Multihulls World n° 191

Issue #: 191

Published: September / October 2023

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Time for boatshows and checking out what’s new...

It’s a fact: multihull builders are falling out of love with indoor boat shows and this is being reflected in a new agenda for new products. Just 10 years ago, Paris and Düsseldorf were the strongholds of the world premieres, so new boats were a bit like Christmas... Unfortunately, the Paris show, held at the Porte de Versailles closed its doors for good with the 2022 edition, and in January this year, boot Düsseldorf saw a mere 4 multihulls exhibited. Times they are a-changin’: Today, it’s in the ports that everything is happening. In addition to the International Multihull Show at La Grande-Motte in the South of France every April, the two events that really stand out are the Cannes Yachting Festival in September and the Miami International Boat Show in February. So, what’s on offer this fall, alongside the docks and on the pontoons? Well, there are more and more catamarans powered by electric or hybrid drivetrains, as well as new brands of powercats. Following in the footsteps of Prestige Yachts (who are presenting their second twin-hull model at Cannes) Four Winns, Bluegame and many other yards are taking the plunge. As for sailboats, the market, which had gone completely crazy after Covid, seems to be coming to its senses. But a sharp rise in prices, combined with less favorable loan options, is making competition fiercer in the core market (40 to 55 feet). With prices soaring, multihulls under 40 feet are becoming THE sector of the future, as demonstrated by the success of the Aventura 37, the Excess 11 and the Bali Catsmart. A situation that also plays into the hands of 40 to 50-foot monohulls: the latter may become the default choice when faced with multihull prices that have risen by over 30% in less than 3 years... are we going to see a price war?

Enjoy the shows everyone!

Emmanuel van Deth
Editor in chief