Tag: Phoenix Marine

Exploring the Surge in South Africa’s Multihull Manufacturing: Innovations & Insights

Written by Xquisite Yachts on February 27, 2024. Posted in News, Press.

Innovations & Insights:

Exploring the Surge in South Africa’s Multihull Manufacturing

Featured by Marine Industry News

Multihull Manufacturing Boom in South Africa

South Africa’s prowess in multihull manufacturing is not only sustained but flourishing, with new boating enthusiasts driving both growth and design innovation.

As highlighted by GMBA chairperson Veda Pretorius, the nation stands as a colossus in the catamaran building arena, second only in size globally and leading in the power catamarans sector. Phoenix Marine Manufacturing emerges as a key player in cementing this status.

Over the past decade, catamarans have witnessed a remarkable surge in popularity worldwide, cutting across the cruising, charter, and even the superyacht domains. The allure of multihulls lies in their spacious design, offering expansive living areas both above and below deck. This spaciousness, combined with their enhanced stability, makes them particularly appealing to yachting newcomers. The minimal heeling and shallow draft of these vessels further enhance their desirability, enabling easy access to beaches and secluded spots.

Phoenix Marine Manufacturing
Phoenix Marine Manufacturing
Phoenix Marine Manufacturing
Phoenix Marine Manufacturing
Phoenix Marine Manufacturing
Phoenix Marine Manufacturing
Phoenix Marine Manufacturing
Phoenix Marine Manufacturing
Phoenix Marine Manufacturing
Phoenix Marine Manufacturing

Cape Town’s Boatbuilding Landscape

The boatbuilding industry in Cape Town reflects global trends, undergoing significant consolidation over the past 15 years. Despite a reduction in the number of boatyards, the output of yachts has seen an uptick. However, challenges such as ageing infrastructure and a scarcity of skilled labor persist. Phoenix Marine Manufacturing and Xquisite Yachts collaborate are shining examples of success within these constraints and continue to innovate with award-winning designs like the Xquisite X5 Plus and the forthcoming Sixty Solar Sail catamaran, both of which are testaments to the industry’s resilience and ingenuity.

Xquisite Yachts’ adaptation to market demands, particularly in the power catamaran segment, demonstrates a keen understanding of its clientele’s evolving preferences. The introduction of a Sixty Solar Power catamaran equipped with a kite for enhanced fuel efficiency underscores the brand’s commitment to innovation. Additionally, the strategic shift to manufacture closer to its primary market in Aveiro, Portugal, speaks volumes about its agility and customer-centric approach.

After-Sales Excellence

Xquisite Yachts – in a dedicated base in the Bahamas – sets a benchmark in customer service, mirroring practices from the automobile industry to ensure unparalleled after-sales support, giving a two-year warranty to the client with a paid service plan available following that term.

Xquisite Catamaran Center

Full-Service Marina – featuring comprehensive Boatyard & Maintenance services, seamless Customs & Immigration assistance effortless Bahamas entry, expert Yacht Training, a Gourmet Restaurant & Bar with a Heated Pool, exclusive events for Xquisite Family members, a lucrative Charter Management, a fully-stocked Ship Chandler, a 24/7 showcase of our Xquisite models & Much More!

This, coupled with in-house training initiatives aimed at empowering the next generation of boatbuilders, underscores the industry’s commitment to excellence and sustainability.

South Africa’s legacy in the multihull segment continues to thrive, with catamarans serving as the cornerstone of its boatbuilding industry. The collaborative efforts of Phoenix Marine Manufacturing and Xquisite Yachts, among others, are pivotal in advancing this legacy, ensuring that South Africa remains at the forefront of the global multihull market.

A special thanks to Veda Pretorius & Marine Industry News
for showcasing our story!

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About Xquisite Yachts

Xquisite Yachts is a luxury yacht brand known for its innovative designs, comfort, and sailing performance. The company produces a limited number of multi-award-winning catamarans each year using the latest technology. Customers can purchase finished yachts or place a custom order, with the option to try before they buy through the company’s charter program.

About Marine Industry News

The Marine Industry News serves as an independent online trade publication and daily newsletter focused on the leisure marine, superyacht, and commercial marine markets. It strives to inform and inspire by covering the latest stories and events across the marine industry.

Celebrating a Decade with Phoenix Marine and a Grand Showcase at the Annapolis Sailboat Show

Written by Xquisite Yachts on October 13, 2023. Posted in Boat Shows, News, Press.

Celebrating a Decade with Phoenix Marine

and a Grand Showcase at the Annapolis Sailboat Show

A Decade of Nautical Excellence with Phoenix Marine

At Xquisite Yachts, we’re thrilled to celebrate 10 years of successful collaboration with Phoenix Marine, the esteemed boat builders.

