The French debut of New Zealand’s Earthling E 40 hybrid powercat will help set the tone for the International Multihull Show 2026, reflecting a sector increasingly shaped by alternative propulsion, efficiency driven design, and systems integration.
Earthling E 40 combines electric propulsion, solar generation, and low-consumption diesel charging within a lightweight multihull platform. Designed by New Zealand engineer John McGettigan, the vessel uses twin Molabo electric motors powered by a 45 kWh lithium battery system supported by solar panels and twin DC charge generators. The hybrid configuration enables silent electric operation for coastal use and efficient long range passage making at modest speeds, with system redundancy and digital energy management prioritised over outright performance.
International participation at the show continues to expand alongside this technological shift. Around 20 percent of confirmed exhibitors for the 2026 edition are new to the event and all are based outside France. These newcomers span shipyards, equipment manufacturers, designers, architects, and marine service providers, reinforcing the show’s increasingly global profile.
Several world premieres are already confirmed for the 22–26 April event, including the Whisper 50 electric catamaran, Simbad 55 sailing catamaran, Aventura 37 Explorer powercat, Outremer 48 sailing catamaran, Aventura 56 MY, and the AY60 from Adventure Yachts. For the first time, more power multihulls than sailing multihulls will debut at the show. Additional European and national debuts include Aquila’s first sailing yacht, the Aquila 50 Sail.
The exhibitors’ village will expand in 2026 and again host the Multihull Design & Innovation area, focused on design trends, technology, and sustainability.
Providing market context, Sébastien Milcendeau of the French Marine Leisure Industry Federation said multihulls continue to gain ground globally.
“Excluding sailing dinghies, the industry may produce as many multihulls as monohulls this year,” Milcendeau said, noting steady long term growth and the rising share of powercats within the segment.
The 2026 edition will also introduce a reconfigured on water layout, including a third marina and a redesigned visitor route, following ongoing modernisation works at Port de La Grande Motte.
“The 2026 edition marks a new stage in the show’s evolution,” said Anaïs David, Show Director of the International Multihull Show. “The layout changes, international exhibitor mix, and prominence of power and electric multihulls reflect how quickly this market is moving.”
