catamaran denim

How To Dress for a Catamaran Cruise

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site.

Now that you have your catamaran cruise booked, you need to make sure your clothing choices suit the occasion. You want to look your best in the photos you share on social media and with your envious friends, but you also want to dress comfortably for a safe cruise. How do you dress for a catamaran cruise?

To dress for a catamaran cruise, ask about a dress code — is it “come as you are,” or black tie? For a casual cruise, wear jeans, sneakers, and a non-collared shirt. Formal cruises require tuxedos and evening gowns. Don’t forget to bring a straw hat and polarized sunglasses for UV protection.

Catamaran cruises offer a chance to relax and unwind. But before you go, there are a few things to learn about catamarans and cruising. You may be a lifelong landlubber, but after reading this article, you’ll be a stylish seadog.

Table of Contents

What Is a Catamaran?

At first glance, a catamaran looks like two boats with a house hanging atop them. Catamarans are broader and boxier than traditional ships. Their width makes them more stable than a single-hulled ship. 

Nautical designers build racing catamarans for speed and cruising catamarans for comfort. Because they rock less than conventional boats, a catamaran ride causes much less sea sickness even in choppy waters. 

Many charter captains rent their catamarans for cruises. They may take guests out for a dinner cruise that features great food and sunset over the waves. They could offer all-day excursions with fishing and swimming. Or they might set sail with their passengers for distant islands.

Whether you’re going for an afternoon ride in the harbor or a catamaran cruise around the world, you’ll want to look your best. But before you ask, “What should I wear?” you should find out if your cruise operator has any rules regarding what you cannot wear.

Check Your Cruise Dress Codes

While many catamaran cruises have a “come as you are” attitude, some expect guests to dress for the occasion. At best, ignoring their dress codes will mark you as the person who showed up to a black-tie event in ripped jeans and a dirty T-shirt. At worst, they’ll turn you away at the dock. 

When in doubt, err on the side of good taste. Cruises are special events. Dress to impress, and you’ll make your cruise more enjoyable for yourself and your fellow passengers. 

Casual Wear on a Catamaran Cruise

Casual catamaran cruises are more about the scenery and the food than dressing up. Jeans, sneakers, and non-collared shirts are acceptable. Tank tops, flip-flops, and swimwear are frowned upon for hygienic and fashion reasons. And just because you can wear a T-shirt on a dinner cruise doesn’t mean that you should.

Boat shoes and leather sandals are more stylish than sneakers. Capris, sundresses, and knee-length skirts work well at a casual wear dinner cruise. Men will look comfortable and stylish in khakis, golf shirts, and button-up shirts. 

This Berydress A-Line Midi Sundress with a lace shawl or cover-up will look casual without sloppy. And men can’t go wrong combining Calvin Klein Stretch Chino Pants with a Lacoste Polo Shirt . 

Semi-Formal Catamaran Cruise Wear

There are many definitions of “semi-formal wear.” Perhaps the best way to approach a semi-formal cruise is to dress like you’re going to a wedding or a 5-star restaurant. 

Flats or low chunky heels will be better suited to a cruise than higher heels. While catamarans heel (rock) much less than conventional boats, waves can still lead to a “rocking horse” motion as the dual hulls rise and fall on the swells. Low heels will be better for your balance. And spike or stiletto heels are right out, as they can cause expensive damage to the decks. 

Combine this Haspel Poplin Sport Coat with these Perry Ellis Linen Pants and a button-down shirt for a look that’s both formal and relaxed. A white Julia Jordan Halter Jumpsuit will look fabulous combined with these blue FASZFSAF Flower Sandals .

Formal Wear Catamaran Cruise Events

When cruising, “formal wear” traditionally meant tuxedos and evening gowns. While some big cruise ships still hold formal events complete with tuxedo rental, the Titanic look has largely gone the way of the Titanic. (Many cruise guests are not happy with this situation).

Still, there may be times when you’ll need to break out the tie and tails or sport your designer best on a catamaran. Many travel-loving couples charter boats for their wedding ceremony . And when your catamaran docks, the yacht and harbor club may hold events where the Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers look is de rigueur . 

For an authentic vintage tuxedo look, check eBay’s wide selection of vintage tuxedos . Cruise ship formal wear for women generally works best with simple elegance combined with a showpiece accessory. And when you’re sailing, you’ll find elaborate hairdos hold up more poorly in salt breezes than basic but well-done styles.

England is famous both for its fashion industry and its sailing history. In this British GQ article, Harvey James explains the differences between white tie and black tie dress codes . 

What Clothes Are Best for a Catamaran Cruise?

Whether you’re out for the day or weeks, there are traditional nautical fashions. These styles became popular because they both look good and meet guest and crew needs. What you bring when you set out is what you have until your catamaran docks. 

Here are some pointers for packing or for picking the right outfit for your short catamaran cruise:

• Navy blue , the color of the British Navy’s traditional officer coat, goes well with both neutrals and bright colors like red and yellow.
• Pastels , especially pastel “sea greens” and sky blues, work with khakis, jeans, and white skirts. 
• White matches everything and will keep you cooler on a hot day. Lighter colors should predominate in your outfit.
• Stripes: Stripes pop out against a solid-colored wardrobe. Striped crew necks (named after a style favored by rowers) are popular on yachts and at yacht clubs. This inexpensive Uxcell Striped Crew Neck T-Shirt comes in a wide range of colors and sizes.
• Fabrics: Breathable cotton and linen make your catamaran cruise more comfortable. Dry clean only outfits that might sustain damage from sea spray or a sudden storm should be left onshore. 

The following items may be handy on your catamaran cruise:

Those of us with thinning hair know all too well the heartache of the sunburnt scalp. A hat shields your face, head, neck, and eyes from harmful UV radiation and blinding light. When choosing a hat, look for a 3” to 5” (7.62 to 12.7-cm) brim around the cap. The best materials for sun protection are a very tight straw weave or a thick canvas. 

