Available in bareboat, skippered, and crewed configurations, the Moorings 5200 offers flexible options for a range of charter experiences. One of the boat’s standout features is its expansive social layout. The aft and forward cockpits flow seamlessly together, creating a vast, open space that can seat up to 16 guests—a hallmark of the Moorings and Leopard design philosophy of sociability and connection. The upper lounge area provides an ideal spot for relaxation and sunset gatherings, popular among charter guests at anchor.

Below deck, the 5200 features a thoughtful cabin arrangement. The five-cabin version includes a full-size owner’s suite with a private companionway, plus four double guest cabins. For those who prefer maximum capacity, a six-cabin version replaces the owner’s suite with an additional midship cabin, and both layouts can be configured for crewed or bareboat use. Crew quarters are smartly designed with exterior access, a full head, and shower facilities.

At the helm, the design emphasizes visibility, accessibility, and ease of operation—perfect for charter guests and skippers alike. The double helm seat, high lifelines, and well-placed handrails enhance both comfort and safety, while the low boom and clear sightlines forward and aft make handling the yacht intuitive and secure.

Set to be available for charter as early as December, the Moorings 5200 promises to become a familiar sight in top cruising destinations worldwide. With its refined blend of luxury, practicality, and innovative design, this next-generation catamaran is poised to redefine the charter experience.

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At the Annapolis Boat Show, Cruising World’s Editor-in-Chief Andrew Parkinson toured the all-new Island Spirit 525E, a 52-foot sailing catamaran designed from the keel up for electric propulsion and world cruising. Joined by Phillip Winter, CEO of Inspired Yachting—the exclusive dealer for Island Spirit—Parkinson explored how this next-generation multihull blends strength, efficiency, and social design.

Purpose-built for long-range cruising and charter versatility, the 525E features a robust vacuum-infused, foam-core construction that delivers durability without excess weight. Despite its solid feel underfoot, the boat weighs just 17.5 tons. The E in its name stands for electric: the 525E is powered by an advanced all-electric drive system with the largest battery bank in its class, offering silent, extended motoring capability.

On deck, standout features include a spacious flybridge with seating for up to 30 people, full helm controls within easy reach, and a 1,905-square-foot upwind sail plan. Forward, a generous cockpit and secure side decks make for comfortable, confident movement underway. Inside, the bright, open salon features an island galley, large refrigeration options, and customizable layouts from three to six staterooms—all with en suite heads.

From its efficient hull form to its expansive social spaces, the Island Spirit 525E reflects a clear vision: sustainable cruising with no compromise on performance or comfort. It’s no surprise this groundbreaking catamaran is a 2025 Cruising World Boat of the Year nominee.

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Long, lean, and built for sailors who prize speed without giving up comfort, the Balance 580 arrives in North America fresh from a South African build yard with pedigree and ambition. Designed by Phillip Berman and Du Toit Yacht Design, the 580 builds on Balance’s ethos of combining true offshore performance with the liveaboard refinement and storage volume long-range voyagers demand. With carbon reinforcement throughout, daggerboards, and the brand’s VersaHelm system, the 580 aims squarely at owner-operators who want to cover miles quickly, handle weather confidently, and still enjoy the comforts of a contemporary cruising home.

Nine hulls are already spoken for (at time of press), with boats scheduled through 2027, a sign that the appetite for performance cruising catamarans remains strong. 

Overview & Notable Options

The Balance 580 sits at the crossroads of lightweight epoxy construction, refined ergonomics, and thoughtful offshore systems. Her foam-core hulls keep weight low, while high-strength carbon is used strategically in beams, davits, and structural elements to improve stiffness and reduce flex offshore. Dual daggerboards offer upwind bite and agility, and a cutter-rigged sail plan with powered furling makes reefing and sail changes efficient from the helm.

Inside, the open-plan salon and cockpit flow together, delivering indoor/outdoor living suited both for passagemaking and life at anchor. Layout options range from three-cabin owner versions to four- and five-cabin crewed arrangements, all with generous storage, luxury finishes, and panoramic sightlines for watchkeeping in any weather.

Key Options Include:

• “Carbon Cross+” construction package with additional carbon throughout
  
• Daggerboard upgrade package
  
• VersaDrive hybrid diesel/electric charging system
  
• Interior layout choices: 3-cabin, 4-cabin, or 5-cabin crew configuration
  
• Conversion dinette berth in salon
  
• Expanded solar package (up to 3,400 watts)

Designed to be sailed comfortably by a couple, the 580 also includes a drop-down bow thruster for tight-quarter maneuvering and line-management solutions at the helm for simpler sail handling.

