Lagoon Catamarans is a drastic departure from their humble beginnings in 1984. Now owned by Groupe Beneteau, Lagoon Catamarans came to life out of the world renowned Jeanneau Techniques Avancées (JTA) division of Jeanneau Sailboats.
The JTA Program was launched in 1980, and for almost a decade dominated every form of offshore racing, including the multihull space. It was JTA’s technical knowhow, the latest composite technologies, and experience in offshore racing that led Jeanneau to launch their first Lagoon catamaran in 1984, the Lagoon 55.
The Lagoon 55 was a radical change from the all-out performance Outremer and the cruising-centric catamarans being built by Prout. The Lagoon 55 was both comfortable and fast, a combination not found in sailing catamarans during this era. She was an instant success and helped Lagoon make their mark on the multihull space.
The early 1990’s were hard on the Jeanneau brand, and ultimately all of Jeanneau’s assets were acquired by Groupe Beneteau in 1996. This move saw some of Lagoon’s most iconic models built by the world-renowned Construction Navale Bordeaux (CNB) on the Garrone River.
The 2000’s ushered in a new era for Lagoon catamarans. In 2000 they launched the Lagoon 380, which had more units launched than any other bluewater-capable catamaran in the world. The other big breakthrough design came in the form of the Lagoon 440 in 2004.
Prior to the Lagoon 440 the idea of a flybridge on a catamaran was believed to only be possible on multihulls in the 60ft + range; incorporating a flybridge in the design turned the catamaran world upside down.
Lagoon Catamarans, from their very start as part of the Jeanneau Techniques Avancées to their current stewardship under the Groupe Beneteau banner, has always led the way in multihull design. Today Lagoon is the largest builder of multihulls in the world.
Founded in 1984, Lagoon has become one of the most recognizable names in the world of luxury catamarans. A subsidiary of the Groupe Beneteau, Lagoon is headquartered in Bordeaux, France, and is renowned for building innovative, comfortable, and ocean-capable sailing and power catamarans. Today, Lagoon is consistently one of the world’s leading multihull shipyards in terms of production volume and global presence.
Lagoon’s philosophy centers on maximizing onboard living space, stability, and connection to the sea. Thanks to their twin-hull design, Lagoon catamarans offer expansive beam, large salons with panoramic windows, generous cockpits, and spacious owner’s suites—features that have made them especially popular for long-range cruising, charter programs, and liveaboard lifestyles.
Lagoon was created in 1984 as part of Jeanneau Technologies Avancées (JTA), the racing division of Jeanneau. Early on, the brand focused on performance-oriented multihulls, building offshore racing catamarans before transitioning into luxury cruising models.
A major turning point came when Lagoon partnered with renowned naval architects Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost (VPLP Design). This collaboration helped establish Lagoon’s reputation for producing catamarans that combine bluewater capability with comfort and ease of handling.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Lagoon expanded rapidly, introducing models that appealed to both private owners and charter fleets. Their commitment to structural integrity, safety, and innovation positioned them as a dominant force in the multihull market. Over the decades, Lagoon has delivered thousands of catamarans worldwide, building one of the largest owner communities in the sailing industry.
Purchasing a Lagoon catamaran is often seen as an investment in freedom, stability, and comfort at sea. Lagoon has earned a reputation for producing reliable cruising catamarans that are both user-friendly and thoughtfully designed.
One indicator of quality is Lagoon’s engineering partnerships and production standards under Groupe Beneteau, one of the largest boat-building groups in the world. Lagoon catamarans are designed for offshore passagemaking, with solid construction, optimized weight distribution, and efficient sail plans that make them manageable for couples or short-handed crews.
Interiors are a standout feature. Lagoon emphasizes natural light, ventilation, and seamless indoor-outdoor living. Premium woods, modern fabrics, and durable finishes are selected to withstand life at sea while maintaining a luxurious feel. The wide beam allows for layouts that often include private en-suite cabins, large galleys, and expansive flybridges on select models.
Lagoon offers a broad range of sailing catamarans and power catamarans, typically spanning from the mid-30-foot range to over 75 feet.
Among the most popular recent models are:
Lagoon 42 – One of the best-selling cruising catamarans worldwide, known for its balance of performance, comfort, and manageable size.
Lagoon 46 – A favorite among private owners and charter programs for its spacious flybridge and flexible layout options.
Lagoon 51 – A modern evolution in design featuring improved access, sustainability features, and enhanced outdoor living spaces.
Lagoon Sixty 5 – A luxury bluewater catamaran offering premium finishes and long-range cruising capabilities.
Lagoon has also expanded into the power catamaran segment, appealing to owners who prioritize fuel efficiency, range, and comfort without the complexity of sail handling.
Lagoon catamarans are particularly attractive for:
Long-distance cruising and passagemaking
Charter investment programs
Liveaboard lifestyles
Families seeking stability and space
Owners transitioning from monohulls to multihulls
The inherent stability of a catamaran reduces heeling, making life onboard more comfortable—especially at anchor. Shallow draft also allows access to cruising grounds that may be unavailable to deeper monohulls.
With thousands of Lagoon catamarans delivered globally, there is a strong brokerage market for pre-owned models. Whether purchasing new or used, working with an experienced yacht broker is essential to navigating survey processes, pricing trends, equipment specifications, and international transactions.
For sellers, proper valuation, professional photography, global marketing exposure, and knowledgeable negotiation are key factors in achieving the best result. Lagoon’s strong brand reputation and high resale demand typically make well-maintained models attractive on the secondary market.
