The first unit in the flagship Gunboat 80 series, now known as Highland Fling XVIII, has begun sea trials in La Grande-Motte close to Gunboat’s construction facility. Her racing team joined the yacht for the trials to put her performance to the test.
Commissioned by an experienced yachtsman and avid sailor, the 24.7-metre catamaran is optimised for racing with a competitive, ultra-lightweight construction in prepreg carbon fibre structure and honeycomb Nomex core. The mast is also positioned further aft for an improved sail plan.
The semi-custom yacht is capable of exceeding true wind speed at just six knots and is expected to be one of the fastest cruising catamarans of its size, according to the shipyard.
Naval architecture is courtesy of French studio VPLP. Specialising in multihull design, VPLP has fitted the sailing series with appropriate safety features, including crash bows with two watertight bulkheads in each hull and dedicated flotation areas built into the stern, roof and bridge deck. Wraparound cabin-top windows and long topside windows help shape Highland Fling XVIII's streamlined profile, with broad sightlines and abundant natural light for the interior.
Accommodation includes a spacious master cabin, featuring separate companionways for greater privacy and windows with measured sightlines for panoramic viewing. The number of guest cabins and private ensuites can be customised, while there is separate space for a full-time crew of three.
Designed with the help of virtual reality, interiors are owed to Chedal Anglay Design. The rooms are bright, airy and minimalist, with curved architectural lines and neutral-toned furniture built to aeronautical specifications. The central living area is found on the bridge deck saloon, which offers 360-degree visibility alongside a full or partial galley with bar seating. A lounge area with dining table seats six to eight people.
The aft cockpit becomes an outdoor convivial area when not racing. Connected to the salon by large sliding doors, it can convert into an integrated indoor-outdoor living space. While Highland Fling XVIII’s interiors have not yet been released, the suggested layout is an L-shaped settee to starboard and a large dining table to port, able to seat up to eight. Located on the aft beam are the mainsheet traveller and port and starboard winches, allowing for greater ease when sail handling. It also features integrated seating and storage.
Other highlights include retractable, high-aspect rudders and daggerboards, and an increased beam yielding more righting momentum.
Highland Fling XVIII is expected to make her racing debut at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo in September 2023. A second Gunboat 80 is currently in construction and will launch in the summer of 2024, with a design “optimised for family cruising”.