trimaran racing boat

Free Shipping in the US on Orders $75+

• 1-888-609-2827

Item added to your cart

The Complete List of Trimarans

There is no single trimaran that is best for everyone. Where some prefer luxury cruisers for long trips with family and friends, others might opt for a high performance racing tri for thrilling rides at breakneck speeds. With the recent spike in trimaran popularity, these days there is a perfect tri for every sailor. So to help prospective trimaran owners decide which boat is just right for them, we here at WindRider have put together a comprehensive list of the best trimarans on the market today! Read through for simple at-a-glance trimaran comparisons of boats both big and small, exhilarating and relaxing, and for all price points.

Jump to a specific sailing trimaran: Neel Weta Corsair WindRider Dragonfly Catri Astus Hobie Sea Pearl Farrier Sea Cart Multi 23 Triak SeaRail Warren Lightcraft Diam Radikal Challenger

Known for their award-winning luxury trimarans,   NEEL   is based in La Rochelle, the capital city of sailing in France. NEEL trimarans are built for fast cruising with an average cruising speed of about 10 knots, and are even configured to facilitate that sustained speed under motor propulsion. The NEEL 45 was notably named Cruising World’s Most Innovative Vessel in 2013, and by all accounts is an easy-to-sail, high performance boat that is just plain fun.

At a glance:

Models: NEEL 45, 65

Length: 45’ – 65’

Cost:   $$$$$

Use: Luxury cruiser

A fan favorite,   Weta trimarans   are fast, stable, and remarkably easy to rig. This single-sailor tri has a capacity of up to three, and the ease with which it can be transported and stored makes this a great, versatile boat for beginners. The Weta was named Sailing World’s 2010 Boat of the Year, and one ride is enough to know why: simply put, the Weta is an absolute ton of fun to sail regardless of skill level.

Models: Weta

Length: 14’5”

Cost:   $$ $$$

The high-end   Corsair trimaran   definitely holds its own in the categories of versatility, performance, and convenience. Boasting a rigging time of 30 minutes from trailer to sailor ,   the Corsair 42 – whose convenient folding amas makes trailering possible – is a simple option even for single sailors, though cabin space is suitable for two adults. These boats are wicked fast, capable of reaching speeds of 20+ knots, and were made for skilled sailors seeking solid construction and high performance vessels, not for beginners.

Models: Pulse 600, Sprint 750 MKII, Dash 750 MKII, Corsair 28, Cruze 970, Corsair 37, Corsair 42

Length: 19’8” – 37’

Cost:   $$$$ $

Use: Sports cruisers

Built for the sailor who wants to maximize the joys of sailing while minimizing any hassle, WindRider trimarans are notoriously fast, very safe, and a blast to sail from start to finish. With several models that can hold between 1 and 6 riders, including adaptive designs to allow participation from sailors of all levels of mobility, there’s something to suit every sailor’s needs. The WindRider 17, an exhilarating ride perfect for families or camper sailors, has been known to reach speeds of up to 20mph. This easy day sailor goes from trailer to sailing in under 30 minutes and is sure to fit in perfectly with whatever adventures you have planned.

Models: WR 16, 17, Tango, Rave V

Length: 10’11” – 18’3”

Cost:   $ $$$$

Use: Day sailor

The Danish-built   Dragonfly   trimarans come in a variety of models ranging from 25’ – 35’, all known for their spry performance, comfortable ride, and ease of use. Every model comes equipped with the unique “SwingWing” feature, a motorized system that can unfold the amas even while the boat is already underway – making it accessible to marinas and slips, and even makes trailering possible. Perfect for those who don’t want to sacrifice their comfort for high performance, the Dragonfly can breeze along at 13 knots while remaining one of the quietest compact cruisers out there.

Models: Dragonfly 25, 28, 32, 35, 1200

Length: 25’ – 39’

Designed for both safe cruising as well as for high speed racing,   Catri trimarans   will make your day. Especially noteworthy is the Catri 25, a stable yet wildly fast foiling trimaran with accommodations for up to 6 people. With profiles optimized for speeds of 25+ knots when foiling, this is no beginner’s sailboat. The special attention paid to stability in the foil design allows the Catri to be a single sailor vessel, even at foiling speed, with no special physical abilities. Whether you’re taking a small crew for longer rides at shuddering speeds or bringing the whole family along for a shorter, but still thrilling sail, the Catri is truly one of a kind.

Models: Catri 25

Length: 25’

Use: Cruiser/racer

A popular brand of trimaran in Europe,   Astus   has recently made its way to the US market to the delight of sailors on this side of the pond. Designed to offer maximum pleasure with minimum hassle, all models of Astus trimarans are fast to set up, quick on the water, inherently stable, and always a joy to sail. Their outriggers are mounted on telescopic tubes for easy stowage and towing, and can even be extended and retracted on the water for access to narrow passageways and monohull slips in marinas. With models in all sizes and price points, Astus trimarans are a great option for any sailor.

Models: Astus 16.5, 18.2, 20.2, 22, 24

Cabin: Some models

Length: 16’ – 24’

Use: Sport cruisers

HOBIE ADVENTURE ISLAND

Great for beginners and adventurers alike, the   Hobie Mirage Adventure Island   series is nothing if not just plain fun. With the option to use as a kayak or as a very basic trimaran, the Hobie is transportable, versatile, unintimidating, lightweight, and wonderfully affordable. The pedal system known as “Mirage Drive” allows a person to pedal the kayak using their legs for an extra kick of movement in slow winds. Amas tuck close to the main hull for docking or car-topping, adding serious ease and convenience to the exhilarating experience of the Hobie.

Models: Hobie Mirage Adventure Island, Mirage Tandem Island

Length: 16’7” – 18’6”

Use: Convertible kayak/trimarans

Best known for its use in camp cruising excursions, the   Sea Pearl   offers a roomy main hull and particular ability to sail in very shallow waters, making beaching and launching a breeze. The lightweight Sea Pearl trimaran is easy to tow, and the larger-than-expected cabin opens this vessel up for overnight adventures with plenty of storage space. The simple design makes the Sea Pearl notoriously low maintenance, and the ease it takes to rig and sail it add to the overall delight of owning this boat.

Models: Sea Pearl

Length: 21’

Use: Camper cruiser

Quick, lightweight, roomy, and trailerable,   Farrier trimarans   are made for versatility to fit every sailor’s needs. Different Farrier models are available in plan or kit boat form for those who appreciate building their boat themselves, but of course, also as the full production sail-away boat for the rest of us. Single-handed rigging and launching takes under 10 minutes from start to finish, minimizing hassle and getting you on the water fast. All non-racing Farrier designs use a minimum wind capsize speed of 30 knots or more to ensure safety for all those aboard. Add the roomy cabin and high speed capabilities to the equation and you’ve got a boat that is great fun for everyone.

Models:   F-22, 24, 25, 82, 27, 28, 31, 9A, 9AX, 9R, 32, 33, 33R, 33ST, 36, 39, 41, 44R

Length: 23’ – 39’4”

Cost:   $$$ $$

Use: Sport cruisers/racers

One of the biggest names in the game,   SeaCart   is internationally noted for its high performance trimarans that far exceed expectations for a production boat of its size. The SeaCart trimaran performs as brilliantly off the water as it does on with its super-light and efficient harbor folding system, making light work of trailering. Notoriously easy to manage and maintain, the SeaCart 26 One Design is the ultimate day racing trimaran, designed for both course and inshore/coastal distance racing. Absolutely worth the international buzz it has garnered, the SeaCart is a thrill from beginning to end.

Models:   SeaCart 26

Length: 26’

A high performance racer class, the   Multi 23   is a lightweight, powerful trimaran known for its wicked speed of up to 25 knots. Multi trimarans of both available configurations were designed to give beach cat thrills and speed without any of the stability or seaworthy concerns. Open ocean sailing is no issue for the Multi’s big bows, which do their job to keep her stable. Built for sailors with a need for speed, the Multi makes a perfect weekend boat for racers, especially those with a taste for boat camping.