Bucket hats originally protected Irish fishers and farmers from sun and drizzle. Bob Denver made bucket hats famous on the TV series Gilligan’s Island . A Zero Restriction Gore-Tex Bucket Hat will keep your head dry through a summer squall and ensure you have a better (if shorter) cruise than Gilligan and the Skipper.

Chilly ocean breezes can blow on even the warmest days. And when the sun sets, the air may soon go from balmy to brisk. That light jacket you thought you would never need in midsummer will leave you comfortable while the less-prepared shiver.

Windbreakers like the Under Armour Women’s ArmourStorm Sonar Waterproof Jacket or Under Armour Men’s Scrambler Jacket offer protection against cutting winds and sea spray. They’re also lightweight enough to be folded into a day bag when the sun comes out again.

If your catamaran is sailing in cooler weather, consider a fisherman’s sweater. This Biddy Murphy Aran Knit Sweater is made with soft, non-scratchy Merino wool and comes in various sizes and colors. Irish fishermen wear these while sailing the North Sea. They should keep you fashionable and warm when things get dreary and damp. 

Clean, unripped jeans are acceptable for most cruises. But seersucker pants will be more breathable and look more upscale. If you’re going on a catamaran cruise, why not go that extra mile and wear a nice pair of Brooks Brothers Striped Seersucker Pants ? 

Linen capri pants (also known as “clam diggers”) are a flattering option for women. These LinenMe Linen Clam Diggers will pair with just about anything in your wardrobe. They’re fetching, versatile, and can be used as part of many outfits after your catamaran cruise ends. 

In 1934, Paul Sperry slipped on his sailboat and fell into the cold Long Island Sound waters. Sperry made it safely back to his boat, but the experience shook him. He resolved to create a shoe that would give him better traction when at sea.

The following winter Sperry noticed how easily his Cocker Spaniel, Prince, ran up icy Connecticut hills without slipping. Inspired by Prince’s rough paws, Sperry cut grooves into a pair of gum rubber soles and glued them to canvas sneakers.

Today Sperry’s rubber-soled shoes are still beloved by naval personnel who want to stay on the deck or, in nautical slang, “topside.” Sperry Top-Siders are comfortable and fashionable. And their white rubber soles don’t scuff or mar decks, which makes them very popular with yacht owners too! 

If you want footwear for your cruise, you can’t go wrong with a pair of Sperry Top-Siders. These Sperry Men’s Mako 2-Hole Boat Shoes and Sperry Women’s Rosefish Boat Shoes will be stylish both on deck and dry land. And if any part of your cruise involves a walking tour, bring worn-in shoes to avoid blisters.

For men, button-downs like this Vivienne Westwood Poplin Orb Short-Sleeved Shirt and polo shirts like the Calvin Klein Men’s Quick Dry Polo are solid catamaran cruise options. 

Button-downs and polo shirts also work for ladies on a catamaran cruise. This Agan Traders Women’s Boho Lace Bell Sleeve Blouse is Bohemian enough for a coffee house and sufficiently light for hot weather. The long sleeves will also help protect you from sunburn. 

To cope with the hot, humid weather, early 20th century Bermuda businessmen began wearing trousers cut an inch above the knee. Much of the British Empire was tropical or subtropical, so Bermuda shorts became popular throughout Her Majesty’s realm.

Bermuda shorts are dressier than denim cut-offs but not so formal that you can’t pair them with a T-shirt. Island Trends Victoria Bermuda Shorts will look great with a brightly colored Cicy Bell Casual Blazer or with a Daily Ritual Oversized V-Neck Tunic . And there are few men’s yachting outfits more iconic than Bermuda shorts paired with a polo or golf shirt.

Sunlight glistening off the water can be dazzling, but a little goes a long way. If you’re out on the ocean, sunglasses are a must-have item. Along with a hat and sunscreen, sunglasses can be the difference between a pleasant cruise and a painful one.

Here are a few tips when selecting sunglasses for your catamaran cruise:

• Be sure your sunglasses are polarized; non-polarized sunglasses will do little to keep out the light coming toward your eye from all directions. 
• Also, check to see that your sunglasses block out harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays. 
• Many sailors prefer gray or copper-colored lenses. These provide the best contrast when exploring the water for fish or obstacles.

These Costa Del Mar Men’s FERG Square Sunglasses and Costa Del Mar Women’s Gannet Rectangular Sunglasses will protect your eyes on a cruise or in any other overly bright situation.

Catamarans are great for ocean swimming. Their lower draft (depth below the water) means they can sail into harbors that would ground most conventional sailboats. And their stability makes them excellent platforms for climbing into and out of the water. 

One-piece suits are versatile. Slip on a pair of Joe’s Jeans Bermuda Shorts or an R.Vivimos Cotton Floral Print Midi Skirt , and you’re ready to go from the ocean to a beachfront restaurant. 

For cruises, many experts recommend bringing at least two swimsuits. That way, you can leave one out to dry and wear the other when you want to visit the hot tub or lounge on the deck. And rash guards like the Quiksilver Men’s All Time Ls Surfer Shirt or Land’s End Women’s Crew Neck Long Sleeve Rash Guard can save you from painful sunburn. 

Packing Advice for a Long Catamaran Cruise

If you’re going on a multi-day catamaran cruise, you’ll want several changes of clothes on-hand. You want to bring your most flattering outfits, but don’t bring too many! 

Pack Lightly for Your Cruise

The Hemisphere , one of the largest charter catamarans, is 145 feet (44.2 meters). Charter catamarans typically range between 45 and 70 feet (13.72 and 21.34 meters) long. The Symphony of the Seas , the largest cruise ship sailing today, is 1,128 feet (343.81 meters) long. 

