The question whether to choose a monohull vessel or a catamaran is an eternal dispute between two camps of yacht lovers, arguments for which are usually based not only on cold calculations, but also on a particular philosophy.
The popularity of catamarans has grown significantly since the concept of their design underwent a number of important changes, in the light of which even multi-hull sailing vessels have now ceased to represent only a class of sports vessels, turning from Spartan-like vessels into luxurious and most comfortable cruisers.
So why have so many charter agencies added sailing and motor catamarans in their fleets? (And some have even made them their main focus.)
A person who takes a yacht for a charter, would surely list a calm and predictable on-water vacation among his or her preferences. That would mean relaxation, enjoying the sea and the sun, glasses of delicious wine and beautiful fruit platter on the table. For many this wouldn’t get along with sea-sickness, rolling at 25 degrees and narrow cockpits of classic cruising yachts.
The catamaran hull offers high stability, a horizontal deck and unprecedented space for the whole family or group of friends, for whom moving around the ship becomes no more difficult than in a country-side house.
CATAMARANS’ MAIN ADVANTAGES:
1. Capacity and habitability
This is the first and main reason for the popularity of multi-hull yachts. The salon, huge by classical standards, is most often located at the level (or almost at the level) of the main deck, which saves the crew and guests from having to squeeze back and forth along narrow ladders, unlike monohull layouts. What’s more, one cannot take for granted the flybridge - unprecedented for sailing classics.
As for sunbathing and close observation of dolphins - there is an ideal place: the bow net between the floats. In addition, the skipper’s post at the steering is usually separated, so in case of a charter you will not interfere with each other.
When sailing in a company of three or more people, catamarans provide much more privacy: two blocks with living areas are located far from each other.
Cooking and dining with friends can be immeasurably pleasant on the spacious catamaran board.
2. Manoeuvrability
Catamarans have two engines with drives located at the aft ends of the floats. Due to the distance between them, there is zero tactical circulation, which means the boat can turn almost without changing its position. Modern control systems and dynamic drives, along with bow thrusters, are surely able to deploy a monohull in the same manner, but such technical equipment in most cases is unreasonably expensive.
3. Fuel efficiency
The resistance of two low-loaded sharp hulls is less than that of a single one with a ballast keel. Therefore, one can feel the difference in fuel consumption. But only in good weather. When the weather is close to storm conditions, the monohull is more efficient and can take the lead in cost saving.
Many skippers run under one engine to save fuel, whereas both engines are used only for mooring manoeuvres.
4. Security
For years advocates of classics have argued that catamarans are not as safe as their keel boats. But this statement can now be considered outdated as its origins lie back in the middle of last century, when the majority of catamarans were built by amateurs themselves. Even in calm weather they could easily be turned over, especially if one of its bodies lost its leakproofness due to damage.
For a well-built modern catamaran it is very difficult, if not impossible, to sink.
Modern structures are created based on computer modelling of any sea conditions. Cruisers, and charter options in particular, have the maximum possible safe sail area.
5. Comfort
Overall comfort is another important issue, when it comes to choosing a yacht. A lot of sea-lovers, over the years of owning classical vessels, still haven’t been able to get rid of seasickness, and buying a catamaran could solve this problem.
Most catamarans don't even have galley stoves with hinges, which are just not needed.
6. Precipitation
Absence of a ballast keel slightly expands the possibilities and opens up access to some unequipped shores.
CATAMARANS’ DISADVANTAGES:
1. Price
Multihull vessels are indeed more expensive, both to acquire or to charter. Prices continue to grow together with catamarans’ popularity. The purchase price is half the trouble, as the services are also more expensive than those for the classics - at least for the fact that there are two engines instead of just one.
The high cost of land transportation and storage, when necessary, can also be mentioned. Price for a place in the marina would be higher, whereas some yacht clubs are not suitable for catamarans and trimarans at all.
The consolation is that used catamarans are usually sold faster and have smaller losses in price in relative terms.
2. Lack of feedback while sailing
Catamaran yachts are not suitable for sailing sport. They can be just great to go for a vacation or even to live on them, just like in a houseboat, but it is exactly because of their stability that half of the yachtsmen would never buy them. On a catamaran there is no sense of wind, waves, flight, and of the boat itself.
