The catamaran is attracting interest because of its design, which the builders claim allows almost every aspect of the boat to be customised during the build process to reflect their individual style and needs, without blowing the budget.

The Iliad 50 is the first model launched from the new shipyard, and is designed by Italian naval architect Riccardo Bulgarelli, who has established a design office in China.

Apart of the Iliad Catamarans range, the Iliad 50 offers the choice of layout, timber finishes, electronics package, luxurious fabrics and engine options.

The flexible design offers an optional forward main deck helmstation in addition to the flybridge helm station, while the flybridges can be left entirely open or fully enclosed with fully ducted air conditioning. Owners can opt to have the best of both worlds with high-quality clears that can be opened and closed depending on the weather.

Iliad Catamarans are built to CE (Cat A) as standard, however all Iliad Catamarans models can be built to any specified international survey classification.

Resin infusion technology has been utilised in the Iliad Catamarans build process, with hulls laid up in vinylester resign and advanced composites.

The catamarans' hulls and high bridgedecks have been designed to facilitate a smooth ride for offshore use and ocean passages, with some of the longest range capabilities in their market segment.

The Iliad 50 also has one of the few hull designs in its size range that can be beached in case of emergency or for out-of-water servicing.

Conceptualised with long-term cruisers in mind, the cats are designed with astonishing space throughout their living areas.

Among the layout options available, the forward lounge area provides 360-degree views, and as an alternative to other modern power cats, Iliad has introduced an option for a spacious master suite incorporated in the main deck.

Stylishly appointed galleys are standard across the range, with Siemens appliances installed. Every cupboard is accessible for guests of all heights, and storage facilities are in abundance for extended cruising.

As with the rest of the boat, the galley can be completely customised to add or remove any fixtures or styles the client wants.

All cabins have queen beds, and generous windows help create naturally bright and airy havens for privacy and relaxation.

The bathrooms are quite comfortable for a vessel this big and the owner's bathroom features a huge shower large enough for two to share.

The interior design and colour schemes are a personal choice for each buyer, offering customisation, various layout options and choice of equipment brands.

The Iliad 50's engine rooms are designed for easy access for servicing from the aft deck through watertight hatches.

More than 10 engine options are available, and these catamarans come standard with dual control electronics.

Jungle Juice, a team made up of sailors from the Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club and Gosford Sailing Club, took the IRC division 1 win at the 29th Annual Women's Keelboat Regatta held over the June long weekend. Skippered by Claire Heenan, the team finished second overall to Ocean Respect Racing, an experienced team of offshore sailors led by Katie Spithill.

"It was a nice breeze when we went out. It was only in the five minutes before the race started that the wind piped in and was oscillating. It was solid high teens and then into the 20's. Our main was inside out at one stage, but we had a couple of nice surfs downwind," Heenan said.

Andrea Frabetti has taken over as chief executive officer of British boatbuilders Sunseeker. The appointment of former chief technical officer Frabetti follows the sudden resignation of Christian Marti, who joined the company in November last year. Sunseeker now has its third chief executive in less than a year, with Frabetti stepping into the role with immediate effect. Frabetti worked at Italian shipbuilder Ferretti Group for more than 25 years. Sunseeker also hinted that a new product development plan and manufacturing program would be established in an attempt to streamline the business.