Solutions for the future Catamarans: innovation hunters!

Comfortable, fast and seaworthy: multihulls - both racing and cruising - are like real nautical laboratories.  Today, with the incredible developments we are seeing, we are already sailing in the future…  
A catamaran which could have been called Revolution
A laboratory catamaran which is also a comfortable little home on the water, currently on the other side of the world…
The new structure does away with the forward beam. It’s elegant, light and super-efficient! Note the reduced size of the motor for the furler at the tack of the gennaker.
Under self-tacking solent (on hydraulic furler), the catamaran is easy to use, but the wakes are always dynamic.
930W of solar panels for good electricity production. View of the rotating spindle in the boom and the manual safety self-tailing furling system.
The helm station and principal control unit is super sleek, though all the functions are available on the small screen at the helmsman’s right hand.
An elegant sail plan which leaves no doubt about the presence of a furling mainsail.
The crew are not forgotten, and have separate areas for trimming (here, the mainsail sheets).
The console at the mastfoot!
The interior of a push-button can still be simple.
An example of the care taken over innovative solution: here, the guide rail for the main, the furling spindle and the mast spanner ram which adjusts the mast/boom angle.
Thierry Petitjean, a wizard with composites.
There’s no noticeable reduction in performance, despite the presence of a (very light) single-arm Tenderlift lifting platform and full equipment for offshore cruising.
The heart of the hydraulic power, with two variable output electric pumps (depending on the force required). Under 30kg for the whole installation!
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Publié le 16/05/2017
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Numéro : 154
Parution : Jul. / Aug. 2017
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MW154

The evolution of multihulls can sometimes seem a bit contradictory.  Their origins stem from (seemingly) basic ancient techniques and materials, but their extraordinary potential sees them incorporate the most modern components and continually push the boundaries (of speed or living space!)  Some traditional creations strive to maintain a link with the original know-how and philosophy (Wharram Designs), combining them with new options offered by digital cutting and wood-epoxy composite assembly techniques.  Others, such as Derek Kelsall’s KSS sandwich, provide alternatives to fe…

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