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SANCTUARY Cove International Boat Show 2016 will feature Queensland’s largest and most significant multihull display, with catamaran exhibitors increasing their on-water presence at the 28th annual Show.
The country’s major catamaran dealers and distributors will showcase the latest top-of-the range models in power and sail, along with many Australian debuts, entry level vessels and presentations showing people how to achieve true work-life balance through “Sea-batticals” – extended time away cruising on their ‘cats’.
SCIBS general manager Johan Hasser said the strong showing of multihulls in 2016 reflected their rise in popularity, with boating enthusiasts drawn to the smooth sailing experience and spacious design.
Some of the key multihull exhibitors on show at SCIBS 2016 include Multihull Solutions, Multihull Central, Leopard, Marine Engineering Consultants (MEC), Horizon, Lightwave, Bavaria (Nautitech), Queensland Yacht Charters and The Windcraft Group. Managing director of The Multihull Group (part of Windcraft Group) John Cowpe announced they will be premiering in Australia both their brand new Lagoon 450 SporTop and Lagoon 40 Motor Yacht at SCIBS.
“Lagoon is one of the world’s best-selling catamarans. Designed by the VPLP Design Team, they are extremely seaworthy and constantly evolving, innovating and adapting to client feedback,” Mr Cowpe said.
Mr Cowpe said the appeal of catamarans is especially felt with the family market, being more spacious, stable and dexterous in design than other makes.
“When you’re investing a large amount in a lifestyle, you want your boat to be as versatile and multi-faceted as possible,” he said.
“Some people want to entertain on-board at an anchorage, while others want to undertake blue water cruising for years at a time.”
He also notes that power cats are a growing segment within the marine industry, as a result of their efficiency.
“They can take you anywhere, offer great fuel economy and they are easy to operate. The 40MY does 11 knots, but it’s ideal for the people who want the volume of a catamaran, one-level living along with 360° views through vertical windows – a staple of the Lagoon brand.”
Gold Coast boat builder, MEC will have its brand new 15-metre luxury power catamaran on show at SCIBS. MEC managing director Murray Owen said the vessel had been custom-designed and built to the owner’s exact specifications – one of the beauties of building entirely in aluminium.
“Aluminium doesn’t require moulds, so it suits custom designs perfectly. You can have anything from an internal spiral staircase to an extended swim platform – it’s completely up to the client,” said Mr Owen.
Mr Owen said catamarans offer multiple benefits, including a decent sized beam and spacious design, along with its ability to handle any sea condition, while being capable of long-range cruising.
“The double hull makes it super stable with room for family and guests, plus they have a great size cockpit for alfresco entertaining.”
Mr Owen said the new owner of their showcased power cat will be taking delivery at SCIBS and already had plans to cruise the east coast, wherever the whim takes him.
Mark Elkington, managing director of Multihull Solutions, said the company was excited to host the southern hemisphere launch of the Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40 sailing catamaran and the Queensland launch of the new MY37 power catamaran by Fountaine Pajot Motor Yachts.
The Lucia 40 has already become one of Fountaine Pajot’s most successful models, having sold more than 50 units since its international launch in mid-2015.
The new MY37 power catamaran has also been making waves, revolutionising the entry-level segment of the world’s power catamaran market with its impressive features, performance and value for money. The catamaran delivers unparalleled performance and fuel economy, and in eco-cruising mode can cover an impressive 1200 nautical miles at 7.5 knots.
The MY37 is designed to optimise entertaining and relaxation, with a capacious 13.5sqm cockpit and 12sqm flybridge that provide a superb retreat for both guests and crew.
Mr Elkington said the high-performance TAG 60 XR will also be part of Multihull Solutions’ SCIBS line-up, which he anticipated will generate strong interest.
“It can be handled comfortably by a crew of just two people, yet offers excellent capability on all points of sail as well as an unprecedented level of comfort, luxury and innovation,” Mr Elkington said.
The new generation of multihulls offer everything avid sailors and powerboat enthusiasts love about boating, with the added stability and safety of two (sometimes three) hulls and larger internal volumes for living, entertaining and storage.
Mr Elkington said the multihull market was generally being driven by the safety statistics, experiencing less incidents at sea due to the build and design of the multihull.
“The increasing growth in multihulls is also credited towards to their fuel efficiency with global sales figures as testament to this,” he said.
“An average 40-foot power catamaran is able to achieve a cruising speed of 15 knots up the coast, and that is very appealing for people looking to invest in a vessel which optimises running costs.”
Multihull Central’s managing director Brent Vaughan said they will be hosting the Australian launches of the prestigious Outremer 45 and innovative Aquila 44 Power Cat, alongside the latest Seawind 1160 Lite and the Corsair Pulse 600 – which made its global debut at SCIBS last year.
“It certainly attracted a lot of attention,” said Mr Vaughan.
“There are already four in Australia and we’re well on the way to creating our one design micro-fleet. You really have to get out on this little rocket to understand how incredible it is. It’s easy to handle, folds up, is excellent value and goes exceptionally fast.”
From his perspective, Mr Vaughan said multihulls are experiencing unprecedented popularity because of their broad appeal.
“Designs have come so far in the past 10 or so years. Catamarans are the equivalent of a modern apartment and are ideal for live-aboard or long-range cruising. They suit couples, families, large groups and the charter market, blending space, stability and comfort, as well as fuel efficiency in the case of power cats. Then there’s that real connection to water that only multihulls can offer,” he said.
At SCIBS, Mr Vaughan will also be launching his newly published book, “Sea-batticals” which shares the experiences of clients and contacts and how they achieve the ideal work-life balance through their boat.
Horizon will also be bringing their PC52 high-end power catamaran as part of their boat special, while Whitsunday charter company and member of Dream Yacht Charter, Queensland Yacht Charters, will showcase their most recent Catana model the BALI 4.3 Loft.
For more information, or to register as an exhibitor, sign up today at www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au or phone the Boat Show office on +617 5577 6011.
Running May 19 to 22, 2016 the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show attracts close to 40,000 visitors and 300 exhibitors to a spectacular showcase featuring hundreds of boats and thousands of marine products across four days.
SCIBS 2016 offers FREE park ‘n’ ride services from Warner Bros. Movie World, along with limited on-site parking, available pre-paid.
Tickets to SCIBS 2016 are now on sale. For more information, visit www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com