Models:   Multi 23

Length: 23’

Another dual outrigger sailing kayak/canoe design,   the Triak trimaran   was designed to be effortless and fun, especially for beginners. Paddle the kayak with sails furled, use the foot pedals for an extra kick of momentum, or sail with just the mainsail – the only boat in its class to feature an asymmetrical spinnaker – for exhilarating speeds and a blast on the water. Car-top the Triak anywhere for a quick sail or plan for a week long expedition, but always count on having a great time on this easy little boat.

Models:   Triak

Length: 18’

Use: Convertible kayak/trimaran

SeaRail trimarans   are known for being affordable, light weight, trailerable trimarans that offer the perfect combination of exciting and relaxing experiences to a wide range of sailors. Whether it’s day sailing with your family, resort or camper sailing, SeaRail trimarans are ideal leisure vessels. Leave the hassle to the other boats – the SeaRail takes you from trailer to sailor in 15 minutes. But don’t let its reputation as a leisure tri fool you: if speed is what you want, rest assured that the SeaRail can deliver that as well.

Models:   SeaRail 19

WARREN LIGHTCRAFT

Warren Lightcraft trimarans , another example of a convertible kayak-to-sailboat option, are known for their aesthetically pleasing designs that are also, as the name implies, very light for simple transportation and ease of use. Convert the kayak into a fast, high performance sailboat in just minutes, fly around on the waves all day long, then simply car-top the 68lb Warren for a maximum enjoyment, low-hassle day on the water. Perfect for sailors and paddlers of all skill levels, the Warren Lightcraft is the best of both worlds and an absolute joy to sail.

Models:   Warren Lightcraft

Length: 15’6”

Built strictly with racing in mind,   the Diam 24   is a light, powerful one-design class trimaran and a notoriously exceptional performer. Boasting blistering speeds of up to 30 knots, Diam trimarans are not intended for beginners. For racers who crave the very best in terms of intense speeds, smooth handling and impeccable performance, the Diam is the red-hot one-design racing tri for you.

Models:   Diam 24

Length: 24’

For the sailor who prefers the finer things in life, the   Radikal 26   delivers. Perfect for bringing the whole family out for a day on the water, this high performance, trailerable sailing trimaran strikes the most luxurious balance between quicksilver speeds and a smooth, comfortable ride. The Radikal 26 trimaran is as convenient to transport and set up as it is pleasant to sail, with a folding system that minimizes rigging hassle and also makes this a trailerable tri. Built for a fast and comfortable sail rather than a hold-onto-your-seats thrill, one-the-water safety and overall pleasure makes the Radikal 26 what it is.

Models:   Radikal 26

Use: Sport cruiser

A solidly-built, single-handed trimaran, the Challenger also doubles as an adaptive design – meaning it is made to accommodate sailors of all levels of physical mobility. Best suited to lakes, the Challenger is a very safe, seaworthy boat for sailors of all ages and experience levels. Add to this the ease of owning, transporting and maintaining the Challenger trimaran and what you get is a simple, fun sailboat perfect both for beginners and those seeking a cheap thrill alike.

Models:   Challenger

At a glance comparison:

Did we miss one? Let us know. Tell us what you sail and what you like about each boat in the comments below.

Suggested Products

Related articles, astus 20.2 in the mug race.

Here is a submission by one of our Astus 20.2 owners.

The Mug race is a very popular sailboat race in North East Florida. It has been organized for well over a half decade by the Rudder Club. It is...

WindRider Supports Adaptive Sailing in Sandusky Ohio

WindRider is proud to support the ongoing efforts of   Adaptive Adventures , who in conjunction with the   Sandusky Sailing Club   in Sandusky, Ohio, will be bringing a new Adaptive Sailing program to Sandusky Bay and the local region. The...

WR17 Sailing Adventure in Saskatchewan Canada

ELBOW RUN 2015 -   The Lake Diefenbaker Experience

We extend an invitation to all WindRider enthusiasts to join us for our third Lake Diefenbaker WindRider Experience. This is a 5 day sailing/camping trip, offering excellent day time sailing along with communal...

• Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
• Opens in a new window.

16 Best Trimarans For Sailing Around The World (And a Few For Daysailing)

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site.

Trimarans are growing in popularity worldwide, due to their light construction and high stability these multihulls are even faster than catamarans. Trimarans are still one of the lesser-known boat types so in this article ill be checking out some of the most popular models.

The best trimarans include: 

• The Neel 43 
• The Neel 47 
• Dragonfly 28 
• The Pulse 600 
• Corsair 37 

These tris are built with your safety in mind while also packing powerful speed and a wide array of comfort features to optimize your sailing experience , some are even foldable making them possible to load on a trailer and transport to the sailing destination of your choosing.

In this article, I have created a list of the 16 best trimarans in the market and their unique features. You’ll also learn the best options for different purposes such as circumnavigation, weekend sailing, racing, and more. 

Table of Contents

What Is a Trimaran?

A trimaran is a multi hulled sailboat with three individual hulls; the main hull ( vaka ) and a pair of outrigger hulls ( amas ). These smaller outrigger hulls are attached to the main hull using beams. 

While trimarans have a rich history dating back nearly four millennia, these types of sailboats have only gained popularity in the late 1900s and early 2000s. 

Trimarans are primarily used as personal boats for sailing enthusiasts or racing. These sailboats draw their versatility from their lightweight design, making them faster and easier to handle at sea when compared to single-hulled boats (monohulls). Additionally, the three hulls also contribute to better stability, making it very hard to capsize (although more likely than a cat according to this study)

Trimarans come in various sizes, and some can be as small as 19 feet (5.8 meters) in length, while others go up to 60 feet (18meters). They’re also used for different purposes. Most trimarans are used for racing and recreational purposes, although some units are still used as ferries.

As with all things, to find out which is the best we need to understand what it will be used for. There is a big difference in requirements between a boat used for day sailing compared to offshore around the world sailing.

The list below highlights the best trimarans for different purposes.

Best Trimarans For Cruising, Liveaboard and Sailing Around The World

The Neel 43 is a French trimaran best suited for cruising. Its key features include: 

• Easy maneuverability on the open sea by only a small number of crew members 

This unit is also built for comfort, ideal for more extended travels. This 43-feet (13-meter) trimaran is also made with recyclable and bio-sourced materials, highlighting the manufacturer’s commitment to environmental consciousness. 

This trimaran has a base price of  €329,000 excluding VAT. This translates to approximately $370,138. 

2.Neel 47 Possibly The Best

Named the best full-size multihull for 2020, the Neel 47 is a strong contender for one of the best trimarans in the market. This 47-foot (14.3-meter) long trimaran features optimized exterior and interior ergonomics for a unique design and look. 

Still on design, the Neel 47 is ideal for couples looking to take a weekend off or spend some time as liveaboard. It has a spacious owner’s cabin and two bedrooms. It also features a spacious living room and kitchen and is optimized to ensure comfort for a couple. 

The Neel 47 also has two basic guest cabins so your friends or children can tag along on your sailing adventure. Accordingly, this unit is ideal for those looking to explore the sea for the sheer joy of sailing. 

The Neel 47 comes at a 571,139 euro ( $643,600 ) price tag, excluding VAT. 

3. Rapido 60 The Fast and Comfortable Circumnavigator

The Rapido 60 offers a blend of performance, safety, and luxury, making it one of the best options for bluewater sailing. Measuring 59.3 feet (18 meters) in length, the Rapido 60 is an imposing unit. It’s made from lightweight sandwiches and carbon materials that provide speed and strength, allowing it to stand up to strong ocean currents. 

The Rapido 60 also has spacious living spaces and is built for comfort at all points of the sail. Its design also optimizes safety. While it’s an ideal option for circumnavigating, it’s also an excellent choice for racing due to its speed. 

This is also the same boat that The Youtube channel La Vagabond just purchased.

The Rapido 60 retails at $1,400,000 . 

4. Rapido 40

The Rapido 40 measures 39.4 feet (12 meters) in length and is ideal for cruising around the world. The Rapido 40 features twin “C” foils, which provide added lift, enhancing its speed and performance whether you are sailing downwind or upwind. 

