The most extensively outfitted Fountaine Pajot Elba 45 on the market. In fact, quite possibly the best prepared FP45 that has been available in years. All the key options were chosen from Fountaine Pajot (including the top ‘Comfort’ package) and then an extensive, professionally managed, custom upgrade program was commissioned in La Rochelle, for the seller’s planned family adventure to sail from the Med to Japan. All in, around $USD400,000 of options, equipment and upgrades were built into Aria. A change in the family’s personal situation restricted the family to only about nine months living aboard and now the need to sell.
Aria is fully ready for more adventures whether crossing oceans or staying in the Med to country-hop while savouring high comfort and off-grid life at anchor.
Enhancements, big and small, were largely executed by a handful of local La Rochelle specialists with deep experience with all the Elba’s details and nuances, fitted out with top name-brand equipment (always with an eye towards reliability and easing worldwide support), all overseen by an on-the-ground, FP-specialist, technical project manager.
All-electric cooking, a high-volume watermaker, and efficient air con throughout the interior are backed up by a large Victron lithium battery bank and 2000W of solar, plus a genset for those cloudy days. Comfort reigns throughout with a custom hard top, extensive summer and winter enclosures, large sky lounge, washer/dryer, and name brand appliances. Aria is ready to cross oceans with full safety equipment and efficient, redundant satellite communications. Sailing upgrades throughout, designed by long-time FP captain and technical specialist, include custom running rigging, upgraded lines, all lines run to the helm, electric winches, and a custom Code Zero / Flying Genoa designed specifically for the Elba by Sail Design in Viareggio. Adventures at anchor are supported by the 40kg Rocna Vulcan anchor, Ultra swivel, lots of chain and rope rode, as well as other custom anchor upgrades, a custom bow shading canopy, and the 2023 Highfield Hypalon RIB with a Yamaha 25 hp electric start outboard that rides on a robust electric davit system. Ready for comfort, safety and performance whether at anchor or crossing oceans!
This lightly used boat is perfect for new adventures. The little niggly warranty issues that are unavoidable on new boats have been worked out and the most thoughtful and extensive upgrades on an Elba have been professionally implemented.
As Fountaine Pajot dealers with extensive experience helping clients make the transition to extended sailing adventures, we are well placed to help you start your own cruising adventures.
Aria is USCG documented and not VAT paid.
A bit more of Aria’s backstory:
- Around $400K of options put into Aria’s initial build to equip her for off-grid living, safety with family and kids, top comfort levels, and the equipment necessary to sail safely and enjoyably through all seas, crossings and oceans, with the intention to make the family’s way from Europe to Caribbean to U.S. to the Pacific and eventually Japan.
- Almost all of that was designed and implemented in La Rochelle, over the course of 6+ months after Aria left the factory, by a series of local specialist technical vendors who have specific expertise in the detailed nuances of FP’s, and of Elbas specifically. All of this was professionally overseen by an FP-expert technical project manager (also a long-time professional FP captain) in La Rochelle who knows all these local companies well, helped the owner select the exact right brands and models and equipment for each job, and then oversaw quality control on all implementation.
- All equipment and upgrade decisions were informed by extensive pre-build discussions with previous Elba and Saona owners, as well as professionally hired sailing/cruising coaches with over a dozen years living aboard their own boat, circumnavigating with their three kids, and now coaching other sailors and cruisers on how to fit out their own boats and make the most of a life aboard.
Some options, equipment and upgrade highlights:
See the extensive bullets below for the detailed list of Aria’s specifics, but some of the top investments in safety, comfort, ease and aesthetics include:
Custom hardtop bimini Designed specifically for the Elba by a partnership between experienced Elba owners and a custom design and fabrication shop No comparison to a soft-top bimini far more rugged for sailing conditions much lower ongoing wear/maintenance incredible sun/rain protection, but also comes with retractable roof window that allows easy access to sky deck stylish and fits in seamlessly as though part of the FP build from the start provides additional hand and body support when up top seamlessly supports Aria’s modular mesh (summer) and clear (winter) enclosure panel.
