The International Multihull Show recorded its largest in-water display in late April with 82 boats on display in the annual five-day event in La Grande Motte. The figure topped the previous record of 73 set last year, which was the first edition to include a dedicated powercat zone.

This year, organisers announced a five per cent decrease in attendance, but this was offset by a record level of international visitors who came from 27 European countries and across the Americas, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Australia. Building on this, organisers plan to introduce a ‘focus country’ for each future edition, providing greater insight into the marine industry around the world.

Improvements this year included a new entrance location closer to the town centre, a free electric shuttle service, a redesigned visitor route and the opening of a third marina.

“The show continues to evolve with the market,” said Anaïs David, Director of the International Multihull Show. “Exhibitors reported promising discussions and visitors remarked on the quality and variety of the vessels and exhibitors.”

The world’s biggest catamaran builders took centre stage, with Lagoon showing five sailing cats including the Lagoon 38 that debuted at last year’s edition, along with the 43, 51, 55 and 60.

Excess, also within Groupe Beneteau, showed four twin-helm sail cats including the Excess 13 that debuted in 2025 and was a winner at Yacht Style Awards 2026, along with the Excess 11, Excess 11 Hybrid and Excess 14.

Groupe Beneteau also had a strong presence in the powercat zone where Prestige displayed its M48 and M7 (58ft) flybridge models, while Jeanneau showcased its TH33 and TH38 outboard cruisers. Both the Prestige M7 and Jeanneau TH38 won their categories at Yacht Style Awards 2026.

Fountaine Pajot, based in La Rochelle, displayed four yachts ranging from the FP41 and FP44 that debuted at Cannes last September to the FP51 and Samana 59.

Leopard spanned both the sail and power zones. Among sailing cats, the brand showed its 46 and flagship 52 (another Yacht Style Awards 2026 winner) plus the Sunsail 465, a five-cabin charter version of the Leopard 46.

It also showed its full powercat range – the 40PC, 46PC and 53PC – as well as a Moorings 464PC, a four-cabin Leopard 46 Powercat for charter.

Aquila gained a lot of attention as it staged the Europe debut of its 50 Sail, the brand’s first sailing catamaran, as well as three of its powercats: 36 Sport, 46 Coupe and 50 Yacht.

Bali showcased six sail cats ranging from the Catsmart and Catspace to the 4.2, 4.6, 5.2 and 5.8, while Yot Power Catamarans – its sister brand within Catana Group – showed its Yot 36 and Yot 41.

A year after Aventura – which builds in Tunisia – staged the global debuts of both its 38 SC (Sport Cruiser) coupe and 38 MY (Motor Yacht) flybridge powercats, the builder showcased both models again, staged the world premiere of its 37 Explorer, and displayed its 37 and 45 sail cats.

Other global debuts included Adventure Yachts’ AY60 powercat built in Thailand, Outremer 48 from France, Rapido 40 Racer carbon trimaran from Vietnam, Simbad 55 from Spain and Trimarine’s TRM 43 from Portugal.

multicoque-online.com