NAUTICAL
Catamarans
TheNewLuxurySuperyacht
Luxury catamarans are gaining in popularity, especially with the newer and better models being built.
Vol 1 Spring 2013
he world of luxury yachting has a new frontrunner on the waters called the catamaran, the boats with two parallel hulls or floats. While at one time catamarans were a rare sight on any waterway, Sail World, a website dedicated to sailing, sail-racing and cruising news, reports that “the day of the catamaran is fast approaching as both sailors and manufacturers adopt the multi-hull as a smart way to go for the cruising sailor.”
Today catamarans are generally chosen for their speed and power as sailing vessels for rough waters offering luxury, performance and fuel efficiency. Mares International, building power catamarans for over 25 years, constructs these vessels in one of the worlds most technically advanced boat yards in the world. Mares, which translates as the “sea,” was founded in 1982 by a man who had a passion for fishing. While visiting New Zealand, an area where seven-foot seas are the norm, he noticed the catamaran, a boat designed to ride flawlessly through harsh sea conditions. Seeing this vessel ride easily across the waves, evenly and with amazing control, he saw great potential and began perfecting the unique Mares Design.
The Mares 45 Fly Bridge, the newest catamaran added to Mares fleet, is guaranteed to turn heads either at the dock or cruising the inland waterways. Not just a powerful vessel, this catamaran boasts design and detail including all new Italian styling with all the advantages of Mares’ patented cat hull. This boat has a spacious comfortable Fly bridge
for the yachtsman that enjoys driving his boat with the cool sea breeze in his hair. This new cat has the distinctive lines of a “Mares” and the interior styling and meticulous detail to the fit and finish normally found on much larger Yachts. The Mares 45 Fly Bridge definitely affords a luxurious ride complete with teak decks and comfortable seating, but it’s the steering station that impressive the skilled yachtsman with its clear view of the sea and a full set of instrumentation that meets the requirements of the most sophisticated yachtsman. Mares, known for its precision and custom designs, uses an asymmetrical hull which forces air into the tunnel and gives the boat lift, which translates to better fuel economy and faster speeds. In a catamaran, you’re not pushing through the water; you’re riding on top with a ride that’s smooth, fast and comfortable. Mares also uses the latest technology to make their catamarans as fuel efficient as possible which s accomplished with lightweight construction, Pod drives and foil assist in the tunnel. If flying across the water in a luxury vessel is the ride you’re seeking, Mares has a fleet of catamarans waiting for your inspection.
While yachtsmen and fishermen have been choosing catamarans for their speed and ability to handle rough seas for years, catamarans are now competing in the superyacht category. Luxury catamarans are gaining in popularity, especially with the newer and better models being built, however catamarans remain for the most part sailing yachts. According to CharterWorld.com,
the superyacht catamarans have gained in popularity for several reasons, one being the fact that they offer the speed and space of a large modern motor yacht while offering the smooth efficient sailing performance of a sailing yacht. “Europeans, particularly the French, were the first to take up the luxury catamaran concept in a serious way. All areas of the world are now showing a stronger interest in designing and building catamarans and many are being produced and sold in countries like the United Kingdom, Italy, United States, Australia and New Zealand.” Another reason for their popularity is the reduced draft. A large catamaran has the capability to moor in close to the shoreline and get the best spots in port. Furthermore, luxury catamarans have excellent stability, safety and efficiency in terms of engine and fuel usage. CharterWorld. com also reports that catamarans have also become a more popular choice for charters as well as for purchase.
Those interested in owning a luxury catamaran should also consider the Sunreef 90 ULTIMATE, a light carbon, highperformance oriented superyacht, a fairly new offering from Sunreef Yachts. This vessel boasts sleek, marine hulls with a reversed bow that allows speeds up to 20+ knots and sails with the safety and stability of a catamaran. Sunreef Yachts, the leading designer and builder of luxury sailing and power catamarans and superyachts from 60 to 200 feet in the world, has recently expanded to a new market niche by introducing a new line of ultra-modern, high-performance sailing