French excellence in high-performance catamarans
Gunboat, based in La Grande-Motte (Occitanie) and part of the Grand Large Yachting group, is a world-leading shipyard specializing in high-performance cruising catamarans. Founded in South Carolina (USA) in the 2000s, the yard was acquired by the French Grand Large Yachting group in 2019 and relocated to France in 2020, leveraging the Mediterranean nautical ecosystem and French expertise in composite materials. Gunboat embodies lightweight, rigid carbon construction excellence, with a radical approach: creating the world’s fastest cruising catamarans capable of sailing faster than the wind at just 6 knots of breeze.
The yard masters all high-performance carbon manufacturing processes: autoclave prepreg with Nomex honeycomb core, structural optimization via finite element analysis, integration of redundant systems for safety (crash boxes, watertight compartments), and interiors built to aeronautical standards. Gunboat collaborates closely with top naval architecture firms (VPLP Design) and designers (Chedal Anglay Design) to deliver unique projects combining oceanic performance, superyacht comfort, and refined contemporary aesthetics. The yard’s order book remains full, reflecting the brand’s international recognition.
Flagship models
- Gunboat 80 Series: The fastest cruising catamaran in its size class (Highland Fling XVIII and later)
- Gunboat 72 Series: Standard, Flybridge, and Explorer versions for long-range cruising
- Gunboat 68 (replaced by the 70): Bestseller of the range, balancing performance and livability
- Gunboat 60: Compact performance catamaran, ideal for round-the-world cruising with reduced crew
News and outlook
Gunboat continues to grow with ambitious projects: expanding the range (Fusion 80, new models), integrating diesel-electric hybrid systems and 100% electric propulsion for select models, aerodynamic optimization of superstructures, and testing recycled composite materials. The yard is also investing in virtual reality for interior design, allowing owners to visualize and customize their future yacht before construction. With an annual production limited to ensure flawless execution quality, Gunboat stands as the undisputed leader in the high-performance cruising catamaran segment, attracting an international clientele seeking the perfect balance between oceanic speed and superyacht comfort.