Next to a big cruise ship, cruising catamarans look positively puny! But Symphony carries over 5,500 people on a typical cruise along with a crew of 2,200. The Hemisphere has a staff of eight and can accommodate up to twelve passengers in four doubles and one twin cabin. 

Catamarans have a rectangular deck that offers more space than a traditional boat of comparable length. This design gives passengers more room for walking about and for activities. Many of the largest catamarans have hot tubs and even pools! But storage space on a catamaran cruise will still be at a premium. 

You should be able to fit your cruise wardrobe in one large or two small soft-sided bags or duffel bags which you can store away easily. Soft bags are easy to fold away once you unpack, taking up less room. Hard suitcases are more challenging to pack away and may even scratch and damage cabin woodwork.

This Gonex 150L Foldable Duffle Bag comes in various colors and will give you plenty of room to store your things. 

Ask About Cruise Washing Facilities

Washing machines require lots of electricity and freshwater. They’re bulky and heavy. While cruising catamarans offer many luxuries, most don’t have onboard laundry facilities. That means you’ll probably need to wait until your catamaran docks to do your wash at a laundromat. Make sure you bring along enough clothes to tide you over between ports of call. 

If all else fails, you can always use the time-honored sailing tradition of washing your clothes in soapy salt water, rinsing them in a bit of freshwater, then hanging them out to dry. The ocean breezes will dry your garments in no time and leave them smelling like the sea.

The Tangie Stain Remover Bar is small, but if you need to get a stain out while traveling between ports, it’ll be a big help. 

Leave Your Expensive Jewelry at Home

Heirlooms and irreplaceable jewelry can easily get lost on a cruise. Expensive rings and necklaces may impress your cruise mates, but they’ll also draw the attention of thieves and ne’er-do-wells in port. 

You should also avoid long necklaces on sailing catamarans. If your chain gets tangled in the rigging, it could break. And be careful near the railing. If your diamond bracelet falls into Davy Jones’ locker, Davy keeps it. 

If you absolutely must bring expensive jewelry for a special night out, check to ensure that your cruise has a safe to store your irreplaceable heirlooms. Keep them safely stored away until you need them, then lock them back up until you return.

Final Thoughts

Now you know what to wear on a catamaran cruise. Catamarans are chic and often comfortable sailing in almost every sort of weather. With the pointers that you’ve learned from this essay, you can be fashionable and comfortable too! Happy (and stylish) sailing! 

• Astorino & Associates Eye Care Center: Sailing and Sunglasses
• Intimate Weddings: Romantic Wedding on a Boat
• Sperry: Our Story
• The Vivienne Files: Start Here

Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment.

Recent Posts

Must-Have Boat Gear for Catamaran Sailors!

Sailing is probably the most gear-intensive activity I've ever done; there are so many decisions to be made about what gear to buy now, for tomorrow, and what to definitely never buy. The gear on...

6 Best Trailerable Trimarans For Bluewater and Coastal Sailing

Having a boat costs a lot of money, even when you are not using it, marina fees, etc. And once it is in the water most sailors never go very far from their "home marina" and sailing will be somewhat...

Your Cart Is Empty

Coastal Lighting

Coastal Living Room Furniture

Coastal Decor

Coastal Rugs

Outdoor Furniture

Driftwood Furniture

Catamaran stripe indoor/outdoor rug - denim & white.

Product Description

Show your spirit with this durable and washable indoor/outdoor area rug in preppy broad stripes of denim and white. Catamaran rugs are woven to be lightweight, low profile and reversible.  Say "Hello, sailor!" to this preppy striped indoor/outdoor area rug. 

 • Stripes run the width of the rug and are 3" wide

Overall Dimensions/Sizes: Multiple

Material: 100% Polypropylene

Finish/Color: Denim Blue w/Bright White

Order a sample to see what you think in person! Saves time and money on return shipping a large, heavy rug. Sample fee is refunded upon the same rug purchase in any size. ****Sample has hanging grommets and is not intended as a small rug.*** SAMPLES ARE LIMITED TO ONE SAMPLE PER RUG. MULTIPLE SAMPLES OF ONE RUG ON ONLINE ORDERS WILL NOT BE FILLED. ONE PER RUG ONLY.   RUG SAMPLES ARE NOT RETURNABLE.

Please call or email us if you would like to order a sample of this rug.

Care:  Regular vacuuming and the occasional gentle shake should keep your rug in shipshape condition. All polypropylene area rugs are hoseable, scrubbable, and bleachable. Air dry only.

Do not machine wash or tumble dry.

Add a rug pad to make sure your rug stays in place.

For custom stair runners, we recommend consulting a professional. Every staircase is unique and custom rugs are not returnable. Many installers will include initial measurements in the installation price. Many rugs make a fine choice for a stair runner and we sell samples to order/preview before you commit to the product.

Order a sample to see what you think in person! Saves time and money on return shipping a large, heavy rug. Sample fee is refunded upon the same rug purchase in any size. Sample has hanging grommets and is not intended as a small rug. Samples are final sale, no returns.

Standard Shipping type is defined as curbside delivery for large pieces and door step delivery for small pieces (UPS/FedEx). The fee for Standard Shipping ranges from 10% to 15% of the product purchase price, pre-tax and is calculated at checkout.

Many times due to the size, weight and fragility of the item, customers typically upgrade their shipping type to White Glove Delivery.  White Glove Delivery includes bringing the newly purchased item into the home, placing it in the room of choice then the crew removes and disposes of packaging materials.
The upgrade fee for this service range from $200.-$400 *This fee does not include the removal of any existing furniture items in the home the order is replacing.

Your home is your canvas...

Book your free consulation, related categories:, related searches you might like:.

Natural Fiber Rugs | Rugs By Color | Blue Rugs | Earthtone Rugs | Platinum Rugs | Pastel Rugs | Bright Rugs | Coastal Indoor & Outdoor Rugs | All PVC Rugs | Throws & Blankets

• Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
• Opens in a new window.

