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Neel 65 Review

In this review topRik's expert team shares their experience of exploring the largest three-hull sailboat made by Neel Trimarans . You can also check out the additional reviews from sailing journalists who have tested the Neel 65 in various weather conditions. As always - a lot of photos and enough videos to appreciate the trimaran in motion and on board.

• FEATURES OF NEEL 65

At the Transom

Going into the cockpit, ending up in the cockloon, at the flybridge.

• ADVANTAGES OF NEEL 65
• REVIEWS OF NEEL 65 FROM PROFESSIONALS
• VIDEO REVIEWS OF NEEL 65
• PRICE CALCULATOR

In 2019 at Cannes Yachting Festival Neel Trimarans presented two innovative models at once - Neel 47 and Neel 65 Evolution trimarans. The Neel Trimarans shipyard, based in La Rochelle, at the time of the launch of the first hull of its almost 20-meter flagship, had already successfully sold fifteen Neel 45 trimarans. Inspired by this success, the shipyard decided to expand the size range of its sailing trimarans, and later, as we have already told, the factory for the production of motor trimarans, Leen Trimarans , emerged from it. This suggests that the time when the first Neel’s trimarans were perceived as an exotic purchase has already passed.

If Neel's smaller three-hull sailboats were geared towards performance, which has been proven in practice, the same cannot be said for the Neel 65. It’s obvious at the first glance at this colossus...

As though the shipyard defined the style of this cruising trimaran as "Sport-Chic", topRik's experts questioned the accuracy of this definition when they first saw the trimaran at Cannes Yachting Festival, expressing the opinion: “Chic - maybe, but Sport - hardly”.

Well, judge for yourself what kind of sailing we can talk about if the displacement of a sailboat even at half load is 22.5 tons. Although in fairness it should be said that even standard sailing equipment impresses non-glamorous yachtsmen: a full battened mainsail with 374 m² total, furling genoa - 305 m², the automatic staysail - 130 m² and gennaker - 525 m². Add to this the optional carbon fiber mast and other options from the Performance version that allow you to reduce the weight of the yacht by a ton, and maybe you can not only move this monster, but also feel the wind in your hair under sail.

Looking ahead, the topRik team managed to do both, and quite easily. We believe that for a cruising three-level sailing trimaran, an average sail speed of 9-10 knots is more than a brilliant result, which we honestly did not expect, as well as ease of handling. This is such a deceptive first impression.

We can safely say that the Neel 65 Evolution has retained all the main features of Neel's DNA. We remind you that almost all representatives of this line are nominees or winners of various yacht competitions in their category.

Features of Neel 65

• Brand: Neel Trimarans
• Hull type: Trimaran
• Overall length, m: 19.81
• Width, m: 12.03
• Draft, m: 1.79
• Displacement, t: 22.5
• Air draft, m: 27
• Water tanks, l: 1195
• Exterior design (Architect): Marc Lombard Yacht Design Group
• CE Certification: ICNN
• Mainsail type: Fully battened
• Jib type: Furling genoa
• Mainsail area, m²: 374
• Jib area, m²: 304.8
• Self-tacking, furling staysail, m²: 131
• Engine, hp: Diesel, 150
• Fuel tanks, l: 1195

Review of Neel 65 Trimaran by TopRik Team

Cannes Yachting Festival 2019 impressed with its record number of world premieres. If you notice, then many reviews of popular yachts by topRik team starts from this festival. From the photo below, you can get an impression of how difficult it was for our experts to select candidates for our SimpleSail fleet. But the new sailing trimaran Neel 65 Evolution did not get lost in this diversity from the exacting eyes of our reviewers.

We already described TopRik team's first impressions of the Neel 65, so for now we'll just go to the transom of this trimaran and begin our usual path, and will keep progressing in the study of the proposed boats from there. We invite you to join us...

Is this spectacle really confusing? Ladder to the deck - only from the platform of the central hull? Of course, here you can make a descent into the water for swimming, but isn't this design taking up too much space? And where to place the boat considering that the davits are not even provided? Yes, and the stern of amas could be used more rationally, it seems.

The rationality is not easy to recognize as you keep looking at the Neel 65 transom, but it’s there! That’s actually what the rational use of volumes looks like in the decision of the naval architects and designers developing the Neel 65. Three in one: a cockpit ladder, a bathing platform and a garage for a boat.

But that's not all. The amas also has huge spaces aft that can be used for kayaks and other board-shaped swimming aids, as well as for any water toys needed for cruising or more unitary accessories such as fenders or life-saving equipment. You just need to open the lid of these roomy lockers.

And now let's lower the ladder to the central hull and climb it into the cockpit.

What we used to call a cockpit on a monohull sailboat or catamaran is just the beginning of the vast space of the Neel 65 trimaran, for which the developers have come up with a new term - cockloon. This term combines several areas that are on the same level of the loft-style deck - the cockpit and saloon, which, in turn, includes the owner's cabin, one of the helm stations and a huge galley. Don't we use the term "huge" too often? Of course, we do - it's Neel 65 Evolution after all...

The beginning of this cockloon looks impressive, it is a great seating area in itself with huge sun loungers on either side.

