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Turkish builder unveils world’s largest wooden catamaran CAT63
Boutique boatbuilder Soyaslan has just launched what is believed to be the world’s longest cold-moulded catamaran. The CAT63 measures 19.37m overall and was designed and built by the Turkish builder in Tuzla, with styling from Tumer Design Studio.
Regardless of the material, the ultra-modern lines of the boat are set to rivet attention in any port or anchorage. The shearline swoops from low sterns up towards the heavily flared bows of the boat, which are themselves raked aft. The white coachroof seems to hover above a pool of black glazing, with a streamlined hard-top shading the flybridge.
That such a complex design should have been built using the cold moulding construction process is a testament to the skills of the Soyaslan’s workers and the ambitions of its designers. “We have good experience in engineering and manufacturing with this method,” says founder Can Soyaslan. “We have engineered and built cold-moulded yachts which are already 30-plus years old. To date, we have produced more than 100 boats and yachts.”
The 63ft catamaran is powered by twin Yanmar 110hp engines, hooked up to big ZF saildrives, for an 8.5-knot cruising speed and over 10 knots full throttle. There are a huge 60kWh of lithium batteries aboard and no fewer than eight 430W solar panels.
“With the current setup she can spend the night at anchor without generators, even with the air-conditioning running. And with eight solar panels, we have minimised the generator usage,” explains Soyaslan.
Accommodation runs to two large double cabins and two twins for eight guests, and a further three berths for crew. Tumer Design has created an interior that feels modern and minimal, with a neutral palette of darker colours blended with colourful blue and orange patterned fabrics. Atmospheric lighting allows you to switch from a calm, relaxed vibe into evening entertainment mode, with social spaces inside and out. Naturally, there’s a large electrically-controlled bathing platform aft which carries the 3.5m tender.
A generous sailplan includes a 100m² mainsail, a 58m² jib and a giant 145m² Code Zero for reaching, enabling speeds of more than 10kt during sea trials. A stylish bowsprit offers plenty of downwind sailing options, while windward performance gets a boost from the swinging centreboards in each hull. Twin wheels are located at the forward end of the flybridge, and there is a full navigation station in the saloon below.
“Our whole team is very proud of this sleek, powerful catamaran,” says Soyaslan. “The yacht will bring her owner safely and comfortably across oceans and provide an excellent cruising platform. It is further proof that our company excels at delivering complex and inspiring designs for owners who do not accept the status quo.”
