Skip to content

Fusion 80 – Setting the Gran Turismo Standard

Posted on by Katamarans

Let’s Talk Numbers!

With the Fusion 80, Gunboat has introduced its Gran Turismo Catamaran segment, a deliberate bridge between heavier cruisers and out-and-out performance machines.

The result is a 23.95 metre full-composite multihull designed to sail early and sail fast while delivering long-range liveaboard comfort.

Download Brochure

Engineered from the hulls up as a Gran Turismo catamaran, the Fusion 80 is built for owners seeking 15-knot passages without compromising panoramic saloon space, private sea access, and true liveaboard comfort below deck

Technical

The Fusion 80 measures:

  • LOA: 23.95 m
  • Beam: approx. 10.4 m
  • Lightship displacement: approx. 45 tonnes
  • Draft: 1.6 m boards up / 4.0 m boards down
  • Bridge deck clearance: approx. 1.0 m
  • Upwind sail area: . 310 m²
  • Downwind sail area: 600+ m²
  • Fuel / Water: 2 × 850 L / 2 × 600 L

Performance

Displacement at 45 tonnes
In the 80 ft category, this is significantly lighter than other cruisers on the market positioned at around 60 tonnes. Lower weight improves acceleration, light air responsiveness, and motion comfort through reduced pitching.

Bridge deck clearance at 1.0 m
Supporting performance offshore.

Daggerboards with 4.0 m max draft
Excellent windward performance

Sail plan at 310 m² upwind and 600+ m² downwind
Combined with moderate displacement, the power to weight ratio ensures performance cruising.

The platform is drawn by VPLP Design, with exterior design by Christophe Chedal-Anglay and Patrick le Quément, and interior design by Kristian Gavoille and Valérie Garcia. This collaboration blends hydrodynamic efficiency with luxury styling and comfort.

Performance Positioning

The Gran Turismo Catamaran is not a compromise. It is the deliberate fusion of range, refinement, and sailing efficiency, built for owners who refuse to choose between presence and performance.

We can divide the market into various segments:

  • Floating Villas: approx. 6 to 7 knots, 80 to 90 tonnes. Motor dependent
  • Volume Cruisers: approx. 7 to 9 knots, around 60 to 80 tonnes
  • Gran Turismo (Fusion 80): approx. 9 to 11 knots, around 45 tonnes
  • Fast Cruisers: 11 to 14 knots, around 30 to 40 tonnes

Gunboat is building a yacht that can achieve consistent double digit averages without sacrificing liveaboard comfort.

Polar Performance

Indicative boat speeds under different true wind speeds (TWS) and angles (TWA).

At TWA 60°:

  • 8 knots TWS → 6.5 knots boat speed
  • 12 knots TWS → 9 knots
  • 20 knots TWS → 12.5 knots

At TWA 90° (Beam Reach)

  • 8 knots TWS → 8 knots
  • 12 knots TWS → 11 knots
  • 20 knots TWS → 15 knots

At TWA 120°: (Broad Reach)

  • 8 knots TWS → 9 knots
  • 12 knots TWS → 12 knots
  • 20 knots TWS → 19 knots

Light wind capability
At 8 knots of breeze and 120° TWA, the yacht is projected to exceed 9 knots of boat speed. Exceptional for an 80 ft cruising cat, thanks to the moderate displacement and efficient hull form.

Beam Reach efficiency
At 12 knots TWS and 90° TWA, 11 knots of boat speed demonstrates her high apparent wind generation. This is the sweet spot for fast passagemaking in lighter conditions.

Broad Reach Runs
At 20 knots and 120°, 9 knots boat speed moves the boat firmly into performance territory.

The Fusion 80 from Gunboat is designed to convert moderate breezes into serious, safe passagemaking giving you more time to enjoy the luxury at anchor.

Layout and Liveability

The Fusion 8o is designed for performance cruising, offshore passages, and occasional charters.

Key features include:

  • Flybridge helm with integrated sail handling
  • Full integration of aft cockpit and saloon
  • Modular interior layouts
  • 4 to 5 cabins including owner suite and VIP
  • Private sea access via the transom
  • Panoramic glass and open plan bridgedeck

The flybridge is key to the experience:

  • The elevated helm improves sightlines over the bows.
  • Centralised sail handling supports short-handed sailing.
  • The upper deck frees cockpit space for true guest lounging.

This set-up tilts the boat toward owner use, not just a crewed operation.

Systems and Energy Architecture

The Fusion 80 has:

  • A carbon rig
  • Electric sail handling
  • 48V lithium house bank
  • C-Zone or equivalent monitoring
  • Substantial solar and generator options

The 48V reduces current loads, improves inverter efficiency, and supports silent service loads at anchor.

The Gran Turismo in the Market

In the 80 ft range, the market splits into three camps:

  • High volume luxury cruisers prioritising space and charter revenue.
  • Ultra light performance cats prioritising speed.
  • Semi custom hybrids that compromise.

Gunboat extends the performance cruising category into a new dimension.

The Fusion 80 offers:

  • Moderate displacement at 45 tonnes.
  • Performance upwind thanks to her daggerboards and hull design.
  • Substantial interior volume.
  • Proven Gunboat offshore DNA.
  • French composite construction in La Grande-Motte.
  • A brand that holds its value thanks to decades of performance building know-how.

Stay on top of the Fusion 80 News
Register your interest and be first to receive updates, build slot availability, and insider news straight from the yard.

Connect with Gunboat
Schedule a private sea trial or arrange a visit to study the Fusion plans up close.

Back to all News