It's also a great place to dine al fresco with a large table, L-shaped roomy sofa and a mini galley with grill and sink. Pay attention to how freely you can stay and move around here. But the lack of handrails on the gangway leading to the flybridge should be considered as a disadvantage, which was immediately noticed by the expert of the topRik team, who tested safety on board the boats.

But in order to go through the entire cockloon, you do not need a ladder - this entire area is on the same level as the cockpit.

A huge (again!) sliding structure opens the way to the main residence of the owner of the trimaran, if we are talking about the owner’s version. Everything that is located at the level of the deck in the loft style is given to this lucky one in sole and unconditional rule. Sure, everything that is located on all three levels of the trimaran belongs to him, but the main apartment can be found at the middle level.

On the starboard side of the entrance you have your dining area. It includes a large table that can be transformed into a dining or coffee table, an L-shaped sofa that can be complemented with pouffes if needed.

Behind the sliding window you get a spacious, well-equipped galley.

Based on our own experience of cooking on board, it is a well-thought-out solution: the kitchen fuss is hidden from the eyes of diners, smells do not spread throughout the yacht. Ventilation is carried out through the opening porthole. The galley has all the kitchen equipment needed, including stove, refrigerator, freezer, oven, sink with fresh and sea water supply, etc. There is enough space for storing kitchen utensils: in addition to floor cabinets, there are also cabinets under the ceiling.

Let's continue moving along cockloon. From the dining area there is a view of the control station in the center, and a seating area to the right of the chart table with a coffee table, a soft sofa and a chest of drawers for storing personal items. In the dining area you can also find many lockers. A large TV screen is a great addition to the possible entertainment on board.

A full-fledged chart table is equipped with all the necessary navigational devices, communications and indicators. Here the skipper can lay out a route, monitor the movement, display maps of the water area using a chartplotter, and also control the operation of all trimaran equipment by checking the indicators displayed on the navigator's panel. With the help of the autopilot, the skipper can control traffic from here without having to go up to the control stations on the flybridge.

On both sides of the navigation table and the recreation area, a descent opens into the cabins located in the buildings. There you can accommodate crew members, relatives or guests of the owner, as well as passengers if the trimaran is purchased by a charter company. In the forepeak of the central building there is also the possibility of setting up a double bed.

But before descending into the hulls, let's first examine the master cabin, because it is located on the same level, right behind the navigation post.

A large island bed with easy access is "facing" the porthole. Falling asleep and waking up, you can admire the fabulous sea sunsets and sunrises, and if this spectacle gets boring, lower the blinds. In addition to natural lighting, natural ventilation is also available to the inhabitants of this cabin.

Since the cabin is very spacious, here you will find plenty of storage space for clothes and all those things without which the cruise will not be comfortable enough for you. Large wardrobes for storing evening dresses and suits, drawers and small lockers, lots of shelves - you and your couple can not limit yourself in the selection of luggage for the cruise.

What unpleasantly surprised our expert, who check out the height of doorways and other parameters of a limited space, is the toilet room. Our 2-meter giant noted that with such a size of the trimaran, it could have more freedom, especially the shower.

After his words, we took turns entering the shower compartment and imitating the process of taking a shower - no one thought that the partitions were too small. We decided that our giant has been spoiled lately, and it's time to send him to test single-hull boats so that he remembers what a really cramped toilet room combined with a shower and a lavatory is.

And now it's time to go below deck, as we promised, to see how the cabins are located here. The trimaran we surveyed was intended for charter use, so there were double cabins in each hull as well as in the forepeak.

Remarkably, each of these cabins has its own bathroom with a shower. These cabins, of course, are not so abundantly equipped with storage space, but in everything else they are quite comfortable, including natural lighting. Bathrooms for each of these cabins are equipped with everything you need and are quite spacious.

With natural ventilation, of course, things are more problematic in these cabins for obvious reasons. When moving at high speed, water spray can even enter the open window of the master cabin, since when the trimaran rolls, the ama on the windward side lifts up in the air.

This 33 m² space makes a lasting impression when you first climb up to the flybridge. It seems that you will have to walk, walk and walk towards control posts... Is there a scooter included?

But our skipper coped without a scooter: he is simply drawn to the helm on any ship, and even more so on an unfamiliar one. As we were still examining the cabins in the hulls, our leader was already mastering the helm stations on the flybridge.

Dual helm stations are located on both sides of the mast. Here are the main winches with containers for halyards and sheets. But the working area is located so far from the relaxation area that the rest on the flybridge will not get you entangled in lines.

Another pair of winches is located behind the helmsman on both sides. It is unlikely that even an experienced skipper will manage alone with the control, when setting or changing sails, you cannot do without an assistant. Although practice has shown that our leader coped with this task – of course, he was insured by our entire team, but there was no need to interfere. As a result, we nevertheless agreed that it was better not to go out to sea on this trimaran alone. Even an inexperienced cruise partner can cope with the role of an assistant, subject to the skipper's solid practical experience.

Navigational instruments are placed on the control panel: compass, chartplotter, autopilot, thruster. Indicators of all yacht equipment, communications equipment are also displayed here, as well as gas-reverse switching levers.