It is extremely difficult to determine the moment when it is necessary to reef. While on a monohull this can be done by feeling, for catamarans there is an instruction at what winds the sails area should be reduced.
3. The noise and shaking
Catamaran hulls have an excellent feature of dampening low side waves, leaving the transversal line of the hull close to the horizon. However, oncoming or tangled medium-sized waves create a continuous soundtrack when trapped between the floats and the superstructure bottom. Strong flip-flops cause vibration. In this regard, it is recommended to choose catamarans with at least one metre of clearance.
4. Windage
Large windage of the surface part of the vessel, together with low draught, sometimes makes the catamaran a “toy” in the hands of the wind. And if multihull cruisers with distinct keel elements are quite like sailboats able to go into a strong side wind no worse (or even better) than monohull cruisers, models designed for calm charter trips would perform terribly. Though, to be quite fair, it should be noted that this feature is not so relevant under engines.
5. Not suitable for high latitudes
The best choice for the North Atlantic is an aluminum trawler motor yacht. And, of course, if we consider sailboats, a monohull would be a better solution than a catamaran. Residential areas are easier to heat and keep them warm, metal classics can even go through thin ice.
However, the opposite is true for the equatorial zone — spacious catamaran salons would be beyond competition.
6. Not so romantic
The majority of sea-lovers claim that classical boats are more romantic than multihulls. In fact, this is a strange and controversial statement, as catamarans have their own special charm. A dinner with a panoramic view over the sea and the stars - what can be more romantic?
WHO IS FASTER
For some reason, it is often believed that a sailing catamaran is faster than a monohull. This is true if you compare a sports catamaran with an average cruiser. However, this would hardly be applicable to, for example, charter modifications of catamarans. Such models only go well at up to half-wind and almost won’t go at sharper courses. However they lie better at anchor.
TO SUM UP
As normal, everything would surely depend on two main factors: personal preferences and the financial aspect.
The two types of vessels give a completely different feeling, so it is highly recommended to rent and try each of them before buying - to compare the feelings. In any case, it is safe to say that a catamaran is just an ideal option - if not for purchasing, but surely for a charter. Although it is expensive, it offers quite a lot.
(Based on the article by Mikhail Safronov)
Benetti unveiled M/Y Juno’s 7, the inaugural vessel of its Class 44M series, during a launch event in Viareggio. This remarkable yacht showcases the artistry of Cassetta Yacht Designers, featuring a design that emphasizes natural, informal settings across its four decks, reflecting the brand's rich heritage.Juno’s 7 represents a significant milestone for Benetti, as it is the shipyard's fiberglass flagship, merging excellence and tradition with a modern flair. Daniela Petrozzi, Benetti’s Sales Director, expressed her excitement, stating, “This yacht embodies our continued commitment to innovation while honoring our legacy. Cassetta Yacht Designers have expertly redefined the exterior and interiors, bringing a fresh perspective to our design ethos.”The design philosophy behind Juno’s 7 focuses on creating a relaxing atmosphere, intentionally steering clear of overly artificial or elaborate environments. The use of expansive transparent surfaces, such as hull mirrors in the main lounge, enhances the natural light and openness of the space.Material selection played a central role in the design. Highlights include the use of trowelled resin for bathroom surfaces instead of traditional marble – reserved only for the main deck's basins. The yacht features a diverse array of FSC-certified woods, including antique elm flooring that retains the wood’s natural knots and uniquely varied plank sizes. Striped ash paneling was chosen for the walls, meticulously curated to achieve the perfect aesthetic for the yacht.Juno’s 7 is tailored for extended and secure voyages, with a layout designed for maximum privacy and ample storage. The yacht boasts four decks: the main deck includes the owner’s cabin, a galley, a dayhead, and a spacious lounge with panoramic views; the upper deck features a helm station, expansive living areas, and an optional VIP cabin; the sun deck offers over 102 square meters of recreational space, while the lower deck houses four guest cabins and crew facilities. A unique beach club near the water's edge adds an independent, multifunctional area, complemented by a garage strategically located on the port side.Soundproofing is a standout feature, placing this 44-meter yacht at the forefront of its class through advanced floating floors, bulkheads, and cutting-edge flexible transmission couplings. Additionally, the yacht’s air-conditioning