Macché Fuorisalone, we’re going to the multihull party in La Grande Motte

While Milan is overrun with design enthusiasts from around the world for the Salone del Mobile, we escape to the French coast for what is the must-attend event for all multihull enthusiasts. We are talking about the Salon International du Multicoque, staged April 15-19 in La Grande Motte ( www.multicoque-online.com), on the French Mediterranean coast, just over three hundred kilometers from the Italian border at Ventimiglia. It is a good opportunity to take stock of the momentum that the multihull segment is experiencing,.

NEW CONSTRUCTION SITES ARE BORN
The demonstration is before our eyes, evidenced by the large number of new models that have taken to the water in recent months and the many projects that yards, old and new, have presented. That’s right, because in addition to historical names, young builders and original progetits are also entering the market. One example is the Slyder 47, announced in recent months and involving professionals from as many as four nations: Germany, France, Italy and Switzerland. Then there is a historic shipyard such as the French Outremer, which joined Bavaria a few months ago. This is a significant choice by the German giant, which has thus decided to focus strongly on the catamaran segment, ready to challenge the world’s two leading manufacturers, Lagoon e Fountaine Pajot, who for their part have decided this year to aim high: the former with a series of custom models, the latter with a 67-footer expected at the upcoming Cannes show.

AND THE ITALIANS? I AM!
The success and acclaim achieved by Enrico Contreas with his Mattia 52 in past seasons is no longer a white fly in the multihull scene. In addition to the Sicilian shipyard Set Marine, which launched its second model the 625 Sail this year, a historical name from our home, Comar, is making its absolute debut right at the La Grande Motte show. Designing his Comet Cat 37 (11.10×5.84 meters are its measurements) is prominent designer Marc Lombard, who has retained the sporty characteristics that have made the Italian manufacturer famous. Interesting choice to equip the hulls with an accentuated redan.

A GLIMPSE OF THE CATAMARANS FEATURED AT LA GRANDE MOTTE

Catana Bali 4.3

Bali is the name of the new range of catamarans dedicated to comfortable cruising from French shipyard Catana. A highly anticipated line for a builder long known for its high-performance hulls. There are several design solutions aimed at experiencing cruising with the comforts of home: cockpit and saloon form a whole, separated only by a sliding glass door that disappears completely, thus giving an impressive surface area to guests. Common features also on the Bali 4.3. Data: length 13.10 m; width. 7,12 m. www.adriaship.it

Comet Cat 37

A world premiere. It is Marc Lombard, a sacred monster of design, who designed Comar’s first catamaran. Great importance, in keeping with the Italian shipyard’s tradition, is placed on performance. The hulls stand out for an accentuated redan in the still life, which keeps the water lines thin, and then widens in the still life. The interiors provide different versions, from two to four cabins with two bathrooms. Sheltering the cockpit is a rigid hardtop that can be fully enclosed. Data: length. 11.10 m; larg. 5.84 m; www.comaryacht.com

Nautitech 40

As of this year, the French shipyard has joined the Bavaria family. The latest addition is a model that fits well into the concept of hulls suitable for comfortable cruising. However, the Nautitech 40 is also a catamaran designed to entertain while sailing, thanks in particular to a sail area of 91 square meters. Spaces on board are designed to make the most of every space. The cockpit, sheltered by a rigid hardtop, can be enclosed for use in the bad season. Two helmsman stations, both at the extreme stern. Data: length. 11.98 m; wd. 6.91 m; www.nautitech.fr

Outremer 45

A complete overhaul of the transalpine shipyard’s famous little one, the Outremer 45 is designed according to the new standards and philosophy: simplicity, comfort, other sailing performance and ease of handling. It is a project that is the result of teamwork: the Barreau-Neuman firm took care of the naval architecture, Frank Darnet Design is instead the author of the interior design: the expert Patrick le Quement then took care of coordinating all these professionals. The result is a catamaran with streamlined lines and a restrained superstructure, benefiting the size of the cockpit. Data: length. 13.77 m; wd. 7.10 m; www.catamaran-outremer.com

Slyder 47

It is the result of a team effort this fourteen-and-a-half-meter, conceived by Switzerland’s Christian Paulitsch, designed by France’s François Perus (interiors by Italy’s Marco Veglia), while construction takes place in Italy and the commercial side of the project, which made its debut at the last Dusseldorf boat show, is handled in Germany. Here, then, is a fourteen-meter catamaran made of carbon, with very sharp hull lines softened by the slightly convex superstructure. One of the factors to which more attention was paid was weight containment: in fact, the Slyder 47’s empty displacement is only 8.2 tons. Data: length. 14.30 m; wid. 7.15 m; www.slyder-yachts.com

Fountaine Pajot Hélia 44


A not inconsiderable challenge faced the designers of Berret Racoupeau studio in designing Fountaine Pajot’s Hélia 44. Indeed, it was a matter of “transporting” on a 13.30-meter some of the distinctive features of the great Sanya 57. Let’s start from the top, namely the flying bridge that houses a double sundeck and a sofa, as well as the starboard command station, to which all maneuvering is deferred. Most importantly, a fly that extends to the stern, thus totally sheltering the cockpit. Here the site has provided a proper dinette on the left. www.fountaine-pajot.com

Lagoon 450

One of the French shipyard’s most successful models never ceases to amaze. In fact, it will soon be available in a dual version, standard with wheelhouse on the flybridge or with a hardtop without a flybridge. One more option, while maintaining the characteristics desired by VPLP Architects and the Italian Nauta Yachts studio, which was able to cancel the differences between interior and exterior, giving precisely with this model the start of a real new concept of multihull layouts. www.cata-lagoon.com