The rest of the flybridge deck is used as a large sunbathing area as well as a dining area. Interestingly, the deck here has two levels, unlike the main one: the natural solarium and the dining area are both on a raised platform, which clearly separates the work and leisure areas.

Advantages of Neel 65

After conducting all the practical testing, we found two, in our opinion, significant shortcomings. The first we mentioned in the review is the lack of railings or handrails at the flybridge ladder and the general lack of them throughout the trimaran.

The second drawback is the sharp corners of almost all furniture, which reduces the level of comfortable stay on board. Given the lack of handrails, this can lead to injury to passengers and crew in strong waves and moving at high speed.

Other than that, the Neel 65 sailing trimaran retained all the advantages of Neel's DNA and at the same time became much more comfortable:

• high precision steering;
• centralized maneuvering, characterized by simplicity and ease with such significant dimensions;
• excellent balance, which the developers have achieved by centering the mass in the technical compartment located in the center of the vaka (middle hull);
• excellent indicators of seaworthiness and comfort for the crew;
• high performance for its weight even with standard package;
• increased performance in the Performance version with carbon mast, fabric standing rigging and hydrodynamic sails;
• a comfortable stay on board on a long autonomous cruise, which is provided by a single-level main deck with an owner's cabin, excellent natural light and ventilation, the ability to stock up on groceries and food for a long time.

Reviews of Neel 65 from Professionals

Here are excerpts from reviews of the Neel 65 trimaran from well-known yachting journalists from the leading yachting media. You can read their full reviews by clicking on the links to the pages of the respective websites.

The author from the Multihull World visited the trimaran production website at the shipyard in La Rochelle and together with managing director Eric Bruneel inspected the new Neel 65.

Kevin defined the Neel 65 in two words - luxury and performance. This fast cruiser is ideal not only for offshore cruising in a small company, but also for ARC rallies. Its light draft makes it ideal for the Caribbean coast.

The author of the review noted that the developers have provided a version for the owner and for charters. He described in detail the features of both versions.

The anchor chain is passed through a massive capstan, attached to the anchor on the bowsprit, and collected in a chain locker behind the ram bulkhead.

Describing the handling of the sails, Kevin noted that it is done with three Antal winches that control the main halyard and two main sheets. Hanging blocks at the end of the boom provide excellent control over the sail.

Having declared the high stability of the trimaran, the author explained that this was achieved by placing all heavy equipment and systems in the middle hull: generator, engine, water and fuel tanks, etc.

Engine power circuit allows servicing air conditioners, a watermaker and a generator.

To give the structure rigidity and reduce weight, special materials were used. The body is made of polyester with closed cell foam and PVC honeycomb sandwich. Structural integrity is also reinforced by three bulkheads in each ama.

The trimaran Neel 65 has good upwind speeds of 6 knots upwind at 40° in 10 knots and 10 knots by the wind at 150° in 15 knots using a gennaker.

Barche’s author tested the Neel 65 Evolution in La Rochelle, where the shipyard for the production of these trimarans is located.

He immediately appreciated that this 19-meter trimaran moves quickly under sail, and its smoothness exceeds that of catamarans.

Speaking about the dimensions of the yacht, Niccolò, with his usual humor, noted that comfort requires additional space.

The author confesses that he had never been on a trimaran with such cabins and was curious to know how different it was from a cat.

Niccolò was glad that the weather was suitable for his meeting with Neel 65 with a wind speed of at least 15 knots and a small wave up to 40 cm high.

The author reports that in such a wind the trimaran sailed at a speed of about 9 knots, but as soon as the wind increased to 18 knots, the Neel 65 sailed at a constant speed of at least 10 knots.

The author enjoyed the trip and admitted that he prefers the Neel 65 Evolution because the catamaran never rolls. Unlike a cat, a trimaran's windward hull is always above the water, but without a dangerous extreme.

Niccolò noted that he was disappointed with the feel of the hydraulic steering wheel, which he found to be quite stiff.

In conclusion, the author advised to avoid tacking, remembering that you are on board a large houseboat.

Video Reviews of Neel 65

In the meantime, we already got to the section in which we provide the most informative videos on Neel 65 that we could find online.

Let’s start from Neel Trimarans themselves – who else can make such an inspiring teaser:

Moving on to a more in-depth walkthrough of the trimaran:

Even longer tour around the boat, which sailing footage included:

Another high-quality review from the shipyard:

And, finally, short and sweet tour from International Multihull Boat Show 2019:

Neel 65, a very spacious three-hull sailing yacht, thanks to her design, cabin layout options and excellent seaworthiness, can successfully meet the needs of different categories of yachtsmen and entrepreneurs whose business is related to cruising. Our research has shown that Neel 65 trimaran is perfect for:

• all lovers of offshore navigation;
• those who want a vacation at sea in comfortable conditions;
• yachtsmen who do not want to lose their sailing skills, with various sailing wardrobe options available;
• lovers of a long stay away from the coast together with a significant other;
• wishing to provide their family with a comfortable and safe cruise;
• a group of yachtsmen who decided to club together in order to buy the Neel 65, as it expands the capabilities of a double-hull and even more so a single-hull vessel, and can satisfy the needs of yachtsmen with different preferences in sailing.

