SCIBS to showcase marvelous multihulls

by Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show on 1 May 2014 Multihulls are well and truly gaining broader acceptance, offering versatility, stability and unrivalled space. Providing avid sailors with the performance and the under-sail experience they seek, and newcomers with the ability to switch to power when desired, multihull boats will be well represented at the 2014 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.

Mark Elkington, managing director at Multihull Solutions says the reasons for the rise in popularity of multihull boats are many and varied, depending on the customers and their lifestyles.

'They offer stability and as a result, superior comfort. The excellent living space, speed and safety are the key driving forces behind the growth of multihulls,' he explains.

At Multihull Central, director, Brent Vaughan says that customer and boat show feedback indicates the popularity of these yachts can be attributed to 'their stable platform and space'.

'When it comes to liveable space, they’re unbeatable. You’re not crammed down below with tiny windows. There’s no sacrifice, especially in the latest models which offer the design and amenities of a floating luxury apartment.'
Vaughan, who will be attending SCIBS with an array of brands, including Seawind, Outremer and Corsair, says each has its own market niche and characteristics.

'What they all have in common is that they’re lighter and faster, comfortable and have a shallow draft for easy beachability in bays.'

And while Seawind is certainly a brand sailors respond to, the range is just as accessible for those at entry-level. Outremer, which boasts models that have been several times winners of European Boat of the Year, is considered a step above, taking multihull sailing to the next level.

'The Outremer 49 for example is positioned at technical step advanced. It’s a great bluewater, ocean-going boat that offers families and cruising couples the comfort, performance and set-up to go anywhere. It’s also ideal for short-handed sailing, meaning you don’t need crew to handle it.'

In fact, at SCIBS this year, Vaughan hopes to present an Outremer 49 which sailed from France to New Zealand – the first time the model will be exhibited at an Australian boat show. This stunning example of a high-performance multihull will definitely attract attention and judging by its worldwide success, it will strike a chord with the Australian market.

Also on show will be the Seawind 1000XL2 and Seawind 1250. Multihull Central will also be promoting its Outremer 5X syndicate, which offers up to six parties part-ownership of the vessel, as well as professional skipper and crew for a fraction of the cost of a new boat.

'Owners can fly in, enjoy the boat up to eight weeks per year, cruising locations like the Med, Caribbean and South Pacific, then fly out – like superyacht ownership – for just $335,000. It’s ideal for time-poor people.'

Also new to Australia and a brand new model, the 24ft Corsair Dash MKII trimaran. Vaughan is enthusiastic over this 'pocket cruiser', which he says 'is the ideal weekend racer that you can enjoy sailing at fast sailing speeds of 10 knots or more, then fold up and load onto a trailer so you can easily transport the boat'. The demo Dash on display will be available for immediate delivery.

Multihull Solutions is gearing up for another successful display at the 2014 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show showcasing three outstanding multihull models.

Visitors to Multihull Solutions stand will experience the Australian launch of the remarkable Catana 59, and will also be able to inspect the popular Hélia 44 sailing catamaran by Fountaine Pajot, and the new Summerland 40 Long Range power catamaran by Fountaine Pajot Motor Yachts.

Response in the new Catana 59 is expected to be strong, and the fully optioned catamaran will be offered for sale at the show with immediate delivery. Representing the cutting edge of industry design and performance, the Catana 59 features a sleek and innovative design, incredible sense of space, and the fast, blue-water performance for which the Catana shipyard is renowned.

For those interested in smaller cruising catamarans, the Fountaine Pajot Hélia 44 will exceed expectations with its outstanding offshore performance and eminently stylish and comfortable design. The catamaran is one of Fountaine Pajot’s most popular models in history and continues to eclipse sales records throughout the world.

Power catamaran enthusiasts will be excited by the incredible new Summerland 40 Long Range which features a host of design upgrades, including a more spacious saloon boasting panoramic windows and a contemporary interior design, a comprehensively equipped galley, designer dining area, helm station with expansive views, and thoughtfully separated passageways affording optimal privacy in the cabins.

Multihull Solutions will also have details of their comprehensive pre-owned brokerages listings, as well as representatives from all of their other brands including Sunreef Yachts, TAG Yachts, Privilége Yachts and NEEL Trimarans at the show to provide information on their entire range.

Multihulls appeal to a broad cruising market, says Multihull Solutions MD, Mark Elkington. 'Generally those clients who have had monohulls most of their life and want to retire and cruise long distances for extended periods with their partner or family,' he says.

The appeal is obvious, he explains. 'Semi-displacement hulls are just so efficient, requiring little house power (less than half that of a mono) to push them along at similar speeds. They have smaller engines, and require less maintenance and servicing costs. Multihulls use less fuel, at least 50% less, at the same speeds than typical planing monohulls, allowing power catamarans to travel at least twice the distance with the same fuel volumes.'

