Category: News

Paul Hakes (CEO & Co-Founder of HH) and James Hakes (HH Naval Architect) on how they and the team at HH Catamarans developed the all new HH44. Welcome to “Yachting Evolved.”

As part of our deeper dive of HH Catamarans, we’re going to cover their five-part mini series on their new, groundbreaking and disruptive performance catamaran: the HH44. HH are calling this “Yachting Evolved”.

We’re going to go take an in-depth look at some of the design features on this boat.

The HH44 has been designed as standard with electric propulsion and a Diesel Hybrid backup, 3,190 watts of solar, hydro power generation, swing helms, folding transoms, forward opening windows, 48 volt deck systems, shaft-drive folding propellers, pre-preg carbon fiber C-shaped daggerboards, and near wind-speed sailing performance.

Innovation

This performance cruising has been designed from the ground up as an ECO yacht with electric hybrid power and has many new features: folding transoms, swing helms, great ventilation, gorgeous finishes, great sailing performance (being part of the HH catamarans family it has that racing pedigree).

These are no compromise boats built from carbon fibre which makes them light, comfortable and safe.

No Compromise Yacht Building

This no compromise philosophy has been evident at HH from the very start of their builds and goes right through the range which started with the HH66, then the HH-50, the HH55, a 77 and now even an 88 in construction: a true superyacht

All these boats benefit from strong lightweight construction and a race pedigree. The 50s and the 55s are the most popular to date because they can be owner operated while being great boats for a family who want to cruise around the world.

But the the 50 is still a big powerful boat. There is a market out there for people who want something a little smaller.

James Hakes, Naval Architect: “..the conversation turned to, well, how small should it be? It still needs to maintain the performance characteristics of an HH catamaran but we really needed to decide what goes into it. It still has to be a world cruiser. So we started with a couple or a small family. What do they need and what do they demand of an HH catamaran in terms of luxuries, amenities, space, the features and the equipment?”

This defined their starting point and then they looked at:
– How much weight does that mean?
– What sort of hull shape are we going to need to support that payload?

A world cruiser needs a good payload: that defined the waterline length they were looking at. The beam to length ratio sits roughly between 50% and 55%. So they took the HH50 and and shrunk it down, a natural design process to follow but it didn’t work out: it was too top-heavy.

Aft Swing Helms

The HH50 has the most spectacular helm stations you could want on a cruising boat, but that design just didn’t work on the smaller model.

So they started playing around with moving the helms into the aft cockpit and this morphed to the swing aft helms. Interestingly this is something that HH launched in 2014 with their very first HH66 swing helm and it worked well. It’s interesting that many competitors have claimed it as their innovation (!)

What they’re putting in the aft cockpit of the HH44 is an off the shelf product from Jefa that really works. It’s tried and tested and many monohulls and trimarans use it: essentialy a pedestal that can swing from side to side.

Why do it? Swing it inboard to get out of the weather, swing it outboard to look down the side deck with a clear line to your sails.

Profile

Moving the helms aft gave HH a lot of freedom and flexibility to restyle. They looked at sharp windows that fully open to maximise ventilation when needed. Since they lowered the helms into the aft cockpit they decided that they needed to make things really safe so one of the most striking features of the exterior of the boat are the transoms: something not seen before on other catamarans.

This is a big part of the design. For a 44 footer, the boat actually looks a bit bigger, a bit longer and a bit sleeker. HH noticed on their other boats that washboards across the transom were a popular option. These keep the cockpit safe for children and pets and keep out following seas. When Huson Marine (who own HH) were building the Gunboats 60s it was a popular choice back then.

So for the 44, they have designed something permanent that looks great and is functional. It effectively extends the boat. Typically in a 44-foot boat sailing in the ocean you’ve got your stern and your transom steps and while sailing that’s not usable space. On the HH44 you have livable, usable space all the way to the back of the catamran. It’s almost as if you have the space of a 48 footer. Fold down the transoms at anchor and the overall length does become 48 feet. It’s a unique design in the market

Solar Power and Low Boom Power

Also moving the helms into the aft cockpit opened up the coach roof for a world leading solar installation. The HH-44 comes with 3.2 kilowatts of solar power as standard. It allows them to lower the boom, lowering the center of effort of the mainsail, so you can put more power safely into your sails without heeling. They’ve lowered the boom so that you’re getting all this power down low, which is exacltly where you want it driving the boat.

