Skip to content

Boat navigation and 360° visibility from the saloon

Anyone following the current edition of the Vendee Globe race will know that the benefits of proper shelter from the elements – whether from intense sun in the tropics or testing weather at higher latitudes – are fully recognised at the highest echelons of offshore racing. Yet it’s still amazingly rare for manufacturers of serious cruising yachts to acknowledge this. The result is that owners, as well as their friends and family, have no option but to put up with unnecessary risk and discomfort every time they encounter challenging weather. But it doesn’t have to be like that.  

Like a pilothouse for all weather conditions

A proper interior navigation station, with all-around 360-degree visibility and everything needed to con the boat safely, is a factor that was baked into the concept for the Pegasus 50 right from its inception.

“In effect, it’s a pilothouse that makes keeping watch from the comfort of the navigation station, even when sailing in more than 40 knots of wind, a safe, warm, dry and comfortable experience in which you can still enjoy high adrenaline sailing,” says Pegasus Yachts partner and co-founder Miha Breskvar.

This is a class-leading arrangement and the closest most of us are likely to get to that of a new generation IMOCA 60 or Class 40 and is therefore ideal for comfortable and safe sailing, even in the coldest and most torturous conditions that most of us might ever encounter.

It’s located at the front of the saloon area, with a raised comfortable seat with supportive armrests. This is sized to give space for two people, or to allow for short solo sailor-style sleeps, without leaving the control centre. There are uninterrupted views forward through the large forward coach roof windows, as well as to each side.

Thoughtful design for ultimate comfort and safety

Looking aft, the innovative wide sliding glazed companionway that gives an easy connection between the cockpit and saloon also provides unrivalled visibility when keeping watch from inside. The all-around field of view is also a massive help in offsetting the nausea that some people experience when below decks on conventional yachts that have a very limited view of the outside world.
Pegasus 50 internal navigation station seat with chart plotter
Pegasus 50 control system
Pegasus 50 yacht interier and 360-degree view from inside looking forward
Pegasus 50 yacht interier and view looking aft
Pegasus 50 SEDEM

The nav station has everything necessary at your fingertips, including pilot controls and instrument data, plus huge displays for chart plotting, AIS, radar and so on. This means foul weather gear only needs to be worn for occasional trips to the cockpit to trim or handle sails, in much the same manner as Vendee Globe sailors.

An opening hatch above the navigation seat is positioned to maximise natural ventilation, which further improves comfort, especially in warm or humid conditions. In more benign weather, of course, you can go outside, either in the protection from sun, wind and water under the shelter at the front of the cockpit, or further aft where everyone on board can enjoy perfect weather at its best.
    

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN