Live from the yard - ORC Catamarans

ORC 50 MOGODO: Tested in the North, Ready for the Atlantic

Before pointing the bow towards the Atlantic, Christian and Jérôme, owners of the ORC 50 MOGODO, chose a different path. They first put their boat to the test in the Northern seas, where wind, cold and short waves leave no room for compromise. A demanding playground that allowed them to fully understand their boat, refine their sailing habits, and build confidence in both performance and safety.

In this owner story, they share what sailing an ORC 50 truly means to them: a fast, balanced catamaran, designed to sail efficiently in real conditions, without excess or distraction.

Beyond performance figures, MOGODO is a platform for freedom, shaped by experience, miles sailed, and deliberate choices.

A boat built to connect sailors to the sea, not to isolate them from it. Now, with confidence forged in the North, Christian and Jérôme are preparing the next major chapter of their journey: an Atlantic crossing.

From ORC 50 to ORC 52.2

The story of MOGODO also reflects the natural evolution of the ORC range. Building on the legacy of the ORC 50, the ORC 52.2 carries this philosophy forward refining the balance between performance, simplicity and life on board.

Not by adding excess, but by improving ergonomics, usability and offshore confidence. Designed for sailors who want to go further, stay connected to the elements, and embrace the same essential spirit that defines Freesailing.

François Gabart on board the ORC 57: A clear Vision of Sailing

Sailing fast, far and simply. This shared search for balance is what brought François Gabart and ORC together around the ORC 57.

In this video, the sailor shares his perspective on the boat, and more broadly on a way of sailing where performance is never an end in itself, but a means to gain freedom, safety and autonomy at sea. On board the ORC 57, François Gabart finds familiar fundamentals: a light, readable and responsive catamaran, designed to move efficiently in real conditions, without excess or unnecessary complexity.

“Performance is not just about going fast. It’s about being able to go far, for a long time, with confidence.”

François Gabart

A leading offshore sailor, François Gabart won the Vendée Globe 2012–2013 on his first attempt. In 2017, he set the solo round-the-world record aboard the trimaran MACIF. His career is marked by major ocean racing victories and a constant focus on sailing, design and real-world use of boats.

A catamaran Designed for Sailing

Designed by Marc Lombard Yacht Design, the ORC 57 follows a lineage rooted in offshore sailing, while remaining deeply focused on practical use at sea.

Its light displacement, sail plan, tiller system and deck ergonomics create a direct relationship with the boat, clear feedback at the helm and a constant connection with the elements. An approach that resonates with experienced sailors as well as with those looking for a simple and coherent way to sail.

No demonstration. Just a boat that does what it is meant to do, naturally.

Living at Sea

Alongside François Gabart, this video also highlights another key dimension of the ORC 57: the ability to live on board over time.

A balance between performance and comfort, designed for long passages, short-handed sailing or family cruising. A boat that makes it possible to sail comfortably, while always staying connected to the sea.

This balance lies at the heart of the ORC philosophy.

Freesailing: A shared Vision

More than a testimonial, this encounter reflects the spirit of Freesailing: sailing stripped back to what matters most, where technique serves the experience rather than overshadowing it.

A calm and thoughtful perspective, shared by a sailor who knows the ocean in all its forms, and who finds here a clear expression of essential sailing.

ARC 2025: Avel Vaez, ORC 57 #3, Sets Sail Across the Atlantic

In just a few days, Avel Vaez, ORC 57 hull #3, will join the starting line of the ARC 2025, one of the most iconic transatlantic rallies. For ORC, this crossing is more than a milestone — it is a living demonstration of what our catamarans are built for: essential performance, deliberate simplicity, and a pure way of experiencing the sea.

On an Atlantic passage, the strengths of the ORC 57 reveal themselves naturally. Designed to start sailing in light airs, maintain high averages, and offer a direct, intuitive feel at the helm, the 57 turns the tradewinds into its preferred playground. No unnecessary layers of equipment — just glide, balance, and control, true to the Freesailing philosophy.

The crew of Avel Vaez embodies this mindset perfectly. Their goal is not only to cross the ocean, but to experience it — relying on a boat engineered to accelerate effortlessly, remain easy to handle, and deliver rare confidence in open-sea conditions.

A journey rooted in authenticity, echoing the spirit of those who choose ORC to sail fast, far, and
fully connected to the elements.

By joining the ARC fleet, Avel Vaez becomes a natural ambassador of what ORC stands for: a catamaran that is both seaworthy and fast, minimalist yet capable, and designed for sailors who value sensation over sophistication.