Paul Hakes (CEO): “We set about it with the design philosophy that we’re creating a boat for years to come. This isn’t a boat that that is is going to be next year’s fad, this is going to be an industry leader and that’s why we I call it highly disruptive. It’s highly disruptive in its style, its design and its technology and will be a leader in the marketplace for many years to come”.

Eco Drives

On groundbreaking technology, the biggest part of that are the eco drives. The HH44 has a parallel hybrid system: electric, quiet, fume-free propulsion at a good speed that piggybacks on reliable, trusted diesel technology. You just flick on the hybrid system giving you all the advantages of electric motoring with the reliability of diesel.

You get instant torque for maneuvering, hydro regeneration, so you’re generating electricity while you’re sailing and a big area to generate solar power.

HH are already building the first boat, infusing carbon into the first mold. Stay tuned for the next episode in the series.

We had a chat recently with HH Catamarans to get an idea of how this performance multihull company has grown since the launch of the first HH66 back in 2016. It’s been quite a ride as their range and customer base has expanded.

Let’s take a look at where they have come from and where they are heading to by taking a look at some of the yachts they are building in their yard.

In the Spring of 2016 HH Catamarans launched HH6601 R-SIX, the first in its new line of full carbon, luxury performance cruising catamarans. The stunning 66’ clear-coated carbon hull set a new benchmark for the segment. Fast forward six years and 15 launches later, HH continues to raise the bar and redefine what’s possible in a performance cruising cat.

Expanding the HH Range

Over the past several years HH Catamarans has expanded its range of offerings to include models from 44-88’, introducing a new model every two years.

The newest design, the Parallel Hybrid Eco-Drive HH44, is set to become the brand’s most successful model, with 14 hulls sold on spec. HH4401 will launch in early 2023, with subsequent hulls launching bi-monthly.

The refined and performance optimized HH60 which sits neatly between the 55 and the 66 is set to launch later this year, along with the world’s largest all carbon performance cruising catamaran, the HH88, complete with enclosed flybridge and jacuzzi. Those are options by the way.

With 16 boats on the water, 10 currently under construction, and an additional 15 on order, it’s safe to say the brand is securely positioned as one of the world’s strongest builders in the semi-custom category.

Hudson Yacht Group

HH Catamarans’ parent company, Hudson Yacht Group employs 250 people and 600sqm between three main production halls.

The newest shed alone is 200m long by 60m wide, with three mezzanine floors, four 5 ton gantry cranes, 2 industrial elevators and a 40m long EPA compliant spray booth. Plans for further expansion are underway, including an onsite marina.

Scaling Up

You can get an idea of the scale of the operation from this shot below of the deck of HH50-07 with HH88-01 in the background.

Launches

Launches to-date and boats currently under construction include:

• HH66: 5 boats launched
• HH55: 5 boats launched, 5506 underway (photo below)
• HH50: 5 boats launched, 5006 and 5007 underway

OC50: 1 boat launched, OC5002 and OC5003 underway

HH60: 6001, 6002, 6003 underway
HH44: 4401 underway
HH88: 8801 underway

With a proven track record, an eye for innovation, and the ability to adapt and evolve, HH Catamarans have the wind in their sails.

More Information

To learn more visit hhcatamarans.com or contact sales@hhcatamarans.com.

10 minute read

It’s that time of the year again: the Awards Season where sailing publications around the globe publish their thoughts on the best new boats. We’re not quite there yet, as not all of the winners have been announced. But let’s take a look at the winners so far, and the contenders for the remaining prizes.

The market for catamarans continues to grow, and multihulls are increasing their share of the awards in line with the overall market.

It can be tricky to keep track of all of the nominations and awards, so we have compiled a summary to see which designs are coming out on top in the sailing category. We have also included the 2021 British Yachting Awards as they announced their winners at the end of 2021, part of the awards season.

Below are the sailing catamarans over 40 feet that are competing for the awards with number of entries (in brackets).

In terms of number of appearances, the Balance 482, Lagoon 55, Neel 43 and Windelo 55 top the list with 3 entries each, followed by the Kinetic KC54, Leopard 42 and Outremer 55 with 2 entries each.

