The Vision 444 ES is an extension on the original flagship 444 model with an Extended Scoop.
The boat offers all the same unique features of the Vision 444 but the Extended Scoop (0.4m) allows for easy access from the dock, easier loading and off-loading and additional space for diving, fishing and swimming.
Boat of the Year 2024: Vision 444
“Perhaps the most competitive category in this year’s contest was this class of four cruising cats. Each nominee was decidedly different from the others.
It’s hard to say if it’s a definite advantage, but in recent Boat of the Year contests, when inspecting boats with their owners aboard—folks who have put some hard miles under their keels, and who can speak with authority on the positives and negatives of their vessel—the track record shows that such nominees do very well. Which is the case with the Vision 444, whose owner took delivery of the boat at its building site in Knysna, South Africa, cruised to Mozambique, and then sailed it up the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean.
Judge Mark Pillsbury picks it up from there: “Many of the big cruising cats that we step aboard are a compromise by design because some of the fleet will go to private owners and the rest into charter. The Vision 444 was different, and after a 14,000-mile shakedown cruise, it clearly reflected the thinking of its owner, who was aboard every step of the way. This is a pure cruising cat, and a fine one. Gear was of good quality and well-sorted. Living accommodations were practical and proven. And build quality was readily apparent because the boat looked terrific after all those hard miles. I think it’s one of the only cats I can recall having a full and proper nav station. And the walk-in workshop forward in the starboard bow? Brilliant.””
A Catamaran that Breaks the Mould
“South Africa is a country where a number of globally successful shipbuilding businesses, including in the world of catamarans, have already been established for some time. Also located here is the Vision Yachts shipyard, specializing in multihulls, which produces the Vision 444, a modern cruising catamaran.
At 13.5 meters long and 7.60 meters wide, the Vision is a cruiser that seeks to break the typical “villa on the sea” catamaran paradigm by mixing some design elements typically dedicated to comfort with others that take into account sailing characteristics.”
Best Cruising Catamaran Under 50 Award
KNYSNA NEWS – Local boat builder Vision Yachts recently received one of the most prestigious awards that can be bestowed on any boat builder around the world. They were handed the Best Cruising Catamaran Under 50 award in the 2024 Cruising World Boat of the Year awards.
The announcement was made on Wednesday 6 December and marks the first time that Vision Yachts has triumphed at the awards, which CEO and co-founder James Turner described as the “Oscars of the yachting world”.
The Boat of the Year awards are organised annually by sailing magazine and website Cruising World, and have been held for the past 25 years.
2024 competition
The annual awards, selected by an independent judging team, recognise the best new production cruising boats and multihulls laid out and equipped for coastal and offshore sailing and voyaging.
This year’s judging panel is comprised of systems expert Tim Murphy of the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), and previous CW editors-in-chief Mark Pillsbury and Herb McCormick.
This year, 19 new sailboats from top boat builders around the globe battled for the coveted Boat of the Year title.
Boats are judged in eight categories with one of the most competitive categories being the Best Cruising Catamaran Under 50 feet category. The Vision 444 won this category.
Lots of praise for the Vision 444
The announcement was made in an online video last week, and judges were full of praise for the Vision 444.
“In a lot of cats [catamarans] these days, sailing is an afterthought, but on this boat it was all about the sailing,” Pillsbury said.
Murphy wasn’t shy with his praise either, highlighting that they conducted their test sail (whereby they judge the boat) with the owner of the vessel.
“Every now and then we get really lucky on these test sails and we get to sail with the owner. This was a case where the owner really revealed a lot about the boat.
“He obviously is a guy who loves his boat and the boat showed why,” he said. Finally, McCormick was very complimentary too, stating that the Vision 444 “was the clear winner in the class”.
A proud moment
The triumph truly meant a lot to Turner and his team at Vision Yachts. “We are incredibly proud of our team and the hard work and innovation that they bring to the Vision 444.
“This is a fantastic achievement as we faced strong competition, and I would like to thank Cruising World for running a fantastic campaign,” he said.
THE OFFSHORE MASTERPIECE
The Vision 444 ES stays true to the DNA of the original Vision 444 – delivering the same exceptional performance, comfort, and intelligent design – whilst adding even more practicality with a thoughtfully engineered extended scoop. This feature provides extra deck space at the waterline, perfect for effortless unloading from a tender, launching dive gear, casting a line, or simply enjoying easy access to the sea.
Under sail, the Vision 444 ES delivers signature performance. Balanced sail handling, effortless tacking, and a self-tacking jib make it ideal for short-handed crews. Precision-calibrated rudders work in harmony with the sails, gliding you through every tack with minimal speed loss. At the helm, a raised vantage point ensures total visibility of the sails and deck – perfect for docking or navigating tight harbours.
The 444 ES blends a sleek, modern exterior with a spacious and highly functional interior, where every fixture is expertly crafted and built to last. The layout is designed for accessibility and everyday ease, with no unnecessary gimmicks – just thoughtful, high-quality components throughout. All systems are clearly laid out, accessible, and easy to maintain, making life onboard as straightforward as it is comfortable. A wind-sheltered cockpit invites relaxation and socialising, while the overall design strikes a perfect balance between luxury, simplicity, and performance.
Engineered using advanced composite materials and vacuum-infused construction, the 444 ES offers an ultra-strong yet lightweight structure with no structural wood, ensuring long-term resilience. Systems are user-friendly and intuitive, from the 24V DC electrical layout to the engine rooms – both easy to access and service, without compromise.
Front View
Side View
Aft View
SPECIFICATIONS
| LOA | 13.53m |
| LWL | 13.35m |
| BOA | 7.60m |
| DRAFT | 1.17m |
| AIR DRAFT | 19.47m |
| DISPLACEMENT | 11.32 Tons (Light craft condition) |
| CABINS | 3 |
| MAIN SAIL AREA | 76.54 sqr/m |
| JIB AREA | 32.3 sqrm |
| Code 55 | 70.79 sqr/m |
| CODE 65 | 89 sqr/m |
| ASYMMETRICAL SPINNAKER | 145 sqr/m |
| HEADROOM IN HULLSS | 1.9m |
| HEADROOM IN BRIDGEDECKS | 2.1m |
| ENGINES | Nanni 37hp |
| KEEL TYPE | Mini keels |
EXPERIENCE EVOLUTION
The Vision 444 ES enhances the legacy of the original Vision 444, adding refined practicality to its exceptional performance and comfort. With a sleek extended scoop for easier water access and a raised helm for total visibility, the 444 ES is engineered for effortless sailing and smart living at sea.