We love the sailing characteristics of this new Lagoon cat. She is sprightly upwind, tacking easily, and she accelerates fast under the tall, square top mainsail. We are pleasantly surprised with the amount of feedback through the cable steering, with a little weather helm telling us when the main is oversheeted.

Moving around the yacht is easy with no change in level between the saloon and cockpit, recessed deck hatches and very wide, flat side decks. Much thought has gone into the seating areas inside and out: angled backrests provide the same level of comfort that you would expect in your living room. Our early concerns about any loss of visibility caused by the fixed bimini proved unfounded. The tall saloon windows almost eliminate blind spots whether you are in the saloon or the cockpit. Seated at the helm, all four corners of the yacht are visible for hassle-free berthing.

The Owner accommodation to starboard is typically Lagoon: a sliding door separating the cabin from the saloon, a big double bed, masses of stowage and a generous bathroom forward. The port hull contains two double cabins and two head/shower compartments or, new for 2010, a huge single bathroom amidhsips. The forward bed has a slide-out separation piece that quickly converts the mattress from a double to two side by side singles. There is plenty of natural light and ventilatiomn in all cabins, with Lewmar blinds/insect screens over the deck hatches and curtains over the ports and side windows. There is no shortage of headroom in the cabins or bathrooms.

The new 400 is a perfect blend of space and performance. With a true payload of 3.5 tonnes, the highest in her class, she can be loaded up to cruise anywhere.