Yachting World
- Digital Edition
First look: Gunboat’s GB80 and GB70
- Toby Hodges
- May 9, 2023
Toby Hodges on a new dawn of semi-custom supercats as Gunboat continues to turn out a range of impressive cats, now 7 years into their new ownership
Product Overview
In the seven years since Grand Large Yachting purchased cult catamaran brand Gunboat and brought it to a new headquarters in the south of France, it has steadily increased its market stature. Today we see a yard at full capacity, specialising in a real niche of top end quality and high performance, at a big size (and cost).
It has two GB72Vs in build (its first flybridge model), two GB80s, and numbers six and seven of its GB68 – which is now redesigned as the GB70 (featured here). When you consider the GB80 is equivalent to a 100ft superyacht in size and price, you start to understand quite how far this brand has progressed.
I have toured the La Grande-Motte yard a couple of times, the most recent being last year, and have been highly impressed with the quality of engineering and attention to detail.
When I spoke with Gunboat’s managing partner, Benoit Lebizay, both then and at the Düsseldorf boat show in January, he explained that they see little point in going below this current size range. Its client base now is a high profile one, with owners typically coming from maxi racing yachts and looking to reduce crew numbers. He also reasons that 55ft is the maximum size before you need a crew, and that once you have a crew you then need privacy.
Gunboat has two of its new GB80 models already in build for a pair of high profile serial boat owners
A supercat capable of matching low single figure windspeeds yet topping 30 knots, the GB80 has a pretty unique brief: a Grand Prix maxi-sized cat, that can be handled by a small crew, is capable of luxurious world cruising and is a semi-custom repeatable build!
The first GB80 is the latest in serial boat owner Irvine Laidlaw’s Highland Fling series, due to launch this summer, while the second is for Team Argo. Hence you get the idea these are for serious, competitive and experienced racing sailors who want a turbo catamaran they can also cruise, with the equivalent accommodation of a maxi yacht. “The cult is coming back – but at a higher end,” thinks Lebizay.
To see these beasts in construction phase is eye-opening. These are full prepreg carbon builds with much of the construction done by industry leaders Fibre Mechanics in Lymington and Multiplast in France. Pick up a panel and it’s featherlight yet super strong.
An aircraft company builds the furniture in Nomex (including 6mm Corian veneer) – it’s incredibly expensive but the most valuable place to save weight, says Lebizay. Gunboat is now updating its GB68s with the learnings and technology from the GB80.
The GB70 has longer hulls than the 68 and the mast is brought aft onto the coachroof. Everything above deck is new
The GB68, the first new VPLP designed model under Grand Large Yachting’s ownership, has already proved a success. Gunboat has delivered five 68s and has two in build. But this is a six-year-old design now, and has evolved alongside performance developments of the GB80 in build. The new, slightly extended version shown above, is the GB70.
It looks very similar, with the same sporty aesthetic appeal, but the longer hulls and different mast placement could make key differences in performance and handling.
“For this V2 we wanted a small 80, not a big 68,” Lebizay explains. “Actually it’s a 72 but we already had a 72 [a flybridge model].” Where the GB72V is an extended GB68, with the extension added midships to create wider hulls for increased payload, the 70s are kept narrow. Everything above deck uses new moulds.
A dual aft helm option is now offered as well as Gunboat’s signature forward cockpit and interior helm (now with a canting wheel).
Better interior flow and visibility, plus a canting wheel
Another significant alteration is that the mast is further aft and is stepped on the coachroof rather than in front of the cockpit. This helps allow for a high aspect ratio main and larger foresails, including a generous self-tacking J2/Solent. The reasoning is to make it more balanced and easy to handle.
It should also make a big difference to the views from the interior wheel and saloon.
Historically, Gunboats have had forward cockpits, transverse berths and midships engines to help centralise weight. “But we know how to maintain balance with the mast moved aft like raceboats,” says Lebizay. The engines are now in the more conventional position aft and have improved sound proofing insulation.
The saloon area has been extended with better flow and has larger sliding doors connecting the aft cockpit. The owner cabin is now also larger with a longitudinal berth, which is still close to midships, with a bathroom aft. The GB70 is offered as a five cabin version as standard or a four cabin option with galley and crew mess in the port hull to help give more privacy and segregation for owners. Lebizay thinks the GB70 will be around two tonnes heavier than the GB68, but it is longer and will be able to take a seven tonne payload.
