The Extra line of cruising catamarans has solely been in existence since 2019, however with the Extra 13, its third from-scratch design, the French builder appears to have discovered its stride. Becoming a member of her smaller and greater siblings, the Extra 11 (2020) and 14 (2022), the brand new 43-footer lives as much as expectations.
We had a lot enjoyable on a chilly and windy day that it’s solely truthful to leap proper in with how the Extra 13 (Winner of the ‘Crusing Catamaran Below 14m’ class at Yacht Model Awards 2026) sails. In winds of 16-18 knots true, we made 10-11 knots at 70 levels obvious wind angle (AWA). Catamarans aren’t identified for his or her pointing capability, however our take a look at boat stunned us by nosing as much as 40 levels AWA and holding onto 8.5 knots of boat velocity.
The numbers have been good, however the simplicity of the setup was even higher. Excessive-performance cats will reel off larger speeds, however they typically have complicated and sensitive techniques that may be unforgiving of cruisers’ errors.
By comparability, the Extra 13 is easy. Strains are led to arrays of clutches and Harken winches on the main helm on starboard, and it helps if each are electrical for straightforward sail dealing with. One other winch on the transom bulkhead manages the traveller and the davit strains. Velocity doesn’t need to be synonymous with complexity, and we discovered the intuitive nature of this boat to be mighty interesting.
As a result of the helms use direct quite than hydraulic steering, the wheels reply instantly and exactly, and you’ll really feel precisely what the boat is doing.
We sailed the Pulse Line version that provides 3ft to the mast and 100sqft of upwind canvas. Our take a look at boat had a square-top mainsail and an overlapping genoa with a 3D ring system that helps dial in optimum sail form with out the necessity for jib tracks or automobiles.
The blustery day didn’t decelerate our workforce from Extra that included Model Director Thibaut de Montvalon, who doesn’t shrink back from boisterous situations. We put up the 818sqft Code 0 that attaches on the composite bowsprit, and it gave us an exciting experience. (I practically forgot I had different boats to check that day.)
ON DECK
For the Extra 13, the model labored for the primary time with Marc Lombard Yacht Design Group as naval architects, having collaborated with VPLP on earlier fashions. Inverted bows with a free forefoot give the mannequin an aggressive stance whereas the asymmetrical hulls are rounder outboard than inboard. This does two issues: it shifts the centre of buoyancy outward for elevated stability and reduces drag between the straighter internal hulls.
The mast sits out on the foredeck and is surrounded by well-integrated steps as much as the coachroof. The increase is low, creating area for a bigger mainsail and enabling crew to handle the sail from the coachroof with out a lot hassle.
Black anodised stanchions add a little bit of aptitude and fold-up transoms improve practicality and security, particularly for anybody cruising with children or pets. For those who drop your sun shades on the helm whereas underway, they’re a lot much less prone to bounce down the steps and overboard. Higher but, fold-up sugarscoops translate to a shorter size to pay for within the marina.
At its aft finish, the coachhouse consists of included wings or wind scoops that pop open to comb within the breeze shifting down the aspect decks. Cork has changed teak and pretend teak on the decks. It appears good and feels grippy underfoot, even when it’s moist.
Your complete Extra line was created across the idea of dual helms positioned aft on the hulls to offer sailors a sportier really feel near the water.
Compact particular person biminis present solar and rain cowl. On the Extra 13, small sunshields have been added over the multi-function shows to make them readable in brilliant solar and fewer scorching to the touch. The double helm seats are actually deeper and extra comfy, and they are often lifted outward and out of the best way for simpler entry to the transoms and the water when on the dock or anchor.
The cockpit options bountiful seating together with a dinette to port, a double couch to starboard, and a large transom couch with storage beneath.
A characteristic I’m undecided what to do with is a lateral strip of open area between the cockpit dinette and the aft galley window. Extra claims it’s a bonus area for anybody conserving the prepare dinner firm. I believe it’ll be used extra for tossing cockpit detritus like sneakers and swim fins. It could be place for a cooler that might complement the meagre fridge inside.
In contrast to big glass openings between the within and the skin on competitor fashions, Extra has opted for a single, large sliding door and window. It’s not as inviting however it appears extra sensible, particularly for passage making.
EASY LIVING
On the principle deck, the saloon features a well-proportioned navigation station within the port ahead nook.
I’m an enormous fan of area devoted to ship’s enterprise, though it could have come on the expense of enough refrigeration. The mannequin presently solely presents a half-height front-loading fridge, with no improve out there. That’s not sufficient for cruising or chartering. Galley storage is gentle and I’d wish to have seen twin sinks.
For lodging, the mannequin is obtainable with two cabins per hull or with a luxurious main bedroom occupying the starboard aspect. Extra has opted for open storage with many cabinets however few precise lockers. It appears good and reduces weight, however for distance cruising, it’s not very sensible.
The master bedroom choice on starboard consists of an aft mattress, desk and cabinets (above), walk-in dressing room (under) and ahead toilet
An odd alternative is the sink within the grasp toilet that has one drain however two taps with a dividing prime to make it seem as if there are two sinks. When requested about this, the Extra consultant stated clients demand the look of a double vainness, so it is a simplified resolution.
There’s a sensible head association on the port aspect, the place two bogs share a central bathe stall, which is a cleaner strategy than stuffing in two smaller showers.
WINNING OPTIONS
I imagine a couple of upgrades are a should. Select the Pulse Line for optimum efficiency and add the Code 0 for quick crusing off the wind.
Spec the starboard main winches as electrical and select the bigger 40hp diesel engines that present a snug cruising velocity of 7-7.5 knots at 2,400 rpm. They’ll push by head seas or get you out of the best way of a storm if wanted. Consolation objects embrace the genset, air-conditioning and davits to hold the tender.
General, the low profile and angled coachroof give the Extra 13 the look of a efficiency cat greater than a manufacturing cruiser, however her straightforward dealing with makes her approachable for cruisers, a lot of whom are new to multihulls.
It’s unlikely the builder will be capable of introduce a mannequin smaller than the 11 (37ft), however it might probably shoot larger and introduce an extended flagship sooner or later, to successfully change the previous Extra 15. In that case, this reviewer can be first in line to check one and if the final three designs are any indication, the following one ought to be definitely worth the wait.
Phrases: Zuzana Prochazka; Photographs: Extra
This text was first seen on YACHT STYLE
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