KNYSNA YACHT COMPANY LAUNCHES THE ALL-NEW KNYSNA 550 — THE ULTIMATE BLUE-WATER PERFORMANCE CATAMARAN

Ocean-Ready Toughness Meets Bespoke Luxury in a 55-Foot Sailing Masterpiece

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
1 June 2026

KNYSNA, SOUTH AFRICA — The Knysna Yacht Company, one of the world’s premier builders of boutique luxury sailing catamarans, proudly announces the global launch of the Knysna 550 — a magnificent 55-foot offshore blue-water cruising catamaran engineered to conquer oceans and delight those who sail them. Purpose-built for world voyagers who refuse to compromise between rugged capability and refined elegance, the Knysna 550 represents the pinnacle of the company’s 20-year legacy of exceptional multihull craftsmanship.

After already gaining significant attention by being shortlisted for World Multihull of the Year 2026, the Knysna 550 will make its official public debut at the Annapolis Boat Show 2026 between the 15-18 October. Visitors will have the exclusive opportunity to step aboard and experience the 550 first-hand at the Knysna stand.

A New Standard in Blue-Water Offshore Sailing

Born from the rugged maritime environment of South Africa’s legendary Knysna Heads, every Knysna yacht is forged in a tradition of building for real-world conditions at sea. The Knysna 550 continues this heritage, crafted specifically for serious blue-water cruising and at a level of luxury that can only be delivered by a bespoke custom-building boatyard of this pedigree.

Designed in collaboration with the acclaimed VDS Marine Design, the 550 builds on the proven DNA of its predecessor — the Knysna 500 — while introducing bold new lines, enhanced structural integrity, and various custom configurations to appeal to all requirements.

Built Tough to Cross Oceans

The Knysna 550 is not a marina queen — it is an ocean-going vessel built to perform offshore. Key structural and performance attributes include:

• Protected raised helm-station for safety and visibility
• Optional direct shaft drive or saildrive configurations
• Slender, ocean-optimised hulls with modern wave-piercing bows
• Bulkheads, panels and partitions are chemically bonded directly to the hulls and deck for stiffness and performance at sea
• 19.6-tonne displacement with a generous 1,000-litre fuel capacity and 1,000-litre freshwater capacity for true self-sufficiency on extended offshore passages
• Engineered for stability, safety, and peace of mind: superior motion comfort, excellent maneuverability, and intuitive ease of operation in all conditions

Luxurious Custom Finishes — Your Vision, Realised

The Knysna 550 is offered as a fully bespoke vessel, with Knysna offering a proven platform and 25 years of experience to guide owners through the semi-custom options. Owners work directly with the Knysna team to create an interior that reflects their exact taste and lifestyle — from layout and joinery to fabrics, appliances, and technology. Available configurations include:

• The 550SL Sky Lounge model, featuring an exclusive elevated sky lounge for entertainment and leisure while cruising the open ocean
• The 550SE Solar Explorer, offering extended deck space for additional solar panels and offshore accessories optimised for global sailing
• Choice of three or four double en-suite cabins, fully configured to owner specification with the highest-quality finishes, fixtures, and fabrics

“The Knysna 550 represents everything we have learned in 25 years of building world-class blue-water catamarans. She is built tough enough to cross any ocean, yet finished with the care and artistry of a bespoke superyacht. We are thrilled to share her with the world at Annapolis — this is a vessel for those who want to truly explore the world in safety, style, and comfort.” — Grant Boshard, Director, Knysna Yacht Company

Global Availability

The Knysna 550 is available for order globally, with authorised dealer networks in South Africa, North America, and key international markets. Build slots are limited — prospective buyers are encouraged to register their interest early to secure their position in the build queue.

For detailed specifications, virtual tours, configuration options, and pricing information, please visit www.knysnayachtco.com or contact the Knysna Yacht Company directly.

ABOUT KNYSNA YACHT COMPANY

Founded 25 years ago in the picturesque coastal town of Knysna, South Africa, Knysna Yacht Company has earned an internationally renowned reputation for building exceptional boutique luxury sailing catamarans. Engineered for stability, designed for luxury, and destined to unleash the voyager in every owner, Knysna yachts are recognised worldwide as a benchmark of blue-water multihull excellence.

MEDIA CONTACT

Knysna Yacht Company Communications

Email: info@knysnayachtco.com
Website: www.knysnayachtco.com
Location: Knysna, Western Cape, South Africa

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