The marine industry has long been shaped by visionaries who blend innovation with an unwavering commitment to quality. Among these, the Hudson Yacht Group (HYG) stands out as a relatively young but rapidly influential force, particularly renowned for its high-performance, luxury catamarans under the HH Catamarans brand. From its origins as a diversified builder, HYG has carved a niche at the forefront of modern yachting, championing advanced composites and cutting-edge design.
The Hudson Yacht Group was founded in 2009 by Hudson Wang, an accomplished manufacturer and entrepreneur with a strategic vision for the marine sector. Wang embarked on building key partnerships with established brands like J Boats, Gunboat, and Pearl, laying the groundwork for the group's future endeavors. This early collaborative approach allowed HYG to quickly establish a foothold and demonstrate a commitment to reliability and quality.
A pivotal moment arrived in 2012 when the Hudson Yacht Group formally partnered with the esteemed naval architects and engineers, Morrelli & Melvin. This collaboration marked the inception of HH Catamarans, which would become HYG's flagship brand and a testament to their ambition in the luxury performance multihull market. While information on HYG's very first boat as a group might be less prominent than the iconic HH Catamarans, it's clear their initial focus was on diversifying their portfolio across various segments, including IRC race boats, sporty trimarans, and club racers, before specializing in high-end catamarans.
History and Evolution
From its founding, Hudson Yacht Group rapidly evolved, transitioning from a company focused on partnerships to a builder with its own distinct identity through HH Catamarans. The partnership with Morrelli & Melvin in 2012 was a significant milestone, solidifying their commitment to producing performance-oriented catamarans. This strategic move allowed HYG to leverage cutting-edge design and engineering expertise.
The group operates a wholly-owned, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Xiamen, China, which underpins their ability to maintain stringent quality control and implement advanced construction techniques. In 2017, the concern shifted its focus, discontinuing the production of other multihull models, such as Jaguar Catamarans, to concentrate efforts primarily on the HH Catamarans brand for new multihull builds. This consolidation allowed for greater specialization and refinement of their offerings. Leadership at HYG includes founder Hudson Wang, CEO Paul Hakes, and President Seth Hynes. Paul Hakes, a highly respected New Zealand boat builder, brings extensive experience in constructing high-end racing yachts, including America's Cup vessels, to his role, further emphasizing the group's performance pedigree.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Hudson Yacht Group, particularly through HH Catamarans, has cultivated a formidable reputation in the sailing world for producing luxury performance cruising catamarans. They are synonymous with lightweight, high-performance vessels built with advanced composite materials, primarily carbon fiber. This dedication to carbon construction is a signature feature, ensuring strength, stiffness, and reduced weight for superior sailing dynamics.
The brand's identity is deeply intertwined with its collaboration with renowned naval architects Morrelli & Melvin. This partnership is crucial to the design philosophy, which balances speed and performance with luxurious comfort and liveability. Their yachts are designed for both exhilarating offshore sailing and comfortable world cruising. In addition to Morrelli & Melvin, CEO Paul Hakes and HH naval architect James Hakes also play key roles in the design and engineering of the yachts. HH Catamarans are known for offering semi-custom and production yachts that combine an unmatched blend of quality and innovative design.
Iconic Models and Legacy
HH Catamarans has quickly amassed a portfolio of significant and successful models, establishing itself as a leader in the performance catamaran segment. The range of HH yachts spans from 44 to 88 feet.
Among their most iconic models:
- HH66: This model is considered the starting point of HH Catamarans' journey and was recognized as Sailing World's Boat of the Year in 2018. It set the benchmark for the brand's commitment to performance and luxury.
- HH55: Awarded Cruising World's Boat of the Year in 2018, the HH55 is celebrated as an all-carbon, blue-water capable, and fast-sailing catamaran designed for extensive voyaging.
- HH44: As a more recent offering, the HH44 has already garnered acclaim, earning the title of "Boat of the Year" in 2024. This model is particularly notable for its eco-friendly design, incorporating electrification from the ground up, signalling HH's commitment to sustainable yachting.
- Ocean Series: HH Catamarans has also expanded into the "Ocean Series" with models like the OC50, now known as the HH50 OC, broadening their appeal to those seeking a blend of performance with enhanced cruising amenities.
These models exemplify the company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of catamaran design and construction, influencing the wider multihull market with their focus on high-performance luxury.
The Builder Today
Today, Hudson Yacht Group continues to thrive, with HH Catamarans firmly positioned as a premier builder in the global luxury performance catamaran market. The company is led by its founder Hudson Wang, CEO Paul Hakes, and President Seth Hynes. Their sales and service center in Jupiter, Florida, provides crucial support to their clientele Overview.
HH Catamarans' modern boats appeal to discerning owners who seek an unparalleled combination of speed, comfort, and advanced engineering for global cruising. The ownership experience is highlighted by a focus on high quality, reliability, and an engaged community. With a continuous pursuit of innovation, as evidenced by the eco-conscious HH44, Hudson Yacht Group is set to maintain its influential role in shaping the future of high-performance yachting.
