My personal sympathy for catamarans produced by Fountaine-Pajot shipyard proved to be justified as soon as I took over the helm of Hélia 44. Keep in mind that my first love in the area of catamarans is Eleuthéra 60. Her speed and elegance have taken over my heart permanently. Afterwards, I found myself aboard mighty Sanya 57. According to the documents, she is supposed to be smaller than Eleuthera 60, but her interior, spaciousness and overall design makes her appear greater than any other Fountaine-Pajot.
Finally, Hélia 44 shares some characteristics of both previously mentioned catamarans. She strives to be as fast as Eleuthéra 60 and as comfortable as Sanya 57. She definitely succeeds to combine these characteristics which can be experienced during a stay aboard. Even with a small breeze she would catch up and show you her temper, without losing any of her comfort and elegance.
Designed by naval architects Berret Racoupeau and the Fountaine-Pajot design office she offers plenty of space in her cockpit. There is a spacious dining area where six to eight persons could be easily accommodated. For the lazy ones, there is cushioned daybed designed for a beauty sleep or daydreaming in the shade of bimini. The helm station is positioned to the starboard and is accessible both from the cockpit or the side deck. Despite its position to the starboard, the skipper still has a good visibility all around including important forward to port.
The rest of flybridge area can also be used as the sunbathing area. The interior layout can be described as classical four-cabin charter configuration or the owner’s suite.
Charter version considers two cabins in each hull while the owner’s version occupies the entire starboard hull. Either way, the saloon is extremely bright due to large windows ensuring the overall view.
Hélia 44 is powered by two 40 HP Volvo engines with saildrives, making 7.5 knots of cruising speed or a maximum of 9 knots. Electric power is additionally supplied by solar panels positioned at the aft part of the bimini. LED lighting not only minimizes the recharging time but gives a modern look to the entire yacht. Leave all your suspicions behind before you hop aboard Hélia 44!
Sailing aboard a catamaran is truly an amazing experience. For more information on what catamaran to select and how to charter a suitable catamaran for your vacation, visit Sailing Catamaran Yachts.
I wish you a calm sea, a fine wind and a strong mast!