"DOUCE FRANCE" VIDEO

THE HAVANA AND NOAH CATAMARAN WEBSITES ARE ON LINE

ALU MARINE has launched two new websites to introduce the luxury Havana ocean sailing catamarans and the Noah elegant trawler catamarans ranges.
ALU MARINE the builder of the world largest cruising catamaran to date "Douce France" will introduce the Havana 72 and the Noah range both at the Cannes and Monaco yacht show.

In Cannes, you will be able to meet the Alu Marine team in the "Espace Riviera" stand Riv 037 and in Monaco in the "French Pavillon" stand QD76.

It is worth noticing that you will also be able to discover a full HD 3D video animation of the Noah at both shows.

The HAVANA website The NOAH website

BMT Nigel Gee and Design Unlimited 40 meters Power Catamaran

BMT Yachts and Design Unltimited teamed up to create this 40 meters long and 11.8 meters large luxury motor catamaran.

The BMT Group, based in Southampton and Rotterdam, is a leading multidisciplinary engineering, design and technology consultancy offering its service to many industries including the yachting industry. It has worked on many large motor and sailing yachts, many large catamarans projects including on the 45 meter "Hemisphere" which is being currently outfitted at the Pendennis Shipyard and the largest sailing yet "Douce France".

Design Unlimited, based in Fareham (Hampshire, close to Southampton), is a large design office involved both in production and custom yacht design. They are in charge of the exterior and interior design of this 40 meters catamaran.

They took advantage of the very large beam to optimize the interior and exterior living spaces on the three decks. As you can see the owner suite and the saloon are huge. The lower deck welcomes, in two separate hulls, the crew quarters (port side) and two large en-suite VIP cabins convertible into one master suite (starboard side).

The main deck features two more en-suite VIP and a gym opening on a large deck. The sun-deck includes a pool.

The upper deck is mainly for the owner. It also welcome a very comfortable suite for the captain with a direct access to the pilot house.

The main deck has a large foredeck for two 6 meter tender with a crane and a lower garage for jet skis and water toys.

There are a number of propulsion options for this yacht. You can choose twin diesel engines for a 20 knot cruising speed and a 2600 nm range up or you can "upgrade" to 40 knots with quad diesel or combine turbines and gas installation.

NOAH 76 - LIFESTYLE CONCEPT AND FIRST INTERIOR IMAGES

You will find the first interior images of the Noah 76, an elegant trawler catamaran designed by VPLP and built by Alu Marine.

PHILOSOPHY
A powerful yacht, an amazing design, a unique concept of life, to sail far away on extended voyages in exceptional comfort; this is the Noah 76 philosophy.

Unique life on board
The Noah 76 is a yacht for passionate people who want to be at one with their boat – living and sailing aboard.
Life on a Noah is more than anything a concept of unique pleasure and practicality. She is the perfect answer for those wishing to escape the
routine of life in the fast lane.

Great voyages
Traveling as one chooses, without restrictions, safely and in optimal comfort; this is everyone’s dream.
The Noah 76 is a powerful and strong yacht built according to the highest professional standards for ocean cruising. The particularly spacious deck areas, allow the guests to make the most of the fine weather and enjoy the natural surroundings. The low draft is ideal to reach the most inaccessible anchorages.

DESIGN – ELEGANCE
Timeless, the design of the Noah 76 is unique and sets itself apart from conventional styles.
The Noah 76 was developed by VPLP, Van Peteghem Lauriot Prévost, whose naval architectural skills are recognized all over the world.
Uncontested leader in the design of racing and cruising multihulls, VPLP gave the Noah her stunning elegant lines.
The décor was created by the interior designer Anne Monique Bonadei from Milan. She was also responsible for the restoration of the “Orsay” Museum in Paris. She knows how to create a serene, pure and airy atmosphere on board.
From the exterior, the style is refined and the lines are elegant. Inside, the simple and natural decor creates a peaceful atmosphere. The attention given to finishes and the choice of materials enhance comfort and relaxation on board. Materials and colors are in perfect harmony.

