Enthusiasts test out top catamarans at the 10th annual boat show

Ryan Vick, left, and John Madina from Multi Hull World

Picture: Ian Hargreaves (160847-2) — Ryan Vick, left, and John Madina from Multi Hull World Picture: Ian Hargreaves (160847-2)

The Portsmouth Harbour Multihull Show took place over three days from Friday at Haslar Marina in Gosport.

The established show saw some of the industry’s leading names display 11 boats, from 7.5 to 17 metres in length, side-by-side.

Ancasta, the exclusive UK dealer for Lagoon Catamarans which is based at Port Solent, showcased two of its most popular catamarans – the Lagoon 39 and Lagoon 450F flybridge catamaran.

The Lagoon 39 sells for up to £300,000 and the Lagoon 450F sells for up to £500,000.

Mark Oliver, from Ancasta, said the show had been a success.

He said: ‘It was very busy.

‘On Saturday, although it was raining we were inundated with people, as well as weather. However the multihull show was the place to be.’

Visitors and enthusiasts were welcomed on board and were even able to go on demonstration sails out onto the Solent.

Luckily the sun broke through on Sunday, despite the changeable weather.

Mr Oliver added: ‘What a great location, and when the sun is out it is as good as Monaco.’

Also displaying a folding trimaran – the Dragonfly 25 which sells for around £75,000 – was Al Wood, from the Emsworth-based company Dragonfly.

He said: ‘The show is great as it’s an informal setting so it allows people to come and discover more about the multihull boats.’

In the next berth along was a Nautitech Open40, which was launched two years ago and sells from £230,000.

Gemma Dunn, from Key Yachting Ltd, which is based in Hamble and is the key agent for Nautitech, said: ‘It is possibly the busiest multihull show we have had. Everyone has been focused on looking at the multihulls and our demonstration boat has been fully booked.’

Other brands, such as Fountaine Pajot, Broadblue, Gemini, Corsair, Micats and Seawind also had boats open to visitors.

Enthusiasts came from all over for the show.

David Tilley, from Topsham, was taking a look around on Sunday.

He said: ‘The technology is absolutely incredible. There are some very impressive designs here.’