The Multihull Centre, nestled in the picturesque surroundings of Foss Quay, Millbrook, Torpoint, Cornwall, stands as a pivotal institution in the world of multihull yachting. Since its inception in 1968, it has evolved from a visionary project into Europe's first specialist multihull boatyard, leaving an indelible mark on marine design and construction.
The genesis of The Multihull Centre is intrinsically linked to its visionary founder, the late Pat Patterson. A distinguished nautical designer, Patterson embarked on a journey that would redefine multihull boatbuilding. His initial act of sailing his personally designed and built 42-foot catamaran to a disused brickwork quarry in Millbrook laid the foundation for what would become a hub for multihull innovation. Patterson's commitment was so profound that he resided on the quay, meticulously preparing the first cottage, as he began to carve out his dream. His original vision was to create a dedicated specialist boatyard for multihulls, a concept that was pioneering at the time and quickly established the Centre as Europe's first.
History and Evolution
Established in 1968, The Multihull Centre has a rich history marked by continuous evolution and significant milestones. The very location, a former brickwork quarry, transformed under Patterson's guidance into a state-of-the-art facility for catamaran and trimaran enthusiasts.
A pivotal moment in the Centre's history occurred in 2012, when Dazcat and Multimarine, two prominent names in performance multihull construction, moved their operations to The Multihull Centre. This strategic consolidation in 2013 streamlined the various businesses, enhancing operational clarity and synergy. Multimarine Manufacturing, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2021, indicates its founding around 2001, highlighting a long-standing expertise in composite construction that integrated seamlessly with the Centre's services.
Over the decades, The Multihull Centre has embraced advancements in materials and construction. Their expertise in custom composite engineering is a cornerstone of their building process. Early and current Dazcat models, such as the Dazcat 0995, exemplify this commitment, being built with GRP Composite, while models like the Dazcat 1195 are known to be hand-crafted by skilled composite engineers.
Design Philosophy and Identity
The Multihull Centre's reputation in the marine industry is built on its unwavering commitment to custom composite engineering and innovative boat construction. They are celebrated for setting benchmarks in British performance multihulls, specializing in highly personalized and unique builds. While their primary focus is on multihulls—encompassing both sailing catamarans and trimarans, as well as powercats—they have also undertaken monohull projects, showcasing their versatile expertise.
At the heart of their design philosophy, particularly within the Dazcat range, lies a harmonious blend of comfort and exhilarating performance. Their design principles emphasize an intrinsic integrity that connects aesthetics with the practical functionality of the vessel. The Centre proudly maintains an in-house design team, fostering a continuous cycle of innovation. Beyond their internal talent, The Multihull Centre has also fostered valuable collaborations with esteemed naval architects and designers, including well-known figures such as Nigel Irens, Nic Bailey, Kelsall, Adrian Thompson, and Derick Reynolds, enriching their design repertoire.
Iconic Models and Legacy
The legacy of The Multihull Centre is best exemplified through the iconic designs and successful models that have emerged from its workshops. Pat Patterson's original designs laid the groundwork, with many of his creations still found worldwide.
Within the Dazcat lineage, several models have garnered particular acclaim:
- Dazcat 0995: A coastal cruiser-racer renowned for its GRP Composite construction.
- Dazcat 1195: Often considered an "all-time favourite," this model excels as a coastal cruiser-racer. Hand-crafted by skilled composite engineers, it also offers an 'R' version for enhanced racing performance.
- Dazcat 1295: This performance cruiser-racer has emerged as one of their "most popular models," with owners frequently describing the experience of owning one as "life-changing".
- Dazcat 1495: A formidable performance cruiser-racer, noted for its speed, strength, and lightweight carbon construction, making it highly capable for offshore passages. The D1495 model "Hissy Fit" is a testament to its racing prowess, regularly bringing home trophies.
- Dazcat 1500 Collection: This range includes a cruising catamaran, the D1500-C, which masterfully combines luxury with robust performance.
The Multihull Centre's impact extends beyond individual models. It holds the distinction of being Europe's first multihull specialist boatyard, and indeed, a significant portion of multihull history has been penned at their Millbrook location. While precise production numbers for all models are not widely published, the focus is on "limited production" for specific models like the 1195, suggesting a commitment to bespoke quality over mass output. The Centre continues its legacy of innovation, with Dazcat actively developing new ranges of semi-production and custom catamarans. While specific America's Cup projects aren't highlighted, Dazcat multihulls are active in demanding races such as RORC and MOCRA events, underscoring their performance capabilities.
The Builder Today
Today, The Multihull Centre continues to thrive as a comprehensive specialist boatyard, serving as the operational base for Multimarine Manufacturing and Dazcat Catamarans & Powercats. Their extensive range of services includes storage, slipping, repairs, refits, conversions, and both new and used yacht sales and brokerage. They boast large workshops capable of accommodating yachts up to 20 x 10 meters, complete with modern facilities.
The modern boats produced by The Multihull Centre, particularly the Dazcat range, appeal to discerning owners who prioritize a unique blend of comfort, high performance, and the ability to customize their vessel to their exact specifications. The ownership experience is often described as transformative, fostering a strong and engaged community. Owners, like Tom Hughes of a Dazcat 1295XL, actively share their positive experiences. The close-knit nature of the yard, as highlighted by features from organizations like the Catamaran & Trimaran Club Netherlands, suggests a vibrant community of passionate multihull enthusiasts. Furthermore, The Multihull Centre embraces modern ownership models by offering boat share partnerships, making their exclusive vessels more accessible. While specific current ownership names beyond the company itself aren't publicly detailed, the operation maintains a focused, expert-driven approach, continuing its tradition of excellence in the multihull domain.
