Sea Trial with the Outremer 45: Performance Analysis in 10 Knot Winds
The Outremer 45, a fast and versatile cruising catamaran, is known for its exceptional sailing capabilities, designed for both performance and comfort. To fully understand how it performs in real-world conditions, a sea trial was conducted in moderate 10-knot winds, a typical cruising breeze. This test aimed to assess the boat’s performance across all points of sail, its ease of handling, and its suitability for single-handed sailing.
Conditions and Setup
The test took place on a calm, sunny day with a 10-knot wind coming from the east. The sea was relatively flat, providing ideal conditions for performance testing. The Outremer 45 was rigged with a full set of sails, including the mainsail and genoa, and was sailed by a single operator to assess the ease of control and handling, even when sailing alone.
Performance at Different Angles of Sail
- Upwind (Beating) In 10 knots of wind, the Outremer 45 displayed excellent upwind performance. The catamaran was able to point at an impressive 30-35° to the apparent wind. The boat maintained steady speed and felt balanced despite the modest breeze. The helm was light and responsive, with the boat accelerating smoothly as the wind increased to 12 knots. Even in this lighter breeze, the catamaran showed a good ability to tack through the wind efficiently, with minimal resistance and no signs of stalling or excessive heeling.
- Close Reach When the boat was sailed on a close reach, around 50-60° to the wind, it reached a cruising speed of about 7-8 knots. The Outremer 45 responded quickly to small adjustments at the helm, and the apparent wind increased noticeably as the boat picked up speed. Even in relatively light air, the boat’s performance was impressive, demonstrating that it could hold its own in challenging conditions or when cruising over longer distances.
- Beam Reach On a beam reach, the Outremer 45 came into its own. The boat easily hit speeds of 9-10 knots without any need for excessive effort from the helm. The boat tracked straight and true, making minimal corrections needed. The smooth ride and responsive sails gave the impression of a much larger boat, allowing for long-distance cruising at high speeds in moderate winds. The hull design, optimized for performance, ensured minimal drag while maximizing stability, even with the wind abeam.
- Broad Reach and Running As the wind eased further onto the beam and aft, the Outremer 45’s speed remained consistent. Under a broad reach, the boat sailed comfortably at 9-10 knots, occasionally nudging 11 knots when gusts lifted the sails. Running with the wind behind, the boat maintained an effortless glide, with the twin engines ready for fine-tuning. The catamaran felt stable even in the gustier conditions, with the autopilot system handling most of the steering on long downwind runs.
Ease of Handling and Single-Handed Sailing
One of the most remarkable features of the Outremer 45 is its ease of handling, even when sailing solo. The boat was equipped with an electric winch, making sail handling easy and efficient. The mainsail and genoa could be controlled from the helm station, and the jib furling system responded smoothly to light touch inputs. Tacking and gybing were straightforward, thanks to the boat’s well-balanced design, and the wide, unobstructed cockpit made moving around during maneuvers simple and safe.
The boat’s autopilot system, combined with well-placed lines and responsive rigging, ensured that single-handed sailing was entirely feasible. The helm was light, requiring very little effort to steer, and the boat maintained a steady course even when sailing in open water. The self-tacking jib made a significant difference in terms of ease, allowing the solo sailor to concentrate more on course adjustments and less on sail trimming.
Stability and Comfort
Even in 10-knot winds, the Outremer 45 felt incredibly stable. The catamaran’s hull design ensured a smooth ride with minimal heeling, even at higher speeds. This stability contributed to a comfortable experience both for those aboard and for the vessel itself, as it allowed for faster cruising without sacrificing comfort. Additionally, the deck layout, with its wide, uncluttered spaces, provided easy access to all parts of the boat, even when working alone.
Conclusion
The sea trial of the Outremer 45 in 10-knot winds showcased its impressive performance across all points of sail. Whether beating upwind, reaching, or running downwind, the catamaran handled effortlessly, maintaining high speeds with stability and comfort.
Its lightweight, responsive handling, combined with the ability to sail comfortably in solo mode, makes it an excellent choice for experienced sailors looking for both performance and ease of use. With its innovative design, the Outremer 45 proves to be not just a luxury cruiser but a performance machine capable of long-distance cruising in various wind conditions. For single-handed sailors or couples, it offers a perfect balance of speed, comfort, and ease of control.