Because it has C foils, this trimaran doesn’t have a central daggerboard, increasing interior space. Accordingly, it’s an excellent option for couples looking to cruise and enjoy great performances .

The Rapido 40 is made from high-tech all-carbon materials for a lightweight yet sturdy design. This material is also used for the countertops and furniture, and the cork flooring adds a touch of style.

This trimaran retails for $595,000 , making it a cheaper option than the Rapido 60. 

5. Dragonfly 40

The Dragonfly 40 measures 40 feet (12 meters) in length. It features high-comfort standards, making it one of the best trimarans in the market for taking your family for a cruise. Because of its larger size, it has a better capacity, being capable of accommodating six to eight people, so you can bring your family and friends along. 

It’s easy to navigate and extremely safe. With a maximum speed of 24 knots (44.5 km/h), this trimaran also provides fast speeds to make your cruise even more exhilarating. 

The Dragonfly 40 retails from €509,000 exclusive of VAT, which rounds up to $572,000 . 

6. Dragonfly 32

The Dragonfly 32 is a high-performance cruiser. Like the Dragonfly 28, this unit features a contemporary design for racing. This trimaran can accommodate five to seven crew members. 

Although slightly longer than the Dragonfly 28 with its 32-foot (9.8-meter) length, the Dragonfly 32 has a max speed of 23+ knots (42.6+ km/h), making it one of the fastest trimarans for racing. This unit also has comfortable accommodation, which makes it an ideal option for a weekend cruise with family and friends. 

The Dragonfly 32 has a base price of $350,000 . 

7. Corsair 37

Thanks to a variable draft with a retractable rudder, the Corsair 37 is an ideal choice for shallow water exploration. This 37-foot (11.3-meter) long trimaran features advanced foam-cored construction designed for safety, making it virtually unsinkable. 

The carbon hulls minimize weight, this makes for a lightweight ocean exploration sailboat with blistering speeds. One of its selling points is that this trimaran has previously been used for Arctic expeditions, possibly marking it as one of the better options for circumnavigation and offshore sailing in the northern waters. 

This trimaran has a base price of $189,000 but can go up to $204,125 .

Best Trimarans For Day/Weekend Sailing

8. dragonfly 28.

The Dragonfly 28 is a 28-feet (8.75-meter) long sailboat that can accommodate up to five people. It comes in two versions: 

• Touring version: This version is ideal for families.  
• Performance version: This is built to provide optimal performance for the sports enthusiast within you. 

It clocks a maximum speed of 22+ knots (22+ km/h) and is beam-folded. It’s an excellent option if you want a high-performance, comfortable yet smaller unit for your day or weekend cruise. 

The Dragonfly 28 starts at  €188,280 inclusive of VAT, which comes to around $211,600. 

9. Dragonfly 25

Like other trimarans under the Dragonfly brand, this 25-foot (7.62-meter) trimaran is great for both racing and short term cruising. However, this high-performance boat delivers easy handling, making it perfect for couples looking to take a ride out over the weekend and seasoned sailors looking for an exhilarating racing adventure. 

The Touring version features a lightweight build and offers comfort and accommodation to keep you, and the few guests you can fit, comfortable during the ride. This trimaran also has a Sport version, which is optimized for racing. 

The Dragonfly 25 retails from EUR 86,800 . 

10. Pulse 600

The Pulse 600 trimaran is a compact sailboat. It’s made from lightweight, carbon-reinforced construction and vacuum-formed materials for optimal speed. This trimaran is an ideal option if you are looking for speed. 

It also features ample deck space, greater stability, and volume than most trimarans of similar size and build. 

This trimaran measures 19.8 feet (6 meters) in length and can be sailed single-handedly by one person with minimal effort. The Pulse 600 has a base price of $38,800 , which places it in the lower price range. 

The F-22 is one of the smaller trimarans in the market. Developed in New Zealand, the F-22 is a folding trimaran built for speed. The hulls are made from narrow fiberglass tied together using fiberglass beams and aluminum, minimizing bulk while optimizing speed. 

The F-22 is roomy and is not as pricey as other models in the market. This trimaran has two main versions: 

12. 2019 Weta Trimaran

The 2019 Weta trimaran is a 14.5-foot (4.4-meter) trimaran featuring a carbon frame, centerboard, rudder foil, and rudder shock. The hull is made from fiberglass and foam. The Weta is built for strength and speed based on these lightweight materials. 

The 2019 Weta trimaran is easy to sail and is worth considering whether you want to take a quiet sail, race with your friends, or take kids to a sailing lesson. It has a simple design and is easy to set up independently. Thanks to its collapsible design, this trimaran is easily stored away with minimal space demands. 

13. WindRider 17

The 17.4-foot (5.3-meter) WindRider 17 is one of the more versatile trimarans in the market. It packs high performance for a low cost. This trimaran has a light rotating mast to boost performance, and a full-battened mainsail optimizes visibility. 

This sailboat is made from rotomolded polyethylene, which is more durable than fiberglass and demands less maintenance.

The WindRider 17 has a comfortable interior and can fit six adults. This is an ideal choice for social sailing for a couple or a family and friends. It’s easy to ride, and a shallow draft allows easy maneuverability. 

14. Astus 22.5

If you’re looking for something small but still comfortable, this 22.5-foot trimaran is for you. Built for speed and maneuverability, the Astus 22.5 has optional foils to optimize speed. The modern design, coupled with the spacious interior, can fit up to four beds. Accordingly, this trimaran is suited for family outings. 

This trimaran also has a foldable design, collapsing to only 16 feet (4.9 meters) for easy storage. 

15. Multi 23 Trimaran 

The Multi 23 trimaran has a contemporary design, featuring a vinyl ester and PVC foam core construction. The section below the waterline is made of solid glass for a sturdy base.

The beams are made of lightweight carbon, and the trimaran features a 33-foot (10-meter) aluminum rotating wing mast for optimal harnessing of the wind. While ideal for weekend excursions with family, once rigged with the asymmetrical spinnaker will get your heart pumping.

This trimaran packs high performance at a lower cost than most other options in the market. It’s a good choice if you are looking for a high-performing unit without spending an arm and a leg. 

16. Challenger Class Trimaran

The Challenger Trimaran 15 is the best choice for persons with disabilities. It’s designed to provide disabled sailors an opportunity to explore their passion for sailing without worrying about aspects like safety or operation. 

A man named Geoff Hold circumnavigated the British Isles in 2007, becoming the first disabled person to achieve this feat. He had quadriplegia. 

Living up to its name, the Challenger can withstand harsh weather conditions while blending performance with speed. 

Final Thoughts 

Admittedly, no trimaran is best for everyone. But whether you are looking to race with your friends, take your loved ones or friends for a cruise over the weekend, or circumnavigate the ocean, you can rest assured that these lightweight trimarans will deliver speed, safety, and comfort to make it worth your while. 

These brands are innovatively designed and feature intricate safety mechanisms that make them virtually unsinkable. Give them a shot and begin your ocean adventure. 

• Basco Boating: A Comprehensive Guide & Introduction to Trimaran Yachts
• TheBoatAPP: New Trumarans: Which are the Best Ones
• Corsair Marine: Corsair 37
• Dragonfly: Dragonfly 28
• Rapido Trimarans: Rapido 60
• Neel Trimarans: Neel 43
• Yachting World: World’s Collect Yachts: Maxi Trimaran MACIF
• Yachting Monthly: Dragonfly 28 Performance
• Rapido Trimarans: Rapido 40
• Dragonfly: Dragon 32
• Dragonfly: Dragonfly 40
• Yachting World: Dragonfly 40 yacht tour: This cruising trimaran can do 24 knots
• Dragonfly: Dragonfly 25
• NauticExpo: Dragonfly 25
• Yachtworld: Corsair 37 boats for sale
• Cruising World: Neel 47 Trimaran: Best Full-Size Multihull0
• Neel Trimaran: Neel 47
• Multihull Solutions: NEEL 47 Boat Review | Cruising World
• Yacht World: 2022 Neel 47 for sale
• Farrier International: F-22
• Weta Marine: The Boat
• WindRider: WindRider 17 Trimaran Sailboat 
• Astus Boats: Astus 22.5
• Boat-specs: Multi 23
• National Maritime Museum Cornwall: Challenger Trimaran #1 – BC26

Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment.