Leveraging our vast experience in the field of catamarans, which includes operating a charter company before founding Xquisite Yachts in 2014, we’ve joined forces with Phoenix Marine’s unparalleled craftsmanship to create some of the most advanced luxurious multi-award-winning catamarans.

A Unique Tribute to a Fruitful Partnership

To honor this milestone, Phoenix Marine’s team of 200 employees formed the Xquisite Yachts logo, a moment captured from the sky. This living logo symbolizes the strong collaboration and shared vision that continues to drive our success.

Don’t Miss the Annapolis Sailboat Show

The Annapolis Sailboat Show is still underway, and there’s time to catch us until 5:00 pm on Sunday, October 15.

Sailboat Show Info

Xquisite Yachts at the Annapolis Sailboat Show
Xquisite Yachts at the Annapolis Sailboat Show
Xquisite Yachts at the Annapolis Sailboat Show
Xquisite Yachts at the Annapolis Sailboat Show

Showcasing Our Stars:
Xquisite 30 Sportcat and X5 Plus

We’re featuring two of our standout catamarans on-display.

Xquisite 30 Sportcat

The Xquisite 30 Sportcat has been nominated for 3 esteemed awards and is a testament to its design and functionality.

Explore More

X5 Plus - Boat of The Year, multi Award Winner catamaran

Xquisite’s X5 Plus

Then there’s the X5 Plus, a multi-award winner that continues to set luxury and performance standards.

Explore More

A Glimpse into the Future: The Sixty Solar Sail

If you’re interested in sustainable yachting, you’ll want to check out our Sixty Solar Sail. This state-of-the-art catamaran is not only a model of green energy but also comes with an exclusive offer.

For those looking to lead the way in nautical sustainability, we’re offering a $300K cash discount on the first Sixty Solar Sail, making it an opportunity you don’t want to miss.

Learn More

Annapolis Sailboat Show 2023

Xquisite's X5 PLUS yacht on display at the Annapolis Sailboat Show

Sailboat Show Highlights

Sailboats Galore:
Explore sailboats from leading manufacturers and dealers.
Nautical Gear & Accessories:
Discover the latest trends and technologies in sailing.
Education & Networking:
Meet and mingle with fellow sailors and industry experts.

Show Schedule

Thursday, October 12
10:00 am – 6:30 pm
Friday, October 13
10:00 am – 6:30 pm
Saturday, October 14
10:00 am – 6:30 pm
Sunday, October 15
10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Annapolis Boat Show 2023 – further info

Further Info

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Celebrating the Ongoing Success: Hull #023 Rogue One Joins the Renowned X5 PLUS Family as Legacy Continues

Written by Xquisite Yachts on April 11, 2023. Posted in News.

Celebrating the Ongoing Success:

Hull #023 ‘Rogue One’ Joins the Renowned X5 PLUS Family

Xquisite Yachts is pleased to announce the unveiling of its latest X5 PLUS luxury sailing catamaran, the 23rd in the series. The vessel, named “Rogue One,” was crafted in collaboration with Phoenix Marine Manufacturing, who executed exceptional work on the project. Following recommissioning, the owner will embark on a two-week onboard training session at the newly established Xquisite Catamaran Center in the Bahamas.

The launch of hull #024 is scheduled in just 4 weeks. Stay tuned for further updates!

Xquisite X5 Plus Hull #023 – ‘Rogue One’
Xquisite X5 Plus Hull #023 – ‘Rogue One’
Xquisite X5 Plus Hull #023 – ‘Rogue One’
Xquisite X5 Plus Hull #023 – ‘Rogue One’
Xquisite X5 Plus Hull #023 – ‘Rogue One’
Xquisite X5 Plus Hull #023 – ‘Rogue One’
Xquisite X5 Plus Hull #023 – ‘Rogue One’
Xquisite X5 Plus Hull #023 – ‘Rogue One’
Xquisite X5 Plus Hull #023 – ‘Rogue One’
Xquisite X5 Plus Hull #023 – ‘Rogue One’
Xquisite X5 Plus Hull #023 – ‘Rogue One’
Xquisite X5 Plus Hull #023 – ‘Rogue One’
Xquisite X5 Plus Hull #023 – ‘Rogue One’
Xquisite X5 Plus Hull #023 – ‘Rogue One’
Xquisite X5 Plus Hull #023 – ‘Rogue One’
Xquisite X5 Plus Hull #023 – ‘Rogue One’

Luxury Yacht Enthusiasts Rejoice: Xquisite Yachts Achieves Two Major Production Milestones!

Written by Xquisite Yachts on March 6, 2023. Posted in News.

Luxury Yacht Enthusiasts Rejoice:

Xquisite Yachts Achieves Two Major Production Milestones!

