The Rise of The Supercat: Sleek, Sustainable, and Spacious

The catamaran is rapidly redefining luxury on the water—and no vessel captures this shift more strikingly than This Is It.

This article was written by Rachel Ingram. Photography courtesy of The Builders.

At the Monaco Yacht Show, multihulls have dominated the spotlight for two consecutive years—first with Tecnomar’s avant-garde This Is It in 2023 and again in 2024 with Rossinavi’s sleek, sustainable Seawolf X. No longer a niche category, luxury catamarans are commanding serious attention for their radical design, expansive living spaces, and environmental credentials. Add to that the rise of eco-conscious builders like Sunreef and a clear trend is taking shape.

The catamaran is rapidly redefining luxury on the water—and no vessel captures this shift more strikingly than This Is It. At 143 feet, this bold multihull from Tecnomar and the Italian Sea Group may divide opinion, but its impact is undeniable. One of the most unconventional yacht launches in recent memory, This Is It is wrapped in over 6,000 square feet of glass with floor-to-ceiling windows and strategically placed skylights. Inside, its asymmetrical curvaceous interior is designed to both shock and enchant, featuring subtle marine-inspired motifs. Standout features include a sleek bar, a serene spa, and a villa-style owner’s suite with a private balcony overlooking the stern. At night, the yacht’s sweeping arch glows with neon light—ensuring she dazzles even after dark.

Another star of this multihull movement is Seawolf X, a 140-foot hybrid-electric catamaran by Rossinavi. One of the most talked-about yachts at the 2024 Monaco Yacht Show, Seawolf X fuses futuristic styling with strong sustainability credentials. Fast-charging batteries and solar panels allow for a full day of electric cruising—or several days at 90% capacity—making her a standout choice for eco-minded charterers. The interiors, designed by Meyer Davis Studio, are inspired by sun, sea, and sand, and accommodate 12 guests across five cabins.

Its game-changing Sunreef 100 Eco model integrates solar panels into nearly every surface—from the hull to the superstructure, mast, and boom—supplying energy to electric motors for near-silent zero-emission sailing. Hydro generators add even more range under sail. Measuring 96 feet, the yacht offers expansive refined interiors and a highly customizable layout, including the option to sail or motor depending on the owner’s preference. It’s sustainability without compromise.

In April, the yacht builder took its sustainability ambitions further with the launch of Solar Skin 3.0—a next-generation, AI-powered solar system designed to maximize efficiency and set a new benchmark in marine solar innovation. The smart panels leverage machine learning algorithms and real-time data collected from Sunreef catamarans operating in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Dubai. This continuous feedback loop allows the system to refine panel placement and optimize energy yield dynamically, delivering greater efficiency throughout the year.

The latest generation of catamarans is drawing attention from Miami to Monaco. Even in far-flung destinations like the Galápagos Islands, the evolution is unmistakable. The newly launched Hermes—developed by travel company Via Natura and built in Guayaquil, Ecuador—is arguably the most impressive commercial yacht operating in the archipelago today. It exemplifies the growing demand for high design, comfort, and environmental sensitivity in expedition cruising.

A first of its kind, Hermes is the Galápagos Islands’ inaugural ultra-luxury catamaran. 

Designed to host just 20 guests with a nearly 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, it delivers a tailored experience with all the amenities of a much larger vessel. Each suite features a private balcony and an en-suite bathroom with a Jacuzzi bath beside a window—perfect for soaking in the views as the islands drift by. Onboard, guests enjoy a comfortable lounge, a dining room, a library filled with Galápagos literature, and an intimate spa with a hammam. 

Outdoor highlights include a panoramic observation deck, a sun-drenched Jacuzzi area, alfresco dining spaces, and a bow-facing spot ideal for sunset apéritifs. Dining, meanwhile, is a standout with Ecuadorian and international menus crafted by a distinguished local chef. It’s little wonder that luxury adventure travel specialists Cookson Adventures have selected Hermes for charter, offering it to some of its most discerning clients.

From bold design statements in Monaco to low-impact luxury in the Galápagos, today’s catamarans are rewriting the rules of yachting. No longer just wide-bodied alternatives to monohulls, they now represent the cutting edge of innovation, comfort, and sustainability at sea. As designers and shipbuilders continue to push the boundaries, it seems the age of the supercat has arrived.

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