As a distinguished name in the realm of luxury multihulls, Royal Cape Catamarans has carved out a niche for crafting robust and comfortable sailing vessels. Based in the maritime hub of Durban, South Africa, the company has, since its inception, focused on delivering catamarans designed for serious bluewater cruising and lavish onboard living.
Royal Cape Catamarans commenced its journey in 2004, establishing its roots in Durban, South Africa. The company's foundational designs are noted to have initially drawn lines from the E.G. van de Stadt designed, Royal Cape One Design. While the Royal Cape One Design is itself a 9.1-meter (29-foot 9-inch) monohull sailboat conceived by the esteemed Dutch naval architect E.G. van de Stadt in 1961, this connection suggests an initial inspiration or perhaps an adaptation of principles rather than direct catamaran design from van de Stadt, whose primary work was with monohulls. This unique starting point hints at a philosophy rooted in proven, robust yacht design, translated into the expansive world of catamarans.
History and Evolution
Since its founding, Royal Cape Catamarans has steadily grown, cementing its reputation as a producer of high-quality sailing catamarans. The company has consistently focused on the production of luxury catamarans, emphasizing craftsmanship and suitability for extensive voyaging. Over the past two decades, Royal Cape Catamarans has evolved its offerings, culminating in its well-recognized "Majestic" range.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Royal Cape Catamarans has garnered a strong reputation in the marine industry for building vessels that balance performance under sail with exceptional comfort and stability in diverse ocean conditions. The builder's core identity revolves around creating yachts that exemplify luxury, safety, and style, particularly tailored for bluewater cruising and liveaboard lifestyles.
A hallmark of Royal Cape Catamarans' design philosophy is the emphasis on spaciousness and customizable accommodations. Their catamarans are celebrated for their generous layouts, often featuring multiple en-suite staterooms with dry heads and separate showers, capable of accommodating up to 12 guests. This focus on bespoke construction allows buyers to specify elements of their yacht, ensuring a vessel that perfectly aligns with their cruising aspirations. The robust build quality is frequently highlighted, designed to withstand the challenging conditions often encountered along the South African coast and beyond.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Royal Cape Catamarans is best known for its "Majestic" range of luxury sailing catamarans. Among the most significant and successful models are the Majestic 530 and the Majestic 570, including its Flybridge variant. These models typically range from approximately 16 to 18 meters (around 52 to 59 feet) in length.
The Majestic 530, for instance, is highly regarded as a blue water cruiser, an island hopper, and an excellent charter vessel, built to buyer specifications. It is frequently praised for its spacious layout, stylish design, and, in some configurations, innovative energy systems, making it suitable for serious liveaboard cruisers. Similarly, the Majestic 570 and 570 Flybridge models underscore the brand's commitment to unparalleled performance and spacious elegance, making them popular choices for those seeking luxury and comfort on the open sea. Older models, such as the Royal Cape 50 (or 500), also contributed to the company's early legacy, laying the groundwork for the more refined Majestic line.
While specific production numbers are not widely publicized, the consistent presence of various Majestic models on the global brokerage and charter markets attests to their enduring popularity and impact within the luxury catamaran segment.
The Builder Today
Today, Royal Cape Catamarans continues to operate from its base in Durban, South Africa, maintaining its position as a world-class manufacturer of sailing catamarans. The company remains dedicated to producing the Majestic range, with current models like the Majestic 530 and 570 continuing to attract discerning buyers.
The modern Royal Cape Catamaran appeals to individuals and families seeking a robust, safe, and supremely comfortable platform for extended bluewater cruising, liveaboard adventures, or high-end charter operations. The ownership experience is characterized by a high degree of customization and a vessel designed to provide all the amenities of home while traversing oceans in comfort and style. This focus on luxury, space, and stability ensures that Royal Cape Catamarans continues to hold a respected place in the competitive global market for high-end multihulls.
