Links

A new Dazcat, the D14CH3, was launched at the end of May 2005 in Millbrook, Cornwall, UK. Built by Dazcat’s sister company Multimarine Composites Ltd. for US businessman Michael McMahon of Starwood Catamarano Srl., the boat will be one of the first multihulls to enter the Italian passenger carrying charter market, which up to now, like the Italian yachting market, has been dominated by monohulls.

Called Stella Marina (Starfish in Italian), this composite catamaran will be taking passengers out from Porto Cervo, Sardinia, for fully catered day sailing trips and sunset cocktail cruises. The bridgedeck saloon has sit-round tables and seated accommodation for 29 passengers, a solid bridgedeck canopy with tinted windows to provide shade from the fierce Sardinian sun, and is open at the back for maximum ventilation and freedom of movement. Comfortable cushions and a wet bar will ensure the passengers are at ease while they are pampered by the skipper and two crew.

The steering position is to the rear of the bridgedeck canopy, on a raised platform for maximized visibility, with all sail controls led back for centralized control of the boat. An innovative feature we are sure passengers will appreciate is the descending ladder, fitted between the hulls forward. This swings down on ropes from the forward beam when the boat is beached, allowing passengers to make their way down into the water or onto the sand from the front of the boat in a civilized manner, and then back onboard again.

The design is a modification of the Dazcat 14CR, which has already proven itself a fast, comfortable and safe boat in the six years since it was launched. In a harbour full of monohulls we are confident the Dazcat CH3 will arouse plenty of interest, particularly with the vibrant starfish graphics on the hulls. Italians being famous for their love of anything stylish, we think Stella Marina will do much to advance the cause of multihulls in Italy once she has started her career at the end of July.