What's new in multihulls

MULTI-MANIA - Practical: multihulls

Designers, builders and suppliers update us on new models and products.

Seawind Catamarans

Australia's largest sailboat builder, Seawind Catamarans, is set to exhibit the world's newest bluewater cruising catamaran at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show on May 20-23. This will be the first time the new Seawind 1250 model has been exhibited in Australia since its round trip to New Zealand earlier in the year.

The Seawind 1250 has successfully accomplished a 6,000 nautical mile bluewater sea trial along the east coast of Australia, across Bass Strait and across the Tasman to New Zealand and back. This brand-new design encompasses 28 years of multihull design and manufacturing from Seawind's experienced design team, who have created an ocean-going catamaran that offers the highest level of engineering, finish and performance.

With more than a million dollar's worth of new tooling and design investment, Seawind is looking forward to rolling out this new production line in the brand-new purpose built facility in Russell Vale (Wollongong) using a climate-controlled resin infusion lamination bay for superior fibreglassing quality and strength.
A new Seawind 1160 and Seawind 1000XL will also be on display at the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show, plus cruising seminars hosted daily featuring heavy-weather sailing and crossing the Pacific.

Seawind Catamarans is also excited to announce a new venture called Seawind Sailing Holidays, aimed at promoting charter holidays all over the world.
For more information ph (02) 9719 9077, email holidays@seawindcats.com, website www.seawindcats.com

Leopard Catamarans

Leopard Catamarans, North America’s #1 selling brand of catamaran, has been making strides in Australia since the opening of offices in Brisbane
and Bundaberg.

Built by South Africa’s foremost builder Robertson and Caine, the Leopard range consists of the Leopard 46, the award-winning Leopard 38 and the Leopard
47 Powercat.

“Featured in the March 2009 issue of CH, the Leopard 46 is an exceptional boat,” a spokesperson said.

“She is the most popular and best-selling Leopard catamaran to date and features a three-cabin layout and an abundance of space. The owner suite features a double berth, lounge area with couch and study desk, and a large head and shower. Leopard Catamarans is offering an exceptional deal on a 2010 Leopard 46 with many upgrades such as air-conditioning for $986,681.

“If owning the 2010 Boat of the Year winner appeals to you, then look no further than the new Leopard 38. Like her big sister Leopard 46, she too features three cabins with a dedicated owner suite.”

You can see the new Leopard 38 at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.

For more information ph 1300 661 321, 0422 638 157, email sales@leopardcatamarans.com.au, www.leopardcatamarans.com.au

The Cat Factory

The WA-based Cat Factory has been catering to the increased demand for catamarans since 1999.

“We understand performance combined with comfort and style is what our clients are looking for and we specialise in building recognised-design multihulls customised to suit each customer’s needs,” a spokesperson said.

“Our vision is to help our clients realise their dreams. We do this by consistently delivering to the highest possible standard, and are recognised in WA as the builder of choice for those wanting quality-built, customised, designer catamarans.

“DIY builders can also enjoy an interactive working relationship. As the recommended builder for a number of kit designers, including Fusion and Schionning, we offer a comprehensive service from kit sales through to construction.”

For more information ph 0409 203 056, email kate@catfactory.com.au or visit www.catfactory.com.au

Lightwave Catamarans

Seeking protection through continual refinement, Lightwave Yachts is proud to announce the 2010 model Lightwave 38’ Forte.

Celebrating their 70th Lightwave launching this year, Lightwave Yachts has just given its most produced model, the Lightwave 38’, a new look. Showcasing Lightwave Yachts’ strength of innovative design, the Lightwave 38’ Forte provides more space, comfort and performance while enhancing overall appeal.

Features include a new, larger cockpit hardtop area that offers protection from the elements, while providing more space on top for solar panels. This is complimented by a new streamlined targa further aft, replacing the davits, enhancing the Lightwave 38’s head-turning appeal. An optional upper mainsheet traveller or transom traveller is incorporated here. A larger bi-fold sliding door with wider entrance adds to the seamless flow of the cockpit and saloon areas. Layout options include an optional ensuite with separate shower and toilet and a new master aft cabin featuring a viewing window in the hull and an island-style queen bed.

Lightwave Yachts will launch the new-look model at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.

“Our range of ultimate cruising catamarans exudes elegance with its sleek appearance and modern flowing lines, and offer superb handling and excellent performance in bluewater conditions,” a spokesperson said.

For more information contact Lightwave Yachts, ph (07) 5556 0030, email info@lightwaveyachts.com, website www.lightwaveyachts.com

Spirited Designs

Spirited Designs provides comprehensive high-tech kit packages for high performance cruising catamarans in sail or power. The kits incorporate moulded hull and deck sections which fit together with pre-laminated flat panels. These moulded sections are built using the resin-infusion process, optimising the strength, weight and durability of these parts. Utilising DuFLEX panels for the flat panels in the structure as well as the furniture results
in an exceptionally strong and rigid shell. Only epoxy resins are used in the manufacture of the kit package, as well as in the assembly process.

There are now many Spirited 380s on the water with most of these covering many thousands of bluewater miles. The 380 achieves excellent boat speed and the highly responsive performance means that this boat is easily handled with a “lightweight” feel.

If more comfort is what you are after, then the Spirited 480 may suit you. The 480 is designed for long-term liveaboard cruising and can accommodate some serious luxury options. With slimmer hulls than the 380, the 480 will perform very well and achieve excellent passage speeds. Modelled on the 380, the 480 has many of the same popular features such as the flat decks, walk-through access into the cockpit, galley in the saloon and good-sized engines located outside of the accommodation area.

