Canadian Yachting October 2021 - 45

Fun for the whole family off the swim platform
the stern has a nice long swim ladder and
is very convenient with standard davits so
that a dinghy is able to drive straight up.
However, it adds quite a bit of weight to
the stern of the boat and is a costly option.
Although our test model had the optional
twin 50 HP Volvo Penta engines compared
to the standard twin 40 HP (both with saildrives
and folding props) you have unbelievable
access, enabling your mechanic
to hop down easily and with elbow room
to spare for any repairs or servicing. The
coolant level, water filter, saildrive, rudder
tube and autopilot are also accessible
without requiring contortions.
The helm station
is most certainly
one of the highlights of this model with
incredible forward visibility, although not
as great on the port quarter when backing
up. All lines run back to the helm like any
great catamaran, and they tail nicely into
bins. The lines and helm can easily be
worked by two people. Our test Fountaine
Pajot Astrea 42 was equipped with two
electric winches. The nicely enclosed
helm has charts, engine controls and navigation
right at your fingertips, with the
coach top sun lounge area right beside.
On a long passage you can actually put
your feet up and relax on the soft cushions
with great communication between cabin,
cockpit and helm stations. The hardtop
Bimini sports windows so you can easily
see the sails.
Although there are good handrails to
move up and down stairs, moving up the
side decks toward the forward lounge
area, the lifelines are your only safety feature.
The forward lounge area has lovely,
comfortable cushions with ratchet backs
and ample seating, offering another separate
outdoor space. The foot-well easily
drains away rainwater and spray. The boat
is set up for jack lines, has a compartment
for a generator and another compartment
for the anchor/windlass system. The forward
hatches can also be used for storage
or converted into cabins. There is also an
optional bowsprit for a Code Zero. Blue
lighting enhances the nighttime experience
to make it even more special.
Fountaine Pajot's high-tech production
methods create parts that require no
retouching. The hull is a glass/balsa/polyester
sandwich
construction.
Injection
molding
molds on PET foam (Airex) are
used for the deck and coach roof. With
three reefing points, full batons, a square
topped main, great sail area and lower
boom, the boat is designed for more performance.
The extra-wide traveller does
all the work for the mainsail. The bottom
reef can easily be done while inside the
helm station, but the top two require more
help by moving to the coach-top to attach
the sail's tack.
The engine area is a mechanic's dream
BELOW DECK
Moving inside you are greeted by a
beautiful U-shaped galley with double-bowled
sinks, countertops and oodles
of storage space. The abundance of natural
light and under-cabinet lighting in the
evening, allow this inside space to easily
transition to the outside. Communication
with the cockpit and helm station is seamless
with large windows and great visibility
in all directions. The refrigerator
has four deep drawers that keep foods
separated and easy to find. This is a true
bonus in my book! The versatile oven is a
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45
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Canadian Yachting October 2021

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