New Zealand's Earthling E 40 will make its French debut at the International Multihull Show 2026, with the hybrid powercat designed by New Zealand engineer John McGettigan combining electric propulsion, solar generation, and low-consumption diesel charging within a lightweight multihull platform. Twin Molabo electric motors draw from a 45 kWh lithium battery system backed by solar panels and twin DC charge generators, allowing the vessel to run silently under electric power for coastal passages while remaining capable of efficient long-range cruising at moderate speeds. System redundancy and digital energy management sit at the heart of the design rather than outright speed or power.
Alternative propulsion, efficiency-driven design, and systems integration are increasingly shaping the multihull sector, and the 2026 show reflects that shift across almost every aspect of its programme.
International participation is growing alongside the technological momentum. Around 20 percent of confirmed exhibitors for the 2026 edition are new to the event, and every one of them is based outside France. That group spans shipyards, equipment manufacturers, designers, architects, and marine service providers, giving the show a noticeably broader global character.
Several world premieres are already confirmed for the 22 to 26 April event, among them the Whisper 50 electric catamaran, the Simbad 55 sailing catamaran, the Aventura 37 Explorer powercat, the Outremer 48 sailing catamaran, the Aventura 56 MY, and the AY60 from Adventure Yachts. For the first time, power multihulls will outnumber sailing multihulls among the world debuts. European and national premieres add further depth, including Aquila's first sailing yacht, the Aquila 50 Sail.
The exhibitors' village will be larger in 2026 and will once again accommodate the Multihull Design and Innovation area, with its focus on design trends, emerging technology, and sustainability.
Sébastien Milcendeau of the French Marine Leisure Industry Federation pointed to steady long-term growth in multihulls and the rising share of powercats within the segment. "Excluding sailing dinghies, the industry may produce as many multihulls as monohulls this year," he said.
Ongoing modernisation works at Port de La Grande Motte have enabled a reconfigured on-water layout for the 2026 edition, incorporating a third marina and a redesigned visitor route.
Show Director Anaïs David said the coming edition marks a genuine step forward. "The 2026 edition marks a new stage in the show's evolution," she said. "The layout changes, international exhibitor mix, and prominence of power and electric multihulls reflect how quickly this market is moving."
