Battistella, President of Couach Catamarans, talks about the evolution of Veya, whose 53 powercat has a world premiere at Cannes and a US debut at Fort Lauderdale.
Interview: John Higginson; Images: Veya Yachts

Florent Battistella

For many years, Fountaine Pajot’s powercats were built in the Couach shipyard in Gujan-Mestras on France’s west coast. Why did the two shipyards decide to collaborate and create Veya, a new brand of powercats?

The decision came from a shared conviction: the power catamaran market is entering a new phase. For many years, Fountaine Pajot developed strong experience in multihulls, while Couach brought deep expertise in motoryacht construction and industrial craftsmanship. We had already worked together on power catamarans, so there was a natural foundation.

However, we felt the market now required a dedicated brand with its own identity, its own design language and its own ambition. Veya was created to address a specific demand from owners who are moving towards power catamarans for their space, stability and comfort, but who also expect the refinement, service and finish of a premium motoryacht.

Rather than simply extending an existing range, we wanted to create a brand fully focused on this new generation of power catamarans.

What was Veya’s ‘mission statement’ and why do you believe its models are different to other flybridge powercats in this size sector?

Veya’s mission is to create premium power catamarans that bring clarity, comfort and confidence to life at sea. We often speak internally about ‘yachting above the noise’: a quieter, more considered approach to luxury.

Veya 53 in build

The difference is not one single feature. It is the balance of the whole boat. The Veya 53 has been designed for owners who want generous living spaces, excellent stability and easy circulation but also elegant proportions, refined finishes and a more elevated ownership experience.

In this size sector, many powercats focus either on volume or function. Veya brings volume and function together with a more sophisticated design approach. We are not trying to create the largest-looking boat. We are trying to create the right boat: well proportioned, comfortable, easy to use and immediately recognisable.

Which of the Veya 53’s design and technical aspects would you highlight to potential owners?

I would highlight five points. First, the space and stability. The Veya 53 gives owners the comfort of a much larger motoryacht but in a platform that remains easy to handle and very practical for private cruising.

Veya 53 in build

Second, the circulation. The yacht has been designed so that movement between the aft cockpit, saloon, foredeck and flybridge feels natural. This is essential on board, especially when owners are cruising with family or guests.

Third, the flybridge. It is a real living area, with a helm station, dining space, lounge and summer kitchen options. It is not only a navigation space; it is one of the main social areas of the boat.

Fourth, the interior light and visibility. The large glazing and open saloon create a very calm atmosphere on board, with a strong connection to the sea.

CGI of Veya 53

Finally, the technical platform. The Veya 53 is fitted with twin 440hp Yanmar engines as standard, with optional 550hp upgrades. The boat also offers generous fuel capacity, with 2,000 litres as standard and the option to increase to 2,800 litres.

Can you talk about the cockpit options? What led to the starboard table version?

We wanted to give owners two different ways to use the aft cockpit because not every owner lives on board in the same way. The central table version is the more classic arrangement. It works very well for owners who want a traditional dining area in the cockpit, with a clear social focus around the table.

The starboard table version is more original, and it came from the idea of creating greater flexibility in the aft area. By moving the table to starboard, the cockpit becomes more open and versatile. It improves circulation and creates a stronger connection between the saloon, the cockpit and the aft platform.

CGI of Veya 53

This layout is particularly interesting for owners who use the boat for swimming, watersports or relaxed entertaining at anchor. It gives the aft cockpit a more lounge-like feeling, while keeping a proper dining space.

What options have the first owners chosen for cockpit layouts, cabins, engines and fuel capacity?

The first hulls confirm what we expected: owners are using the Veya 53 in different ways, and the flexibility of the model is important. Across the first units, we see demand for both three-cabin and four-cabin layouts.

For engines, the standard twin Yanmar 440hp configuration is already very well suited to the yacht’s programme, while the 550hp option is attractive for owners who want additional power and flexibility.

CGI of Veya 53

The same applies to fuel capacity: the standard 2,000-litre arrangement meets the needs of many owners, while the optional 2,800 litres is relevant for those planning longer passages or more remote cruising.

What are your hopes for the Veya 53’s world premiere at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival (September 8-13) and the US debut at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (October 28-November 1)?

Cannes will be an important show for us because it will be the first time the market can experience the yacht in person. Fort Lauderdale will then allow us to introduce Veya to the American market, which is strategically very important for power catamarans.

What can you tell us about the Veya 4X?

The Veya 4X will be the second model in the range and is planned for 2027. It will be smaller than the Veya 53, but it will follow the same philosophy: premium design, generous space, easy handling and a very clear connection to the sea.

CGI of Veya 4X

We see strong potential in this size segment because many owners want the comfort and stability of a power catamaran, but in a format that remains very approachable. The Veya 4X will be designed for owners who want a refined, modern powercat that is easier to manage, while still offering the sense of space and lifestyle that defines Veya.

We will share more technical details closer to the official presentation, but the Veya 4X is an important part of our strategy to build a coherent power catamaran range, not just a single model.

Veya also announced it would launch a third model in 2028. What can you tell us about it?

The third model is part of our long-term development plan. Our ambition is to create a complete and consistent Veya range, with each model serving a clear owner profile. At this stage, it is too early to disclose details, but the third model will continue the same principles: catamaran space and stability, premium motoryacht comfort, refined design and a calm, confident ownership experience.

CGI of Veya 4X

We do not want to grow the range too quickly or without purpose. Each Veya model must have a reason to exist and must strengthen the identity of the brand.

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