Catamarans, also known as Multi-Hulls or Cats, can be powered by either sails or engines and are two hulls joined by a frame.
Invented by South Pacific islanders, the twin-hull design was first observed in India in the late 17th century. Catamarans were more or less ignored in the West until 1877 when an American named Nathanael Herreshoff began developing and racing Catamarans. His designs were so much faster than traditional monohull designs that sailing authorities banned them from competition for nearly a century. Today, Catamarans are a popular design for recreational and racing sailboats. They are also being used as efficient, low-wake ferries, such as the Pattaya/Hua Hin Ferry.
There are many reasons to choose a Catamaran over a monohull. The most apparent advantage is overall stability. Because of the Catamaran’s design, it does not heel underway and won’t roll while anchored, which adds to its comfort factor and all but eliminates sea-sickness.
There is no debate over the fact that Cats are faster than Monohulls under power or sail. This is due to several factors, the most important of which is the hull shape. Displacement hulls are the most common shapes for single hull craft. A displacement hull is supported on the water entirely by buoyancy effects. This creates a hydrodynamic drag barrier, which slows the craft. Catamaran hulls can be designed as planing or displacement hulls, but they are not slowed nearly as much by the drag barrier. Catamarans reduce drag by making use of a very thin and pointed hull design.
They also have outstanding maneuverability. With an engine on each hull, a Catamaran can pivot around within a space equal to its length. Additionally, with its shallow draft, one can often reach places inaccessible to Monohulls and anchor closer to shore as well.
Another HUGE plus is that Catamarans, for the most part, don’t sink because most are made from closed-cell foam, which floats no matter what. If you have an emergency at sea, the best policy is to stay with your Catamaran. If a Catamaran is damaged, or in very few extreme cases flips, the vessel will float indefinitely (right side up or not). The larger floating vessel will be easier to spot by any search and rescue crew.
Double the hulls mean double the engines. Most Cats have two engines, one in each hull. Ever have your engine break down on you when you most needed it? On a Catamaran, this would not be as catastrophic with a backup engine. The two engines also make for easy maneuvering – allowing one to pivot the Catamaran almost on its own axis in tight places.
One of the most popular builders of Catamarans is Lagoon. Since 1984, Lagoon has built over 4,700 cruising Catamarans and is considered the world leader. Lagoon also offers the most extensive selection on the market, with 14 models ranging in size from 11 to 24 meters.
The SEVENTY 8, is Lagoon’s newest flagship. This yacht is 24 metres in length and signals Lagoon’s entrance into a Motor Yacht world in which luxury and comfort are the maxims.
The SEVENTY 8’s massive flybridge can be customised as you wish: Jacuzzi, large folding dining table to starboard (right), magnificent sunbathing area forward, not to mention a hard top / bimini with electrically opening roof. The ergonomic helming station with a seat to starboard enables enjoyment of the experience of navigating the vessel while admiring the immensity of the ocean.
A 30 square meter forward platform offers unrivalled space for relaxation and freedom. The aft cockpit, with its view over the open sea, has lounging space to port (left), a large aft seat as well as a dining table. The tender-lift platform links the two transom skirts affording an exceptional bathing deck.
Below deck, you’ll find a luxurious and harmonious world of well-balanced finishes, refined interior paneling, and the meticulous choice of materials by Nauta Design. The huge saloon is equipped with contemporary furniture, complemented by large windows and exceptional headroom, providing an unrivaled panoramic view.
The owner’s suite is independent of the rest of the vessel and provides access to the sea via a private beach: a technological gem! Large windows with integral portholes for the cabins enable admission of exceptional natural light and offer a magnificent view outside.
The SEVENTY 8 presents a wide choice of layouts for different scenarios of life on board with up to 5 cabins, each fitted with an island bed, ample storage spaces, and complemented by a private bathroom. Crew cabins can be placed in the forward hulls for greater comfort and space.
With Volvo D11 – 510 HP as standard or John Deere’s N13 – 580 HP engines as an option, you’ll see speeds of up to 19 knots. Large fuel tanks with a total capacity of 8,500 litres deliver a range of up to 4,000 nautical miles allowing for bluewater cruises with complete peace of mind throughout the South China Seas, Indian Ocean, and beyond.
For information on any of Lagoon’s Catamarans contact info@hothuahin.com.
