SCIBS to showcase multihulls

Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show has always been a haven for multihulls and this year will prove to be even better for the catamaran and tri brigade.

Mark Elkington, managing director at Multihull Solutions says the reasons for the recent 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," he said.

So lets see what’s on offer this year at SCIBS:

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 to 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 with the new Summerland 40 Long Range cat 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.

"The Kingfisher is a new breed of cat into the market from us," explains Kevin Horsley, Marketing and 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."

"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 is 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."

"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."

Lagoon
Vicsail will feature what it says are a couple of the newest and most innovative cats on the market this year: the Lagoon 39 and the Lagoon 52 at the SCIBS this year.

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.

"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."

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!"