A specialist in high-end composites
Phantom International, the company behind the Flying Phantom hydrofoil catamarans, based in Dinard, has announced its partnership with McConaghy for the construction of its sailboats. The two series Flying Phantom Elite and Flying Phantom Essentiel will be produced at the Zhuhai yard in China, north of Hong Kong. Phantom International previously worked with the Cobra shipyard in Thailand, which has ceased its boat production activity to refocus on windsurfing.
McConaghy has been known for its racing and cruising yachts since 1967. The Australian shipyard produces all types of boats, from 18 foot Australian boats to maxis, including luxury multihulls. He recently designed the AC45f foils for the America's Cup World Series. Founded in Sydney, the yard now has two production sites in China.
Quality, cost and deadlines
McConaghy's high-tech infrastructures, with its autoclaves and 6 & 7 axis robots, correspond to Phantom International's high-end positioning. The new supplier will also provide demanding quality control, essential in a one-design class. The production in China makes it possible to offer costs difficult to hold in Europe, for a series which wishes to democratize the access to the flying catamarans.
Alex Udin, founder and director of Phantom International, welcomes these opportunities. "This partnership is a very important step in the history of Phantom International. We are very proud to work with McConaghy. Very few sites could meet our requirements in terms of technology, manufacturing quality and delivery times."
Success from 1st deliveries
"Given the sales forecasts, it was important for us to have a suitable production tool. "adds Alex Udin. Indeed, the success is already there for the new model, the Flying Phantom Essentiel presented at the Nautic 2016. The first delivery of 15 boats from China is scheduled for May. There are only 4 boats left for sale. This augurs well for Phantom International's production objectives of 50 catamarans in 2017 and a hundred in 2018.
