Auckland boatbuilder Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders is completing a Catalyst Chase 45 support vessel for Team Australia's challenge for the 38th America's Cup in Naples.
The vessel, designated B79, is scheduled for launch in January 2027 with trials planned on the Waitematā Harbour before overseas deployment. The build must be completed by Christmas 2026 to allow February 2027 shipment to Naples. The builder says it will provide coaching, safety and technical support for the Australian campaign.
Lloyd Stevenson identified the model in a September blog listing and confirmed the commission in a November Facebook announcement. The post shows a rendering of the vessel with triple Mercury Marine 425hp Verado outboards, though the builder has not confirmed final engine count or total horsepower.
The Catalyst platform originated as an America's Cup chase boat design by Morrelli & Melvin and has since developed into customised racing support craft. Lloyd Stevenson has previously built Catalyst vessels for Alinghi and INEOS, two campaigns that have competed in recent America's Cup cycles.
Team Australia represents the Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club and was accepted as the sixth entry for the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup in May 2026. The campaign marks Australia's return to America's Cup competition for the first time since 2000. The team is led by Australia II crew member Grant Simmer as chief executive, with two-time America's Cup winner Glenn Ashby as head of performance and design. The seven-sailor squad includes three 2013 America's Cup winners from ORACLE TEAM USA: Tom Slingsby, Sam Newton and Kinley Fowler.
Lloyd Stevenson says B79 draws on lessons learned from its earlier Catalyst builds for Alinghi and INEOS, though the company has not released detailed specifications or performance figures for the new vessel.