2. High-powered electrical system built on top brands
Solar: 2000w of Sunpower Maxeon panels (5x400w) w/Victron MPPT’s Lithium: 1,650 Ah of Victron Smart lithium batteries Electronics rewired to run directly off the inverters/lithium, so no need to run generator / engines to use Generator: Fischer Panda 10000i (known for how quietly it runs, its small footprint, and wide global support network) Watermaker: high capacity, AC-powered, 180 liter/hour Aquabase Aruba All-electric cooking: combo oven/microwave (Siemens) and induction stove (Whirlpool) means no propane/butane on the boat and a more modern and stylish salon Frigomar air conditioning: 6 variable speed units with much lower power draw than less modern brands; includes reverse heating mode
3. STB forepeak fit-out for kid/crew/guest
Creates a 4th cabin when needed for families, and for providing more flexibility when hosting friends/family/captains/crew Built out for comfort: New access opened between forward STB cabin and forepeak, so no need to go up on deck to enter/exit Privacy screen to separate forepeak cabin from adjoining cabin Additional portlight built into side of room, for air/light as needed Caframo fan, multiple 220v outlets, and light built-in Mount and wire run to 220v outlet for baby monitor if needed
4. Custom Flexiteek flooring- unlike standard Flexiteek package that FP provides, also includes:
- Sleeker ends with rounded corners and elegant edges
- Entire sky deck flooring
- Flooring in helm station and under the steps from cockpit to helm station
- Bow footwell (just aft of net, forward of cushions)
- All three shower floors and both STB bathrooms
5. Custom enclosures & upholstery (by Voilerie Klein)
Voilerie Klein is the high-end La Rochelle supplier of these for FP’s. Enclosures – custom measured to every individual boat, to the millimeter; very heavy duty, none have torn or worn significantly Custom upholstery to provide color accents – e.g., red back cushion at helm; red/grey custom outdoor pillows Custom roll-up/hideaway blackout screens with high quality fabrics – e.g., privacy/blackout shade between port/owner’s cabin and shower/toilet room Elegant and rugged baby screens custom-measured and built into top of both salon galleys – in same dark grey fabric to blend in with interior decor
6. Custom stainless steel to protect gel coat (by Teck-inox)
At helm station, aft of winches, to prevent wear in areas that afflict Elbas without this custom protection Anchor locker, to protect gel coat from the otherwise inevitable chips as anchor is raised or bounces in seas Custom Starlink support so it stands far aft on solar panel arch, away from risk of caught lines Structural support for the jammers and vcam clutches at helm station (better spread the load and protect from damage)
7. Coppercoat bottom paint
Hard paint that dramatically reduces needs for haulouts for bottom paint reapplication
8. Many custom rigging enhancements and sailcontrols– all designed by the professional FP captain / project manager in La Rochelle
All lines run to helm station Upgraded lines throughout Custom winch button outside (for raising/lowering halyard with good view angle)
Vessel Details:
Name.......................................................... Aria
Year........................................................... 2023
Builder..................................... Fountaine Pajot
Designer.............................. Berret-Racoupeau
LOA........................................................... 44’2”
LWL........................................................... 44’1”
Beam......................................................... 24’9”
Draft........................................................... 4’1””
Displacement................................... 29,652 lbs
Sail Area ............................................ 1,335 ft2
Hull GRP
Deck............................................... Cored GRP
Steering.................................................. Wheel
Keel.............................................................. Fin
Rudder.................................................... Spade
Fuel..................................................... 124 gals
Water................................................... 185 gals
INTERIOR
- Maestro owner’s version with luxurious “owner’s hull” on port plus three guest cabins on starboard (including custom forepeak cabin).
- Seamless integration between the cockpit and the large salon with massive doors.
- The salon is very bright and well-ventilated with lots of seating and relaxing spaces.
- Salon table converts into another bed - great for hosting guests and for family movie nights.
- The owner’s hull has the master cabin aft with a walkaround queen bed aft. Amidships is the office and yet more storage. Fully forward is large head, shower and wash area. Large walk-in separate shower, with custom Flexiteek flooring.
- The “guest hull” is starboard with another walkaround bed aft and a partial walkaround bed forward. Each guest cabin has its own ensuite head and shower, also with custom Flexiteek flooring.
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Extensive upgrades to the flooring including rounded corners and elegant edges. The entire sky lounge, the helm station, the foredeck footwell, and under-stairs area of the cockpit were custom-finished with Flexiteek. - far beyond what is done in normal FP’s with gelcoat flooring in these areas.
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Custom upholstery from Voilerie Klien throughout the boat. Custom roll-up hideaway blackout screens.
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Custom fourth cabin in starboard forepeak with custom access from forward cabin (means no requirement to go on deck to enter). Privacy screen and additional portlight. Fan, outlets and lighting built in. Mount and wiring for baby monitor installed.
