History of Admiral Yachts

Admiral Yachts was a South African yacht builder founded in the late 1990s with a vision of producing high-quality cruising catamarans. Based in Cape Town, the company officially began operations around 1999. From the start, Admiral Yachts embraced the local passion for multihulls – as Managing Director David Bird noted, many South African sailors saw catamarans as the future of cruising. The company partnered with renowned naval architect Angelo Lavranos to design its catamarans, infusing them with Lavranos’ philosophy of “Space, Pace and Grace” – prioritizing roomy comfort, spirited performance, and elegant lines. Admiral’s first model, the Admiral 38, was introduced in 1998/1999 and quickly earned a reputation for robust construction and excellent liveaboard qualities. Building on that success, Admiral Yachts expanded its range in the 2000s with larger models like the Admiral 50 (launched in 2000) and the Admiral 40 (launched in 2007). Demand for these boats was strong – when the Admiral 40 was announced, over 15 orders were secured before the first hull even hit the water. To meet growing demand, the company moved into a new 65,000 square-foot production facility by 2007 and was launching about 8–10 catamarans per year, with plans to increase to 15 annually. Throughout its production run (1999–2011), Admiral Yachts remained focused on semi-custom, premium catamarans for private owners and bluewater cruisers. Each yacht was built to stringent standards (all models earned NMMA certification for safety and quality) and was typically delivered to overseas buyers by sailing the boat on its own hull across oceans – a testament to Admiral’s confidence in their yachts’ seaworthiness. Though Admiral Yachts ceased new builds around 2011, its legacy lives on through the Admiral 38 and sister models that remain sought-after on the pre-owned market for their blend of comfort and ocean-going capability.

Admiral 38 – Overview and General Specifications

The Admiral 38 catamaran under sail, showcasing its sleek profile, generous beam, and hard-top bimini over the helm (a feature uncommon in cats this size). The Admiral 38 was the flagship model that put Admiral Yachts on the map. First built in 1998–99, this 38-foot (11.6 m) sailing catamaran was designed by Angelo Lavranos to maximize interior volume and sailing performance in equal measure. The result is a bluewater-capable cruiser that feels like a larger yacht – owners often remark that the 38 “sails and feels like a 42” footer in terms of space and stability. With its distinctive smooth lines and sleek profile, the Admiral 38 strikes an attractive figure in any marina, but it’s built for serious cruising. A wide beam of about 23 feet (7.0 m) gives it excellent stability and abundant deck/salon space, while its relatively shallow draft of ~3 to 3.5 feet (0.8–1.0 m) allows exploration of anchorages and shallow bays off-limits to deeper craft. Below is a summary of key specifications for the Admiral 38:

• Length Overall (LOA): 38 ft (11.58 m)
• Beam (Width): ~23 ft (7.01 m)
• Draft (Depth): ~3.0–3.9 ft (0.8–1.02 m) depending on load
• Displacement: ~7,000 kg (15,432 lbs) light ship
• Construction: Fiberglass (GRP) composite – solid fiberglass hulls with reinforced bulkheads, and cored deck for stiffness and weight savings
• Engine & Power: Twin inboard diesels with saildrives (usually Yanmar); early models came with 2×18 HP engines, while later versions were equipped with larger 2×27–30 HP motors. Twin engines (one in each hull) provide reliable 6–8 kn cruising under power and effortless maneuvering in port.
• Rig and Sail Area: Fractional sloop rig with a fully-battened mainsail and roller-furling jib. Total sail area is around 990 ft² (92 m²), which, combined with the boat’s moderate weight, gives lively performance in a breeze. (Many owners also add cruising spinnakers or screechers for downwind efficiency.)
• Tank Capacities: Approx. 480 L of fuel (in aluminum tanks) and 500 L of fresh water (in stainless steel tanks), providing long cruising range. There is also a holding tank (~40 L) for sewage.
• Accommodations: Available in two layouts. The 4-cabin layout offers four double berths (two cabins in each hull) and two heads – ideal for charter or large families. The popular “Executive” owner’s version is a 3-cabin layout, featuring a luxurious master suite (with a king-size berth) occupying one hull, two guest cabins in the other hull (with a queen and a double berth), and two heads with showers. In either configuration, the Admiral 38 can sleep 6–8 adults comfortably, with a spacious saloon and galley “up” on the bridgedeck.

Despite its generous living quarters, the Admiral 38 remains a true cruising yacht at heart. It’s capable of ocean passages – typically carrying a CE Category A/Ocean rating (and built to NMMA standards for the US) – and many have safely crossed the Atlantic on their own keel. Owners commend its balance of performance and comfort, noting that it can sail in the double-digit knots when conditions allow, yet remain easy to handle for a couple or even single-handed with autopilot. Overall, the specifications of the Admiral 38 reflect a thoughtfully designed cruising catamaran that doesn’t compromise on the essentials that matter to liveaboard sailors.

Manufacturing and Construction Details

All Admiral 38s were built in Cape Town, South Africa, by a skilled workforce trained in advanced fiberglass construction techniques. Admiral Yachts’ production facility (located in the Killarney Gardens area and later expanded to a larger plant in Atlantis) was a modern yard spanning 65,000 sq. ft., allowing the company to increase output to meet demand. The build process for the Admiral 38 combined hand-crafted quality with proven marine engineering. The hulls are solid fiberglass below the waterline for strength and impact resistance, laid up with layers of woven roving and mat in high-quality polyester or vinylester resins. Above the waterline and in the decks, composite cored construction is used to save weight while maintaining rigidity. Each hull contains multiple bulkheads and watertight compartments for structural integrity and safety. Notably, Admiral’s cats were overbuilt in certain areas to ensure they could handle the rigors of long ocean deliveries – in fact, most new Admiral 38s were delivered by being sailed 8,000+ miles from South Africa to North America or Europe on their own bottom, a journey that demands a strong, seaworthy vessel.