Sixty Solar Sail

SIXTY SOLAR SAIL and POWER:
The future of sustainable yachting

Xquisite Yachts has exciting news to share about its latest vessels. Firstly, the SIXTY SOLAR SAIL has been completed at Phoenix Marine Manufacturing in South Africa and is currently being assembled for its upcoming debut. Secondly, the first hull of the innovative SIXTY SOLAR POWER has been lifted out from the molds at Xquisite Yachts’ new production facility in partnership with Walby in Portugal.

Two Continents, One Gold Standard

Even though they were constructed on different continents, both of these exceptional models will undergo stringent quality and safety checks, in line with Xquisite Yachts’ longstanding tradition. This has helped establish the brand as a leader in the catamaran industry, with these new models set to join its prestigious lineup of multi-award-winning luxury yachts.

Sixty Solar Sail

More Updates to Come

We are eager to showcase these new luxury yachts to the world, and we invite you to stay tuned for more updates. The launch of these two new models is scheduled for later this year.

For more information on Xquisite Yachts and our stunning range of luxury yachts, please visit our website or email us at info@xquisiteyachts.com.

Explore SIXTY SOLAR SAIL

SIXTY SOLAR SAIL

Explore SIXTY SOLAR POWER

SIXTY SOLAR POWER

X5 PLUS hull #021 has launched

Written by Xquisite Yachts on October 9, 2022. Posted in News.

X5 PLUS hull #021 has launched

Phoenix Marine and Xquisite Yachts has just launched the 21st boat in Cape Town Harbour this week.

Another hull of the multi-award X5 PLUS series.

The Xquisite – Phoenix Marine partnership started in 2014.

At that stage, there was only 28 staff employed to produce the X5 molds and the first hull.

Eight years and 21 boats later, the company has grown to over 150 permanent staff to produce
the X5 PLUS and the new Bill Dixon-designed SIXTY SOLAR SAIL catamarans.

Phoenix Marine and Xquisite Yachts has just launched the 21st boat in Cape Town Harbour
Phoenix Marine and Xquisite Yachts has just launched the 21st boat in Cape Town Harbour
SIXTY SOLAR POWER ANNOUNCED
SIXTY SOLAR POWER has announced
SIXTY SOLAR SAIL ANNOUNCED
SIXTY SOLAR SAIL has announced
Xquisite X5 PLUS – Best cruising catamaran of 2022
Xquisite X5 PLUS – Best cruising catamaran of 2022
Xquisite Yachts proudly announces the new X5 PLUS
Xquisite Yachts proudly announces the new X5 PLUS Based on the amazing success of the Xquisite X5, the joint venture between Xquisite Yachts and Cape Town based Phoenix Marine announces the arrival of their new model, the X5 PLUS
X5 Sail has won the THE BEST BOAT, BEST SYSTEM, MOST INNOVATIVE SAILBOAT awards
X5 Sail has won the THE BEST BOAT, BEST SYSTEM, MOST INNOVATIVE SAILBOAT awards
Best Boats 2017 – Best Large Multihull 50ft and above
Best Boats 2017 – Best Large Multihull 50ft and above
Xquisite Yachts is setting up a worldwide network of factory-authorized repair facilities where warranty repairs, routine maintenance, or any additional services will be available for our yachts.
Xquisite Yachts is setting up a worldwide network of factory-authorized repair facilities where warranty repairs, routine maintenance, or any additional services will be available for our yachts.
European debut at the Multihull Boat Show in La Grande Motte
European debut at the Multihull Boat Show in La Grande Motte
2016 – Hull #01 launched
2016 – Hull #001 launched
Best Multihull award – X5 SAIL has won the very prestigious award of the ‘BEST MULTIHULL OVER 30’ on Strictly Sail Miami Boat Show!
Best Multihull award: X5 SAIL has won the prestigious ‘BEST MULTIHULL OVER 30 award at the 2015 Strictly Sail Miami Boat Show!
Xquisite Yachts has been established in 2014
Xquisite Yachts has been established in 2014 with the purpose of launching a new brand of sailing and power catamarans.
Our goal was to create the ultimate luxury yacht for cruisers, where safety and innovative designs blends together, offering unmatched comfort for adventurers who wish to explore our oceans without giving up their comfortable lifestyle.

Need a Yacht? Just Push a Button…

Written by Xquisite Yachts on March 11, 2021. Posted in Press.

Need a Yacht? Just Push a Button…

Xquisite Africa acquires southern Hemisphere’s largest five-axis CNC milling machine – a game-changer

A starburst of European technology will arrive in SA later this year in the form of Africa’s first large five axis CNC machine, due to be installed at a brand new facility outside Cape Town in July.