Both of the above sailing designs can be complemented with high-tech options such as a carbon mast, fibre rigging, carbonfibre fittings and other modern innovations.

For more information contact Spirited Designs, ph (02) 4982 2788, email info@spiriteddesigns.com.au, www.spiriteddesigns.com.au

Multihull Solutions

Multihull Solutions has experienced dramatic growth and record sales over the past year in response to its commitment to offering the world's finest brands and exceptional client service. The company is the leading new and pre-owned multihull specialist in Australia and New Zealand offering a range of sail and power multihulls from prestigious international brands including Catana, Fountaine Pajot and Trawler Catamarans.

In the past year Multihull Solutions also secured the exclusive distribution rights to showcase Sunreef Yachts and NEEL Trimarans in the region.
In addition to new boat sales the company operates a quality pre-owned brokerage with an extensive array of multihulls priced from $250,000 to $10 million and offers a comprehensive range of extra services including assistance with setting up your multihull, shipping and transport facilitation, assistance with insurance, refitting and interior redesign, relocation and much more.

The company has its head office in Mooloolaba on Queensland's Sunshine Coast as well as a NZ office in Auckland.

"We are enjoying record sales as more and more people are recognising the comfort, safety and performance benefits of multihulls, and we are able to showcase a great range of the world's leading brands," MD Mark Elkington said.

"Also the current tax deductions available to many businesses mean that the decision to purchase a multihull for company use and charter boat investment purposes is even more appealing."

Multihull Solutions will unveil the high ly anticipated Fountaine Pajot Lipari 41 sailing catamaran at boat shows this year.

For more information ph (07) 5452 5164, email info@multihullsolutions.com.au, website www.multihullsolutions.com.au

Mooloolaba Yacht Brokers

The French-built range of Nautitech Catamarans is available in Australia and New Zealand from Mooloolaba Yacht Brokers, who have the 40, 44 and 47 models of these stunning catamarans available to view.

Nautitech owners and charterers know exactly what the advantages are to having twin helms on the quarters: all-round visibility, view of the slot, the pleasure of steering, the ease of berthing unaided and the view of the crew and increased cockpit space. Without changing any of the Nautitech 44’s exceptional qualities, Nautitech now offers two choices of steering positions on the popular 44-footer.

The Nautitech 54 is the new flagship of the Nautitech fleet. Still under development, it is already a boat of considerable interest to many prospective buyers, with a “stealth” look about it.

CIM shipyard is now a subsidiary of Nautitech, specialising in building large, luxury custom yachts from 15-45m.

For more information ph (07) 5444 4822, email info@yachtbroker.com.au, www.yachtbroker.com.au

Surtees Multihull Designs

Surtees Multihull Designs offers a range of unique easy-to-fold cats from 5-9m, ideal for owner builders looking for a safe, stable trailerable multihull, with the fact they are trailerable offering owners more storage options.

“The cats also are shallow draught, which means more options to explore and less chance of running aground, with a kick-up centreboard and rudder to help avoid damage,” Len Surtees said.

“The single centreboard is located in the centre pod and when in the up position is clear of the water, which means no drag downwind. There are no through-hull fittings, daggerboard or centreboard trunks and these cats will go faster because there’s no turbulence caused by underwater fittings.

“The simplest way to build a compound curved hull of light weight is to bend structural sheets of foam over a simple plug and fibreglass the skins. These hulls are incredibly strong and they will give the best dollar return if you decide to sell.

“The centre pods are made from marine plywood and sealed with epoxy. The folding beams are rectangular structural-grade aluminium and we can supply these.”

Surtees offers comprehensive plans, including full-size patterns for the hulls to make construction easier.

For more information ph 0409 891 008, email lensurtees@hotmail.com, www.surteesmultihulls.com

Schionning Marine

The past year has been a busy one for Schionning Marine, who introduced some fabulous new designs.

The popular G Force design range of high-performance cruisers has grown with a 15m option and will expand again with a 17m.

The Bermuda 77 is unlike any custom design Schionning Marine has previously undertaken. Measuring in at a staggering 23.5m, with a 10m, the parameters gave the design team a blank canvas with which to create this flagship design, already in production in South Africa.

The popular Wilderness X series cruising cats available in kit form for easy construction and Prowler VT and Alaskan power cat kids continue to sell well.
On the drawing board is a range of Troublemaker monohull yachts with four models: 7m and 9.3m trailer-sailers, a 42ft mono and a 56-footer.
"Keep a lookout for these new sailing boats if you're a mono lover becuase Troublemakers are modern sailing boats with all the best features of a multihull," Lorraine Schionning said.

For more information ph (02) 4982 4858, email info@schionningmarine.com.au, website www.schionningmarine.com.au

Windslyce

After a good headsail furler and a reliable engine the most important asset for the cruising/racing yachtsman is a good mainsail handling system. The multihulls with no backstay and full-length battens supporting massive roaches have set a standard because in some cases it is nigh on impossible to lower or reef the main without good luff hardware. The main choice is between a good slider system and a recirculating ball system. Windslyce offers full-batten main traveller systems, which provide safe mainsail sailing with a minimum of crew, as well as mainsheet travellers and recirculating ball products.

For more information ph (02) 9326 2654, email njl@windslyce.com, www.windslyce.com