• OUR MUST HAVES
• Best Sellers
• Back in Stock
• Bloom Midi Dress
• Bump Friendly
• Special Occasion
• JUMPSUITS + ROMPERS
• COLLECTIONS
• R.S.V.P. Sugarlips
• Shop By Print
• R.S.V.P. SUGARLIPS
• Login / Register

What's New?

Shop jumpsuits and rompers, free shipping on orders $75+, you're $75.00 away from free shipping.

• Your cart is empty

Catamaran Denim Wide Leg Jumpsuit

Color: blue-denim, size: xs size guide.

Out of stock

The Catamaran Denim Wide Leg Jumpsuit makes a splash where ever you wear it! Lightweight denim falls from adjustable straps that cross in the back, into a square neckline and princess-seamed bodice. A fitted waist leads into extra-wide culotte style pants. All you need to complete your look is a pair of tan wedges and sun hat! - Denim wide leg jumpsuit - Back lace up detail - Sleeveless - Square neckline - Color: Blue-Denim Size + Fit - Model is 5'9" and wearing size XS - Measurements taken from size S - Chest: 32" - Inseam: 25" Fabric Self: 100% Tencel

Recently Viewed Products

Standard Shipping Rates

Free Shipping

Sugarlips offers free shipping on all orders over $75 (before tax and after discounts and gift card codes) within the  contiguous United States. Orders shipped to a U.S. apartment, condo or office building may require a signature at the time of delivery to ensure your package reaches the correct person.

Free Shipping over $75 is provided using Fedex Smart Post. Larger orders may be automatically upgraded, at Sugarlips' discretion, to USPS Priority Mail or other carriers. Additionally, at checkout, you have the option of upgrading your shipping method at the rates quoted at checkout.

Estimated Domestic Delivery Time

• We ship orders Monday - Friday. Orders will be shipped within 1-2 business days. Orders received on Fridays will be shipped within the next 1-2 business days. Orders placed after 11AM PST will be processed the next business day.
• During large sales and holiday weekends non priority shipping orders may experience slight delays in shipping.
• Free Shipping over $75 by FedEx Smart Post: 7 to 10 business days.
• FedEx Smart Post : 7 to 10 business days.
• USPS Priority Mail: 3 to 5 business days. Delivery on Saturday.
• USPS Priority Mail Express: 1 business day.
• We cannot ship until your payment is processed. Delays in your payment processing will delay the shipment.

International Shipping

Sugarlips offers a calculated rate of shipping by USPS for international customers based on the destination, size and current carrier rate, shipping time varies. Express options for international shipping is not available.

Items in your order that are designated for shipment to countries outside of the U.S. may be subject to taxes, customs duties and fees levied by the destination country ("Import Fees"). The recipient of the shipment is the importer of record in the destination country and is responsible for all Import Fees. 

Refused Shipment

If you refuse a shipment from Sugarlips, you are responsible for the original shipping charges and the cost of returning the package to Sugarlips. This amount will be deducted from your merchandise refund.

Address Information Make sure to enter the shipping address correctly. If you don’t provide your address correctly or it contains typos, your package may be undeliverable. We are not responsible if a package was delivered to an address that was incorrectly inputted.

• Outdoor - Outdoor Accents  ,

Catamaran Stripe Indoor/Outdoor Rug, Denim/Ivory, 2.5 X 8 Runner

A rug for all seasons. Made of superheroic polypropylene, these indoor/outdoor area rugs are terrific for high-traffic areas and muddy messes. Scrubbable, bleachable and UV-treated for outdoor use, this collection of woven rugs can stand up to all that you dish out. Dhurrie rugs are woven to be lightweight, low profile and reversible.

Dimensions: 2.5' x 8'

Stripes run the width of the rug and are 3" wide

Features & Benefits: Ultra-durable construction, water-resistant, and UV-treated for fade resistance; lightweight; often reversible; washable, scrubbable, and bleachable.

We Also Suggest

We also suggest, related products.

Diamond Platinum/White Indoor/Outdoor Rug, 3 x 5

Samson Navy Indoor/Outdoor Rug, 3 X 5

Samson Gray Indoor/Outdoor Rug, 3 X 5

Herringbone Indigo/White Indoor/Outdoor Rug, 3 X 5

Herringbone Denim/Ivory Indoor/Outdoor Rug, 3 X 5

Herringbone Pearl Gray/White Indoor/Outdoor Rug, 3 X 5

Pebble Natural Indoor/Outdoor Rug, 3 X 5

Crystal Indoor/Outdoor Rug, Gray/Ivory, 2.5 X 8 Runner

Samson Indoor/Outdoor Rug, Navy, 2 X 3

Samson Indoor/Outdoor Rug, Grey, 2 X 3

Herringbone Indoor/Outdoor Rug, French Blue, 2 X 3

Herringbone Indoor/Outdoor Rug, Indigo/White, 2 X 3

Herringbone Indoor/Outdoor Rug, Light Blue/Ivory, 2 X 3

Diamond Indoor/Outdoor Rug, Platinum/White, 2 X 3

• Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
• Press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection.

All Bedding Sale - Buy 1, Get 1 Bedding 50% off | CODE: WAKEUP |   Discount Applied in Cart. Details*   Sale ends in  

2 Days : 0 Hours : 49 minutes

Something made us think you are a bot. But fear not! You'll be able to get back to your browsing session in just a moment. Please click the box above and you'll be on your way. Happy shopping!

