2024 Sail Buyer's Guide

From 20 to 30 feet

Apart from one nice big surprise – the Astus 26.5 – there’s little noticeable change for the coming 2024 vintage: the under-30-foot multihull category continues to be ignored by the biggest builders - much to our regret. And yet, the sharp rise in prices over the last three years and in interest rates is motivating many buyers to think smaller. Here, in the 20- to 30-foot sector, it’s the trimarans that are in charge. Most of the models on offer feature a folding or telescopic float system. These units can fit into a standard marina slip and can even be transported by road. And this is what makes them ideal for coastal sailing and for discovering waters far from your home port. Or why not a bit of racing?

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Publié le 07/12/2023

Par Mark Bernie, Julie Echelle, Dick Sawyer, Emmanuel van Deth and Kim Wellington

Numéro : 193

Parution : Jan. / Feb. 2024

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ASTUS 20.5

Designed for cruising, it makes a great racer!

This trimaran has seen remarkable success, with already 100 examples built since its launch in 2018. Our test revealed that this VPLP designed multihull is as fun to sail as it is practical and easy to operate. The most active owners have been working together with Astus Boats to establish a one-design class. The 20.5 is particularly exciting in the Sport version, as it offers 260 sq ft (24 m²) upwind for a weight of under 500 kg (1,100 lbs). Like the other models in the range, it adopts a telescopic link system for the arms. The interior layout is compact, but still offers a mini saloon and a double berth.

Builder: Astus Boats
Architect: VPLP
Length: 19’6” (5.95 m)
Beam: 8’2”/14’9” (2.48/4.5 m)
Light displacement: 1,036/1,080 lbs (470/ 490 kg)
Draft: 10”/4’1” (0.25/1.25 m)
Upwind sail area: 226/260 sq ft (21/24 m²)
Downwind sail area: 366/452 sq ft (34/42 m²)
Gennaker: 215/280 sq ft (20/26 m²)
CE category: C5/D7
Engine: 2 to 6 HP outboard
Price: from € 29,000
www.astusboats.com

CORSAIR PULSE 600

Radical and incredibly efficient…

As its name suggests, this sub-500-kilogram (1,000 lb) machine is designed for racing, and small fleets have appeared - notably in Australia. Though the Pulse 600 is the smallest of Corsair’s trimarans, it is still very attractive! Its three sharp and inverted bows give it a great look... a design as radical as it is efficient because on the water, you’re immediately won over by the potential of this machine. The cockpit is large enough to accommodate three people – and you can quickly hike out onto the floats to give the Pulse even more power. The removable coachroof houses a large watertight locker. No fitting-out or berths: it’s simply a shelter that can be used at anchor. The Pulse 600 is of course transportable and foldable.

Builder: Corsair Marine
Architect: Yacht Design Collective
Length: 19’8” (6 m)
Beam: 8’/14’9” (2.45/4.5 m)
Weight: 992 lbs (450 kg)
Draft: 9”/4’ (0.22/1.20 m)
Mainsail: 205 sq ft (19.1 m²)
Jib: 76 sq ft (7.1 m²)
Spinnaker: 345 sq ft (32 m²)
Price: US$ 39,000 ex-tax
www.corsairmarine.com

TRICAT 20

For rallies and performance

This is the smallest model in the range: first presented in 2018, this trimaran was designed primarily for day-sailing, it also excels on coastal trips, where its compact size, maneuverability and performance are outstanding. The Tricat 20, with over sixty examples already built, naturally reflects the success of its predecessors, including the 25 Evolution’s intelligent folding system, with the advantage of offering a nice living space and irreproachable seaworthiness for its size. Inside, there is a double berth for the parents and two bunks for the kids. Enough to get out with the whole family and enjoy some cruising while having fun at the helm!

