Yachts Industries Review

Founded in La Rochelle in 2003, Yachts Industries designs and manufactures catamarans for their two makes, namely, Yapluka Yachts and Blubay Yachts. Yapluka Yachts is the company’s original range. Yapluka catamarans are the high-tech luxury catamarans, which are available from 65’ to 130’. The main feature of this make is the exclusive concept of Double Deck that has been put forward recently. These yachts are designed in such a way that the owner’s cabin is at the very front of the yacht and offers a great view of the sea. The Yapluka Double Decker range has now been launched and its first model is an 85-foot long catamaran. The Yapluka 85 Double Decker is currently the only luxury catamaran in the world that comes with a full-width forward facing owner's suite, plus a 360-degree visibility saloon. This is in addition to a exceedingly fuel efficient- high aspect ratio hulls, a 5.57’ shallow draft, 2 x 400 HP Diesel engines, and isolated docks close by. The model costs around US$ 8,500,000. An equivalent 40’ wide owner’s suite and saloon are only offered by a 200’ motor yacht with a 20’ draft, which costs significantly more.

Blubay Yachts were acquired by Yachts Industries in 2006 with the intention of offering a carbon catamaran to its customers, which is considered to be the ideal material for those who dream of excellence. For two years, the same teams, who have been in charge of producing Yapluka Yachts since 1999, designed and manufactured Blubay Yachts. The expertise of these two added up to make an incredibly extraordinary formula: high-performing catamarans that meet the quality standards of yachting. Years 2007 and 2008 marked the beginning of big projects with the introduction of Blubay 92’ and Blubay 95’. Blubay 92’ is one of the most advanced sailing catamarans in the water that offers high levels of comfort safety and easy handling, ideal to enjoy a new way of sea life with family and friends. It offers the level of comfort of a motor yacht with the pace and ambiance of a fast sail yacht. Blubay 95’ is built from aluminum and offers high-class styling, excellent interior amenities and brilliant sailing performance. Equipped with a custom entertainment system, a flybridge jacuzzi and 2 x 315 HP diesel engines. The launch of these two was a high point in the catamaran industry. It was indeed the first time for a shipyard to deliver two big, luxury items with a few months’ difference.

Pricing

Yachts Industries vessels are custom built. A new Blubay 92’ is priced at $10,067,250 and a Blubay 95’ $9,600,000.

Pros

• Yapluka catamarans are known for their quality of construction and comfort. They have the reputation of offering outstanding performance under sail, which enhances their attractiveness as luxury yachts.
• Blubay catamarans offer brilliant design and performance. Blubay 92’ and 95’ are believed to be pretty fast at sea. During sea trials at the shipyard, a speed of 14 knots was attained under sails with force 3 winds.

Cons

• Being lighter in proportion to their sail size, Yachts Industries’ catamarans can be difficult to tack.
• Some sailors believe that catamarans don’t convey the "real" feeling of sailing. Only a monohull can give the full experience.

Featured Models

Yapluka; 65’, 75’, 85’, 85 Double Deck, 100’ Double Deck, 115’ Double Deck, 130’ Double Deck and 165’ Double Deck. Blubay; 75’ Racing, 95’, 105’, 125’, 150’, 175’, 200’.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Yachts Industries have earned the reputation of designing cruising catamarans that sail smooth. Therefore, they are ideal for a gathering of first-time sailors, older people, or people who feel uneasy at sea but may not be fun for hard-core monohull sailors. Because of their low draught, they can sail in places where other yacht cannot, particularly those close to the shoreline. As a final point, a coast cruise or ocean crossing on a sailing catamaran doesn’t cost anything in fuel. Motor-driven yachts, on the other hand, consume high levels of fuel.