Lucia 40 Fountaine Pajot

A luxury 40 footer for cruising

40 years and 40 different catamaran models! These two numbers neatly sum up the great adventure of the La Rochelle boatyard set up by sailing enthusiasts who went into business! Here we test the Lucia, the milestone 40 footer representing this vintage.

Large sunbathing area forward, neat and protected helm station, fitted-out cockpit, all easy to move around. The interaction between the inside and the outside has been particularly well-designed

The link between the helm station and the cockpit is very successful. Note the helm seat integrated in the injection molding

A well-fitted panoramic galley, nicely-upholstered dining area and coachroof with large glazed areas which open forward to give effective ventilation

The forecabins are really neat: there will be no arguing among the crew when their cabins are allotted

A nice bathroom, well-designed and built. The separate toilets give a quality feel

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Practical info

Boat Test price5.00€ Inc. tax

Purchase

Boat Test price5.00€ Inc. tax

Purchase

The Lucia's generous sail area allows her to shift along easily in light airs

The La Rochelle story

During the 1970s, the development of cruising boats was in full swing, but it was a handful of champions from dinghy racing, and preparations for the Olympics, who made their mark on the future of the French multihull. Fountaine Pajot was founded in 1976 by Jean-François Fountaine (selected for the Olympics in the 470 class and Half-tonner world champion) and Yves Pajot (silver medalist at the 1972 Olympics). They were joined by Daniel Givon, R_mi Tristan and Pierre Fountaine. They started building 20s, 470s and 505s at Aigrefeuilles in 1978. There followed by the building of the trimaran Royale (One of the first foilers!) to Le Graal plans for Philippe Facque and Lo´c Caradec, then the revolution of Charente Maritime I and II and the subsequent wins (Lorient - Bermuda - Lorient in '83 and the La Rochelle - New Orleans race) of this extraordinary innovative catamaran designed by two others from La Rochelle: Michel Joubert and Bernard Nivelt. A whole cast of future players on the multihull stage gravitated towards this up-and-coming yard: Fred Charpail, Philippe Pallu de ...

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