The Unicorn of San Blas: Experience the Perfect Charter & Performance Catamaran in San Blas
Embark on a Journey through San Blas and Even Venture out in Open Seas with Unparalleled Speed, Style, and Minimalist Comfort
We are excited to announce a new addition to our fleet, designed for those who crave a truly dynamic charter experience: the magnificent ORC 50 catamaran. Sleek, fast, and elegant, this catamaran is the ultimate vessel for exploring the San Blas islands and beyond if requested. The ORC 50 is more than just a yacht—it’s a finely tuned piece of engineering that brings together minimalist luxury, high-speed performance, and a sailing experience that’s as thrilling as it is exclusive. This magnificent vessel embodies its slogan perfectly: "Simple by nature. Fast by design. Pleasant by definition."
The ORC 50 Charter Experience
For Exquisite Sailors and Families Alike
The ORC 50 is a versatile choice, appealing to both seasoned sailors, families and those seeking to transcend conventional charter options. Its open layout and minimalist aesthetic create a comfortable environment that feels both spacious and welcoming:
Ideal for Adventurous Sailors: True sailors will appreciate the ORC 50’s responsive handling, light displacement, and ability to navigate the waves with precision.
Family-Friendly Yet Sophisticated: Families will enjoy the blend of comfort and adventure, as the ORC 50’s layout provides ample space for relaxation, dining, and recreation.
Light, Airy Interiors: With its clean lines, fiber construction, and lack of excessive detailing, the ORC 50 provides a refreshingly cool, open atmosphere that’s perfect for an extended stay on the water.
Advantages and Challenges
With its unique attributes, the ORC 50 caters to a niche market, although it does come with some potential drawbacks.
Here’s a closer look at its advantages and challenges:
Advantages:
Unique Design and Appeal: The ORC 50 features sleek lines and a modern design that creates a sporty, attractive look. This aesthetic appeals to guests seeking a “cool factor” and a dynamic charter experience.
Speed and Performance: Known for its speed, the ORC 50 outpaces most charter catamarans. It’s perfect for those wanting to experience thrilling, swift sailing, especially in areas with strong winds.
Open Layout and Spacious Cockpit: With an open deck layout, the ORC 50 feels expansive and provides easy access to the sea. The large cockpit serves as a social-friendly area, ideal for groups looking to dine, lounge, or engage in activities together.
Fuel Efficiency: Thanks to its light displacement and efficient hull design, the ORC 50 is likely more fuel-efficient when motoring compared to traditional, heavier cruising catamarans, which can lead to operational cost savings.
Step inside the ORC 50, where modern design meets comfort, creating an inviting space.
Challenges:
Comfort and Amenities: As a performance-oriented vessel, the ORC 50 may lack some creature comforts that many charter guests expect, such as larger cabins, ample headroom, and expansive lounging areas. Families or luxury-seeking clients might find it less comfortable than alternatives like Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot, or Bali catamarans.
Cabin Layout: Typically, the ORC 50 has fewer and slightly smaller cabins than traditional cruising catamarans, potentially limiting its appeal for family charters or groups needing more space and privacy. It’s best suited for smaller, adventurous groups.
Less Storage and Limited Galley: Storage space and galley size could pose challenges for long-term charters or groups planning to spend extended time onboard.
Handling and Stability: In San Blas’s calm waters and smooth sailing conditions, the ORC performs with the same stability as other catamarans. However, if the client chooses to venture in open waters, the vessel's stability can feel less predictable at high speeds, particularly for those unaccustomed to catamaran racing dynamics. This model can be sensitive to weight distribution, particularly when fully provisioned for a charter.
What Sets the ORC 50 Apart
The ORC 50 catamaran, designed by Christophe Barreau and built by Marsaudon Composites, is celebrated for its high-speed performance and ease of handling, ideal for both fast cruising and racing. Perfect for adventurous travelers seeking an exhilarating alternative to the traditional, comfort-heavy charter.
Key features of this catamaran include its lightweight, full-carbon construction, which allows it to reach impressive speeds of up to 15 knots in 10 knots of wind and up to 30 knots in ideal conditions.
The ORC 50's deck is optimized for ease of navigation, with an aft helm station for enhanced control and comfort. It also features daggerboards for improved windward performance and a minimalist, open-plan interior that emphasizes functionality and weight reduction. Some models, like the electric version, use the Oceanvolt electric propulsion system, which is favored for its silent operation, lightweight, and capacity for energy regeneration while sailing. This environmentally-friendly setup supports sustainable long-distance sailing with minimal noise and maintenance requirements.
With a sail area of 159 square meters and a versatile sail plan (including options like Code 0 and spinnaker sails), the ORC 50 provides excellent adaptability across different sailing conditions. Its design prioritizes both speed and comfort, making it a popular choice for competitive sailors and leisure cruisers alike.
Performance Meets Paradise: Sailing in San Blas with the ORC 50
San Blas, with its pristine waters and unspoiled islands, is the perfect playground for this high-performance catamaran. The ORC 50’s streamlined design makes it one of the fastest catamarans available for charter in San Blas, enabling guests to explore hidden corners of the archipelago and experience exhilarating speeds when venturing beyond the protective cays, if desired.
Unmatched Speed: The ORC 50 glides effortlessly across the water, providing a sailing experience that is both smooth and fast. Its unique hull design significantly reduces water resistance, making it perfect for gentle cruising as well as thrilling high-speed adventures.
Customized Itineraries: We offer exclusive itineraries to showcase San Blas’s most stunning locations, from secluded islands to vibrant coral reefs. Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, or a blend of both, the ORC 50 allows you to experience it all with agility and style.
Professional Guidance: Sail under the expert guidance of Captain Steven, a seasoned sailor who spent four years navigating alongside the legendary Eric Tabarly. Captain Steven’s extensive knowledge and skills ensure a safe and memorable journey, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the sailing experience.
The Icing on the Cake: Sailing with Legacy
Our captain, Steven Jourdain, is a French sailor with an impressive career that began at the age of eight in Brittany. He has competed internationally and sailed alongside legends such as Eric Tabarly on the Pen Duick for four years, completing multiple ocean crossings in high-performance vessels like the Orma 60 and Imoca 60. With decades of experience, he has circumnavigated the globe and crossed the Atlantic numerous times, blending adventure with professionalism as both captain and competitor in various prestigious projects, including the Belem and the Vendée Globe challenge.
Érik Tabarly is regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of sailing, known for his remarkable contributions to the sport and his pioneering spirit. Born in France, Tabarly's sailing career took off with his innovative designs and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of yacht racing. He is best known for his iconic yacht, Pen Duick, which he used to achieve numerous victories in international competitions, including the prestigious Route du Rhum.
Optional Open-Water Passage
What sets sailing on this catamaran apart is the option for open-water passages, which must be requested at the time of reservation. Experience the thrill of open-water sailing aboard the ORC 50, where you can feel the raw energy of the sea and unleash the performance and high speeds for which this catamaran is designed. This adventure takes you beyond the protective cays of San Blas, offering an exhilarating journey that showcases the true power of sailing.
Ready to Sail?
Whether you’re a passionate sailor, a group of friends or a family seeking an unparalleled sailing charter, the ORC 50 promises an experience unlike any other. Contact us today to book your spot on the ORC 50 and be among the first to explore San Blas with this extraordinary vessel. With its high-performance capabilities, minimalist design, and expert crew, this catamaran offers a unique way to connect with the ocean and experience the unspoiled beauty of the San Blas islands.
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