3 Entries
Balance 482 (3)
Lagoon 55 (3)
Neel 43 (3)
Windelo 50 (3)

2 Entries
Kinetic KC54 (2)
Leopard 42 (2)
Outremer 55 (2)

1 Entry
Bali 4.2 (1)
HH OC50 (1)
Independent IC36 (1)
Majestic 570 Fly (1)
Outremer 4 Zero (1)
Ocean Explorer 72 (1)
Privilege Signature 580 (1)
Rapido 50 (1)
Seawind 1370 (1)
Wave 50 (1)

European Yacht of the Year 2022

The European Yacht of the Year was started by German sail magazine YACHT in 2004, and has expanded to total 12 European yachting magazines from all over Europe who test and judge the boats. Many of the trials were done in our home base: Port Ginesta this year. You’ll find all of the nominated catamarans below:

Bluewater Cruiser
HHOC 50
Outremer 55
Windelo 50

Family Cruiser
Neel 43

Luxury Cruiser
Lagoon 55

Performance Cruiser
IC36 Independent Catamaran

Multihull of the Year 2022

Industry awards launched by Multihulls World Magazine and Multicoques Mag, in 2017. Different models have been selected by jury in various categories, and the winners will be decided by votes from their readers.

Under 40 Feet
Tricat 6.90
Libertist 703
Marlin 33

40-50 Feet
Bali 4.2
Neel 43
Leopard 42
Seawind 1370

45-55 Feet
Balance 482
KC54
Rapido 50
Wave 50
Windelo 50

Over 55 Feet
Lagoon 55
Outremer 55
Majestic 570 Fly
Privilege Signature 580
Ocean Explorer 72

Sailing World Boat of the Year 2022

Winners selected by Sailing World’s team of judges. Sailing World is based in Middletown, Rhode Island in the US, 4 hours drive from New York.

Best Multihull
Balance 482

Cruising World Boat of the Year 2022

Cruising World is based in Orlando, Florida, in the US. The winners in the following categories were selected by Cruising World Judges.

Best Cruising Catamaran Under 50′
Leopard 42

Best Cruising Catamran (Over 50′)
Xquisite X5

Best Performance Catamaran
Balance 482

Special Judges Award
Kinetic KC 54

British Yachting Awards Multihull of the Year 2021

These awards are organised by UK magazines: “Sailing Today” with “Yachts and Yachting” magazine. The winners are chosen by their readers.

Winner
Lagoon 55

Runner Up
Outremer 4 Zero

Nominated
Windelo 50 Adventure
Neel 43

Conclusion

The smart money this year is on Balance 482, Lagoon 55, Neel 43 and Windelo 50 to scoop the most awards. Let’s see how the European Yacht of the Year (Jan 22) and the Multihull of the Year (Apr 22) plays out.

7 Minute Read

Many thanks to Shane and Carmen, who are building a Fusion 40 in Australia, for agreeing to share their experiences on the project.

Fusion Catamarans design and sell a modular marine construction kit of components: resin infused, gelcoat and fibreglass components that enable you to build your own performance cruising catamaran or outsource the work to a yard.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your plans. Why did you decide to self build a Fusion 40? Are you planning a big trip, for example?
We decided to build a Fusion as this will be our home and we want to ensure it will meet our demands of travelling around the world
Priorities are that we want this to be a fast and comfortable boat.

Why did you choose the 40? Did you sail a Fusion Cat prior to deciding?
No, we have never sailed a Fusion Cat (yes you read that right, we have never sailed one and yet we are building one!)
We did a lot of research and decided on the 40 because we thought it looks stylish and it has the design aspects required for an ocean-going catamaran (ie. bridge clearance and beam)

Were there any other brands you considered?
Our original plan was to purchase a Dehler mono (42ft). Then we realised we would struggle with the lean factor on lengthy ocean crossings!
We looked at Schionning but didn’t like the balsa core and amount of labour involved. Fusions are foam and divinycell. We also looked at Seawind but were put off by the inability to customise the boat and the large capital outlay

Did you consider buying a second hand yacht?
Yes. We initially looked at Sonra, a Fusion 40, which was built in 2010. We seriously considered the purchase however due to the engine hours, having to replace the rigging, dated electrical coupled with the capital outlay (when we weren’t yet ready to cruise) it didn’t feel like the right decision at the time

How long will she take to build?
Our estimate is approximately 3 years

Can you share some of the challenges you have faced /expect to face on a project like this?
There are too many to list here!
Some of the main challenges:
Fatigue! Being self-motivated means long hours!
Moving to a new location without our friends and family close by for support
Working with nasty chemicals…boat building is a very undesirable job!
 
