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Sail Catamarans

Set sail to new horizons from the power and beauty of Leopard Catamarans. Sea-trialed and tested off the coast of South Africa, Leopard Catamarans are known the world over for extraordinary craftsmanship and optimal performance. Both sailboat and power catamaran lines are built with flexibility for the modern seafarer and offer a range of equipment and layout options designed with your journey in mind. Embark on your adventure today.

Experience even greater livability on the Leopard 45 with an expanded lounge. Like the larger Leopard 50, the lounge in the Leopard 45 includes a seating area, a sunbed and a table. Relish the journey just a little bit longer in the comfort of this expanded space. Here, the helm station remains protected and integrated into the cockpit of the boat. See how the Leopard 45 accommodates everyone on board.

Live out your sailing dreams aboard the Leopard 50. This catamaran is everything you envisioned, plus so much more. With a never-before-seen lounging flybridge of this size, the Leopard 50 incorporates the best attributes from its predecessor and 2012 Boat of the Year, the Leopard 48. Now, with even more living space and options, your journey ahead is boundless.

12 Best Catamaran Sailboats

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

December 28, 2023

The appeal of the catamaran sailboats in terms of speed , stability, and the ability to embark on long-range cruising has made them hugely popular with today's sailors. But what are the best catamaran sailboats?

Even though catamaran sailboats have become increasingly popular in the last few years, they have a truly rich legacy as one of the most sought after vessels for bluewater cruising.

Thanks to their incredibly wide beams and bigger daft, catamarans have become remarkably favorable for sailors looking to go for long-distance voyages, overnight cruising, and day sailing.

And if space is paramount for you when out there on the water, a catamaran sailboat is the only way to go as they offer extraordinary space to allow you to spend more time on the water with friends and family.

But even with all these amazing features, you're probably still wondering; what are the best catamaran sailboats?

Like their monohull counterparts, choosing the best catamaran sailboat can be quite overwhelming since there are lots of them out there. They come in a wide variety of designs and sizes ranging from small catamarans to huge ones.

The best catamaran sailboats can easily clock 250-mile voyages, offer incredible performance, and have layouts that can be easily optimized for individuals, charter markets, and great accommodation. In essence, the best catamaran sailboats offer respectable performance and offer good load-carrying ability.

That being said, here are some of the best catamaran sailboats that you can get your hands on.

Table of contents

Best Catamarans

{{boat-info="/boats/manta-42"}}

Even though many multihulls are no longer built in the United States these days, the Manta 42 is a true American-built catamaran that brings good living and good value into one package. Designed cleverly for easy handling, this American built catamaran is a great choice for a liveaboard cruiser for sailors looking to go for long-distance voyages. Thanks to its trademark high bows and an enormously curved incorporated forward crossbeam, this catamaran is easily recognizable even from a distance.

It is designed with a uniquely fixed crossbeam, which is very different from conventional aluminum cross beams that support the tension of the forestay. This fixed crossbeam allows for a little bit of movement thereby helping in absorbing enormous twisting forces of the bows. As such, you have to keep in mind that there may be resultant stress crack particularly in the bow area of the vessel.

All in all, the Manta 42 is a superb offshore cruising catamaran that offers a good sail-area-to-displacement ratio as well as plenty of space and accommodation. The cockpit area is refined, luxurious, and is designed with additional stainless pushpit contraptions to help in holding objects such as wind vanes, dinghies, and solar panels. The boat's quality in terms of performance and stability is the benchmark of what a catamaran should be.

Fountaine Pajot Elba 45

{{boat-info="/boats/fountaine-pajot-elba-45"}}

Recently named the "Boat of the Year" for 2019 by Cruising World Magazine and Sail Magazine, the Elba 45 is the latest model in the incredible line of Fountaine Pajot catamarans. This boat was designed to replace the outgoing Helia 44 and stands to be one of the most popular catamarans with Fountain Pajot having sold over 100 Elba 45 hulls long before even the first one emerged from production.

This French-built cat brings to the fore a well-thought-out, safe, and dependable features with 10% less drag, efficient motoring, top-notch performance, and high speeds. It's also designed with fixed stub keels and slightly aft-raked bows, which are all essential in enhancing windward performance; something that most catamarans struggle with.

To improve on safety, the keels of this amazing catamaran sailboat are glued into a particularly designed recess in the hulls. This is to ensure that there are no keel bolts that can rip out and put the boat in danger if the boat gets grounded or in the event of a collision. The rig is also ICW friendly and is a true representation of a standard catamaran setup.

This is, without a doubt, a modern-looking cruising catamaran that has a low-profile lounging space on its deck, high topsides and bows as well as a more pronounced reverse sheer that's essential in minimizing the bulk of the windows while creating additional and useful volume below. This is a true catamaran that occupies a sweet spot for those looking to sail along the bay or for those adventurous sailors looking to set sail for more ambitious offshore cruising plans.

{{boat-info="/boats/leopard-48"}}

With its fine design, straightforward systems, and easy handling, the Leopard 48 has everything it needs to be ranked among the distinguished category of the best catamaran sailboats. This is an excellent multihull that is structured with advanced materials, designs, and innovations that are meant to be fun, spacious, and comfortable.