Fit and finish were a point of pride in Admiral’s manufacturing. The interior joinery was done by hand, using quality woods and materials to create a warm, yacht-grade ambiance. Owners could choose from various wood finishes, fabrics, and layouts – a semi-custom approach that meant no two Admiral 38 interiors were exactly alike, yet all were built to a high standard of craftsmanship. Systems installation (plumbing, electrical, engines) followed international standards (ABYC and CE/NMMA), ensuring safety and reliability. The yard also incorporated owner feedback over time and offered numerous options (from solar panels and watermakers to custom cabinetry), effectively allowing buyers to personalize their catamaran for long-term cruising. Despite relatively labor-intensive construction methods (with most work done by skilled hands rather than extensive automation), Admiral Yachts was able to offer competitive pricing due to South Africa’s favorable exchange rates and efficient production management. Quality control was taken seriously – each Admiral 38 underwent thorough sea trials in the challenging waters off Cape Town and was inspected for certification. This commitment to quality was further backed by membership in the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), meaning the boats met strict American standards for offshore yachts. Thanks to this robust build process, the Admiral 38 earned a reputation as a “tough” boat, one that can withstand heavy weather and even mishaps. (One owner recounted encountering nearly 60-knot winds and 20-foot seas; while some canvas was shredded, the boat itself suffered only minor cosmetic damage and brought him home safely.) In summary, the Admiral 38’s construction is a fusion of solid engineering and fine craftsmanship – yielding a catamaran that instills confidence when the going gets rough, yet offers the comfort of a floating home when in port.

Notable Design Features and Innovations

The Admiral 38 introduced several design features and innovations that set it apart from other production catamarans of its era. Foremost is the way it realizes Angelo Lavranos’ “Space, Pace and Grace” design motto. Space: The boat’s beam and clever layout create an unusually open and airy interior for a 38-ft cat. The saloon is surrounded by panoramic windows and has headroom that tall sailors appreciate. The galley-up layout is a standout – a large U-shaped galley on the bridgedeck, fully equipped and with ample counter space, means the chef is part of the action with 360° views, rather than confined below decks. One review noted the “roomy, open galley-up is brilliantly laid out and rivals that of a much larger catamaran.” Cabinetry and storage are abundant (every possible nook has a locker or shelf), meaning long-term cruisers have space for provisions and personal gear. The craftsmanship of the interior, with real wood joinery and attractive accents, gives a luxurious yet homey feel – “an attractive feel of high-end design with comfortable homeliness,” as one brochure described it. In the owner’s version, the master cabin is especially noteworthy: a king-size berth oriented fore-aft (no climbing over your partner), numerous wardrobes and drawers, and an en-suite head make it a true owner’s retreat not often seen on boats of this length

Grace: In terms of styling, the Admiral 38 has a distinct character. Where some cruising catamarans of the early 2000s were quite boxy to maximize interior volume, the Admiral 38 managed to appear sleek and racy without sacrificing space. The coachroof has a graceful curve and the side windows are streamlined, blending into the lines of the hull. The slightly reverse rake bows and the integrated forward crossbeam give the boat a modern, purposeful look. Reviewers and onlookers often comment on the Admiral’s “rakish” appearance and smooth aesthetics – it stands out among peers for looking like a proper yacht rather than just a floating condo. This grace is not just superficial; the hulls’ underwater profiles were drawn by Lavranos to enhance performance (with moderate fin keels for easy maintenance and grounding protection) while keeping the motion comfortable. The deck layout is uncluttered, with all working areas (winches, cleats, line clutches) thoughtfully placed. Wide side decks and sturdy railings add to the safe movement onboard – important for any cruising couple or family. Little touches, like the built-in helm seat and the solid cockpit table that doubles as an outdoor dining area, show the thought put into liveability. In fact, the Admiral 38’s cockpit and salon effectively join into one large living space when the sliding door is open, which is perfect for tropical cruising life. Owners have been known to host large gatherings – one Admiral 38 famously had 26 people aboard for a party without everyone feeling cramped, a testament to the smart use of space and stable platform.

Finally, innovation in the Admiral 38 is also evident in its systems and options. It was offered with an array of modern cruising features (many of which were cutting-edge at the time): options for solar power, high-capacity alternators on the engines, watermakers, air conditioning, and even conveniences like electric heads and full-size refrigeration – truly allowing owners to outfit the boat for independent off-the-grid living. The builder’s willingness to customize meant that owners could implement new technologies or personal touches. For example, some Admiral 38s have custom hard weather enclosures for the cockpit or additional fuel capacity for long passages – features not available “stock” on some competitor models. This flexibility, combined with the boat’s core strengths of seaworthiness, stability, and spacious comfort, made the Admiral 38 a notably advanced design for its day. Even today, these catamarans hold their own against newer designs, often surpassing them in load-carrying ability and solid construction. In summary, the Admiral 38 distinguished itself with a rare blend of cruising amenities and sailing prowess: a genuine turn-key liveaboard voyager that doesn’t compromise on style or substance. Buyers looking for a proven mid-size catamaran will find that the Admiral 38’s thoughtful design and innovative features continue to deliver a rewarding ownership experience.