rapido trimaran speed

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Sailboat Review: Rapido 40

• By Mark Pillsbury
• May 6, 2024

In the great debate among sailors about what’s better—a monohull or a catamaran—both sides make compelling ­arguments. Monohulls are more efficient at going upwind. Their sufficient ballast ensures stability in a seaway. Some would say that a keelboat is just plain more exciting to sail. But cat lovers counter that they don’t care to “sail on their ear.” They’re willing to motor to windward if necessary, they enjoy the ability to pull up next to a beach, and they rave about the outdoor living space that two hulls afford. 

And then there’s the trimaran crowd, which, on a boat like the Rapido 40, gets the best of both worlds. Fast, flat sailing upwind and down? Check. Shallow draft for cruising in skinny water? Check. Lots of room to spread out on deck, and generous accommodations below for a cruising couple with kids or occasional friends? You bet.

The Rapido 40 is designed by the high-performance team at Morrelli & Melvin, and is built in Vietnam by Triac Composites. Rapido was co-founded in 2014 by Paul Koch and Richard Eyre. Koch is an old hand at trimarans—he was formerly president of Corsair—and he says that there is a market out there, albeit a niche one, for performance-oriented, oceangoing cruising trimarans. 

Rapido’s 40 is the smallest in a line that ranges upwards of 60 feet—its original model. Just sitting at the dock, the all-­carbon-fiber build is one sleek-looking boat. It has a rotating, spreaderless, double-tapered wing mast; a V-shaped boom; and a square-top main that’s paired with a versatile two-headsail sail plan. That sail plan includes a self-tacking jib for upwind sailing or days when it’s blowing, and a screecher set on a sprit. There’s also a continuous-line furler for off-the-wind or light-air conditions. 

Underway, that package provides plenty of horsepower, as my Boat of the Year judging colleagues and I would discover on Chesapeake Bay this past fall. It was a ride where we all vied for the dubious honor of top tiller hog.

In 10 to 12 knots with the small jib rolled out, we skipped along at close to 8 knots, according to the GPS. Things got really lively when we rolled up that sail and unfurled the big dog. Twelve knots and change was about top end for us in those relatively light conditions.

And boy, was the Rapido fun to sail! The boat has bench-style seats outboard to either side of the cockpit, so skippers can sit with the tiller extension in hand and legs stretched out, watching the world fly by. C foils in the amas are adjusted up or down depending on the point of sail; strategically placed electric Harken winches raise them, and gravity drops them down. Sheets and halyards can also be led to the winches, so, for a shorthanded crew, sailhandling—especially with the self-tending jib—is pretty simple.

A base model Rapido 40 runs just under $700,000, though the boat we sailed in Annapolis—with top-of-the-line North Sails, B&G electronics and a composting head—carried a price tag of $800,000 and change. Other options include a performance mast and electric propulsion. Lithium batteries are standard.

I’ve been on smaller tris, where the interior can feel cramped because of the relatively narrow beam of the center hull, but the 40 has more-than-adequate living space. An inline galley takes up the starboard side of the salon, with a dining table opposite. The raised cabin top and windows all around provide 360-degree visibility and 6-foot-6-inch headroom. Rear-facing ports are removable for ventilation and to provide better visibility forward from the cockpit. I liked the look of the carbon-fiber countertops and drawers, which felt light as a feather to open. And the composite work was clean as a whistle.

Beneath the cockpit, there’s a double berth that’s accessible through a cockpit hatch or from below. It would be a great place to stash the kids, and two single berths are an option. I’m told that in later models, the cockpit sole has been raised 3 inches, making the aft cabin that much roomier. The owner’s stateroom, with a double berth offset to port, is in a cabin forward of the salon, along with a head and shower.

Hulls and deck are foam-cored. The prepreg autoclave-cured components such as the bulkheads, boom, mast, C foils, structural beams and T-foil rudder are all made in-house. The main hull and amas (which fold in, reducing the beam from 28 feet, 10 inches to 19 feet, 3 inches) all have watertight bow crash compartments. The engine compartment, which houses a 30 hp Yanmar with a shaft drive, is also surrounded by watertight bulkheads, just in case.