Designed in South Africa by Simonis-Voogd, is probably the best design in the Leopard family of catamarans. Its two hulls are vacuum-bagged using balsa core to offer maximum firmness while ensuring that the weight is on the minimum. This is done by articulately regulating the level of resin in the layup. With such types of hull shapes, this catamaran sailboat is very fast and can consistently clock 12 knots of speed against the currents.

The boat is also designed with shallow keels as they're filled with closed-cell polyurethane foam that's of great importance in increasing buoyancy and preventing water ingress. To enhance the safety of the vessel, the stern and bow both have bulkheads that are essential in keeping out that water if the sailboat is involved in a collision.

The hulls of this boat are deep and narrow, particularly below the waterline. They also curve higher up to practically reduce the wetted surface area while offering enough deck space and plenty of room for accommodations. Its cockpit is another excellent feature thanks to its lavish spaces that give you the chance of kicking back and relaxing.

This boat is designed to offer superior livability, quick and easy to handle features, as well as enough space for friends and family. It is designed with beautiful lines and immense practicality for those who want to go on long cruising voyages.

Antares 44i

While many people often believe that voluminous cruising catamarans should be used as charter boats, the Antares 44i brings a very different perspective altogether. Designed in Argentina as a complete bluewater catamaran, this is a boat that's specifically built for private boat owners looking for a sturdy and well-equipped bluewater cruiser. This is an absolutely gorgeous catamaran that has a fully-equipped cockpit just to ensure that you can safely operate it even when shorthanded.

Like most catamarans, the Antares 44i is designed with features that allow for long-distance voyages. It comes with a minimum bridge deck clearance of 30 inches, which is essential in mitigating bridge deck slap. The helm station is designed to offer excellent visibility over the coach roof without having to perch the helmsman high above the cockpit.

If you're planning to make those long-distance cruising to exotic places, you'll appreciate this boat's layout. The galley is put down in the port hull so that it doesn't compromise the size of the galley and the saloon. The forward-facing navigation station is up there with the best and is up to offshore standards. And that's not all; the Antares 44i comes with good mounting points for electronics, a large table, comfortable seats, and provides brilliant visibility outside.

This boat is perfectly suited for extended offshore cruising and is a great reminder for anyone who thinks that all catamarans are charter boats and all offshore boats are monohulls.

{{boat-info="/boats/dolphin-ocema-42"}}

Designed by Philipe Pouvreau in northern Brazil, the Dolphin Ocema 42 is a truly unique catamaran sailboat that goes against the conventional norm of catamarans. It is equipped with daggerboards, which are essential in enabling it to point higher on the wind while reducing the wetted surface when running or anchoring in shallow surfaces. This, however, requires a higher level of expertise in sailing. This is because lifting the daggerboards higher up will expose the rudders while the daggerboards can also interfere with the hulls in the event that the vessel runs aground.

But even with that, the Dolphin 42 balances incredible performance and cruising comfort in a very compact package; something that is not very easy in bluewater cruising. That's why it's designed using a foam core to make it lightweight by reducing weight wherever possible. This vessel will most likely never let you down if you want to circumnavigate the bluewater on a high-performance boat that is safe and comfortable.

So if you've been looking for a real sailing catamaran that doubles up as a very comfortable liveaboard sailboat , look no further than the Dolphin 42.

{{boat-info="/boats/catana-50"}}

Regarded as the best built and most stylish cruising multihull, the Catana 50 is a very huge catamaran sailboat. Measuring about 50 feet long with a beam of about 26 feet, this is an amazing catamaran that will test your sailing skills as a single sailor or if you're planning to sail shorthanded.

This boat is designed with a rig that gives you the option of using either a screecher or a self-tending jib. This may seem complex since the sheets are led to winches near each wheel while all other controls lead to a centerline winch that's located in the cockpit. But even with that, this sailboat can be easily tacked once on the course.

This is a real performance-oriented catamaran with efficient hulls and rigs allowing for top speed. This vessel is also designed with a long waterline and a subtle underwater shape at the bow to help in increasing volume while minimizing wave drag. The stern platforms can help in stretching the waterline length while also providing easy access from a dock or a dinghy. The board trunks are also very strong and sturdy to protect the integrity of the hulls if a collision occurs.

In essence, this is a very modern catamaran that's designed to safely make long-distance passages with ease. It is subdued in terms of styling but this doesn't mean that it falls short as far as performance is concerned.

Atlantic 42

{{boat-info="/boats/atlantic-42"}}

Designed in 1993, the A42 has cultivated a legion of fiercely loyal fans thanks to its efficiency and aesthetic. This is the smallest of the Atlantic cruising catamaran line and is hugely popular with sailors thanks to its ease of handling, ocean-going capabilities, and superb use of space. From the forward cockpit, pilothouse to the sleeping cabins, and brilliant galleys everything about this cat is a true classic.

Unlike most catamarans, the Atlantic 42 is designed with a waist-high cockpit that's located forward of the pilothouse just behind the mast. It brings forth a solid construction thanks to the large metal girder-like bearers that run across the bulkheads. This helps the vessel in having the utmost strength, better air circulation under the engine, and a high level of flexibility as far as the size of the engine and its positioning is concerned.

Initially, the boat's style and its outlook were considered conservative but it soon became clear that it is built of high-quality materials and to last. The internal construction of the boat is impressive, to say the least. The exterior looks very beautiful and perhaps much more beautiful than most boats today. Its large aft cabin accommodation is a top drawer while the space separating en suite heads and shower compartments are considered a bonus.