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The Gunboat 68 is the first model to launch from Grand Large Yachting- the new owners of the famous performance multihull brand.
The 1 Minute Summary
– The Gunboat 68 has been designed as a green machine – You order your own boat from a menu of custom packs – The 2 main options: Cruising Pack and Racing Pack. – Gunboat 68-01 has clocked speeds in the 30s. Surfing, but still, these are fast yachts. – A very tidy design with most sail handling done from the forward cockpit. – Christophe Chedal Anglay’s interior design is luxurious. – The SA/D ratio on the Regatta set up is 38. Rotating mast is optional. – Price is over €6 million. You could hIt €8m for a regatta version with all of the toys, the price is highly dependant on your options of course. – Examples sailing around include Highland Fling, Dash, Sea Tilt and Tosca.
Customer Feedback Loop The COO, William Jelbert, and the new team spent a good deal of time talking to existing Gunboat owners and skippers to find out how to develop the range, and then teamed up with multihull and racing boat maestros VPLP for the new design. They know a thing or two about fast boats having designed the Outremer 5X and Comanche.
The result is gaining plaudits from existing owners and new customers alike. The lines are sleek yet aggressive, with reverse bows and some neat ideas like a modular saloon interior that is fully demountable on race days. This boat is all about attention to detail.
Let’s see how things have moved on from the Gunboat 48 and their other iconic cats shall we?
- The Gunboat 68 is probably the fastest performance cruising cat on the water, and it achieves all of this without compromising on comfort.
- There are 2 main packs to choose from: the Cruising pack or the Regatta pack with a longer rotating mast, boards and more powerful sail plan.
- The whole boat has been designed so that you can add on options later.
- If you intend to race the Gunboat 68, the interior has been set up so that you can strip out modules and get the weight down even further. In less than a day, a crew can lighten the ship by almost a tonne.
- She boasts a huge array of solar on the coachroof – she´s pretty green.
- There is an option for tillers and bucket seats aft for outside steering as well as Gunboat’s traditional inside steering position. This is a first for the brand and something I am really keen on – you get the best of both worlds here.
- She will likely hold her value very well if the other Gunboat models are anything to go by.
- The price. This is a money no object, expensive yacht. Asking the “How Much Does a Gunboat 68 Cost?” is one of those “How Long is a Piece of String?” questions, because it depends on what options and pack you order, but don´t expect to be phoning the Gunboat sales team without €5-6 million in your back pocket to begin the conversation.
- Maintenance and running costs. The old adage applies, the more expensive your boat, the more expensive it is to run. You will be spending hundreds of thousands a year on the running costs. But, if you can afford to buy one, you can probably afford to run one. Just bear in mind that you can get a lot of boat for less money in the performance cruising market. The competition includes Kinetic, Ocean Explorer and HH. I doubt those other brands will hold their value as well though….
- This is no owner-operator boat. Most owners will have a professional crew to run the yacht for them. Theoretically you can sail her single-handed, but if things go wrong, which they do on boats, well… let’s just say there are some big loads involved. The main on the Regatta option is 175m², remember.
Feature Rich Supercat The fixed bimini will house enough solar panels to make the Gunboat 68 a true green machine without the need for a generator. There are options for tillers and bucket seats for pure adrenaline sailing (a nod to sister ships Outremer perhaps?) as well as Gunboat’s signature inside helm and forward cockpit. 6801, now renamed Highland Fling, went into a refurb in 2021 and was fitted with twin aft racing helms.
For sailing feel, I can only think of the Marsaudon Composites TS5, the Ocean Explorer OE62 or the Outremer 5X for boats that get anywhere close.
Build Your Own Boat You can customise the performance set up on these boats: choose between asymmetric or symmetric dagger-boards (there are 3 options here: short symmetrical boards for cruising, long asymmetrical boards, for racing or long symmetrical), long or short boom, rotating wing-mast or fixed rig and so on. In fact, there are more than 80 combinations available for the interior during the production process.
Gunboat are back to their very best with this head-turner. She’s an all-carbon build again, and those reversed wave-piercing bows and the low-profile coachroof, give her an ultra sporty look: this boat looks like she means business.