Recent Posts

Must-Have Boat Gear for Catamaran Sailors!

Sailing is probably the most gear-intensive activity I've ever done; there are so many decisions to be made about what gear to buy now, for tomorrow, and what to definitely never buy. The gear on...

6 Best Trailerable Trimarans For Bluewater and Coastal Sailing

Having a boat costs a lot of money, even when you are not using it, marina fees, etc. And once it is in the water most sailors never go very far from their "home marina" and sailing will be somewhat...

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Two giant foiling trimarans set for a Fastnet Race battle

• Toby Heppell
• July 18, 2023

The battle to be the first boat home will be hard fought between two giant trimarans in this years Fastnet Race, with the foilers promising an epic battle

As with most big races around the world, bragging rights in the Rolex Fastnet Race race are split into two broad camps, the line honours winners (the first boat to complete the course) and the winner of the event on corrected time.

And since the inclusion of multihulls 20 years ago, these categories are split again into monohull and multihull line honours and handicap winners.

Most of those taking part in the race, in either monohulls or multihulls, will only be focussed on the handicap results as a line honours win is out of reach of all but the fastest, biggest and most expensive boats in the world.

For the Rolex Fastnet Race 2023 , the fastest boat to complete the course will almost certainly be one of the two 100ft foiling trimarans, the Ultim of Banque Populaire XI and SVR-Lazartigue .

Banque Populaire XI in full flight. Photo: Jeremie Lecaudey

Fastest Fastnet Race Multihulls

The foiling ocean racers are at the very forefront of technical innovation and are designed to break records – be that offshore races, ocean crossings or the ultimate prize a Jules Verne Round the World record .

The Ultim trimarans are set to become especially newsworthy over the next months with the first ever race for five of these extreme 32m long by 23m wide flying trimarans, around the world, non-stop, singlehanded, setting sail from Brest, France on 7 January next year.

Before then two of the main contenders will be leading the charge on the rather shorter 695 mile Rolex Fastnet Race.

A rticle continues below…

Extraordinary boats: Banque Populaire XI

Banque Populaire is one of the world’s most experienced and successful sailing teams, and was the force behind Armel Le…

The ultimate foiling machine? Onboard SVR-Lazartigue

Launched in July after 150,000 hours of work, SVR-Lazartigue is the latest addition to the burgeoning Ultim 32/23 fleet. In…

How to win the Rolex Fastnet Race: expert navigator’s tips

The 2021 edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race came with an interesting change. The finish line, having always previously been…

SVR-Lazartigue and Banque Populaire XI are skippered by two titans of offshore racing, Francois Gabart and Armel le Cleac’h respectively. Both are Vendée Globe winners (Gabart 2012, le Cleac’h 2016). Le Cleac’h is part of the exclusive club of triple winners of La Solitaire du Figaro (the unofficial world championship of solo offshore racing). He has been racing Ultims since 2013, this being his second boat.

Similarly, Gabart joined the Ultim class in 2015 winning many events with his MACIF trimaran, culminating in his record for sailing singlehanded non-stop around the world of just 42d 16h 40m 35s, incredibly just under two days shy of the fully crewed record.

Gabart has competed in the Rolex Fastnet Race twice before, winning on his IMOCA 60 MACIF in 2013 and then, in 2019, leading into the Plymouth finish line aboard his Ultim trimaran, only to be pipped at the post by Groupe Edmond de Rothschild , finishing less than one minute astern. “That was a little disappointing,” Gabart admits.

Charles Caudrelier and Franck Cammas on Maxi Edmond de Rothschild win the last Fastnet Race in 2021. Photo: Eloi Stichelbaut / PolaRYSE / Gitana

Neither of these Ultims competed in the 2021 race, when Charles Caudrelier and Franck Cammas on Maxi Edmond de Rothschild established the record for the new course to Cherbourg of 1d 9h 14m 54s.

Their Ultims are more than capable of bettering this and it’s possible a good breeze could even see the 14-year-old outright record for the most miles covered in 24 hours (908.2 miles/average speed 37.84 knots), also broken, given enough runway with suitable conditions and the will. If pressed, the latest Ultims could cover 1000 miles in a day (average speed 41.6 knots).

The top speed on Banque Populaire XI to date is 47 knots, but it is not top speed but high average speeds that Le Cleac’h says is the objective. “40-42 knots for one or two hours is very good, or 35-37 knots for 24 hours. We know that it is possible with our boat if the conditions are good.”

The performance of the Ultims has taken a massive leap in recent years, since new foil configurations have enabled them to fly.

For Banque Populaire XI getting airborne requires 12-13 knots of wind/22-23 knots of boat speed. Ideal conditions are no more than 20 knots as above this the sea state becomes too rough to use the foils effectively. Upwind in 15-17 knots Banque Populaire XI flies and will be making 27-30 knots. “That is the big step forward compared to the last Ultims, and that difference is very important compared to the older generation Ultims.”

“We regularly reach speeds of over 40 knots at less than 90° true wind angle (TWA),” says Gabbart. “In certain conditions, such as 25 knots of wind on flat seas, at 65°-70° off the wind, you’re doing 40 knots. That’s 60-65 knots of apparent wind speed. The maximum AWS in our log is not far from 70 knots.”

Of course one of these two foiling beasts being first to finish the Fastnet Race does require that they actually finish. The giant trimarans are at the very forefront of innovation and are famously susceptible to damage.

Reliability is improving, however, as foiling technology improves but even these hugely developed technological marvels the old adage holds true; ‘to finish first, first you have to finish’.

If you enjoyed this….

Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams. Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

• AROUND THE SAILING WORLD
• BOAT OF THE YEAR
• Email Newsletters
• Best Marine Electronics & Technology
• America’s Cup
• St. Petersburg
• Caribbean Championship
• Boating Safety

Jason and the Argonauts

• By Michael Hanson
• Updated: August 17, 2020

Moments after the start, the boatspeed jumps to 35 knots, and I am terrified. If I was driving, I’d be white-knuckled. The wind-whipped Caribbean Sea thrashes Argo ’s hulls, but Jason Carroll is cool at the tiller of his 70-foot trimaran. He leans back in his driving chair and squints through the visor of his crimson helmet at the turning mark ahead.

A few days earlier, one of Argo ’s new T-foil rudders snapped during the delivery from Antigua to St. Martin for the Caribbean Multihull Challenge regatta —a delivery of less than four hours despite the breakage. Carroll’s team spent the night swapping to Argo ’s older rudders, but combined with the boat’s newer and longer J-shaped foils, the boat isn’t set up correctly. “Things could get a bit sporty out there,” Carroll had warned me before we shoved off. “As long as the conditions aren’t too crazy, we should be fine.”

So much for that. With 30-knots blowing across the bows, we hurtle out of Simpson’s Bay, and I take a knee at the back of the cockpit and brace for dear life. I’ve seen the video of Argo ’s capsize before the 2019 Caribbean 600, so I’m stoked with my decision to extend my insurance coverage to include extreme watersports. Still, I’m having one of those what-have-I- gotten-myself-into moments—one hand gripping a GoPro, the other clenching the lifeline.

Carroll and company outmaneuver the other MOD70, Maserati, leaving them behind in trio of wakes. Ahead, Serge Durrant’s Irens 63, Shockwave, cruises along with a storm jib and three mainsail reefs. The Argonauts tucked only two reefs, and in a blink, the boat is careening past Shockwave . A gust fills the sails and the speedo jumps again—this time to 39 knots. The boat shudders as waves smack its underbelly; up ­forward, the bows begin to rise.

I’m having one of those what-have-I-gotten-myself-into moments—one hand gripping a GoPro, the other clenching the lifeline.

T-foil rudders would have ­prevented the bows from riding too high, but the big J-foils ­generate so much lift that water flowing over them begins to boil, causing cavitation. Argo ’s bows slam into a trough, and the front beam takes a direct hit. In a situation such as this, one of two things can happen, and the outcome depends on Carroll’s ability to make the correct split-second decision. Option A is to ride it out and hope the trimmers ease the sheets quick enough to depower the sails. If they fail to do so, the entire crew will soon be dogpiling through the companionway as the boat pitchpoles. Option B is for Carroll to make a sharp turn to try to spill power quickly.

