INSULA 52

Simplicity and weight centering

At a time when most multihulls over 50 feet are becoming over-equipped platforms, it’s encouraging to see that some naval architects remain sensitive to the basic cruising units whose simplicity is perfectly assumed. A set of specifications that may seem drastic at first glance, but in the end, restricts neither the design nor the performance - quite the contrary in fact!

INSULA 52

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Published 15/07/2022

By Emmanuel van Deth

Issue: SP18

Published: sept. / oct. 2022

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French architect Vincent Lebailly is proposing a catamaran with 3 or 4 cabins and a coachroof that is deliberately set aft and without a flybridge. Sail maneuvers are not all concentrated in one position but distributed in such a way as to exploit the rigidity of the boat (mainsheet traveler on the aft beam) and to limit friction (genoa sheet winches on the coachroof).
The Insula 52 is equipped with two tiller helm stations with dedicated seats, along the guardwires. The main originality of this catamaran is its hybrid and asymmetrical drivetrain - a formula already developed by O Yachts. The Insula has only one internal combustion engine for propulsion – this motor is set forward in the hull in order to guarantee protection to the propeller thanks to the nearby keel. Such a favorable arrangement for the centering of the weights allows to limit the pitching. In the other hull, a secondary electric motor, will be used when it comes to maneuvering in port, but will also allow the multihull to navigate in any zones where a traditional diesel or gas engines are not permitted. 1,600 Wp of solar panels will ensure excellent electrical autonomy on board.

Technical specifications:
Naval architect: Vincent Lebailly
Overall length: 51’10” (15.79 m)
Waterline length: 50’1” (15.27 m)
Beam: 24’8” (7.53 m)
Draft: 3’7” (1.10 m)
Half-laden displacement: 24,140 lbs (10,950 kg)
Upwind sail area: 1,540 sq ft (143 m²)
Drivetrain: 1 x 75 HP diesel, shaft-driven + 1 x 10 kW electric, shaft-driven
Diesel capacity: 84 US gal (320 l)
Fresh water: 66 US gal (250 l)
CE certification: Category A

www.vincentlebailly.fr