Astus 20.5 - Such success, now a one-design class
Test MW171
This model has seen remarkable success, with 60 units already 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” (2.48/4.50 m)
Light displacement: 1,036 or 1,080 lbs (470 or 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
Motor: 2 to 6 HP outboard
Price: € 23,166 ex-tax (Leisure version)
CORSAIR PULSE 600 - Radical and incredibly efficient
Test MW148
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: 19’52’’ (5.95 m)
Beam: 8’/14’9” (2.45/4.50 m)
Displacement: 992 lbs (450 kg)
Draft: 9”/4’ (0.22/1.20 m)
Mainsail: 205 sq ft (19.10 m²)
Jib: 76 sq ft (7.10 m²)
Spinnaker: 345 sq ft (32 m²)
Price: US$ 38,800 ex-tax
TRICAT 20 - Perfect for rallies and performance
Test MW163
This is the smallest model in the range: first presented three 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 units 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
Length: 19’8” (5.99 m)
Beam: 14’9”/7’11” (4.50 m/2.40 m)
Displacement: 1,275 lbs (580 kg)
Draft: 12”/3’11” (0.30/1.20 m)
Mainsail: 178/201 sq ft (16.5 m²/18.7 m²)
Jib: 97 / 110 sq ft (9 m² / 10.2 m²)
Gennaker: 247 sq ft (23 m²)
Spinnaker: 301 sq ft (28 m²)
Motor: 3.5 HP outboard
CE category: C
Price: € 33,667 ex-tax
TRICAT 6.90 - Small but powerful
Test MW179
2022 Multihull of the Year Nominee
Specialists in folding trimarans since 2003, Tricat have just launched a new model which 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 / Jack Michal
Material: polyester-infused GRP
Length: 22’8”/24’11” (6.90/7.60 m)
Beam: 15’1”/8’½” (4.60/2.45 m)
Draft: 12”/3’11” (0.30/1.20 m)
Light displacement: 1,590 lbs (720 kg)
Mainsail: 205/237 sq ft (19/22 m²)
Solent: 104/116 sq ft (9.7/10.8 m²)
Gennaker: 258 sq ft (24 m²)
Spinnaker: 366 sq ft (34 m²)
Motor: 3.5 to 6 HP outboard
Price: € 44,833 ex tax
ASTUS 22.5 - Three hulls that slip through the water…
Test MW179
2022 Multihull of the Year Nominee
This new model from Astus Boats completes a great range of four trimarans all signed by VPLP - meaning the biggest Astus 24 is now discreetly leaving the catalog. The Astus 22.5 made its first runs at La Trinité-sur-Mer in Brittany at the beginning of the summer - 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: 22’10” (6.95 m)
Beam: 8’2”/16’1” (2.49/4.90 m)
Mast height: 29’6” (9.00 m)
Draft: 13”/4’7” (0.34/1.40 m)
Displacement: 1,430 lbs (650 kg)
Headroom: 5’5” (1.65 m)
Mainsail: 215sq ft (20 m²)
Jib: 97 sq ft (9 m²)
Gennaker: 345 sq ft (32 m²)
Price: € 40,833 ex-tax
Libertist 703 - Mini-foils and folding floats
Test MW181
2022 Multihull of the Year Nominee
This little sistership to the 853 was splashed for the first time at the La Rochelle boat show. Despite the rush to get her ready – bare interior and missing centerboard, the 703 managed to show good performance under sail. 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’ (1.50 m) headroom.