system ensures optimal climate control with six air exchanges per hour.Powered by twin MAN engines rated at 1,400 HP each at 2,300 r/min, Juno’s 7 can reach a top speed of 15 knots and offers an impressive range of 4,100 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 11 knots.Founded in 1873, Benetti is the oldest Italian shipyard specializing in luxury yachts. Benetti designs, builds and sells composite vessels from 29 to 44m and steel and aluminum boats from 37 to over 100m. The fleet consists of five categories: Class, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now and Custom to meet all the needs of the market. Benetti belongs to the Azimut|Benetti Group, the largest privately owned luxury yachting group in the world.Credits: Benetti
November 15, 2024
The Italian Sea Group marked a significant milestone with its brand Tecnomar for Lamborghini during the European premiere of Automobili Lamborghini's latest super sports car, the Temerario1.Over 400 automotive enthusiasts arrived at Lamborghini Day Germany, hosted at Luftschiffhangar Mülheim near Düsseldorf, showcasing their extraordinary super sports cars. The event offered a thrilling 360-degree celebration of the iconic brand and unveiled the Temerario1, a remarkable Fuoriclasse super sports car boasting a powerful 920-hp twin-turbo V8 hybrid powertrain.As a partner for the occasion, Tecnomar for Lamborghini curated a unique experience using its Ad Personam configurator, enabling guests to customize their own Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 yacht. A stunning scale model of the yacht captured the attention of attendees, emphasizing the dynamic synergy between the realms of Tecnomar and Lamborghini through their shared attributes of sportiness and power.The Italian Sea Group is a global operator in the luxury yachting industry, listed on Euronext Milan (“EXM”) and active in the construction and refit of motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 140 meters. The Company, led by Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Costantino, operates on the market with the brands Admiral, renown for elegant and prestigious yachts, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, and Picchiotti; the Company has a business unit, NCA Refit, that manages the maintenance and refit services for yachts and mega yachts with a length over 60 meters. Credit: The Italian Sea Group
November 15, 2024
The power of enduring collaborations is evident, especially when it comes to the partnership between shipyard and design studio. This synergy speaks not only to the success of previous projects but also to the mutual understanding of project needs and how to elevate past designs into something new.This rings true for the Italian design studio Hot Lab, a part of the Viken Group, and Turkish shipyard Numarine, known for their popular contemporary explorer yachts, many of which have benefitted from Hot Lab's creative flair. It’s this successful history that led Numarine to engage Hot Lab for the interior design of its new flagship, the 45.34-metre 45XP, debuting for the first time. The interiors showcase clever spatial designs, multifunctional spaces, and a clean yet inviting beach-house-chic aesthetic that beautifully complements the expansive deck areas and guest amenities of the 45XP.Main saloon “With several years of collaboration under our belts, we share a mutual understanding of each other’s distinct styles,” said Ömer Malaz, Chairman of Numarine. “Given the significance of this new flagship, establishing a cohesive design strategy was paramount. While we provided some technical guidelines, we entrusted much of the creative vision to the Hot Lab team.”Main saloonThe yacht boasts a remarkable 498GT exterior, highlighted by striking profile lines that maximize deck space and superstructure glazing, ensuring a strong connection to the outside world from any point within. But the 45XP is designed not only for aesthetics; it’s built for serious cruising, featuring a seaworthy hull with a trans-ocean range of 6,000 nautical miles. This exceptional foundation allowed Hot Lab to enhance the livability of the guest spaces, drawing upon their extensive experience with previous models in the series.Master cabinThe design process began with a thorough review of the layout, which proved to be a straightforward task, thanks to Numarine’s advanced work. “The project was already positioned well technically, and Numarine requested our input on the general arrangement,” shared Enrico Lumini, design director and co-founder of Hot Lab. “Minimal intervention was needed because the yard had developed an incredibly solid design. For this 45-metre yacht, we provided insights built from our extensive construction experience, focusing on the yard's strengths while suggesting minor improvements for detail.”Upper deck loungeMalaz noted that Hot Lab understood Numarine's previous projects well, having crafted varied interiors for their last few models. “They recognize that interiors don't always need to mirror the exterior style, especially