The Fountaine Pajot Isla 40 is one of the most admired sailing catamarans in the 40-foot range, designed to balance comfort, sailing performance, and modern style. Introduced as the successor to the highly successful Lucia 40, the Isla 40 reflects the French builder’s commitment to creating yachts that feel much larger than their actual size while remaining manageable for couples, families, and small crews.
At first glance, the Isla 40 captures attention with its sleek lines, wide beam, and forward-placed rig, which maximizes sail efficiency. Step aboard and you’ll find generous living areas, panoramic views from the saloon, and clever use of space that makes it feel like a much larger catamaran. This model is aimed squarely at sailors who want an accessible entry into catamaran cruising without giving up the comfort and luxury that Fountaine Pajot is known for.
Intended Lifestyle and Purpose
The Isla 40 is built to be a true cruiser. It’s designed for couples and families who want to explore coastal waters, enjoy weekend getaways, or even take on extended passages. The catamaran design provides stability that is especially reassuring for new sailors or guests unfamiliar with monohulls.
For liveaboard sailors, the Isla 40 ticks many boxes. Spacious cabins, a well-equipped galley, and expansive outdoor spaces make life at sea comfortable. For day sailing and short hops, its ease of handling ensures stress-free sailing, even with minimal crew. Whether your dream is hopping through the Caribbean, coastal cruising in the Mediterranean, or anchoring in quiet bays, the Isla 40 has been designed to support that lifestyle.
Who Will Love the Isla 40?
The Isla 40 is ideal for cruising enthusiasts who want a balance of performance and comfort without stepping up to a 50-foot yacht. Couples looking for an easy-to-handle boat will appreciate the manageable sail plan, while families benefit from the multiple cabin options and abundant social spaces.
Charter operators also see strong appeal in the Isla 40. With its blend of affordability, easy maintenance, and roomy layout, it attracts charter guests who want a taste of catamaran living without the cost of a larger yacht. For private owners, it offers the flexibility of being a liveaboard cruiser during longer voyages while still being compact enough for weekend sailing.
How Does the Isla 40 Compare to Other Offshore Boats?
In the crowded 40-foot catamaran segment, the Isla 40 stands out as a strong middle ground. Compared to the Lagoon 40, the Fountaine Pajot feels sportier under sail and a little lighter on the helm. Against Leopard 42, it offers a sleeker, more modern interior finish, though the Leopard emphasizes ruggedness and space.
The Isla 40’s closest comparison is its predecessor, the Lucia 40. While similar in spirit, the Isla features sharper styling, improved sail balance, and better use of deck and cockpit space. For buyers torn between comfort and performance, the Isla 40 hits a sweet spot—it’s not the fastest in the fleet, but it is a reliable, enjoyable cruiser with plenty of personality.
Design and Specifications
- Type: Sailing Catamaran
- Length Overall (LOA): 39.1 ft (11.9 m)
- Beam: 21.7 ft (6.63 m)
- Draft: 4.1 ft (1.2 m)
- Displacement: Approximately 9.5 tons
- Sail Area: Around 700 sq. ft. main sail + 420 sq. ft. genoa
- Engines: Twin 20–30 hp diesel engines (typically Volvo or Yanmar)
- Fuel Capacity: 79 gallons (300 liters)
- Water Capacity: 140 gallons (530 liters)
- Cabin Layouts: Available in 3-cabin “Maestro” owner’s version or 4-cabin layout
One of the biggest strengths of the Isla 40 is its interior volume. Thanks to the wide beam, the saloon feels airy and connected to the outdoors. Panoramic windows flood the interior with light, while sliding glass doors create seamless flow to the cockpit. The galley-up design keeps the chef connected with guests, making mealtimes social and practical.
Sailing Performance and Handling
The Isla 40 isn’t built to win regattas, but it does offer spirited sailing performance for its size. Thanks to the forward-set rig and efficient sail plan, the boat points well into the wind compared to some of its competitors. Under good conditions, cruising speeds of 7–9 knots are typical, with downwind runs often reaching double digits.