Construction & Design Notes

• 100% epoxy construction with carbon reinforcement
  
• Foam-core sandwich hulls and furniture to reduce weight
  
• Elevated under-wing clearance for offshore comfort
  
• Dual daggerboards and balanced hull lines for high-performance sailing
  
• All-glass window system for visibility and strength
  
• Hand-crafted joinerwork and wood-veneered foam-core cabinetry to reduce weight and increase durability

Systems & Safety

• Cutter rig with three headsails and electric furlers
  
• Lithium battery bank with optional hybrid regeneration
  
• Available VersaDrive hybrid with high-output DC charging
  
• Massive deck storage and secure gear stowage
  
• Robust tankage for long-range independence
  
• Outstanding watchstanding visibility inside and out
  
• Solid bulkhead integration and carbon structural grid for stiffness offshore

Builder Walkthrough

Join Balance Catamarans for a full walkthrough of the new 580, highlighting build quality, layout options, and systems design.

Performance

Balance says the 580 will hold windspeed or better in light air and climb comfortably into the teens and twenties when the breeze fills in. With daggerboards down, she points high with minimal leeway, a rare trait in a luxury cruising cat. When the breeze fades, efficient diesels and regeneration technology keep the boat moving responsibly without sacrificing performance.

This is a catamaran meant to be sailed rather than motored from island to island.

Specifications — Balance 580

Layout & Living Aboard

The Balance 580 is built for life at sea and at anchor, with a focus on visibility and connectivity to the environment. The salon’s seating height keeps sightlines forward and outboard, ideal for watchstanding in foul weather. The island galley blends indoor/outdoor living, and the salon table converts to a queen berth, useful for passagemaking or hosting guests. Large forward cabins, generous heads, and abundant cabinetry make long-term provisioning practical. Owners can choose layouts that suit private cruising, charter, or crewed operation, without sacrificing the upscale finishes that define the Balance brand.

Construction & Weight Strategy

Balance builds the 580 with a performance brief at its core. Foam-core hulls, all-epoxy laminates, and selective carbon reinforcement yield high strength and rigidity without piling on weight. Furniture is foam-core, hand-faced with wood veneers to maintain a warm interior aesthetic without compromising the weight budget. Underwing clearance is generous, reducing slamming offshore. With this approach, the 580 stands apart from mid-market catamarans that prioritize volume at the expense of efficiency. Here, light displacement equals more sailing time and less reliance on auxiliary power.

Systems & Hybrid Sailing

The 580 is offered with a conventional twin-diesel setup or the VersaDrive hybrid package. In hybrid form, high-output alternators generate up to 15kW per engine to quickly recharge lithium banks, reducing or eliminating the need for a standalone generator. Paired with optional 3.4kW of solar, the 580 promises quiet passages and efficient hotel loads without sacrificing range. Electric furlers, thoughtful line-stow solutions at the helm, and multiple headsails allow singlehanded sail selection and reefing. The end result: a technologically forward platform that keeps sailing fun and responsive, while bringing systems redundancy and reliability offshore cruisers expect.

Sailing the Balance 580

Enjoy a stunning montage of the Balance 580 catamaran Windigo as she sails in the waters off St Francis Bay:

About the Builder

Balance Catamarans, founded by circumnavigator and multihull broker Phillip Berman, builds semi-custom bluewater catamarans in South Africa with a focus on performance sailing, ergonomics, and premium construction. Their philosophy centers on efficiency without austerity, delivering yachts that can be handled by a couple, sail aggressively across oceans, and serve as refined homes afloat.

Editor’s First Take

From the dock, the Balance 580 reads like a statement of intent: lean hulls, daggerboards, carbon everywhere you look, and that signature VersaHelm ready for tropical afternoons or cold-weather passages. Step aboard and the story continues with thoughtful weight savings, natural light, and an honest-to-goodness sailor’s cockpit. There’s storage where you want it, handholds where you need them, and enough refinement to enjoy the little moments as much as the big crossings. This cat is clearly built by sailors who’ve logged real miles and understand how to balance performance with comfort. It’s fast, modern and unapologetically purposeful. —CW

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A piece of ocean-exploration history is poised for a new chapter. The historic 68-foot catamaran Moulin à Vent, once part of Jacques Cousteau’s pioneering fleet, is undergoing a full restoration in St. Augustine, Florida. The project is led by the Once Was Lost Stewardship Initiative, a nonprofit focused on ocean plastic recycling and awareness.

