ONE COOL CUSTOMER

Powered catamarans have many attractions for cruising boaters and day-sailors alike. They can enjoy stability, space and frugality, as demonstrated by the Chinese-built Iliad 50 Multihull Solutions has brought to market Downunder. Having so far sold six in Australia, the first 50 was recently sold into New Zealand, due in 2022.

These catamarans are ideally suited to ‘The Land of the Long White Cloud’, says boss Mark Elkington. Apart from an all-weather design able to cope with variable Kiwi conditions, the long fuel range is a major factor.

The first 50 arrived in Australia in 2019, joined in 2020 by a 70 model in a line-up that will include 60, 80 and 90 models. These semi-displacement yachts can achieve double-digit cruising speeds and long ranges, the key to these capabilities being a wide array of engine choices, all shaft-driven, tailored to a customer’s needs.

The 50 is perhaps the most realistic proposition for a bluewater cruising couple – for 2022 there will be a sedan version as well. This model, the 50 S, was one of four 50s ordered during the 2021