SPACE ‐ COMFORT
The Noah 76 offers an impressive living area of 260 m² / 2800 sq.ft. The headroom, which is quite exceptional everywhere on the yacht, offers optimal comfort for her passengers. Distributed on three levels, the accommodation of this large expedition catamaran is spacious,
comfortable and practical. It allows for closeness and intimacy.
It is also a very quiet motorboat, perfect for enjoying long peaceful cruises.
Main deck
Real "loft" on the water, the spacious saloon, with its large sliding doors opens widely to the outside. The interior is light and airy; it is well ventilated thanks to the large opening windows.
A spacious and friendly galley looks onto the saloon and the outside. With the generous worktop and simple and uncluttered design, the galley is functional and very pleasant.
Outside, there are large living areas with deckchairs and a long table where 12 guests can enjoy a friendly meal.
Upper deck
The upper deck is reached from the saloon by a spiral staircase or by an outside staircase from the cockpit.
The upper deck comprises a well appointed wheelhouse and a spacious lounge with a sunbathing area to enjoy the sun and the evenings "al
fresco". A sun awning can be added for more comfort and seclusion.

Cabins The cabin layout in the hulls provides perfect privacy. Each cabin has a bathroom en suite. For more comfort, the engine rooms have been
located as far away from the accommodation as possible and sound and thermal insulation was specially engineered with great care.

CUSTOM ACCOMMODATION
The Noah 76 is one of three models from 70 to 88 feet in the series. Like the Noah 70 and the Noah 88, she is available in 2 accommodation
versions, with the possibility of personalizing the interior decoration.
The owners’ version comprises of a vast and luxurious owners’ suite, two large guest cabins and a crew area.
The charter version offers four spacious cabins and two crew cabins.


POWER ‐ RANGE At sea, the Noah 76 is a powerful, fast and elegant trawler, easy to handle.
Built in aluminum, this transoceanic luxury catamaran is large, strong and reassuring. The gull wing bridge deck and the two hulls ensure an
exceptional stability.
The low draft increases the possibilities of anchorages. Equipped with 2 x 500 HP engines, the Noah 76 promises a good performance. Thanks to her hydrodynamic hulls, her drag is minimal, so is her fuel consumption. Designed for the high sea and long distance cruising, the Noah 76 is very stable and offers a range of more than 3000 miles.

CONSTRUCTION
Noah is a brand of ALU MARINE.

ALU MARINE is a Shipyard specializing in the construction of aluminum boats. Staffed with experts and world‐renowned architects, ALU
MARINE have been building high performance, safe and comfortable boats for more than 20 years. With a team of passionate and experienced men and women, the Shipyard puts particular emphasis on the human values, skills and qualities of their employees. All the operators are accredited to weld in accordance with the certification societies’ requirements.
Famous for the construction of the biggest sailing catamaran in the world, Douce France, 138 feet, the ALU MARINE Shipyard has specialized in the construction of large and luxury catamarans, with the production of many 25‐meter catamarans and other cruising yachts. With excellent knowledge and a perfect command of the construction of large units, ALU MARINE also build many workboats. Each one is therefore manufactured in accordance with the highest professional standards and quality materials. The shipyard uses alloys of aluminum approved by certification societies, which optimize the boat performances by making them stronger, surer and easier to maintain.
With more than 20 years of experience and a strong knowledge of the nautical sector, ALU MARINE offer every owner maximum pleasure and tranquility

THE HAVANA 72 BY ALUMARINE ET BERRET RACOUPEAU YACHT DESIGN

Alumarine and Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design joined forces to create the Havana 72, a beautiful and luxurious ocean sailing catamaran.

A successful partnership

ALU MARINE shipyard has specialized in the construction of aluminum boats for more than 20 years with a long experience of large luxury yachts. Douce France, the biggest sailing catamaran in the world, at 138 feet is the symbolic icon of the shipyard. It already featured at the time some very advanced styles of accommodation and modern and timeless hull lines.
Reputed also for the construction of industrial units, ALU MARINE build each model to high professional standards and therefore guarantee every unit is produced to the highest quality of construction.
The ALU MARINE experience and know-ho
w combined with the passion of their staff for sailing, ensures the company maintains close contact with their customers and responds to their expectations in the best possible way.
BERRET RACOUPEAU YACHTS DESIGN have been drawing up plans and designing innovative boats with fines lines and excellent sea-keeping qualities for 30 years. Their design and layout development skills for large luxury catamarans have been well proven. With many achievements and an excellent reputation, the company is now one of the leading French design offices.
These combined skills have resulted in the creation of the Havana. BERRET RACOUPEAU YACHT DESIGN design the interior and exterior and ALU MARINE, build the boats. The Havanas are sailing catamarans made for long distance cruising in comfort, luxury and at speed. The Havana 72 is the first model of the series.


