As a distinguished voice in the yachting world, I am delighted to present an in-depth look at C-Catamarans, an Italian builder that has quickly carved out a niche in the high-performance multihull segment.
The story of C-Catamarans, while officially beginning in 2014, is deeply rooted in the venerable history of Comar Yachts. Comar, a family-owned and operated shipyard based in Fiumicino, Italy, near Rome, has a heritage stretching back over 50 years, having started boat production in 1961 with Flying Juniors and launching their first Comet monohull in 1971. This rich legacy in traditional yacht building laid the groundwork for their venture into the multihull market.
The direct impetus for C-Catamarans emerged from this established expertise. While the specific founder for the C-Catamarans brand in 2014 isn't explicitly detailed as a singular individual distinct from Comar's existing leadership, it is known that Jurg von Ins was involved in acquiring Switch Catamarans (Sud Composites) in 2005, a move connected to the evolution of the Comar/C-Catamarans entity. The vision for C-Catamarans was to translate Comar's renowned quality and design philosophy, traditionally applied to monohulls, into the expanding world of multihulls. Their first catamaran model, the C-Cat 37, was designed by the acclaimed multihull naval architect Marc Lombard, immediately setting a high standard in its length class.
History and Evolution
Since its inception in 2014, C-Catamarans has rapidly evolved, leveraging Comar's extensive experience in boat building. The transition into catamaran production marked a significant strategic expansion for the long-standing Italian yard. Their initial model, the C-Cat 37 (later refined and referred to as the C-Cat 38), quickly gained recognition.
The company has focused on developing a range of sailing and power catamarans, steadily introducing new models that blend performance with comfort. The shipyard's commitment to innovation and quality has allowed them to expand their line-up to include six models ranging from 37 to 62 feet. This growth demonstrates their successful adaptation to the nuances of multihull design and construction, building upon decades of monohull expertise.
Design Philosophy and Identity
C-Catamarans has cultivated a distinct reputation in the sailing world for building performance catamarans that do not compromise on comfort or safety. They are known for striking a balance between speed and liveability, often appealing to experienced owners and ocean sailors looking for more than just a comfortable cruiser. Their philosophy, as described by the Rome shipyard, emphasizes research into speed, comfort, and safety as top priorities.
Signature design features often include sleek lines, lightweight construction, and the integration of daggerboards. These daggerboards contribute significantly to the boats' performance, offering enhanced upwind ability and a sportier sailing experience. C-Catamarans collaborates with esteemed naval architects to achieve their design goals. Notable collaborations include Marc Lombard, who designed their first C-Cat 37, and François Perus, responsible for the powerful lines of the C-Cat 48. The shipyard's own technical studio also plays a crucial role in the design and engineering of their catamarans.
Iconic Models and Legacy
C-Catamarans has produced several significant models in its relatively short history as a multihull specialist:
- C-Cat 37 (now 38): As their inaugural catamaran, the C-Cat 37, designed by Marc Lombard, was instrumental in establishing the brand's presence in the market. It set the benchmark for the builder's commitment to performance and quality in its class.
- C-Cat 48: This model has quickly become an icon for the brand, earning the prestigious "Multihull of the Year" award. Designed by François Perus, the C-Cat 48 is lauded for its sporty yet comfortable characteristics, featuring spacious and pleasant interiors. It is particularly noted for its performance capabilities, making it a strong contender in the sub-50-foot performance segment. The C-Cat 48 incorporates features like daggerboards and four airtight compartments, contributing to its performance and safety.
- C-Cat 65: Representing the upper end of their current offerings, the C-Cat 65 has been highlighted for its groundbreaking design, poised to redefine its segment and demonstrating C-Catamarans' ambition to scale up their innovative approach to larger yachts.
The C-Catamarans line encompasses six models, ranging from 11 to 21 meters (37 to 62 feet), including both sailing and power catamarans. This range reflects their versatility and commitment to serving different segments of the multihull market while maintaining their core values of performance, comfort, and safety.
The Builder Today
Today, C-Catamarans continues to operate under the umbrella of Comar Yachts, maintaining its identity as a distinct multihull brand within the long-established family-owned shipyard in Fiumicino, Italy. The company remains an Italian producer with a strong focus on quality and innovation.
The modern C-Catamarans appeal to a discerning clientele, particularly experienced owners and ocean sailors who value a blend of brisk sailing performance and onboard comfort. Demand for their sleek designs is steadily rising, especially in markets like the United States, indicating a growing international recognition of their quality and design philosophy. The ownership experience is characterized by a high degree of customization and direct interaction with the shipyard, reflecting the ethos of a specialized, quality-focused builder rather than a mass producer. The company encourages personal conversations and shipyard visits for those considering a C-Catamaran, fostering a close-knit community around their yachts.