For the charter version, in addition to the double cabin on the main deck, there are 4 more double cabins in the hulls and forepeak. Together with the possibility to arrange a double place in the dining area of the main deck gives us 12 beds. As for the rest of the passengers, from the descriptions above and the photo you could see that the trimaran can easily accommodate up to 30 people, if you take into account all the seating on the main deck and flybridge. A great opportunity to arrange a fun party for passengers and their guests at the berth in the marina!

It is clear that such a non-standard boat will attract many who want to test its capabilities. So, renting it out is a great way to earn profit from this amazing trimaran.

Price calculator

Where to buy neel 65 trimaran at a bargain price.

The trimaran is really not the cheapest, but if you are reading these lines now, then you already know where to buy the Neel 65 at a bargain price. Just take advantage of the topRik marketplace and contact our experts. Each of them is an experienced yachtsman and will give you comprehensive advice on all issues that have arisen. In addition to free consultations after signing the contract, we undertake the following obligations:

• search for trimaran Neel 65 at a bargain price;
• negotiating with the manufacturer or reliable dealers on queuing for the purchase of a trimaran;
• sequence tracking;
• control over the layout of the trimaran in accordance with your requirements;
• registration of all necessary documentation - a contract of sale, insurance, customs clearance, etc.;
• driving the trimaran to the agreed delivery point.

You can order maintenance of Neel 65 from us for any period and for various reasons: routine inspections, seasonal preparation, winterizing for short-term or long-term storage, etc. You are guaranteed a place in our marinas upon arrival in Croatia.

If you do not have an official skipper qualification, you can take a “International Bareboat Skipper” course at SimpleSail’s yachting school , which is an official partner of IYT Worldwide. Our Bareboat Skipper qualification will allow you to automatically receive the ICC - International Certificate of Competence.

Captain Lo 21.05.2023, 20:26

You mixed up square feet with meters for the sail surface….

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Sailboat Review: Neel 43 Trimaran

• By Mark Pillsbury
• April 12, 2023

Once the Boat of the Year team was aboard the Neel 43 trimaran and we had the sails set, it didn’t take me long to find my sweet spot. You know, the place you want to sit and watch the miles fly by as the hulls slice through the waves. Nearly every boat I’ve sailed has one, though sometimes it’s hard to find.

But not on the Neel.

With my fellow judges at work at the raised helm station, I stepped from the wheel onto the wide starboard side deck, took a couple of steps down into the ­cockpit, and wandered into the brightly lit salon where the door to the owner’s cabin was open, as though beckoning in a visitor. Inside, I sat on the edge of the fore-and-aft double berth, set a hand on the bunk, and leaned over to gaze out the long horizontal window, imagining coming off watch and lying there to drift off to sleep. Or waking up in some exotic anchorage, with morning sunlight streaking in. Even dockside, during our preliminary inspection of the boat and a briefing with Neel founder Eric Bruneel, that was the space that caught my eye.

On the inboard side of the stateroom, a long horizontal glass panel covered by an ­adjustable shade looks in toward the center of the boat and over the inline galley ­located on the salon’s starboard side. Forward, there are more windows that let you look ahead at where you’re ­going. Aft, a light-colored wood bulkhead separates the cabin from the head compartment at the rear of the salon. With storage outboard of the berth, it’s a well-laid-out space for living aboard.

Described by Bruneel as a “fast cruiser,” the Neel 43 is designed to sail comfortably at 9 to 10 knots and knock off 250-mile trade-wind days. That description wasn’t far off, from what we saw the day we went sailing on Chesapeake Bay, right after the close of the United States Sailboat Show in Annapolis , Maryland. The wind was light when set out, only about 8 knots, but we hustled right along upwind at 6 to 7 knots with the twin-headsail rig’s smaller inner jib set. Later, with the reaching sail rolled out in just a bit more breeze, we added a knot or more. During my trick on the wheel, I spotted 8.2 knots on the speedo for a spell.

And the sailing was easy, thanks to the buoyancy of the leeward hull that minimizes heel, and the fact that all the weight—engine, tanks, pumps and filters—is located low in the center hull. That, combined with the interior space made possible by spreading accommodations over three hulls, is what makes these trimarans comfortable at sea, Bruneel says.

Neel builds its trimarans at its yard in La Rochelle, France. The 43 is the smallest model in a five-boat range that goes up to 65 feet. The 43 is a Marc Lombard design.

Hulls and deck are made of resin-infused fiberglass with foam coring to save weight. Where practical in nonstructural areas, the yard uses natural fibers such as linen and cork rather than fiberglass, in a push toward greener boatbuilding. 

The fit-and-finish of the boat we looked at in Annapolis was noteworthy. The cockpit has a table to port with an L-shaped seating area outboard and aft, located under the Bimini top. To starboard is a grill built into the transom, as well as a cushioned lounging area beneath the helm station.

A wall of glass, with a large opening door and window, spans the aft side of the wide cabin, whose other three sides are lined with ports so that from the interior, one has nearly 360-degree visibility.

A second table is located just inside the salon, to port, also with L-shaped seating. Outboard of it, there’s a guest cabin, separated from the salon by another glass partition. 