The advantages of an aluminum catamaran …
Construction
The Havana 72 is extremely stable, strong and seaworthy. The hull, deck and structural bulkheads are purpose-built in aluminum for its superior strength and unrivalled longevity.
Accommodation
The aluminum construction also has the advantage of allowing a greater flexibility for customization. The interior layout can be personalized to the customer’s needs and requirements. The Havana 72 is available in 3 versions. Each owner will find the configuration best adapted for his navigation schedule.
Navigation
Designed for coastal and blue water cruising, the Havana 72 features a shallow draft to reach the most inaccessible places and moor in remote and peaceful anchorages.
It is also a “long distance runner” with a range suited to ocean crossing, perfect to sail around the world. With the excellent quality of construction and a very solid hull, the Havana 72 gives total confidence and peace of mind while cruising on the high seas.

Outdoor advantages…
Performance
The fine hull lines of the Havana 72 reduce the wetted surface and provide a smooth glide through the water. With an upwind sail area close to 300 m², this catamaran guarantees a good performance and a great feeling.
The flybridge seats, the large steering wheel and the location of the navigation instruments ensure the helmsman’s comfort. Visibility from the helm station is excellent. The centralized controls lines are brought back to 4 winches and particularly easy to use.

Comfort and conviviality
The hull and deck lines are modern, clean and in keeping with the interior design. The quality of the furniture and exterior lighting provide a warm and elegant ambience. The living space is vast with two seating areas, in the cockpit and on the flybridge.
The wide side decks and flush hatches make it easy and safe to move around the deck.
Spacious, the flybridge is also a friendly and comfortable living space with large sunbeds and a coffee table - the perfect place to relax with family and friends.
A raising platform can be fitted aft between the transoms for bathing and for stowing the tender.


Comfortable accommodation…

Light and modularity of spaces
The saloon, which can be adapted to the owner’s choice, is very light and opens widely onto the outside. The telescopic tables allow this spacious and friendly dining area to be converted into a comfortable lounge with a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
The size of the portholes has been optimized to offer excellent natural light and fantastic views over the ocean wherever you are in the boat.
The galley is extremely functional and well located in the port side hull with easy access from the saloon.
The cabins are spacious and impressive with luxurious and versatile accommodation. In
the aft portside cabin, the double bed is easily convertible into twin beds.
Design
Created by Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design interior designers, the interior has been carefully designed with elegant lines and refined materials.
The rich woodwork, indirect lighting and comfortable sofas create a serene and calm atmosphere, perfect for a blissful relaxation.
________________________________________________________________________

2 WEEKS TO THE FIRST ATLANTIC MULTIHULL SHOW - THE LIST OF EXHIBITORS INVOLVED IN LUXURY MULTIHULL BUILDING AND DESIGNING

In two weeks from now will start the first Atlantic Multihull Show in Lorient (France).


The size of the multihulls is ranging from 20 feet to the largest one 74, which is the Privilege 745 from Alliaura Marine.

In the world of luxury catamarans several exhibitors are present (by alphabetical order) :

• Alumarine, the builder of Douce France and of the Noah range.
• Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design the designer of la "sella del diabolo", code e, the yapluka 65, the Fountaine Pajot Galathea
  
• Couedel Hugon Design, the interior designer of the Lagoon 620
• Franck Darnet Design : the interior designer of the NAHEMA 120 and of the new interior of Magic Cat
• JFA the builder of Sun Tenareze and of the VPLP 110
• Marsaudon Composite who just launched an amazing, fast 60 feet trimaran, exhibited at the show.
  
