Gunboats 90 footer launched

Gunboat Yachts, which claims to build the fastest and most comfortable cruising catamarans in the world, has just launched its most ambitious project to date -- the Gunboat 90.

The as-yet-unnamed sloop was trundled backwards down the harbour expressway in Cape Town the other day so it could be loaded aboard a freighter to be shipped to its new American owner.

Gunboat management said the construction of the yacht was a mammoth effort as the stresses and loads on the 90 foot carbon fibre hull were four times greater than the loads on its previously largest yacht, the Gunboat 66. "It took huge quantities of carbon fibre, kevlar and honeycomb nomex," a company spokesman says.

The interior space on the 38 foot wide catamaran is said to rival that aboard any 180 monohulled sailing boat and the builders say it will sail comfortably at more than 20 knots – speeds normally reserved for big motor yachts. There are four equally sized ensuite cabins, all with their queen-sized beds running east-west across the boat. The fixtures and fittings are said to rival any five star luxury hotel.

There is accommodation for four crew in the bows, a double cabin for the captain in the starboard hull and two single berths for the crew in the port hull.

The vast saloon area takes full advantage of the 38 foot beam and an equally huge covered cockpit area at the stern provides room for alfresco dining. However the most arresting feature of the yacht is the open lounging area ahead on the saloon but behind the mast. The main amidships space has room for six or more to lounge comfortably but there are also large protected wing areas built into each of the hulls. Both these areas can seat more than half a dozen people.

The main helm position is located on the extreme starboard side of the saloon, ahead of the very large galley.

The 127 foot mast will support a specially made carbon/vectra fusion membrane mailsail. All the winches are powered.

Check out Gunboat Yacht's website for more details.