A Bold New Entry into the Luxury Performance Catamaran Market
The Evo 60
Set to debut at the International Multihull Show in 2026, the Evo 60 is turning heads well before launch. With a projected price tag around $3.5 million, this sleek, performance-driven catamaran is an all-South African build and marks a significant new entry in the luxury cruising multihull category.
Designed by Anton Du Toit, renowned for his work with Balance Yachts and known for his self-taught background and cruising experience, the Evo 60 is already under construction at Evolution Marine in Cape Town. The shipyard is headed by Oliver Dawson, a seasoned builder with a strong track record in composite construction — from Class 40 racing yachts to high-speed ferries and even a GT40 replica.
Despite being a young brand, Evolution Marine brings significant expertise to the table. The Evo 60 is being positioned as a catamaran that combines bluewater cruising capabilities with regatta-level performance. The yacht’s structure is built from infused E-glass/carbon epoxy, with approximately 80% of the build using carbon, including the rig, appendages, crossbeam, and longeron — promising a boat that is both light and strong.
The boat’s lightweight displacement is estimated at just 13.5 tonnes, and Dawson notes:
“Our objective is to make this high-performance cruising catamaran experience closer to that of a monohull superyacht, yet with a similar power-to-weight ratio as the Gunboat 68, she should perform exceptionally well.”
One of the Evo 60’s standout innovations is its aft-mounted, articulating helm positions, which evolve the popular pivot helm concept to provide what Dawson describes as:
“a monohull-like sailing experience, especially in the outboard performance mode.”
Short-handed cruising will be supported by push-button sail controls and a self-tacking jib — features that balance ease of use with high performance.
While performance is at the heart of the Evo 60, it’s not at the expense of luxury. The spacious layout includes a covered cockpit, open saloon, and a generous galley with island, all designed for socializing and comfort. The first hull will feature a lavish owner’s suite that spans the entire port-side hull with a transverse berth, and buyers can choose from three interior design themes.
Evolution Marine plans to produce 12 units over the next four years, with the first hull progressing without an owner. Dawson aims to showcase the boat at the Cape to Rio Race at the end of 2025, ahead of its official show debut in 2026.
With a shorter build time and a compelling spec-to-price ratio, the Evo 60 could present a very attractive alternative to performance cruising cats from brands like HH and Balance. The anticipated $3.5M includes a comprehensive, ready-to-sail specification.