Have you made any significant modifications to the design? Is there a process to do this with Fusion?
We have completely rebuilt the bows from the standard kit. Now 13 degree reverse bow adding another foot to the waterline.
Increased the cockpit length and hull bridge by 2 feet.
We have also modified and extended the sterns by 3 feet, including modified transoms (another 3 feet at waterline)
So in a nutshell, we have made 3 major modifications to the original design (bows, bridge, transoms)

How much space do you need for a build like this?
We are currently leasing a slab at a local slipway approx 40 x 8 x 25 ft but can’t stress enough the importance of a dome cover for shelter.

In your opinion, what kind of experience is required to successfully pull off a project such as this?
Ha! So many things some to mind!
– Resilience
– Teamwork
– Planning
– Diligence
– Perseverance

Are you completing the build on your own or do you have a team?
It’s just us! Shane and Carmen. With occasional help when required. Our mate Mark has been helping us out of late (thanks Mark!)

Can you give us an idea of the rough price differential between a self-build and a comparable manufactured cat?
Differential – It’s hard to say as we are capitalising on some unique items such as the rig, sails, electrical etc. At a guess we would say the rough saving of building (as we are owner builder) vs a production boat is approx. 20%.

What are the main advantages of a self-build catamaran like this over a production cat?
The main advantage is we have had the ability to modify and we have been able to increase the structural integrity of the boat to suit harsher ocean conditions

Are there any disadvantages?
Physical labour has been very taxing on our bodies!
Being in a rural area has restricted our ability to secure qualified labour
This build journey has meant Shane has stopped working in his trade
We are always itchy and sometimes we have questioned why we are even doing this! 😂
 
What is the best thing about the design?
You can make it what you want by being able to customise and modernise to suit current and modern designs and trends (which we have done)

Is there a design feature you don’t like? What would you change if anything?
We think the hatch behind the mast looks cumbersome. It breaks up the flush look of the windows. The installation of a flush hatch is a consideration if the area is not required for the mast rotation system.
This is “Pie in the Sky “ and applicable to an extended version only. If we could change the design we would alter the underwater profile from the mini keel aft to the sterns to have less camber (turn) and more width (fatter and flatter). The aim would be to provide greater volume and a smoother release.

What are the “Must Have” options for the boat over and above the essentials? eg electric winch, engine size, folding props, heating, water maker, inverter, solar, gen set etc….
12Vdc, 24Vdc and 240Vac systems
24V High output alternators coupled with Lithium-Ion Batteries

What are the “Nice to Haves”?
– Rotating carbon fibre wing mast with a Harken Split track car system
– Reefing Hooks
– OneSails carbon sails
– 39HP (vs standard 29HP) Yanmars
– Harken Electric winch
– Beautiful sports steering wheel
– Coffee machine and a kick ass stereo

Which features are not worth bothering with?
Integrated air-conditioning! Expensive!
Washing machine (says Shane 🤣)

How will you configure the helm?
Single helm station port side
Hydraulic steering

How will you configure the living space – is there room for personalisation here?
Galley up
No gas (full electric)
Full domestic appliances including induction cooktop
Customised feature coffee table
Swinging chart plotter
No navigation table
3rd bedroom will be interchangeable to a workshop

What kind of average speed on passage are you aiming for?
11 knots. Maximum 20+ ⛵️
 
How is the market for second-hand self-built Fusion cats?
We hear good things! We have already got brokers ringing us

What kind of finish are you aiming for in the interior?
Clean, light and modern. Neutral colours and soft textures.

How is the Fusion Owner’s community? Do you get good support from Fusion?
The Fusion community of owners has been amazing. Very grateful –
Call out to Nev and Amanda from Bossanova. Thankyou!!

Anything else you would add to help people thinking of building a Fusion 40?
Research research research and research some more. The kit is only the beginning. There is a lot of work to consider on top of assembling the kit itself. Would seriously consider buying a Fusion already semi built and refit/modify as required to save time (and frustration!)

