Thíra 80 Sea Trial: An Exceptional Yach
Discover the exclusive review by journalist Steeve Reaching, who shares his expert perspective on this flagship luxury yacht. From its elegant lines and technical excellence to the sensations it delivers at sea, immerse yourself in the essence of an exceptional nautical creation.
The Harmony of Style and Luxury
The arrival of a flagship is always a defining moment in the history of a shipyard—and even more so for Fountaine Pajot. With the Thíra 80, the La Rochelle-based builder unveils the largest and most luxurious sailing catamaran ever created within its range. We sailed from Monaco to Saint-Tropez aboard this exceptional yacht, in one of the Mediterranean’s most iconic cruising grounds—a fitting setting to discover its many innovations and distinctive character.
Few yachts are as instantly recognizable as a Fountaine Pajot catamaran. From the New 41 to the Alegria 67, every model shares a clear design lineage. One might have expected the shipyard’s largest catamaran to depart from this identity in response to the demands of the superyacht segment. Instead, the Thíra 80 preserves the elegance, proportions, and dynamic profile that define the brand, while introducing an unprecedented level of space and luxury.
The balance between the hulls and the coachroof creates the silhouette of a refined sailing yacht that never compromises its elegance in pursuit of five-star comfort. Two figures alone illustrate its ambition: 340 m² of living space for exceptional life on board, and 340 m² of sail area to make the most of sailing whenever conditions allow. Behind these numbers lies the expertise Fountaine Pajot has cultivated since 1976, combined with the ingenuity of its designers, to create a true yacht dedicated to delivering the highest standards of comfort and well-being at sea.
Maximum Relaxation
The Thíra 80 bears the signature of Berret-Racoupeau Design, working in close collaboration with the shipyard’s engineering team on its naval architecture, exterior styling, and interior design. The exceptional dimensions of the platform made it possible to rethink onboard living spaces, with a particular focus on maximizing views of the surrounding seascape.
No fewer than fifteen generously proportioned lounge sofas are distributed across the main deck and flybridge, creating eight or nine distinct social areas, both intimate and spacious. On each side, fold-down bulwarks extend into sea-facing terraces. Gently shaded by transparent roof wings incorporating solar panels, these spaces become true havens of relaxation, where guests can enjoy privacy or gather together while taking in the changing light from sunrise to sunset.
Both the aft and forward decks have been conceived as dedicated wellness areas. At the stern, the beach club features an expansive sunbathing area and a full-beam bathing platform. At the bow, the jacuzzi club combines generous sun pads with an adjoining whirlpool. Cool boxes and minibars are thoughtfully positioned across both deck areas and on the flybridge, ensuring every comfort is always within reach.
For leisure, a garage houses an electric jet ski, while two forward lockers provide storage for paddleboards and other water toys. Two generous dining tables—one on the flybridge and one in the cockpit—complete an onboard lifestyle designed equally for convivial gatherings and private moments, setting a benchmark in its class.
The Horizon as a Backdrop
The Thíra 80’s interior layouts offer exceptional living volumes, combining superyacht-level amenities while remaining true to the principles of high-quality series production—an essential part of Fountaine Pajot’s DNA and a key contributor to its renowned reliability.
Owners can choose between an open galley integrated into the main salon or a more discreet galley located on the lower deck. In both configurations, the port hull accommodates dedicated crew quarters and a crew mess, ensuring both guest privacy and seamless service. A welcoming pantry bar at the entrance to the salon completes the onboard hospitality.
Spanning more than 50 m², the main salon offers breathtaking panoramic views from the moment you step aboard. To starboard, a generous lounge welcomes family and guests, while the opposite side can either host a more intimate sitting area or an open galley where the chef prepares meals in full view. A central sideboard naturally guides circulation toward the foredeck and the private accommodation.
Layouts with four to six cabins are available to suit different lifestyles, while four- or five-cabin configurations provide particularly generous private living spaces. The starboard hull can be entirely dedicated to the owner’s private suite, complemented by a VIP suite, both featuring separate toilets and spacious walk-in showers. The owner’s suite extends across more than 20 m² and includes a study, a lounge area, a walk-in dressing room, and an en-suite bathroom with double vanity and a whirlpool bathtub.
Personalization lies at the heart of the project. Owners can choose from three wood finishes for furniture and flooring, four leather upholstery colors, and an extensive selection of fabrics from the Pierre Frey collection in Paris. The possibilities are virtually endless, resulting in interiors of exceptional refinement. It takes only a few moments on board to appreciate the atmosphere—an elegant expression of comfort, harmony, and the art of living at sea.
Un vaisseau amiral qui croise
In Monaco’s Old Port, the crew of the Thíra 80 welcomes us on board. Once the Williams 525 tender is secured on the bathing platform, we head out to sea in a light breeze of 7 to 10 knots. Even under power, the first impressions are striking, with the meticulous sound insulation of the engine rooms ensuring an exceptionally quiet ride. Equipped with the most powerful engine option, the yacht cruises comfortably at 9 knots, accompanied only by a gentle hum.
The captain then shuts down the engines to hoist the mainsail and gennaker, deploying more than 400 m² of sail area—perfectly suited to the light Mediterranean winds. Sail handling is managed electro-hydraulically by the crew from the forward section of the flybridge, while the aft area remains dedicated to guests who prefer simply to enjoy the view.
Setting course along the Riviera, visible both from the deck and through the yacht’s panoramic glazing, the Thíra 80 glides effortlessly at more than 6 knots in just 10 knots of wind. As the breeze builds, the yacht maintains its composure, with average speeds reaching up to 12 knots in 20 knots of wind, provided the sail plan is adjusted accordingly.
Its displacement and remarkable stability translate into reassuring power over long distances while preserving exceptional comfort and ease of handling. Quiet confidence in motion.
The Thíra 80 successfully combines understated luxury with the elegant lines of a true sailing yacht.
Combined with excellent seakeeping performance, even in light winds, these qualities naturally place the Thíra 80 among the world’s exceptional yachting vessels. Offering a thoughtful level of personalization while remaining attentive to owners’ requests for tailored refinements, its mastery of industrial craftsmanship provides genuine peace of mind for the privileged few who will experience life on board.
Steeve Reaching, Nautical Journalist