Rapido US importer Bob Gleason—an experienced ­multihull guy and owner of The Multihull Source in Cape Cod, Massachusetts—had fit out the boat that we got aboard to keep the weight down. I still found it packed with all that I’d need for a comfortable getaway. Workmanship and equipment was ­top-notch, just as I’d expect on a boat built to go places.

Mark Pillsbury is a CW editor-at-large and was a 2024 Boat of the Year judge. 

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• Jul 15, 2019

Rapido - "among the fastest and most seductive multihulls to ever exist", Multihulls World magazine

Updated: May 25, 2020

The Rapido 60 is reviewed by Philippe Echelle in the current issue of Multihulls World magazine's Summer 2019 (Edition 13) issue.

Philippe asks whether the Rapido 60 is "among the fastest and most seductive multihulls to ever exist".

Check out 20 more quotes below from Philippe's article.

20 Rapido Quotes from Philippe Echelle, Multihulls World Magazine

I invite you aboard one of the most exciting live aboard multihulls ever produced.

Rapido is very seductive.

Creative originality...

The ergonomics of the boat hit you and accompany you everywhere.

The intelligence of this globally innovative design is remarkable.

The foredeck, having side trampolines, is exceptional for a trimaran.

The central cockpit area is vast.

An astonishing panoramic view.

The care given to the finish is obvious, the marriage of the magnificent composite and decorative elements testifies to a very sure taste.

The most efficient 60' catamarans run at around 13t but the Rapido claims a maximum weight of 11t and our test boat weighed 10.5t.

But is this advantage on paper transformed on the water? Let me answer in advance: yes!

...set off like a racehorse.

The Rapido... points like a hunting dog.

I am amazed to see that we are slipping beyond the speed of the wind in this light breeze.

The true didn't reach 10 knots and our speed oscillated between 9 and 11.4 knots!

All other sailboats seem stuck in a sticky sea while we surf constantly with peaks at 16 knots.

The trimaran is capable of breathtaking and steady performance under medium or even light conditions

The security of this tri with its voluminous hulls will allow amazing days without necessarily calling on all available power.

The Rapido offers rare sensations in liveability.

For day sailing as much as offshore cruising, (Rapido) can claim pride of place among the fastest and most seductive multihulls to ever exist.

Video of Rapido 60

New Industrial robot to build plugs and moulds for Rapido 50 and 40

See the video below of the new robot which will help build the plugs and moulds for the new Rapido 40 and 50.

#multihullsworld , #rapidoreview , #rapido60 , #trimarans , #multihulls

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This high-powered, high-tech cruising trimaran has speed to burn

Now for that contrast I mentioned earlier: The Rapido 40 designed by Morrelli & Melvin in southern California, is a high-performance, high-tech, folding trimaran built by Triac Composites in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This is a very up-to-date build facility with its own robotic CNC milling machine used to carve out plugs and molds and its own autoclave for truly high-tech parts built with prepreg carbon to optimize strength to weight. The general director of Triac is Paul Koch and the general manager is Phil Johns. This is a very impressive operation and I bet the food is good too.

Using all the latest design software including computational fluid dynamics, finite element analysis and proprietary VPP programs, the Morrelli & Melvin office sounds like a fun place to work. I could even bring my own spline weights. 

Draft with the rudder down is 4 feet 8 inches. If I use the loaded displacement, the D/L is 116.2. If I use the light displacement I get a D/L of 87.2. I don’t have any drawings that would indicate hull shape other than the plan view for the interior. I can see max beam has been carried aft. Given how narrow the main hull is on this tri, I suspect the designers were fighting for useful interior volume. That beam aft also helps with the cockpit layout. 

The amas have a full length chine that I presume is on both sides of the ama hull. Of course maybe the biggest attraction of this design is that the amas pivot inboard to reduce beam max of 28 feet 10 inches down to 19 feet 3 inches. This will be a big advantage when you are hunting for a slip in a marina.

The interior is very clean looking, almost stark. There is a double berth in the bow, a large head to port and galley to starboard. There is an option for port and starboard quarter berths or a centerline double berth tucked under the cockpit. Both the quarter berths and the double berth look like they would give me trouble bending my body for access. I prefer interior spaces to be “inviting.” There are large hatches over these aft sleeping areas. There is a U-shaped dinette to port in the main cabin. The rendering of the main cabin shows a microwave sitting on the counter top but no regular range with oven. Seems like the builder could give you whatever you preferred in that area. There is a nav station to starboard just aft of the galley.

