Live from the yard - Page 3 of 9

AVEL VAEZ at the AEGEAN 600

A 3rd place among the multihulls

AVEL VAEZ, ORC 57 No.3, proudly competed in the 2025 edition of the AEGEAN 600, a legendary offshore race organized by the prestigious Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC). The boat crossed the finish line in 3rd position, once again proving the precision and reliability of our catamarans.

A legendary challenge in the heart of the Aegean Sea

The AEGEAN 600, a 605-nautical-mile offshore race, has quickly become a must on the Mediterranean sailing circuit. Organized by the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC), this regatta brings together top international crews on a course that is as tactical as it is stunning, weaving through Greek islands, acceleration zones, and narrow passages.

In this demanding environment, AVEL VAEZ demonstrated the full potential of the ORC 57, a catamaran designed for offshore sailing, speed, and freedom.

The ORC 57: a catamaran built for cruising, and so much more

With its sharp lines, robust rig, and protected, ergonomic cockpit designed for efficient maneuvers, AVEL VAEZ embodies the ORC spirit: the perfect balance of performance, reliability, and comfort at sea.

During the AEGEAN 600, these strengths allowed AVEL VAEZ to maintain a solid pace from just 5 knots of wind, handle tricky transitions with agility, and stand its ground against a highly competitive international fleet.

3rd across the line, with serious speeds

Finishing 3rd multihull across the line, AVEL VAEZ completed an impressive race in conditions known for their complexity. But beyond the ranking, it was a powerful human and sailing adventure: night watches, precision gybes, long glides under the Grand Gennaker and above all, complete harmony between crew and boat.

Relive the regatta from the inside thanks to Multicoques Mag and Brieuc Maisonneuve, who was on board.

Step aboard AVEL VAEZ for a unique performance cruising experience

Good news for sailing enthusiasts: AVEL VAEZ is available for charter, with a professional skipper and hostess on board. Experience ORC from the inside, full immersion between high performance and high comfort.

Set sail on a high-performance catamaran cruise, guided by an experienced crew, through the most stunning sailing areas of the Mediterranean. Whether you want to refine your sailing skills, feel the thrill of speed, or simply explore in style, AVEL VAEZ offers a truly exceptional experience.

A 5-star service and a tailor-made adventure.

Launch of FreeWave ORC 57 No.4: A Defining Moment for the shipyard

Shipyard celebrates a major milestone with the launch of Free Wave, the fourth ORC 57 and the very first in the range to be equipped with helm wheels, marking the debut of the largest catamaran ever built by the shipyard.

A New Chapter in High-Performance Cruising

The launch of Free Wave represents much more than the delivery of a new yacht. It’s a turning point in the evolution of the ORC 57 a high-performance cruising catamaran designed for sailors who demand speed, seaworthiness, and elegance.

With its twin helm stations, Free Wave opens up a new design path, combining precision control with the bold spirit of offshore adventure.

A Catamaran Forged by Passion and Expertise

Behind every line of the ORC 57 lies a team driven by innovation and attention to detail. Engineers, composite technicians, carpenters, electricians, each person involved in this build contributed to shaping a vessel that reflects both the owner’s vision and ORC’s core values.

From the carbon structure to the customized deck plan and interiors, FreeWave showcases the shipyard’s ability to deliver fully tailored, ocean-ready performance multihulls that are as unique as their owners.

Capturing the Moment: Where Vision Meets Reality

The launch of FreeWave was a powerful and emotional moment.

The images captured during this process reflect both the energy of the team and the precise choreography of a launch day, the culmination of a journey, and the beginning of a new one.

A New Wave of Freedom Begins

With FreeWave, ORC pushes the boundaries of semi-custom catamaran building once again. As she joins the ORC fleet, she carries forward the legacy of craftsmanship, performance, and exploration.

This is more than a yacht. It’s an invitation to sail differently : to sail freely.

Thanks again to ©QAPTUR and ©Louis HULET for immortalizing this event.

Why a tiller on the ORC 52.2?

At ORC, every design choice is guided by a single goal: to deliver unmatched helm sensations, sharp responsiveness, and total freedom of movement for demanding sailors. The tiller steering system on the new ORC 52.2 perfectly embodies this vision.

The pure joy of steering

The tiller is not just a steering device. On the ORC 52.2, it represents the very essence of sailing pleasure, direct, responsive, and intuitive.

Connected via an external carbon linkage, the system offers a crisp, immediate feel that allows the helmsman to sense even the slightest shift in speed or pressure.

It’s a direct connection between sailor and hull, authentic, raw, and exhilarating.