She´s Faster than the Wind VPLP design are industry veterans of some of the world’s biggest, fastest multihulls of course. They’ve increased the beam and stepped the mast aft for stability and ease of handling. With or without the longer rig, she’ll go like the wind or even faster in some cases.
You can expect to be shunting along at around 25 knots in a blow, and up to 16 knots in a decent breeze. Condor, which is hull #1, has clocked a 30kt surf.
500 nautical miles per day was the designer’s stretch target in the right conditions: speeds in the high teens and low twenties are not a drama on a 68. This 17.8-ton catamaran has been developed with advanced hydro and aero studies, an area of expertise at VPLP which they have used to develop raceboats such as Macif.
North Sails were also closely involved. A tacking angle of 90° should be achievable in most conditions – pretty unusual for a large cruising multihull.
Interview with William Jelbert on Dash (68-02)
Here´s a chat we had with William Jelbert (the Gunboat COO) at Cannes in 2019 on Dash where he takes us through some of the features of the boat. Dash is set up as a cruising boat.
The interior helm station is pure Gunboat, and she comes with a sunroof (or Moonroof rather) for keeping an eye on the sails and ventilation. The finish matches the quality you’d see on a private jet: she’s lavish with clever details on storage, ventilation and light.
The Classic Gunboat Forward Cockpit Step through two watertight doors in the front of the saloon and you are into the forward cockpit and the foredeck where all the sailing business happens- and this is an exceptionally tidy area for a boat this size, especially if we are talking the performance cruiser option (such as Dash Gunboat 6802) as you will have opted for the fixed rather than the rotating rig.
Lines run outboard from the forward cockpit, like the daggerboard raise and lower lines and two sets of spinnaker sheets. A lot of planning went in to make sure that lines run as straight as possible to reduce friction trip hazards. There’s a sealed tunnel through the cabin top from the cockpit to the daggerboard casings for example.
There is also an option of adding a tiller and bucket seats on the aft beam to give you that maximum sailing feel while you are out on the water.
Living Space
Stepping inside the luxurious saloon from the forward cockpit, the galley to port has an island if you wish, and the rear windows can be thrown open to connect the inside and outside into one. Down below, there is space for four, five, or even six full-sized double beds with fantastic views through the long topside windows.
Design Masterpiece The mastermind behind the interior design is Christophe Chedal Anglay who worked with Patrick le Quément on the exterior of the Gunboat 68. He was hired after his work on a full interior redesign for Gunboat 60 Moonwave. The key to his design philosophy is beauty through simplicity. The attention to detail can be seen in the master cabin, where the super comfortable bed has a U- shaped headboard designed to absorb sound. Much of the lighting is set into recesses to create a chilled mood and the air conditioning surrounds the bed in slow-moving, cool air.
The sight-lines have been well thought through. In all of the cabins, you can sit up in bed and see the horizon. The devil is in the detail, as they say.
Sail Area / Displacement Ratio The SA/D for the regatta version comes in at an eye-ball popping 38. As a comparison, a Lagoon 380 has a SA/D of around 21. There´s a lot of power in a Gunboat 68 rig!
The Regatta package comes with a rotating mast, whereas the Performance Cruising option is non-rotating.
All standing rigging is ECsix carbon. The Regatta Rig, if combined with the longer daggerboards should give a 12% boost to speeds upwind and up to 20% downwind in lighter wind conditions.
When the wind picks up and you start to reduce sail, both set-ups offer similar performance.
The traveler line driver winch is inside the aft beam so you can handle the mainsheet traveler lines at source, rather than have them led all the way under the boat to the forward cockpit. So you can ease the traveler from the forward cockpit, helm, or the back of the boat.
The Gunboat 68 sits at the very head of the Top Table of Multihulls – this boat sets new standards in design and construction. The primary target market is for sailors who want the ultimate performance cruising catamaran and are prepared to pay for the privilege. Many owners will race their boats once or twice a year, but most will be blasting off to skinny water destinations like the Bahamas.
She’s well worthy of the marque: Grand Large Yachting have relaunched the brand with a starting gun bang with this rocket ship.
If you are looking to gauge her against the competition (and there’s plenty in this market segment), then I recommend you check out our Ocean Explorer OE60 review which is produced in Finland, the KC62 from Kinetic, the Black Pepper Code C69 or take a look at some of the HH Catamarans (like the HH66).