{{boat-info="/boats/fountaine-pajot-bahia-46"}}

If you were to board the French-built Fountaine Pajot Bahia 46, you'll agree that the high-quality of workmanship, layout, and efficient use of space is quite exciting, to say the least. This cat remains very popular among sailors thanks to its easy handling features and incredible performance under the sails. Well, this may not come as a surprise to many of us given that the Fountain Pajot is known for building some of the most remarkable cruising catamarans out there that it can be quite overwhelming to narrow down to a single vessel, but the Bahia 46 simply stands out.

This vessel is designed with hulls that are broader than those of many other catamarans. It's also designed with centerboards and daggerboards that are meant to enhance its performance. These are essential in minimizing draft while ensuring reliability, generous bilge, and in helping to protect the rudders and propellers.

This boat is big enough to manage any type of serious offshore sailing. This is one of the best cruising catamarans for anyone looking for the right vessel for long-distance sailing. This vessel has a very more generous rig than most cruising catamarans, which is essential in enhancing its performance. The six-post Bimini is very strong and clean and can perfectly hold dinghies.

In terms of its look, the Bahia 36 is designed with gorgeous lines with the deck and hulls sculpted with lines that add a touch of elegance to the overall look of an already excellent catamaran sailboat.

Gemini 105MC

{{boat-info="/boats/gemini-105mc"}}

Whether you're looking for a comfortable catamaran vessel to take you for a weekend sailing trip or a long sabbatical vacation on the oceans, the Gemini 105MC is a very satisfactory liveaboard catamaran vessel that offers spacious accommodation, thoughtful design, and a stable cruising platform for anyone who wants to have some good time on the water.

Designed by the legendary Tony Smith, this is somewhat a sailing cottage. Like a land cottage, it is cozy, comfortable, and very safe. This is essentially a 35 feet catamaran that offers great value for any sailing looking for a reasonably-priced catamaran sailboat for the weekend or holiday cruising.

This boat is designed with incredibly slim hulls, which are teardrop-shaped with flat bottoms and smaller wetted surface area. This is to ensure that drag is minimized and to lead to more leeway under sail. Each of the boat's hull is designed with a kick-up centerboard is of great importance in enhancing the vessel's windward pointing capability. This boat also has its rudders raised to enable it to seamlessly cruise in shallow waters where most vessels would otherwise run aground.

The eccentric narrow beam, which measures about 40% of the boat's length, is very different from today's 50%. However, its low center helps in keeping its stable, upright, and of course, safe.

Lagoon 450 F

{{boat-info="/boats/lagoon-450-f"}}

If you're looking for a catamaran sailboat that offers prestige at its peak, look no further than the Lagoon 450. This cat is widely known for offering an all-around comfort without compromising its beauty, spaciousness, class, and elegance. This is an elaborate French catamaran that brings to the table fantastic craftsmanship while leaving nothing to chance.

This is a very safe 45 feet catamaran that's not just comfortable but also very luxurious. The deck layout is centered on an amazing flybridge, which has been redesigned and redefined to offer both the traditional and modern outlook. You can very easily access the bridge, engine controls, steering station in a matter of seconds. As a result, this boat is efficiently designed to give you the ultimate control of almost every situation while on the water.

The spacious and luxurious interior of this boat is worth experiencing. The cabins and saloons are perfectly lit. We're talking about four to six cabins, eight to twelve berths, and up to four bathrooms. In essence, this boat can comfortably sleep eight to twelve people. This boat is designed to offer ultra-modern accommodations and amenities that come with little but amazing touches; all designed to make your life inside the catamaran enjoyable.

{{boat-info="/boats/gunboat-62"}}

An original performance catamaran cruiser from the iconic Gunboat manufacturer, the Gunboat 62 has truly cemented its place as one of the best catamaran sailboats to ever grace the oceans. Honestly speaking, this cat-inspired a whole range of other incredible boats including HH66 Catamaran and the Balance 526.

This is a boat that can perform admirably well in storms with a speed of over 35 knots despite being built using epoxy and E-glass with carbon-fiber structural components. It's designed with a distinct angular outline than most catamaran sailboats of its size and category. This is a vessel that was built for people looking to add more stuff and more gear for their voyages. In other words, you can have all the gear and equipment on this boat and still outperform a racing monohull of the same size.

Thanks to its lightweight feature, this vessel can sail upwind at speeds of over 17 knots and pinch up to 30 degrees. Just for comparison, the Gunboat 62 can tack through 95 degrees and still outperform the best racing monohulls. This boat is designed with a comfortable helm seat that offers 360-degree visibility as well as plenty of storage space, a functional working surface, and a luxurious cabin. Like many performance catamarans, the Gunboat 62 can attain about 20 knots if the conditions are right.

Privilege 615

{{boat-info="/boats/privilege-615"}}

Combining elegance, comfort, and style, the Privilege 615 is a lovely catamaran sailboat that seems to be always ready for a long offshore voyage. The roots of this incredible cat can be traced back to the 1980s when Philippe Jeantot opened up a boat-building company in France. As one of the best productions from the company, the privilege 615 sports a flybridge that comes complete with twin wheels, a sprawling sunbed, and other excellent features that will make your bluewater cruising a breeze.

Whether you want the charter version or a privately-owned version, the Privilege 615 is one of the most versatile catamaran sailboats. Step inside this vessel and you'll instantly notice the quality of the wood finish and the elegance of design. The advanced navigation station is not only ultra-modern but is perfectly stationed at a dedicated corner where you can control everything while still having a conversation with your friends and family.

