James Wharram Designs - Self build boats and catamarans.

James Wharram

In the mid 50's, based on his research into ancient Polynesian boat design, James Wharram built the
first off-shore Catamaran in Britain and sailed it out into the Atlantic. While the world's yachting
community were busy dismissing such a design as a worthy sea-going vessel, James was landing
his 23'6" 'Double Hulled Canoe' in the West Indies. There he built a second 40' Polynesian style
Catamaran and sailed it back to the UK accompanied by two young German girls, being the first to
sail a catamaran across the North Atlantic These amazing Trans-Atlantic crossings and the follow up
book "Two Girls, Two Catamarans" has etched the name 'James Wharram' into the annals of
yachting history.

The quality of the Wharram self-build catamarans is reflected in their popularity, excellence of
craftmanship and 'sound sailing qualities'. 50 years on - with 10,000 sets of plans sold and
thousands turned into proud vessels. Wharram 'Cats' can be seen in harbours across the world
maintaining the highest reputation for surviving wind and wave.

Wharram Blog, News, Classified
New Topic: James' newsletters!

Jammes Wharram
50 Years designing catamarans that are remarkably
sea-worthy, secure and very unique.
NEW! Tahiti Wayfarer Plans now available!

Self Build Catamarans

Everything you need to build your
own sea-going catamaran.

  1. Choose your design
  2. Purchase the plans
  3. Join the Wharram self-build community
  4. Build the boat of your dreams

..and sail it

Professionally built Catamarans

Check out all the latest profesional build models

TIKI 8M

 TAMA MOANA PAHI 52

"A philosophic attitude behind the Wharram designs is that "urban man" can, with a little financial saving and some handcraft work, create an object of beauty. This object of beauty can then, for a period of hours, days, weeks or months, carry him/her out of the urban world into a natural never-never land; the seas and oceans; to a time when the world was young; when Mankind was directly and intimately interacting with the beauty and power of nature. There are hundreds/thousands of Wharram builders or, as I prefer to call them, "Sea People", who have done or are now doing that!"

James Wharram
'Spirit of Gaia'

Based on traditional Polynesian style double-hull designs yet built to modern standards of quality, durability and sailing performance. Whether you want a unique weekend toy, a trailable coastal trekker boat or an Ocean-crossing home, the James Wharram's Design Book is where your project begins..

This 72 page Wharram Design Book will guide you through the world of Wharram catamarans to help you choose a self build boat that is right for you.

 

      


Help the Tikopians regain
their ocean travel.
Returning Tama Moana
the 'Child Of The Sea
NEW!
 The Lapita Voyage website now has the latest boatbuilding photos HERE

Join the Wharram Mailing List
Join Leave


Design & Hosting by FTI-Newquay