The 42-year-old helmsman chooses wisely, pulling down the bows with authority. The foils regrip, and after this little pucker moment, Carroll guides the trimaran through a wide, arcing turn upwind around the mark. The Argonauts are safe for now, but challenges await.

“The boat is actually easy to steer when everything is set up right,” Carroll says. His relaxed and intellectual demeanor is a calming presence, contrary to the sheer madness of the trimaran. As a co-founder of Hudson River Trading, Carroll put his Harvard computer science degree to use developing high-frequency trading algorithms, and when he’s not flying across the ocean, he’s soaring across the sky as an enthusiast pilot. Yet the MOD70 is like nothing else he has experienced. “We’re hitting speeds we never imagined,” he says. “But nothing happens out here without having complete trust in the guys next to you, so it all comes down to the team.”

The Argo crew is a lean but talented squad. Such a boat demands experience. At its core is 48-year-old Chad Corning, who manages the operation. He’s been Carroll’s go-to guy since before they captured back-to-back Melges 32 World Championship titles in 2013 and 2014. When he first started sailing with Carroll, Argo was an all-­amateur team of college buddies. “The scope of the program was small,” Corning says. “Eventually, we started sailing internationally and doing distance racing on Jason’s Gunboat 62, Elvis. At one point, we even had three Melges 32s. It just became too much for Jason to organize on his own, so I stepped in.”

The two have been thick as thieves for years, and the team eventually transitioned into the GC32 foiling catamaran scene, a circuit that pitted Carroll, an amateur helmsman, against a few of the finest pro drivers in high-performance sailing. In 2018, they traded in the Gunboat for the MOD70 and started racking up victories with a combination of longtime Argo teammates and specialized offshore multihull sailors, including Brian Thompson, the first Englishman to break the round-the-world record twice. Thompson has also sailed nonstop around the world four times, won the Volvo Ocean Race, and broken 27 world sailing records.

“He’s the guy who knows when to push and when to back off,” Corning says. His primary role on Argo is to act as point man for the boat’s complex maneuvers.

“This is very much a close-knit team,” Thompson says. “Jason is one of the best drivers out there. The guys know the boat really well, and they work hard maintaining everything to minimize breakdowns. Chad has done a remarkable job developing the boat and the team, and it’s good fun off the water as well.”

On the long beat toward the rounding point off Tintamarre Island on the northeast side of St. Martin, Thompson marshals the troops as the breeze spikes to 32 knots. With confused 6-foot swells, Argo smashes its way uphill at 21 knots. “I’d love a wider groove to get through these waves,” shouts mainsail trimmer, Anthony Kotoun. A five-time world champion in multiple classes, Kotoun is a longtime member of the Argo crew. He and Thompson chat for a moment and agree that a lower mode would be ideal.

“Let me check the course with Artie to make sure we have enough water to make that happen,” Kotoun shouts back to Thompson. While most pro race teams are known for their lack of shouting, with more than 50 knots of apparent wind funneling across the deck, communicating on this machine is like rolling down your window on the highway and trying to have a conversation with someone in the passing lane. “Communication is especially important because things don’t happen on demand,” Kotoun explains later. “The boat is so ­complicated with the foils, the canting mast, the rake and the centerboard that something as simple as a mode change can take minutes to achieve. You can’t just sheet out. It’s completely different than most things out there.”

Kotoun staggers to the ­middle of the boat and pokes his head beneath the splash hood, where navigator Artie Means plots a course. Means has the most protected position on Argo , and he’s still soaked head to toe. His eyes are glued to his tablet.

“We can spare a few degrees, but not much,” Means says. “Luckily, we overstood a bit.”

Means and Kotoun take a moment to review the course, and eventually Kotoun makes his way back to the weather hull to relay the information to Thompson, who recalibrates the boat’s upwind mode by raising the centerboard up a bit, adding more foil rake, and moving the transverse jib-lead outboard. These changes allow the boat to sail lower without becoming overpowered. With a mainsheet load of 7 tons, the lines throb as they ease through their systems.

From beneath the spray hood, Means shoots me an ecstatic look as he nerds out over the instrument panels, which in true Argo fashion, have a dancing hula girl mounted above. “We’re going faster upwind than a TP52 would be going downwind today,” he says. “Hey Fouche, check this out!”

Headsail trimmer Thierry Fouchier pops his head beneath the spray hood. Fouchier is another international multihull legend. Originally from Marseille, France, Fouchier won the 34th America’s Cup aboard Larry Ellison’s big trimaran USA 17 before joining Artemis Racing in 2013 and Groupama Team France in 2017. Looking at the data, he gives Means a twisted smile. “ C’est fou ,”—That’s crazy—he says, returning to his jib-sheet winch.

Communication is especially important because things don’t happen on demand.

Thompson soon relieves Carroll at the helm as Argo pitches in the waves. “Be ready for a gennaker around Tintamarre,” Thompson shouts.

My God , I think to myself as water jets through the trampoline and the boat bucks me skyward off the netting, we still have to go downwind.

Even though the ­maneuver is 15 minutes away and the rounding point is over the horizon, the crew preps for the downwind leg. The biggest battle is hoisting the gennaker with the equivalent of tropical-storm-force winds blowing across the bow. Argo ’s slender 31-year-old ­bowman, Westy Barlow, sprints forward and secures the tack while the grinders hoist the furled gennaker to the top of the mast. With Carroll back on the helm, Thompson reminds the trimmers to make sure the main is well-eased and the jib sheet stays on in order to keep the boat under control through the bear away. Once Argo reaches the right downwind angle, the crew explodes into action: deploying the gennaker, raising the centerboard, trimming the main- sheet, changing to the J2 headsail, reducing the mast cant, increasing the mast rotation and adjusting the traveler. When everything is set, Argo romps downwind at 30 knots.

As we enter the Anguilla Channel, Shockwave is nowhere in sight and Maserati is still within striking distance. “Try not to go over 30 knots,” Thompson advises Carroll. “Anything more than that, and we might trip over ourselves.”

As Argo zips down the ­channel, trimmer and grinder Scott Norris taps me on the shoulder and asks, “Hey, can you go below and grab the big water jug and fill up the bottles?”

Norris is a big man with a big personality—one of the longest-tenured Argonauts on the crew.

“Where is it?” I ask.

“Thataway,” he says, pointing downward and aft.

Going below on a search ­mission is hardly what I want to be doing right now, but I scale the ladder into Argo ’s center hull. Forward, the nav station is empty. Beyond that, a pair of berths hang in the dark. As Argo cleaves through the waves, sounds of unimaginable horror pound from wall to carbon wall like drums between warring villages. I crawl toward the stern, glancing out the porthole at our starboard hull, which hangs 15 feet above the waves. I snag the water jug and make it back topside, where Norris smiles down at me.

“Pretty gnarly down there, huh?” he asks as I reemerge. “Don’t worry, the first time we took this thing out, we were terrified. And today…terrified.”

“It’s going to be about a 100-degree reach after the turning mark,” Means shouts out to the crew. With Maserati shrinking on the horizon, Thompson decides to play this leg conservatively. “All right, it’s going to be the J3 and three reefs on the main,” he howls through the wind. This is the least amount of sail area Argo can carry, and when conditions are right, the reduced drag and lower center of gravity produce the highest speeds a MOD70 is capable of, but as they reconfigure the sail setup and round the mark to a reach, Argo is starved for power.

“The first time we took this thing out, we were terrified. And today…terrified.”

“Really searching for it,” Carroll says, emitting one of those are-we-seriously-going-this-slow looks. After a few minutes of letting the conditions settle, they shake out the third reef, and one of the stainless-steel T-bone shackles on the mainsail luff lashes Barlow just below the eye. He drops to the net, his legs ­wriggling in pain.

“Hold, hold, hold. Man down!”

