- Technology and Innovation
A Penthouse in Motion: How the Vaan R5 Reconfigures the Blue Water Live-Aboard
The La Grande Motte Realignment
The global maritime center of gravity has officially shifted to the edge of the Camargue. From April 22 to 26, 2026, the International Multihull Show returns to establish a definitive regional authority in La Grande Motte, France. This isn’t merely a display; it is a calculated professional offensive where Vaan is moving to take over the industry’s focus. Exhibiting the Vivid Alu Vaan R5, the shipyard is presenting a platform where industrial-grade sustainability meets the high-stakes demands of the luxury live-aboard market.
Architecture of a Recycled Predator
The Vaan R5 stands as a primary authority for a new level of maturity in the 49-foot tier. This vessel utilizes a radical blueprint: a hull crafted from 60% recycled aluminum and extrusions at 75%. This architecture effectively mocks the excessive footprint of traditional yacht building, offering a 100% recyclable structure that doesn’t sacrifice an ounce of performance. By prioritizing circular materials like FSC-certified cork and recycled fabrics, Vaan has established a new professional standard for what a modern sailing machine should ACHIEVE.
The All-Electric Propulsion Protocol
Innovation on the R5 reaches its peak beneath the waterline. Powered by dual electric saildrives, the R5 operates with absolute poise and silent velocity. This tactical move toward a pure electric manifest addresses the demand for technical reliability and environmental responsibility. It is a movement that resets the baseline for blue water autonomy, allowing families to explore the most distant islands without the logistical headache or the sound of traditional diesel engines—a true “penthouse on the water” experience.
The Owner’s Hull Offensive
The social logic of the R5 is defined by its expansive living volumes and open spaciousness. The 3-cabin version features a full owner’s hull on the portside, providing a high-integrity enclave of privacy and space. This layout includes a superior bathroom with a spacious shower, ensuring that life at sea mirrors the comfort of a luxury estate. For those looking to intercept a larger manifest of guests, the 4-cabin version ensures that everyone on board experiences the same level of refined, open luxury.
A New Rhythmic Sunset
The R5 is designed to transform as the light fades. After a warm day of high-velocity sailing, the saloon becomes a spacious living room, optimized for work, entertainment, or total relaxation. The technical specs—including a 24.9-meter mast and a massive 176 m2 gennaker option—ensure that the boat remains contemporary and authoritative in its sailing performance. It is a refined approach where the interior aesthetics support the emotional value of the nautical culture, making the R5 a definitive choice for the most demanding sailors.
The Demo Sail Takeover
As the countdown to April begins, the message from Vaan is clear: the era of the compromised sailing cat is facing a definitive shift. Following the show, on Monday, April 27, the shipyard is offering an exclusive demo sail to prove the R5’s technical prowess in a real operational environment. Whether you are looking to intercept the latest technical trends or secure a circular hull that interprets your specific identity, La Grande Motte is the only place where the best of the sustainable world converges.