© 2024 Fresh American, LLC d/b/a The Annie Selke Companies, All Rights Reserved

The global authority in superyachting

• NEWSLETTERS
• Yachts Home
• The Superyacht Directory
• Yacht Reports
• Brokerage News
• The largest yachts in the world
• The Register
• Yacht Advice
• Yacht Design
• 12m to 24m yachts
• Monaco Yacht Show
• Builder Directory
• Designer Directory
• Interior Design Directory
• Naval Architect Directory
• Yachts for sale home
• Motor yachts
• Sailing yachts
• Explorer yachts
• Classic yachts
• Sale Broker Directory
• Charter Home
• Yachts for Charter
• Charter Destinations
• Charter Broker Directory
• Destinations Home
• Mediterranean
• South Pacific
• Rest of the World
• Boat Life Home
• Owners' Experiences
• Interiors Suppliers
• Owners' Club
• Captains' Club
• BOAT Showcase
• Boat Presents
• Events Home
• World Superyacht Awards
• Superyacht Design Festival
• Design and Innovation Awards
• Young Designer of the Year Award
• Artistry and Craft Awards
• Explorer Yachts Summit
• Ocean Talks
• The Ocean Awards
• BOAT Connect
• Between the bays
• Golf Invitational
• Boat Pro Home
• Pricing Plan
• Superyacht Insight
• Product Features
• Premium Content
• Testimonials
• Global Order Book
• Tenders & Equipment

The coolest new catamaran models and concepts

Sam Fortescue reveals the latest multihulls to make a splash and takes a look at what’s on the designers’ drawing boards

Sunreef 43m Eco

LOA 42.7m Beam 15.4m Power 2 x 200kW Passengers 12 guests, 7 crew

Polish catamaran builder Sunreef has just sold another 43M Eco – the second largest sailing cat in the world. This is hull No 2, and will feature the same innovative 60kW solar array as the first example. Solar cells are integrated into every surface of the hull, superstructure and rig to give it impressive range under electric propulsion and almost limitless power for domestic comfort. The boat has an invisible drop-down aft garage for toys, fold-down wings on the quarter and a vast beach club, which combine to form what Sunreef has dubbed the Ocean Lounge. A gym with a view is built into the starboard quarter, and there’s a huge flybridge and room for 12 guests below. 

BlackCat 36m

LOA 36m Beam 13.7m Draught 1.60-4.90m Passengers 8 guests, 4 crew

Designer Malcolm McKeon and BlackCat founder Mitch Booth have been busy creating a super-sleek new 36-metre catamaran concept for a specific owner, and are now offering it alongside its other models in the 30- to 50-metre range. There’s barely a straight line on board; everything is curved and ergonomic – what Italian design is to furniture, so BlackCat is to catamarans. Compared to other BlackCats, there is perhaps a little extra height in the superstructure, plus solar panels and drop-down bulwarks aft. Naturally, it is a full-carbon build with performance to match – this one is predicted to sail at up to 30 knots, setting 650 square metres of carbon sails on its 45-metre rotating mast. Retractable rudders and daggerboards promise tight wind angles and upwind speed as well as access to shallow waters. Electric propulsion and up to 50kW regeneration capacity will minimise fuel burn. There are four double cabins for eight guests. The boat would be built at Baltic Yachts with BlackCat consulting. 

Echo Yachts 56m

LOA 56m Beam 15.5m Passengers 16 guests, 14 crew

Echo Yachts has come up with a beast of a catamaran design that blurs the line between support mothership and boat. This 56-metre is designed around helicopter operations, with two landing spots and room for two aircraft in the hangar. That gives it the capacity to carry three helicopters, as well as a range of large tenders up to around 11 metres and numerous other toys. Not that guest-level comfort has been neglected: there’s a spa pool on the foredeck, a private aft deck lounge and a huge beach club based around the drop-down platform. The interior is 100 per cent customisable, and can be skewed towards crew accommodation or even scientific, humanitarian or special interest facilities.

Alva Yachts Ocean Eco 90 H2

LOA 27.5m Beam 13.98m Draught 1.2m Power 2 x 250kW

Alva Yachts is building the world’s first 27.5-metre fossil-fuel-free catamaran. The Ocean Eco 90 H2 will run off two electric motors connected to a 500kWh-plus battery pack, powered by the sun via 200 square metres of solar panelling. It will also be fitted with Ayro’s Oceanwings with sensors on the wingsails. Wind data will be analysed by a computer that will adjust the wingsails’ angle of attack and camber. “This project would not be possible without our classification partner DNV, which has established new ground rules because this has never been done before,” says Holger Henn, CEO of the German builder. 

McConaghy MC115

LOA 35m Beam 12.5m Draught 1.8m (centreboards up)

Composite wizard McConaghy has given us an exclusive preview of a new 35-metre catamaran that is still at the design stage. Intended to bridge the gap between production and superyacht sectors, it is even more customisable than the yard’s smaller models. It features wide side decks and an open flybridge with an enclosed helm station forward, at the mast foot.

With sail controls concentrated above, the main deck is devoted to socialising, with a huge hydraulic bathing platform aft. The master suite is positioned forward on the main deck, giving it access to a foredeck lounge with a spa pool – a departure for this performance-focused brand. Accommodation is for 12 guests in six cabins, supported by a crew of four. But the precise configuration is infinitely adaptable. This should be a rapid boat, courtesy of slick naval architecture by Ker and a high-tech composite build. “The MC115 is a wind-speed yacht, and with true wind speed of 20 knots and the boat at 100 degrees, she will comfortably achieve 21 knots,” says managing director Mark Evans. 

LOA 36.75m Beam 13.85m Draught 2m Power 2 x 340hp e-motors

Flagships on this scale don’t come quickly, and especially not when they keep growing. What began as a 30-metre now surpasses 36 metres, with its electric drives and helicopter landing pad covered with retractable solar panels. To keep us hooked as the 2024 launch date draws closer, Silent Yachts has released details of a specially adapted submersible and quadcopter designed to match the yacht. U-Boat Worx is behind the two-person Nemo sub, which can dive to 100 metres. And the aircraft is an adaptation of VRCO’s XP4, due for regulatory approval in 2024. Billed as the “supercar of the skies”, it has vertical take off and landing capabilities and room for four passengers. Both are electric and will be recharged from the Silent 120’s vast battery bank. 