Before the race, Barlow joked that “nobody cares about the bowman,” but watching his teammates jump to his aid, that sentiment is obviously false. He took a hard hit, but there’s no bleeding or signs of a concussion. He even tries to hop back on the ­grinding pedestal, prompting a stern word from Thompson to sit in the companionway and ice his eye, which begins to swell shut.

By the time the excitement wanes, Maserati has halved its deficit. Even though it was a blip on the radar mere minutes ago, in MOD70 racing, you can’t take your foot off the gas for a moment. Slow is slow. The crew shakes a reef, and after one final upwind leg, they cross the finish line first. There’s no time for handshakes or back slapping, though. The shoreline is fast approaching, so they tack and sail back out to sea. The race might be over, but the hard work is not.

“Hey, Helmet, hop on that pedestal and help me with the traveler,” Kotoun says.

Helmet is the ­nickname for English sailor Alister Richardson. A veteran of Carroll’s GC32 squad, Richardson is a former wing trimmer for America’s Cup challenger Luna Rossa, but he says he gets much more ­fulfillment from his Argo gig.

“I spent six years of my life doing the America’s Cup,” he tells me after racing. “Doing that is like joining the Army. It’s fine if you choose that lifestyle, but I enjoy sailing with Argo because I have good fun with these guys. We’re always pushing for performance, but at the end of the day, we’re having the time of our lives. Everyone can get a joke out of each other, which is important.”

That evening, the crew enjoys a private dinner at their rented condo in Port de Plaisance on the Dutch side of St. Martin. They debrief the day and pour a bit of rum, eventually gathering around a table for a late-night card game of President.

“We’re limited in what we can play because Jason will count the cards,” Corning says.

“Anything it takes to win,” Carroll replies mischievously.

Anything it takes—that’s the Argo way. Race hard, never give up, and have fun, no ­matter what.

• More: mod70 , print 2020 summer , Racing , Sailboat Racing , Trimaran
• More Racing

Reineke’s Battle For the Berth

One-Design Wingfoil Racing Takes Off

Brauer Sails into Hearts, Minds and History

Anticipation and Temptation

America’s Offshore Couple

Jobson All-Star Juniors 2024: The Fast Generation

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

CORSAIR 880

This is the legitimate heir to the trimaran revolution started by the hall-of-fame f-27 way back in 1986. the pinnacle of trimaran design, this all-new built from the ground up corsair has full boat systems, an aft cabin to sleep 5 in total, enclosed heads and standing headroom., effortless performance sailing, through detailed design.

The new 880 is much more than a feature packed Corsair.  Careful attention has been paid to the fine detail.  Hugely significant is the aft cabin area which gives the boat the ability to sleep 5.  The manual or dry-bowl electric toilet is housed in an enclosed heads with overhead hatch ventilation – no smells in this new generation 28-footer.  The galley area, like the main saloon has full standing headroom, making cooking and moving about while underway a breeze.

WITH VERSATILITY AND QUALITY

The pinnacle of trimaran design, this revolutionary 29 foot trimaran offers all the possibilities of much larger boats in an easy to trailer lightweight package. Serious attention to detail was paid to the deck and spars, where you will find carbon fibre spars as standard – making these powerful rigs light and easier to handle in the marina. The combination of performance, comfort and trailerability on the new Corsair 880 provides unlimited options for cruisers and racers alike.

WHILE SAFE AND COMFORTABLE

The Corsair 880 is designed to be completely safe and comfortable, for people of all skill levels. It features creature comforts such as air conditioning, heating, refrigerators and more.  In true Corsair fashion, the generator and air conditioner are removable to reduce excess weight when racing, or reduce trailer weight when on the road. And this is where the 880 trimaran is the revolutionary boat it promises – all of that comes in a folding, trailerable package well below the trailering weight limit of most passenger cars.

A real racing boat, a real cruising boat, yet trailerable across continents

A boat for all skill levels, venerable folding system, beachability and versatility.

Marvelous sailing experience

A real racing boat, a real cruising boat, yet trailerable across continents The Corsair 880 sleeps up to 5 people, offers a galley and enclosed head with shower, a saloon with full standing headroom. It's everything you need and nothing you don't.

A boat for all skill levels The mission of the Corsair 880 is simple: To provide sailors of all skill levels the opportunity to trailer a boat across continents, be comfortable, and sail at effortlessly fast speeds.

Venerable folding system After decades of refinement, this is the newest version. It delivers incredible stiffness and performance, in a trailerable package well below the trailering weight limit of most passenger cars.

Beachability and versatility Sail or motor up to the beach, step off and drop anchor on land, where you can see if it is properly set! When it's time to go, the 880 is light enough to push off the beach.

SPECIFICATIONS

Overall length, 28' 8" ft / 8.8 m, 22' 3" / 6.8 m, beam folded, 8' 2" / 2.5 m, upwind sail area sq.m, 554.3 sq ft / 51.5 m2, draft d/b up, 1' 5" / 0.45 m, draft d/b down, 5' 3" / 1.6 m, mast length, 39' 4" / 12 m, unladen weight, 3,659 lbs / 1,660 kg, upwind sail area, 677 sq ft / 62.9 m2, 13.8m carbon, sailing the 880 trimaran with tula's endless summer.

The Corsair 880 is on-tour with the amazing couple, Billy and Sierra, of the sailing channel Tulas Endless Summer, who are into everything water and anything to do with the ocean – including surfing, paddling, swimming, kiting, spearfishing and especially SAILING! Needless to say that the versatile Corsair 880 is the perfect fit for them. In November 2020, the Corsair 880 started her journey along the US Coast from New England to Florida.

RECOMMENDED OPTIONS

C880-OPTO49

This collapsible bimini / sun shade  provides sun protection over the cockpit and  if optioned with the dodger can be connected together providing protection from wind waves and rain.

C880-OPT041

Yamaha outboard control.

This option provides pre installed wiring and cables for your outboard throttle control and engine start system – suit Yamaha 9.9 – 15hp (does not include engine, fuel tank or fuel hose)

C880-OPT038

Advanced navigation package.

The advanced navigation kit for your Corsair provides all of the sailing and navigation essentials including 7” plotter, 4.5” multifunction display, wind, speed and depth transducers.

C880-OPT001

Bowsprit & downwind hardware package.

If you are planning to install a screecher, Code-0 headsail or assymetric spinnaker you will first need to have a bowsprit and assosciated deck hardware installed. Many people are opting for bowsprits as the ease and light air performance offered by a furling headsail is extremly attractive for both cruising and performance boats.

C880-OPT006

The asymmetric spinnaker is a specialty sail used on racing boats, bridging the performance gap between a genoa, which develops maximum driving force when the apparent wind angle is between 35 and 60 degrees, and a spinnaker, which has maximum power when the apparent wind is between 100 and 140 degrees. Due to its geometry, the sail is less prone to collapsing than a spinnaker and flies from a bowsprit rather than a spinnaker pole.

C880-OPT042

Dual axle aluminium trailer.

Purpose-built, lightweight aluminium trailer with dual axle, hydraulic brakes, lights and spare wheel. Built by Spitfire trailers and incorporating lightweight composite components by Corsair this trailer is the lightest option for the Corsair 880.

• Folding Corsair Trimarans: Legendary Ability, Unbeatable Reliability
• 5 Reasons Why The Corsair 760 Trimaran Won Multihull Of The Year
• Corsair Range Brochure
• Corsair Community
• Find A Dealer

Tel +84 28 3873 3630

Sales Enquiry:

[email protected]

Customer Service Enquiry:

[email protected]

© 2024 Corsair Marine International. Alls rights reserved.

Privacy Policy

Arkema Sailing

New ocean fifty arkema  trimaran:  a genuine ocean racing racer.

The construction of the Ocean Fifty Arkema  started in September 2018, and launched in September 2020. This shipyard of almost two years gave birth to a trimaran with an innovative design, particularly powerful and ergonomic, for both crewed and single-handed offshore races.

2022: improvements and new design

“We laid the boat bare,” Quentin Vlamynck explains. “This enabled us to check all its structural components. In particular, we rectified a small weak point at the junction of the link arm. The roof was modified to make the living area better protected from the elements and more comfortable, though comfort remains quite a relative thing! Rather than sleeping on the floor of the deck, we fitted a small slightly raised bunk outside. This will really improve living conditions on board.”

