Racing maxi-catamaran gets new eco-efficient cruising credentials

Thorne Yacht Design has revealed further updates on its ongoing, extensive refit of a 27.4-metre maxi sailing catamaran.

The yacht is a Marstrom 90, built in Sweden, previously named Gemini-3. Having been raced globally and based in Poland for over 10 years, the yacht arrived in Hythe in Kent, UK, at the end of November 2022, where it was taken into care by Thorne Design and Fibre Mechanics, Thorne Yacht Design’s build partner, for the refit construction work.

Lymington-based Thorne Yacht Design says the process has now begun to convert and re-use this racing cat, and to showcase ‘cutting-edge sustainable technology’ while being a capable blue-water cruiser.

In a statement, the firm says: it is giving a new life to the ex-racing yacht ‘while utilising the most innovative systems on the market to develop a high-performance cruising catamaran.’

Over the last two years, Thorne has worked with Appic Labs to undertake extensive feasibility studies using finite element analysis, computational fluid dynamics, naval architecture and composite engineering.

Thorne says its key challenge has been to accommodate the additional structure and cruising gear; the refit includes a transom extension, making a new LOA of 29.9 metres. This additional flotation will help to offset the increase in displacement while maintaining focus on weight efficiency and performance.

Eliot Thorne, owner of Thorne Yacht Design, says: “Working in close collaboration with an experienced owner, our team is ensuring an exceptional level of finish and performance in this innovative endeavour.

“With over a decade of high-performance catamarans in our portfolio, this project gives us the opportunity to showcase the most up-to-date design and systems, with emphasis on lightweight composite structures and sustainable material technology.

“The opportunity to ‘recycle’ an existing boat and give it a new life poses a number of challenges, but it is one that our team relishes and believes is a great way to promote greater awareness of sustainable solutions.”