WiderCat 92

LOA 28.04m Beam 12m Power 2 x 420kW electric motors Top speed 15 knots Passengers 8 guests, 4 crew

As we reported back in November, Wider has sold five of its 28-metre WiderCats so far, and the first hulls have now left the moulds in Ancona. Late on a midwinter’s night, the two halves of the boat were transported 20 kilometres by road at painstaking speed to Wider’s new building halls at Fano. They will first be joined, then united with the deck and superstructure, which are already moulded. Painting comes next, followed by the complex systems that lie behind this advanced diesel-electric hybrid. The build is on track to debut at Cannes in September. 

Lazzara LPC 85

LOA 25.9m Beam 10.6m Power 2 x 550 - 1,800hp Top speed 20 knots Passengers 10 guests, 5 crew

Following the delivery of its UHV 87 model, shown at Cannes in 2022, and the launch of an express cruiser in its LSX series, Lazzara Yachts is expanding its offering with a catamaran line. The flagship 26-metre cat, built in GRP, will house a giant saloon that occupies the entire main deck – with the focus entirely on entertainment. The owner’s suite is a marvel – filling the 10-metre beam of the lower deck, with fold-down balconies on either side. Four more guest doubles have been designed with semi-open bathrooms, to transmit the light from the hull windows. Outside space is epic, with a vast beach club, elegant main deck dining and an expansive flybridge with a spa pool. While impressively styled, these are production yachts, with choices very much circumscribed. 

VisionF 100

LOA 30.5m Beam 12m Power 4 x Volvo Penta IPS 1050 3,200hp Top speed 22 knots

In just four years of operation, Turkish yard VisionF has already launched several 24-metre aluminium catamarans, and now it has sold a 30.5-metre cat. Built entirely in robust Kevlar composite, it should be incredibly stiff and strong. But relaxing is the name of the game here. There’s a glass-bottomed pool on the foredeck, fold-down wing balconies and a large, open flybridge. At the stern is deep hydraulic platform designed so that it either massively extends the aft deck or provides a huge beach club area. Besides the 100-square-metre saloon there is room on the main deck for a large forward-facing owner’s cabin. Up to six comfortable en suite cabins can be fitted into the two hulls. Delivery is scheduled for 2025. 

Lagoon Seventy 7

LOA 23.25m Beam 11m Power 2 x 175hp diesel Passengers up to 10 guests + 2 crew

While Lagoon is better known for its smaller sailing cats, its Seventy 7 is a semi-custom exception with more of a superyacht mentality. And its latest commission is an intriguing mix of sailing and gaming. Currently in build, the boat has an elegant dedicated cinema in the starboard hull with 7.1 surround sound and a pull-down screen integrated into the headlining. Another owner request was that the LED-lit gaming tower should be made a feature of the boat, and so it is – placed by the stairs so the lights can be seen from the cockpit. Next to the cinema is a workshop, where the owner can work on his drones.

Even without customisation, the Seventy 7 is a spacious, capable cruising cat. There’s the option of a spa pool on its flybridge, which also offers informal dining, an L-shaped sofa, a grill and a fridge. The helm station naturally lies at the forward end of this space, where all the lines come back to a battery of hefty winches. The foredeck lounge has direct access inside via a sea-tight door. And uniquely, the master cabin has a balcony door with a built-in bathing ladder for direct access to the water. Grey D4 Vectran sails from Incidence complement a dark grey hull, while the interior plays on primary colours. 

Art Explorer

The build of the groundbreaking 46-metre Art Explorer catamaran is continuing apace at The Italian Sea Group , with delivery expected in September. “She will be one of the largest luxury catamarans in the world when she is delivered, a testament to the vision, energy and leadership of its protagonist, Frederic Jousset,” says Laurent Bredy, head of project management for Fraser, of the yacht’s French owner. It was designed by Axel de Beaufort and Guillaume Verdier, with carbon mast and boom by Lorima. She will act as a floating gallery that will sail around the world, taking art to people who wouldn’t otherwise have access to it. 

Fountaine Pajot 80

LOA 23.98m Beam 11.09m Power 2 x 175hp Passengers 12 guests, 5 crew

Building a 24-metre was a big step up for French production yard Fountaine Pajot , so it has sought naval architect Olivier Racoupeau ’s help to add some big-boat sparkle. He’s brought ideas such as drop-down bulwarks that create a port and starboard lounging area at anchor, a spa pool set into the bow, where you can bathe and admire the waves sliding by, a well-equipped flybridge and epic toy storage. The overhangs are set with semi-transparent solar cells and the interior by Isabelle Racoupeau is about unostentatious luxury. There’s also room for up to six double cabins.

LOA 26.82m Beam 11.1m Power 2 x 170hp Yanmar Passengers 10 guests, 4 crew

Speed has always been the essence of HH Catamarans, but a new flagship is hoping to inject a bigger dose of comfort into these carbon-fibre fliers. Choose between a sleek flybridge or the racy pod helm stations that barely protrude above the coachroof. Up to 10 guests are supported by four crew, making charter an option. But make no mistake: even with self-tacking jibs and lots of lounging space, these remain exhilaratingly fast boats capable of near-wind speed into the low-20 knot zone. The first hull is launching now. 

Prestige M8

LOA 19.82m Beam 8.85m Power 2 x Volvo Penta D8 600hp Top speed 20 knots

A new flagship is on the drawing board at Franco-Italian builder Prestige, which has found a niche in high-quality series production. The 20-metre M8 power cat is said to have lower fuel consumption thanks to efficient design, and a 15-knot cruising speed. A full-beam owner’s cabin forms a lower half-deck forward, with space for up to four further guest cabins. A vast saloon with extensive glazing and stainless-steel detailing gives the feeling of a sophisticated apartment. There’s also a flybridge and a foredeck lounge. It should be at Cannes this year. 

