A CATAMARAN with an innovative design developed by a Southampton lecturer has been turning heads at the London Boat Show.
In a first for the international show the 5.9m sailing catamaran with a cutting-edge hydrofoil system is being built in real time during the course of the event.
The ‘Solent Whisper’ which was launched by Helena Lucas and developed by Southampton Solent University, has already won acclaim at the PSP Southampton Boat Show in September and the Paris International Boat Show in December.
Helena, Paralympic gold medallist and graduate of Southampton Solent University, led the media launch for the catamaran building activities together with fellow Southampton Solent lecturer and designer Ron Price.
They were assisted by Thom White from White Formula, who will be manufacturing the catamaran.
Helena Lucas
Helena said: “For me it is particularly exciting as it opens up the foiling experience to everyone; young and old, disabled and able bodied alike.”
Orders are already coming in for the retail production version, a version of which will be built and showcased at the London Boat Show which runs until the end of the week.
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