You can follow Shane & Carmen’s progress at
Sailingstraitlines.com

Or on their Instagram and Facebook page.
They are posting with the following hashtag: #sailingstraitlines

Have you purchased a new catamaran within the past 5 years? We’d love to hear from you. How was your experience?
You can find some initial results HERE. We would like to try and continue to build the sample size, so please contribute or share with someone you know who has recently bought a catamaran to help.

Please answer this short questionnaire to help us all understand the differences between the different manufacturers. It shouldn’t take you more then 5 minutes. All feedback is anonymous, the only information we require is the catamaran brand and year of launch. You can also access the questionnaire HERE if you are having problems scrolling the embedded form on your phone.

We’d love to hear from people who have had a good experience as well as those who have experienced issues to balance the feedback. Feedback can be subjective, of course, but this should give us a steer on which companies perform well in this area and will help us to develop a more scientific approach in the future.

Higher volume manufacturers will of course have higher volume feedback than more bespoke manufacturers which we will take into account when making any comparisons.

We recently ran a Catamaran Manufacturing Survey on Katamarans.com. You can still contribute to the survey – please help us to build up an accurate picture of the industry.

We have received 32 responses so far from owners who have purchased new catamarans within the last 5 years. This is a modest response so far, but there are some interesting pointers coming out which are worth sharing.

We’d just qualify the results with the fact that the smaller the sample size, the larger the statistical volatility. In some cases, we have left out the data from the survey as there was just a single respondent for that brand (eg Knysna)

Brands in the Survey

Overall Findings

Overall, the responses were positive and constructive. Not all, though, there were plenty of issues were reported across the brands

However, the majority of respondents would recommend the brand to another buyer

The After-Sales experience is more polarised with some brands doing well, but with over one third of respondents scoring 5 or less.

Most of the Issues were Minor-Medium (non critical). However, 2 respondents logged over 10 significant issue in the first year.

Performance of the Brands

Here we would repeat our qualification that this is a small sample size.

HH, Seawind, Outremer score the highest. Higher volume manufacturers score lower. Lagoon gets good feedback.

Overall

These are my take outs from this modest survey, but remember, the sample size is small so the results are likely to be volatile. However, this has been an interesting exercise, a “work in progress” if you like if there is further interest in getting this kind of information recorded.

• In general, positive feedback. Seawind, HH, St Francis and Outremer in particular attracting good feedback across the board.
• Despite their recent press, Lagoon scoring well on build quality and after-sales
• The other higher volume manufacturers score more modestly on build quality. Those that do the after-sales win their customers over in the end anyway.
• After sales performance is more polarised.
  

Examples of Issues

Here are some of the Issues that were reported

• Heating, noisy steering, bilge pumps, batteries only lasted 18 months, B&G Nav disconnecting, sliding door jumped out of tracks, sun damage on coach roof
• We had a faulty watermaker. This was not the builder’s fault. The watermaker co did fix it but it was a difficult thing to get done while traveling.
• Salt water in engine compartment, engines not working
• Bad windows seal. Factory fixed it.
• Minor flaws in construction
• Gel coat repairs. Corrosion. Water leak
• Saildrive seals
• Electronics issues, Engine rpm sensor, poor wiring connections, locker latches, fridge/freezers fail, stearing cable pullies were not tightly bolted, etc. etc…
• Saildrive leak, bilge leaks, interior issues, plumbing issues, AC issues, dirty fuel tank from factory, missing parts
• Gray water tank leak, tilt door failure
• Gel Coat cracks (not structural), ceiling panel clips not strong enough, poor manuals
• Crossbeam corrosion and furniture creaking
• Window delamination. Roller Furling failure
• “Shroud /back stay terminal failure
• Garage door hydraulics failure”
• Holding tank dump valve handle was put on backwards. Bad solar panel
• Salon entry door deformation.
• Leaking hatch
• Rudder disconnected, wrong installtion of 12v, wrong installtion of power winches, loose pipes connections of thruhulls, artificial teak deck need to be replaced
• Poor quality water maker
• Toilet holding tank issues
• electrical
• Sea water in the engine compartment / autopilot disengaging randomly
• Micro cracks on the side deck due to tolerances around the bulkheads. Wrong positioning of the transducer.
• Mainsail getting stuck up the mast, unable to get down. Had to get up the mast and open the clip to drop it. Luckily it never happened in high winds.
• Forestay pin coming out, generator failings
• Overall moulding issues particularly on nonskid surfaces, engine vibration

Spanish version below.
Versión en español a continuación.
Many thanks to Port Ginesta for this sponsored feature.

