The Helia 44 is an innovative, new catamaran offshore cruiser from the renowned French boat designers, Fountaine Pajot Catamarans. It replaces their successful Orana 44 catamaran, which has been completely redesigned by Oliver Racoupeau to include numerous upgrades and innovations. The boat is available with a choice of three or four cabins and additional extra options include the fitting of embedded solar panels, a hydro generator and an Eco Cruising monitor.
Elegance and ergonomically-planned comfort
The Helia 44 is cleverly designed to integrate indoor and outdoor living, with seamless connectivity throughout the boat. Galley, cockpit, lounge deck and helm station are not enclosed or separated but flow together in an open fashion to allow all on board to communicate, move around easily and share the sailing experience.
The lounge deck, protected cockpit and galley are all on one level and include
seating for up to ten people. A large fridge is located in the centre of this huge, 50m2 open area and the spacious, u-shaped galley is fully equipped with a dishwasher, ice-maker, water dispenser, freezer, microwave and oven and includes ample storage space.
All areas of the ship are designed to maximise natural light. The ship also has full LED lighting throughout. The cabins are fitted with large windows that can be opened for a healthy flow of fresh air and all cabins have en-suite toilet facilities and walk-in showers. In the lounge area, the table can be raised to provide an extra bed if needed. Ceilings and doorways are high enough to comfortably walk around with no need to stoop or duck, with a generous 6 feet and 8 inches of headroom.
Optimal performance and handling
The Helia 44 is powered by two upgraded Volvo Penta 55HP engines with sail drives and includes an electric mainsail winch and
automatic reefing, powered by three folding Volvo blades. It has a self-furling gennaker and bowsprit. The bridge has a triple helm seat and is designed for single-handed sailing, with everything in reach and enjoying centralised manoeuverability. It offers 360-degree visibility and has an easily accessible boom with no obstacles. The helm is light and responsive, and there are three good-sized cleats located on the foredeck, mid-ship and transom skirt for easy mooring. The catamaran has a cruising speed of 6.5 knots and a maximum speed of 8 knots.
Safety is a priority
All external areas of the ship have uncluttered, wide side deck passageways with stainless steel handrails for total safety. The high-visibility steering station is protected from the elements. There is a glass roof over an inside control panel that allows the boat to be operated under shelter during bad weather. The inside control area also has an electrical console with digital map display, GPS system, radar and digital tablet.
The entire boat is solidly constructed, with a tough balsa-cored hull and an
injection-moulded deck that gives considerable weight saving. Bridge, hood and roof are moulded in one piece and the boom and mast are made from aluminium. The 27kg Spade anchor is located under the trampoline and designed for easy launch and recovery. There is a secondary anchor for backup. The ship has a top-of-the-range 500W hydro-generator and a Dessalator water maker and comes complete with full safety equipment and a Zodiac Open Sea life raft for 8 people.
The Helia 44 is the ideal catamaran for all ocean-going cruising. It is spacious, elegant and well-equipped, with large living areas and masses of storage space. It has a carefully designed layout that allows everyone on board, from helmsman to passengers, to socialise and interact while enjoying their time at sea.
Should you know more about the HELIA 44 by FOUNTAINE PAJOT (brochure, quote, sea trial…), please click here or send us an email to chooseyourboat@gmail.com.
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