- All toilets are electric and fitted with both fresh and saltwater plumbing.
- Upgraded Caframo Sirocco II fans x 7.
- Night watches facilitated by dim and red light additions at salon and breaker panel.
- Mosquito screens for windows and hatches.
- Numerous additional FP hooks added throughout for hanging clothes, hats, towels, etc.
- All beds on slatted bases.
- Bosch Series 6 Combo Washer/Dryer in stbd hallway.
EXTERIOR – cockpit, helm & decks
- Comfortable, safe and, ergonomic outdoor living with large cockpit, sky lounge, foredeck lounge, and helm area.
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Custom hardtop bimini – designed by a group of experienced Elba owners. Incredible rain and sun protection with retractable roof window. Extra hand and body supports when at the sky lounge. Seamlessly supports the custom modular mesh (summer) and clear (winter) enclosure panels. White and blue lighting.
- The Elba’s mid-level helm station is perfect for keeping captain connected to family, friends and crew at all times, whether in cockpit and salon, or up top on the large sky lounge. Also offers all of the sailing and electronics close at hand. Very protected for safe watch standing.
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Large, protected cockpit with extensive seating and storage.
- The “Sky Lounge” provides a massive open-air location to relax with great sightlines. Fantastic sunset / sunrise spot, and often where everyone congregates when underway. Also great easy access to boom, mast & lines.
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Foredeck lounge with reclinable cushions and Flexiteek flooring.
- Custom top-quality enclosures from Voilerie Klein – winter and summer versions.
- Bow shading canopy (unused).
- Dri-Dek bases added beneath outdoor cushions from day one – cushions have always drained and aired out naturally.
- Additional handrails around deck.
- Custom dyneema lifelines at bow.
- Upgraded transom deck shower with hot water knob for fine temperature control, and more rugged stainless steel fittings.
- Upgraded Osculati swim ladder.
GALLEY
- Stylish and practical galley.
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All electric cooking with all brand name appliances. No dependency on gas means zero propane/butane on the boat, with the added benefit of more storage space.
- Siemens combo oven/microwave.
- Whirlpool induction stove.
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Extensive refrigeration: 90L freezer and a 190L two-drawer fridge inside, plus a custom-installed high capacity Isotherm DR130L fridge in the cockpit.
- Appliances wired so they can be run off the batteries and inverter, without dependency on the generator.
- Custom Seagull water filtration at galley for drinking water.
MECHANICAL
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Upgraded Volvo D2 60hp – ~745 hrs each.
- Flexofold three blade folding props with Spurs rope cutters.
- Engine and genset compartments outfitted with custom automatic fire suppression.
- Custom Goiot rudder wheel lock.
- Upgraded fuel hoses.
ELECTRICAL
- Professionally designed and installed by Pochon - off-grid electrical system with all premium brands.
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2000W of Sunpower Maxeon solar panels and Victron MPPT’s. 5 x 400W panels on a custom stainless-steel frame, each with their own Victron 100/30 MPPT.
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1,650 Amp-Hr of Victron Smart lithium batteries – 5 x Victron Smart 330 ah.
- All systems, including aircon, watermaker, dual water heaters, and all-electric galley, can run off the 2 x Victron 3000W Inverter/Chargers. A total of 6kw of inverter capability. No reliance on running the generator.
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Fischer Panda 10000i genset (~105 hours) – quiet, reliable, and a great worldwide support network.
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Frigomar air conditioning – six variable speed Inverter BLDC units – much more efficient than less modern brands. Reverse cycle available for heating. 52k BTU.
- 16 extra electrical outlets throughout the boat, inside and out – 220V and USB (both -A and -C) – easily plug in everywhere!
- 4 x Aqualuma underwater lights – changeable from inside, unlike standard FP option.
- Victron galvanic isolator – 32 amp 220V.
PLUMBING
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Watermaker: High capacity Aquabase Aruba 180L/hr unit with remote panel that enables operating and flushing from inside.
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Dual water heaters (standard FP’s have only one).
- Upgraded 3 x large electric heads – each plumbed with both fresh and saltwater, easy switching.
- Gobius black water tank monitors. (Standard FP’s have no easy way of monitoring black water tank levels.)