• VPLP the world leader in Multihull design including such multihulls as Douce France, Ciliam, VPLP 110, Hemisphere (ex gemini)....

If you haven't booked your ticket it is time to do so.

The list of all the exhibitors is on line - follow the link.

MONACO YACHT SHOW SPECIAL

After Cannes lets take a look at the Monaco Yacht Show which will take place in Monaco from the 23 rd to the 26 th of September. Who will be there ? (most of the information is already in the blog so click on the links to know more about each project).

BERRET RACOUPEAU YACHT DESIGN

Olivier and his team will introduce their latest designs including a 90 footer aluminium luxury catamaran "LA SELLA DEL DIAVOLO" which has just been launched in Italy and of course their eco-smart 100 foot CODE [E]. Olivier has developed within his design office a special research and development department to study the most innovative eco-friendly solutions for luxury sailboats.

JFA


JFA is actually building the largest all composite catamaran a 110 foot on VPLP drawings. I am really waiting to hear more about this beautiful catamaran but very little information is coming out of the shipyard.

SUNREEF

The new SUNREEF 90 DD

SUNREEF is actually building a SUNREEF 102 DD which will be launched this winter and SUNREEF 114 which will be launched next January. To late for this year yacht show but hopefully we can see one of them for Monaco in 2010. SUNREEF will also introduced the new SUNREEF 90 Double Deck with an innovative mezzanine in the saloon and the breathtaking 150 by SUNREEF. I would really like SUNREEF to find a buyer for this concept which is really different from the other designs. If there is one place to find a rich and new design attracted client it is Monaco indeed.

VPLP

The VPLP design office has created the largest sailing catamaran to date with DOUCE FRANCE a 138 footer and HEMISPHERE, the largest ever catamaran which is still at the DERECKTOR shipyard due to legal issues between the owner and the yard. Too bad, this catamaran was really expected. The design office has drawn many other project for very large catamaran which they will introduce during the show.

CANNES BOAT SHOW SPECIAL

The sun is now shining in France, even in Brittany, and we are getting close to September and the Cannes and Monaco Boat Shows. I did a quick check at the Festival International de la Plaisance de Cannes website to see what you will find in terms of luxury catamarans. The list of exhibitors is very short, I hope it has not been updated, I will do a check in August to complete this post.

CATLANTECH

Catlantech will introduce the CATLANTE 600, a 60 foot catamaran, built by the Catlantech shipyard in Lorient (France). The interesting, yet I am wondering how they are doing that, feature of the CATLANTE 600 is that they offer 9 different version, from charter to owner, both sail and motor trawler type.




WINDPEARL YACHTS

First time I hear of this company located in Paris. They are the builders of luxury sailing yachts including a FastCat 60 designed by Marc Lombard. I couldn't access their website so I found more information on Marc Lombard's website. I hope I am writing about the same cats. If you know more let me know.



VPLP

Of course the world most famous multihull designer office will be at the show to present I guess many of their design including the VPLP 110 being actually built at the JFA shipyard.



NOAH ALUMARINE

Alumarine, the builder of the largest sailing catamaran Douce France will introduce the NOAH range of motor trawler catamaran with their amazing design. The shipyard will introduce three different sizes a 69, a 76 and an 88. I really like the design of these elegant catamarans. I already wrote a post about the range if you want to see more details.

SUNREEF YACHTS

Of course SUNREEF will there again and strong with three units afloat : the last SUNREEF 70 POWER "SEA BASS", the SUNREEF 70 sailing "SEAZEN II" and the SUNREEF 62 "TAHAA II" with an extravagant design.
At this occasion SUNREEF YACHTS which enlarges its activities and is actually building new production facilities will introduce a new range of monohulls motor yachts the Blue Reef Yachts and a new in house section CYS International dedicated to building one off projects from external designers and clients.

DUSSELDORF BOAT SHOW - BOOT DUSSELDORF - LUXURY CATAMARAN EXHIBITOR

For those of you lucky enough to go the this year Boot Dusseldorf, I am just listing the luxury catamaran builders and designers present at the show.