Reinvigorated under French ownership, Gunboat has just unveiled a flexible new 21-metre model. The spec can be varied on a scale that runs from fast cruiser to seat-of-the-pants rocket ship, with two rig choices. The mast has been moved aft for a bigger self-tacking J2 sail and a high-aspect main. There’s no flybridge – just an aerodynamic coachroof that has been enlarged to take more solar panels. The saloon is bigger too, and the accommodation is flexible. 

Nemesis 60ft

The team behind the outrageous 101-metre Nemesis One foiling catamaran concept have somehow raised the stakes a notch or two further with a design that will hit 150 knots. This will be a 20-metre power boat on hydrofoils, capable of accommodating six guests and three crew. Initial drawings resemble something out of Star Wars – all stealth angles in jet black. The contract is already in place for the design and build, according to Nemesis.

Bluegame BGM75

LOA 22.7m Beam 8.15m Power 2 x IPS Volvo Penta D8 550 hp Top speed 20 knots

Bluegame's first ever multihull offering was revealed to the world at the Cannes Yachting Festival in 2022. The 22.7-metre design retains the appearance of a monohull with the benefits of a catamaran – stability, volume and improved fuel consumption. Its hull form means the BGM75 requires 50 per cent less power than a monohull of the same volume, while generating 5kW of green energy thanks to 56 solar panels that can be installed on the deckhouse. Design comes from Bernardo Zuccon and Piero Lisson, working on a hull form that was developed as the hydrogen-powered chase boat for the America’s Cup.

More about this yacht

More stories, most popular, from our partners, sponsored listings.

CATAMARAN SWEATER

Perfect for cooler days in the city or by the sea. This pullover sweater features a stripe knit design, relaxed fit and hood with v-neckline.

• O'Neill Women's knit sweater
• Regular length
• Side seam slits
• Stripe knit
• 60% Cotton 40% Acrylic

SP3417003|CEM|XS

• Model Details

Description

UPC: 196559236271

Shipping & Returns

Free shipping on orders over $149 when you join O'NEILL REWARDS .

Process returns & exchanges within 30 days (unless marked Final Sale) Learn more about  shipping & returns HERE.

WEAR IT WITH

KATRINA DENIM SHORTS

On Sale $51.99 $65.00

WALKER DENIM SHORTS

On Sale $47.99 $59.50

BRENDA DOUBLE GAUZE PANTS

On Sale $38.99 $59.50

AS SEEN ON IG

This site uses cookies to remember some of your preferences and to help us improve the site. Cookies are small text files that are downloaded on your computer or device. By continuing to use this site you agree to our use of cookies. You can find out more by reading our privacy policy .

Modern Catamaran Trends: Gimmicks or Valid Design Ideas?

The celebrity of the catamaran is not only swelling in racing, but also for cruising catamarans. At their conception, the atypical design enabled cats to sail faster and in shallower waters with less wind and crew than other sailing vessels. But for years the unorthodox design met with skepticism, leaving the catamaran with little commercial success. Additional challenges to adoption of early versions of cruising cats were the small, very cramped interiors by modern day standards, was heavy and lumbering handling abilities. Many sailors used to say they “were built like tanks and sailed like bricks”.

However, sailors soon realized that nothing could beat the comfort, speed, and safety of a well-designed modern catamaran as a cruising yacht. These vessels can achieve the highest speed for the smoothest ride and boast the most interior space and greatest safety of most ocean-going vessels. Sailors of all types are quickly overcoming earlier prejudices against the multihull design as contemporary design trends continue to produce catamarans that are faster, more exciting, more visually interesting, and safer than ever before.

The New Trends

Fun and interesting new trends in catamarans make sailing even more exciting than ever before. However, innovations are only useful if they contribute to good design, construction, and safety principles and it should fit your sailing purposes. Let’s take a look at some trends in modern cats:

1. Larger Catamarans for Fewer Crew

The new generation of catamaran, using modern composite construction and engineering can be built lighter, larger, and more spacious with very good power-to-weight characteristics. Currently, the trend leans increasingly towards larger catamarans. The average catamaran for a cruising couple now tends to be more in the 45ft to 50ft range. With composite engineering and installation of technologically advanced equipment, e.g., electric winches, furling systems, and reliable auto pilot, it is now possible for shorthanded crews to confidently sail larger boats with larger rigs. Technology has enabled modern catamarans’ bigger volume with more stiff and torsion resistant construction, without compromising stability and safety.  

2. Inside Out: Convertible Main Living Areas

The design improvements of convertible living areas not only increases usable space and opens up the living areas, but also reduces interior maintenance and cleaning issues of traditional varnished wood surfaces. An open and convertible main living area with simple, hard-wearing composite materials reduces costs and time required to clean and maintain the boat. Big windows and opening vents allow light in and increase visibility. Gone are the submarine-like claustrophobic cabins typical of most traditional yachts. Owners’ cabins are luxurious, airy, and spacious serving as a very comfortable living space, rather than just a place to sleep. 

3. Wave-Piercing or Reverse Bows

4. bulkhead helm stations or twin stern steering.

However, Gunboat moved the cockpit back under cover in its latest designs, just as Leopard introduced a forward cockpit with opening doors into the leisure-focused salon in their Leopard 44 and 48 models. The team at Catamaran Guru questions the suitability of this design feature for blue water catamarans that will encounter large seas, but nonetheless, it is a popular trend especially for the yacht charter market. 

Ultimately for a cruising catamaran, our preference is a safe, protected helm station with good visibility and all the control lines leading back to the helm to create a static control station. Push-button controlled winches and windlass as well as the instruments and autopilot should be prominently located and protected within the cockpit.  

