Nautitech Open 46

The Nautitech 46 Open is a performance-oriented cruising catamaran designed by naval architect Marc Lombard and introduced in 2016. It earned the European Yacht of the Year award in the multihull category shortly after its debut, a recognition that reflected its strong blend of sailing ability and onboard comfort. The boat is built by Nautitech Catamarans, a brand that became part of the Bavaria Group, and benefited from improved manufacturing quality as a result. The model has since been succeeded by the Nautitech 44 and 48, but it remains widely sought on the used market.

The defining feature of the 46 Open is its namesake concept: the saloon and cockpit are merged into a single, unobstructed living space by removing the traditional nacelle structure between them. Sliding the saloon doors fully open creates an exceptionally large social area that flows seamlessly from the interior to the stern. Twin helm stations are positioned at the extreme aft of each hull, giving the helmsman unobstructed sightlines over the entire deck and sail plan.

Marc Lombard gave the 46 Open narrow, fine-entry hulls with inverted bows, a hull form that reduces wave-making resistance and enables competitive speeds for a cruising catamaran. The volumes expand progressively above the waterline, and long hull portholes flood the cabins with natural light while giving the boat a lean, purposeful silhouette. Interior design was handled by Stefano Roséo, whose brief emphasized warm materials and practical ergonomics. After Nautitech's integration into the Bavaria Group, furniture joinery and hardware fitment reached a higher standard than earlier production runs.

The rig carries a fully battened mainsail of 74 m² and a self-tacking jib of 38 m², with all control lines led aft to the twin helms. An optional gennaker of 98 m² is available for off-wind passages, and a larger spinnaker of 150 m² can be specified for downwind work. The mast stands 22.90 m above the waterline.

The Nautitech 46 Open has earned a reputation as a genuine bluewater performer. The narrow underbodies reduce drag and allow the cat to point closer to the wind than most cruising catamarans of similar size. In favorable conditions she is capable of exceeding 200 nautical miles in a 24-hour run. At the helms, the direct mechanical linkage to the rudders provides good feel, and the aft positioning of the steering stations gives excellent visibility forward over the coach roof.

Under power, the twin 40 hp Volvo Penta sail drives push the boat to just over 6 knots on a single engine at 2,200 rpm, or close to 8 knots with both running. The 300-liter tanks per hull provide a range of several hundred miles under motor, extending further when motor-sailing.

The 46 Open is offered in a three-cabin owner's version and a four-cabin charter-oriented layout. The owner's configuration dedicates the entire port hull to a master suite with a semi-walk-around double berth, hull window, private head with separate walk-in shower, and double basins. The four-cabin version places cabins fore and aft in each hull, each with its own head and shower, accommodating up to eight guests.

The central saloon features a U-shaped galley positioned to give the cook a view of both the cockpit and the sails, a navigation station, an L-shaped settee, and a double-door refrigerator. Two overhead skylights provide ventilation and light. The convertible saloon sofa can double as a berth for an on-watch crew member, and stowage is generous throughout.