Lucia 40 / Isla 40

This model has had two lives in one, having been re-launched in 2020 under the name Isla 40 (see inset). This entry-level catamaran from Fountaine Pajot has just been withdrawn from the shipyard’s catalog, to be replaced by an upcoming 41-footer, the name of which is due to be announced shortly. The Lucia 40 and Isla 40 are therefore now pre-owned catamarans - but still very recent. For buyers, these models offer a double advantage: firstly, they present themselves as “minimum” live-aboard platforms, i.e. admittedly compact, but nonetheless comfortable enough and well thought-out for a 12-month Atlantic circuit as a couple, or even with one or two children. The second advantage? These 40-foot catamarans are easy to handle and to maintain.

A True Ocean Cruiser

For anyone wondering about the ocean-going capabilities of this 40-foot catamaran, the facts are clear: a large number of Lucias were delivered to the West Indies on their own bottoms from La Rochelle, and there have been numerous Mediterranean and Atlantic circuits and even circumnavigations - including around the Cape of Good Hope. The infusion construction is made up of three parts: nacelle bottom, inboard topsides and...