The deck plan shows a smallish cockpit aft but that’s common for cruising trimarans. There is an option for pedestal steering but if you want the pedestal steering you can’t have the aft double berth. I can’t find the information on what the alternative steering is. Perhaps it’s a tiller. Neither tiller or pedestal is shown on the deck plan. There is an arced track for a self-tacking Solent jib. The mainsheet traveler is aft of the cockpit. The cabintrunk is nicely sculpted with a lot of fixed window area for visibility. Obviously, if you like to lay out in the sun there are plenty of options with all that netting.

There are two rigs available: the standard rig and the performance rig. The performance rig is 7 feet 3 inches taller than the standard rig. Using the standard rig I get a SA/D of 32.2 using the light displacement and 26.6 if I use the loaded displacement. If I add the asymmetrical spinnaker I get a SA/D of 74. That should get your attention. The  mast and boom are autoclaved carbon and epoxy.

I would like a ride on this boat.

LOA 39’6”; LWL 39’4”; Beam 28’10”, folded 19’3”; Draft 4’7”, foils up 1’10”; Displ. 11,904 lb.; Sail area 1,344 sq. ft.; Auxiliary Twin Oceanvolt 8kW saildrives; Fuel 52 gal.; Water 52 gal.; SA/D 32.2; D/L 87.2

Rapido Trimarans

38 Wang Chiu Road

Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong

Whatsapp 88 83 904 0201

www.rapidotrimarans.com   

Also in Perry on Design

• Outbound 5360
• Elan Impression 43
• Full Circle 30
• Tanton No. 309
• Dragonfly 40

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American ports and marinas, like those in Western Europe are struggling to accommodate large catamarans. How will they react to an 18x12m trimaran platform?  The question may seem incidental, but still made me think!  But why start a review of a multihull as attractive as this one with an off-the-cuff comment?  Nobody said that the Rapido was reasonable!

Rapido N ° 2 (Romanza) in New Zealand in a breeze, under 1 reef/solent, the central hull releases a good part of its wetted surface!

The silhouette of this animal won’t leave you indifferent! The mast section, the sail plan and the decor of the hulls herald something colorful. Note the comfortable stepped hull that offers a generous interior

With this boat, the upwind angles can be very closed, and even in the breeze with the chop, the spray seldom reaches the cockpit

Rapido, the two-faceted multihull! It knows how to be clever, but no question of going unnoticed at anchor!

Dynamic dihedron in operation, the windward hull well clear of the water. Rapido is cutting its course at a brisk pace on a flat sea and a wind below 12 knots. The foredeck and the anchoring station are like those of a cruising multihull

From the helm station, access to the cockpit is direct and secure, the trampolines fixed on laminated battens (so without holes or screws) are at deck- level making moving around more comfortable. Even under reacher, the upwind performance remains amazin

Very innovative ergonomics! Raised helm station, 4-6 seat bench seats, folding tandem seat. Note the sail-handling console with the big electric Lewmar 60 winch placed on the bimini and the large boom wings. The cockpit bulkhead is in a raised position un

The saloon, the cockpit and the galley can merge into a beautiful semi-outdoor space perfectly protected from wind, spray and sun (note the side fairing that closes the area in for high speed). Here the connecting door is tilted and stored under the bimin

The saloon table is removable. Who could have imagined not so long ago such a galley aboard a performance trimaran?

The continuity of accessibility is one of the Rapido’s strong points: at the bottom of the cockpit, access to the aft cabin

The forecabin of this trimaran is spectacular; the blend of materials (here on Romanza), the design and the perfection of the composite left visible testify to a very sure taste and a demanding finish!

From the aft lodge (it has its own bathroom), the view of the wake is seductive

The multifunction locker accessible by a large watertight hatch from the cockpit; there are even bunks and an access panel. Really practical ... and the weight is centered!

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Trimarans: easy victims for dock fees

A large part of the world's yachting fleet is grouped around an infinitesimally small percentage of the coast (and not always the most attractive bits!). There remains, however, a variety of smart solutions in wonderful and less crowded sailing areas (estuaries, lagoons, large lakes, interior gulfs, drying areas ...). Countless shoal-draft areas would also be able to accommodate this type of boat (the Rapido has an integral daggerboard),  which would help to avoid the sometimes grotesque regulations and outrageous charges for moorings. This bleak comment made, let's get to the main course: I invite you aboard one of the most exciting liveaboard multihulls ever produced. Hold onto your hat… and your sunglasses! Welcome aboard the Rapido 60. 