for well-received yachts produced in multiple units,” he stated. “However, they strive to enhance the interplay between interior and deck spaces, ensuring that windows and connections to the outdoors create cohesion.”Upper deck cabinThe interior design philosophy aimed to craft warm, inviting, and well-proportioned areas that harmonize in color. The layout prioritizes spaciousness in individual cabins rather than simply maximizing the number of cabins. While the design is adaptable to client preferences, Numarine is showcasing the project with an emphasis on five generously-sized cabins, fostering privacy alongside communal spaces—an essential feature for their flagship design. The yacht includes large saloons and a spacious owner’s cabin with direct access to a private bow area. “It harmonizes the yard's characteristics with innovative proposals,” Lumini noted.Moreover, they intentionally layered multiple functionalities within shared spaces to promote social interaction. This resulted in inclusive areas where families of varying ages could engage together or pursue different activities, with the saloon serving as a communal “piazza” that thoughtfully integrates lounging, dining, and cinema within a unified setting.Complementing this design is a carefully curated palette of colors and materials, balancing wood and leather and contrasting grey-sand oak with burgundy leather. The stylish design of walls and columns is fused with oriental tones in the ceiling panels. “This blend of styles is perhaps the yacht's most distinctive feature,” Lumini remarked.Main saloonÖmer Malaz further emphasized that the designers drew inspiration from current trends – not simply for the sake of fashion, but because these trends align seamlessly with their design philosophy. Their approach favors simplicity, natural materials, and unrefined finishes, celebrating the essence of materials like travertine and oak without artificial treatments. “This philosophy allows the natural aesthetics of these interiors to shine,” Lumini affirmed.This collaboration exemplifies the thorough alignment of purposeful layout and design, positioning the 45XP as a testament to Numarine's commitment to quality and style. “Our long-term partnership reflects continuity and trust, making us proud of our collective achievements,” expressed Antonio Romano, commercial director of the Viken Group and co-founder of Hot Lab. “This yacht is unequivocally Numarine, offering spacious interiors and unique pathways, yet it represents the pinnacle of quality and style developed by the yard over recent years. We’re thrilled to have contributed to it.”Malaz wrapped up by noting, “Our new flagship marks a further evolution of our previous endeavors, embodying the design expertise and construction quality we've perfected over countless projects. This interior layout and style resonate perfectly with the essence of the 45XP and the adventurous cruising lifestyle that Numarine offers to all our owners through our tailored explorer yachts.”Numarine, a European high-performance motor-yacht shipyard headquartered in Istanbul, offers a range of yachts from 19 to 45 meters.The Viken Group includes Tillberg Design of Sweden, Hot Lab and Thalia Marine. It has been established to gather leading and passionate companies, with similar ideas and business ethics, under one umbrella. This enables it to provide a full range of completely aligned and comprehensive design, naval architecture and project management services.Credits: Numarine
November 15, 2024
Saxdor Yachts enhances its global footprint by entering the Mexican market through a strategic partnership with Performance Boats, the country’s leading family-owned marine company. As Saxdor's inaugural official dealer in Mexico, Performance Boats will introduce the brand’s cutting-edge, high-performance models to customers nationwide, solidifying Saxdor’s presence in the Americas and positioning Mexico as a vital hub for future growth in the region.With over 33 years in the industry, Performance Boats stands as Mexico's largest family-owned marine business. Built on a foundation of exceptional customer service, the company boasts an impressive portfolio, representing renowned brands like Ferretti, Boston Whaler, Fairline, and Pershing. To date, they have successfully sold over 4,000 units and operate from eight strategic locations across the nation, including full-service marinas, dry storage facilities, and fueling stations. Performance Boats offers a comprehensive range of services, ensuring maintenance, storage, and yacht management for their clients.This partnership signifies a crucial milestone for Saxdor, which is actively expanding its geographic reach—an impressive feat achieved in just five years. By entering the Mexican market with Performance Boats, Saxdor aims to address the diverse demands of the country’s boating regions, from the stunning waters of Cancún to the Pacific coastline and inland lakes. The brand’s versatile models will deliver the perfect mix of performance, design, and innovation, enhancing the experience for Mexican boating enthusiasts.Performance Boats’ dedication to quality service is key to this collaboration, ensuring Saxdor owners in Mexico receive superior, localized support. With a bilingual team fluent in Spanish and English, Performance Boats offers a comprehensive suite of services, including after-sales support and technical assistance, guaranteeing that each Saxdor boat operates at peak performance for yacht owners and their crews. To further enhance after-sales support across the Americas, Saxdor will also establish a spare parts storage facility in Florida, minimizing response times and ensuring swift access to essential components for U.S. and Mexican clients.