In the world of pleasure boating, a trend has stood out in recent years: the rise of electric catamarans, increasingly comfortable, sophisticated, and, above all, eco-friendly. At a time when the nautical industry is striving to reduce its environmental footprint, a young Thai shipyard, Grey Yachting Shipyard, based in Hua Hin near Bangkok, is positioning itself as a key player in this green transition. Founded in 2020 under the impetus of Gilles Reigner, this shipyard aims to reinvent catamaran travel with a resolutely self-sufficient and environmentally respectful approach.

A Modernized Legacy, an Ambitious Vision

Grey Yachting Shipyard follows in the spiritual lineage of Catathai, a well-known Thai shipyard. Led by Gilles Reigner, who took over the historic yard (founded in 2004 by Frenchman Hervé Le Touzé), the group is now the exclusive builder of the brands Andaman Sails and Gilles Reigner Yachting.
“Our catamarans are designed to sail for long periods using only energy stored from onboard renewable sources,” explains the shipyard.

Custom Electric Catamarans

The Andaman 50 (15.25 m long, 8.10 m wide) is equipped with a substantial battery pack, powered by solar panels installed on the flybridge and a state-of-the-art hydrogen generation system. With two electric motors of 20 or 40 kW, it offers remarkable autonomy. Its sporty design, enhanced by a mainsail with a gaff rig of 130 m² when close-hauled, sacrifices nothing in terms of comfort: available in 3 or 4 cabins, it features a sheltered cockpit, a large forward net, and a glassed-in dining area with a central kitchen in an “island” layout. The helm station, positioned at the center of the flybridge, provides optimal visibility of the sails and stern during maneuvers.

The Andaman 52 (15.90 m long, 8.10 m wide) takes this formula even further. More sporty, it ditches the flybridge to maximize the surface area of its solar panels and increases its sail area to 150 m² when close-hauled, with an extended bowsprit. The helm station, now duplicated with two steering wheels at the rear, ensures excellent control of the vessel.
Produced in small series to guarantee bespoke quality, these units represent a new generation of long-range boats.

Craftsmanship in Service of Innovation

What sets Grey Yachting Shipyard apart is its artisanal approach. With production limited to a few units per year, each catamaran is customized. This attention to detail, combined with French expertise and a strategic presence in Thailand, allows the shipyard to offer boats that are both competitive and unique on the international market.

As the nautical industry continues to evolve, Grey Yachting Shipyard establishes itself as a pioneer to watch closely. The Andaman 50 is already a reality, and the imminent arrival of the Andaman 52 only heightens the enthusiasm of enthusiasts.
One thing is certain: the ecological revolution at sea is underway, and it bears a French signature with Thai accents.