New 26-Metre Model Features Full-Height Forward Glazing And Isolated Owner’s Cabin
GranOcean has announced the W-86, the newest model in its W-Series, during a press call held at the Cannes Yachting Festival, marking a significant milestone in the builder’s product development programme. The announcement came alongside the European debut of the brand’s flagship W-72 power catamaran, presented to European buyers for the first time. Unveiled to media and industry guests, the W-86 represents the next chapter in GranOcean’s approach to combining advanced composite engineering, generous onboard volume, and owner-led personalisation with the efficiency and stability associated with a power catamaran platform. The new model measures 26 metres (85.3 feet) LOA with a 12.25 metre (39.7 feet) beam, positioning it as a substantial offering in the luxury catamaran segment.
The standout feature is full-height forward glazing at the bow, giving unprecedented views over the water. This one-of-a-kind installation in its class opens the bow in a way nothing else on the water achieves. The owner’s cabin sits isolated on the upper deck with its own private balcony, giving the owner complete privacy and separation from guest areas. Power comes from twin Caterpillar C32 diesel engines, backed by a 92 kWh lithium house bank and 19.6 kW of integrated solar panels. Eric So, managing partner and lead designer at GranOcean, explained the philosophy behind the design: “The full-height forward glazing is what people will remember, nothing else on the water opens up the bow like this. And with the owner’s cabin isolated on the upper deck with its own private balcony, we’re giving owners a level of separation and privacy you just don’t see at this length. That’s what defines the W-Series: give owners something they genuinely can’t get anywhere else.”
Scott Suen, managing partner and lead engineer at GranOcean, detailed the technical development: “The solar and battery integration on the W-86 lets owners run hotel loads quietly at anchor without leaning on the gensets. We’ve also built in long-range fuel capacity, over 20,000 litres, along with engineering fail safes and redundancy throughout the system, so the boat can operate 24/7 in any open-water condition. That’s the focus for this model: long range, self-sufficiency, less noise, and the confidence that you can always get home safely.” GranOcean also provided an update on its X-32, the company’s 32-metre all-carbon-fibre flagship, which is already in build and scheduled to launch later this year. Conceived as a fully bespoke platform, the X-32 has been developed to accommodate highly individual owner requirements, with potential features including an expansive owner’s apartment, bow swimming pool, twin garages for tenders and water toys, and helipad capability.
Alongside the new announcements, the W-72 made its long-awaited European debut at Cannes, giving visitors their first opportunity to step aboard the flagship and experience the space, efficiency, and customisation that have become hallmarks of the GranOcean brand. GranOcean is exhibiting at the Cannes Yachting Festival in partnership with Catamaran Guru, the brand’s exclusive global distributor, which provides international sales representation and owner support across GranOcean’s growing range of power catamarans. As the global distributor for GranOcean, Catamaran Guru’s Jeremy Tutt added, “The innovation of the new W-86, combined with GranOcean’s outstanding build quality and exceptional value, makes this a compelling proposition. GranOcean brings considerable experience and proven expertise to this size range, having launched numerous 80-foot-plus projects, with the first X32 metre delivering later this year. It’s clearly resonating with buyers, with the first W-86 hull already committed.”
This article has been sourced from press releases and cross-referenced with multiple websites. Facts originally seen at Source.
