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It's rare to witness the birth of a new shipyard, conceived around an innovative concept. This 9-meter catamaran by Marc Lombard Design Group is part of a reflection on the real use of motorboats, between short sailing and life at anchor, with technical choices that question as much as they open up perspectives.
A boat designed for anchorage rather than distance
The first question concerns the match between design and actual use. Observed data show that 6 to 12-meter boats spend almost 80% of their time at anchor. And yet, the market often offers boats designed for long-distance cruising or, on the other hand, very simple boats. Loopia takes a different approach. It favors living space on board, with a flat deck, no steps, wide passageways and an open stern.
This choice is aimed at coastal sailors, charterers and day users. On the other hand, it deliberately limits offshore ambitions. The program does not focus on committed sailing, but on sheltered anchorages, lakes or calm coastal areas.
Catamaran architecture for stability and accessibility
The use of a catamaran platform meets two requirements: stability at standstill and accessibility. At 3.90 m wide, the Loopia offers a stable platform at anchor, making it easy to move around the boat.
The absence of steps and the continuity of the deck bring the boat closer to the accessibility standards observed on land. The work carried out with APF France Handicap Vendée has made it possible to integrate concrete constraints linked to different types of disability. This positioning is aimed at a wider public, including families, the elderly and users with reduced mobility. But this architecture also implies a compromise, notably in terms of behavior in choppy waters or performance at high speeds.
Construction in aluminum and bio-sourced composites
Technically speaking, the aluminum hull is manufactured by Alubat. This choice brings strength and recyclability, with controlled maintenance. The deck and superstructure use composites based on biosourced epoxy and flax fiber. This combination is designed to reduce end-of-life environmental impact.
Assembly is located in Les Sables d'Olonne, with a tight supply chain within a 30-kilometer radius for most components. This organization limits transport, but imposes dependence on a local industrial network.
Electric propulsion and range
The electric drive system consists of two outboard motors, powered by a battery pack that can be recharged at dockside. Solar panels power comfort equipment only. The boat's advertised performance is around 10 miles at 13 knots, and up to 25 miles at 9 knots. These values correspond to day trips with a return to port, or sailing on inland waters. Recharging and energy management remain key parameters for operation, especially in charter mode.
Decarbonized alternatives are being studied, a sign that the energy model is not set in stone. However, usage will depend on the infrastructure available alongside the quayside. For the rest of the onboard equipment, SeaLoop has chosen Raymarine for electronics, Ruchaud for saddlery and TTop for deck fittings.
Modular design and multi-use logic
The Loopia is designed as a modular platform. Several versions are available: family, fishing, diving or promenade.
The deck layout emphasizes conviviality, with a forward saloon for eight, an integrated galley and open spaces. A capacity of 20 people in category D and 16 in category C is announced. Simple equipment completes the package, such as a toilet under the bolster with a textile partition to preserve privacy. The aim remains ease of use and rapid handling.
Positioned between private pleasure boating and the professional fleet
The project targets several segments. Private individuals, but also rental companies or hybrid models where the owner entrusts his boat to a manager. The ease of maneuvering, capacity and simplicity of the systems all point in this direction. The lake market and certain environmentally sensitive areas such as Canada are also targeted.
Production is to be phased in gradually, with a first launch in spring 2027, followed by a 25-footer and then a 35-footer. A ramp-up to 60 units is planned for 2029. In the final analysis, Loopia does not seek to cover all programs. Instead, it focuses on a specific use: life at anchor. And that's perhaps where its interest lies, in sticking to the reality of practices rather than broadening the spectrum at all costs.
