Iconic catamaran in three versions

Gunboat 72 Series

If there is one brand for multihulls that makes sailors’ hearts beat faster, it is Gunboat. Even die-hard monohull fans go into raptures. I wonder what Eric Tabarly would say? For the late skipper, catamarans were “not boats”. In any case, the French shipyard has received a lot of praise for its new product range. It consists of three models, including the Gunboat 72, which in turn is available in three versions. We took a closer look at the prestigious multihull.

So young and already legendary

Gunboat is younger than you might think. The shipyard was founded in the USA in 2001 by Peter Johnstone. From the very beginning, he clearly set himself apart from the competition with his all-carbon boats in an attractive design. The shot was on, the name was right. The first models bore the signature of Morelli-Melvin and were built in South Africa by Harvey Yachts. They made waves right from their first appearances. The video of a Gunboat 62 outclassing a fleet of monohulls at a regatta start went viral. In the very traditional yacht clubs of the American east coast, the avant-garde catamarans in the bright colors were snapped up and given names that left no doubt as to the owners’ goals. They were looking for pure sailing fun, just like on a yacht. In winter, the first gunboats made their grand entrance in St. Martin and St. Barth. With luminaries from the offshore circus and the America’s Cup at the helm, they put on an impressive show. Although the shipyard had managed to achieve cult status in a very short space of time with just 30 models, it fell into difficulties after production was relocated to China and later to the USA.

Grand Large Yachting at the helm

In 2016, the French group Grand Large Yachting, which already owned Allures Yachting, Outremer Catamarans and Garcia Yachting, also acquired Gunboat. The takeover presented the group with a major challenge: what to do with a brand that is to water sports what Aston Martin is to cars? To find answers, the new team carefully analysed the profile of Gunboat customers and skippers and explored development and customization options for the catamarans. At the same time, a new factory was built in La Grande Motte next to the Outremer halls and an experienced team was put together with the designers from VPLP and the renowned designers Patrick le Quément and Christophe Chedal-Anglay. Nothing was left to chance when it came to selecting suppliers and subcontractors. Only the best were good enough. 30 months later, the first model of the new generation, the Gunboat 68, was launched. It immediately established itself as the fastest cruising boat in its class. The sleek and correspondingly powerful catamaran took up the basic Gunboat concept, but at the same time presented itself as a tad tidier and more technical. With this model, the brand had once again achieved a major success. Today
the eighth model is already in production. “It is the longest series we have ever produced,” emphasizes Benoît Lebizay, Managing Partner of Gunboat. Building on this success, the exclusive Gunboat 80 was launched: a bullet on two hulls with a top speed of over 30 knots, which brought the brand a lot of publicity. “We received several requests for the 68,
but they wanted more living space and, above all, a flybridge. The owners wanted performance combined with more for cozy togetherness and lifestyle.”

