Astrea 42

The Astrea 42 is a 12.6-meter fractional sloop catamaran designed by Berret-Racoupeau and built by Fountaine Pajot from 2018 to 2025. It features a twin keel hull, a 7.2-meter beam, a 1.2-meter draft, and displaces 11,499 kg. The model is available with optional 2x 40 hp engines and Smart Electric power. Aboard *Sailing Catamaran Tumbleweed*, the crew navigated the Chesapeake Bay, where light winds often necessitated motoring, pushing the boat to seven knots with a favorable current.5:04 They encountered challenges with commercial traffic, crab pots, and short daylight hours in late November.3:23 During an offshore passage, the crew diverted to St. Simon's Sound in Brunswick, Georgia, after facing 25-knot winds and 10-foot seas, which left them with 30% fuel and 500 nautical miles remaining to Key West.0:10 They learned to prioritize safety over fuel conservation and avoid nighttime sail changes.1:54 Rounding Cape Hatteras, the Astrea 42 experienced heavy slamming in 10-foot standing waves caused by 25-knot northerly winds opposing the Gulf Stream, forcing the crew to motor and alter course to hug the coast.5:15 The crew also dealt with repeated engine failures due to manufacturing tape and an alcohol wipe obstructing the fuel pickup line, which they resolved by removing the debris.5:12 The Astrea 42 is equipped with a mezzanine-level helm station to improve visibility during docking.5:22