Elkington observes that there are two distinct segments in the multihull field: Power and Sail.

'The sail cat fuel consumption is similar to sailing monos as they are both efficient hull designs. It’s the power catamarans (those that we represent with semi-displacement hulls) that are a stand out in the power boat marketplace, and many clients are changing over for the huge benefits they yield. One of the biggest benefits is also the shallow draft and beach-ability of the designs.'

On show for the first time in Queensland, LeisureCat will exhibit its latest model, a 10m power cat model named Kingfisher. Coming all the way from WA, LeisureCat has had an hiatus from SCIBS for a few years, and intends to come back in a big way in 2014.

'The Kingfisher is a new breed of cat into the market from us,' explains Kevin Horsley, Marketing & Sales Director at LeisureCat Australia/Malaysia. 'It’s able to be outboard or inboard diesel driven, available in both nine and 10m versions, with an open back or enclosed hardtop Express options,' he adds.

'We are excited to show off the Kingfisher. With a 3.1m beam, it’s very roomy inside. That’s what it’s all about with multihulls: a dry soft ride and supreme stability at rest. There’s plenty of room and you can use the space all the way forward. It features a dash that’s large enough for two 15-inch screens and it’s the only cat in the world with a single piece windscreen for uninterrupted panoramic views.'

The Kingfisher also boasts large sponsons (appendages to hulls), large enough to accommodate large V8 diesel engines. 'Where some people might feel restricted by what inboard engine size they can have, there are no restrictions with this vessel. It’s aimed at the commercial market, patrol and sea rescue groups, as well as the leisure market. It has proven very popular with the cruising and charter market and we’re keen to capitalise on this success.'

Australian manufacturer, Lightwave Yachts will host the global launch of its 45 Maestro model, brand new to market and made at Coomera on the Gold Coast.

'It’s a new concept – nothing else like it,' says managing director Roger Overell. 'It is a three-cabin boat and the master is the key feature, with a full walk-around island-style bed – like a luxury home. It has a full-double ensuite and walk-in robe. It was built for a repeat customer who previously owned a 38-foot boat. This one is a commercial boat that will be used for charter out of Brisbane, built to survey standards. We’re sure it will attract a lot of interest at Sanctuary Cove.'
With the interiors designed in-house, the new 45 Maestro model was designed with a specific brief.

'We have blended new building techniques, new materials and contemporary styling into the brand’s conventional build, the Grande model. The owner wanted a nautical theme with a modern twist, American oak panelling and light colour palette within, lots of light provided by the large tinted windows,' explains Overell.

'The Maestro model is heavily customised to meet owners’ requirements and can come in two, three or four cabin options, with two, three or four bathrooms, galley up or down, all available in that model range. You’re only limited by your imagination in terms of interior design.'

From Vicsail, Lagoon will feature the newest and most innovative cats on the market this year: the Lagoon 39 and the Lagoon 52 at the SCIB this year (main picture).

Says Cheryl Stanton, marketing manager at Vicsail, 'We are very excited to introduce these new Lagoon cats to Australia. This year at SCIBS we are looking at a positive show with a great response to the new generation of catamarans.'

Packing a lot of features in to its 40-feet, including a generous cockpit, raised helm station, centralised sail controls, and spacious main saloon with galley, dining table and room to socialise, the Lagoon 39 boasts vertical, bevelled bows and aft centred mast for sailing performance and ease of handling.

The Lagoon 52 is no ordinary catamaran, and its originality goes a great deal further than just its appearance, or even its interior layout. This new Lagoon is the result of collaboration between the architects at Van Peteghem-Lauriot Prévost (VPLP), the Italian Nauta Design agency and the Lagoon design department. These discussions led the team to make important and sometimes radical choices, while remaining faithful to the Lagoon hallmarks of elegance, comfort, safety, user-friendliness and performance under sail.

Leopard Catamarans Australia will have the Leopard 44 on show this year, with its innovative forward cockpit design. The 44 is the current model, suited to offshore cruising and family coastal markets. 'It’s unique in the market,' says dealer, Wayne Richards. 'It can be accessed from the saloon, it’s in the shade, ventilates the boat better at anchor, and provides another living or entertaining area for family and friends. Up there, you can’t get in the way of the sailing, and it’s peaceful with a great view!'

SCIBS regulars for six years, Leopard Catamarans anticipate a good show in 2014. 'We’ve had a good year so far,' says Wayne. 'People are attracted to multihulls for their versatility, being able to sail them hard and enjoy the socialising and stability of the multihull.'

Leopard has just released a new option for prospective owners called 'Build my Leopard' which allows clients to gain live online factory pricing estimates and greater depth of knowledge of the brand.

Wayne continues: 'Leopard cats are well-built, strong, they’ve been in the market for almost 20 years, and they’re built by Robertson and Caine in South Africa. They come across the southern ocean on their own hulls, so they prove their credentials!'

For tickets and more information visit www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com