The most visible change on the trimaran concerns its graphic design . In November 2021, the Arkema Group confirmed its positioning as an expert in innovative materials at the service of a sustainable world, with a new visual identity. “The boat looks very smart in its new colors, with warmer tones and a softer feel to it. I look forward to seeing the first visuals of the boat at sea!" Quentin continues.

More information

Season 2021: an initiatory first season

For this first season of the Pro Sailing Tour, the new Arkema  and its crew led by Quentin Vlamynck finished 2nd in the general ranking . A very good result for the first season of the circuit.

Quentin also took away a great deal from the Transat Jacques Vabre, as the youngest skipper in the Ocean Fifty class. He has now completed his first crossing of the Atlantic in a multihull , running against great, highly professional skippers.

Christening of  Arkema

Quentin Vlamynck's Ocean Fifty  Arkema   was christened in Bordeaux on Monday 27 September 2021, one year to the day after its launch , and just a few weeks before its first Transat Jacques Vabre – Normandie – Le Havre race.

In the presence of Arkema employees involved in the construction of this innovative trimaran, and with the support of the boat’s honorary patron Pauline Déroulède , French Wheelchair Tennis Champion, emotions were running high in the splendid Capital of Wine.

A new philosophy in boat design

Designed by marine architect Romaric Neyhousser, Arkema is the result of a new rationale, shared with Lalou and Quentin, which transpires in the boat’s design.

Thanks to feedback from the former Arkema 1 , Lalou Multi and his sponsor-partner Arkema have laid down a new framework. The first trimaran built by Lalou Multi was based on a short-handed crew at sea. This new boat Arkema  has less typical features, is more versatile and more efficient for the crew as well as inshore. This has guided the choices regarding the platform, in particular for the “X” crossbeams (not parallel beams) used to optimize the ergonomics in crew sailing.

Versatility, the watchword for  Arkema

Lalou Roucayrol sums up this versatility perfectly: “Our aim was to build a more versatile boat than the previous one, in other words just as effective in in-shore crew events as in solo ocean racing. We have put much thought into the masses and improved the aerodynamic brakes. It’s going to be a powerful boat!”

Romaric Neyhousser, the boat’s architect, details the work that has gone into aerodynamics to enhance this versatility : “The idea is to reduce the aerodynamic drag as much as possible, even more than on the other Multi 50. The objective is to profile all the shapes that produce drag, in particular for the crossbeams, but also to work on the sheet effect of the sails. The fairing adds weight, but we believe that the resulting gain will offset this additional weight.”

Skipper-focused ergonomics

Here too, there are many differences with the previous Arkema 1. The boat’s design makes it more versatile, but it must also enable the sailors to keep up the pace in all types of events , whether in crew sailing, solo sailing, in-shore or on the ocean. The cockpit offers greater protection in particular.

As Quentin Vlamynck, the skipper of Arkema , explains , “ It’s vital to keep up the pace more easily sailing as a pair or solo, and to be able to go fast over a sustained period of time, including in challenging conditions.”

Performance : The inside story

As in the past, this new Ocean Fifty is the result of intense technical collaboration between Arkema and Lalou Multi. With recyclable resins, new materials, 3D printing of technical parts, clean energy, many features are indeed driven by innovation, and others will remain flexible throughout the sporting life of Arkema .

Signed Incidence, clsely involved with the Arkema  project since Pierre-Antoine Morvan, Match Racing European Champion and Technical Manager for Incidence sailmakers, will be the tactician for the Grand Prix. The gennakers, J2 and J3, are cable-less, therefore do not have any tension cable: the leading edge is thinner and the void better distributed. The fixture points are made of Elium ® /carbon composite rather than aluminium, with the added benefits of lower weight and recyclability.

2. Deckhouse / Cockpit

Completely recyclable and made entirely of composite based on the recycled Elium ®  resin. Approximately 80 cm lower than on the other Ocean Fiftys, the cockpit allows for sheltered maneuvering. For superior visibility whatever the sea conditions, cockpit and deckhouse are fitted with ShieldUp ®  Flex ®  PMMA glazing, the world’s first flexible sheet recently developed. This material’s flexibility makes it easy to install without thermoforming over substantial contours. This ”acrylic glass” is 5 times more impact-resistant than traditional PMMA. It also has an anti-scratch and water-repellent coating. The result: a remarkable and durable optical quality, even in challenging conditions, as well as a weight reduction of the order of 50%!

Latest-generation lithium batteries using Arkema’s Kynar ®  technology were selected. Developed by the young French company Powertech, they help increase energy  storage capacity by 50%, with no increase in weight compared to  Arkema 1 . Combined with a larger surface of photovoltaic panels installed on the front outrigger arm, the system delivers fully autonomous energy supply to on-board equipment, without emitting a single gram of CO 2 .

The floats feature raised sections, but their volume is smaller than on its forerunner since the foil gives the necessary support. The dihedral angle (between outrigger and horizontal plane) has been increased to prevent the windward float from dragging in the water in light winds.

5. Central hull

Validated by many digital simulations (CFD), this hull is wide at the bridge to increase the sheet effect on the front sails. Below the waterline, it is deep with V sections for less bumpy sailing. The clear forefoot allows for more efficient rotations. As with the floats and the outriggers, the structure and bulkheads were assembled by structural bonding using methacrylate products from the Arkema subsidiary Bostik.

The construction of Arkema

Lalou Roucayrol and Quentin Vlamynck heavily involved in the construction

Both Lalou Roucayrol and Quentin Vlamynck were naturally heavily involved in the construction of  Arkema , the former being in charge of running the project and an expert in Arkema materials, and the latter as the skipper of the boat.

I know it’s vital to be as close as possible to the construction work and be able to incorporate my technical choices in consultation with Lalou, Nicolas Coudrais from the design office, and Romaric Neyhousser, the architect. The philosophy of Lalou Multi is precisely to keep the skipper involved in the strategic choices.

The construction  in pictures

Lalou Roucayrol oversees the design

The design phase of the Ocean Fifty  Arkema

Quentin Vlamynck follows closely the construction of the Ocean Fifty  Arkema

Arkema materials have pride of place

Already present on the previous Ocean Fifty and the Mini 6.50, the Group's materials have pride of place on the new Ocean Fifty Arkema .

The Elium ® thermoplastic resin , for example, has been used to manufacture a number of components, including the crossbeam mold that, recycled when construction was over. Other applications include an even greater use of the wide range of Bostik adhesives, the production of parts using 3D printing, and work on the batteries. 

Bostik structural adhesives used on the Ocean Fifty Arkema  make a major contribution in terms of lightweighting, toughness and durability.

“The work undertaken with the Elium ®  resin has been extensive and complements developments in other markets such as wind power. And the construction of Arkema  was an opportunity for us to demonstrate the recyclability of composites made from this thermoplastic resin. This latest trimaran is also a superb showcase for other products from our Group, including Bostik’s structural glues that make a major contribution in terms of lightweighting, toughness and durability. We had R&D teams dedicated to this construction project to identify materials already applicable and others potentially so in the longer term. A racing boat like this new trimaran is a tremendous driver of brand image, but above all it’s a full scale laboratory that enables us to show and test the performance of our materials in real-life sailing conditions. A “materials demonstrator” that can be transferred to other application sectors.” Gilles Galinier, Communication Vice President for the Arkema Group

New generation sails

Lalou Roucayrol has been testing equipment for sailmakers Incidence for years. The boat was fitted with a test sail – a Strong Luff gennaker – in the Grands Prix of the 2019 season and during the training sessions. The trials were clearly conclusive , as explains Pierre-Antoine Morvan, Head of R&D at Incidence Group: “It’s a sail without halyard, in DFi ® , with many novel features. The major asset of the Strong Luff, as its name suggests, is the performance of the luff, but also a significant improvement in overall performance. It’s lighter, more versatile and more dynamic.”