Gunboat 68s
68.01 – Highland Fling (ex Condor) – Jan 17 2019, refurbed May 2021 with dual aft helms 68.02 – Dash – Jul 3 2019 68.03 – Sea Tilt – Jul 2020 68.04 – Tosca – Jan 2021 68.05 – Break Free – Apr 2022 68.06 – Convexity2
How much does a Gunboat 68 cost? What is the price? Well, it’s “Price on Application” and it will depend on the pack you choose (regatta? cruising?) and the options you go for, but have around €6 million tucked into your back pocket to even start the conversation. This could easily head up to €7.5 to €8m if you went for the full regatta option with carbon overload, rotating mast and so on. Don’t forget to budget for the VAT! There’s always a silver lining though. If any boat holds its value, it’s a Gunboat. There aren’t many of them, and demand outstrips supply if you want one quickly. If you have the capital and only want to hold onto a 68 for a couple of years, you might like the depreciation/appreciation numbers. Gunboat has offices in Newport RI, (USA )and La Grande Motte, France.
What versions of the Gunboat 68 are available? There is a cruising version with a 25m mast and symmetric boards. The other option is the regatta version with a 29m mast, longer boom and longeron and asymmetric boards. There are a whole range of options between these end cases.
How does the 68 compare to previous Gunboat designs? The Gunboat 68 has more salon seating and volume than the Gunboat 60 and 62, but less than the 66. The aft cockpit is bigger than the 60, 62 and 66’s. All 4 VIP cabins are bigger than the cabins on all the other Gunboat models apart from the the Gunboat 78 (Nigel Irens) and 90 (Morrelli & Melvin). The 68´s hulls are narrower than her older siblings and the bridgedeck is shorter than a 66. The bows are longer and the sterns are longer, too. The mast is further aft.
Does the Mast Rotate on a Gunboat 68? Gunboat offer a rotating mast on the regatta rig version for extra power from the main. The standard rig is lighter (non- rotating). So for most owners, the complexity and cost of a rotating rig, plus the extra weight is not worthwhile. If you are racing Tribe (6201) in the BVI, however, it could come in handy.
Is the new Gunboat built by Outremer? No. Gunboat is entirely owned by Grand Large Yachting which also owns Outremer, but it is neither owned or controlled by Outremer. Gunboats are produced in a yard across the road from Outremer and the engineering department are all together at the Gunboat site. Gunboat has dedicated engineers for Interior, Structure, Deck/Rig and dedicated process/production engineers. They do share engineering resource with Outremer for systems. The production team is completely dedicated to Gunboat.
What’s the Top Speed of a Gunboat 68? How fast does she sail? Condor (68-01) has clocked 30 knots. OK, there was some surfing involved, but you wouldn’t call her a slow boat.
Tech Specs and Video
We calculated SA/D and D/L based on light displacement and the mainsail + solent (J2). This is to enable a meaningful comparison across katamarans.com
Technical Specification
D/L | 56 |
---|---|
SA/D | Calc with mainsail + J2 |
Power | 2 x 80 HP Yanmars |
Water | 2x378L |
Fuel | 2x378L |
Draft (Boards up) | 1.2m/3.9ft |
Draft (Boards Down) | 3.76/9.84 |
Length | 20.75m/68ft |
Beam | 9.1m,/29.9ft |
Bridgedeck | 1m / 3'3" |
Disp. (standard) | 17,800Kg |
Disp. (Max Load) | 23,800Kg |
Rig 1 | CRUISING |
Mainsail (C) | 142m² / 1,528 sq ft |
J1 Jib (C) | 90m² / 969 sq ft |
J2 Solent (C) | 66m² / 710 sq ft |
J3 Staysail (C) | 49m² / 527 sq ft |
SA/D (C) | 31 |
Rig 2 | REGATTA |
Mainsail (R) | 175m² / 1,884 sq ft |
J1 Jib (R) | 110m² / 1,184 sq ft |
J2 Solent (R) | 77m² / 829 sq ft |
J3 Staysail (R) | 54m² / 581sq ft |
SA/D (R) | 38 |
SA/D* | Calc with mainsail + J2 |
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Introducing the Gunboat 72: Performance, Luxury, and Innovation Combined
You know you want it...
Mocka Jumbies and Rum...
