Could this be the next big thing out of South African boatbuilding? Two industry stalwarts needing no introduction have combined to launch a new high-performance sailing catamaran with all the right credentials for export success.
Du Toit Yacht Design, with general manager Sean van Rensburg as project lead, has married its expertise with composites expert Oliver Dawson from Evolution Marine to bring the EVO 60 to market. Dawson last year recently completed a Class 40 scow racing yacht, while Du Toit Yacht Design has been working on just about everything, including the ever-expanding fleet of Balance Catamarans to a soon-to-be-revealed Two Oceans Marine 870 power cat masterpiece.
“The EVO 60, while designed for speed and comfort, boasts an exceptional balance between liveability and luxury, while maintaining above-average power-to-weight ratios,” Evolution Marine said in a launch statement. “Fully infused, this E-glass/Carbon epoxy structure delivers an extremely stiff, durable, and insulated structure. With approximately 80% carbon, the design team has delivered in its brief, ensuring a strong, safe, high-performance catamaran.”
A notable feature of the new model is the EVO Helm, an articulating helm that enables a more versatile sailing experience, both in the inboard comfort position and the outboard performance mode. “This unique EVO Helm provides a monohull-like sailing experience, especially in the outboard performance mode. “She is a true Luxury Blue Water Sailing Catamaran, blending the thrill of performance sailing with the elegance and opulent comforts of a modern superyacht, or if you like, just a toned-down, fast-moving family home on water,” the statement said.
The first EVO 60 is currently in build and is expected to be commissioned and sea-trialled in the last quarter of 2025.