The team launched a crowdfunding campaign on October 28 with an initial public goal of $50,000. The ultimate target is $300,000 to complete the rebuild and return the boat to service.

Used as a research vessel in the 1980s, Moulin à Vent (“Windmill” in French) will be transformed into a modern, environmentally focused platform for exploration and conservation.

“This is no ordinary boat restoration,” said Kyle Gerecke, CEO of Once Was Lost. “We’re reviving a legacy and giving her a new mission for the oceans in a time when they need it most.”

The plan calls for solar-electric propulsion, recycled-plastic components, and onboard media and research capabilities. Once refit, the catamaran will support marine-debris cleanup, scientific expeditions, educational programs, and documentary storytelling across the Atlantic and Caribbean.

Supporters of the campaign will receive behind-the-scenes access to the refit process, along with memorabilia and opportunities to sail aboard the vessel after her return to service.

Phase one of the effort includes a haul-out, structural repairs, and documentation of the work through a public mini-series and exclusive backer updates. Later phases will focus on outfitting the boat for long-range sustainable operations.

For details or to support the project, visit the Once Was Lost website.

Inspiring the Next Wave of Ocean Stewards

Cousteau’s legacy has shaped generations of sailors, divers, and marine scientists. The restoration team hopes Moulin à Vent will spark new curiosity among young ocean enthusiasts, just as Cousteau’s expeditions did decades ago.

Youth outreach is planned as part of the vessel’s future mission, including education programs, hands-on science, and storytelling aimed at encouraging the next generation of sailors and conservation-minded adventurers to explore and protect the sea.

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Lagoon, the world leader in cruising catamarans, is expanding its partnership with Ponant Yachting and Sailoé with a new flagship model, the Lagoon EIGHTY 2. The catamaran, named Spirit of Ponant II, will begin operating luxury charters in French Polynesia by late 2026.

The announcement marks the third yacht in Ponant Yachting’s growing fleet, joining Spirit of Ponant in the Seychelles and La Désirade, which splits its season between Corsica and the Caribbean. Each catamaran in the program is designed for small-group exploration, offering a more personal and environmentally conscious sailing experience.

Built at Lagoon’s Bordeaux facility, the EIGHTY 2 reflects the builder’s focus on elegance, performance, and sustainability. With more than 400 square meters of living space, five double cabins, and a four-person crew, the new yacht is designed for fully private charters and tailored itineraries. Guests can expect a mix of refined comfort and hands-on water adventure, including an array of high-end water sports.

“The Spirit of Ponant II reflects the natural evolution of a partnership based on shared values: excellence, innovation, and respect for the environment,” said Thomas Gailly, Lagoon’s Brand Director. “We are honored to support Ponant Explorations Group in developing its premium sailing offering, with a yacht that raises the bar for luxury at sea.”

The project underscores an ongoing alliance between three French yachting leaders. Ponant Explorations Group, renowned for small-ship luxury expeditions, Sailoé Yachting, specialists in Lagoon charters worldwide, and Lagoon, a brand of the Beneteau Group, continue to shape what they describe as “a more intimate and inspiring” style of ocean travel.

With a growing fleet spanning multiple oceans, Ponant Yachting says it aims to redefine modern luxury under sail, matching slow travel, sustainability and seclusion with world-class comfort.

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Cure Marine and McConaghy Yachts have announced a strategic joint venture aimed at advancing the performance cruising multihull market. The partnership will see all Cure Marine catamarans produced at a dedicated facility within McConaghy Yachts’ factory in Zhuhai, China, leveraging McConaghy’s experience in high-performance composite yacht construction.

Carl Bird, CEO of Cure Marine, said, “McConaghy Yachts’ unparalleled reputation for innovation and precision in composite construction is the perfect complement to our brand. This joint venture will allow us to push the boundaries of performance and design, delivering the next generation of multihulls where you can go further, faster, and stay longer.”

The collaboration also introduces two new models, the Cure 48 and Cure 68, joining the existing Cure 55. These multihulls aim to blend performance and comfort for modern cruising sailors.

“Cure Marine has established a reputation for building exceptional performance catamarans, and we are proud to combine our strengths,” said Mark Evans, Managing Director of McConaghy. “Our teams share a passion for innovation and excellence. By working together, we are confident that we can set a new global standard for performance cruising multihulls and deliver extraordinary value to clients worldwide.”

