Most recently, the composite specialists delivered their 60- and 72-foot yachts to Hong Kong, Florida and Australia. There’s still more to come. The brand, led by chief designer Eric So and structural engineer Scott Suen, has significantly expanded its capacity. The new shipyard in Zhuhai covers around 28,000 square metres and utilises 4,000 square metres of solar panels. The aim is to build the W and X series power catamarans using only renewable energy. At the same time, GranOcean is working on its first X-32 custom project, which is set to launch in 2026.
W Series: Power-Kats with loads of space
The flared hulls and generous beam create ample living space on board. The so-called flybridge wings provide space for guests or a tender, whilst also providing cover for the cockpit and engine compartment hatches. The layout and details can be customised.
Measuring 22 metres in length and 10 metres in width, the W 72 offers plenty of space for comfortable long-distance cruising. Power is provided by Cummins or CAT diesel engines. Top speed: just under 27 knots. The 72 and the 60 are available as open flybridge or with an enclosed flybridge. Vripack has developed four interior styles: Mediterranean, Scandinavian, Elegant Chic and Cosmopolitan.
The X Series is being developed as a bespoke build
Three X-series models have already been delivered, and another, made entirely of carbon fibre, is currently under construction. The X 24 measures 24 metres and can be fitted with a helipad on request. The first GranOcean X 32 is currently being built to the specifications of an experienced owner. Together with designers and the shipyard, he is developing the layout, styling, propulsion system and interiors.
The X 32 features a spacious owner’s suite, a pool in the bow and two garages for tenders and toys. Delivery is scheduled for 2026.
Composite construction plus carbon
GranOcean works with Gurit SP to manufacture to ISO Category A standards. All structural components are manufactured using the resin infusion process with vinyl ester resin. The hull and deck consist of closed-cell foam-core composite panels with carbon fibre reinforcements in critical areas.
Howard Apollonio developed the semi-planing hulls with seaworthiness in mind. It was also important to achieve solid long-distance performance at low speeds, as well as strong planing characteristics at higher speeds. Stimson Marine put various hull variants through their paces and eventually found the ideal shape. All custom and semi-custom projects undergo the same 3D design process.
Two professionals at the helm of GranOcean
Eric So is responsible for product development, design and company management. A graduate in industrial design (Toronto), he joined GranOcean in 2001 as a draughtsman and worked closely with founder Vincent Mausset on the early Passagemaker series.
Scott Suen studied at Berkeley in California. At GranOcean, he heads the design department and oversees production. Suen has personally piloted several GranOceans on delivery voyages.
How it all began
GranOcean was founded in 1998 by yacht designer Vincent Mausset. The collaboration with Sparkman & Stephens and Halvorsen led to the Atlantique 50 and a series of passage-makers ranging from 50 to 88 feet, featuring classic Feadship design elements. GranOcean subsequently developed a range of power catamarans.
Uske Berndt
Editor News & Panorama
