MULTIpedia 2025/05/16 - #04
THE 100% MULTIHULL NEWSLETTER
What’s next?
In addition to the new models unveiled at the last International Multihull Show, numerous multihulls are expected to be launched in the coming months. The most advanced in this field is undoubtedly Fountaine Pajot, which is continuing to renew its range at a rapid pace with two new, 41 and 44-foot, models. Logically designed, like the rest of the range, by Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design, both should be presented at the next Cannes Yachting Festival in September. They will be available with electric propulsion under the ODSea+ label, an option currently available on four of the eight models in the range (41, 44, Elba 45 and Aura 51). It should be noted that the New 41 is already sailing and that Fountaine Pajot has unveiled for her an innovative 3D configurator developed by VRD Studio.
We will have to wait a year, until the 2026 multihull show in La Grande Motte, to discover the future Outremer 48, designed by VPLP, Patrick le Quément and Darnet Design. Built in Lorient, like the Outremer 45 it replaces, the first hull is scheduled to be launched next January. It may seem surprising to replace a 45-footer with a 48-foot model, at the risk of taking customers away from the Outremer 52. However, there are two reasons for this choice. The first is that the customers consulted by the shipyard to design this new model want more (space, comfort, safety, etc.) without compromising on performance. This inevitably results in a maximum length within the target range, bearing in mind the second key factor, which is that the current 45’ was 48 feet long after adopting the long scoops initially reserved for the Outremer 4X. Despite 30 cm of additional height for the roof windows, the comfort/performance ratio remains, at least on paper, in line with the objectives, with the Bruce Number* for the version with genoa precisely between the previous 45’ (Barreau-Neuman design) and the 4X, close to the legendary and original Danson Outremer 45 design launched in 2000.
Admittedly, the Bruce Number* is not the holy grail of performance estimation, but in the absence of accurate and reliable VPPs, it is better than simply using the sail area/displacement ratio. The absolute value will always be debatable, but its relative value, especially within the same brand, remains interesting. It is conceivable that even if all shipyards do not communicate on the same light displacement basis, they communicate consistently according to their models. The table above shows the consistency of the Leopard, including the new Leopard 46, and Nautitech ranges. However, we will have to wait for the technical specifications to be released to find out where the next Nautitech 41 Type S will sit. With its very “Porsche” name, will it be more performance-oriented than the 44 and 48? The only information available to date is as follows. The target light displacement is nine tons, close to that of the Nautitech 40 Open (8.5 tons), which it will replace in spring 2026. It will be equipped with a square-ended mainsail and, most importantly, a genoa, rather than a self-tacking solent, to enhance performance under sail, which remains the most environmentally friendly way to sail. Highly modular, with twelve layout options, it will have a larger interior saloon than the 40 Open, with the interior/exterior volume of the cockpit once again set at 50/50. Priced at €440,000 excluding VAT ready to sail, the shipyard is taking on quite a challenge, given that the Nautitech 40 Open is currently available at a base price of €515,900 excluding VAT. Will the work of their historic naval architecture studio, Lombard Yacht Design Group, which now works also for competitor Excess, influence their positioning? In any case, in raw figures, the new Excess 13 takes the youngest brand in the Bénéteau group to the next level, especially in its Pulse version. This is a step towards independence from its Bordeaux-based big brother, which it had already begun with the Excess 14, of which one hundred units have already been sold since 2023. The brand launched in Cannes in 2019 is expected to deliver its 500th Excess, all models, by the end of 2025.
In China, the Shanghai-based Fareast shipyard, which has been producing racing monohulls since 2011, is moving into multihulls in 2025 with the NYX 42C. This original catamaran features two cockpit sides that fold down to form a large 24 m² platform and a two-cabin layout, which is quite different from what we are used to seeing on the European market. It is aimed at a 100% private clientele. One model has already been produced and six have been ordered in China. With a production capacity of around twenty units per year and a compromised US market, Europe is a coveted market.
*The Bruce Number is a simplified performance index used to compare the potential speed of different boats, particularly multihulls. The formula is as follows:
BN=Square root of sail area (SV) / Cubic root of displacement
It was proposed in the 1970s by a Canadian sailor and designer named Victor Bruce. Originally, he wanted a simple tool to compare the performance of cruising multihulls, which were rapidly gaining popularity at the time. Today, it remains a basic tool, appropriate for comparisons, but not sufficient for accurately assessing a boat's performance in different conditions (sea state, angle to the wind, stability, hull finesse, etc.).
SPOTTED
Launched at the beginning of the year by Cure Marine in Brisbane (Qld - Australia) the Cure 55 (first boat launched, second under construction, four boats sold) designed by Bury Design will only have a few nautical miles to travel south from Point Cartwright Lighthouse to reach the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show (see below).
DOWN UNDER
In Australia, the 36th edition of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is from 22 to 25 May 2025. Multihulls are a major drawcard at every Sanctuary Cove boat show given the Gold Coast’s status as the setting-off point for cruising cats heading north to the Whitsundays and on to the South Pacific. Leading brands and dealers will be introducing their latest offerings: Leopard - Excess - Cure Marine - TMG Yachts (Lagoon), Windcraft (Privilège), The Yacht Sales Co including Multihull Solutions (Fountaine Pajot) - Multihull Central (Seawind, Corsair and HH Catamarans).
