Andre Bothma, Leisure Boating Review, June 2004

(The Admiral 40) is incredibly responsive and extremely forgiving, even in the hands of the most inexperienced skipper. Simply put: this is an irresistable craft. Once aboard you may find yourself very reluctant to leave.

For this vessel warrants you spending tranquil sun-drenched weeks aboard watching Table Mountain, exploring the shores of Zanzibar or drifting around the Bazaruto Archipelago.

The Admiral 40 could understatedly be labeled as ?adequate? ? in the sense that a British sedan would be. Each catamaran is customized to accommodate the owner's unique needs and reflect their tastes and preferences. Just about every finish and feature can be hand-picked and tailored to suit even the most discerning tastes. Given the fact that the waiting list on ordering an Admiral is approximately one year, this can hardly be considered an instant gratification option.

The price tag should also effectively deter one-season trend chasers! The boat's designer, New Zealand-based Angelo Lavranos, originally set out to create a catamaran specifically intended for family cruises and global exploration.

Bearing this in mind the twin hull structure is manufactured to world-class specifications, and is capable of taking taxing ocean conditions in its stride. Multiple layers of fibreglass are combined with 19 mm balsa wood imported from the US to render an extremely rigid hull structure. The process is initiated bonding a special tissue layer onto the gel coat, which forms the final finish. Using an advanced procedure known as vacuum bagging, these are bonded to numerous layers of 300 g / square metre chop strand glass and then evenly compressed with two layers of 640 g / square metre quad-axle stitched fabric and the balsa core material. The process is completed with the addition of two more layers of 640 g / square metre fibreglass.

The Admiral 40 features state-of-the-art interiors and can sleep eight people in unadulterated style. It also accommodates close on 50 people for cocktail cruises or sunset soirees. The design and layout accommodates the laymen, with lines and equipment situated in such a way that one can move around uninhibitedly. The non-slip deck features steps and walkway areas, with ample space for tanning and general lounging about. Two sturdy trampolines also warrant afternoon naps to the sound of the ocean lapping in the hulls. The Admiral 40 features a fully anodized mast and boom section. A crossbeam with a sturdy forestay anchors the aluminium mast, of which the sections are imported from France.

The particularly user-friendly rigging configuration, combined with the strategic placement of the winches at the back of the cockpit, means that the catamaran can be sailed with great ease even if the weather takes a turn for the worse. This has been done in order to make the actual sailing process far more enjoyable, especially for the novice or owners more advanced in years. The Admiral 38 can reach a maximum speed of 25 knots, with the average speed varying between eight and 16 knots. It features two 30 hp Yanmar diesel inboard motors with a sail drive system, discreetly situated in the aft bunks. Throbbing away at exceptionally low revs, these propel the catamaran quietly within harbour confines or whenever the wind dies down. Unlike conventional outboard auxiliary engines, these diesel motors are extremely quiet and have a far longer range. The risk of fire is also greatly reduced.

The starboard side helm features great skipper visibility. An oversize leather-finish helm, combined with a suspended cable steering mechanism, makes skippering this vessel a pleasure. It is incredibly responsive and extremely forgiving, even in the hands of the inexperienced skipper.

Simply put: this is an irresistible craft. Once aboard, you may find yourself very reluctant to leave! Actual construction takes approximately four to five months, depending on the client's specifications, and as long as demand outweighs supply, the waiting list will be a point to take into consideration. An integral part of Admiral Yachts' philosophy relates to individualism. So if you're after the truly unique, contact them to discuss the prospects of owning an Admiral 40.