Mention of the word multihull around yacht clubs or marinas is guaranteed to get a reaction, and a mixed one at that. However, the reality is that this is a rapidly growing market, which is shown in the prolific numbers that, it must be said, mostly come from European production builders, although the Asia-Pacific region has an increasing share.

Advanced engineering and design have greatly enhanced the burgeoning multihull boating sector, making them highly efficient in both their power and sail varieties – and these efficiencies are increasingly being used in more sustainable ways.

Lifestyle often dictates the type of boat that someone will opt for, and that’s a major part of choosing a multihull. It’s also true that power and sail multis can be efficient craft, if you choose wisely. For prospective owners of powercats, they deliver attractions such as speed and frugality as well as acres of space, which is why they are the fastest-growing sector in recreational boating. The latest fuel-price hikes reward the powercat’s efficiency – which, as a bonus, also helps reduce its environmental impact.