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The question whether to choose a monohull vessel or a catamaran is an eternal dispute between two camps of yacht lovers, arguments for which are usually based not only on cold calculations, but also on a particular philosophy.The popularity of catamarans has grown significantly since the concept of their design underwent a number of important changes, in the light of which even multi-hull sailing vessels have now ceased to represent only a class of sports vessels, turning from Spartan-like vessels into luxurious and most comfortable cruisers.So why have so many charter agencies added sailing and motor catamarans in their fleets? (And some have even made them their main focus.)A person who takes a yacht for a charter, would surely list a calm and predictable on-water vacation among his or her preferences. That would mean relaxation, enjoying the sea and the sun, glasses of delicious wine and beautiful fruit platter on the table. For many this wouldn’t get along with sea-sickness, rolling at 25 degrees and narrow cockpits of classic cruising yachts.The catamaran hull offers high stability, a horizontal deck and unprecedented space for the whole family or group of friends, for whom moving around the ship becomes no more difficult than in a country-side house.CATAMARANS’ MAIN ADVANTAGES:1. Capacity and habitabilityThis is the first and main reason for the popularity of multi-hull yachts. The salon, huge by classical standards, is most often located at the level (or almost at the level) of the main deck, which saves the crew and guests from having to squeeze back and forth along narrow ladders, unlike monohull layouts. What’s more, one cannot take for granted the flybridge - unprecedented for sailing classics.As for sunbathing and close observation of dolphins - there is an ideal place: the bow net between the floats. In addition, the skipper’s post at the steering is usually separated, so in case of a charter you will not interfere with each other.When sailing in a company of three or more people, catamarans provide much more privacy: two blocks with living areas are located far from each other.Cooking and dining with friends can be immeasurably pleasant on the spacious catamaran board. 2. ManoeuvrabilityCatamarans have two engines with drives located at the aft ends of the floats. Due to the distance between them, there is zero tactical circulation, which means the boat can turn almost without changing its position. Modern control systems and dynamic drives, along with bow thrusters, are surely able to deploy a monohull in the same manner, but such technical equipment in most cases is unreasonably expensive.3. Fuel efficiencyThe resistance of two low-loaded sharp hulls is less than that of a single one with a ballast keel. Therefore, one can feel the difference in fuel consumption. But only in good weather. When the weather is close to storm conditions, the monohull is more efficient and can take the lead in cost saving.Many skippers run under one engine to save fuel, whereas both engines are used only for mooring manoeuvres.4. SecurityFor years advocates of classics have argued that catamarans are not as safe as their keel boats. But this statement can now be considered outdated as its origins lie back in the middle of last century, when the majority of catamarans were built by amateurs themselves. Even in calm weather they could easily be turned over, especially if one of its bodies lost its leakproofness due to damage.For a well-built modern catamaran it is very difficult, if not impossible, to sink. Modern structures are created based on computer modelling of any sea conditions. Cruisers, and charter options in particular, have the maximum possible safe sail area. 5. ComfortOverall comfort is another important issue, when it comes to choosing a yacht. A lot of sea-lovers, over the years of owning classical vessels, still haven’t been able to get rid of seasickness, and buying a catamaran could solve this problem.Most catamarans don't even have galley stoves with hinges, which are just not needed.6. PrecipitationAbsence of a ballast keel slightly expands the possibilities and opens up access to some unequipped shores.CATAMARANS’ DISADVANTAGES:1. PriceMultihull vessels are indeed more expensive, both to acquire or to charter. Prices continue to grow together with catamarans’ popularity. The purchase price is half the trouble, as the services are also more expensive than those for the classics - at least for the fact that there are two engines instead of just one.The high cost of land transportation and storage, when necessary, can also be mentioned. Price for a place in the marina would be higher, whereas some yacht clubs are not suitable for catamarans and trimarans at all.The consolation is that used catamarans are usually sold faster and have smaller losses in price in relative terms. 2. Lack of feedback while sailingCatamaran yachts are not suitable for sailing sport. They can be just great to go for a vacation or even to live on them, just like in a houseboat, but it is exactly because of their stability that half of the yachtsmen would never buy them. On a catamaran there is no sense of wind, waves, flight, and of the boat itself.It is extremely difficult to determine the moment when it is necessary to reef. While on a monohull this can be done by feeling, for catamarans there is an instruction at what winds the sails area should be reduced.3. The noise and shakingCatamaran hulls have an excellent feature of dampening low side waves, leaving the transversal line of the hull close to the horizon. However, oncoming or tangled medium-sized waves create a continuous soundtrack when trapped between the floats and the superstructure bottom. Strong flip-flops cause vibration. In this regard, it is recommended to choose catamarans with at least one metre of clearance.4. WindageLarge windage of the surface part of the