THE NEXT BIG THING

A couple of years ago I met a family that had just crossed the Atlantic in their 47ft catamaran and was surprised to discover that they were comparatively new to sailing. They had taken it up only 18 months before and were loving it.

When introduced to catamaran sailing the owners felt it was perfect because, unlike any other mode of travel, they could take along so many of their belongings and comforts of home, and there was plenty of room for their grown up children and friends.

The concept of ‘apartment living’ has come of age with modern catamaran design. Today’s cats offer space, light, privacy and better speed, and are among the reasons why this area of yacht building is booming – so much so that some new launches have waiting lists even before the first model has splashed.

The big production manufacturers are now all in this market, as are some of the best-known yacht designers. Through variety, competition and an infusion of investment new designs are getting bolder and sleeker. Their appeal to new sailors is obvious, and monohull sailors are gradually being won over too; elite races in multihulls have, to an extent, normalised the idea of sailing on two or three hulls.

Our special section this month looks at the ideas infusing this vibrant area in sailing. I can’t help but think that this trend is just the start.