Since its debut in 2010, the International Multihull Show has evolved into a must-attend event for catamaran and trimaran enthusiasts. Held annually in La Grande-Motte on the south coast of France each April, the show has grown steadily in both size and international influence. Noteworthy years include 2015 and 2018, both marked by strong visitor turnout and sales, but 2024 took things to a new level — smashing attendance records and showcasing the industry’s resilience and innovation. Building on that momentum, the 2025 edition, scheduled for 23–27 April, promises to be the largest yet, with record numbers of multihulls, a packed programme of world premieres, and a new motor multihull marina.
Big boats, small boats
At the extremes of the scale are two very different multihulls that bookend the show. The largest is the Chantier de L’Arsenal SAMBA, a hybrid 23.8-metre by 11.2-metre electric/motor/sail catamaran capable of carrying 80 people — an impressive example of where multihull design is heading in terms of scale, versatility, and propulsion.
On the smaller side, the Tricat 8.50 folding trimaran (8.5 metres by 6.5 metres), powered by sail and built in Brittany, is the smallest on display. Its transportable format and simple sail-driven design appeal to the more nimble, go-anywhere sailor.
Premieres
This year’s show will host 11 world premieres, with 4 sailing catamarans, 4 powerboats, and multiple European and French debuts.
Headliners include:
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Portofino Cat 47, Tortue 147 (Cataruga), and Seaview 59 (Heysea Yachts): new additions to the growing list of high-spec sailing cats.
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SunMare 50 (Croisière Exclusive) and the Omaya 50: hybrid powercats making their global debut.
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Aquila 50 Yacht and Aquila 42 Coupé: European premieres introducing the Hydro Glide Foil System, boosting fuel efficiency by 35%.
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Lagoon 38 and Excess 13: part of Beneteau Group’s strong showing of new-generation sailing cats. The New Zealand Agent for Lagoon and Excess is the great team at 36degrees; further details for the Lagoon 38 are available on their website at https://www.36degrees.nz/multihulls/lagoon-catamarans/lagoon-38/ and Excess 13 catamaran are available on their website at https://www.36degrees.nz/multihulls/excess-catamarans/excess-13/
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MODX 70: an all-electric 70-footer based on the MOD 70 platform.
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Vaan R5: a 49ft cat built from recycled aluminium — a statement in sustainable boatbuilding.
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Max Cruise Marine 44SC: electric/sail/solar hybrid built in Vietnam.
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Tricat 8.50 and the larger Tricat 30, Dragonfly 36, Neel 43, and Neel 52: rounding out an impressive trimaran selection.
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Dedicated Motor Multihull Marina
For the first time, the 2025 show introduces a dedicated marina for motor multihulls at Port Ouest’s Quai des Douanes. With over 100 metres of quay space and close to a kilometre of pontoons, this area will host around 20 powercats with the opportunity for sea trials.
Expect to see:
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Aquila Power Catamarans with four models on display.
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Aventura Yachts showing five models, including two world premieres: the 38 SC and 38 MY.
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Power offerings from Dracan Marine, Four Winns, Leopard Catamarans (eight models), Prestige, Veya Yachts, and Yot Power Catamarans.
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Fountaine Pajot’s MY6 and the Beneteau Group’s Prestige M48 and Four Winns TH36.
Sailing Multihulls Set a New Record
The sailing sector of the show will feature a record 60 multihulls. The lineup includes:
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Bali Catamarans (6 models), including the Catsmart, Catspace, and flagship Bali 5.8.
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Aventura, Comar, Dream Yacht, Excess, Fountaine Pajot, Knysna, Lagoon, Leopard, Nautitech, Neel, Outremer, Privilege, SwissCat, and Tricat.
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Notable newcomers include the Heysea Seaview 59, Outremer 52 and 55, Windelo 50, and Ocean Rider’s ORC57.
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From overseas, highlights include the Knysna 500SE (South Africa), HH44 (China), and Seawind 1370 and 1170 (Australia/Vietnam/Turkey).
Innovations in propulsion
Sustainable propulsion continues to grow. This year’s show includes a strong focus on electric and hybrid systems with entries from:
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Cataruga, Chantier de L’Arsenal, Max Cruise Marine, MODX, Windelo, Vaan, Fountaine Pajot, HH Catamarans, and Neel.
These models demonstrate that performance, sustainability, and long-distance cruising capabilities can coexist, and manufacturers are increasingly aligning with eco-conscious buyers.
New demonstration and design zones
Adding to the dynamic layout, a new demonstration area will allow visitors to test small boats, electric engines, and marine toys. Companies like 3D Tenders (12 models) and AST – Semi Custom Carbon Tenders will be participating.
There’s also a dedicated Design and Innovation Area, featuring:
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JFA Yachts, Seals Shield and Sail, Thorne Yacht Design, Oceano Vox, Yacht Design Collective, Darnet Interior Design, La Capitainerie, and others.
This space will spotlight sustainability, modular interiors, lightweight builds, and emerging technologies from naval architects and interior designers.
This is when you wished the other side of the world was just a short trip away.
With more exhibitors, record-breaking vessel numbers, and dedicated zones for powercats, sailing multihulls, and innovation, the 2025 International Multihull Show is shaping up to be the most comprehensive yet. Whether you’re after a 24-metre charter hybrid or a transportable trimaran, electric propulsion or recycled aluminium builds, La Grande-Motte will offer a snapshot of where multihull boating is headed.