This boat comes with multiple sleeping configurations to ensure that you and your guests can live aboard the boat for months on end. Although the boat appears like some sort of maze on the inside, you'll easily get used to it when you enter the forward section. That's not all; this boat has gorgeous lines that make the exterior beautiful just like the interior. Its sleek profile, incredible volume, and versatile interior make it one of the best catamaran sailboats out there.

There you have it; these are the best catamaran sailboats out there. It doesn't matter the one you choose, these cats will make your day out on the water and will serve you just right for your offshore voyages or for day sailing along the bays.

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CRUISING CATAMARANS FOR REAL SAILORS

Seawind Catamarans have long been Australia’s most popular cruising catamaran designs. With over 35 years experience in building the highest quality blue water catamarans. As already discovered by our growing family of adventurous and like minded Seawind fans the world over, a Seawind boat could be the ideal sailing catamaran for you and your family!

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Seawind Catamarans is in continuous development with every new boat model, building on the knowledge and success of previous designs. Every catamaran yacht is the result of hundreds of collective years of multihull experience, and the best construction techniques the world has to offer. Seawind Catamarans uses Resin Infusion Technology to produce a lighter, stronger, and cleaner product. In partnership with High Modulus and DIAB technologies, the complex infusion implementation process was developed using a 3D simulated flow model (pictured here) to ensure that best quality and consistency is achieved with every new Seawind sailboat.

PROVEN RELIABILITY FIRST & FOREMOST

Every Seawind sailing catamaran is built for cruising practicality, but delivered on a platform of fast, performance hulls with a fine bow entry and strong stiff construction. Poise is combined with power in the shape of a relatively powerful sail area, providing a power to weight ratio to set pulses racing.  This additional power delivers the speed to bring significantly more destinations within reach, satisfying a modern market which may need to fit “extended” cruising into only a few weeks or months. But in all of the 600 catamaran boats launched, not one has ever suffered a rig failure or have we ever experienced a capsize.  Seawind catamaran yachts are built on a track record of success.

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Seawind Catamarans’ sustained success over so many years is built on key features which are part of our DNA. Huge cockpit doors open to combine the saloon and cockpit – a feature unmatched in the market, and which provide expansive and versatile living space.  The new Seawind 1260 enhances this feature further by adding a modular cockpit arrangement. Move chairs and seats to arrange the space as you need it, as circumstances demand.  Seat 8 people inside, and another 8 outside.  Or bring everyone in and make that a dozen inside or easily clear the cockpit for a long passage.  Every Seawind catamaran sailboat provides flexibility and luxury while sacrificing none of the practicality that made previous Seawind Cats models the success they are. Seawind boats also provide unparalleled entertainment space while sacrificing nothing in offshore safety.

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Dual helm stations are found on every Seawind Catamarans sailboat, and they offer 360-degree visibility, even on the largest Seawind 1600 model.  This allows the skipper to sail safely in crowded harbor conditions, and to keep an eye on the crew when offshore. Large targa tops offer protection from the harsh offshore conditions, both sun and rain, while panoramic opening windows provide ventilation as well as visibility.  Seawind Catamarans boats offer the protection of a pilothouse yacht, with the visibility and helming advantages of a sailing catamaran.

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The famous Australian indoor / outdoor, open lifestyle is entrenched in Seawind Catamarans designs, with an unbeatable living area complimented by brilliant natural ventilation, protected cockpit lounge, and social helm seats putting the skipper in control as well as in the conversation. Best of all, you can enjoy what many catamaran sailboats compromise on… visibility – for the skipper and crew, with 360 degree views from the helm and saloon seats all within the protection of the fiberglass coachouse and targa top.

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This New 79-Foot Sailing Catamaran Is Like a Pied-à-Terre for the High Seas

The six-stateroom "spirit of ponant" will debut in corsica this summer., rachel cormack.

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Based on Lagoon’s Seventy 7 model, the newcomer was built in Bordeaux, France. The cat features six generous staterooms for up to 12 guests and cabins for four crew. Ponant says seafarers can expect personalized service, including a private chef, tailored activities, and other high-end touches.

 “The concept and design of this Lagoon Seventy 7 yacht has been praised by everyone in the industry, won over by the spacious interior and exterior areas,” Guillaume Le Brec, the experienced skipper in charge of this project at Ponant, said in a statement. “Guests will really appreciate the high-end finishings as much as her exceptional sailing qualities.” 

Furthermore, the itineraries are completely customizable, too. The inaugural seven-night roundtrip voyages from Bonifacio can be tweaked to the traveler’s interests, with the captain offering recommendations. After a stint in Corsica, Spirit of Ponant will cruise around Mahé, a.k.a. the largest island in the Seychelles archipelago, for the winter season.

Rachel Cormack is a digital editor at Robb Report. She cut her teeth writing for HuffPost, Concrete Playground, and several other online publications in Australia, before moving to New York at the…

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World’s coolest yachts: Amaryllis

• April 1, 2024

We ask top sailors and marine industry gurus to choose the coolest and most innovative yachts of our times. Antoine Koch nominates Amaryllis

Amaryllis , and her replica Amaryllis II , are among the coolest yachts. I had the opportunity to see her in the Herreshoff Museum in Bristol, Rhode Island, during the 2010 Little America’s Cup held in Newport.

