MYS 2024: Echo Yachts Shares Insights into World Class Refits & Bespoke Newbuilds in Australia

Echo Yachts has made significant strides in 2024, particularly with its ambitious project set to commence construction next month: a 57m catamaran sailing yacht, which is set to be the largest of its kind in the world. Construction starts next month after having worked on design for five months, in collaboration with Dykstra Naval Architects. With the help of One2Three naval architects in Australia that specialise in aluminium multi-hull structural design, ‘it should be a really exciting and successful project,’ commented Blackwell.

Blackwell also proudly mentioned that the Australian yard sponsors Superyacht Australia’s Australia-Thailand Rendezvous at the Phuket Yacht Haven Marina each year. This event fosters networking among superyacht captains and crew, with Blackwell noting that about 14 superyacht captains, and their yacht crew attended this year’s gathering.

At the Dubai International Boat Show 2024, Echo Yachts unveiled groundbreaking virtual reality (VR) technology that allows clients to engage in an immersive yacht design experience. This innovative VR showroom enables potential buyers to explore various specifications and interior decor options from anywhere in the world, allowing adjustments to be made before having to commit to the build.

In other developments, Blackwell shared his curiosity about the direction of their next project, whether it will be a motor yacht or a custom sailing yacht: ‘By taking on this sailing yacht project we have opened up another market segment for ourselves now,’ Blackwell explained, emphasising Echo Yachts’ broad capabilities, and leaving plenty of room for exploration into other segments within the industry.

To find out more, watch the full interview above.