We are thrilled to announce that the highly anticipated Gunboat 72 will be making its grand appearance at the prestigious 2023 Cannes Yachting Festival, where sailing enthusiasts and luxury yacht aficionados will have the chance to witness this exceptional catamaran in all its glory.
Unveiling the First Gunboat with a Flybridge
The Gunboat 72 sets a new standard for sailing enthusiasts who crave both exhilarating performance and a luxurious cruising experience. This cutting-edge design features a remarkable flybridge helm station, a testament to the continuous advancement in build technology and engineering. Sail handling is made effortless with push-button controls and autopilot support at the bridgedeck level, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable sailing journey.
A Spacious Interior for Ultimate Comfort
Catering to the desires of the owner’s cruising lifestyle, the Gunboat 72 offers a spacious and opulent interior. The design and engineering collaboration between Gunboat, VPLP Design, Christophe Chedal Anglay, Patrick le Quément, and Isabelle Racoupeau-Ramirez bring forth an extraordinary shared experience. Drawing inspiration from the successful Gunboat 68 series and the camaraderie of family cruising adventures, the Gunboat 72 is a harmonious blend of performance and luxury.
Safety, Quality and Family Connect Gunboats and Wanchese
Precision Engineering and Masterful Balance
The expertise of VPLP Design and Gunboat’s commitment to impeccable build quality converge in the Gunboat 72. Precise engineering ensures the perfect weight and balance, enabling unmatched performance, speed, and exceptional sea-keeping capabilities. The result is a vessel that glides gracefully through the waters, offering an unparalleled sailing experience.
A Luxe Interior with an Artful Touch
The Gunboat 72’s interior exudes elegance and sophistication, with meticulous attention to detail. The collaboration with Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design has yielded a refreshing and inviting ambiance, featuring dynamic and bright elements complemented by plush furniture. The interior strikes the perfect balance between sporty and luxurious, exuding a sense of lightness that complements the sailing journey.
Tailored Layouts for Ultimate Freedom
The Gunboat 72 interior offers a range of layouts designed to cater to individual owners’ preferences and lifestyles. Onboard Gunboat 72.01 Wonderful, discover the VIP cabin, three guest cabins, and separate crew quarters, ensuring privacy and comfort for all on board.
Discover the Gunboat 72 at Cannes Yachting Festival
Mark your calendars for September 12-17, 2023, and don’t miss the opportunity to experience the revolutionary Gunboat 72 firsthand at Cannes Yachting Festival . If owning a Gunboat is your dream, schedule an appointment with the Gunboat team to explore this extraordinary sailing marvel up close.
Embrace the future of sailing with the Gunboat 72 – a masterpiece of performance, luxury, and innovation that redefines the sailing experience. Let the adventure begin!
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Professional BoatBuilder Magazine
Gunboat is back.
By Dan Spurr , Jan 18, 2020
The Gunboat 68 (21m) is the first model launched by the new ownership of the company. Two boats are in the water, and two more are in build at the facility in France.
Actually, this builder of high-performance luxury cruising-catamaran sailing yachts has been back since 2016, the year Grand Large Yachts (parent of Allures, Garcia, and Outremer) bought the assets of Gunboat and relocated them from North Carolina to La Grande-Motte, France, where it commenced construction in a new 38,736-sq-ft (3,600m²) assembly facility. Gunboat founder Peter Johnstone, son of Bob Johnstone (J Boats, MJM powerboats), had declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May of that year. Production had originated in South Africa, moved to Xiamen, China, briefly to Hudson Yachts in an attempt to economize, and then to North Carolina (see “Building the Big Guns,” Professional BoatBuilder No. 144) before succumbing to financial woes after 14 years.
During the period between bankruptcy and purchase, the owner of an incomplete Gunboat 55 (16.8m) retained designer Nigel Irens to modify the boat, Vai Vai , to 57 ‘ (17.4m).
Johnstone created a boat that could cruise the world in safety, and with performance bettering that of the catamarans designed for the charter trade. Most are intentionally underrigged for safety, generally operating at 8–10 knots; Johnstone sought and routinely achieved faster double-digit speeds. The first South African boats were designed by the California firm Morrelli & Melvin Design and Engineering (see “M&M,” PBB No. 72).
Today, with managing partner Benoit Lebizay at the helm, Gunboat designs, engineers, and builds new models with cutting-edge technology. In January 2019, the company launched its first new boat, the 68 ‘ (20.7m) Condor , which has a removable interior for racing. Next was #6802, Dash , in July 2019. Two additional yachts, #6803 and #6804, are in build.