Port Ginesta, a Marina that Specializes in Catamarans

Port Ginesta, is a marina located 15 minutes south of Barcelona, ​​in the heart of the Garraf Natural Park.
It has established itself as an important port of reference throughout Europe and the most important in Spain, with an enviable geographical location in the western Mediterranean, as a mandatory stop for vessels navigating the waters of Catalonia, the Balearic Islands and the South of France.

A Commitment to Catamarans

Port Ginesta’s commitment to multihulls has been underlined with the extension and improvement of the ramp at the slipway that is now able to haul catamarans up to 20 meters in length onto the hard plus the acquisition of a self-supporting amphibious hydraulic trolley and Boat Lift, especially designed for Port Ginesta, with the capacity to haul catamarans up to 45 tons in weight and 12 meters in beam.

With this new equipment, Port Ginesta has positioned itself as the first and only marina in Spain with fully adapted facilities that provide a wide range of exclusive services to all types of multihull vessels: cleaning, repair and painting, mechanical interventions or wintering of catamarans of small and large length, both sailing and motor.

In addition, Port Ginesta has focused on meeting the needs of multihulls, with moorings designed for catamarans that are strategically located at the end of the pontoons and in areas of the port with more space that facilitates maneuvering when entering and leaving the port, as well as ease of access thanks to lateral fingers.

International Nautical Center and Sea Trial Base

Port Ginesta has experienced significant growth in recent years and has positioned itself as an International Nautical Center of reference throughout Europe.

A good example is the success of the International Sea Testing Base of the French shipyard BENETEAU, the largest shipyard in the world, with moorings for sailing and motor monohulls. Other important yards are represented in Port Ginesta through their distributors in Spain, with a total of more than 300 leading brands represented, including Beneteau, Jeanneau, Lagoon, Excess, Aquila, Outremer, Bavaria, Bali, Catana, Sunrise Yacht, Licia C42, and others, specialized in both monohull and catamarans.

Port Ginesta is the scene of sea trials festivals of various brands, including Beneteau, Lagoon, Excess, Nuva Yatchs, Sasga and Capelli.

Croc Lift 45t, the self-supporting amphibious lift for multihulls.

The CROC LIFT 45T, designed for Port Ginesta and unique in Spain, is an amphibious machine capable of launching or hauling out catamarans up to 20 meters long, 12 meters wide with a maximum weight of 45 tons dry.

It has unmatched characteristics that give it high maneuverability, comfort and safety for catamaran work:

– It has a system that allows progressive acceleration and deceleration. This prevents the boat from being subject to oscillations during transport.
– It is also equipped with a self-leveling system that provides extra stability of the load in any situation.
– The Lift has been designed for the hauling out and launching both motor and sailing catamarans.
– It has been conceived, designed and manufactured for use in the marina, allowing great versatility and communication between the port and the dry dock.
– The amphibious machine incorporates a traction control and self-leveling system that ensures a good grip on the ground.

Port Ginesta stands out for its geographical location, the beauty of its surroundings and the quality and variety of services it offers to catamaran owners.

Please contact Port Ginesta who will be happy to provide more information about their services for multihulls.

Versión en español

PORT GINESTA, UN PUERTO DEPORTIVO ESPECIALIZADO EN CATAMARANES

Port Ginesta, es la marina deportiva situada a 15 minutos al sur de Barcelona, en pleno corazón del parque natural del Garraf.
Se ha consolidado como un importante puerto de referencia en toda Europa y el más importante de España, contando con una envidiable situación geográfica en el Mediterráneo occidental, como parada obligada para embarcaciones navegando por aguas de Cataluña, Islas Baleares y Sur de Francia.