Amaryllis was the first catamaran to be designed by the great Nathanaël Herreshoff in 1875. In addition to inventing the first modern catamaran Herreshoff invented the first lightweight racing yacht ( Gloriana ), the first modern keelboat ( Dilemna ) and the first lightweight skiff ( Alpha ). Then he won the America’s Cup six times in a row.

In 1876 Amaryllis won her first race but was protested by the captain of Clara S, who claimed that Amaryllis was ‘neither a yacht nor a boat’. Amaryllis was disqualified but received ‘a diploma and a certificate that she had attained the highest speed ever made by a vessel of her length’.

Herreshoff himself referred to the gaff sloop catamaran Amaryllis as a ‘double boat’.

That same 2010 Little America’s Cup was the first multihull regatta hosted by the New York Yacht Club since 1876 [134 years later!].

Make sure you check out our full list of  Coolest Yachts .

Amaryllis stats rating

Top speed: 17.2 knots LOA: 10m/33ft Launched: 1876 Berths: 0 Price: $4,000 Adrenalin factor: 90%

Antoine Koch

Antoine Koch is a naval architect and offshore sailor, who collaborated with Finot Conq to design two of the fastest IMOCAs in the current generation: For People and Paprec Arkéa. He is a skilled racer and router/navigator, and worked with skippers including Michel Desjoyeaux. In 2023 he finished 3rd in the Route du Rhum with Sam Goodchild.

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Electric boats

Electric yachts.

• Solar Electric Boats
• Sunreef Yachts

Sunreef Yachts unveils new luxe solar electric Explorer catamaran with over 1,000 kWh in batteries

Sustainable boatbuilder Sunreef Yachts is adding a sleeker, lighter solar electric catamaran to its portfolio. The new Explorer Eco 40m is the company’s smallest electric yacht to date, but debuts with some of the most advanced technology, including Sunreef’s proprietary “solar skin”

Sunreef Yachts  was established in 2002 in Gdansk, Poland where its shipyard and office still operate alongside a newer footprint established at port in the United Arab Emirates. From its very first year, Sunreef has been pushing the boundaries of sustainable marine travel, launching the world’s first 74-foot luxury oceangoing catamaran with a flybridge.

Today, hundreds of Sunreef Yachts are sailing waters across the globe, showcasing the company’s lineup of sustainable luxury catamarans, all-electric propulsion, and advanced solar panels. That current portfolio consists of eco-friendly sailboats and massive solar electric catamarans ranging from 60 to 100 meters in length.

Today, Sunreef shared it has gone smaller, introducing a new 40m electric yacht called the Eco Explorer.

Sunreef Yacht’s latest electric catamaran is another beauty

Top comment by arno hayes.

I can't wait for ships to start using latent heat batteries with TPV. It might change the whole conversation about electric shipping. To a paradigm where nothing but electric shipping makes sense. Carbon variants can have volumetric energy density upwards of 1.5MWh/m3 (641kg). Though not all of that useable at maximum power output, I'm guessing. Let's call it 1MWh of useable energy. Pure guesstimate. You'd need 4000kg of 250Wh/kg LiIon batteries do the same.

I think a vessel as big as this would be capable of employing a storage system like that. And I believe that they will be suitable for trains and even larger airplanes. Maybe even trucks.

The company’s new Eco version of the 40m Explorer offers customers a sleeker and more sustainable design in a lighter marine footprint, all without sacrificing the luxury and comfort Sunreef is known for.

Sunreef shared that it favors catamarans over traditional yacht hull designs because require less energy to propel at sea – an important factor in marine electrification. The new Eco Explorer 40m features an ultralight composite build and a state-of-the-art electric powertrain consisting of two 540kW motors and two 550 kWh battery packs – giving the electric yacht the ability to cross oceans.

To support the all-electric powertrain, the Eco Explorer 40m is also covered in Sunreef’s proprietary solar skin, which utilizes every available inch of the hull and structure’s external surface to generate free, clean energy – more than enough to power the electric yacht’s onboard systems, HVAC, AV equipment and even its jacuzzi. Per Sunreef Yachts founder and CEO Francis Lapp:

Sunreef has been at the cutting edge of sustainable yachting since its launch. We are the only superyacht builder to have successfully developed the idea of embedding solar cells into large-scale fibreglass structures. But we’re not content to let technology alone do the work. Many elements of our wonderful, custom interiors can also be sourced from recycled and renewable materials. From hemp composite to recycled fabrics -it’s all up to the owner.

Sunreef says its new Eco Explorer 40m can accommodate 10 guests aboard, who can be taken care of by a crew of seven. Its motors deliver a cruising speed of 10 knots and a top speed of 14 knots. Build times are currently three years, and the electric yachts will be built at one of Sunreef’s ports in Poland or the UAE.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Scooter Doll is a writer, designer and tech enthusiast born in Chicago and based on the West Coast. When he’s not offering the latest tech how tos or insights, he’s probably watching Chicago sports. Please send any tips or suggestions, or dog photos to him at [email protected]

Sail Ionian Yacht Charter

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Sail Ionian Yacht Charter - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

The experience of sailing with Xcaret's Yachts, Catamarans, and Ferry in the Mexican Caribbean

April 09, 2024

We all want to travel to the Caribbean and get lost in its turquoise blue!