Gunboat now has French DNA
Design and engineering are by the French company VPLP (see “Flying Machines, Part Two,” PBB No. 91), one of the premier designers of high-performance multihulls for racing and cruising. Those include the Macif , the 100 ‘ (30m) Ultime class trimaran that set a solo singlehanded round-the-world speed record of 42 days, average speed 27.2 knots (see PBB No. 181 , page 18). Styling, of course, was extremely important to attract the kind of buyers Gunboat wants, so Patrick le Quément, a multiple design-award winner and former designer at Ford and Renault, and Christophe Chedal Anglay were enlisted to develop the look. Marc Van Peteghem (the VP of VPLP), based in Paris, performed the weight studies and systems planning, while Vincent Lauriot-Prévost (the LP), in the Vannes office, executed the lines, structure, and sail plan.
While the first Gunboats were laminated with vacuum-bagged polyester and E-glass, advances in materials and processes compelled the company to turn to carbon fiber for reinforcements. Major parts—hulls and decks—are infused in-house. According to the Gunboat website: “If you take a cursory glance at the material choices, prepreg offers about a 15% weight saving on a composite structure. While it’s easy to get excited about that at face value, the devil is always in the details. On a typical Gunboat, the composite structure only makes up about 30% of the total displacement. A percentage of a percentage gets pretty small pretty quickly, to the point that building in full prepreg carbon did not justify the additional costs and complexity involved.”
European Supply Chain
William Jelbert, who manages construction, elaborates: “All tools are female molds, E-glass monolithic—same technology used to build 100+ boats out of. It was the technology available to us in Europe, and we wanted really fair molds to reduce fairing, and the big gelcoat-type boats around here need really fair tools because they are doing gray gelcoat boats. Our plugs were 5-axis foam machined, filler machined, then final faired by hand. We made the entire hull mold off of a one-piece plug for best fitting—always outsourced, as tooling is not our specialty. In Europe you have a great supply chain with a lot of specialization. We used a tooling company in western France.
“Everything structural is carbon. Anything that can fit on a truck is made by Fibre Mechanics and is prepreg. Why? Because they are best at prepreg, and this was an opportunity to save weight in a value-for-money way. Doing the hull and deck in prepreg would have meant very expensive infrastructure, tooling, and skills. We stuck with what we were good at: infusion in-house, prepreg outsourced to the best we could find.
“For a little partition panel that separates a compartment and is not structural, we use E-glass; it is more affordable and flexible, so tends to go along for the ride better. It is the same weight as a carbon panel would be.
“Corecell is used in everything that needs core in the structure—hull, deck, bulkheads. We use some PVC core for nonstructural partitions and Nomex honeycomb for the furniture, which is outsourced.
“All the structure is NDT’d [non-destructive tested] by a U.K. tester who works for small teams like Ineos Team UK and Hugo Boss.”
The interior structure, including these massive bulkheads, is made by Fibre Mechanics of prepreg carbon, much of it cored with Corecell and with North Thin Ply Technology robotically placed tape.
Stringers, bulkheads, and other flat panels are made by Fibre Mechanics utilizing North Thin Ply Technology (NTPT), described in this column in PBB No. 169. To summarize, the Swiss company first developed the product for making sails, specifically the black carbon sails for the America’s Cup yacht Alinghi , which won the 2007 event. It then made parts for F1 racecars, and found a partner in U.K.-based Fibre Mechanics, founded by former Green Marine employees, to move into yacht building. NTPT employs an Automated Tape Laying machine to “lay down” super-thin 12 “ -wide (300mm) tapes of prepreg carbon on a table to form computer-designed panels with the fibers oriented to the load paths. The panels are cured in Fibre Mechanics’ two autoclaves at 230°F (110°C). In fact, the entire interior structure is outsourced to Fibre Mechanics.
Fibre Mechanics’ founder and managing director, Geoff Stock, who has compiled an impressive résumé first with Jeremy Rogers and then Green Marine and SP Systems, says, “We make all the structural panels, 73 in all, plus some solid-carbon monolithic structures. Also very lightweight interior cladding panels, mainly Corecell but some Nomex. Everything is machine-cut prepreg, and, yes, we use significant amounts of NTPT material.”