Fair winds to the crew — we’ll be with them on every mile.

ORC Exclusive Days 2025: Sea Trials of the ORC 57 Catamaran in Lorient

On September 27, ORC hosted its Exclusive Days, an event dedicated to discovering the ORC 57 catamaran, departing from Lorient La Base.

The goal: to offer a select group of prospects the opportunity to experience the ORC philosophy firsthand — a unique balance of performance, comfort, and personalized support.

A Day of Experience and Connection Aboard the ORC 57

From 9 a.m., guests were welcomed aboard the ORC 57 by the shipyard team. After a friendly briefing led by Bruno Gillard, ORC Sales Manager, and Théo, Marketing Manager, the fleet set sail from Lorient La Base at 10 a.m.

The program included sailing sessions, hands-on steering, technical exchanges, and thrilling sensations at the helm. Between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., participants discovered the catamaran’s full performance potential in ideal conditions. Each guest had the chance to take the helm and feel the precision and stability that define ORC’s design.

Two members of the ORC design office were also on board to answer technical questions and share their insights into the shipyard’s philosophy and engineering approach.

An Exceptional Moment: The Start of the 24H ULTIM

This edition of the Exclusive Days coincided with the start of the 24H ULTIM, creating a unique and unforgettable experience. Guests were able to watch, directly from the deck of the ORC 57, as the giants of the seas — the ULTIM and Ocean Fifty trimarans — flew past at breathtaking speed. It was a spectacular moment that added even more magic to this sailing experience.

Friendship and Sharing at Anchor off Groix Island

At 12:30 p.m., the catamaran headed to a sheltered cove off Île de Groix for a convivial anchorage. This peaceful interlude allowed participants and the ORC team to share their impressions in a relaxed and authentic setting, before performing a reefing demonstration on the return leg to Lorient.

A Complete ORC Experience

Beyond the sailing itself, the day perfectly illustrated what defines the ORC signature:

High-performance, seaworthy, and elegant catamarans
Personalized support at every step
A passionate and attentive team
A community of sailors who share the same vision of the sea

The ORC Exclusive Days are designed as a true immersion into the ORC universe — giving every future owner the chance to experience the brand before they commit.

Relive the ORC Exclusive Days in Video

Discover the atmosphere, faces, and sensations of this exceptional day through our official video:

ORC 57 ADV hull #5 “MERU.RS”: launch, signing & owner handover in Lorient

Fast & Light, nothing superfluous: fast cruising as a way of life.

This summer we launched ORC 57 hull #5 “MERU.RS” at Lorient La Base. Its owner, Malcolm WOOD — ORC brand ambassador — experienced a three‑part delivery: launch, signing, handover and first sail. This day (condensed into our film) showcases the expert support provided by the ORC team, led by Bruno Gillard, Sales Manager for the brand.

Simplicity = efficiency. Lightness = sensation. That’s ORC DNA applied to a truly fast cruising catamaran.

Launch & handover of “MERU.RS”

What the film shows

Preparation & quality control: final dock checks, systems verification and sail inventory review.
Safety checklist & methodology: reefing routines (1st/2nd reef), headsail changes, and safety reminders.
Trim & first impressions: validation of balance, VMG, and real‑world average speeds.
Owner coaching: transfer of ORC best practices, direct tiller feel, maneuvering ergonomics and cockpit organization.

Why the ORC 57 appeals to demanding sailors

Fast & Light: lightweight, stiff construction designed for high, repeatable averages without over‑loading the boat.
Helm pleasure: precise tiller steering, direct feedback, fine and readable handling.
Deck ergonomics: clear sailhandling plan, fluid flow between cockpit and saloon, excellent visibility and light.
Daggerboards: improved upwind angles and adjustable draft for coastal exploration.
Useful simplicity: equipment chosen for durable performance and reliability — no superfluous extras.

Owner onboarding built for sustained performance

Beyond the splash, the ORC handover is a complete coaching sequence: initial set‑ups, safety checks, fine‑tuning of baseline trims (rig, sails, balance) and a hands‑on familiarization focused on efficiency and comfort.

With Bruno Gillard and the ORC team, the owner leaves with clear references to keep the pace in fast cruising: sail choices, transitions, reef management, weight distribution and routine checklists.

Malcolm WOOD, an ambassador for the ORC spirit

Malcolm WOOD embodies the ORC philosophy: authenticity, the pursuit of clean trajectories, and reliable speed with a small crew. MERU.RS joins the ORC fleet with the ambition to sail fast, far, for a long time.