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International Multihull Show 2026 to host record 80 boats and seven world premieres

4 min read

The International Multihull Show returns to La Grande-Motte from 22 to 26 April 2026, and by every indication this edition will be the most ambitious the event has ever staged. A reshaped visitor experience, a fleet count that breaks last year's record, and a strengthening international exhibitor presence all point to a show that has established itself at the leading edge of one of boating's most fast-moving global segments.

Multihulls have emerged as one of the fastest-growing categories in recreational and commercial boating worldwide. Wider beams, greater stability, reduced fuel consumption, and a natural compatibility with electric and hybrid propulsion systems have made catamarans and trimarans increasingly appealing to families, bluewater voyagers, and charter operators. La Grande-Motte sits squarely within this expanding blue economy, and the International Multihull Show is where the sector's most compelling new ideas move from drawing board to dock.

A fundamentally reimagined layout greets visitors in 2026. The entrance has been relocated to the harbour master's office at the marina's core, creating a direct link between the show and the city centre. A third marina basin has been opened for the first time, adding meaningful space to the overall footprint. Together, these changes are intended to make movement through the event more intuitive, giving visitors easier access to exhibits and providing builders and brands the room their vessels demand.

Getting to the show has also been made simpler. A fleet of free, fully electric shuttle buses operated by Totoom will connect the show entrance with the Pasino Partouche near Peuplier parking, running every 20 minutes. The service runs from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM on 22 to 25 April and from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM on 26 April.

Around 80 multihulls are expected on the water across the five days, edging past last year's record of 75. The show's international reach is evident in the exhibitor breakdown, with 30 percent of participants now coming from outside France. Anaïs David, Commissioner of the International Multihull Show, described the 2026 edition as a direct reflection of conditions in the broader market. "The 2026 edition reflects the extraordinary momentum of the multihull market," she said. "With a record number of boats, more international exhibitors than ever, and a strong lineup of world premieres, the show continues to establish itself as the global platform where innovation, design, and new ways of boating come together."

Shipyards have long chosen La Grande-Motte as the venue for their most significant launches, and 2026 continues that tradition with a particularly strong showing from the powercat segment alongside sustained energy in sailing multihulls. Electric, hybrid, and alternative-fuel vessels make up a growing share of the confirmed world premieres, a clear signal of how decisively the sector has moved toward cleaner propulsion options.

The confirmed world premieres for 2026 span both sail and power across a range of sizes and builders. SIMBAD YACHTS, appearing as an exhibitor for the first time, will present the sailing catamaran SIMBAD 55. AVENTURA YACHTS will introduce two new power models, the Aventura 37 Explorer and the Aventura 56 MY. Adventure Yachts, also a new exhibitor, will unveil the power catamaran AY60. TRIMARINE COMPOSITE, another first-time participant, will show the sailing trimaran TRM43. GRAND LARGE YACHTING, through its Outremer Catamarans brand, will premiere the sailing catamaran Outremer 48. MC CONAGHY BOATS will launch the MC75 Jack in the sailing category. Rapido Trimarans, appearing in a new capacity, will reveal the performance sailing trimaran Rapido 40 Racer.

The enduring appeal of the multihull format comes down to a set of well-understood advantages. The broad beam inherent in catamaran and trimaran construction delivers far more usable living space and on-water stability than a monohull of comparable length, making these vessels particularly well suited to extended family cruising and commercial charter work. Reduced heeling improves comfort both at sea and at anchor, while lower hydrodynamic drag translates to better fuel economy, a factor that carries real weight in the powercat segment. That same hull efficiency makes multihulls strong candidates for electric and hybrid drivetrains, and the generous horizontal surfaces across decks and cabin roofs lend themselves readily to solar integration. Modern designs bring together speed, range, and onboard comfort across an impressive range of purposes, from long offshore passages to unhurried day trips in sheltered waters.

With its expanded marina layout, a record number of vessels on display, and a genuinely international field of exhibitors, the International Multihull Show heads into 2026 in a stronger position than ever, cementing its place as the leading global gathering for multihull enthusiasts, industry professionals, and the designers and builders shaping where the sector goes next.

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