In order to extend the innovation of this new sail, Lalou Multi has decided to go ahead with manufacturing various fittings for these sails from the Elium ®  resin developed by Arkema. César Dohy, Master Sailmaker at Incidence, explains:  “To hold these sails, there are two highly specific fittings called lugs. These are triangular aluminum parts measuring about 10 cm² with head and tack that literally secure the sail. Made from the Elium ®  resin, they are therefore lighter, with softer contours, and are now recyclable. Quentin and Lalou tested them in the Canary Islands, and the initial feedback was convincing.”

As partners since 2013, Arkema and Lalou Multi decided in 2019 to give a new dimension to their collaboration, still anchored on the common values of innovation and a quest for performance.

Sports  program

To know more about the 2022 racing program.

Find all our videos dedicated to sailing

Follow our sailing news  on social media:

ULTIM EMOTION 2 MULTIPLAST

• Inspiration

ULTIM EMOTION 2 has 1 Photos

THE MEDITERRANEAN

Multiplast news.

Newly refitted 120’ catamaran VITALIA ...

Similar yachts.

META IV | From EUR€ 10,500/wk

• Yachts >
• All Yachts >
• All Sail Boats 60ft/18m - 100ft/30m >
• ULTIM EMOTION 2

If you have any questions about the ULTIM EMOTION 2 information page below please contact us .

S/Y ULTIM EMTION 2 is a trimaran ULTIM MAXI 80 built in 2012 and last refitted in 2019. She has extensive racing experience and has been returned to as-new condition ready for a new decade. In January 2020 she broke the World Record for fastest South Atlantic crossing with the Lovewater Sailing Team, and she received Line Honours in the Cape2Rio.

NOTABLE FEATURES OF ULTIM EMOTION 2: ~World record-breaking racing trimaran ~Race-winning design ~Weight of only 7 tons ~Fantastic top speed of 42 knots ~Unique experience

Foiling trimaran ULTIM EMOTION 2 from shipbuilders Multiplast was previously known as the 18m/60ft ORMA 60 trimaran SODEB'O and received a 6m/20ft extension. Now measuring 24m/80ft, she has naval architecture and exterior styling from VPLP and this high performance carbon composite vessel is designed for regattas such as the RORC Caribbean and Les Voiles de Saint Barth using 100% hydraulic operation.

The design comfortable seats up to eight guests on board while cruising, with a professional crew of three for an exceptional and unique cruising experience.

The exterior styling is comprised of three streamlined hulls with netting from sterns to bows, providing ample space for eight guests and three crew to cruise at up to 42 knots across the water.

ULTIM EMOTION 2 Specifications

The 60 HP Lombardini engines and sail power provide a top speed of 42 knots and a cruising speed of 20 knots.

Yacht Accommodation

We do have available further accommodation information for yacht ULTIM EMOTION 2, so please enquire for more information.

Amenities and Extras

We do have available further amenity, owner and price information for the 24.38m (80') yacht ULTIM EMOTION 2, so please enquire for more information.

ULTIM EMOTION 2 Disclaimer:

The luxury yacht ULTIM EMOTION 2 displayed on this page is merely informational and she is not necessarily available for yacht charter or for sale, nor is she represented or marketed in anyway by CharterWorld. This web page and the superyacht information contained herein is not contractual. All yacht specifications and informations are displayed in good faith but CharterWorld does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the current accuracy, completeness, validity, or usefulness of any superyacht information and/or images displayed. All boat information is subject to change without prior notice and may not be current.

Quick Enquiry

"People more and more are realizing the advantage of the multi-hull platform for cruising. It’s stable, it offers a lot of space, and it goes fast" - "The success of a boat, of a design, is really tied to the relationship you have with a customer. The best yachts that we have designed were also nice human relationships. That’s been true since the beginning. When you get on very well with people, you feel better about what they really like, how they will sail, how they will enjoy the boat, and that proximity leads to a boat naturally that you like." - Marc Van Peteghem (and Vincent Lauriot-Prévost) founded VPLP which is responsible for designing the world's most innovative racing boats and largest luxury catamarans.

Sailing Wally 77.4 Carrera | From US$ 28,000/wk

ANEMOS | From EUR€ 22,000/wk

NIMROD previously Happy Joss | From EUR€ 20,000/wk

About Rapido

The idea behind building the world's best ocean-cruising trimarans came from the team that has built more than 1,500 production trimarans globally. The world-acclaimed Morrelli & Melvin was then tasked with developing the design and engineering for Rapido to start building! Separately, for those who think our advanced lightweight construction techniques have other applications, Rapido Catamarans adds an exciting new dimension to the fleet.

Latest News

February 03, 2024

Miami Boat Show 2024, New Rapido 40

February 01, 2024

Rapido 53XS, the new 16m globetrotter trimaran, by Aldo Fumagalli

January 10, 2024

Yachting World magazine on the Rapido 53XS, by Toby Hodge

December 13, 2023

Future Yacht Episode: Unveiling the Rapido 40 Trimaran – GIDDY UP!!!

December 06, 2023

Future Yacht Episode: The Rapido 53XS! Tour, Review and Ideas, by N...

November 16, 2023

Video: La Vagabonde III Launch: Rapido 60 Hull #04

November 11, 2023

Yachting World – Rapido 53XS Review, November 2023

November 08, 2023

Vale Mark Toia, the man who scaled navigation markers and cinematic...

Discover rapido.

SAILING MULTIHULLS Day Charter Catamarans        Catamaran Sail Yachts        Trimaran Cruising       Racing Multihulls

POWER MULTIHULLS Catamaran Power Yachts       Dive Boats       Work Boats       Catamaran Skiffs

INFORMATION Services    Philosophy   Company   Location    Contact Us News Letter   Photo Album    Video Clips    Job Opportunities    Links

The global authority in superyachting

• NEWSLETTERS
• Yachts Home
• The Superyacht Directory
• Yacht Reports
• Brokerage News
• The largest yachts in the world
• The Register
• Yacht Advice
• Yacht Design
• 12m to 24m yachts
• Monaco Yacht Show
• Builder Directory
• Designer Directory
• Interior Design Directory
• Naval Architect Directory
• Yachts for sale home
• Motor yachts
• Sailing yachts
• Explorer yachts
• Classic yachts
• Sale Broker Directory
• Charter Home
• Yachts for Charter
• Charter Destinations
• Charter Broker Directory
• Destinations Home
• Mediterranean
• South Pacific
• Rest of the World
• Boat Life Home
• Owners' Experiences
• Interiors Suppliers
• Owners' Club
• Captains' Club
• BOAT Showcase
• Boat Presents
• Events Home
• World Superyacht Awards
• Superyacht Design Festival
• Design and Innovation Awards
• Young Designer of the Year Award
• Artistry and Craft Awards
• Explorer Yachts Summit
• Ocean Talks
• The Ocean Awards
• BOAT Connect
• Between the bays
• Golf Invitational
• Boat Pro Home
• Pricing Plan
• Superyacht Insight
• Product Features
• Premium Content
• Testimonials
• Global Order Book
• Tenders & Equipment

New 140m trimaran concept revealed by T. Fotiadis Design and Lateral Naval Architects

Designers Theodoros Fotiadis and Lateral Naval Architects have collaborated on a new 140-metre trimaran concept named Spear. 

The yacht’s innovative, efficiency-optimised design means it would require 20 per cent less propulsion power than a 110-metre monohull at cruise speed, giving it the power demand of a much smaller yacht with around twice the useable GT (at 4650).

The yacht’s trimaran platform ensures stability at sea, and the sponsons have been specifically designed for generous tank volumes that have been envisioned for the inclusion of alternative fuels in the future, namely methanol.

"This stabilized monohull concept introduces additional advantages by offering a spacious luxury platform," explained a spokesperson for the studio. "It boasts a 40 per cent increase in the highly sought-after luxury external space, whilst keeping the internal luxury area similar to a 110-metre monohull."

Across a 23-metre beam, Spear offers expansive deck space for several swimming pools, al fresco dining areas and lounges. The beach club also benefits from unfolding bulwarks that increase the space further.

Speed has been ingrained into the design, with top speeds of 21 knots pared back to 18 knots cruising and an impressive range of 7,500 nautical miles.

More stories

Most popular, from our partners, sponsored listings.