A striking new high-performance support vessel from Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders has officially entered the water, with the newly launched 50ft Django immediately showing serious pace during early testing. During its first sea trials, the foil-assisted craft achieved speeds of up to 52 knots, underlining the ongoing development of the New Zealand-built Catalyst platform.
Commissioned as a dedicated support and chase boat for Giovanni Lombardi Stronati’s Django racing programme — the reigning Maxi Grand Prix World Championship-winning team — the vessel has been purpose-built for offshore operations around elite sailing campaigns. While based on the proven Catalyst concept, this latest iteration introduces several unique design changes, including sharply angled reverse-rake windscreens that give the boat a more industrial, commercial-style profile.
The Catalyst lineage traces back to the America’s Cup, where the original design was created by Morelli & Melvin as a fast and capable support platform. Since then, Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders has refined the concept into a range of versatile high-speed craft used for race management, luxury tendering and adventure cruising. Boating New Zealand reviews have consistently highlighted the platform’s lightweight composite construction, offshore handling and impressive ride comfort at high speeds.
A key feature of the new Django is its integrated foil package, developed to improve efficiency and soften the ride in open-water conditions. Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders says the system enhances stability and contributes to greater cruising range while maintaining the exceptional performance expected of the Catalyst series.
Recent reviews of the Catalyst GT and other Lloyd Stevenson-built variants have described the design as delivering a unique blend of exhilaration and practicality, capable of combining superyacht-level refinement with raceboat-style speed. Early indications suggest Django continues that progression, with more detailed performance information expected following further sea trials.