Builder: Tricat
Architects: Houdet/Michal
Length: 19’8”/23’7” (6 m)
Beam: 15’1”/7’11” (4.6/2.4 m)
Displacement: 1,275 lbs (580 kg)
Draft: 12”/3’11” (0.3/1.2 m)
Mainsail: 182/215 sq ft (16.9/20 m²)
Jib: 101/112 sq ft (9.4/10.4 m²)
Gennaker: 237/301 sq ft (22/28 m²)
Spinnaker: 301/430 sq ft (28/40 m²)
Engine: 3.5 to 6 HP outboard
CE category: C
Price: from € 37,577 ex-tax
www.trimaran-tricat.com

ASTUS 22.5

Three hulls for skimming across the water

Astus Boats’ most recent model completes a fine range of four trimarans all signed by VPLP. The manufacturer can boast of having sold 500 trimarans since its creation in 2004, and of having succeeded, with the Astus 22.5, in establishing itself in the United States. Stiff and high off the water, this multihull is just waiting to make long runs, propelled by its gennaker. With less than 23 feet (7 meters) of central hull, this small trimaran built in infusion is of course foldable - and easily transportable. The interior volume is sufficient to accommodate four proper berths.

Builder: Astus Boats
Architects: VPLP
Length: 22’8” (6.9 m)
Beam: 8’2”/9’10”/15’5” (2.5/3/4.7 m)
Mast height: 29’6” (9 m)
Draft: 13”/4’7” (0.34/1.4 m)
Weight: 1,590 lbs (720 kg)
Headroom: 5’3” (1.6 m)
Mainsail: 226sq ft (21 m²)
Jib: 97 sq ft (9 m²)
Gennaker: 345 sq ft (32 m²)
Price: from € 49,083 ex-tax
www.astusboats.com

TRICAT 6.90

Small but strong!

Specialists in folding trimarans since 2003, and with 200 examples built, Tricat launched a new model at the end of 2020 that fits between the Tricat 20 and the 25. In order not to tread on the toes of any former models from the shipyard in this category (the 22 and the 23.5), they decided to integrate the metric system: so now you have the Tricat 6.90! We had the opportunity to test this model in particularly heavy conditions: at just 7 meters (22’8”) long, it showed itself to be as safe as it is fast. While the central hull is relatively traditional with its almost plumb bow and its very high chines. The floats are more modern, with a flush gunwale and a broken and inverted bow in the upper section. The main innovation of this new model is the removal of the traditional aft beam, freeing up circulation around the cockpit, especially for the helmsman. For the interior, some well thought-out packages and options allow you to increase the level of comfort.

Builder: Tricat
Architects: BE Tricat / Jack Michal
Material: polyester-infused GRP
Length: 22’8”/24’11” (6.9/7.6 m)
Beam: 15’1”/8’½” (4.6/2.45 m)
Draft: 11”/3’11” (0.28/1.2 m)
Light displacement: 1,590 lbs (720 kg)
Mainsail: 205/237 sq ft (19/22 m²)
Jib: 104/117 sq ft (9.7/10.9 m²)
Gennaker: 258 sq ft (24 m²)
Spinnaker: 366 sq ft (34 m²)
Engine: 3.5 to 6 HP outboard
Price: from € 50,795 ex-tax
www.trimaran-tricat.com

LIBERTIST 703

Mini-foils and folding floats

This little sistership to the 853 was splashed for the first time at the 2021 La Rochelle boat show. The small size of this trimaran prompted the yard to develop a quick-folding system to facilitate road transport. In addition to the centerboard and the two rudders, each float is equipped with a semi-foiling system. The aim is therefore not to fly, but to provide downwind lift - more power and the ability to carry more canvas. The marked chine of the central hull reconciles the finesse of the underwater hull and habitable volume – 5’ (1.5 m) headroom. The builder also proposes an electric motor rather than a combustion one. The (for now) limited range under electric power is more than compensated for by the boat’s speed under sail.