If we talk about beautiful beaches and tropical landscapes, we can't stop thinking about Quintana Roo. The combination of beaches, sunsets, culture, and diversity of activities has made it one of the most important tourist destinations in Mexico and the world.

More and more travelers look for different experiences on their vacations, whether in the style of activities or locations. This also includes how they are transported. The search for flexible schedules, quality, and trust will be the key to choosing the best option.

What options for maritime transportation are there in Quintana Roo?

Currently, there are more options to travel by sea within the destination. Now we can have the freedom to choose the one that best suits our preferences and type of travel. Whether by ferry, catamaran, or yacht.

  Everything you should know about Xcaret Xailing  

A new Xcaret brand that aims to create new sailing experiences with different sailing products that redefine the way we travel.  

Let's review each one with its characteristics:

Xcaret Ferry

Xcaret Xailing ferries are a new option in the destination to travel from Cancun to Isla Mujeres and viceversa in a comfortable, fast, and privileged location.

The pier has a very tropical style with a very photographable spot of the letters of Isla Mujeres. The location is at km 4.5 of the Cancun Hotel Zone.

You can anticipate your purchase and buy your tickets online or through the ticket office before boarding.

Choose to travel with your pet! 🐾

  Xcaret Ferry boats are pet-friendly; they have an assigned area on the deck so you can travel with them and enjoy the views.   

  Route Isla Mujeres ↔️ Cancun:

Departures from Cancun are every day of the year from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (except 3:00 p.m.). Something to highlight is that any type of ticket includes free access to the Scenic Tower of Cancun.

We recommend confirming the departure times on our official platforms:  

• Website 

  Read more about the experience of sailing to Isla Mujeres with Xcaret Ferry: https://blog.xcaret.com/en/how-to-get-to-isla-mujeres-from-cancun/

What promotions does Xcaret Ferry have?  

You can take advantage of three types of discounts:  

• Quintana Roo residents  
• Isla Mujeres residents 

Scenic tower   

  How tall is the Cancun Scenic Tower?  

The tower is 80 meters high and has 360° views to admire the immensity of the Caribbean Sea and the Nichupte Lagoon. It is open from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, Monday to Sunday. We recommend going up during the day and at night to enjoy two different views.

How long is the ride on the Scenic Tower?

The duration of the ride is approximately 15 minutes.

A focus on sustainability

It is important to mention that all vessels are 100% compliant with the protocols established in the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). Each vessel has two main engines, built to IMO Tier 2 emission reduction standards.

La Tienda del Puerto

Inside the pier, you can also find La Tienda del Puerto, a souvenir store with the best souvenirs for your beach getaway. Here you can buy any souvenir from Xcaret's parks and hotels.

Open Monday through Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. You'll want to bring everything!

Route Playa del Carmen ↔️ Cozumel:   

We are launching a new route from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel!

Departures to Cozumel are from the maritime terminal in Playa del Carmen, very close to 5th Avenue. This route has 14 daily departure times, with punctual departures every hour at the 30-minute mark.

It is a great option for those who wish to visit Cozumel at their own pace.

You will travel aboard new and comfortable boats with the guarantee and seal of Xcaret.

In addition, you can also take advantage of discounts for people from Quintana Roo and INAPAM. The Cancun Scenic Tower is included in your ticket!

Buy directly at the Playa del Carmen Maritime Terminal ticket office or online .   

  We recommend you to confirm departure times on our official platforms:  

• Website  
•   App  

  Xcaret Catamaran Isla Mujeres  

A tour that has it all!

If you are looking for a tour that brings together the best of a tropical party, snorkeling, and unlimited drinks, this is your best option.

Xcaret Catamaran is a new experience to enjoy a little piece of Isla Mujeres by sea and land. This tour consists of snorkeling in the area of El Meco to admire hundreds of fish, enjoy premium drinks, and have the option to rest in a beach club.

Departure for this tour is at 9:00 a.m. from the pier in Cancun's Hotel Zone.

Learn more about the two types of tours and what they include:

Recommendations for the tour:

• Bring a towel and a change of clothes.
• Protect yourself from the sun with a hat or sunglasses. 
• Consider extra money to purchase your photo package.
• Use a biodegradable sunscreen

Find more details of the new Catamaran tour: https://blog.xcaret.com/en/xcaret-catamaran-tour-cancun-isla-mujeres/  

How much does the Xcaret Catamaran tour to Isla Mujeres cost?

There are different rates depending on the tour you choose. Here you can learn about Prime Tour and Light Tour prices. This experience also has special rates for people from Quintana Roo, INAPAM and Mexicans.

Exclusive boating experiences from Xcaret Hotels

Xcaret Hotels also offer different sailing options to their guests with avant-garde proposals to enhance their stay in the Mexican Caribbean.

  Xcaret Yachts  

The definition of luxury and sophistication in the Caribbean.

Xcaret's yachts provide a unique, private and completely personalized service with luxury boats. It is ideal to celebrate a special occasion while enjoying the sunset.

The private tour includes a premium open bar and canapés.

Xcaret Yacht Serena:  

• 45" boat for 14 people.  
• Tours of 4 and 6 hours  

  Includes:

• Canapés  
• Premium open bar  
• Snorkeling equipment  
• Floating mattresses  
• WiFi  
• Towels  
• Bilingual crew (Captain, deckhand and hostess).  

