“We came into this with so many questions and concerns, but the team at Yacht-Match was patient, knowledgeable, and so thorough. They never rushed us and always had time to explain the smallest details. They genuinely cared about who we were, our needs and values. It’s rare to find a company that’s so invested in your journey.
We wouldn’t be living this dream today without Yacht-Match. They helped us create not just a sailing experience but a lifestyle we’ll cherish forever.” — Gavin & Dona
An Owners’ Version catamaran
Gavin and Dona always dreamed of a yacht that matched their ambitions for adventure and leisure. Their perfect boat needed to handle high-performance sailing with uncompromised comfort, and still be eco-friendly.
With our team by their side, Gavin and Dona set out on a journey to find their perfect yacht match. It turned out to be a brand new ITA Catamaran 14.99, customised to perfection with their best in mind throughout every detail.
Passioned sailors
Gavin and Dona have had a passion for sailing for decades, and have sailed long distances across the Pacific’s pristine waters. Their previous boat, a Catana 43 had been a reliable companion on these adventures, but as time changes, so do our needs.
As their love for the ocean grew, so did their desire to protect it. Gavin and Dona wanted to embrace a sustainable lifestyle—one where their adventures would leave as little impact as possible on the environment.
At the same time, they were ready to take their sailing experience to the next level, combining luxury and innovation into a single yacht.
“It wasn’t just about performance anymore. We wanted to build a legacy—a yacht that reflected our values and supported the lifestyle we envisioned for the future.” Dona explains.
Turning to Yacht-Match’s Advisory
When Gavin and Dona reached out to us, they had three clear priorities in mind:
- Performance without compromise: Gavin was determined to find a yacht that could handle the open ocean with speed, agility, and ease.
- A haven of comfort: For Dona, the interior needed to feel like home—a place where they could relax and enjoy their travels.
- Sustainability: They wanted the latest eco-friendly yachting technologies equipped, from electric propulsion and solar panels to off-grid energy solutions.
The challenge was to guide Gavin and Dona through the overwhelming number of options on the market and help them make a choice that truly fit their unique needs.
Gavin explains, “We were overwhelmed by all the options out there. Each yacht had its own appeal, but finding something that combined sustainability, performance, and comfort felt almost impossible.”
An eco-friendly catamaran is built
We narrowed down their options to a selection of high-performance, sustainable catamarans. Then, they sailed their top choices to truly experience what each one had to offer through our Try & Buy Program.
When they sailed the ITA Catamaran 14.99, it was love at first sight.
- Sleek and lightweight: The epoxy-infused hulls and modern design gave the ITA 14.99 incredible speed and responsiveness, perfect for Gavin’s love of performance cruising.
- Eco-conscious features: The electric propulsion system, combined with solar regeneration and efficient battery storage, made it a standout choice for sustainable sailing and Dona didn’t have to endure the smell of diesel fumes any longer.
- Luxurious yet practical: They both were drawn to the stylish and elegant interior with Italian timber finishes, spacious cabins, and thoughtful details for a life of comfort.
After deciding, our Sustainable Solutions team worked closely with Gavin and Dona to configure additional solar panels and optimise the yacht’s energy systems. By the time Waiata was delivered, it was a fully customised masterpiece.
“When we first stepped onto the ITA Catamaran, it felt like it was made for us. Everything about it—the design, the performance, the eco-conscious features—it all clicked. The added solar panels really sealed the deal.” – Gavin & Dona
Gavin and Dona have been living their dream since 2019, sailing from New Zealand to the turquoise waters of Tonga and Fiji, each journey more fulfilling than the last.
The results of our partnership included:
- Effortless performance: With a top cruising speed of 10–11 knots in moderate winds, Waiata offers the smooth, exhilarating sailing experience Gavin had always wanted.
- Sustainable freedom: The addition of solar panels and the efficient electric motor has made their yacht fully self-sufficient, eliminating their reliance on diesel and reducing their environmental impact. They are not as reliant on harbours and can sail off-grid as they envisioned.
- A home at sea: The beautifully designed interior has given Dona the comfort and elegance she dreamed of, creating the perfect space for relaxing evenings, entertaining guests, and making lifelong memories.
“One of our favourite moments was anchoring in a remote bay in Fiji, surrounded by crystal-clear water, completely off-grid. The silence of the electric motor and the feeling of independence—it’s something we’ll never forget,” Gavin shares.
Gavin & Dona’s story shows that the right yacht can enhance both your sailing experience and lifestyle.
Turn your yachting aspirations into reality
Do you want to explore your options within yacht acquisition or ownership?
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