Shuttleworth Ocean Cheetah 37 Custom Blue Zulu III

Blue Zulu III (formerly Da Cheetah) is one of only two Shuttleworth-designed Ocean Cheetah 37 catamarans ever built, making her a rare opportunity in the multihull market. Designed by renowned naval architect John Shuttleworth and built by Clyde Catamarans, the Ocean Cheetah combines the performance pedigree of Shuttleworth designs with a more enclosed, comfortable layout suited to extended offshore cruising.

Laid up in 2001, commissioned in 2008, and fully launched in 2012, Blue Zulu III has been carefully maintained and extensively upgraded for offshore sailing. She has cruised widely along Scotland’s west coast and the Inner and Outer Hebrides, proving both capable and seaworthy. With upgraded engines, a replacement mast, and practical cruising comfort, she is fully operational and ready to sail, while still offering scope for a new owner to add cosmetic finishing touches and further enhance her individuality.

AboutBlue Zulu III: A Unique Shuttleworth Ocean Cheetah 37 Catamaran

Blue Zulu III (ex Da Cheetah) is one of only two Shuttleworth-designed Ocean Cheetah 37 catamarans ever built, an incredibly rare and distinctive vessel.

After purchasing Blue Zulu III in Fareham, the previous owners undertook a series of important upgrades to prepare her for safe, offshore sailing. These included fitting a new mast, upgrading the engines, and enhancing the onboard systems to a seaworthy standard, enabling a successful passage to Troon, Scotland. Since then, Da Cheetahhas cruised extensively along Scotland’s west coast, exploring both the Inner and Outer Hebrides.

Above deck, Blue Zulu III has benefitted from several improvements:

• Mainsail control system upgraded with a full-width track
• New standing rigging stainless
• Safety rail installed on the transom
• Stern steps modified for better access
• Hydraulic steering system re-routed out of sight, fitted with an autohelm
• Custom binnacle added, creating a service area and mounting surface for navigation instruments
• Winches enhanced, including additions for handling a Parasailor
• Solar panels installed with two controllers—one for each domestic battery bank
• UPS units added to protect the heating system from power cuts when on shore power
• Sonic antifouling system fitted

Interior Features

The interior of Blue Zulu III was completely rebuilt as part of her transformation from a project boat to a fully functional, comfortable cruiser.

• Lightweight Cellite honeycomb panels were used throughout, shaped to match the hull curves and maximise space.
• Two heads compartments, one in each hull, were added.
• The saloon features large panoramic windows, seating for eight, and an integrated chart table.
• The galley, built on a raised mezzanine, maintains headroom while keeping the lower hulls fully usable.
• Two double aft cabins are fitted with sprung wooden bed slats and thick foam mattresses for maximum comfort.

While the rebuild prioritised functionality and seaworthiness, some cosmetic elements remain unfinished. The headlinings and wall linings still need to be fitted, and some saloon soft furnishings could be refreshed.

Ready for the Next Chapter

Despite these minor cosmetic tasks, Blue Zulu III is a well-equipped, comfortable, and capable catamaran, ready for a new owner to complete her finishing touches and continue her adventures.

Why Choose the Shuttleworth Ocean Cheetah Catamaran?

The Shuttleworth Ocean Cheetah is a rare and distinctive design, with only two ever built. While many Shuttleworth designs are known for their open bridgedecks, single daggerboards, and outboard engines, the Ocean Cheetah takes a more conservative and practical approach. Designed by John Shuttleworth and built by Clyde Catamarans, it was intended as a direct response to the popular Prout catamarans of the era – offering a familiar, user-friendly layout without compromising on performance.

What sets the Ocean Cheetah apart is its balance of seaworthiness, functionality, and pedigree. It retains the performance edge that Shuttleworths are renowned for, while delivering a more enclosed and comfortable layout that’s ideal for extended cruising.

For sailors looking for a rare and capable multihull with a solid design heritage, the Ocean Cheetah represents a unique opportunity. With its limited production, well-thought-out features, and proven sailing ability, this is a vessel that stands out – not only for its rarity, but for its blend of practicality, performance, and value.

Whether you’re looking for a boat that’s ready to sail or a project with strong potential to enhance, the Shuttleworth Ocean Cheetah is a catamaran with a story – and one that’s waiting for its next chapter.

Sails, Spars & Rigging

Mast: Z-Spars (2008), fractional double diamond rig with two spreaders (450mm reduction from original spec, as per designer)

Standing Rigging: Replaced 2024, stainless, 2mm above recommended spec

Mainsail: Flew Sails (2008) – Condition: Good

Genoa: Flew Sails (2008) – Condition: Good (roller furling, UV strip replaced 2025)

Spinnaker: Parasailor (2014) – Condition: Very Good, little used

Running Rigging:

• • Redesigned in 2010 with full-width track
  • Mainsail halyard replaced 2015 (Dyneema)
  • Other lines updated as needed

Sail Cover: Repaired 2025 (with spare cover included)

Raymarine:

• Log/Speed
• Depth
• Wind Speed
• Autopilot
• GPS/Plotter
• VHF

Vessel Details

The interior uses cellite honeycomb panels curved to follow the hull shapes to maximise space and, crucially, this has kept the weight down, essential to maintain the performance advantage of the trade-mark Shuttleworth flared hulls, which also allow wider accommodation than in the hulls of comparable-length cats.

The spacious accommodation is well-suited to long-distance cruising and/or living aboard. Above decks, the provision of steps moulded into the cockpit, well-placed grab handles, guard-rails and pushpits all contribute to safety afloat for both children and those with limited mobility.

Accommodation

• 4 Double Cabins (including 1 forward cabin currently without a mattress, intended as a workshop space)
• 2 Heads Compartments (one in each hull, with manual toilets)

Bridgedeck Saloon:

• Galley up, with standing headroom (6’+)
• Saloon seating, cream vinyl/foam upholstery
• Chart table

General Equipment

Galley: Gas oven, grill, and hob

Heating: Eberspächer diesel-fuelled central heating (separate systems in each hull)