Boat design, specs, specifications, and deck plans for the Van Peteghem Lauriot Prevost's VPLP Noah. Information on standard features and boat engines for the Van Peteghem Lauriot Prevost's VPLP Noah.

By George L. Petrie

The problem with catamarans is that they all look like, uh, catamarans. But French design firm Van Peteghem Lauriot Prévost puts a twist on the concept, creating a stylish look while retaining the attributes that make twin hulls so attractive.

Van Peteghem Lauriot Prèvost's Noah

In profile, Noah's strong stem line, flat sheer, and gently curved chine give her the look of a small, stout, oceangoing ship. Her pilothouse has a similar jaunty, tugboat-like air, while the rest of her deckhouse offers a whimsical blend of contours, angles, and curves. She's a serious seagoer, offering a transatlantic range of some 3,000 nautical miles at 10 to 12 knots. Fine forward sections in her side hulls and sharp, gull-wing-shape sections in her cross-structure should keep her from pounding in heavy seas. Amidships, her side hulls are elliptical in cross-section, transitioning into flatter sections aft; a blend of forms that offers minimal resistance at slower speeds but with the ability to go well beyond her theoretical hull speed (about 12 knots) without compromising efficiency. And to keep her decks dry when cruising at up to 20 knots, generous spray rails are integrated into her chine along her hull length.

In addition to outstanding performance and efficiency, the other big benefit of any catamaran design is deck space, and this yacht delivers beyond expectation. With more than 31 feet of beam, her main deck offers a galley and open saloon that would rival the amenities of a typical 100-foot-plus motoryacht. Plus she boasts an expansive alfresco area on her aft deck and steps on either side leading to an equally imposing swim platform. Her side hulls offer four staterooms, each with en suite head. But thanks to a bit of flare in her hulls above the waterline, she doesn't create the

Topping it all off—literally—she offers an expansive sundeck with lounging areas encircling her pilothouse. Aft there's space for a tender, with a handling boom that also supports a big sun shade. Delivering style, performance, and innovation, Noah is arguably the perfect French twist.

Technical illustration: Mirto Art Studio

Deck plans: Van Peteghem Lauriot Prévost's Noah

For more information on Van Peteghem Lauriot Prévost, including contact information, click here.