To install these parts, Gunboat uses Spabond structural adhesive. Gelbert says, “Some glue joints are pure glue but mostly glued and taped. All major structural bulkheads are glued and taped using vacuum.”
The Gunboat 68 is offered with options, including asymmetric or symmetric daggerboards, long or short longeron/bowsprit, choice of boom length, and a fixed spar or rotating wing mast.
Gunboat, 1 Washington St., Newport, RI 02840 USA.
Fibre Mechanics, Waterloo Rd., Lymington, Hampshire SO41 9DB, U.K., tel. + 44 (0) 1590 427007.
NTPT, Chemin du Closel 3, 1020 Renens, Switzerland, tel. +44 21 811 08 88
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ProBoat.com Archives
Wonderful Gunboat 72V
Unmistakable line
Luxe and comfort.
Amenities and toys
Welcome aboard gunboat 72v wonderful.
Introducing the revolutionary GunboatV, redefining performance and luxury in cruising. The epitome of excellence in the world of catamarans.
World’s first catamaran that delivers both exceptional speed and ultimate comfort. Awe-inspiring design that seamlessly combines a sleek flybridge with state-of-the-art lightweight construction technology and unmatched performance engineering.
Luxurious comfort – Unmistakable line – All-carbon construction
Don’t miss the chance to charter the first Gunboat 72V,
Light modern interior
Experience the epitome of luxury with the sleek and streamlined Gunboat 72. Meticulously crafted with cutting-edge lightweight materials and performance engineering, this catamaran guarantees stability and effortless navigation on the water.
With room for up to 8 guests, the Gunboat 72 boasts a plush interior featuring a master cabin, VIP cabin, and two guest cabins. The crew quarters offer privacy and comfort for the crew members.
Indulge in the lap of luxury within the spacious bridgedeck salon. Designed for the liveaboard lifestyle, this expansive salon provides a protected safety zone complete with a lounge area and gourmet galley. The convenient forward nav station is equipped with panel-mounted displays and push button controls for easy sailing.
Seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor spaces through the large sliding doors leading to the aft cockpit. This central entertainment hub is ideal for lounging, dining, and enjoying the refreshing water just steps away. From intimate gatherings to larger parties, the aft cockpit is the perfect place to be.
Performance for legendary adventures
Experience the joy of sailing with the Gunboat 72. The flybridge helm station allows for simple, controlled, and shorthanded performance sailing. Streamlined sail controls and cruising-optimized sail plans ensure effortless and efficient navigation. The lightweight construction and performance optimizations offer impressive mile-eating performance.
Immerse yourself in the inviting ambiance of the Gunboat 72. The perfect blend of style and function creates a carefree atmosphere for bonding with your loved ones.
Charter this ultimate vessel in the summer on the French Riviera or in the winter on the Caribbean Sea. Equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and communication systems, it guarantees a safe and enjoyable cruise for all sailing enthusiasts.
Specifications
Architects: VPLP Design, Christophe Chedal Anglay, Patrick Le Quément and Isabelle Racoupeau-Ramirez Launch: 2023 Builder: Gunboat Materials: Carbon LOA: 22m Beam: 9.44m Draft: 1.7m/ 3.8m Mast length: 29m Fuel capacity: 2x650L Water capacity: 2x420L
Tender & toys
Highfield 4.70m with 60hp Honda engine, 2 SUP, 2 Seabobs, Adult Waterski, Wakeboard, Snorkeling equipment
General amenities
WiFi & USB connection, luxury outdoor dining area with sunshade cover, outdoor speakers with WiFi connection, swimming platform & ladder, hydraulic gangway, icemaker, watermaker
Our Gallery
Are you ready for a unique experience ?
Book wonderful .
If you would like to book Wonderful, please contact your preferred broker. If you do not have a broker, you can contact a recognized broker from an official organisation.
Luxury Catamaran
World leading source of information on luxury cruising multihulls
July 28, 2013
Augustus - gunboat news.
July 18, 2013
Sunreef scores 3 new luxucatamarans 80 feet and above.
July 15, 2013
Gunboat endless summer news, gunboat g4 .
GUNBOAT WEATHER SEMINAR
FLOW TESTING
HAIL TO THE CHIEF
GUNBOAT MARINA AND SERVICE YARD
Art gunboat.