JFA is building the VPLP 110 an amazing 110' fast and sleek catamaran. HALL 7A/B11

BERRET RACOUPEAU YACHT DESIGN will introduce for the first time Code[e] the most advance eco-friendly yacht available on the market. HALL 7A/B11

SUNREEF will be present for the first time in Dusseldorf to introduce their successfull catamaran range including the SUNREEF 102 DD and SUNREEF 114 actually being built at the yard in Poland. HALL 7A/C24

H2X, a shipyard located in La Ciotat who is continuing to build the NAHEMA 120 and has built the BRADLEY motor catamaran. HALL 7A/H26

ALUMARINE, the builder of the large luxury catamaran afloat DOUCE FRANCE will introduce the NOAH motor catamaran. HALL 7A/B11

"DOUCE FRANCE" STILL THE LARGEST MEGA CATAMARAN - AVAILABLE FOR CHARTER

I recently added a link to "DOUCE FRANCE" website in the Catamaran Category because I just recently found her website. There are some nice pictures and her charter calendar for the lucky ones interested.

"DOUCE FRANCE" is still the largest luxury catamaran launched so far until "HEMISPHERE" is (which I really hope comes quickly). You can find information about her in the luxury catamaran blog. Just for a reminder "DOUCE FRANCE" was launched in 1998 by Alumarine on VPLP drawings and an Anne Monique Bonadei interior design.

She is actually sailing in the Seychelles area and will be back in the Mediterranean for the summer season. She accomodates 12 guest in 6 staterooms with ensuite bathrooms, and a crew of 8. She looks brand new after having completed a year long refit at the New Zealand Yacht Shipyard where all the systems were checked and changed when needed, and she was painted.

Charter Douce France catamaran with Windwarld Islands.

LUXURY CATAMARAN UPDATE WITH YOUR HELP

I am looking for recent news, pictures... for the following Cats to publish on the blog.
Also if you are crewing a large catamaran and have some pictures and news they are welcome.
The same if you are the lucky owner of one of this great cats.


DOUCE France
LADY BARBARETTA
ALLURES
RAPHOLI
CILIAM
ORION
SUN TENAREZE
HIGHEST HONOR
LONESTAR
MAGIC CAT
ETOILE MAGIQUE
ALUMARINE 80
LADY PACA
FAT CAT
CORIOLAN VI
ZINGARA
AKASHA
CHE
NAHEMA IV
INDIGO FLYER
BLUE GURU
BELLA DONNA
WONDERFUL

NOAH 76' - EXPLORATION MOTOR CATAMARAN

The NOAH 76, another VPLP design, inspired by the exploration yacht concept, a really nice looking catamaran.

I am not a great fan of motor catamarans but I really like the design of the NOAH 76. Very elegant and not agressive, VPLP's website says it is designed according to the exploration yacht concept but to me it looks more like a neo classic design with exploration capabilities. It is very luminous. If you look at the pictures of the model you can see that the salon is surrounded by large windows and opens on the cockpit on one side. In the middle a loft style helicoidal stairs goes up to the pilot house and to a huge intertainement terasse. The NOAH 76 offers three en suite cabins and one crew next to the galley and crew mess.

The NOAH 76 is very economical with ocean crossing autonomy and a draft as little as 3.3 feet. The NOAH 76 came out of the brain of Jean Claude Borgel, owner of many cats including the very famous 138' DOUCE FRANCE.

A NOAH 88 is also available with an amazing owner suite.

You will be able to discover the NOAH's at the Cannes International Boat Show from the 10 to the 15 th of September.

Now I am waiting for a designer to come out with a luxury sailing catamaran with a neo-classic exterior and interior design. If you know of any let me know.

The pictures of the NOAH 76 model are from Nicolas Claris.

HISTORY OF CATAMARAN - IMPORTANT DATES

The word Catamaran comes from the Tamil kattu “to tie” and maran “wood, tree”.

- Thousands years ago catamarans were used on the coast of Coromandel in south-eastern India.

- Around 3500 BC started the great voyages across the Pacific Ocean towards Polynesia aboard double canoes.

Polynesian Catamaran - Artist: John Webber, artist aboard Cook's ship.