Perfect symmetry, total balance

This unique setup ensures perfect port/starboard symmetry, providing identical sensations on both tacks. The helm remains balanced and consistent in every situation, an essential feature for those who demand precision and performance, whether cruising or racing offshore.

Sharp response with every acceleration

The direct tiller system delivers a precise, immediate feel, especially noticeable during accelerations. Every adjustment translates directly into the catamaran’s behavior. For the helmsman, this means less anticipation, more instinct—a boat that responds fluidly and intuitively to every input.

Ergonomics without compromise

High performance doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. On the ORC 52.2, the tillers are adjustable and can be tilted up, making movement around the cockpit easy and providing clear access to the aft transoms. Whether under sail or at anchor, the layout supports a seamless onboard experience.

The ORC 52.2’s tiller steering is more than a technical choice : it’s a philosophy. Designed for sailors who want to truly feel their boat, who thrive on connection and live each maneuver with intensity and freedom. It’s a return to authentic sailing, reimagined through high-performance design.

Dive into the new interior universe of the ORC 52.2, designed by Darnet Design®

The ORC 52.2 embodies a new era for ORC, where performance and aesthetics meet to offer an unparalleled sailing experience. Thanks to the expertise of Darnet Design®, this model features a completely redesigned interior, combining warmth, elegance, and functionality.

A reinvented interior design

Renowned for his innovative and refined approach, Franck Darnet has brought a touch of sophistication aboard the ORC 52.2. Far from being a mere aesthetic enhancement, the work done aims to create a welcoming and ergonomic atmosphere without compromising the catamaran’s outstanding performance.

"I was quite familiar with the ORC 50 before the shipyard was taken over by the Grand Large Group. These are exceptional catamarans: their lines, their behavior at sea, and their ability to sail fast are simply remarkable! The saloon and cockpit space were already quite satisfying, but it’s true that the interior design needed a touch to make the boat more appealing, a little less 'raw'.

I believe that, with the help of the shipyard and architects, we have succeeded in making these boats warmer and more ergonomic—in other words, much more pleasant to live in. The challenge was not simple, as we nearly managed to add weight to the whole. The goal was, of course, to maintain the same performance while adding visual and real comfort to the living spaces.

We paid particular attention to the choice of fabrics and materials to make the whole interior more refined. Significant work was also done on the lighting. We adjusted certain dimensions to improve the ergonomics of both the interior and the cockpit. Finally, the cabins were not neglected: we took great care in their storage, finishes, and openness to the outside. In summary, a new ORC is born!”

Franck Darnet

CEO of Darnet Design®

A harmony between performance and comfort

The new ORC 52.2 retains the DNA of ORC: fast, seaworthy, and designed for long-distance cruising. But it now offers an additional dimension with an interior that captivates as much with its aesthetics as with its functional intelligence.

The choice of materials, the optimized space layout, and the work on lighting transform every moment on board into an experience of ultimate comfort. The saloon and cockpit gain in conviviality, while the cabins have been meticulously designed in terms of storage and openness to the outside.

Discover the ORC 52.2 in detail

With this significant evolution, ORC Catamaran takes a new step forward, addressing sailing enthusiasts who refuse to compromise between pleasure, comfort, and performance.

Download the new ORC 52.2 brochure now and immerse yourself in a world where every detail matters.

Living the Sea on an ORC: Pure Sensations and Absolute Pleasure

ORC are not just boats. They are an extension of the sailor, a perfect balance between performance and comfort, designed for those who seek intense sailing without compromise.

If you have ever had the chance to helm an ORC, you know exactly what we mean. If not, let us take you on a journey through the unique experience of life aboard an ORC.

Performance at the Service of Pleasure

On an ORC, sailing is an art in motion. The finesse of the hulls, the lightness of the construction, and the optimized sail plan allow for high speeds with complete fluidity. The miles slip by under the hulls, sometimes without the crew even realizing it, so pure is the sensation of gliding.

I have rarely felt such a connection with my boat. At the helm, the ORC responds instantly, offering total precision and control.

– testimony from an ORC owner

Want to experience this unique sensation? Discover our models and envision your next voyage.

Ready to experience ORC for yourself? Contact us to arrange a visit or a trial sail.

Freedom and Sensations: The Call of the Open Sea

Sailing on an ORC means rediscovering the pleasure of the sea at its finest. It is feeling the power of the wind in the sails, the immediate response of the boat to the swell, and the satisfaction of carving your course at high speed with total confidence.

Whether for a transatlantic crossing, an offshore regatta, or a high-performance cruise with friends, ORC Catamarans offer the absolute freedom that every sailor seeks. On board, the world becomes an unlimited playground.