An additional seating area and nav station equipped with a B&G chart plotter, displays, autopilot control and radio are far forward on the port side of the salon, with the well-appointed galley opposite. A third crew cabin is four steps down, in the forepeak of the center hull. 

Beneath the main hull’s sole is an equipment room providing excellent access to the motor (a 50 hp Volvo with saildrive), steering ­quadrant, systems and electrical ­boxes—a true engine room, which is hard to find on a boat in this size range. 

“It had absolutely the best service access to systems of all the boats we looked at this year,” Boat of the Year judge Ed Sherman noted. 

Topside, broad side decks make it easy to move about. There is a wide seat at the helm, with room for three. All sail-control lines run across the cabin top to a bank of line clutches and a pair of winches, all from Antal, that are easily reached while steering. Singlehanding the Neel would not be a problem. 

The boat in Annapolis sported an Intracoastal Waterway-friendly 62-foot aluminum spar; a carbon-fiber rig is an option. The boat also came equipped with three 170-watt solar panels and a bow thruster. Loaded with gear, it carried a price tag of $575,000.

Overall, I thought that the Neel’s open-living layout would be just fine for a couple who might have occasional guests aboard for a passage, or a small family with children out for an extended cruise. But I’ll give Boat of the Year judge Herb McCormick the last word here: “It was a remarkably fun and exciting boat to sail, a light and lovely helm. Eric Bruneel has amply demonstrated that if you’re looking to go the multihull route, a trimaran is a viable alternative to a cat.” 

Neel 43 Trimaran Specifications

Mark Pillsbury, Boat of the Year judge and CW editor-­at-large, is a die-hard sailor who has owned a number of sailboats, including a Sabre 34, on which he lived for 15 years.

• More: neel trimarans , Print April 2023 , Sailboat Reviews , Sailboats , trimaran
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Neel 51's main features

• 2018: European Yacht of the Year: Multihulls
• 2018: Multihull of the Year: Over 50 feet
• 2018: SAIL magazine - Best Large Multihull 51ft and Above

Neel 51's main dimensions

Neel 51's rig and sails, neel 51's performances, neel 51's auxiliary engine, neel 51's accommodations and layout.

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• NEEL 52 Trimaran

The new NEEL 52 sailing trimaran is a brand-new concept by famed French designer Marc Lombard, who is also responsible for the NEEL 43 and NEEL 47 designs. The new NEEL 52 multihull is replacing the highly successful NEEL 51 cruising yacht of which over 40 units have been crafted.

Improved Performance & More Volume

The NEEL 52 trimaran has some dynamic improvements in her hull design. The boat’s central hull features a deep rocker for quick maneuvers and great load bearing characteristics. The trimaran’s fine amas help tracking, greatly improving stability and upwind speed. This all results in a quick sailing yacht that can already sail at wind speed at under 8 knots of breeze. This is a feat that hardly any other multihull with the same volume can achieve. The boat’s sailing systems are cleverly laid out in such a way that one person can easily sail, reef and maneuver the boat.

Luxurious Interior &  Open Design Philosophy

Her interior is cavernous, a mix of luxurious spaces and modern, clean styling. Order your NEEL 52  in 2 different Versions. Choose between the trademark master cabin or having a cavernous chef- galley with an adjacent bar on the main deck. Both versions can be configured with various number of staterooms in the amas. The new NEEL 52 also features the expansive salon/cockpit (Cockloon) as well as the large systems and engine room under the main deck. Weight centering and access to maintain machinery has always been at the heart of NEEL’s design philosophy.

Environmentally Conscious 21’st Century Sailing Machine

High-tech built at NEEL’s state of the art production facility the NEEL 52 trimaran is crafted using a hybrid composite construction, utilizing carbon in high stress areas. The yard is also environmentally conscious. Consequently it uses PET recycled foam as a core and epoxy based Isophthalic resins. For safety, the boat carries the highest offshore Category-A ECC certification.

Whether living aboard or shorthanded family circumnavigating, we think she is one of the best cruising sailing yachts on the market. Experience the NEEL 52. She combines the best aspects of a monohull and catamaran.

Low Profile Flybridge. Exceptional Shorthanded Yacht

The new NEEL 52 has a true flybridge with proper seating and forward sun lounge . The helmsman can communicate both with the guests on the flybridge as well as friends in the cockpit and galley below. Just as on the smaller Neels, the NEEL 52 trimaran centralizes its running rigging to the helm. Reefing, furling and raising sails, as well as tacking, sail adjustments and anchoring are all accomplished without even leaving the safety of your helm seat. Yes, you can even tack by pushing a button…

Discover the NEEL trimaran models

Contact Aeroyacht to reserve your exclusive private tour with the NEEL factory in La Rochelle, France. Aeroyacht will provide you with an in depth look at all phases of construction and design of this innovative trimaran. We will organize “meet and greets” with the principals of the Neel Company, sit down to define your personal Neel as well as test sail on a NEEL trimaran.

