Exploring the Luxury and Performance of the Lagoon 42

Sailing buffs ponder if the perfect ship can be made possible. The Lagoon 42 is the closest answer to that question. A luxurious and prestigious catamaran considered one of the most famous ships in the market for its perfect for cruising, chartering, or live-aboard adventures. Those who had the privilege of sailing the vessel described her as a home on the sea. Designed to succeed, the well-received "Lagoon 420", the ship incorporates numerous sought-after Lagoon characteristics; as a rapidly sailing high-end catamaran, it provides a delightful experience for sailing and cruising.

It spawned to life through the collaborative efforts of exterior designer Patrick Le Quement and France's VPLP Design, a company known for its exceptional racing hulls. The "L42" is large enough to live comfortably and small enough to manage maintenance easily. Viewed as the sweet spot of Lagoon models by users, the vessel measures 42 feet in length while boasting striking, sleek, curved lines and a gullwing bridge deck expertly designed to reduce impact during rough seas. The helm station is starboard, providing excellent visibility and control while sailing. It's fitted with glazed vertical windows that bend around corners to reduce heat within the cabin and provide ample visibility throughout the spacious room. The composite bimini appears suspended, adding to the boat's unique visual appeal. The ship's construction process has yielded impressive results; with the compact boat weighing 26,000lb, the Lagoon can obtain top speeds of over 16 knots which converts to 30 kilometers per hour.

Along with a powerful engine, the beam's design of 25 feet enhances the vessel's sailing capabilities. The mast positioning is at the aft to allow the foretriangle to open up, providing more sail options for downwind; the higher aspect ratio rig with the taller mast makes for more accessible sailing. The weight is centered, resulting in reduced pitching. All this allows the Lagoon to be compact enough to be low maintenance and manned by a few individuals. It can even be operated singlehandedly without difficulty, as all essential features, such as the multifunction display and Spinlock rope clutches, are within easy reach of the Goiot wheel. Conveniently located steps lead to the coachroof, providing easy access to the boom or the built-in sun pad. The helm station is designed for maximum comfort with an adjustable seat, the composite top featuring a centered window that offers a clear view of the mainsail, and numerous handholds for additional support. The handholds have deviated from previous designs opting from a traditional grab rail to a recessed grab rail instead. This change isn't as popular as many have complained about the slipperiness caused when the ship gets wet, thus making it difficult to have a proper grip during rough conditions.

Inside this impressive vessel, the Lagoon is no slouch. The spacious cockpit provides easy access to the yacht's interior. With ample space to relax, the ship allows for maximum comfort and entertainment. The interior is elegant; the open-plan living area includes a fully equipped galley, a dining table with comfortable seating for eight, a stove, a fridge, and a lounge area. One couple who has sailed over 2800 miles in the Mediterranean over the last six months has confessed to becoming "sea nomads" due to the ship's comfort; they never have to leave the port and book a hotel on shore. Like other high-end catamarans, having a level deck that facilitates easy movement from the interior to the exterior is desirable. The Lagoon 42 stands out with its tri-sliding door, which grants access to the galley and promotes proper ventilation throughout the cabins. The living quarters in the hulls are incredibly spacious, even when compared to other contemporary catamarans. The traditional four-cabin and four-bathroom layout was fully displayed in La Grande Motte's charter vessel. The aft cabins' peninsula beds are sizable, and the ample storage makes them comparable to the owner's places on many 50-foot monohulls. Additionally, the cabins feature an overhead hatch, a large window in the hull, and a broad window at the stern, allowing for plenty of natural light.

The Lagoon 42 emphasizes safety as it provides an exceptional sailing experience. The vessel has compartments at the bow and stern that are watertight and sacrificial. The valve connecting these compartments to the primary bilge is intended to remain closed; thus, the ship will always stay afloat if it collides with anything. The sugar scoops are wide, similar to those found on much larger boats, and offer a secure platform for boarding, disembarking, and travel. The life raft's position is exceptionally advantageous. It is located within a dedicated, unobstructed section at the boat's aft end, ensuring it can be easily deployed even if the ship is upside down. Unlike catamarans with flybridges and tall booms, the boom is easily accessible by walking on the coach roof, which increases safety during inclement weather, such as untangling lines or lowering the sail manually during a storm. The U-shaped galley is designed in such a way that the section near the stove is narrow, allowing for bracing oneself and safe cooking even in rough conditions. In the middle of the saloon, a mast compression post is sometimes considered unsightly and undesirable due to the new mast location. On several occasions, the compression post has prevented crew members from falling in turbulent weather. It has gained traction and is now considered a crucial safety feature, and the sailors are often grateful for its presence when they need to regain their balance.

"A mainstay for sailing that ship enthusiasts in Egypt are excited to get their hands on, the Lagoon 42 is a well-designed and well-equipped sailing catamaran that offers ease of handling and customization for any amenities desired to increase maximum comfort. Even in challenging weather conditions, the vessel provides a stable and comfortable journey, making it ideal for open-sea adventures. The catamaran is perfect for a relaxing holiday cruise on the Mediterranean and Red Sea holiday cruise."