How are ambitious projects born?

Richard Eyre (an English-speaking Canadian sailor passionate about trimarans) and Paul Koch (formerly of Corsair Marine) are the protagonists of the Rapido story whose genesis is explained through a deep and ancient immersion in the world of trimaran building and an ultimate will to achieve.  Paul is the industrialist of the pair. He bought Corsair from John Walton i...

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BOAT REVIEW

MODEL DETAILS

Specifications.

• The elevated helm station gives good vision
• Living space and carrying capacity
• Rotating mast maximises performance
• All sail controls lead back to helm

Years ago, at the start of his new project building larger cruising trimarans, I met and talked with Rapido co-owner, Paul Koch. It was an interesting conversation, without hyperbole and very factual. It was a very no-nonsense Australian-style approach, in fact. “The whole Rapido trimaran concept came about because we felt the world needed a larger, roomier, cruising trimaran with good living space that delivered great performance,” he said.

Morelli and Melvin Mention design and the illustrious names Morelli and Melvin come to mind. They applied the latest technology when designing all three Rapido models, including clever use of Computational Fluid Dynamics, Finite Element Analysis and Velocity Prediction Program. “The innovation in design comes with the layout of the main hull and reaching the balance between beam, draft and trim to carry the accommodation without too much compromise on performance,” said Pete Melvin. On the 40 and 50 models, Rapido overcomes the main issue faced by trimarans – berthing – by using folding amas. Separately, the Rapido 60 has a unique, highly innovative design that allows the main beams to be unplugged for shipping. The folding concept was already proven in Koch’s previous trimaran builds, which utilised the Farrier-designed folding system. He was the owner of Corsair Marine, where he was directly involved in the production of over 1,500 trimarans from 1994-2010. An enhanced carbon version of the folding amas has been developed for Rapido. In addition, this patented folding mechanism keeps the amas in the upright position, ensuring that the sides remain free from fouling.

Cruise faster There are good reasons to consider a trimaran, especially if looking to combine the best sailing features of a monohull with the stability of a catamaran. Trimarans can offer exhilarating performance while maintaining complete control. Trimarans are the fastest, safest offshore boats, as demonstrated by the massive French 105-foot (32m) Ultim trimarans keeping the (round-the-world) Jules Verne Trophy in their possession thanks to their record-breaking speed. My assignments have taken me on some of these beauties, including one of the newest, the Ultim Sodebo , several ORMA 60s and a crazily powerful MOD70 that I enjoyed for a race at Hamilton Island Race Week. But for mere mortals like me, it’s the humbler boats I have really enjoyed sailing, such as the versatile Dragonfly, spacious Neels, nimble Corsairs and classic Farriers. Now Rapido ups the ante considerably with its high-tech carbon beauties.

Liveability One of the perceived downsides of trimarans is living space and carrying capacity. In fact, often the first sensation experienced by people boarding the R60 and the R50 for the first time is the great feeling of space, as the crew from La Vagabonde declared on their test sail. There is an aft deck with side seating and an extra-wide helm seat for more than one. Then there are the expansive nets and a huge foredeck. The cockpit and saloon/dining/galley are all on one level and the door to the saloon can swing up into the roof when not in use so that the whole area opens into one enormous space. The daggerboard dominates the saloon on the 50 and 60, but the new 40 has ‘C’ foils in the amas and this completely removes the need for a daggerboard case in the saloon, which further opens the interior space.

Powerful yet controllable rig The carbon masts on each model are rotating to maximise performance. The standing rigging is synthetic. An extensive sail plan means there’s a manageable amount of power available, both upwind and downwind – an important safety consideration in a fast boat like this. The furling Solent genoa, mounted on the inner forestay, is self-tacking and the mainsail reefing system uses Karver reef hooks mounted on Dyneema straps around the boom to distribute the loads with minimal chafe. The boom has truss wings with netting to catch the full-battened mainsail, which is on Antal sliders for easy hoisting, reefing and furling. A furling fractional Code 0 and a masthead furling gennaker tack on the bow just ahead of the headstay. Two Harken winches on the cabin top forward of the helm station handle main and Solent sheet loads. Rope clutches for halyards, mast rotation and board up and down controls are positioned to use the same winches.