Say goodbye to plugs and moulds; say hello to a 20m x 5m x 3m monster machine that has a volume of 300 000 litres – equal to ten midsized swimming pools. The technology has been available in Europe for about two years but has yet to be installed south of the Sahara.

Clinton Johns, spokesperson for Xquisite Africa (a joint venture between Xquisite Yachts International and Johns), told SABBEX the machine would have immediate application to his company Phoenix Marine Manufacturing which is due to start tooling up with a 60′ performance sail catamaran and thereafter a 60′ luxury power cat. Phoenix Marine already produces the successful Xquisite luxury X5 50′ catamaran at its Atlantis facility.

“It’s a complete and absolute game-changer”

– Johns said.

“The machine has already started being fabricated in Italy. Imagine designing a full 42 catamaran consisting of 90 moulds including the deck and hull and all the internal components in a CAD program and being able to mill them to less than 1mm accuracy in 1/3 the time.

“This changes the industry’s whole way of tooling and the number of man-hours it takes to build a boat mould and plug.”

Smaller CNC machines are widely in use but the new Mega 5 axis variety is a huge step forward in both scale and innovation. Johns said the new five axis would dramatically reduce boatbuilding production time from currently about 24 months to about 8 months in exceptional cases.

Johns said: “You don’t have to have wooden stations, you don’t need plugs – the machine does everything.”

The machine, dubbed Shawu (largest Elephant in recent history with largest tusks), will be able to do both milling and 3D printing. The 3D head installed on the machine allows it to make some of the largest 3D printed objects in the world. The 3D head can ‘print’ thermoset resins, foam, plastics, cement, and even recycled plastics.

Said Johns: “This option gives a totally different dynamic to the current thinking of manufacturing any large components.”

The new CNC facility on a 42000 m² erf will be based within the fringes of Cape Town and only 20km from the city centre. It will be a full custom factory to allow other boatyards or industries to take advantage of both the 5 axix milling or the mould-making facility adjacent to it. Some ‘hot desking’ and ‘pay as you go conference facilities’ for CAD/CAM designers will be available on the facility for jobs requiring intense 24/7 work.

Johns expects the machine to have immediate application far beyond boatbuilding, such as in the renewable energy sector where South Africa is already manufacturing wind turbine components. Target markets include yacht building, filmmaking, aerospace, road transport, automotive (electric vehicles), wind turbines, and sculpture.

“In fact anything you can imagine in Solidworks/Rhino/Blender or any other 3D program/Gaming Engine – this machine will be able to mill or 3D print” – Johns said.

Johns, with 35 years of plastic industry experience as owner of Duroplastic, said the cost of milling could be significantly reduced as many of the finishing and tooling materials such as the tooling board, tooling paste – Easyshape, hi-build Sprayshape putties and Gloskote that are traditionally imported had been in the Duroplastic stable for decades.

He said access to the technology would help local manufacturers compete in the global marketplace.

The 10th X5 Sail Yacht has launched – celebrate with us in Annapolis

Written by Xquisite Yachts on September 28, 2019. Posted in News.

The 10th X5 Sail Yacht has launched – celebrate with us in Annapolis

The launch of hull #10 of the X5 Sail fleet flagship is for all of us a reason for great pride. The multi-award-winning X5 became the innovation leader in its class with a future-proof, strong foothold among luxury catamarans.

Visit X5 Sail on Miami International Boat Show – February 13-17, 2020
and celebrate together with our crew

Visit X5 Sail on Miami International Boat Show – February 13-17, 2020 and celebrate together with our crew

The tenth X5 Sail leaving the shipyard in Cape Town

The tenth X5 Sail leaving the shipyard in Cape Town
The tenth X5 Sail leaving the shipyard in Cape Town
The tenth X5 Sail leaving the shipyard in Cape Town
The tenth X5 Sail leaving the shipyard in Cape Town
The tenth X5 Sail leaving the shipyard in Cape Town
The tenth X5 Sail leaving the shipyard in Cape Town
The tenth X5 Sail leaving the shipyard in Cape Town
The tenth X5 Sail leaving the shipyard in Cape Town

Visit X5 Sail on Miami International Boat Show – February 13-17, 2020

Visit X5 Sail on Miami International Boat Show – February 13-17, 2020 and celebrate together with our crew

Video tour of the Phoenix Marine factory, the birthplace of the Xquisite X5

Written by Xquisite Yachts on June 9, 2019. Posted in News.

Check out the video tour of the Phoenix Marine factory,
the birthplace of the multi-award-winning Xquisite X5!

Enormous thanks to Craig and Janice for this video tour. Please visit their channel for more Cruising Off Duty.

Craig: ‘I was really impressed with all the attention to detail and level of quality put into Xquisite X5 at every stage that allows this boat to adhere to the high ISO 9001 standards.’