Kanka: Inspired by Polynesian pirogues
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The specifications for this project? A small sailboat that would be quick to set up by just one person, transportable, eco-friendly and inexpensive. With the additional constraint of being sufficiently stable that you’re extremely unlikely to end up in the water in the depths of winter. The trimaran formula quickly became established. Naval architects wanted to reconcile modern design and lineage with the traditional multihulls of the Pacific. Combining these two extreme inspirations, the arms are made of glued laminated wood and assembled to the central hull with lashings. Kanka is built in St Phillibert (in southern Brittany, France). Depending on the interest from boaters, it may be available in finished or kit form, as well as at various stages of construction.
Builder: Nicolas Arnoult
Architects: Yacht Design Collective and Tanguy de Bonnières
Central hull length: 4.00 m (13’1”)
Beam: 3.70 m (12’2”)
Displacement: 135 kg (300 lbs)
Mainsail area: 8.50 m² (911 sq ft)
Jib: 4.40 m² (47 sq ft)
Gennaker: 15 or 20 m² (160 or 215 sq ft)
Price: € 12,500 ex-tax
ASTUS 16.5 : A day-boat signed by VPLP!
Launched in late 2015, this small trimaran is the first in the Astus range to see a prestigious signature on the plans - that of VPLP, no less! Fine-entry bows but with volume in the floats (500 liters/18 cu ft): this miniature rocket is not like a beach toy. And yet, its light weight of just 200 kg / 440 lbs makes it as easy to use as a sports catamaran. Thanks to its telescopic link arms, its beam can be reduced from 3.80 m to 2.50 m (12’6” - 8’2”) in the blink of an eye. The small cabin might be considered more as a large watertight locker: if you want to spend a night on board, that’ll be in the tent! Powered by a small dinghy outboard (gas or electric), the 16.5 opens the doors of coastal cruising to you. Two rig versions are available: the Sport model comes with a boom and a bowsprit. And since 2018, a centerboard has been in the catalogue - this option being chosen by 90% of recent buyers.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
Builder: Astus Boats
Architects: VPLP
Central hull length: 4.94 m (16’2”)
Beam: 2.5/3.8 m (8’2”/12’6”)
Displacement: 210 kg (462 lbs)
Draft: 0.2/1.1 m (8”/3’7”)
Mainsail: 10 or 11.5 m² (108 or 124 sq ft)
Jib: 5 or 5.5 m² (54 or 59 sq ft)
Gennaker: 15 or 20 m² (160 or 215 sq ft)
CE category: C3/D5
Prices from: € 13,750 ex-tax
TRICAT 20 : Small but ambitious
Introduced in 2018, the Tricat 20 is the smallest model in the range, and is a trimaran designed for day-sailing. But it also excels on coastal trips, where its compact size, maneuverability and performance are outstanding. The Tricat 20, with already 30 examples 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: 5.99 m (19’8”)
Beam: 4.50 m (14’9”)
Displacement: 580 kg (1275 lbs)
Draft: 0.3/1.20 m (12”/47”)
Mainsail: 16.5 m² / 18.7 m² (178 / 201 sq ft)
Jib: 9 m² / 10.2 m² (97 / 110 sq ft)
Gennaker: 23 m² (247 sq ft)
Spinnaker: 28 m² (301 sq ft)
No. cabins: 1
Engine: 3.5 HP
Price: € 31,667 ex-tax
ASTUS 20.5 : Ease of setting-up and performance
We’ve only recently tested this mini-racer – the full report will appear in a forthcoming issue. Our verdict? This model, first presented to the public last year, is as much fun to helm as it is practical and easy to set-up. These qualities have already earned it a good reputation - 28 examples built. Designed by VPLP (like the 16.5), the Astus 20.5 is particularly exciting in the Sport version, since it offers 24 m² (260 sq ft) of sail area upwind with a weight of only 400 kg (880 lbs). Something to have fun with, especially when you’ve got the gennaker out! Like the other models in the range, it adopts a system of telescopic link arms. The interior is compact, but still offers a mini saloon and a double berth. The highlights of the 20.5 for limited cruising: pivoting appendages and a large 16 m² (172 sq ft) sailing platform.
