Scimitar, the iconic Australian multihull brand which flourished from 1997 to 2012, has been re-imagined and re-engineered by some of the country’s leading naval architects and ship builders
Tommy Ericson, CEO of the Aus Ships Group, based at Rivergate Marina & Shipyard, Brisbane, is the creative impetus behind the project and Director of the newly formed Scimitar Catamarans.
The multi-awarded Ericson said he was inspired to revive an updated version of the Scimitar 1010 because of his own experience with the brand and his close ties with the co-founder, Bryan Bradford.
The Scimitar 1010 was the brainchild of two experienced boaters and businessmen, Bryan Bradford and Greg Byth. They took their concept to the esteemed catamaran designer/builder, Peter Brady to bring their ideas to fruition and the first boat entered the water in 1997.
That year, it won Australian Boat of the Year and attracted a larger number of orders.
Unique in the marine industry, the Scimitar 1010 Flybridge was the brand’s single model, named for its 10.10 metre hull length.
Up until 2012 when manufacturing ceased, 65 units of the Scimitar 1010 were built for Australia private and commercial clients, as well as number exported to the US and South Pacific.
“I spent some time sketching ideas for how to ‘modernise’ the boat and bring it into the current day, whilst still maintaining the classic, non-pretentious look, feel and practicality. This led to our acquisition of Scimitar, the moulding, tooling and technical files relating to the construction,” says Ericson.
Re-launch at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, Scimitar Catamarans presented two models and three layouts initially.
There are currently three vessels in various stages of construction: Hull 66 is the new model sedan being built as a demonstrator, Hull 67 is a flybridge model on order for an Australian client and Hull 68 is a flybridge model being built for an existing Scimitar owner.
