Maine Cat 41 •

The Maine Cat 41, like the 30- Main Cat 41 footer, has an open bridgedeck with a hard top that can be enclosed with sturdy Eisenglass and canvas enclosures. In all but storm conditions, this system works well and has the added benefit of providing excellent visibility for all on board in a 360-degree radius.

Also like the 30-footer, the 41 was conceived right out of the box to be a stellar performer under sail with the ability to sail with or by just about any monohull or multihull in this size range. That means you can expect to be sailing at double-digit speeds any time the apparent wind gets over 10 knots or so. With high-aspect daggerboards in each hull, efficient foil rudders and extremely lean hulls for a cruising cat, the 41 has solved the compromise involved in all yacht design by emphasizing speed and sailing qualities.

The accommodations on the 41 are simple if not Spartan. The open bridgedeck, enclosed in wet and cool weather or open in fair weather, is the main living space and offers a comfortable seating and lounging area around the central helm station.

The galley, one of the two double cabins and a head are in the port hull. The owner’s cabin and a large head and living space are in the starboard hull. Two small berths have been tucked into each bow.

Maine Cats uses high-tech vacuum bag and CoreCell construction techniques that provide superior strength-to-weight ratios. To keep the boats light, all interior structures are cored panels as well. Yet these boats are built in Maine and, despite the modern designs and techniques, embrace all of the care and tradition Maine boatbuilders are known for.

The 41′s rig is tall and powerful with a high roach, fully-battened main that sheets to a traveler on the aft end of the bridgedeck. The working jib, a 7/8ths configuration, is self-tacking so a lone sailor will not have trouble handling the boat by himself. For downwind running, a large asymmetric chute can be flown from the retractable bowsprit, and a flat-cut screecher on its own roller can be flown for close reaching in light airs. For a cruising boat with a real difference and one that will appeal to sailors who want performance, the Maine Cat 41 should be on your short list. For more information contact Maine Cat, in Bremen, Maine, at 207-529-6500.

www.mecat.com