Nominee Spotlight: Vision 444

The state-of-the-art technologies that go into each Vision 444 run a lot deeper than their stately, head-turning, modern styling.

Built by sailors for sailors, the Vision 444 was inspired, according to the builder, by thousands of miles spent at sea understanding the demands of a vessel and her crew, years of experience building custom catamarans, and a passion to produce the perfect bluewater cruiser. Boatbuilder James Turner and Vision Yachts have created this 44’4” lightweight performance vessel with unique features and an impressive standard inventory that sets this catamaran above the rest.

Vision 444 catamaran sailing
Built by sailors for sailors, the Vision 444 has been inspired by thousands of miles spent at sea understanding the demands of a vessel and her crew, years of experience building custom catamarans, and a passion to produce the perfect bluewater cruiser. Courtesy Vision Yachts

The Vision 444 is constructed with an innovative resin infusion technology with all support struts and davits made from advanced composite and integrated into the hull to create a strong yet lightweight vessel. Key features of the 444 suggest that form follows function. All furniture is structurally bonded to the hull in an ergonomic design. Midship service lockers in each hull offer easy access to shut-off valves, filters, sea strainers, and pumps. Two bilges line each hull, one in the service locker and one in the engine room. Fuel line hoses and electrical wiring have their own dedicated conduits. The lithium ion batteries are under the salon seats, and the engines are under the bunks, allowing safe and easy access. A bench seat in the engine room with dedicated tools, storage for spare parts, ventilation, and lighting make servicing the engines a breeze. Access to the rudder system is in the starboard stern locker. Every locker has ample space for access or storage, and a room in the starboard bow (accessed through the master shower walk-through) contains a complete work bench with a vice and additional storage. And, exhale…

The interior is equally functional, and with a healthy dollop of form mixed in. All windows and hatches in the salon provide superb vision of the horizon. From the forward-facing navigation station in the salon, GPS can link up to the TV for a Spielberg-sized chart-plotter display. Flooring is flush throughout and an L-shaped door between the cockpit and salon doubles the space while open and offers an alfresco ambiance. In the salon, the U-shaped settee is standard with leather. Windows are single-panel flat glass. All vertical finishes are quarter sawn reconstructed oak veneer with an oil finish, which is easy to maintain or to replace without matching wood grains if needed. Quartz composite countertops with stainless steel refrigerator/freezer and all high-end appliances surrounded by stainless grab rails throughout yield a dual sense of openness and safety when underway.

On deck, the side access door is great for boarding, loading and accessibility. Wide, level decks are clear of all running rigging, and the flush mount hatches allow the crew to move around safely. Two standard electric winches and running rigging led back to the helm provide ease of operation for single-handed sailing. The mainsheet bridle system (eliminating the traveler and tracks) is simple to use in conjunction with the self-tacking jib. Atkinson’s-theory-calibrated rudders help to maintain drive when tacking and jibing. The working helm seating for two has a commanding position with a view over both bows and 360-degree visibility.

Vision 444 galley
Numerous windows and hatches yield a noteworthy view of the horizon from the contemporary salon. The U-shaped salon settee is standard with leather and windows are single panel flat glass. Courtesy Vision Yachts

The deck sole in the cockpit, and on the side decks and foredeck is EVA foam padding, a UV resistant material that is resilient—like a high-quality yoga mat with grip. The cockpit has ample seating with a large teak table. Stainless steel tubing that retracts into the transom bulkhead provides additional safety at sea.

Interior flooring is flush throughout, and the L-shaped door between the cockpit and salon doubles the space when open, offering the best of alfresco living. Courtesy Vision Yachts

“A sense of certainty in any sailing vessel begins with strength” says a Vision Yachts representative. “We use an innovative resin infusion and gel-coat technology to form the Vision 444’s durable hulls. Decks are extra-tough while still maintaining impressive performance due to the weight-saving process. The result is a better, lighter, faster, stronger and safer vessel which will hold its investment value longer.”

Vision 444
The forward-facing nav station GPS can link up to the TV for a massive chart plotter display. Courtesy Vision Yachts

Vision 444 Specifications

LOA44’4”
LWL41’4”
Beam24’8”
Draft3’9”
Mast Height65’2”
Displacement17,650 lb.
Fuel200 gal.
Water220 gal.