Builder: Astus Boats
Length: 5.95 m (19’6”)
Beam: 2.48 / 4.50 m (8’2” / 14’9”)
Light weight: 390 kg (860 lbs)
Draft: 0.25 m / 1.25 m (10” / 4’1”)
Upwind sail area: 21 m² / 24 m² (226 / 258 sq ft)
Total sail area downwind: 34 m² / 42 m² (365 / 452 sq ft)
Gennaker: 20 m² / 26 m² (215 / 280 sq ft)
No. cabins: 1
CE category: C5/D7
Engine: 2 to 6 HP
Price: € 22,417 ex-tax (Leisure version) and € 25,642 ex-tax (Sport version)
CORSAIR PULSE 600 : Radical and efficient design
The Pulse 600 is the smallest of the Corsair trimarans, but is no less attractive! As the name suggests, this little rocket weighing less than 500 kilos (1,000 lbs) is made for racing - a One Design class is being considered. 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 International
Length: 6 m (19’9”)
Beam: 2.45/4.50 m (8’/14’9”)
Weight: 450 kg (992 lbs)
Draft: 0.22/1.20 m (9”/48”)
Mainsail: 19.1 m² (205 sq ft)
Jib: 7.1 m² (76 sq ft)
Spinnaker: 32 m² (345 sq ft)
Price: US$ 35,900 ex-tax
Astus Boats 22.5: Launch planned for late 2020!
Out goes the 22: Astus Boats is confirming the release of a new model for the end of next year. In line with the new range, the manufacturer is remaining loyal to VPLP. The Astus 22.5 will measure just short of 7 meters (23 feet) for the central hull; this small, infusion-built trimaran will of course be foldable and easily transportable. The interior volume will be sufficient to accommodate four proper berths. And another scoop? A foiling version is on the cards!
Builder: Astus Boats
Architects: VPLP
Length: 6.90 m (22’8”)
Beam: 2.49/4.90 m (8’2”/16’1”)
Mast height: 9 m (29’6”)
Draft: 0.34/1.40 m (13”/4’7”)
Weight: 650 kg (1,430 lbs)
Headroom: 1.60 m (5’3”)
Mainsail: 20 m² (215sq ft)
Jib: 9 m² (97 sq ft)
Gennaker: 32 m² (345 sq ft)
Price: € 40,833 ex-tax
F22 : The most accomplished of coastal cruisers
Ian Farrier was the inventor of the folding arm system - he is responsible for more than 3,000 trimarans equipped with it worldwide. The naval architect / boatbuilder passed away in 2017 but his favorite trimaran, the F22, is now offered by Daedalus Yachts. This model is undoubtedly one of the most successful multihulls of this size. The F22, which has seen nearly 250 examples built since 2013, is available in standard version, R version (more canvas) and even a foiling F version for thrill-seekers…
Builder: Farrier Marine/Daedalus Yachts
Length: 7 m (23’)
Beam: 5.52 m (18’1”)
Light displacement: 680 kg (1500 lbs)
Draft: 0.31 / 1.50 m (12”/4’11”)
Mainsail: 23.14 m² (250 sq ft)
Jib 13.40 m² (144 sq ft)
Engine: 4-8 HP outboard
Price: US$ 80,000 ex-tax, with mainsail, jib and gennaker
CORSAIR 760: For cruising or racing
The 760 is a folding trimaran, like all Corsairs, but remains easily transportable since 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.
Length: 7.39 m (24’3”)
Beam: 2.50/5.46 m (8’2”/17’11”)
Draft: 0.30/1.60 m (12”/5’3”)
Light displacement: 950 kg (2,095 lbs)
Mainsail: 24.87 m² (268 sq ft)
Jib: 13.30 m² (143 sq ft)
Engine: 8 HP outboard
Price: US$ 69,999 ex-tax
ASTUS 24: A proper coastal cruiser
With its more accomplished design - the coachroof is a success - and its narrow hulls at the waterline, the largest of the Astus range has little in common with its forebears launched ten years previously. At the helm of this 24-foot trimaran, it’s easy to imagine going on a coastal cruise very comfortably thanks to its four berths, its beautiful saloon, a pleasant galley area, a toilet and plenty of storage space. Skillfully designed off-center, the daggerboard follows the trunk uprights and becomes invisible. Transportable and foldable, the mast is easy to step on the Astus 24 thanks to an ingenious system. In the Sport version, it has a particularly favorable sail area-to-weight ratio. The Astus 24 gives a lot for a tight price, and above all it will reassure any new multihull converts. Easy to transport, to set up, to store, this is the carefree, fun and bohemian boat.