ELECTRONICS
- Premium Garmin 3 ‘Smart Cruising’ package
- 2 x GPX 8412/8410 Chartplotter/MFD
- 2 x GMI20 multi
- Garmin Autopilot with remote control
- Garmin VHF with second VHF/AIS at helm station
- Garmin AIS transmitter/receiver
- Garmin Radar
- Custom installed Garmin GC14 mast mounted camera – assists with port/blind-side docking
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Starlink on custom Teck-inox support
- Back up satellite comms with Iridium Go Exec (new in 2025) with external antenna
- PredictWind DataHub
- 2 x ACR EPRIBs with satellite (406 MHz) alert and AIS alert for maximum safety – one for the ditch bag and one mounted in cockpit with a hydrostatic release.
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Bose entertainment system with custom amps and outside speakers built into helm/sky lounge and bow.
SAILS & CANVAS
- Full battened mainsail with three reefs. Stack pack with lazy jacks.
- Genoa on Profurl furler.
- Sail Design (Viareggio) Code Zero/Flying Genoa on bowsprit – red with UV cover on continuous line furler. Easy to use, safe to leave hoisted with its UV cover.
RIGGING +
- Bowsprit with gennaker gear.
- Upgraded winches including electric for halyards and genoa sheets.
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Custom rigging and sail controls designed by professional FP captain in La Rochelle
- All lines run to the helm station
- Additional winch button located for better viewing angle while raising/lowering sails
- Upgraded running rigging with the original FP lines kept as spares
- Extensive stainless steel gel coat protection from Teck-inox reducing wear and improving functionality at the helm station and anchor locker. Improved structural support for jammers and cam clutches at the helm station.
- Custom 2 x folding aluminum mast steps.
DECK GEAR
- Anchor: 40 kg Rocna Vulcan with Ultra stainless-steel swivel
- Rode: 100m (330 ft) of 10mm G40 HT chain plus 100m (330 ft) of 16mm nylon rope. Nylon rope is unused and ready to be attached for those deep anchorages.
- Windlass: 12V Quick upgraded to accommodate 10mm chain and 16mm nylon rode for seamless deep water anchoring.
- Windlass controls at windlass and at helm with chain counter. Additional remote windlass control.
- Fresh water washdown at anchor locker.
- Back up/kedge anchor: Fortress FX-37 – foldable and stores easily. With 10m of G40 chain.
- Dingy anchor: Mantus stainless steel anchor with 2m of stainless-steel chain and 40m of 8mm rode. Never used.
- Davit system with electric winch – robust, reliable and easy.
- Additional mooring cleats.
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT
- Tender: Highfield 360 Hypalon RIB with custom chaps and other custom improvements for convenience and safety. Tender wheels for beach landings.
- Outboard: Yamaha 25 hp with electric start and hydrofoil.
- Liferaft: Viking RescYou Ocean UKL 8 person raft. Certified and appropriate for ocean crossings. Serviceable worldwide.
- Foldable composite gangway/passerelle with non-slip covering, deck fittings and carbon stanchions. Mounts to either transom and stores in soft padded bag.
- Full suite of safety equipment including CO detectors in galley and all cabins.
- Upgraded mooring lines and fenders.
- Custom covers by Voilerie Klein: exterior window blinds, roof window blinds, 12 x hatch covers, cockpit table, and salon table.
- Custom backrest cushions (red) for helm station, by Voilerie Klein.
- Vacuum cleaner – Xiaomi G10 – mounted in galley.
- Transom fenders – both permanent hard mounted strips and, for added protection when needed, additional removable fenders.
- Fishing equipment (never used) – 2x rods and rod stands plus belt, knives and numerous lures.
- Extensive spares and tools prepared for the planned trip from the Med to Japan
MAINTENANCE
- Last haul-out, Coppercoat reactivation/touch-up, and prop/saildrive maintenance: November 2025
- Last zinc(s) change: November 2025
- Last engine oil change: September 2025
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Coppercoat bottom paint – 10 year life expectancy means much reduced dependency on boat yards in remote locations. (First applied in 2023.)
- Rudders preemptively replaced under warranty (2025).
Listed by Max Shaw at the Port Sidney Marina office of Yacht Sales West - Whatsapp 7786784709
Denison Yachting - Annapolis is pleased to assist you in the purchase of this vessel. This boat is centrally listed by Yacht Sales West Inc..
Denison Yacht Sales offers the details of this yacht in good faith but can’t guarantee the
accuracy
of this information nor warrant the condition of this boat for sale. This yacht for sale is
offered
subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal from that yacht market without notice.
She is offered as a convenience by this yacht broker to its clients and is not intended to
convey
direct representation of a specific yacht
for sale.
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