Builder: Rega Yacht
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)
Spi: 270 sq ft (25 m²)
Motor: 4 kW
Price: € 60,000 ex-tax
DIAM 24 - A rocket ship for all multihull enthusiasts
Test MW172
This little 24-foot one-design VPLP trimaran is not only 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
Architects: VPLP
Length: 7.25 m (23’9”)
Beam: 18’5” (5.62 m)
Draft: 8”/32”/4’11” (0.20/0.80/1.50 m)
Light displacement: 1,150 lbs (520 kg)
Max load: 615 lbs (280 kg)
Upwind sail area: 355 sq ft (33 m²)
Mainsail: 258 sq ft (24 m²)
Jib: 97 sq ft (9 m²)
Gennaker: 398 sq ft (37 m²)
CE Category: C
Price: € 49,000 ex-tax / € 56,670 ex-tax with trailer, safety equipment and sails
CORSAIR 760 - For cruising and/or racing
2018 Multihull of the Year Winner
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” (0.30/1.60 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
Price: US$ 75,599
DRAGONFLY 25 - Breathtaking performance
Test MW142
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 highend 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’ (2.30/5.80 m)
Light displacement: 2,535 lbs (1.15 t)
Draft: 14”/4’11” (0.35/1.50 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)
Motor: 6 HP outboard
Price: € 87,000 ex-tax
TRICAT 25 EVOLUTION - Faired arms and new floats
Test MW141
This trimaran is now Tricat’s best-seller, with almost 80 units built. With its faired arms and its new floats developed seven 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” (7.70/8.90 m)
Beam: 8’3”/18’1” (2.52/5.5 m)
Light displacement: 1,720 lbs (780 kg)
Draft: 14”/3’11” (0.35/1.20 m)
Mainsail: 275/323 sq ft (25.5/30 m²)
Jib: 161/178 sq ft (15/16.5 m²)
Spinnaker: 410/580 sq ft (38/54 m²)
Motor: 6 HP outboard
Price: € 63,167 ex-tax
DRAGONFLY 28 - The undisputed best-seller
MW110
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” (8.75 m)
Beam: 8’4”/21’4” (2.54/6.50 m)
Light displacement: 4,630 lbs (2.10 t)
Draft: 16”/5’7” (0.40/1.70 m)
Mainsail: 398/463 sq ft (37/43 m²)
Genoa: 205/226 sq ft (19/21 m²)
Spinnaker: 645/895 sq ft (60/83 m²)
Motor: 6 HP outboard
CE category: B5/C7
Price: € 159,000 ex-tax
LIBERTIST 853 - Fixed arms
Test MW167
On the trimaran market, fixed arm models are rare... apart from offshore racing boats and NEEL, but these aren’t in the sub-thirty-foot sector. 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 Rega Yacht is offering everything of the 853 folding version. 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’ (8.50 m). Note that the yard is working on two bigger models, the Libertist 1003 and the 1203.
Builder: Rega Yacht
Architect: Erik Lerouge
Construction: Glass/epoxy foam sandwich (infusion), carbon arms
Length: 28’ (8.53 m)
Beam: 23’4”/8’4” (7.10/2.55 m)
Draft: 18”/6’5” (0.45 m/1.95 m)
Light displacement: 3,085 lbs (1,400 kg)
Height and surface area of rotating mast: 44’8”/43 sq ft (13.60 m/4 m²)
Mainsail: 430 sq ft (40 m²)
Jib: 205 sq ft (19 m²)
Spinnaker: 840 sq ft (78 m²)
Motor: 6kW
Price: € 129,000 ex-tax
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 Corsair 880, available in a Sport version with its carbon mast, should be able to fully convince them!
Builder: Corsair Marine
Length: 28’11” (8.80 m)
Beam: 22’4”/8’3” (6.80/2.50 m)
Light displacement: 3,660 lbs (1,660 kg)
Draft: 18”/5’3” (0.45/1.60 m)
Upwind sail area: 555 sq ft (51.47 m²)
Mast height: 39’4” (12 m)
Max engine power: 15 HP outboard
Price: $ 138,250 ex-tax
TRICAT 30 - On course for semioffshore cruising
Test MW152
The Tricat 30 offers all the comfort a crew of up to 6 could wish for, thanks to a very comfortable central hull - panoramic saloon - and a vast cockpit. Powerful, the Tricat 30 remains easy to handle for the whole family or on your own. In port, it folds easily while afloat to limit its beam to 11’6” (3.50 m). Its structural stiffness allows it to have exceptional speed potential: the 30 has already been caught at over 20 knots. And you’ll be reaching these speeds all the more easily as the mainsail is now bigger thanks to a new rig. At least ten Tricat 30s have been delivered since 2016. An excellent platform for semi-offshore cruising.
Builder: Tricat
Length: 30’ (9.14 m)
Beam: 11’6”/23’ (3.50/7.00 m)
Light displacement: 4,960 lbs (2,250 kg)
Draft: 17”/5’2” (0.42/1.56 m)
Mainsail: 435/500 sq ft (40.5/46.5 m²)
Jib: 237/264 sq ft (22/24.5 m²)
Motor: 10/15 HP outboard
Price: € 170,833 ex-tax