Builder: Astus Boats
Length: 7.40 m (24’3”)
Beam: 2.54/5.25 m (8’4”/17’3”)
Light displacement: 760 kg (1,675 lbs)
Draft: 0.35/1.45 m (14”/4’9”)
Mainsail: 21 m² (226 sq ft)
Jib: 12 m² (130 sq ft)
Engine: 9 HP
Price: € 57,417 ex-tax
DRAGONFLY 25: Performance and a flattering finish
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 not cheap, but it is probably the best one in this format of under 8 meters (26 feet). Inside, despite the marked chines, the volume remains a bit on the small side. But you’ve got the option to order various comfort elements such as toilets, additional opening panels...
Builder: Quorning Boats
Length: 7.65 m (25’1”)
Beam: 2.30/5.80 m (7’7”/19’)
Light displacement: 1.05 t (2,315 lbs)
Draft: 0.35/1.50 m (14”/4’11”)
Mainsail: 24/29 m² (258/312 sq ft)
Genoa: 10/12 m² (108/130 sq ft)
Engine: 6 HP outboard
Price: € 75,000 ex-tax
Tricat 25 Evolution: Cruising performance
This model is Tricat's best-seller, with 70 examples built. With its faired arms and its new floats developed five 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!
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
Builder: Tricat
Length: 7.70 m (25’3”)
Beam: 2.52/5.5 m (8’3”/18’1”)
Light displacement: 780 kg (1,720 lbs)
Draft: 0.35/1.20 m (14”/3’11”)
Mainsail: 25.5/30 m² (275/323 sq ft)
Jib: 15/16.5 m² (161/178 sq ft)
Engine: 6 HP outboard
Price: € 60,750 ex-tax
DRAGONFLY 28: A sound investment
An undisputed bestseller in this category, with the 200th example delivered this summer! For ten years now, this model has delighted lovers of cruises and racing alike. 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. Three versions are available: Touring, Sport and Performance. The floats of this latest version have inverted bows (50 cm / 20” longer and 20% more volume, i.e. 500 L / 18 cu ft, giving more lift) and an extended and reinforced rudder.
Builder: Quorning Boats
Length: 8.75 m (28’9”)
Beam: 2.54/6.50 m (8’4”/21’4”)
Light displacement: 2.10 t (4,630 lbs)
Draft: 0.40/1.70 m (16”/5’7”)
Mainsail: 37/43 m² (398/463 sq ft)
Genoa: 19/21 m² (205/226 sq ft)
Asymmetric spi: 60/83 m² (645/895 sq ft)
Engine: 6 HP outboard
CE category: B5/C7
Price: € 145,300 ex-tax
LIBERTIST 853 : The temptation of fixed arms
On the trimaran market, there are no more fixed arm models... Apart from Neel, who use the formula on large-sized boats. The Libertist's ambition is to confirm this success in the 7-12 m (23-40’) sector. Bearing the signature of Erik Lerouge, the Polish shipyard Rega Yacht does still offer this series of trimarans in a 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 8.50 m (28’).
Builder: Rega Yacht
Architect: Erik Lerouge
Construction: Glass/epoxy foam sandwich (infusion), carbon arms
Length: 8.53 m (28’)
Beam: 7.10 m (23’4”)
Draft: 0.45 m/1.95 m (18”/6’5”)
Unladen weight: 1,400 kg (3,085 lbs)
Height and surface area of the rotating mast: 13.60 m/4 m² (44’8”/43 sq ft)
Mainsail: 40 m² (430 sq ft)
Self-tacking jib: 19 m² (205 sq ft)
Asymmetric spinnaker: 78 m² (840 sq ft)
Base price: € 75,333 ex-tax
CORSAIR 880 : For racing and for cruising
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 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 9 m (30’): 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 International
Length: 8.80 m (28’11”)
Beam: 6.8 / 2.5 m (22’4”/8’3”)
Light displacement: 1,660 kg (3,660 lbs)
Draft: 0.45 / 1.60 m (18”/5’3”)
Sail area: 51.47 m² (555 sq ft)
Mast height: 12 m (39’4”)
Max engine power: 15 HP outboard
Price: $ 118,000 ex-tax
TRICAT 30 : Your passport to going offshore
Designed for semi-offshore cruising, it 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 3.50 m (11’6”). 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. Eight Tricat 30s have been delivered since 2016.
Builder: Tricat
Length: 9.14 m (30’)
Beam: 3.50/7 m (11’6”/23’)
Light displacement: 2,250 kg (4,960 lbs)
Draft: 0.40/1.60 m (16”/5’3”)
Mainsail: 40.5/46.5 m² (435/500 sq ft)
Jib: 22/24.5 m² (237/264 sq ft)
Engine: 10/15 HP outboard
Price: € 161,667 ex-tax
