Following the Nautitech 44 Open's recent win of the European Yacht of the Year 2023 (EYOTY) award for the multihull class, Yachting World have released this sea trial review showcasing the 44's highlights. The EYOTY Award is the most important, influential, and most widely communicated boatbuilding prize worldwide. 12 magazine jury members trialed and critiqued a number of new catamarans for the award, who jointly agreed that the Nautitech 44 Open delivered the best performance cruising catamaran package. The team at Ensign Yachts are very proud to be the exclusive dealer of Nautitech Catamarans in Australia.
Yachting World journalist Toby Hodges writes;
"We saw a good, interesting battle of the aft helm cruising cats this year in the Excess 14 and the Nautitech. For those who cite a lack of visibility and protection as reasons not to choose this route, try sailing this boat! Direct steering brings so much more helming pleasure – you get the enjoyable feeling and communication more associated with a monohull. I consider this 44 Open to be the ideal size to go distance sailing, with good performance, low draught and space for family and friends.
The interior design is smart and inviting – not as voluminous as some, but certainly enough to be smugly comfortable at anchor. Out of all the multihulls nominated or sailed in the last year, this cat impressed me the most."
Some comments from the jury members:
“This is a catamaran that makes the heart beat out at sea rather than at a boat show.” Axel Nissen-Lie, Norway
“Sailing sensation sets the Nautitech apart. She’s delightfully sensitive in light wind and gets more and more convincing with speed – which she picks up to very decent numbers.” Pasi Nuutinen, Finland
“This shows why the desire for catamaran sailing is spreading: It combines the comfort of two hulls with the good sailing characteristics of a modern yacht.” Lori Schüpbach, Sui