CHARTER FLEET
Dream Yacht Worldwide and Navigare Yachting, already managing a fleet of 1,100 units, have announced the arrival of thirty-five new sailing yachts between 40 and 51 feet, including thirty-four catamarans (for a single Oceanis 46.1): 16 Bali, 9 Lagoon, 4 Fountaine Pajot, 4 Excess, and one Island Spirit 525 E with electric propulsion.
CHANGE
With the instability of the dollar and the new priority given to the European market by several shipyards, is it a sign of the times? Until now, Balance catamarans, manufactured in South Africa, were sold in US dollars, but they are now priced in euros for the European market. A “Leasing Special” price list has been announced in La Grande Motte, including a full range of equipment tailored to the needs of European sailors for blue water cruising (Solar panels, Lithium batteries, Integrel alternators, water-maker…). The Balance 464 is available from €1,473,461 and the Balance 502 from €2,082,150 ex-VAT.
PLUGGED
Technology advances that have allowed to increase energy density, combined with a drop in green metal prices, will push battery prices lower than previously expected, according to Goldman Sachs. Their researchers forecast that average battery prices could fall towards $80/kWh by 2026, amounting to a drop of almost 50% from 2023. Volkswagen Group forecasts a further 20% fall by 2029.
STOCK
The Bénéteau Group has seen its boat sales fall in the first quarter and is forecasting a loss for the first half of the year. As reported by the business newspaper Les Echos, during the first three months of the year, the boat manufacturer's turnover stood at €130.4 million, down 43% compared to the same period in 2024. At this stage, Bénéteau is still forecasting turnover of between €900 million and €1 billion in 2025. These forecasts are based on an anticipated decline in final demand of between 5% and 10%, and continued destocking by its dealers, resulting in a shortfall of between €50 million and €100 million for the year. “The slowdown in activity will remain pronounced in the first half of the year, particularly in the multihull sailing segment” said the group's CEO, Bruno Thivoyon. As indicated in MULTIpedia #02, the group is absorbing part of the increase in customs duties in the United States to support its local distributor network. This initiative is expected to have a negative impact of €10 million on the group's current operating income in 2025. As of May 2024, the share price of Bénéteau Group had fallen by 16.05%, that of Fountaine Pajot by 12.86% and that of Catana Group by 18.32%.
NICE
The 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) will be held in Nice (France) from June 9 to 13, with public events taking place from May 28 to June 15. Four of the most innovative multihulls currently sailing will be present. Roland Jourdain's catamaran We Explore, an Outremer 5X partially built from flax fiber, will be moored in the port of Nice for the duration of the event. It will be transformed into a platform for exchanges and discussions on issues related to ocean preservation. After seven years around the world with zero emissions, the Energy Observer laboratory ship will of course also be present at this major international event for ocean health. It should be joined by the ModX70, the first rigid-winged, electric-powered, 100% autonomous leisure catamaran with no fossil fuel consumption. Finally, from June 9 to 13, Art Explorer will be moored at Port Lympia. Launched by Perini Navi in 2023 and entirely designed by architect Axel De Beaufort, who supervised the exterior and interior design, Art Explorer is the largest aluminum sailing catamaran in the world. With a length of 47m, an exceptional width of 17.30m and a mast height of 55m, Art Explorer is a unique project, a true floating museum. It offers artists and the public a sailing platform for artistic experimentation and ecological awareness, a truly responsible and nomadic festival.
FAME
Attention, celebrity for sale! The Maxicat Victoria currently for sale at Bernard Gallay Yacht Brokerage (€950,000) is none other than the former Club Med, led to victory by Grant Dalton and his crew in the legendary crewed round-the-world race organized by Bruno Peyron in 2001, The Race. Transformed into a fast-cruising yacht, she benefited from a complete refit in 2017 and 2023, preserving her exceptional performance while integrating modern equipment for comfortable sailing accessible to a reduced crew. The future owner can either enjoy her as she is or imagine bringing her up to the level of a Vitalia II, the former ‘Orange’ transformed, in the best sense of the word, for François Bich, with the expertise of Patrick Sassier, as seen at the 2016 International Multihull Show.
AWARDS
Following the Fountaine Pajot Thira 80 in 2024, a new French multihull was honored at the Singapore Yacht Show. The Lagoon 60 wins the Best Sailing Catamaran Above 15M Award during the 2025 Yacht Style Awards Ceremony.
In Europe, the Sunreef 43M Eco has been awarded the German Innovation Award 2025 by German Design Council. The three yachts already ordered will be equipped with 250 m² of solar panels, including over 120 m² seamlessly integrated into the yacht’s structure, a hydrogeneration system, 1 MWh battery pack, paired with electric propulsion.
NOMINATION
In the meantime, the Gunboat 82 and the McConaghy MC75 have been nominated at The International Yacht & Aviation Awards 2025. In the sailing superyachts category. Voters will have to choose between one of these two catamarans and a single monohull, the 52m Tramontana Yachts.
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