Xcaret Yacht Shaloha:

• 50" boat for 16 people  
• 4 and 6 hour tours
• Towels   
• Bilingual crew (Captain, sailor and hostess).  

  Service hours: 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.  

Xunset Party Catamaran and Xunset Lovers Catamaran

The ideal option to celebrate a birthday anniversary or even an emotional proposal.   

Xunset Party combines the warm colors of the sunset with a party on board with DJ.   

On the other hand, Xunset Lovers has everything you need to live a great romantic moment by the Caribbean Sea. Enjoy live sax music.  

Both include canapés and an open bar on board.

More information and reservations from the concierge.  

  Schedule: 18:00 to 20:30 hrs

How to book?  

To book these experiences you need to contact the concierge of Hotel Xcaret Mexico, Hotel Xcaret Arte, or Casa de la Playa or write directly to the live chat of Xcaret Hotels.

  5 tips for an unforgettable experience in the Mexican Caribbean:  

• Book in advance to avoid mishaps.  
• Research the destinations of your interest   
• Connect with local culture   
• Take care of the beaches and marine life   
• Let yourself be pampered and have fun.   

This is how Xcaret Xailing aims to create new experiences on the Caribbean Sea, giving it a characteristic touch with the Xcaret guarantee, where the most important thing is comfort and quality of service.

Now you already know the new sailing options in Quintana Roo! We hope to see you soon enjoying the paradisiacal views that this destination has. Thank you for your preference!

See you in the next blog 🙂

Three very safe ways to explore the Caribbean Sea: Ferry to Cozumel and Isla Mujeres, Snorkeling Tour, and Private Luxury Yacht ride.

Get to know the nighttime activities you can do at Xenses Insomnia in Playa del Carmen and tips to enjoy them to the fullest.

Discover essential packing tips for your unforgettable adventure at Xcaret! From swimwear to sunscreen, ensure you're fully prepared for fun in the sun at this tropical paradise. Plan your trip with confidence knowing you have everything you need packed and ready to go!

Everything you need to know to experience the new Xplor waterslide, both by day and night! Learn the best tips for the most adventurous.

Poetry as a source of expression through Mexico's most influential poets: Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, Octavio Paz, Jaime Sabines, and others

Step-by-step tutorial to learn how to make papel picado and the history of this Mexican traditional decoration.

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Xcaret - Mexico, Chetumal - Puerto Juarez Federal Highway, Km. 282, Rancho Xcaret,Playa del Carmen,Quintana Roo. México. CP 77710.

Telephone USA/CAN: 1-855-326-0682 Open Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. at 12:00 a.m. | Saturdays and Sundays from 7:00 a.m. at 10:00 p.m. Quintana Roo local time.

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

If using any of Russia Beyond's content, partly or in full, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material.

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Woman goes missing from luxe yacht; captain sails off and has freezer replaced: investigator

Sarm heslop vanished 3 years ago today.

Sarm Heslop was last seen on this 47-foot catamaran

This drone footage shows a 47-foot catamaran anchored roughly 50 feet offshore in the U.S. Virgin Islands when Sarm Heslop went missing

After British flight attendant Sarm Heslop vanished from her boyfriend's luxurious catamaran, the 47-foot Siren Song, he sailed out of U.S. territorial waters and had the freezer replaced in Grenada, according to her family's private investigator.

Heslop was last seen alive three years ago Thursday, leaving a restaurant in the U.S. Virgin Islands with boyfriend Ryan Bane. Searches of land and sea came up empty, and despite the mystery surrounding her disappearance, police never searched the vessel.

David Johnston, a decorated former London homicide squad commander and hostage negotiator, is assisting Heslop's parents free of charge.

"We know he went to Grenada afterwards and had the freezer replaced on the boat. Why?" the Queen's Police Medal recipient pondered in a phone interview. "We know he had other parts of the forecabin replaced. Why?"

VIRGIN ISLANDS DEATHS: AMERICANS FACE CRIME, VIOLENCE AMID RISING CONCERNS OVER US TERRITORY'S POLICING

Ryan Bane, lover of missing British woman Sarm Heslop, aboard a yacht at the Le Phare Bleu Marina on the island of Grenada. Bane has been described by police as a "person of interest" in the disappearance of Heslop, a former FlyBe air stewardess who was last seen March 7, 2021. (Backgrid)

"He literally and metaphorically sails off into the sunset unchallenged, without anybody actually asking him for a full account of what actually happened." — David Johnston

Those questions remain unanswered because local police failed to obtain a search warrant for the vessel before Bane sailed out of their jurisdiction and is believed to have sold it, Johnston said.

Johnston told Fox News Digital Heslop's parents now consider her the victim of foul play and not a missing person. But they have been cut off by the island's police and political leadership, he said.

"Sarm likely is dead, and her death was untimely and could have been a murder," he said. "It could've been an accident, but no one will speak with us."

Sarm Heslop poses on a rope swing in the U.S. Virgin Islands in an undated photo shared to Instagram. The U.K. native has been missing since March 8, 2021, after she was last seen leaving a bar on St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. (Sarm Heslop/Instagram)

He said he first offered his assistance to Heslop's parents about 18 months ago and tried to engage USVI Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and Virgin Islands Police Commissioner Ray Martinez. But he was unable to get results and says they'd stopped responding to the family and his own attempts at making contact.