Builder: Boat Project
Length: 22’11” (6.99 m)
Beam: 8’4”/19’6” (2.55/5.95 m)
Light displacement: 1,875 lbs (850 kg)
Draft: 15”/3’10” (0.38/1.16 m)
Mainsail: 290 sq ft (27 m²)
Jib: 130 sq ft (12 m²)
Spinnaker: 270 sq ft (25 m²)
Motor: 4 kW outboard
www.libertist.eu

CORSAIR 760

For cruising and/or racing

Builder: Corsair Marine
Architect: Yacht Design Collective
Length: 24’3” (7.39 m)
Beam: 8’2”/17’11” (2.5/5.46 m)
Draft: 12”/5’3” (0.3/1.6 m)
Light displacement: 2,095 lbs (950 kg)
Mainsail: 268 sq ft (24.87 m²)
Jib: 143 sq ft (13.30 m²)
Spinnaker: 540 sq ft (50 m2)
Motor: 8 HP outboard
www.corsairmarine.com

DRAGONFLY 25

100 miles a day is perfectly achievable

The smallest of the Dragonflys has seen great commercial success, with over 100 examples built. Thanks to its excellent performance, this is a boat easily capable of 100-mile days. Reliable and pleasant to helm, the 25 is positioned as a very high-end unit compared to its direct competitors. This folding trimaran - the arms swivel backwards – is available in Touring or Sport versions. Inside, despite the marked chines, the volume remains a bit on the small side, with headroom limited to 4’10” (1.47 m) and narrow bunks. But you’ve got the option to order various comfort elements such as toilets or additional hatches.

Builder: Quorning Boats
Length: 25’1” (7.65 m)
Beam: 7’7”/19’ (2.3/5.8 m)
Light displacement: 2,535 lbs (1.15 t)
Draft: 14”/4’11” (0.35/1.5 m)
Mainsail: 258/312 sq ft (24/29 m²)
Genoa: 108/130 sq ft (10/12 m²)
Spinnaker: 495/645 sq ft (46/60 m²)
Engine: 6 HP outboard
Price: from € 103,900 ex-tax
www.dragonfly.dk

TRICAT 25

A tried-and-tested folding trimaran

This trimaran is now Tricat’s best-seller, with nearly 100 examples built. Although the design of the central hull is a little dated, the development of more streamlined arms and new floats have given a second lease of life to this model that’s particularly lively under sail. On deck, you’ll enjoy a cockpit well-sized for four crew members. The trampolines are great to enjoy in good weather or at anchor. Inside, the volume is measured, but there are four berths, a table for everything, a galley unit and storage space. A top boat for cruising, especially when folded, as the Tricat 25 doesn’t exceed the width limit for the road!

Builder: Tricat
Length: 25’3” (7.7 m)
Beam: 8’3”/18’1” (2.52/5.5 m)
Light displacement: 1,720 lbs (780 kg)
Draft: 12”/3’11” (0.3/1.2 m)
Mainsail: 269/323 sq ft (25/30 m²)
Jib: 161/178 sq ft (15/16.5 m²)
Spinnaker: 452/721 sq ft (42/67 m²)
Engine: 6 HP outboard
Price: from € 76,790 ex-tax
www.trimaran-tricat.com

ASTUS 26.5

At last, something new among the under-30-footers!

Interest in small liveaboard multihulls is growing, and yards capable of positioning themselves well in terms of price clearly have a card to play… Astus Boats specialize in liveaboard trimarans and have made no mistake with their forthcoming 26.5. For the Breton boatbuilder, this is the largest model they’ve ever offered... but this trimaran obviously remains very accessible, both in terms of handling and budget. This, their fifth collaboration with renowned naval architects VPLP, results in a rather sober design, but a taller rig and longer appendages augur well for excellent performance. The Astus 26.5 will be available in three versions: Leisure, Cruising and Sport. Launch is scheduled for next summer.

