sails in front of the anchorage is child’s play, thanks to the genoa twist and the lazy-jack and lazy-bag system.
There is no shortage of seating on deck: a cockpit at the bow, surrounded by lockers, with wide aisles, and a huge cockpit at the stern, with a galley and a table that adjoins the flybridge, wide bathing areas.
The Lagoon 500 is equally enjoyable sailing and parking.
Inside
Luxury and light are the first words that come to mind when we walk through the glass door. Superior vertical windows provide 180 degree panoramic views. 30 sq.m. the space allows for a spacious cockpit, a helmsman’s seat, a kitchen with ample work surfaces … all finished in impeccably polished light wood. Fine!
The Lagoon 500 can be purchased in 3, 4 or 5 cabins, only the layout in the port hull with two double beds and two toilets remains the same.
On the version we are testing, as already mentioned, purchased, there are three cabins. An immense cabin on the starboard side: at the bow is a dressing room with a separate shower and a washbasin with two sinks, which seemed to me still too small compared to the height of the boat …
The leather sofa faces a double bed that can be approached from both sides. I appreciated the care for every detail: drawers, a lovely library, lighted wardrobes, real soft mattresses, wide windows.
Between the two cabins on the port side is a corridor with a large refrigerator, washing machine and storage space for food. The ceiling height in some places exceeds 2.05 m. Access to all technical compartments is very easy: water system, electrics, batteries … The ventilation is well thought out for swimming in summer so as not to feel stuffy in the cabins.
The saloon table (foldable and can be lowered to turn into a low table) can comfortably accommodate ten guests. The owner installed the flat-screen TV by himself. Recessed ceiling lights, switch designs, stainless steel worktops in the kitchen, cockpit lockers, sliding shower doors and teak deck make the Lagoon 500 an exceptional catamaran of the series.
The result of the test drive: Lagoon 500 is one of the rare cruise-type catamarans with excellent driving characteristics and impeccable behavior on the water. It must be said that the architects Van Petegen and Loriot-Prevost have some experience in the field of multihull ships. The classic, luxurious and spacious interior matches what you would expect from a 15 meter catamaran, with exceptional guest amenities.
Theses of the sailing catamaran Lagoon 500
The Lagoon 500 is mistral-resistant and makes over 12 knots at 35 knots.
There is no shortage of lockers. The one in the center holds a generator and two large gas cylinders.
Covered under the flybridge, the cockpit aft is perfectly protected from the wind when sailing.
Wide walkways allow you to sit in complete safety on the immense deck.
The cockpit table can accommodate 6 guests. It is dismantled and stored under the flybridge.
Long live electric winches! Taking the reefs is effortless.
The small cockpit at the bow is very pleasant when anchored. It can get a little damp on the move.
Ideal helm view to control the sails, with a clear view of the horizon
Engine controls, navigation devices, a compass in the helmsman’s place – there is nothing lacking for sailing with complete peace of mind.
A royal retreat: comfort, space and sea views.
The stateroom to starboard contains a large washroom, bureau, leather sofa and a king size bed.
Multifunctional table in the wardroom: fold-out, removable and drop-down to transform into a low table.
Aft cabin and adjacent toilet: ideal for guests.
Four front windows open during anchorage to ventilate the wardroom and kitchen.
Numerous ceiling lights, ventilation, every detail creates a complete and harmonious ensemble.
For more than six guests, folding chairs can be added to sit around the table.
The functional kitchen has ample stainless steel worktops.
Source: Bateaux Magazine # 578, July 2006
Chief Editor
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