- 1662, Sir William Petty designs “THE EXPERIMENT”, described as "a fantastical bottomless double-bottomed machine", and races them successfully against mono-hulls.

- 1820, “DOUBLE TROUBLE”, first catamaran built in the US by John C Stevens, famous for his bet at the origin of the America’s Cup.

- 1876, “AMARYLLIS”, is designed by the famous architect Nathaniel Herreschoff and beats the entire fleet of the New York Yacht Club.

Herreschoff patented – 1876

- 1937, “KAIMILOA”, built by Eric de Bisschop, a French explorer, was launched in Hawaii and sailed back to Cannes in France in 264 days.

Kaimiloa – Eric de Bishop

- 1947, “MANU KAI”, launched in Hawai by Brown, Kumalae and Choy is probably the first ocean going cruising catamaran to be launched.

“Manu Kai” at

Waikiki

- 1960, The Prout brothers design the “SNOW GOOSE”, an 11 meters cruising catamarans.

- 1964, “REHU MOANA”, takes part to the OSTAR race. Built by Dr. David Henry Lewis. After the race he picks up his family in the US and sails around the world. This is the first circumnavigation by a catamaran.

- 1983 The Fountaine Pajot shipyard launches the Lousiane 37, the first light cruising catamaran, industrial production of cruising catamarans has started in France.

A 1984 Louisiane 37

- 1998, “DOUCE FRANCE” 138’ designed by Lauriot-Prevost and Van Peteghem is the largest cruising catamaran launched so far.

Douce France – a VPLP design built by Alumarine

- 2005, the Maxi catamaran “ORANGE II” - 37 meters - built by Multiplast Shipyard and sailed by Bruno Peyron, sails around the world in only 55 days 16 hours with an amazing average speed of 22,20 knots.

More on :

http://www.proafile.com/view/weblog/comments/c_s_k/

http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catamaran

http://www.catamaran.co.uk/shearwater/history.htm

http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2002/11/15/1037080913844.html

http://www.multihull-maven.com/Designers/Nathaniel_Herreshoff

http://christian.navis.free.fr/multicoques.html

http://everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=1352382

http://www.runningtideyachts.com/multihull/Amaryllis.html

http://www.angelfire.com/or/petermarsh/multihulls.htm

http://www.herreshoff.org/frames/mmphotocats1frame.htm

SPIRIT 35 - NEW ZEALAND YACHTS

Eye catching Yacht

Special thanks to Roger who left a message on my blog and is a fan of wave piercer.

New Zealand Yachts is a shipyard located guess where specialized in designing and building Wavepiercer Yachts. They have also done recenlty the refit of BELLA DONA and DOUCE FRANCE the world largest sailing catamaran.

New Zealand Yachts has developped a line of Wave Piercer Catamaran Yachts from 25 to 50 meters.

They see 4 main advantages in this type of yachts :

1. Environementally sound : 40 % lower fuel consumption than a monohulls and hull shape specially designed to protect corals reefs and have less influence on the sea environment.
   
2. An amazing stability : slamming is really reduced. The air trapsact as cushion and smooth the ride even at high speeds in a 4 meter sea.
   
3. Increased Real Estate : 25 % more interior and exterior space compare to a monohull
   
4. Style : I have to admit that the Ken Freivokh (Maltese Falcon Designer) exterior design is quite nice for a motor yacht which I am not always a fan off.

Great Bathing Plaform - goes up while cruising

SPIRIT 35 was launched in 2004 and was awarded "the International Superyacht Design Award" by the Superyacht Society.

SPIRIT 35 offers her guest 258 square meters inside and 252 square meters outside for 10 guest, a lot of room. Definitely a head turner, she is available for charter ( EUR€ 98000.00-120000.00/wk) in the med and for sale at (15 950 000 USD).

Master Suite

You will find a great video of the SPIRIT 35 on You Tube.

