Broadblue Catamarans, a prominent name in the world of multihulls, has carved out a niche for itself by offering a range of cruising and performance catamarans built with a focus on seaworthiness, comfort, and intelligent design. Emerging in 2000, the company has continued to evolve its offerings from its base at Thornham Marina in Emsworth, UK.
Broadblue Catamarans officially commenced operations in 2000, building upon a strong legacy in the catamaran industry. The company is often described as a descendant of the venerable Prout line of catamarans. This connection suggests a foundational philosophy rooted in proven, robust catamaran designs known for their excellent seakeeping abilities. While specific individual founders are not widely publicized, Mark Robert Jarvis has been a notable figure associated with Broadblue, often discussing the brand's design principles and history. Broadblue's initial vision appears to have been to modernize and refine the traditional cruising catamaran, prioritizing long-distance capability and live-aboard comfort.
History and Evolution
Broadblue's journey has seen it navigate various changes within the marine industry. The company has acknowledged a "chequered history," indicating periods of reorganization or challenges, but has consistently worked towards a comeback through careful management. A significant aspect of Broadblue's evolution has been its construction methodology. Initially, prior to 2007, hulls and decks were cored with end-grain balsa. However, they transitioned to using closed-cell structural foam for coring, alongside solid glass laminates (0.5 to 1.25 inches thick) below the waterline, reinforced with Kevlar in high-load areas. This robust construction is a hallmark of their boats, designed for durability and safety.
Furthermore, Broadblue's manufacturing process involves a blend of international collaboration and domestic finishing. The hulls for models like the Broadblue 385, Rapier 400, and Broadblue 346 are built in Poland by Projektowanie i Budowa Jachtów before being transported to the UK for finishing. The larger Rapier 550 and a new 12-meter model (as of 2021) are built entirely in the UK.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Broadblue Catamarans has cultivated a reputation for building world-class cruising catamarans known for their exemplary performance, speed, luxury live-aboard comfort, and safety. Their design philosophy particularly resonates with experienced catamaran sailors who appreciate build quality, dynamic sailing performance, and ease of handling.
A defining feature of Broadblue's design is its commitment to seaworthiness, often incorporating design elements like large headsails and more aft-positioned masts, reminiscent of their Prout heritage. Their cruising range is characterized by robust construction, modern hull forms, quality craftsmanship, and elegant joinery, making them suitable for long-distance cruising. Crucially, Broadblue catamarans feature integrally molded keels and skeg-hung rudders that are the same depth as the keels, allowing the boats to be beached for maintenance—a practical advantage in many cruising grounds.
In addition to their comfortable cruising range, Broadblue has expanded into the performance multihull market with their "Rapier" line. These models, including the Rapier 400 and Rapier 550, are explicitly designed for exciting performance and fast passages. They are engineered for single-handed sailing, even for larger vessels, incorporating proven design philosophies, lightweight yet strong composite construction, and powerful advanced carbon rigs. While designed for speed, Rapier catamarans are not stripped-out racers but rather comfortable, ocean-capable cruisers. The Rapier line was notably designed by Dazcat.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Over its history, Broadblue has produced several significant and successful models across its cruising and performance lines:
- Broadblue 385: This model is an updated version of the Prout 38 and has proven itself as a capable long-distance cruiser, with some owners circumnavigating the world. It combines ease of handling with robust construction and elegant joinery.
- Broadblue 346: Ideal for families and couples, this catamaran is small enough to navigate the French canals while being robust enough for coastal cruising.
- Broadblue 435: Launched in 2005, this model builds on the Prout design tradition, offering exceptional cruising capabilities.
- Broadblue 425: This model is described as a long-range family cruiser, embodying Broadblue's core qualities of easy sail handling, build quality, and effortless performance.
- Rapier 400: A standout in the performance range, the Rapier 400 has demonstrated its prowess by winning its class in the Round the Island race. Owners worldwide appreciate its easily accessible performance, comfort, and short-handed blue water cruising capability.
- Rapier 550: This larger performance catamaran is capable of impressive passage-making speeds, having reportedly cruised at 15 knots and achieved over 20 knots safely during an Atlantic crossing. Its deck configuration was considered a pioneer upon launch.
Broadblue's legacy is built on its dual commitment to comfortable, safe cruising and exhilarating performance, offering distinct lines to cater to different sailing aspirations.
The Builder Today
Broadblue Catamarans continues to operate from its base in Emsworth, UK. While specific current ownership details beyond Broadblue Catamarans Limited are not extensively public, the company remains active in building and selling its range of catamarans. They appeal primarily to experienced catamaran sailors and those seeking vessels for extended periods aboard, whether for long-term cruising or adventurous passage-making.
The ownership experience for Broadblue vessels is characterized by a strong and engaged community. Broadblue actively shares stories and interviews with its owners, highlighting their diverse experiences, from cruising the Caribbean to undertaking transatlantic passages. This emphasis on owner experiences underscores the brand's dedication to its clients and the practical, live-aboard nature of its yachts. With new models and electric power options entering production, Broadblue continues to innovate and cater to the evolving demands of the global multihull market.
