Rounding the Cape of Good Hope at the bottom of the continent of Africa is one of the great boating challenges of the world. Perhaps this is the reason that South Africa is the second largest exporter of catamarans in the world, right behind France. This is quite an accomplishment, given that the reputation of South African boat builders has only been established in the past 20 years or so. The experience gained from building boats that can withstand severe weather has give the South African builders a superior edge. For more information about the powercat industry in South Africa, see this excellent article by Gregor Tarjan of Aeroyacht Ltd.