Professionals, private renters, online platforms…

While the first charter companies began to appear in the 70s, it wasn’t until 1985 that the first catamarans began to feature among the rental fleets. Models that have long since disappeared from the catalogues were pioneers: the Louisiane or Marquises from Fountaine Pajot, the Kennex, the first-generation Leopard, the Nautitech catamarans built by Dufour for VPM... Chartering in the West Indies was boosted by the democratization of air transport. In the USA, The Moorings, founded in 1969 by Charlie and Ginny Cary, added catamarans to its fleet for the first time in 1990, before stepping up a gear in 1997 by signing a partnership agreement, (that’s still in force today), with the Robertson & Caine shipyard. The same year saw the launch of the Lagoon 410, followed two years later by the Lagoon 380, two models which reinvented the multihull concept and helped the brand that had recently been acquired (1995) by the Bénéteau Group to literally take off.

Professionals: Comfort and Security

Today, multihulls make up the majority of the fleets of the world’s leading charter companies - several hundred each. From 40 to 60 feet, there’s a wide choice. You can choose from 3 to 6 cabins, opt for a simple, very comfortable or even luxurious multihull, and with or without a crew. It’s hard not to find an offer that meets your expectations and budget. The major charter companies have up- to-date fleets, made up of units no more than 5 years old, which is the duration of the management/leasing contracts of the owners who entrust them with their multihulls (see our article on this subject on page 106). It’s also in the interest of the charter companies that the catamaran or trimaran on which you embark is perfectly maintained to maximize its use. Everything is checked at every change of charterer - engines, sails, electronics, comfort and safety equipment. Let’s be honest: few Owners do so much before setting out on their own. And even if a problem should arise on departure or during your cruise, here again the importance of the structure of the major operators is their strength. In addition to a 24/7 assistance number, in the event of a serious problem immobilizing the chartered multihull, the technicians know how to intervene quickly or, in extreme cases, find a replacement solution within their fleet. The latter may even be upgraded in terms of size or services - within reason, of course. Even in cases of force majeure, as we saw during the terrible tsunami in Thailand in 2004 or Hurricane Irma in St. Martin and the BVI in 2017, the major charter companies were able to relocate or rearrange their fleets and offer alternatives for affected customers. The market’s leading companies operate from dozens of perfectly equipped bases, always located at the heart of an extremely attractive sailing zone. On arrival, shuttles services are sometimes organized to pick you up at the airport. You are welcomed aboard your multihull by qualified staff who provide ...