“We are extremely proud and excited to begin this partnership with Performance Boats, the most esteemed dealer in Mexico,” said Erna Rusi, CEO of Saxdor Yachts. “Their long-standing reputation for excellence and extensive reach align seamlessly with Saxdor’s commitment to quality and performance. This collaboration opens new opportunities for Saxdor in one of the most vibrant yachting markets.”Jon Hautamäki, Saxdor Yachts’ Sales Director, added, “We are truly impressed with the strong presence that Performance Boats has established in the Mexican market, supported by exceptional facilities and an experienced team. We look forward to a successful collaboration that will broaden the brand’s reach in the region and provide top-notch service to our customers.”The alliance with Performance Boats represents a significant advancement in Saxdor’s strategic plan to establish robust footholds across the Americas. Together, Saxdor and Performance Boats will deliver innovative, high-quality boats to the Mexican market, granting local enthusiasts access to Saxdor's state-of-the-art fleet and a tailored customer experience backed by decades of industry expertise.Since its inception in 2019, Saxdor Yachts has experienced exponential growth, producing over 1000 boats and capturing the industry’s attention with their innovative approach. Now, with the introduction of the Saxdor 400 GTO, Saxdor Yachts aims to make waves in the 40-45 ft sport boat market, leveling up from the game-changing entry-level 200 and mid-range 320 models.Credits: Saxdor Yachts
November 14, 2024
Ferretti Group continues its upward trajectory, reporting a remarkable marginality of 16.0%, an adjusted EBITDA of €138.2 million, and an order intake that has surpassed €1 billion, resulting in an unprecedented order backlog of €1.6 billion as of today.Order intake for the first nine months of 2024 reached €736.9 million, totaling over €1 billion due to a robust influx of orders after the quarter-end, fueled by favorable responses from recent boat shows. The current order backlog stands at a record €1.6 billion, reflecting the volume of orders secured since the conclusion of Q3. Net revenue from new yacht sales amounted to €865.3 million, which marks a 3.8% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Adjusted EBITDA of €138.2 million represents a 10.7% increase, with a margin of 16.0%, up by 100 basis points from the first nine months of 2023. The net profit was €62.2 million, closely aligned with the €61.9 million reported in the first nine months of 2023. As of September 30, 2024, the net financial position reflects €149.6 million in net cash. The mid-term guidance remains intact; however, the 2024 forecasts have been cautiously revised, pending the confirmation of order pickups from the American market following the elections in the composite segment.The Board of Directors of Ferretti S.p.A. convened to review and approve the consolidated financial results as of September 30, 2024, and to organize the upcoming ordinary shareholders’ meeting.Alberto Galassi, the Group’s CEO, commented: “With the closure of this quarter, we have achieved a new record in profitability, reaching 16%, confirming the strength and effectiveness of our strategy. In the third quarter of 2024, we observed a significant increase in order intake from the Super Yacht segment, confirming the success of our positioning in this market through the enhancement of our brands. We are also seeing excellent signs from the Composite Yachts segment, which we expect will provide a new boost to order intake. Additionally, the strong results from our participation in the major Mediterranean boat shows and the opening of the American season further contribute to our outlook, being activities that could bring concrete benefits in the short term. The Order Backlog as of September 30 stands at €1.3 billion, and by adding the orders received after the close of the quarter, the value is in line with that recorded in the first nine months of 2023. On the production side, we are continuing at a rapid pace with the construction of the Ravenna shipyard, which will soon allow us to expand and further improve our offering, optimizing the product mix and consolidating our position in segments with high growth and profitability potential.”The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credit: Ferretti Group
November 14, 2024