2023 Sail Buyer's Guide

Multihulls from 20 to 30 feet

Clearly shunned by the biggest manufacturers, you might think this category is close to flatlining. Let’s hope that demand evolves and could (at last!) provoke a real craze for entry-level multihulls. But for now, there are no new products or launches in this category. So, for the time being, it’s 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 01/12/2022

Par Emmanuel van Deth

Numéro : 187

Parution : Jan. / Feb. 2023

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ASTUS 20.5

Designed for cruising, this is now a one-design racing class!

This trimaran has seen remarkable success, with almost 100 units 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 less than half a ton. Enough to have fun and sensation, especially when the gennaker is out! 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. The strong points of the 20.5 for coastal cruising: pivoting appendages and a large 172 sq ft (16 m²) sailing platform.

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: € 28,242 ex-tax (Leisure version)

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
Length: 19’8” (6 m)
Beam: 8’/14’9” (2.45/4.5 m)
Displacement: 992 lbs (450 kg)
Draft: 9”/4’ (0.22/1.2 m)
Mainsail: 205 sq ft (19.1 m²)
Jib: 76 sq ft (7.1 m²)
Spinnaker: 345 sq ft (32 m²)

www.corsairmarine.com

TRICAT 20

For rallies and performance

This is the smallest model in the range: first presented four years ago, 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 50 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” (6/7.2 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: 3.5/6 HP outboard
CE category: C5/D6
Price: € 35,157 ex-tax

www.trimaran-tricat.com

ASTUS 22.5

Three hulls for skimming across the water

The latest model from Astus Boats completes a great range of four trimarans all signed by VPLP. The previous biggest model- the Astus 24 – slipped from the catalog last year. The Astus 22.5 made its first runs at La Trinité-sur-Mer in Brittany in early summer 2021 - we were there and confirmed its excellent potential for simply slipping across the surface. 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” (6.95 m)
Beam: 8’2”/15’5” (2.49/4.7 m)
Mast height: 29’6” (9 m)
Draft: 13”/4’7” (0.34/1.4 m)
Displacement: 1,430 lbs (650 kg)
Headroom: 5’5” (1.65 m)
Mainsail: 226sq ft (21 m²)
Jib: 97 sq ft (9 m²)
Gennaker: 280 sq ft (26 m²)
Price: € 47,000 ex-tax -

www.astusboats.com

TRICAT 6.90

Small but strong

Specialists in folding trimarans since 2003, Tricat launched a new model at the end of 2020 that fits between the Tricat 20 and the 25. In order not to (re)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 / 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: € 47,075 ex-tax

www.trimaran-tricat.com

DIAM 24

Watch out for this rocket ship!

This little 24-foot one-design VPLP trimaran hasn’t just been the official multihull of the Tour Voile since 2015: with more than 100 units sailing all over the world, this racing boat enthuses the world’s best crews as well as families who are fond of sports sailing or even racing beginners. Dismountable, transportable and storable in a specially designed box, this clever little multihull also provides users with all the accessories you could ever need - launching and road trailers that don’t need a special permit, launching kit and various extra equipment.

Builder: ADH Inotec
Naval Architects: VPLP
Length: 23’9” (7.25 m)
Beam: 18’5” (5.62 m)
Draft: 5’3” (1.6 m)
Light displacement: 1,150 lbs (520 kg)
Max load: 615 lbs (280 kg)
Mainsail: 258 sq ft (24 m²)
Jib: 97 sq ft (9 m²)
Gennaker: 398 sq ft (37 m²)
CE Category: C
Price: € 58,000 ex-tax

www.diam24onedesign.com

CORSAIR 760

For cruising and/or racing

Like all Corsairs, the 760 is a folding trimaran, yet it remains easily transportable given that its displacement is just under a ton. The hull offers significantly more comfort than its predecessors in the range; the 760’s cabin makes a great shelter if you go rallying or on a coastal camping trip thanks to its marked steps above the waterline. We also love the hinged roof: in fine weather, it offers good headroom. When under way, the Corsair 760 shows great potential, especially in the Sport version (carbon mast and specific deck hardware). Boosted by a gennaker out on the bowsprit, 20-knot runs come easily... performance that has earned this trimaran the title of Multihull of the Year 2018 in its category and great commercial success, with hull #148 having just been delivered…

Builder: Corsair Marine
Architect: François Perus
Length: 24’3” (7.39 m)
Beam: 8’2”/17’11” (2.50/5.46 m)
Draft: 12”/5’3” (0.3/1.6 m)
Light displacement: 2,095 lbs (950 kg)
Mainsail: 267 sq ft (24.8 m²)
Jib: 125 sq ft (11.6 m²)
Spi: 540 sq ft (50 m2)
Engine: 8 HP outboard

www.corsairmarine.com

DRAGONFLY 25

100 miles a day is perfectly achievable

Thanks to its excellent performance, the smallest of the Dragonflys is easily capable of 100-mile days. Tropical cruising, discovering the East Coast of the USA, a journey round Spain or Italy, maybe the Baltic with a trip back to its roots in Denmark – they’re all within reach. 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”/29’4” (7.65/8.95 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)
Spi: 495/645 sq ft (46/60 m²)
Engine: 6 HP outboard
Price: € 98,700 ex-tax

www.dragonfly.dk

TRICAT 25 EVOLUTION

Faired arms and new floats

This trimaran is now Tricat’s best-seller, with 80 units built. With its faired arms and its new floats developed eight years ago, the Tricat 25 is in its second flush of youth: prepare to start out fast, as soon as the first breeze picks up, and do without the services of your engine... Narrow at the waterline, but with a sensible beam at deck-level: the cockpit is well suited for four crew members. And then there are the trampolines 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”/29’2” (7.7/8.9 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)
Asymmetric spi: 452/721 sq ft (42/67 m²)
Engine: 6 HP outboard
Price: € 72,443 ex-tax

www.trimaran-tricat.com

DRAGONFLY 28

The undisputed best-seller under 30 feet

The 200th 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”/33’9” (8.75/10.3 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: 205/231 sq ft (18.5/21.5 m²)
Spi: 645/895 sq ft (60/83 m²)
Engine: 6 HP outboard
CE category: B5/C7
Price: € 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” (0.45/1.6 m)
Light displacement: 3,660 lbs (1.66 t)
Upwind sail area: 554 sq ft (51.5 m²)
Max engine power: 15 HP outboard

www.corsairmarine.com

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2023 Sail Buyer's Guide

ASTUS 20.5

Designed for cruising, this is now a one-design racing class!