A trial beyond the pontoon
Nautitech's first Raid combined a model inspection with sailing in the waters of La Rochelle Bay on 2 and 3 April 2026. The shipyard's retrospective describes two catamarans, separate crews and professional support during a practical on-water programme.
The event is an earlier ownership-experience story being reviewed now, not a new September model launch. It offers a different angle from LYG's recent reports on the 41 Type S and its autumn show schedule.
The Nautitech 44 Open and 48 Open were the two vessels selected for the programme. Their respective 13.30-metre and 14.67-metre lengths place them within Luxury Yacht Guide's coverage.
Two catamarans and two crews
Participants took the helm on routes in La Rochelle Bay near Fort Boyard and the Bout du Monde lighthouse. The shipyard says the event allowed prospective owners to experience sailing rather than rely solely on a static display.
The 44 Open used its genoa in the reported conditions, while the 48 Open used a self-tacking jib. Those configurations were chosen for the weather and should not be interpreted as directly controlled performance testing.
An official image of the 44 Open accompanies this report. It identifies one of the participating models but is not claimed to show a specific moment from the Raid.
Expert guidance aboard
Offshore sailor Julien Pulvé joined the programme alongside naval architects Henri-Paul Schipman and Lionel Huetz of Marc Lombard Yacht Design Group. Incidence Sails also contributed technical input.
That mix of disciplines allowed visitors to discuss sail trim, behaviour under way and the relationship between deck layout and handling. The sessions were framed as practical education and a chance to meet the people behind the yachts.
Nautitech reported different impressions of the two models in the prevailing wind. Such manufacturer observations are useful context, but owners should arrange their own trial in conditions relevant to their sailing programme.
What the experience demonstrates
The company offers the Raid concept as an immersive alternative to a short demonstration. It brings together a crew, a passage and direct expert conversation over two days.
This report preserves the original April event date and its specific two-model fleet. It does not claim an independent measured comparison or repeat the separate 41 Type S launch coverage.