The joint venture brings together Cure Marine’s design philosophy and focus on lightweight carbon-fiber construction with McConaghy’s history of building some of the world’s most notable racing and cruising yachts, including America’s Cup AC40s and ocean racers like Wild Oats XI and Alfa Romeo.

Cure Marine will showcase the new models and reveal additional details at the 2025 Annapolis Boat Show in early October.

For more information, visit Cure Marine and McConaghy Yachts.

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Aquila Catamarans, best known for its power catamarans, is making a bold entry into the sailing market with three new models designed by sailors, for sailors.

The company has announced the Aquila 44ES, 50ES and 63ES sailing catamarans, all featuring distinctive forward cockpits, hybrid propulsion and the brand’s signature one-piece construction. The new range will debut at the 2025 Annapolis Boat Show with scale models and a full display, followed by the first in-water showing of the Aquila 50ES at the 2026 Miami Boat Show.

“This expansion represents our next phase as a global boat manufacturer,” said Frank Xiong, chief executive officer of Sino Eagle Group. “We’ve proven ourselves in power catamarans, and now we’re leveraging the deep sailing experience of our team to enter this market with purpose and precision.”

Design for Cruising Life

Key design features include bridge-to-bow stairs for easy access, contemporary lines, a fixed forward cockpit that doubles as a social area, and private cabin entrances with ensuite heads and walk-in showers. Owners can also expect a spacious salon bar, Aquila’s optional patented tender crane, and panoramic windows that flood the interior with natural light.

Hybrid Ocean Drive

The new sailing catamarans feature an integrated Hybrid Ocean Drive system combining electric and diesel propulsion. The electric mode allows silent maneuvering in harbors and anchorages, with diesel power available for offshore passages. “Our hybrid system isn’t an afterthought—it’s integrated from day one,” explained Jean Raas, CEO and chief product officer. “We designed the entire propulsion architecture around this dual-power approach.”

Precision Manufacturing

Built at Sino Eagle’s state-of-the-art facility, the new models benefit from resin-infused hulls and decks, no-wood structural components, CE Category A certification and stringent quality controls. Components such as stainless steel, upholstery and electronics are manufactured on-site to ensure consistency and performance.

Sailors Behind the Scenes

The Aquila sailing catamaran program draws on the expertise of veteran designers and industry leaders, including J&J Design and a leadership team with decades of competitive and blue-water sailing experience. “This team brings decades of actual sailing experience to the drawing board,” said Raas.

Distribution

In the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean, the Aquila 44ES, 50ES and 63ES will be distributed exclusively through The Catamaran Company. “This partnership brings together our sailing catamaran expertise with their proven design and manufacturing capabilities,” said Staley Weidman III, CEO of The Catamaran Company.

Pricing, delivery and international distribution details will be announced at upcoming shows.

For more information, visit aquilaboats.com.

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Leopard Catamarans has unveiled its newest flagship sailing catamaran, the Leopard 52, which premiered at the Cannes Yachting Festival and will make its U.S. debut at the Annapolis Sailboat Show this fall.

Replacing the popular Leopard 50, the new 52-footer represents a significant step forward in design, comfort and performance. Built by Robertson & Caine in South Africa and designed by Simonis Voogd Design, the Leopard 52 adds more sail power, interior flexibility and eco-friendly features to the brand’s blue-water DNA.

“The Leopard 52 is without a doubt the most versatile catamaran in its class,” said Franck Bauguil, senior vice president of yacht ownership and product development. “From private owners and long-term liveaboards to charter guests and families, this yacht adapts to every lifestyle with unmatched flexibility.”

Layouts and Comfort

Owners can choose from a range of interior configurations, from a dedicated three-cabin liveaboard layout with a utility room to a six-cabin charter version, each with ensuite head and shower. Optional crew quarters and multiple cockpit table setups further personalize the onboard experience.

A fully opening saloon and aft cockpit create seamless indoor-outdoor living, while a watertight forward door provides direct foredeck access for safety, ventilation and circulation. Upgraded finishes, indirect lighting and refined details throughout the interior bring a residential feel to life aboard.

Performance and Sail Power

With a taller mast, overlapping genoa and optional square-top mainsail, the Leopard 52 offers 17 percent more upwind sail area than the model it replaces. Naval architects Simonis Voogd Design also refined the hulls and rig using advanced CFD modeling, resulting in reduced pitching, better seakeeping and improved agility.