COMPROMISO CON LOS CATAMARANES

El compromiso de Port Ginesta con las embarcaciones multicasco ha quedado patente con la ampliación y mejora de la rampa del varadero para poder varar catamaranes en seco de hasta 20 metros de eslora y la adquisición de un carro hidráulico anfibio autoportante de la firma Boat Litf, especialmente diseñada para Port Ginesta, con capacidad para poner en seco catamaranes de hasta 45 toneladas de peso y 12 metros de manga.

Por esto, Port Ginesta se consolida como el primer y único puerto deportivo de España en disponer de unas instalaciones plenamente adaptadas para prestar un amplio abanico de servicios exclusivos a todo tipo de embarcaciones multicasco: limpieza, reparación y pintura, intervenciones mecánicas o invernaje de catamaranes de pequeña y gran eslora, tanto a vela como a motor.

Además, Port Ginesta ha sabido cubrir las necesidades de los multicascos en toda su extensión apostando por unos amarres para diseñados para catamaranes y estratégicamente situados al principio de los pantalanes y en los lugares del puerto que otorgan un mayor espacio y facilitan las maniobras en las entradas y salidas de puerto. Así como su facilidad de accesos gracias a fingers laterales.

CENTRO NAUTICO INTERNACIONAL Y BASE INTENACIONAL DE PRUEBAS DE MAR

Port Ginesta ha experimentado un relevante crecimiento durante los últimos años donde se ha posicionado como Centro Náutico Internacional de referencia en toda Europa.

Destacamos el éxito de la instalación de la Base Internacional de Pruebas de Mar del astillero francés BENETEAU, mayor astillero en producción del mundo, con amarres para monocascos a vela y motor. Otros importantes astilleros tienen representación en Port Ginesta a través de sus distribuidores en España, llegando a un total de más de 300 marcas líderes dentro de la náutica. Destacando BENETEAU, JEANNEAU, LAGOON, EXCESS, AQUILA, OUTREMER, BAVARIA, BALI, CATANA, SUNRISE YATCH, LICIA C42, entre otras, realmente especializadas tanto en monocasco como en catamaranes.

Port Ginesta es escenario de festivales de pruebas de mar de diversas marcas entre las que se encuentran BENETEAU, LAGOON, EXCESS, NUVA YATCHS, SASGA o CAPELLI.

CROC LIFT 45T, LA MÁQUINA ANFIBIA AUTOPORTABLE PARA MULTICASCOS.

La CROC LIFT 45T, especialmente diseñada para Port Ginesta y única en España, es una máquina anfibia capaz de botar o poner en seco a catamaranes de hasta 20 metros de eslora, 12 metros de manga y un máximo de 45 toneladas.

Posee unas características inigualables que la dotan de una alta maniobrabilidad, confort y seguridad para los catamaranes:

• Está provista de un dispositivo que permite la aceleración y deceleración progresiva. De ese modo se evita que la embarcación sea sometida a oscilaciones durante el transporte.
• Además está equipada con un sistema de auto nivelación que le aporta una estabilidad extra de la carga en cualquier situación.
• Ha sido diseñada para el arrastre y botadura de catamaranes tanto a motor como a vela.
• Ha sido concebida, diseñada y fabricada para su uso en la marina permitiendo gran versatilidad y comunicación entre el puerto y el varadero.
• La máquina anfibia incorpora un sistema de control de tracción y auto nivelación que asegura su buen agarre al suelo.
En definitiva, Port Ginesta destaca por su privilegiada situación geográfica, la belleza de su entorno y la calidad y la variedad de servicios que ofrece a los amantes de los catamaranes.
En Port Ginesta estarán encantados de ampliar la información sobre su oferta de servicios para embarcaciones multicasco.

I have had problems stripping the reefing lines on our Nautitech Open.
Here is an extract from the Nautitech Owner’s Group on Facebook, mostly for my benefit, but just in case anyone has the same problems.

Sequence:

1. Topping lift on
2. Lower main sail and take in slack on reefing lines
3. Put the strap in
4. Tighten the reefing line via the block and winch. Leave the line on the winch
5. Raise main halyard
6. Topping lift off
7. At this point put the clutch on if you want to prepare for the next reef.

Remember to take the clutches off if you are shaking out reefs.

