The rebirth of a shipyard is always good news. Especially when it is an iconic shipyard like Multicap Caraïbes. It is from this shipyard based in Martinique that the Punch catamaran range was produced. These are deliberately rustic catamarans, made of epoxy plywood and designed by Alain Mortain. These boats have always stood out from the large production by their performance and comfort. Catamarans that are popular for travel, some of which have sailed around the world. Built in the 1990's, about 25 examples are still sailing today.
Iconic catamarans
But the last Punch was born in 2013 before the shipyard in Martinique closed. Christian Hernandez, the father of these catamarans, is relaunching the brand in 2022. But this time from the south of Portugal. The first model, a Punch 1270, will see its construction begin in May 2022. For this occasion, Christian Hernandez and Alain Mortain will be present at the Salon du Multicoque in La Grande Motte from April 20 to 23 (unfortunately without a stand) to meet catamaran enthusiasts.
A 1270 in the tradition of the 1250
For this rebirth, the sailboats will evolve a bit. The first of the line will be a Punch 1270, a modernization of the 1250. To improve the hull bottoms (previously with a chine and a flat bottom), the 1270 will be strip planked, which allows round shapes. To facilitate the construction (and reduce its price), the planking is in composite (and not in plywood which requires a complex structure with rails if you don't want to put CP too thick to avoid increasing the weight). These embroideries remain developable shapes and are built flat, without a mold. Recycled PET foam and biosourced resin will also be used.
Fans of these simple, high-performance catamarans should find their way around the 1270. Indeed, the boat will remain within a reasonable weight despite the increased volume of the hulls (it is announced at 5.2 tons light). As for the rest, everything on board has been modernized, such as access to the skirts, the saloon on the same level as the cockpit and more generous glass surfaces.
A range starting at 1270 is already announced with a 1370, a 1510 and a 1710.
