Extra luxury from Fountaine Pajot

The dream of many Aussie boaters is to take six months off in our winter and spend the time cruising around the waterways of Europe in a boat of their own. Imagine wandering around the Greek islands, exploring the Italian and French coasts or even the exotic ports of the northern African continent.

With the Australian dollar improving against the Euro, the dream is becoming more viable and factory deals from builders like Fountaine Pajot make it even more enticing.

The new Salina 48 Evolution, a luxury sailing catamaran from the giant French yard, costs $955,000 delivered from the Australian agent Multihull Solutions but, as they will tell you, there are "huge"  savings to be made if the vessel is purchased ex-factory in France.

With an overall length of 14.3 metres (47ft), a beam of 7.7 metres (25ft 4 ins) and a draft of just 1.1. metres, the Salina 48 is big enough to go anywhere, yet with its shallow draft, can get into anchorages that would stop most traditional mono-hulled yachts.

The 7.7 metre beam also gives a cruising family or group of friends far more room than on a conventional yacht.

Fountaine Pajot was established in France in 1976 and since then has built more than 2000 sailing catamarans and established a reputation for safety and comfort.

The Salina 48 is available in two versions, a three-cabin owner's version and the standard version that has four double cabins. In the owner's version the entire starboard hull is given over to one cabin, ensuring lavish amounts of space for storage and relaxation.

The new design has wider hulls, a revised interior design, an improved helm station -- that is somwhat like a protected flying bridge -- an upgraded galley, vast entertaining areas and easy boarding from the inside stern of both hulls.

The designers, Beret and Racoupeau, focused on safety and comfort and extremely capable offshore and blue water performance. The low centre of gravity improves comfort and the sail plan of 136sq metres gives excellent performance with minimal pitch in choppy conditions.

The new galley has been styled on a gourmet commercial kitchen and features Corian benchtops, a four-burner stainless steel stove and a brushed stainless double sink. There is also customised timber cabinetry and ample storage for extended cruising.

The saloon has a dining table that can seat eight for meals and which converts to a coffee table when the saloon is being used as a lounge area or when entertaining.

The redesigned hull has larger portholes throughout to give more natural light. At the stern there is a large covered area for relaxing or informal meals and a clever sunbathing area that extends over the davits for the inflatable tender.

Fitted with twin 40hp diesels as standard and with 480 litres of fuel, the Salina 48 has ample range and speed under power. The water tanks carry 750 litres to ensure showers aren’t a luxury that has to be rationed.