Stiff hull Rapido use infused carbon/vinylester laminates on closed-cell PVC cores for high-strength areas and E-glass with carbon elsewhere. Vinylester is used in the hull and deck laminates for good adhesion and better compatibility with the gelcoat finish. Epoxy laminates are used in the structural elements of the boat.

RAPIDO 60 FOR LA VAGABONDE YOUTUBERS

Young Aussie couple, Riley Whitelum and Elayna Carausu went from backpackers to superstar sailors via their video posts on YouTube. These gleaned them enough subscribers (a staggering 1.6 million) to enable them to sail full time. Recently, their fame was extended when they took teenage environmental activist Greta Thunberg across the Atlantic in order to reduce her carbon travel emissions. The couple began their sailing life on a small monohull and then an Outremer catamaran before ordering the Rapido 60. “We started looking to upgrade and while I wanted a boat that could go fast, I’m much more interested in average crossing times. I mean, it’s good fun to go fast but that’s the least important on my list of things. I want to be able to go at a good pace safely,” said Riley.

New Zealand Sea Trial After an extensive 18-month global search, well-documented on their YouTube channel, the family flew to New Zealand in 2019 for a sea trial with Paul Koch on the Rapido 60 Romanza , owned by Dougall and Jaz Love. The couple were duly impressed, as Riley recalls: “I know that the Rapido sails unbelievably well, which is the main thrust behind all of our decision making… The only thing I was worried about was the amount of space on board.”

Latest Boat Reviews

Boat Anomaly: Rapido 40 Trimaran

• April 19th, 2023
• Sailing Yacht

Being present at boat shows I always try to find interesting sailboats to write about. Right now, roaming the pontoons of La Grande Motte Multihull boat show, I detected an anomaly, so to say, but one in the best sense of the word: The Rapido 40 trimaran caught my attention right away. It was not so much the boat itself as a whole, but the sheer number of small details – summing up to an exciting package.

People with “eyes” will notice the Rapido 40 right away: A mast with a considerable rake can be seen on so many boats, especially multihulls, but a spreaderless rigging is an exemption. This kind of rigging is normally reserved for strictly pro-racing yachts and regarding the Rapido 40 just a first harbinger of what this boat is entitled to be.

A seemingly limitless attention to details

Nearing myself the berth of this trimaran, which was moored a bit off at one of the pontoons more far away from the big brands and production cats, I quickly start to notice many more deciding details. The standing rigging, for example, is made of carbon fibres . This so-called “soft rigging” offers many advantages over steel wiring but of course comes with a hefty price tag.

Spreaderless mast, soft rigging – the consequence should be a rotating wing mast. Those type of masts can be tilted by the skipper and thus optimize airflow on the mainsail significantly. This is as well a feature we only know from pro-racing .

Operating such a mast requires thorough knowledge and capabilities of the skippers. Rapido most certainly is not a boat you should choose as your first boat. And if so, you should book some thorough classes with pro-skippers and people who know how to handle this gear. The outcome, this is for sure, of having such a variety of trimming tools at hand, is high speed and stunning performance.

Looking at the daggerboard´s shape, for example, reveals that the Rapido trimaran was made by absolutely dedicated specialists. This daggerboard is not just shaped nicely to cut through water and minimize leeway, by looking at the drop-shaped hydrodynamically optimized form of the cross-section reveals that this is true high-tech.

Rapido´s mission: Creating the best ocean cruising Trimarans in the World

As the website states, Rapido´s mission is to simply make and offer the best ocean cruising trimarans in the world. In this, the Hong Kong-based company is completely focusing on the highest level of construction and design. The carbon fiber in this respect is their material of choice.

Seemingly everything about the Rapido 40 is made of carbon composite. As many, many parts are lacquered and painted white, like the pulpits for example, I have the feeling that this is done for protection and aesthetics, but also to kind of “hide away” or add a bit of understatement to the whole boat. Boasting around with this level of material-usage and craftsmanship may not be top priority of Rapido´s clients.

The appearance of the Rapido 40 is very dynamic, but as mentioned, but the boat prefers to stay in the background. Understatement is a feature of this boat. Compared to other trimarans this one looks as if it wants to downplay its aggressive and high-performance nature. A Dragonfly for example looks a loot more ready to fight – but this is just the looks.

