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 group Grand Large Yachting in 2019 and relocated to France in 2020, benefiting from the Mediterranean nautical ecosystem and French expertise in composite materials. Gunboat embodies the pinnacle of lightweight, rigid carbon construction, with a radical approach: creating the world’s fastest cruising catamarans capable of sailing faster than the wind at wind speeds as low as 6 knots.
The yard masters all high-performance carbon manufacturing processes: autoclave prepreg with Nomex honeycomb core, structural optimization via finite element analysis, integration of redundant safety systems (crash boxes, watertight compartments), and interiors built to aeronautical standards. Gunboat collaborates closely with leading 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): Best-selling model in the range, balancing performance and habitability
- Gunboat 60: Compact performance catamaran, ideal for round-the-world cruises with reduced crew
News and outlook
Gunboat continues its ambitious development with expansion plans: new models (Fusion 80), integration of diesel-electric hybrid systems and 100% electric propulsion for certain models, aerodynamic optimization of superstructures, and experimentation with 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.