Luxury Catamarans for Charter

Name	Length	Year	Guest	Rate
WONDERFUL	70	2004	8	36 000 €
NAHEMA IV	72	2006	8	42 500 €
EXECUTIVE	73	2007	8	28 000 €
CHE	74	2003	6	34 545 €
ZINGARA	76	2005	10	42 900 USD
AKASHA	76	2005	10	45 800 USD
FAT CAT	78	1992	6	16 000 USD
LADY PACA	79	1991	20	29 000 €
LONESTAR	75	1991	12	42 000 USD
ALLURES	99	2006	8	57 000 USD
LADY B	105	2003	8	55 000 €
DOUCE FRANCE	138.4	1998	12	110 000 USD
GEMINI	145	2008	12	170 000 USD

After strugglying more than one hour to get a spreadsheet on my blog, finally here it is. The prices listed are for the high season. Sometimes they differ depending on the charter company, so you might find other prices. Watch out some prices are in Euro and some in US Dollars. Here are a few links to the charter company I found the prices.

• Sunreef Charter
• Windward Islands
• Burgess
• De Valk
• Edminston
• Cavendish White
• Fraser Yachts
• Navis Yacht Charter
• Ocean Independence
• Camper Nicholson
• Virgin Islands Charter
• Seven Seas Yacht Charter
• YCO
• Yachting Partners International
• Catamaran Sailing
• Boss Cats

VPLP 25 TH ANNIVERSARY

Marc Van Peteghem and Vincent Lauriot-Prévost, 25 years of successfull cooperation. (from Nautic News)

VPLP is the most famous multihull design office in the World. With 25 employees, in two different offices, one in Vannes in charge of racing yachts and the other one in Paris in charge of cruising yachts, they are two of the most talented architects in the Multihull World.

Some of their most famous racing yachts :

• PIERRE PREMIER / 60 foot trimaran / 1989
• HYDROPTERE / 60 foot hydrofoil / 1994
• SPORT ELEC / 90 foot trimaran / 1997
• Groupama I-II-II / 60-90-105 trimarans / 1998-2004-2007
• GERONIMO / 110 trimaran / 2001
• GEANT / 60 trimaran / 2002
• BANQUE POPULAIRE V / 131 trimaran / in built

This is just to list a few of them.

So many successfull designs if the racing world has led the team to work on project for the nautical industry with production yachts and custom project.

Some of their production yachts :

• LAGOON 55 / 1987 - LAGOON 47 / 1990 - LAGOON 42 / 1991 ---- LAGOON 44 /2004 - LAGOON 420/2006 - LAGOON 380 the smallest but with close to 500 units built.
• KEENEX 445 / 1990
• SWITCH 51 / 1999
  

Back to the main subject of the blog luxury catamaran.

LONESTAR

VPLP started designing luxury cruising catamarans with the twin 85-footer HIGHEST HONOUR I and II on 1991 (one of them now being LONE STAR ). The twin were already built in composite and designed with sucess for the charter industry .

DOUCE FRANCE

In 1999 they enter the mega catamaran market with the largest cruising catamaran designed and built so far DOUCE FRANCE a stunning 140' built in Aluminum by Alumarine. DOUCE FRANCE has a ketch rig and can accomodate 12 guests with 8 crew.

CILIAM

In 2003, CORIOLAN VI Bis 77' was launched, built entirely in carbon by the Multiyacht Compositi shipyard in italy. The same year came out the ground breaking CILIAM a 92 footer in composite built by Salt House Shipyard in Australia. This catamaran features a very innovative design with a lot of room inside due to the fact that the roof is as large as the beam. The owner cabin is one the main platform at mast foot and enjoys a great sea view. Finally CILIAM is a fast catamaran with a 35 carbon rotating wing mast. In 2003 again, CHE , a 73 footer was launched at the SUNREEF shipyard in Poland.

GEMINI

This year VPLP will reach a climax with the launching of GEMINI, the largest private owner cruising catamaran in the world built at the DERECKTOR shipyard in the US. GEMINI will accomadate 10 guests in five statesrooms and 6 crew. I look forward to see this mega cat launched.

Finally again this year also will be launched one of my favorite project, very small compare to the GEMINI, but really fast the all carbon SIG 45 from Le Breton Yachts.

With other drawings on their boards and a growing market for luxury catamaran, I am sure the team will keep on working on great designs and of course see many of their yachts launched in the future.

