AN EXCEPTIONAL CREATION

Few multihulls can pride them-selves on the rigorous construc-tion of the racing prototypes; theSig 45’ is part of this quite closedclub which welcomes rare boatssuch as the Seacart and Gunboat.The specification was ambitious.Hugo Lebreton wanted quite sim-ply to establish a reference in thetargeted segment! With a know-ledge of multihulls, and as anexperienced sailor and competentracer, he chose to contact theVPLP office, and asked BrunoPeyron to help him with the deve-lopment of the boat! For thechoice of a builder, Hugo contac-ted the Italian Indiana Yachting,whose pedigree abounds in pres-tigious creations: 60’ GROUPE

BEL, IMS 46’, BRIBON, belongingto King Juan Carlos, the impres-sive CAPRICONO (24m in NomexCarbon) and Nauta 99’… So as toestablish definitively Indiana’sreputation, let me point out that itis also here that the Wally’s teakdecks are created, as well as theaccommodation for the bigSwans...

A SUPERB SILHOUETTEThe Sig 45’s design is a total suc-cess, the overall lines are balan-ced, the proportions are superb,taking into account the necessityto integrate comfortable coach-roofs; the fusion of tight lines andgracious curves reveals an appea-ling style, almost an avant-gardeclassic, to anticipate history’s jud-gement! In short, to sum up the

RevolutionThe open deck

25 years of tests to be downloaded on www.multihulls-world.com

The central cabin has been the key to the development of catamarans; however it is without it that the concept expressesits purity. It is easy to understand the general infatuation with this central area which literally transforms life at sea;unfortunately, this fact has smothered the market and creativity as regards open boats. The Sig 45’ completely reinterprets the formula and offers arguments which overturngenerally accepted ideas.

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TEST Text and photos: Philippe Echelle

Rotating carbon mast, textile rig, 3DL sails,purity of the lines and high-tech construction;

everything combines to give performanceaboard this exceptional

cruising catamaran (here in less than 10 knotsof wind).

Contemporary design, harmony of the materials, for an avant-garde classic.

An ‘open’ which is just as comfortable racing as blue water cruising...

LebretonSIG 45’LebretonSIG 45’

most current opinion on the pon-toons at Cannes or the Multimed,this irresistible catamaran is beau-tiful!

AN OPEN DECK WITHREFINED COMFORT

The design of the accommoda-tion was entrusted to BjorgJohanson; the realisation is splen-did. The designer atmosphereremains warm, thanks to the skil-ful marriage of materials; the lightand ventilation are exemplary andthe cabins welcoming! Thecontrast between the virility ofthe exterior perception and thecosy atmosphere of the accom-modation is not the least of theSig’s charms. The build quality andthe attention to the slightestdetail can be seen throughout.

ABSOLUTELY OUT OF THE ORDINARY

PERFORMANCEAfter having said all the goodthings that I think about theconstruction, I can’t stop now,and will continue with praise ofthe deck plan and the cockpit.With the reserve of using the Sigin mild latitudes, the huge deck

area will become a convivial area.Protected by removable wind-breaks, the small convertiblesaloon will lend itself to the mostintimate of atmospheres. Ondeck: racing atmosphere. And it’snot just bluff: 21m rotating carbonmast, North 3DL sails, profusionof fittings... The organisation of the piano atthe mastfoot allows perfectmanagement of the sail plan andmast rotator, whilst offeringremarkable biomechanical ease;in short, the ideal arrangement forsailing fast in the Multi50 tro-phies, with a lengthened version! With the tiller in my hand, it tookme less than a minute to unders-tand the consequences on thewater of such a specification:aerodynamic fluidity, weight cen-tring, rigorous construction, fineunderwater lines, and generouspower (almost 50m²/t under gen-naker) contribute to the volcanictemperament of this Italianrocket. Sitting comfortably on thecockpit cushions (which form asitting-out position), braced on thefootrest, traveller and sheetwithin reach, I got my bearings, to

windward. The hull’s balance isperfect; the rudders are just firmand have a powerful directionaleffect. With the windward hullbarely un-weighted in 16 knots oftrue wind, we sailed close to thewind at between 12 and 14 knots,with 8 people aboard for a custo-mer test – no spray came ontothe bridgedeck. After havingplayed for a good while on thispoint of sailing, and checked theease of tacking under the self-tacking jib, Hugo hoisted the gen-naker: change of universe! Bybearing away then luffing, the catrode a first gust (17-18 knots oftrue wind) and burnt off a motorboat in a long reaching surf at asteady 23 knots! I was won overby this cruising catamaran’s highlevel of precision, and the inten-sity of the sensations when bea-ring away; the boat trim is easy tocontrol for an attentive crew. Wellbraced on a tolerant float, the Sigquickly clears its sugar scoopsand lightens the windward hull,whilst remaining balanced. Thereis a limit; the forward sections areslim and the engine is powerful!The price of fast sailing!

CONCLUSIONThese few hours were one of theoutstanding discoveries of thelast few years. The Sig 45’ is acruiser-racer machine which offersthe best of sailing: a lot of speedfor passages or racing and idealcomfort at anchor. It aims atexcellence and obtains excite-ment; it is not a boat for eve-ryone. It makes no pretence ofbeing completely reasonable, butshould appeal to rich, enlightenedowners, surrounded by enthu-siastic crews.

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TEST A real limousine, capable of flying at more than 27 knots!

The deck plan of a very civilised cruiser-racer!

Architects: Van Peteghem/Lauriot-PrevostDesigner: Hugo LebretonBuilder: Indiana Yachting (Italy)Material: foam/carbon (prepreg)/glass/epoxy sandwich Length: 13.70mBeam: 8.40mWeight: 4.8tDisplacement: 5.5tDraft: 0.9/2.4mDaggerboards/fins: dagger-boardsAir draft: (Hall spars mast)23mMainsail: 94m²Jib: 35m²Spinnaker: 150m²Gennaker: 105m²Engines: 2x21hp YanmarsCategory: APrice: 848,000 euros exc.VAT, ex-sails

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

• Build quality and presentation• Exciting concept• Sailing pleasure and constant satisfaction

THE MINUSES• Price• A few minor fittings are under -dimensioned (textile shackles,deck plates...)• T raveller and mainsheetwinches too small.

THE PLUSSES