“The new Leopard 52 belongs to a new generation of catamarans that achieve better stability and comfort while offering a larger rig and more sail power,” said Alexander Simonis of Simonis Voogd Design. “Owners can expect less motoring and more pure sailing pleasure.”

Eco Options and Smart Tech

Sustainability upgrades include optional integrated solar panels (four 400-watt panels), lithium battery systems and a hybrid electric propulsion package developed with Joool. This system can regenerate power under sail and enables fully electric cooking and appliances, reducing reliance on LPG and maximizing energy efficiency.

The Leopard 52 will also enter charter service as The Moorings 5200 through the company’s yacht ownership program.

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Gunboat is preparing to lift the curtain on its latest creation, the 80-foot Fusion, with a world premiere set for September 9 at the Cannes Yachting Festival and simultaneous online launch. The new model, presented through cinematic 3D renderings and an immersive digital reveal, represents what the company is calling a new category: the Gran Turismo Catamaran.

The Fusion project marks a milestone for Gunboat, which helped establish the high-performance cruising catamaran segment more than two decades ago. Designed for owners who want both offshore speed and onboard luxury, the 80-foot multihull blends racing DNA with architectural styling and expanded living space.

Naval architecture comes from VPLP, a firm renowned for offshore racing yachts as well as efficient, lightweight multihulls. The exterior lines were created by Patrick Le Quément and Christophe Chedal Anglay, while the interiors were conceived by Christian Gavoille and Valérie Garcia to emphasize natural light, open proportions, and tactile finishes.

Fusion’s layout highlights include a 19-square-meter master suite with private sea access, a panoramic flybridge, and an advanced composite build engineered for both velocity and comfort. The design team describes the yacht as a convergence of performance and presence — aiming to deliver both the exhilaration of speed under sail and a strong on-the-water profile at anchor.

“With Fusion, presence is more than just volume or space — it’s the way the yacht carries herself, the confidence she radiates at sea and at anchor. It’s a statement you feel before you even step aboard,” said Benoît Lebizay, Gunboat Managing Partner.

Interior designer Christian Gavoille added, “It’s more than a boat: it’s the thrill of speed fused with emotion, where the chemistry of art and design meets and moves with the sea.”

With the Fusion, Gunboat looks to build on its legacy by appealing to a new generation of sailors and visionaries seeking long-range performance without compromising luxury.

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SailGP fans in the United States will once again have the chance to see the foiling F50s in action close to home. The league has confirmed that New York City will host SailGP on May 30–31, 2026, with a second U.S. stop already scheduled for June 5–6, 2027.

The announcement places New York firmly back on the championship’s calendar after several years away, giving American fans a front-row seat to the high-speed spectacle along the Hudson River. The return comes as part of SailGP’s wider effort to build a long-term, stable global circuit with recurring venues in iconic sailing destinations.

In addition to the New York events, the 2026–27 calendars include a new multi-year commitment in Rio de Janeiro, where racing will unfold against one of the world’s most recognizable coastlines. Germany’s Sassnitz, fresh off a sold-out debut this year, is also confirmed as a repeat venue in both 2026 and 2027.

Other long-term commitments include Perth, Australia, through 2028; Bermuda, with dates locked in through 2028; and Portsmouth, U.K., for 2026 and 2027. Dubai and Abu Dhabi remain fixtures for season finales, while perennial stops such as Sydney, Auckland, Saint-Tropez, and Cádiz continue to round out the circuit.

“As we grow SailGP into a truly global sports property, these long-term commitments with key venues are a critical step in delivering a world-class experience year after year,” said SailGP CEO Russell Coutts.

The 2026 season will open in Perth in January before traveling through Oceania, the Americas, and Europe, with New York positioned as a midseason highlight. The year will conclude in the Middle East with events in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

For cruising and racing enthusiasts alike, the news ensures more opportunities to experience SailGP’s blend of cutting-edge foiling and iconic sailing backdrops—whether in person in New York, Rio, or from afar as the league continues its global expansion.

SailGP 2026 Calendar (Confirmed)

• January 17–18: Perth, Australia
• February 14–15: Auckland, New Zealand
• March 21–22: Sydney, Australia
• April 18–19: Bermuda
• May 30–31: New York, USA
• June 27–28: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• July 25–26: Saint-Tropez, France
• August 8–9: Cádiz, Spain
• August 29–30: Portsmouth, U.K.
• September 26–27: Sassnitz, Germany
• October 24–25: Dubai, UAE
• November 21–22: Abu Dhabi, UAE (Season Finale)

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