Eighty-two multihulls. Twenty-seven European nations represented. Debuts from Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, China, Tunisia, and beyond. When the International Multihull Show wrapped its 2026 edition in La Grande Motte, France, on April 26, it left little doubt that the catamaran and trimaran market has become one of the most genuinely global segments in sailing.
Overall attendance dipped five percent from the previous year, but organizers were quick to note that international visitor numbers hit a record high, a distinction that matters more to builders chasing export markets than raw headcount ever could.
Eleven boats made their world debuts at the show, offering a useful cross-section of where multihull construction has taken root. Leopard Catamarans brought three models from South Africa. McConaghy Boats showed the MC75 Jack out of China. Rapido Trimarans debuted the 40R from Vietnam. Earthling Limited’s E 40 made the trip from Australia. The full debut list spanned builders from France, Spain, Portugal, Tunisia, Thailand and China. Clearly, the days of multihull building being concentrated in a handful of European yards are well behind us.
The show’s Multihull Design & Innovation Area drew naval architects, startups and equipment manufacturers presenting what comes next for the sector. Powercats had a strong presence alongside hybrid and electric platforms, reflecting the same autonomy-and-efficiency conversation happening across the broader marine industry.
A redesigned visitor route and the opening of a third marina gave attendees better access to both the on-water fleet and the exhibitor village, a practical improvement that addressed one of the perennial friction points of boat show logistics. A free electric shuttle and a new entrance closer to La Grande Motte’s town center rounded out the upgrades.
“The show continues to evolve with the market,” said Anaïs David, director of the International Multihull Show. “Exhibitors report promising discussions and visitors have remarked on the quality and variety of the vessels and exhibitors.”
The next edition returns to La Grande Motte in April 2027.