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Three hulls, one planet: Neel 51 owner explains how he went self-sustainable

• May 28, 2020

A Swiss sailor and organic farmer has customised his Neel 51 to prove that boats can be completely self-sustaining. Sam Fortescue reports

Wolf chose a Neel 51 trimaran for speed and comfort

Bluewater sailing stories usually start with someone who has been around boats all their life. But not this one. A Swiss man who goes only by the name ‘Wolf’ freely admits he came late to the sailing party when he started to spec out a new Neel 51 trimaran in 2016.

“I came to the boating world in an accident of life after a medical problem that made me think about how to spend the rest of my life,” he tells me before listing his new aspirations. “The first one was living on a boat, like a child’s dream.”

Coming to boat ownership without any of the preconceptions or traditional constraints that inform many of our choices, Wolf knew straight away that he wanted a multihull . “I wanted a fast and comfortable boat,” he says. But he also wanted something a bit more than that. “I wanted autonomy and environmental sustainability.”

Plans for sustainable sailing include growing crops on board as well as making use of zero carbon renewable energy

This is where Wolf’s story takes a really interesting turn, because he wasn’t prepared to settle for standard ‘greening’ measures such as synthetic teak decks or a few solar panels . “Usually with boats, your life is based on a diesel engine . I thought ‘I’m not prepared to be dependent on fossil fuels’.”

So he looked at the design of a boat’s systems in a fundamental way to determine how he could live aboard with the lowest possible carbon footprint. It led him to develop his own straightforward solutions to harvesting fresh water, electric propulsion , growing food on board and managing waste – all interconnected.

“I didn’t want to do a concept boat, just one that I agreed with and understood,” he says. Now he wants to use his experience to prove to boatbuilders and other sailors that boating doesn’t have to pollute.

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Going electric

The first thing was to install an alternative to the standard 75hp Volvo engine of the Neel 51. “An electric motor seemed to be promising because I could also produce that energy as I went along,” Wolf says.

After some research, he decided to install a 50kW Deep Blue electric motor from Torqeedo to drive the boat, hooked up to six i8 lithium batteries , each containing 10kWh of energy. These batteries have their own dedicated shelves in the mechanical space usually given over to the diesel engine.

As is possible with all electric drives, the prop can generate electricity as the boat sails to recharge the batteries and run house loads, like the induction hob, electric cooker and the instruments. “I made some calculations and strangely it was quite easy to produce enough energy to cover all my needs. The Torqeedo system should produce 1kW at around 7-8 knots boat speed.

Engineroom space is mostly given over to batteries

“It could be much more, though, so I am also considering an independent hydrogenerator that you could lift out of the water when you don’t need it. This would be interesting because then there is more power available at a slower speed.”

Solar panels naturally cover part of his overall power equation, with the potential to dwarf the generating capacity of the propeller. He reckons that his 3kW of flexible DAS panels glued to the coachroof can generate 6-13kWh per day and estimates his demand to be 8kWh. The final piece of the jigsaw is two wind turbines that will help charge the batteries day and night.

Getting supplies of fresh water on board is a regular chore for bluewater cruisers. Most boats will install a watermaker to free them somewhat from the tyranny of the water tank and provide peace of mind in case of unexpectedly long passages.

Harvesting and waste recycling systems conserve water

Wolf has also put in a watermaker, a Katadyn PowerSurvivor 40E capable of producing five litres per hour. After all, he, “didn’t want to make any compromise on safety on board, or on comfort. I want to live on the boat for long periods of the year.”

Saving water

But the watermaker is a back-up – there just in case. He tries not to use it. “I didn’t want to depend on a watermaker, because it’s a very complex piece of technology,” he explains. “Desalination puts brine back into the sea, which contributes to the eutrophication of the marine environment. What’s more, they require a lot of energy, usually fossil fuels, reducing the range of the boat and increasing its environmental impact.”

His solution was to turn to a system that has been keeping mariners in fresh water since man first took to the sea: rainwater collection. By installing a small fiddle around the edge of the coachroof, which drains to a central point, it is easy to collect, filter and store fresh water.

Solar panels are used for electricity and heating water, while a fiddle surrounding the coachroof collects rainwater

By the simple expedient of rejecting the first few minutes’ worth of water, all the salt and any impurities caught by the sails or the coachroof are purged, he says. The first yard he approached just looked at him blankly when he outlined his project, but Neel was more responsive, readying the boat for all his subsequent modifications.

Wolf is an organic farmer in his other life, and also plans to grow food aboard Noos . He will make use of the “many wasted spaces” on the boat and apply intensive indoor growing techniques to cultivate simple greens such as lettuce, radish and herbs, as well as courgettes, tomatoes and even aubergine.

“As an organic farmer, I know it’s possible to produce quite a lot in a very small space,” he says. “My expectation is to cover the vegetable needs for four people all year round. This requires selecting the right vegetables, and always starting the next crop before the old crop is finished.”

Corridors between cabins have built-in troughs that are lined with plastic, troughs are then filled with a lightweight soil growing medium so lettuce, radish, herbs, courgettes and tomatoes can be grown

Special racks fill the corridor between the cabins, and what would normally be guest heads in the outer hulls. They are lined with a kind of plastic to keep the lightweight ‘soil’ and water in. Then a perforated fabric is buttoned over the top of the plants to stop things coming loose in rough conditions. Wolf has laid 400 litres of soil.