I keep stripping my reefing lines (Nautitech Open 40). Any ideas? I am coming down to the block before going around the winch at the mast. Is it the quality of the line? Issued by Nautitech at launch. Or technique?
Topping lift. Release halyard. Clip in strap. Raise halyard. Tighten reefing line. Put in jammer. Release topping lift. Help! 😉

Steve
You could try a Velcro strop pass it around the boom and through the reefing clew needs to wrap around a couple of times, takes the load directly off the reef and transfers it to the strop, ask your sailmaker to fabricate one for you, I have had reef l… See More

Graham
Weird had two and not had this! Pulling too tight?

Kata Marans
Graham maybe, I am going to start filing my teeth (jammer), getting expensive! Does that sequence sound right? How much tension do you put on the reefing line?

Steve
Graham , possibly but your strategy for reefing sounds right, are you doing a lot of down wind sailing in strong wind conditions?

Kata Marans
Steve not especially. Lots of helpful tips on here though, thanks to all

Jason
Can only think it might be your last step – tighten reef line. Could possibly be a lot of tension given the raised halyard in the previous step. Maybe try marking the reef line with a pen: lock it off then raise the halyard ✌️

Scott
Releasing and raising halyard is always the first and last step for me. I take the tension off the reefing lines to tighten them.

Kata Marans
Scott so going from 1 to 2, you release tension on the first reef, then drop the main, tension up 2 and then halyard, did I get that right? I am pretty sure the problem is with the jammers, too sharp

Rowan
In the end, filing the jammer proved to be the only solution for us

Kata Marans
Rowan I will do this for sure, thks. Teeth and front of casing where the lines come in?

David
Leave the reefing line on the winch. This will stop chafing by the jammer

Kata Marans
David thks for that. I did end up doing that, only problem is I need to switch lines on the snatch block to get ready for number 2 reef in case the wind blows up. Maybe a triple block would solve this then I could just ignore the jammers?

Martin
I agree with David. The outhaul tends to be set and left. The other three clutches are locked open and also left like that. Just use the winch.
As regards reefing I recall Paul Hayes telling me, when he handed the boat over – when you need to reef go straight to reef 2 (the difference in wind strength between reef 1 and 2 is only 5 knots anyway). Then when it’s too windy for reef 2, take the main down altogether. That way you just leave the reef 2 pennant on the snatch block. Switching it to another reefing pennant, with cold hands and strong wind is not easy!

Kata Marans
Martin that’s pretty good advice actually, especially on a night sail. I am also thinking of putting a triple block in and just leave the clutches

You can also find our full Lagoon 55 Review here.

We recently attended the Lagoon 55 press conference (online of course: thanks Covid!)

Despite the limitations of doing a Zoom call to launch a new catamaran, Lagoon did a good job of showcasing their new model.

The new 55 is a special boat for Lagoon as their first ever launch was a 55. This boat represents decades of development from the French manufacturer.

The Terrace

One of the key features of the new curvy Lagoon is the design of the transoms which bring you closer to the water at anchor. They have opened up the back and extended the living space at anchor with an innovative hydraulic aft platform. The steps up from the sugar-scoops flow up diagonally rather than fore-aft.

In the saloon, big windows and two skylights help to bring the outdoors in with lots of natural light and all round views from the living spaces.

Technical Specs

Length overall: 16,56 m / 54’4”
Beam: 9,00 m / 29’6”
Draft: 1,55 m / 5’1”
Mast clearance: 29,43 m / 96’7”
Light displacement (EEC): 26.5 t | 58,433 Lbs
Sail area: 186 m² / 2,001 sq ft
Fully-battened mainsail: 107 m² / 1,151 sq ft
Self-tacking jib on furler: 74 m² / 796 sq ft
Engine – standard: 2 x 80 HP / 2 x 80 CV
Engine – option: 2 x 115 HP / 2 x 115 CV
Fuel capacity: 1100 L / 290 US gal
Fresh water capacity: 960 L / 254 US gal
No. Of berths: 8 to 16
EC certification: A: 14 / B: 14 / C: 20 / D: 30

Summary

The Lagoon 55 has some innovative design features while keeping close to the Lagoon DNA of recent years. With the huge aft cockpit extended with the swimming platform, the flybridge, the saloon and the forward cockpit, this is not a catamaran that is going to feel cramped.

This yacht should be another top seller for the Bordeaux firm.

Lagoon 55 Walk Through