Dufour soon on 2 hulls?
While the recovery remains timid for monohulls, the multihull market is showing double-digit growth. There is enough to attract covetousness. The last major French shipyard not involved in multihulls, Dufour, is expected to enter the dance soon. The company does not wish to communicate more information at this stage, but it confirms the project.
Cousins for Lagoon catamarans
The world's leading catamaran builder, the Bénéteau Group wants to strengthen its position. As we announced in June on BoatIndustry (read Wing, electric engine, 2nd brand of catamaran... Bénéteau announces the color ), the company is working on a second catamaran brand, complementary to its historic Lagoon range. Its positioning has not yet been specified, but it should see the light of day quickly, with the Vendée-based group reserving its announcements for July 2018. At the same time, the Lagoon logo and website have been modified, simultaneously with the launch of the first models renewing the offer of the Bénéteau Group's historic brand and motor flagship, the Lagoon Seventy 8 .
Fountaine Pajot joins forces with Dream yacht Charter
Fountaine Pajot, which has become the second largest catamaran builder, is currently focusing on motor catamarans. The shipyard from La Rochelle announced shortly before the start of the new nautical year that it would acquire a stake in the charter company Dream Yacht Charter. This choice should enable it to strengthen its position in the charter market, while its factory doubled in size in 2017. (Read Fountaine Pajot invests ?11 million in charter company Dream Yacht Charter and Next Stage and Fountaine Pajot, financial partners )
Leopard also appeals to homeowners
Leopard, the South African shipyard, owned with the charter companies Sunsail and The Moorings by the KKR fund, has ceded its second place as catamaran builder to Fountaine Pajot. It remains a major player, also producing 45% for private clients, a share that is constantly increasing. The need for boats due to the effects of the hurricanes in the Caribbean may temporarily reverse this trend.
Bavaria Catamarans cramped in Rochefort
Bavaria Catamarans, the multihull division created following the acquisition of the Nautitech brand by the German group Bavaria Yachts, is facing a space problem at its historic site in Rochefort. Faced with the increase in the number of boats sold, the manufacturer is looking for new production sites, as no solution has been found at Rochefort. Lutz Henkel, CEO of the Bavaria Group, confirmed to BoatIndustry that he had studied the takeover of the Privilege Marine shipyard, whose location alongside the quay was ideal. The asking price was too high in his opinion, given the economic situation of the yard. Bavaria is still looking for a solution to continue the development of its multihulls. (Read Nautitech Bavaria, Rochefort wants to keep its nautical flagship )
Bali works on its image
The Catana Group has completed its offer of catamarans for the general public with the Bali range, which has grown considerably. With the presentation of new layout versions in collaboration with Lasta Design Studio, it seeks to improve the perceived quality of its interiors.