"I've been spun along for the last 15 months by the governor and Ray Martinez, who said, 'You're welcome to come and look at the seat, but we're not going to talk about the inquiry. It's an active investigation, and we don't discuss active investigations," Johnston said. 

"OK, so what are you doing, actually? ‘Oh, we can discuss that.’ Well, there is nothing being done actively."

A U.S. citizen living in Grenada said Ryan Bane was seen multiple times in the Caribbean nation in the fall of 2021, months after Sarm Heslop vanished from his catamaran in the U.S. Virgin Islands. (Provided to Fox News Digital)

Martinez has been criticized for failing to address "rampant crime" in the Caribbean nation, a U.S. territory, according to the Virgin Islands Consortium , a local newspaper. In November, he earned the ire of Virgin Islands lawmakers after snubbing them during a public safety hearing.

MISSING WOMAN IN VIRGIN ISLANDS HAD AMERICAN BOYFRIEND QUICK TO ANGER: EX-WIFE

"Ray Martinez wasn't in charge when Sarm disappeared, so he had the option, perhaps, to put right some of the things that weren't right," Johnston said.

Early missteps included failures to collect cellphone or location data from the yacht or devices belonging to Heslop or Bane, he said.

Sarm Heslop seated on a boat. The globetrotting U.K. native has been missing since March 8, 2021, after she was last seen leaving a bar on St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. (Sarm Heslop/Instagram)

"At very minimum, [Bane] should have been interviewed under caution," he added, referring to the British version of a Miranda warning.

"Who knows what happened on that boat?" he asked. "But from my experience of 30 years of being a cop, he is a person of significant interest, and he has some questions to answer. And until he does that, he should remain as the most likely suspect in her disappearance and possible death."

MICHIGAN MAN'S 911 CALL REPORTING GIRLFRIEND MISSING IN US VIRGIN ISLANDS NEVER RECORDED: FAMILY

Glen Dratte, a spokesman for the department, dismissed the validity of private investigations in general.

Ryan Bane at a gym in Lake Orion, Michigan, in February, when two men confronted him about both a 2011 domestic violence incident against their cousin and the unsolved 2021 disappearance of Sarm Heslop. (Gary Stevenson)

"Question," he wrote to Fox News Digital in an email. "Can a private investigator from the U.S. Virgin Islands go to Scotland Yard (U.K.) and conduct an Investigation?"

He said there have been no new developments in the case and that previously collected evidence has been shared with prosecutors.

"The Virgin Islands Police Department continues to keep our thoughts and prayers with the family, friends and colleagues of Sarm Heslop," he added.

A tipster spotted the Siren Song catamaran at a dock in Grenada months after Sarm Heslop's disappearance from the vessel when it was moored in the U.S. Virgin Islands. (Provided to Fox News Digital)

AMERICAN SWIMMING CHAMP FOUND DEAD IN US VIRGIN ISLANDS, INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY

Although the boat is believed to have been sold, cleaned and partially remodeled, Johnston believes it may still have some forensic value if investigators sought to locate it.

As for Bane, he has returned to his home state of Michigan , where his ex-wife's cousins confronted him last month after he approached them in a gym in Lake Orion.

The Siren Song moored in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, as seen in aerial drone footage in March 2021. (FindSarm.com)

The men said Bane approached one of them before they began taking pictures of him and asked if he'd "killed anyone lately."

MYSTERIOUS US VIRGIN ISLANDS DEATH OF ALABAMA WOMAN, 22, UNEXPLAINED BY AUTOPSY: MEDICAL EXAMINER

The yachtsman was convicted in 2011 of domestic violence against his wife at the time, Corie Stevenson, who came forward with her story after learning of the circumstances surrounding Heslop's disappearance.

The booking photo from Bane's 2011 domestic violence arrest. (Oakland County Sheriff's Office )

Bane and Heslop left the 420 for Center Bar in Cruz Bay around 10 p.m. March 7, 2021. Police have reviewed, but not publicly released, surveillance video that shows the couple headed to Bane's dinghy a few minutes later. Around 2:30 a.m. the following morning, Bane called VIPD to report Heslop missing. He was told to alert the U.S. Coast Guard if she'd fallen overboard.

US VIRGIN ISLANDS MISSING SARM HESLOP: ‘NOT NORMAL’ FOR POLICE NOT TO SEARCH BOYFRIEND'S YACHT, EXPERT SAYS

He called the USCG between nine and 10 hours later but refused to permit responding service members to search the cabin of his boat.

Sarm Heslop smiles in an undated photo provided by her friends and family, who have banded together to demand answers in her unsolved disappearance. (FindSarm.com)

Then he hired the high-profile attorney David Cattie , who previously represented Jeffrey Epstein's accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell.

Cattie previously told Fox News Digital his client would return to the Virgin Islands if his presence was "legally required."

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"Mr. Bane had nothing to do with Sarm’s disappearance and remains heartbroken that she is missing," he said.

Bane has not been charged with a crime in Heslop's disappearance.

While the Virgin Islands Police Department has jurisdiction over local offenses, the FBI urges anyone who believes they are a witness or victim to a federal crime to call them directly at 1-800-CALL-FBI or to call the local field office in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Additionally, the U.S. Coast Guard says anyone who needs help in U.S. waters should reach out over VHF radio on channel 16 with their GPS location and the nature of their emergency. 

Michael Ruiz is a reporter for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to [email protected] and on Twitter: @mikerreports

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