Gunboat 68 + volume = Gunboat 72

The next models from Gunboat also focus on more space and comfort. In response to demand, the 68 XL is characterized by wider hulls in the middle and a higher steering and manoeuvring position above the deck superstructure. This design ultimately gave rise to the Gunboat 72 Flybridge. It was presented to the public for the first time at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September 2023. With its carbon mast over 30 meters high, it towered over all the other sailing yachts in Port Canto. Its flybridge and the bathing platform in the stern caused disbelief, so atypical were the two elements. Gunboat had indeed jumped over its shadow, but the shipyard had not thrown its basic philosophy overboard despite the innovations. Particular importance was attached to the visual appearance of the Gunboat 72. The catamaran was to remain racy despite the additional volume. The designers, who had already designed the GB 68, solved the problem by cleverly integrating the protruding flybridge into the deck superstructure. In order to create more living space, this was made larger than on the 68 model, but the characteristic Gunboat look was retained. With its sharply cut wave-piercer hulls, the flowing, aerodynamic lines of the carbon fiber superstructure and the teardrop-shaped windows, it is uncompromisingly elegant and therefore clearly a Gunboat. Thanks to the high deckhouse, the hydraulic bathing platform can be raised to the level of the cockpit, creating a large area and concealing the 4.20-meter-long tender. To ensure the right performance, the boat must not be too heavy. “Weight is saved down to the smallest detail, it’s even stipulated in the contract,” reveals Lebizay. The catamaran actually achieves remarkable speeds. The Gunboat 72 easily broke through the 20-knot mark during the very first test runs. “This model meets the market’s expectations exactly: more volume, plenty of space for socializing and a performance that lives up to the name Gunboat,” the manager sums it up. He points out that requirements have changed over the last 20 years. “Today, our boats should sail at wind speeds of 7 to 8 knots or more, so that they are as fast as possible even in weak conditions. Gunboat is perfectly capable of building pure speedboats, but we want to preserve the DNA of the brand in every model.” This is why the performance is adapted to the customer’s expectations and the chosen expansion variant. “However, the goal always remains the same: the catamaran should easily reach a cruising speed of 12 to 15 knots over longer distances.”

The success of the 72 Fly has sparked interest in personalized models that match the respective sailing program. According to Lebizay, two trends are emerging. On the one hand, there is a strong demand for the forward cockpit, Gunboat’s signature feature, and on the other, customers want more traditional elements such as a deck layout with helm stations aft. “The bigger and more expensive the boat, the more individual the equipment,” he summarizes. With this in mind, the Gunboat 72 is also offered in three different models to suit different programs and sailing styles.

Gunboat 72

The Gunboat 72 embodies the manufacturer’s unadulterated DNA. It is fast, visually sleek and can be steered with precision. Of course, it has the brand-typical front cockpit, which guarantees safe maneuvering even with a small crew. The most classic of the three models was primarily designed for ambitious sailors, but is just as suitable for extended blue water cruises as it is for sporty use. It is even available in a regatta version with a rotating mast, higher rig and oversized centerboards.

Gunboat 72 Flybridge Un ou deux postes de barre sur le flybridge ?
One or two steering positions on the fly? You can decide for yourself! In keeping with its primary purpose as a cruising boat, the flybridge version offers plenty of space and comfort for
comfortable cruising and lots of sailing fun. Both passionate sailors and pleasure-seekers can enjoy themselves on the Fly. The roof terrace proves to be a popular place to spend time. There
you can watch the skipper or simply relax with a panoramic view of the water. A perfect meeting place for sunbathing and aperitifs at sunset.

Gunboat 72 Explorer
This model combines the Gunboat design language with an optimized layout for blue water cruising. As the flybridge is missing here, the superstructure could be extended and the bow cockpit integrated into it. The interior is bright and spacious with a roomy navigation and work area opposite the companionway. The helm stations are located aft on the hulls. This model is also available in a regatta version.

Conclusion
With the Gunboat 72, the brand has cemented its reputation as a manufacturer of feudal, fast catamarans. The three variants based on a single model cover an unprecedented range of possible uses.
range of possible uses. Whether you opt for the model with flybridge, a larger deck superstructure or ultimate performance, the designers, engineers and
Hers Teller have done everything right with all three variants. The Gunboat 72 clearly plays in the premier league.

Technical data of the Gunboat 72 Flybridge

Manufacturer: Gunboat
Designer: VPLP Design
Exterior design: Christophe Chedal Anglay – Patrick le Quément
Interior design: Isabelle Racoupeau
Overall length: 22.00 m
Width: 9.40 m
Draft: 1.70/3.80 m
Mast height: 29.00 m
Superstructure height: 0.95 m
Displacement (empty): 27,5 t
Max. Displacement: 32 t
Motorization: 2 x 135 hp
Mainsail: 170 m 2
Jib: 118 m2
A3: 280 m2
Fuel tank: 1300 l
Water tank: 840 l
Price: on request and depending on specifications

The data listed are not contractually binding and can be adapted to customer requirements.