It’s a sunny autumn morning in Aigrefeuille d'Aunis, just outside La Rochelle. The smiles on their faces say it all.

Standing in front of the impressive Fountaine Pajot factory, this couple from the Isle of Man are beaming with pride and anticipation as they prepare to embark on the adventure of a lifetime! Their new dream machine, a Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42, is about to come to life—and with it, the beginning of an epic journey that will take them across the Mediterranean, across the Atlantic, and potentially around the world.

A sailing dream in the making

The couple has been planning this moment for years. Their shared love for the sea dates back to the 90s when they sailed together on a 37-foot monohull. Though they have spent years honing their sailing skills, this time, it’s different. Their new vessel is not just any boat—it’s a catamaran, a new challenge and a new passion.

From Europe to the Caribbean: the ultimate sailing adventure

Their journey will begin at the Port des Minimes in La Rochelle, where Fountaine Pajot will officially launch their Astrea 42 into the water in February 2025.

The first leg of their voyage will take them to the Mediterranean, a chance to familiarize themselves with their new catamaran. As experienced sailors, they know that mastering the twin-hulled beauty will take a bit of time, but they’re ready to rise to the challenge.

They are particularly excited about the stability and comfort that a catamaran offers on longer crossings - essential for their planned adventure across the Atlantic to the Caribbean. Once they feel at home on their Astrea 42, they’ll set sail across the ocean, to reach the Caribbean seas, where they’ll enjoy the island-hopping lifestyle, sailing through crystal-clear waters and steady trade winds.

The perfect boat for a lifelong dream

Their Astrea 42, meticulously designed by Fountaine Pajot, is more than just a boat—it’s a home on the water. Its spacious cockpit, wide beam, and stable platform offer comfort at sea, something they will appreciate on those long, bluewater passages. 

Caribbean Multihulls is thrilled to be with them every step of the way. It’s such an honour to help this couple bring their dream to life, and we can’t wait to follow their journey across the world!

An adventure with endless possibilities

While much of their course has been plotted, they’ve left room for spontaneity.

After spending years in the Caribbean, they may decide to extend their adventure even further—possibly embarking on a circumnavigation. The Panama Canal beckons, with the Pacific Ocean and dreams of Australia beyond it...

For this couple, it’s not just about the sailing—it’s about the experience, the freedom, and the chance to immerse themselves in a new way of life.

As February 2025 approaches, they’re counting down the days until their Astrea 42 is launched, ready to embrace the challenges, the joy, and the unparalleled beauty of life at sea.

For now, they’re content standing in front of the Fountaine Pajot factory, imagining all the possibilities that their catamaran will bring. Fair winds to this adventurous couple, who are not just embarking on a new journey: they’re living a dream that has been years in the making.