Some further adjustments will be necessary – such as removing the anti-UV coating on some hatches and windows, to allow the plants to photosynthesise. He plans to install some additional hatches to bring in more natural light, and top the whole system up with greenhouse-standard LED lighting as needed. The darker nooks and crannies will be perfect for growing mushrooms, he says.

Waste disposal

Of course, boats don’t just take on supplies; they also have to get rid of waste. And here again Wolf has some novel ideas. Already a mandatory feature on superyachts , water treatment systems are a key part of Noos ’ equipment.

Button-down covers reflect light and help keep soil in place around the plants

By keeping so-called black water separate from other wastewater, it is possible to filter and reuse the grey water from showers and basins. This is re-circulated in a closed system that supplies the vacuum heads (which flush with just 0.2 litres), washing machine and showers – everything except for drinking water, in fact. In this way, around 75% of grey water is recycled.

All organic waste on board, whether from cooking, growing food or from the black water system, is collected in a Clivus composter containing woodchip and worms. This produces a rich humus and liquid compost, which will be applied to the growing racks as organic fertiliser. “The waste that goes overboard is biologically neutral,” Wolf insists. “It can produce bad smells when the black water arrives in the composting tank, but a carbon filter solves that problem completely.”

Despite all of this renewable technology and the sustainable systems, Wolf has also put in a diesel-powered generator from Torqeedo. “Its advantage is to store a great amount of energy for a long period, which can be given up instantly on demand,” he admits with a sigh. “At the end it’s always about security.”

From boat garden to galley… produce doesn’t have to travel far

The aim is not to use the system at all, but he knows that may not be possible. “There may be some conditions in which you really need power and you haven’t generated enough – when you have cloudy weather without wind, for instance. During two weeks off Palma de Mallorca, I didn’t use the generator at all and from my calculations, I shouldn’t need it. With just 4-6 hours of sailing per day, I should still be able to do 1-2 hours with electric propulsion.”

For high-latitude sailing, he plans to install a small Refleks-style woodburning stove. “Burning driftwood, which is abundant on many beaches, offers a source of complementary energy. Depending on where it is positioned on board, it can also be used for cooking.”

The cost of pioneering

Wolf calculates that his modifications may have cost an extra €120,000 compared to a standard diesel-powered boat. But he believes that lower maintenance and almost no fuel costs will help to amortise the difference. “ Noos is maybe the first boat to fully integrate that new approach; so let’s bet on the fact that in a few years, the systems will cost a lot less and that the difference will be smaller and smaller,” he says. “In the end, it may be even cheaper than a diesel-based boat.”

Noos is novice sailor Wolf’s first yacht

He plans to refine his systems during the coming season in the Mediterranean , before striking out to sail across the Atlantic and explore the Caribbean . And though he’s fulfilling his dream of living aboard, he has a more serious purpose too: to showcase a sustainable way of sailing. It is all in line with the concept of ‘noos’ or awareness, which he has embraced.

“We as humanity have knowledge about everything, from particle reactions to the limits of the universe. Yet we are not able to solve some very simple issues like water and food for everyone, and an ethical society. What is missing is awareness. Noos means rationality, intelligence. The boat is a materialisation of that concept.”

Noos, or ‘nous’ as the Anglo-Saxon world styles it, is a concept from Greek philosophy that refers to the ability of the human mind to understand what is true or real. These days, Wolf and others use it to describe the sharing of information and awareness to break down silo mentality and solve the problems facing humanity.

He is launching a website called ‘Permaboat’, which will detail the systems he has developed to reduce the environmental impact of sailing, and he plans to use his boat as demonstrator. There will be seminars and practical events aimed at spreading his findings more widely.

But he hopes that his example will reach further than just the sailing world. “We won’t change agriculture by bringing agriculture on a boat. But what it will show is that we can use a small space for growing; if it applies to a boat, it could also apply in a city.

“In a closed cell and a hostile environment, it is possible to feed people. Imagine if half of every urban roof space was planted? And if we collected rainwater in cities?”

About the owner

Although Wolf recalls a few minor brushes with sailing when he was growing up, he’d be the first to admit that he has very little experience. The 52-year-old pursued other interests, running an organic farm near the Swiss-French border and an IT security business, until a health scare brought him to the sea.

He chose a trimaran from Neel because he felt it combined the safety of a monohull with the comfort of a multi. He took delivery of Noos in June 2019 and hired professional skipper Timothé Bruneel, the son of the yard’s founders, to get him up to speed during the four month cruise round to Palma. Since then he has lived sporadically on board as he finishes fitting out the boat.

First published in the May 2020 edition of Yachting World.

NEEL Trimaran Problems And Is It Worth It?

The best trimaran features exceptional stability and resistance. NEEL Trimaran has some excellent products that ensure smooth sailing over the seaways. 

Moreover, NEEL Trimaran offers a wide hull that maintains the balance between resistance and stability. The massive hull ensures ninety percent of the boat’s buoyancy and balance.

The two notable advantages of NEEL Trimaran are high speed and a large deck area. Besides, other unique features separate NEEL Trimaran from other top brands. 