Builder: Astus Boats
Naval Architects: VPLP
Hull length: 26’ (7.9 m)
Beam: 19’/9’10” folded when afloat (5.8/2.99 m)
Width folded on trailer: 8’3” (2.52 m)
Light displacement: 2,425 lbs (1,100 kg)
Mainsail: 269/301 sq ft (25/28 m²)
Solent: 118/140 sq ft (11/13 m²)
Gennaker: 323/366 sq ft (30/34 m²)
Max power: 10 HP outboard
CE Category: D7/C5
Price: from € 72,000 ex-tax
www.astusboats.com

LIBERTIST 853

With fixed arms

On the trimaran market, fixed arm models are generally to be found only aboard offshore racing boats and NEELs, but these boats aren’t in the sub-thirty-foot sector… From the outset, the Libertist’s ambition is to establish a fixed structure in the 23-40’ (7-12 m) category. Bearing the signature of Erik Lerouge, the Polish shipyard - Boat Project - does however offer its 853 in a folding version (8’4”/2.55 m width dismantled). A formula that allows them to join a small but active market, mainly occupied by Dragonfly, Corsair, Astus and Tricat. The 853 is elegant, extremely fast and manages to offer an amazing volume in a central hull of only 28’ (8.5 m). Note that the brand also offers two bigger models, the Libertist 1003 and the 1203.

Builder: Boat Project
Architect: Erik Lerouge
Construction: Glass/epoxy foam sandwich (infusion), carbon arms
Length: 28’ (8.53 m)
Beam: 23’4” (7.1 m) or 22’9”/13’7” (6.94/4.15 m)
Draft: 18”/6’5” (0.45 m/1.95 m)
Light displacement: 3,085 lbs (1,400 kg)
Height and surface area of the rotating mast: 44’8”/43 sq ft (13.6 m/4 m²)
Mainsail: 430 sq ft (40 m²)
Self-tacking jib: 194 sq ft (18 m²)
Spinnaker: 840 sq ft (78 m²)
Motor: 6 kW
Price: €135,000 ex-tax
www.libertist.eu

DRAGONFLY 28

The undisputed best-seller under 30 feet

The 250th unit has been long since delivered – this is a model that’s delighted cruisers and racers alike since 2008. Foldable, it can be slipped into any harbor and can be easily transported on the road. The 28 offers great accommodation thanks to its large central hull - at deck-level because the hull remains narrow at the waterline, the 28 offers surprising comfort for its size. Two versions are available: Touring and Performance. The floats of this latter version have inverted bows (20” / 50 cm longer and 20% more volume, i.e. 18 cu ft / 500 L, giving more lift) and an extended and reinforced rudder.

Builder: Quorning Boats
Length: 28’9” (8.75 m)
Beam: 8’4”/21’4” (2.54/6.5 m)
Light displacement: 4,630 lbs (2.1 t)
Draft: 16”/5’7” (0.4/1.7 m)
Mainsail: 398/463 sq ft (37/43 m²)
Genoa: 199/231 sq ft (19/21.5 m²)
Spinnaker: 645/895 sq ft (60/83 m²)
Engine: 6 HP outboard
CE category: B5/C7
Price: from € 183,500 ex-tax
www.dragonfly.dk

CORSAIR 880

Worthy successor to the F-27

An easy-to-transport trimaran that’s comfortable for both cruising and racing. This is how the 880 comes across, a worthy heir to the famous F-27, an iconic model launched back in 1986. This time, the yard started from a blank canvas and integrated elements of comfort previously unknown on board a trimaran of less than 30’ (9 m): complete lighting system, refrigerator, manual or electric toilets, and even reversible air conditioning are available! Performance enthusiasts can rest assured: the air conditioning and generator are removable... And the Sport version with its carbon mast promises great things in view of the flattering performances already offered by the standard version. A top-of-the-range and very complete trimaran that will satisfy the most demanding of sailors.

Builder: Corsair Marine
Length: 28’11” (8.8 m)
Beam: 22’4”/8’3” (6.8/2.5 m)
Mast height: 39’4” (12 m)
Draft: 18”/5’3” (0.45/1.60 m)
Light displacement: 3,660 lbs (1,660 kg)
Sail area: 554 sq ft (51.5 m²)
Max engine power: 15 HP outboard
www.corsairmarine.com

Tags : 2024 Sail buyers guide

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ASTUS 20.5

Designed for cruising, it makes a great racer!