At the helm, visibility is excellent, and all sail controls are led aft, allowing for easy handling even by a single sailor. The lightweight hulls mean it accelerates quickly and responds smoothly to changes in wind. While heavy seas will naturally challenge a 40-footer, the stability of the twin hulls and the balanced sail plan give sailors confidence in a range of conditions.
Safety and Practical Considerations
Safety is at the core of Fountaine Pajot’s design. The Isla 40 has high freeboards, sturdy handholds, and wide side decks for easy movement forward. The helm is designed to keep the skipper comfortable while maintaining visibility of sails and deck areas.
Owners should remember that while the Isla 40 is capable of offshore passages, it is still a compact cruiser. Proper planning, weather routing, and attention to loading are important for safety and performance. For families, the stability of a catamaran and the secure cockpit area give peace of mind when sailing with children or guests.
Potential Drawbacks
No yacht is perfect, and the Isla 40 has its limitations. Storage space is generous for coastal cruising but more limited than what you’d find on larger models. Sailors planning long bluewater voyages may find tankage and provisioning capacity restrictive for extended offshore passages.
Another consideration is performance under power. The standard twin 20–30 hp engines provide reliable motoring but will not deliver high cruising speeds. Owners looking for more power often opt for the upgraded engine package. Still, for most owners who prioritize sailing performance over motoring, this is a fair trade-off.
Features and Comfort Benefits
The Isla 40 is loaded with thoughtful features that make life aboard enjoyable. The cockpit is spacious with comfortable seating and dining space, perfect for entertaining. Forward, a small lounge area provides another social zone, while the large trampoline remains a favorite spot for relaxation.
Inside, the cabins are well-lit and ventilated, with good headroom even in the guest spaces. The owner’s suite in the Maestro version takes up an entire hull, offering privacy and comfort often seen in larger yachts. Add in modern finishes, energy-efficient systems, and optional upgrades like solar panels, and the Isla 40 becomes a highly livable, eco-conscious cruiser.
Owner Impressions and Testimonials
Owners consistently praise the Isla 40 for being easy to sail short-handed, comfortable for families, and well-designed for extended cruising. Many highlight the quality of construction, noting that the boat feels solid and seaworthy in a variety of conditions.
Some feedback emphasizes the importance of managing expectations: this is a 40-foot catamaran, not a luxury apartment on the water. Still, the majority of testimonials agree that it punches well above its size in terms of comfort, style, and capability.
Costs and Ownership Considerations
As with any yacht, ownership costs include marina fees, insurance, maintenance, and upgrades. The Isla 40’s smaller engines and efficient sail plan make it more economical to run than larger catamarans, while its size means dockage is easier to find and often less expensive.
Charter potential also offsets ownership for many buyers. The Isla 40 is a popular choice for charter fleets, and owners often place their boats with operators to generate income when not using the yacht themselves. This makes it appealing both as a lifestyle investment and a financial one.
Final Thoughts
The Fountaine Pajot Isla 40 delivers a remarkable balance of performance, comfort, and value. For couples, families, or first-time catamaran buyers, it offers everything needed for memorable cruising experiences. While it may not be the largest or fastest yacht on the market, it is one of the most versatile and thoughtfully designed in its class.
For sailors who dream of accessible cruising without compromising on quality and comfort, the Isla 40 is a worthy contender. It’s a yacht that feels bigger than it is, sails better than expected, and provides the lifestyle many aspire to when they think of catamaran cruising.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Isla 40 handle ocean crossings?
Yes, the Isla 40 is capable of offshore passages with proper preparation, though its design is best suited for coastal and regional cruising.
What layout options are available?
The Isla 40 comes in a 3-cabin owner’s version with a private suite or a 4-cabin layout, ideal for families and charter operations.
Is the Isla 40 easy to sail short-handed?
Absolutely. With sail controls led aft and a manageable sail plan, the boat is designed for couples or even single-handed sailing.
How does it compare to Lagoon or Leopard catamarans?
The Isla 40 emphasizes sailing performance and sleek design, while Lagoon tends to focus on maximum interior volume and Leopard on rugged durability.
What is the price of a new Isla 40?
Pricing varies by configuration and options, but buyers can expect a new Isla 40 to start in the mid-$400,000 range and increase with upgrades.
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