5. The Flybridge Trend

Getting from the cockpit up to the flybridge and back down in bad weather can prove unsafe. To accommodate the flybridge, the goose neck and boom must be very high making stowing the main problematic. The higher gooseneck position also means that the center of effort is higher which impacts the vessel’s righting moment and is not as good as catamaran with a lower boom position and bulkhead steering. Just where the flybridge design will go is anybody’s guess but right now it has huge appeal for a lot of people. 

6. Hydrofoils and Daggerboards

Because of design innovations like curved daggerboards and the hydrofoils, performance on cruising catamarans has improved tremendously but catamaran speed is relative. The most important benefit of speed of a multihull is the ability to outrun bad weather. Being able to average 2-3 knots faster on a catamaran than on a monohull, can help avoid bad weather. Many cruisers often tell us at Catamaran Guru, “I don’t care about performance,” but its not long before they understand that the heavy cruising cat is not quite as comfortable at sea – AND very slow. It makes no sense to buy a catamaran that will not sail at least 200nm per day when making passage. 

7. Galley Up or Down

In modern catamarans, the most popular trend currently is galley up, making it a focal point of the main living and entertainment areas. When at sea, every meal comes from the galley, so live-aboards spend a lot of time in the galley and many cruising couples and families find that the separation of galley down in a hull is not ideal. When at sea, hauling hot food up and down the stairs is a safety hazard. Having the galley on the same level as the serving area and cockpit is less tiring and safer. Also, ventilation is better on the bridgedeck than down in the hulls, which makes cooking more comfortable, especially if you are prone to seasickness. The disadvantage of the galley up design is less privacy for the cook’s messes and it can significantly impact the size of the saloon seating area, especially on smaller cats.

Some manufacturers like the St Francis 50 and Antares 44 still trust in the galley down design. Galley down is often preferred for charter boats because it provides a private, self-contained cooking area with dedicated prep areas and utilizes space in the hull that might otherwise be less efficiently used. However, the most popular trend is galley up and it makes sense to most sailors, especially cruising couples and families.

More on our take for galleys up or down .

Is Speed and Interior Comfort Trumping Good Design?

• Catamaran stability is a function of beam and buoyancy, so light-weight strong construction, which translates into buoyancy, is a good thing. Typically cruising catamarans have a beam-to-length ratio of roughly 50%, meaning a 45′ long cat will be about 22′ wide. This will not only result in great interior space but also in a very stiff and efficient boat.
• The boat needs to have a robust COG (center of gravity) through good buoyancy fore and aft or waterline length to avoid “hobby horsing”, making for a smoother ride and better performance. Performance is a safety issue; it is always better to have the pace to get out of the way of bad weather. So some speed in reserve is great.
• Good bridgedeck clearance is important for seaworthiness and crew comfort at sea, by reducing slamming and better performance in rough conditions. However, a very high bridge deck clearance, together with, say 6.5ft of headroom in the saloon, the boat will be very high with a lot of windage. So there has to be a balance struck between bridge deck clearance and the height in the salon. A good rule of thumb for bridge deck clearance is to have good clearance is about 5% of overall length of the hull but 6% is excellent. A clearance of 4% is acceptable but on the low side.

Even in the age of computer modeling, yacht design remains a series of compromises and the use of a boat will dictate its visual design and performance characteristics to a large degree. A well-designed catamaran is ergonomic and pleasing to the eye. It should be sensible and safe, with performance that can get to a safe harbor when necessary. It all comes down to safety and comfort, especially in rough conditions.

Looking to buy a yacht? Contact us if you have any questions regarding catamarans for sale , Fractional Yacht Ownership or our Charter Management Programs .

Estelle Cockcroft

Join our community.

Get the latest on catamaran news, sailing events, buying and selling tips, community happenings, webinars & seminars, and much more!

2 thoughts on “Modern Catamaran Trends: Gimmicks or Valid Design Ideas?”

Good reading, informative and to the point. There is no reference to building standards and codes of practice. The Catamaran industry needs to “mature “ as more models and brands enter the market with the consumer paying for the downward spiral. Look forward to your next article.

Hi Gregor, you are right. There is no one uniform set of standards. Most countries have published guidelines, codes or laws that a boatbuilder must follow in order to sell a boat in that country. Some of the better known ones are USCG, ABYC, CE, AS/NZS and ABS. There is a lot of similarity between the different international regulatory bodies but just as many differences. Enforcement of these standards are sketchy. Labels are applied to boats i.e. “in compliance,” “certified” or “classified.” and it all means little if not enforced. In the US, it’s mostly up to the builder to voluntarily comply with the published guidance ( the all do since it’s in their interest). In the European Union, by law a boat has to be inspected, documented and certified. Australia and New Zealand publish their own set of rules. So it’s a miss mash of laws and rules and it’s hard for the consumer to pin down!

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Recent Posts

Bali catamarans unveils the new bali 5.8 flagship.

CATANA GROUP launches its 14th BALI CATAMARAN model, the BALI 5.8, for the brand’s

Love Stories At Sea…because it’s valentine’s day

Because it’s Valentine’s day, we wanted to celebrate all the couples that we helped

Your Go-To Resource for all your Catamaran Needs!

Check out our brochure to learn about all we have to offer and why

Yacht Manufacturers Bankruptcies: How to protect yourself

Silent Yachts, a company specializing in the production of solar electric catamarans, has recently

For more than 30 years, we have been a part of the catamaran community and created Catamaran Guru™ to encourage and educate all the aspiring sailing out there. We understand the dream of traveling the world by catamaran and created a one-stop-shop to make that dream a reality for you.

• Stephen & Estelle
• Testimonials

Get Started

• Yacht Sales
• Used Yachts
• Charter Management
• Boat as Business Programs
• Seminars & Events