vessel, together with low draught, sometimes makes the catamaran a “toy” in the hands of the wind. And if multihull cruisers with distinct keel elements are quite like sailboats able to go into a strong side wind no worse (or even better) than monohull cruisers, models designed for calm charter trips would perform terribly. Though, to be quite fair, it should be noted that this feature is not so relevant under engines.5. Not suitable for high latitudesThe best choice for the North Atlantic is an aluminum trawler motor yacht. And, of course, if we consider sailboats, a monohull would be a better solution than a catamaran. Residential areas are easier to heat and keep them warm, metal classics can even go through thin ice.However, the opposite is true for the equatorial zone — spacious catamaran salons would be beyond competition.6. Not so romanticThe majority of sea-lovers claim that classical boats are more romantic than multihulls. In fact, this is a strange and controversial statement, as catamarans have their own special charm. A dinner with a panoramic view over the sea and the stars - what can be more romantic?WHO IS FASTERFor some reason, it is often believed that a sailing catamaran is faster than a monohull. This is true if you compare a sports catamaran with an average cruiser. However, this would hardly be applicable to, for example, charter modifications of catamarans. Such models only go well at up to half-wind and almost won’t go at sharper courses. However they lie better at anchor.TO SUM UPAs normal, everything would surely depend on two main factors: personal preferences and the financial aspect. The two types of vessels give a completely different feeling, so it is highly recommended to rent and try each of them before buying - to compare the feelings. In any case, it is safe to say that a catamaran is just an ideal option - if not for purchasing, but surely for a charter. Although it is expensive, it offers quite a lot.(Based on the article by Mikhail Safronov)

The construction of Heesen’s latest superyacht has begun this week. Her name is Sparta and she would be the largest steel-hull displacement motor yacht by the remarkable Dutch shipyard.During the laying ceremony on October 19 a Greek coin with the image of Poseidon was added to the yacht keel by her owner. Sparta's delivery is set for 2023. Van Oossanen Naval Architects created the impressive Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF), while the interior and exterior designs are both by the London-based Winch Design studio.Perry van Oossanen, Managing Director of the naval architecture studio, has commented: "The Fast Displacement Hull Form of Project Sparta, combined with the sleek design by Winch and the optimised building methodology by Heesen, makes this yacht really stand out in terms of performance and efficiency. With engines quite typical for a yacht this size, she will easily reach her contract speed and outrun other yachts of this size and power, both in speed and range".Sparta is based on Heesen’s 66-metre Project Avanti. The latter was first presented at the Monaco Yacht Show 2018 and, according to the yard, “captured the attention” of the owner. The layout of the vessel fully reflects the owner’s lifestyle. Jim Dixon from Winch Design has expressed the following: “Once again we are delighted to have a very collaborative and decisive client with a clear lifestyle brief”. He added that “the arrangement of the vessel seamlessly connects the activity of water-side living at the aft ‘terrace’ with the calm and beautifully-coloured interior”.The bridge deck has been fully reserved for the owner. It features 2 suites and a private terrace with an outdoor dining and lounging zone. The sundeck could offer guests a Jacuzzi, pleasant sunpads and a bar. Another Jacuzzi, a steam room, a sauna and a gym can be found on the lower deck. The 1,200 GT yacht also features a 6,5-metre infinity pool aft. The 3 decks are services by a spiral staircase and a glass elevator.Sparta can accommodate 12 guests who would be taken care of by a total of up to 16 crew members. Guest suites are located across the main saloon and on the main deck. With the help of a special sliding partition 2 forward cabins can be transformed into a full-beam VIP one. The crew accommodation and the galley are located on the lower deck. As for the speed and range - with its two MTU 12V4000 M65R diesel engines the yacht will be able to reach a maximal speed of 16 knots and a range of 4,500 nautical miles for transatlantic cruising at a 12-knot speed. Photo: Heesen Yachts

The very first FD75 had its world debut in January, and now a brand new FD75 is launched by the Horizon Vision Shipyard.Hull Two of this entry-level 23-metre model has completed sea trials and will soon make its U.S. debut. The latter is highly anticipated as the yacht has been designed exactly for the American market. Taking its place at the entrance of the acclaimed Cor D. Rover-designed FD Series, the FD75 model is itself a remarkable achievement in terms of design and naval architecture. Designed to appeal to serious owners /operators, the FD75 features a raised pilothouse configuration that accommodates both an open bridge and a lower helm area within a 20’ 4” (6.2m) beam.The latest FD75 offers a four-stateroom layout, with a full-beam master on the main deck and three additional staterooms on the lower deck. Quarters for two crew are situated aft of the engine room.Boarding the yacht from the aft deck, which is outfitted with a large built-in sofa and freestanding furnishings, the open layout and impressive volume of the FD75 is readily apparent. Fully opening glass doors provide access to the main salon where large, uninterrupted windows enhance the feeling of openness. Complimentary two-toned white and silver oak wood punctuated by grey and blue soft goods, grey mirrors and slatted wood design elements complete the “sea of serenity” ambience