LAYLA at the Caribbean Multihull Challenge
At the end of January, the Caribbean is a playground for regatta enthusiasts. There are trade winds, crystal-clear water, changing angles, and courses that reward boats capable of quickly transforming pressure into speed. For the 8th edition of the Caribbean Multihull Challenge (January 29 to February 1, 2026), the Gunboat 72 LAYLA competed in the CSA 1 fleet, the same event that has become a testing ground for modern multihulls and their crews.
This year, LAYLA finished 2nd in her class at the end of four days of racing, constant learning, and a reminder that speed is not a characteristic. It is a chain of decisions.
A regatta designed for multihulls
The Caribbean Multihull Challenge is built around the strengths of multihulls: long legs, fast sailing, downwind starts, and courses that showcase the strengths of Gunboat design.
On iconic courses such as the 60-mile loop around Saint Barthélemy, the race to Saba, and the technical coastal legs, there is nowhere to hide. The boat that accelerates, stays balanced, and maintains its efficiency during transitions is the one that climbs the rankings. The most experienced crews are the ones who are rewarded at the end of these four days.
LAYLA's week in two images
If we had to sum up LAYLA's CMC in two images, they would look exactly like these:
The scoreboard is one thing. The signal is another.
At the start of the event, LAYLA showed exactly why she is among the best in the fleet, winning the first race on corrected time in the CSA 1 category, ahead of a field that included Sophia and the foiling Falcon.
On the second day, the battle in the category intensified: LAYLA was still there, tied for the lead in the CSA 1 standings. What makes second place significant is a consistent ability to remain among the top competitors. This performance is all the more significant given that LAYLA was the longest boat in this edition at 72 feet.
Why a Gunboat looks fast, even before it looks fast
Performance is no accident. It is the result of rigidity and control, and aerodynamic and hydrodynamic engineering. On the Gunboat 72 platform, key choices are designed to deliver smooth movement, reliable power, and precise handling, allowing the crew to utilize all the equipment on board. LAYLA's optimized hull shape and rigid structure, adapted for sailing, create a solid platform designed for speed and confidence, especially when conditions change.
And that's the whole point: on a boat like this, innovation isn't a gimmick. It's the invisible advantage you notice in transitions:
Regattas of this type are the perfect opportunity to contemplate the quintessence of Gunboat's work.
See you at the next Caribbean Multihull Series regattas to see more Gunboats showcasing the engineering work of the teams. And above all, share moments with other passionate enthusiasts.
