Over the past 10 years now, this boat show, launched in Lorient, has established itself as the most important meeting in the multihull calendar. Firstly because it is unique: with more than 60 cruising catamarans and trimarans expected again this year, this boat show is the only opportunity in the world to see all the new boats at once (around ten of them making their world or European premiere) and the major part of the main multihull builders’ ranges. An event which has remained on a human scale: easy access, thanks to a footbridge which joins up with the eastern part of the port and the large car park for the professionals, availability of the builders, and an atmosphere which is always convivial and relaxed.
Initially, the idea of the International Multihull Boat Show's organizers was to alternate between the French Atlantic coast – where two of the largest builders in the world, Lagoon and Fountaine Pajot, are based – and the Mediterranean. Finally, the South of France prevailed in the long term. So, it now takes place at La Grande Motte, only a few kilometers away from Montpelier’s international airport. And we will quite possibly be meeting up under the Mediterranean sun (the 2019 edition will be held very late in April!) - 15,000 visitors are expected. Multihulls World will obviously have its own stand, where we await many of you to share our cruises and experiences, and of course to discover the multihulls on display.
Also the opportunity to test some of them under sail or power – for example, a Nautitech 40 Open will be dedicated to seatrials. On the occasion of this 10th anniversary, all the multihulls will be decorated with ‘J’ai 10 ans’, as will the shops in the seaside resort. A reference to a popular French song by Alain Souchon. As for the traditional evening reserved for the exhibitors, organized on that Saturday, it should hold a few nice surprises!
A word from the organizers
2010-2019: TEN YEARS ALREADY!
“There are so many memories and the editions get mixed up in our heads, when trying to relive this decade of passion for multihulls; yet if we had to remember just one, it would unquestionably be the first, April 15th 2010… We had strong expectations, the ‘world premiere’ factor made the event even more extraordinary and incredible, but the essentials were there: the multihull industry was holding its boat show. The distance we’ve covered seems to be almost simple, as the progression and growth of the leisure sailing or motor catamaran market is so dynamic and consistent. These ten years are undoubtedly a stepping stone in the story of the show, but the aim is to hang on to this status of referent for the industry, and to continue the irresistible development which it imposes and deserves; because the show welcomes more and more boats, but above all, more and more new boats, whether European or otherwise. Together with good support from some faithful sponsors, creative suppliers, the port crews, the town of La Grande Motte, the Herault ‘departement’, the Occitanie region, we succeed each year in the feat of setting up the majority of the world’s builders in an adapted, totally restored space; here they can show all their expertise, through optimal presentations, personalized visits and sea trials, for the great pleasure of visitors coming from all over the world.
As we take stock of these last 10 years, we must also congratulate the whole industry and its component manufacturers, its architects who increase in ingenuity, to sail faster, more comfortably, more economically, and more ecologically, and the charter companies who offer a wide choice of multihulls of all categories, in heavenly destinations. Not forgetting all those who work to design, develop and optimize sailing on two or three hulls, to serve the competition world, often extended to leisure sailing. We have all marveled at the feats achieved by the sailors from the racing world. The leisure sailing industry has drawn on its best concepts to develop suitable boats and make voyages in multihulls accessible for the greatest number of people.”
Practical boat show
Dates: From Wednesday 24th to Sunday 28th April 2019
Open to the public from 10 am to 7 pm, except Sunday (closes at 6 pm)
Place: La Grande Motte, 20 km (12 miles) from Montpellier (South of France)
Access: Montpellier international airport – Montpellier railway station
Rates: 9 euros – 5-day pass: 20 euros – Under-16 s and students free of charge
Accommodation and discovery of the œnological heritage: www.herault-tourisme.com
