Lagoon 43 sail catamaran boat test

Being popular doesn’t always mean being good, as TikTok attests, but having to succeed - and exceed - the most successful cruising catamaran ever made would doubtlessly have caused some sweaty palms for the Lagoon 43 design crew.

Something about the superseded Lagoon 42 had hit a sweet spot during its eight-year reign, yielding 1100 international sales and multiple awards. Mess with that formula and there’d be a free-range, jumbo-sized egg heading fair toward your face.

As such, the team that included long-time collaborators VPLP took a thoroughly measured approach to improving the 42’s unique selling points – hull length and beam differ by only 3cm and 1cm respectively, however they’ve enhanced the ease of onboard movement, improved the versatility, and created extra volume and storage. 

The deck-stepped mast was moved forward to prevent the compression post intruding on the saloon. Aft-quarter topside doors were added to enhance boarding access and soften the visual lines. 

Another space-saving innovation was a three-piece companionway, where glass doors slide fully into a recess or deploy in various combinations. This optimises connectivity while catering for different climates. In turn, the modular indoor and outdoor dining settings can be arranged in multiple ways, including forming a long, uninterrupted bench.

At the bows, the designers added tulip-shaped flare above the waterline to increase internal volume, allowing the forward berths to be the same size as those aft – a first for a 43ft catamaran.

Of course, being too preoccupied with living space can compromise sailing pace. VPLP, however, are efficiency experts and its Racing Division conducted hydrodynamic testing in a digital flume tank. Ultimately, the 43’s wetted surface area remains similar to the 42’s, despite the fullness forward. 

People who’ve sailed both offshore say the 43 feels similar in speed yet more settled. Drier, too, as the bow flare deflects spray. I was pleasantly surprised with the helm responsiveness during wind shifts and how the cat carried its momentum through tacks. 

We achieved 6.5 knots in an apparent wind of 11 knots on the beam. Upwind pace wasn’t far off this either. Pointing ability was good and the moulded skegs reduced leeway once the Lagoon was in the groove.

With the mast shortened, boom length is now roughly 6m. It sweeps over the flybridge lounge at just above sitting height, so guests will need to remember that during gybes. The traveller is well aft and electrically adjusted from the helm by a powered Harken FlatWinder winch. 

Having only one helm saves space but means steering from leeward on starboard tack, making mainsail trimming slightly challenging. Also, your vision across the starboard bow is impeded by the headsails when on port tack. I’m told that Lagoon sailors adapt to this.

The elevated station provides excellent views when under motor. Twin 57hp Yanmar diesels deliver a cruise speed of 7.5 knots (13.9km/h), and 8.5 (15.7km/h) at full throttle. The saildrives reside behind the rudders for maximum leverage in close-quarter manoeuvres.

The three-cabin arrangement, as tested, has the master suite filling the entire starboard hull. The longitudinal double berth is forward, and the stern area is consumed by a bathroom that’s unmatched in size for this class. A dresser table divides the two.

To port are fore and aft double cabins, both with en suites. The saloon table converts to a double, plus there are optional foldaway Pulman berths. Large families or charter owners would consider the four-cabin option.

Headroom is excellent throughout and Lagoon prides itself on having light and ventilation in each cabin, minimising the need for air-conditioning.

As well, the single-level configuration connecting the saloon to the cockpit with the galley proved ideal. With more than adequate bench space either just inside the full height sliding doors you could make a sandwich or wrap and prepare our happy hour charcuterie board.

More substantial hot offerings involved the microwave as it was just easier and cleaner to eat ready meals in their own containers rather than try and cook in some of the conditions we experienced.

Sleeping amenities were also a revelation. Used to the cramped conditions aboard racing yachts and smaller cruisers, I luxuriated in the plush starboard VIP cabin with its two generous singles, large en-suite toilet and separate shower, hull window and ventilation hatch opening onto the sidedeck.

Even more enticing is the huge master cabin in the bow, where a large island berth, 2m long and 1.87m wide, boasts spectacular views out of the hull windows. 

The trip did uncover an oversight common to many yachts these days – a lack of handholds. There are substantial grab rails outside on the cockpit roof and the solid stainless steel rails topping the deep walk-around decks are as safe as you can get, but there needs to be a few more at the end of the cockpit roof, in the saloon and especially in the bathrooms.

• Priced from: €528,060 ex-factory France
  
  $A pricing available at TMG.
  
  * Correct as of August 2025

• LOA: 12.92m
• Beam: 7.69m
• Draft: 1.4m
• Light displacement: 13.3t
• Sail area: 105m2
• Fuel capacity: 570lt
• Water capacity: 600lt (as tested)
• Power: 2 x 57hp Yanmar diesels

A FULL REVIEW OF THE LAGOON 43 RAN IN THE OCT-NOV (40.5) ISSUE OF CLUB MARINE MAGAZINE. VISIT TMG YACHTS FOR MORE INFORMATION.