However, NEEL Trimaran has also faced criticism for some major problems in its construction. Some significant issues of NEEL Trimaran are discussed in this article. 

Issues with NEEL Trimaran 

You acquired some brief ideas about the NEEL Trimaran from the introduction. Now it’s time to discuss some of its significant drawbacks in detail.

• Leakage Problem 

One of the core problems of every trimaran, including NEEL is its leakage system. Customers have often faced hassle while fixing the damage in the middle of the sea. 

The ultra-light leakage and sewage system make it difficult for the boatman to control the heavy water pumps. As a result, the system often bursts out and causes leakage problems. 

Therefore, you must check the sewage line and other fittings of NEEL Trimaran before purchasing the product. Otherwise, you might face severe casualties in the middle of your journey. 

Also Read: Differences Between Stingray And Sea Ray Boats .

• Structural Damage 

The second problem of NEEL Trimaran is its framework and construction. The lightweight materials and wooden decks have less durability and endurance capability. 

As a result, you might face unwanted crises like leakage problems and an imbalance of the windshield. Besides, the irregular surface of NEEL Trimaran breaks down easily by hitting a massive rock of similar substances. 

Therefore, you should consult an experienced engineer before purchasing the NEEL Trimana. 

• Electronic Malfunction 

NEEL trimarans have a few genuine detractors that cause electronic malfunction inside the vehicle. Due to such complexity, you might need to bear extra repair costs and purchase other electronic tools. 

Moreover, you might need help maintaining the whole deck and the current supply of NEEL trimaran. Overall, the process is quite hectic, and you may require a lot of handing hands to install the whole machine. 

Hence, checking the product’s specifications thoroughly before purchasing will be wise. 

• Lack of Experience 

Trimanas are comparatively new to the seaway vehicle market. Therefore, it lacks the advanced technology and touch of modernism. 

You will hardly find any trimarans for commercial use. Most of the products are used for military purposes. Such lack of exposure causes a hint of weariness among the operators. 

Therefore, you must consult or take an expert before using the NEEL trimaran. 

You have to worry about your bill if you purchase NEEL trimarans. Due to excess design and specifications, you have to bear the heavy expense. 

NEEL trimaran’s cross deck requires a lengthy design process that will eat a lot of money. Moreover, you must purchase a few extra materials to construct the boat. 

After including the installation cost, you must hire an expert for the final examination. Overall, that’s an expensive process. 

You can avoid the problems mentioned above through regular inspections, proper maintenance, and timely repair. 

Is NEEL Trimaran Worth It?

Even though NEEL trimarans have some drawbacks, it also provides numerous benefits. The exclusive and unique features of NEEL trimaran make it worth all your money.

• Excellent High Speed 

When it comes to high-speed trimarans, NEEL trimarans have ensured a good reputation in the market. 

NEEL trimarans have recorded about 10 knots of cruising speed, and the vehicle can achieve 200 nautical miles quickly. 

In addition, when the breeze is fast, the NEEL trimaran has recorded 15 to 18 knots of cruising speed. This proves the high-speed capability of the vehicle compared to other top brands. 

• Seakeeping Capability 

The long length of the NEEL trimaran is helpful for seakeeping.

You can reduce the pitch motion and chances of slamming by using the narrow center hull. 

Moreover, the side amas reduce roll motions and help the trimaran to keep balance in rough situations.

They also add stiffness to the vehicle to prevent roll motion. 

Together NEEL trimaran has the best construction for seakeeping capabilities. 

• Large Deck Area

NEEL trimaran has a unique desk design that enables a large area for your convenience. There is a vast space between the main hull and the side amas that ensures the longevity of NEEL trimarans. 

Compared to catamarans, NEEL trimarans provide enough space for comfort and safe travel. 

• Damage Survival 

NEEL trimaran may cause leakage problems and structural damage. However, the product also has a fast solution for its damage survival. 

The side amas of NEEL trimarans provide superior protection to the center hull, and the cross deck helps the survivors by storing massive reserves. 

The cross deck becomes a large barge during any catastrophe that supports the entire ship’s weight. Due to this reserve buoyancy, you can sail along the shores with peace of mind. 

If you are sailing on a catamaran, chances are you might face severe accidents due to its instability. NEEL trimarans are safe regarding full stability and balance. 

The submerging amas of NEEL trimarans ensure the total stability of the boat so that you can enjoy a safe sailing experience. 

Also Read: Comparing Hunter 260 With MacGregor 26 Sailboat .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Yes, despite some drawbacks, NEEL trimarans offer plenty of benefits and advantages that will ease your sailing experience. 

You can beach a NEEL trimaran to protect your children and pets while sailing. 

A trimaran is safer than a catamaran in rough seas and oceans. 

NEEL trimarans have recorded around 10 knots of cruising speed, which makes them fast trimarans. 

Conclusion 

To sum it up, knowing about the NEEL trimaran problems will help you to take the necessary precautions before purchasing the product. 

Besides the drawbacks, NEEL trimarans offer plenty of benefits and exceptional features. 

You can place your bets on the NEEL trimaran to enjoy a long-lasting sailing experience.

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