WORLD MEGA-CATAMARAN LISTING - LAUNCHED AND IN BUILT

Last year, I listed all the luxury catamarans over 70 feet that I knew of and that I could find on the web in order to write NAHEMA's press kit. This was a special order from NAHEMA and it is available for journalists to read. (Just send me an email, it includes interesting bonuses about catamarans). This morning I asked Nicolas DAHER, NAHEMA's excecutive director, if I could share this list with you on my blog. Thanks to him for giving me a positive answer, so here it is.

DOUCE FRANCE THE LARGEST EVER UNTIL GEMINI IS LAUNCHED

LAUNCHED

DOUCE FRANCE 138’4’’ VPLP ALUMARINE 1998
LADY BARBARETTA 105’ CPA CMN 2003
ALLURES 99’4” BLUBAY COMPOSITE WORKS 2006
CILIAM 92’ VPLP SALT HOUSE BOAT BUILDERS 2003
SUN TENAREZE 86’ JOUBERT NIVELT JFA 2004
HIGHEST HONOR 85’ VPLP DRA 1991
LONESTAR 85’ VPLP DRA 1991
MAGIC CAT 82’ GILLES OLLIER MULTIPLAST 1996
ALUMARINE 80 80’ P. LAURENT ALUMARINE 1992
ETOILE MAGIQUE 80’ PLESSIS/ DILASSER BOB ESCOFFIER 2005
LADY PACA 79’ ALUMER 1991

FAT CAT 78’ MORELLI 1992
CORIOLAN VI 77’ VPLP MULTI YACHT COMPOSITE 2003
ZINGARA 75’8’’ MATRIX MATRIX YACHTS 2005
AKASHA 75’8’’ MATRIX MATRIX YACHTS 2005
LIZ 75’4’’ VATON DESIGN PETTER YACHTS 2000
PRIVILEGE 745 74’5’’ MARC LOMBARD PRIVILEGE 2006
PRIVILEGE 745 74’5’’ MARC LOMBARD PRIVILEGE 2007
PRIVILEGE 745 74’5’’ MARC LOMBARD PRIVILEGE 2007
CHE 74 VPLP SUNREEF 2003
NAHEMA IV 72’3’’ YACHT INDUSTRIES YACHT INDUSTRIES 2006
INDIGO FLYER 71’ WORMWOOD DOUGLAS BROOKS 1989
BELLA DONNA 70’2’’ YACHT INDUSTRIES YACHT INDUSTRIES 2005
WONDERFUL 70’1’’ BERRET RACOUPEAU YACHT INDUSTRIES 2004

Clearly we can see there is a positive trend in this market which is increasing in number and in size as you can see below in the "being built" list.

NAHEMA 120 THE LARGEST BEING BUILT IN COMPOSITE

IN BUILT

GEMINI 145’ VPLP DERECKTOR SHIPYARD
NAHEMA 120’ GILLES VATON NAHEMA
SUNREEF 102’ SUNREEF SUNREEF YACHT
HH100 100’ VPLP ALUMARINE
BLUBAY 95’1’’ YACHTS INDUSTRIES YACHTS INDUSTRIES
BLUBAY 92’1’’ YACHTS INDUSTRIES YACHTS INDUSTRIES
GUNBOAT 90’ MORELLI/MELVIN GUNBOAT
CATANA 87’ CHRISTOPHE BARREAU CATANA
YAPLUKA DD 85’1’’ YAPLUKA YACHTS INDUSTRIES
EXCLUSIVE 76’ GILLES OLLIER DESIGN KING CAT/J EUROPE
EXCLUSIVE 76’ GILLES OLLIER DESIGN KING CAT/ J EUROPE
SILHOUETTE 75’8’’ MATRIX MATRIX YACHT
The catamarans mentioned above are ocean sailing cruising catamarans.

Day charter catamarans are not mentioned.

I also read in the last Boat International Issue that 2 Berret Racoupeau Designs (27 and 31 meters) were being produced but I couldn't find any more information. In the latest issue of Showboats, the Global Order Book features a new 85 foot by JFA but again couldn't find more information. If you have any they are very much welcome.

Charte Allures Catamaran with Windward Islands.