FALCOR: FIRST GUNBOAT CUSTOMER!
GUNBOAT HALL INSPECTION
June 28, 2013
Adastra wins 3 showboats design 2013 awards.
- Exterior Design and Styling - Judges' Commendation
- Naval Architecture - Winner
- Newcomer of the Year - Winner
Sunreef Yachts Announces Spectacular Presence at the Cannes International Boat Show 2013
June 20, 2013
Long island 85 time lapse.
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
The Gunboat team, from its shipyard in La Grande Motte (France), build high-performance and elegant yachts made for cruising and regattas.
Together, interior and exterior designers achieved a closely linked ergonomic and practical design; capturing the essence of Gunboat, maintaining the semi-utilitarian balance focused on performance and function, while designing luxury and aesthetics down to the detail.
The Gunboat 70, the latest integration of sailing and lifestyle, elegance and comfort, in an ultra high-quality, ocean-going catamaran.
Everything above deck uses new moulds. A dual aft helm option is now offered as well as Gunboat's signature forward cockpit and interior helm (now with a canting wheel).
Fast, advanced, and elegantly designed.Refined aesthetics and comfort, engineered with lightweight materials - The benchmark in luxury, performance catamaran...
When Gunboat founder Peter Johnstone approached Nigel Irens—the veteran Brit designer with a string of record-breaking racing cats and tris to his name—about creating a new line of high-performance catamarans, one thing was certain: the end result would be like no production boat seen before.
Gunboat equips models listed with inboard, electric and other drive power options, available with diesel and electric propulsion systems. Sought-after for their Catamaran, Multi-Hull and Racer, the Gunboat listed generally have a very deep draft and very wide beam, characteristics that make them popular and well-suited for overnight cruising ...
The interior design of Gunboat catamarans is typically minimalist and functional, with an emphasis on providing a comfortable living space without compromising on performance.
The Gunboat 55 catamaran was designed by Nigel Irens, the British racing multihull designer, for Gunboat founder Peter Johnstone and boy, does she fly.
The Gunboat 68 was the first model launched under Grand Large Yachting ownership. This is a no-compromise, luxury performance catamaran for those who will settle for nothing but the best.
The Gunboat 72V interior ofers various layouts, designed corresponding to the specific choices of each owner. Configurations in the hulls are numerous, but always prioritize the owner's lifestyle - starting with their own cabin, any desires for additional personal space such as an ofice, accommodations in multiple guest cabins, and quarters ...
The Gunboat 72's interior exudes elegance and sophistication, with meticulous attention to detail. The collaboration with Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design has yielded a refreshing and inviting ambiance, featuring dynamic and bright elements complemented by plush furniture.
Gunboat is Back. The Gunboat 68 (21m) is the first model launched by the new ownership of the company. Two boats are in the water, and two more are in build at the facility in France. Actually, this builder of high-performance luxury cruising-catamaran sailing yachts has been back since 2016, the year Grand Large Yachts (parent of Allures ...
Experience the epitome of luxury with the sleek and streamlined Gunboat 72. Meticulously crafted with cutting-edge lightweight materials and performance engineering, this catamaran guarantees stability and effortless navigation on the water. With room for up to 8 guests, the Gunboat 72 boasts a plush interior featuring a master cabin, VIP cabin ...
GUNBOAT 55-05 EMERGES, 55-06 STARTS & 60-05 INFUSES ... Thanks to their spaciousness and comfort, Double Deck catamarans are a perfect alternative for a traditional mega yacht with its greener character offered by cruising on sails. ... warm interior design featuring only natural materials, this power mega yacht will operate in Thailand and ...
The first catamaran with performance and a flybridge, the Gunboat 72 design begins squarely with the cruising aficionado in mind.
catamaran; gulet; motorboat; powerboat; riverboat; sailboat; trimaran; yacht; sailboat. gunboat catamaran interior. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter. 476. IMAGES
Gunboat 48 Performance Cruising Catamaran. Used yachts for sale, sail catamarans 40ft > 50ft, gunboat boats for sale, gunboat 48 boats for sale. Search Used Yachts For Sale; Searc
The Gunboat 80 manifests ambitions of the most discerning clients for more space, more speed and a high level of customizability.
Motor yachts, super yachts, CAD-CAM for naval architect. We like shipbuilding