throughout. This FD75 showcases a galley-aft configuration, which allows for the entire aft portion of the main deck to operate as one large entertaining space. Situated to starboard, the galley is fully equipped with SubZero freezer drawers and a separate ice maker, and a wine cooler is fitted just forward. To port, a convertible dining table provides added flexibility, serving as either a formal dining table or a casual breakfast bar. A fixed U-shaped leather sofa is joined by a coffee table with storage and faces a cabinet hiding the pop-up rotating television designed to minimize interference with the views. Forward, the full-beam master stateroom enjoys private access from the main deck and features seating and a vanity as well as hanging lockers and dual basins in the en suite. On the lower deck, a full-beam midship ensuite VIP is accompanied by a single-bed stateroom to port that offers additional storage closets and cabinets. A convertible twin stateroom is opposite the starboard. A shared en suite serving the single and twin staterooms is situated in the companionway along with a washer/dryer and additional storage. Providing a secondary option for navigation at night or in inclement weather, the semi-raised pilothouse is situated within steps of the master stateroom and is highlighted in black vinyl and carbon accents. Accessed either via the starboard exterior staircase or from the internal pilothouse, the open flybridge is a spacious and inviting area. Offering a dayhead, a television, a built-in bar with fixed stools, built- in seating, a BBQ and freezer, this lovely al fresco space echoes the serene color scheme and slatted wood design elements found on the lower deck. The boat deck aft comfortably stores the tender, which is launched and retrieved by the Steelhead davit. Dual helm chairs facilitate navigation, and dual bump-outs to port and starboard assist with docking operations. Forward, a full sunpad and seating area invite relaxation on the foredeck.Designed with the yard’s proprietary High-Performance Piercing Bow and hull design that affords optimal comfort and performance, this latest FD75 is powered by twin Caterpillar C18 ACERTs of 1,136bhp. The FD75 Hull Two is on schedule to deliver to the U.S. in early December. To Learn More About the FD75 Hull 2: - Hi-res Photos: https://bit.ly/34aLPAr - Virtual Tour: https://bit.ly/35KvP9q About HORIZON: Founded in 1987, Horizon Yachts has celebrated 30 years as one of the largest luxury yacht builders in the world as well as the number one builder in the Asia Pacific region. In the past three decades, Horizon has delivered over 835 luxury yachts, with more than 205 of these over 80 feet in length. Popular models ranging from 52 to 150 feet include motor yachts, superyachts, power catamarans, expedition yachts, and fast displacement motor yachts.

The advertising campaign by Ferretti Yachts won the notable Press, Outdoor & Promotion Key Award (POPKA) in the category ‘A4 Beauty, Fashion and Luxury’. The award ceremony was held on October 15, with a live-streamed session to which CEO Alberto Galassi contributed, commenting: “The Ferretti Yachts campaign was ahead of its time, asserting an ideal of wellbeing, calm and peace on a yacht, in order to reconnect with the dimension of a private island on which to take refuge: a subject that could hardly be more relevant in times like these”.The new campaign by Ferretti Yachts offers a new way to experience the sea, one that encloses a universe of stories and emotions in an intimate personal space, combining the dimension of travel represented by the yacht with the feeling of being at home. This is the creative concept behind the new campaign by Ferretti Yachts, the storied Italian luxury yacht brand and a leading global player in the industry, which reasserts its positioning with a more intimate language and a lifestyle aesthetic midway between fashion and design.Media Key is the benchmark magazine for Italian corporate communication. The panel of judges that makes the Awards, now in their 17th year, includes marketing strategists, media planners for top Italian and international businesses, communication operators, and creative directors at production companies, advertising agencies, and TV and Radio digital agencies. The multi-subject campaign published in leading magazines worldwide presents a model of absolute wellbeing that only Ferretti Yachts can make possible, anywhere and at any time. Created by multiple award-winning international agency Lorenzo Marini Group, “Just Like Home” continues on a strategic and creative path that has further consolidated the brand’s image at international level.Press release and photos by Ferretti Yachts

The all-aluminium hybrid Fourth S501 Hybrid Superyacht is at around 40% completion level. The shipyard will have the cutting-edge technology that will push the boundaries in terms of the efficiency in the fuel consumption and allow the superyacht to be cruising for long-hours. The yacht’s superstructure and hull are joined and complete. The 49.99-metre Tankoa yacht is being prepared for the installation of the new equipment and main on-board machinery, with yacht’s delivery being set for the late 2021. Photo: Tankoa YachtsThe Fourth S501 Hybrid Superyacht features the hybrid propulsion package that has been developed as a result of a collaboration between Man and Siemens. The package will include full electric, diesel-electric and traditional diesel cruising modes.Photo: Tankoa Yachts The yacht will be having an outfitting phase soon, as the Italian shipyard is about to start its preparations. Interestingly, Tankoa is planning to increase its workforce as they are planning to acquire an additional facility adjacent to a Genoa facility. In addition, Chief executive Vincenzo Poerio said that they are “preparing to grow the company in a sustainable way to optimize operational costs and increase market segment”.Photo: Tankoa Yachts