No compromises

The brand Rapido is kind of trending right now. The brand´s name got a huge elevation recently as the guys from LA VAGABONDE announced that their next boat will be a Rapido, the “beast”, the Rapido 60. People who know are aware of this brand of course long before LA VAGABONDE joined the game. The company was co-founded by Paul Koch, who apparently was sitting aboard the Rapido 40 and welcomed his visitors personally. This guy is well known in the multihull scene.

Koch is known for his previous dedicated works at OSTAC Yachts and above all Corsair Marine, well known trimaran brands. His dedication and determination to achieve highest possible standards without sacrificing or compromising too much git him his nickname “Pioneer Paul”. Sadly, when I was aboard, he was in the midst of a conversation and I didn´t wanted to interrupt: Certainly a person I´d love to sit down and talk to in more depth. Maybe next year.

Anyways, going down into the boat´s saloon, the “Aaah” and “Wow” didn´t stop: Yepp, this boat is made entirely of carbon: Even the dinner table is made of nicely woven and glossy painted carbon fibre. As wind speeds at La Grande Motte exceeded 30 knots that day, apparently, the whole nearby beach had been blown into the marina and as such the boat was covered with a small layer of finest sand, even inside..

Full carbon build. And I mean “full”!

Looking at the pure data of this trimaran, you will get a feeling for what the shipyard has done here: The boat measures 39 feet overall and has a maximum width of just under 8 meters, float to float. Thus it weights 5.200 kilograms light displacement, thanks to the usage of carbon fibres. For comparison, the Dragonfly 40 from Denmark, already a light and fast boat, clocks in at 6.900 kilograms lightest version, 7.9 tons cruising version.

And this procession of carbon details is never-ending: Standing in the saloon I direct my eyes to the longitudinal galley and notice that here again everything is made from carbon composites. Even the drawers which I pull out are made with this material: The level of attention to details is stunning. Even for a part like this, which is normally filled with cutlery, the visible carbon layers are beautiful.

I catch myself thinking about outfitting such a boat: If everything is made without any compromise to save weight, if everything is done with carbon fibers and literally screams “I am light weight!”, which cutlery would you put into a drower like this? I mean, any steel fork or knife would compromise the idea, right?

Apart from such crazy thought-experiments, the layout of the saloon and the galley´s size are absolutely fine for a trimaran. Already limited in internal volume, the makers of the Rapido 40 managed to come up with a clever usage of available volume and provide for a snug, roomy and above all, light suffused interior.

Made for serious and passionate Sailors

The nav-station of the Rapido 40 has all a skipper needs to manage the boat: Main switch board, VHF and secondary displays are well within reach. Standing in that corner, the Captain will have a great view outside and won´t be away or “down” out of sight for too long. Only downside: It´s a standing workplace as there is no stool or anything to sit down – this area also double-functions as the pathway to the rear cabin.

I especially like one detail: The chart plotter is mounted to a swinging arm so that it can be used both inside and, if swung around, from the outside. This is a similar ingenious but simple solution as Seascape offers in the First 27 SE . From sailing that boat for 2 seasons I can say, it really works, protects the expensive gear and has it away from moisture, rain and thieves. Nice.

40 feet trimaran comforts

As I already mentioned, the saloon is a snug place. Of course, in dedicated cruising catamaran or more common concepts, 40 feet boats offer far, far more internal volume and as such more perceived comforts. But how much do you need? I mean, #microcruising is a real thing and if your preference is set on very fast sailing, you really do not care about buying (and moving around) empty space, which inevitably always comes with more weight. The Rapido 40 offers the minimum, bottom line of comforts and it does it with style.

The floor is made of Cork , which I liked, and the dinner table area with the U-shaped settee is raised. In this, whilst sitting here, the view is a true 360 degree panorama view with amazing outlooks on the boat quickly dashing through the seas or at anchor in a dream bay.

Cross ventilation and lighting situation inside is great: The Rapido 40 is a very light boat in terms of colors and natural light. I can very good imagine a crew, a family or a couple enjoying the quietness and peace of a berth or anchorage, maybe having a tasty dinner or an ice-cold beer, after a leg of rapid sailing. Let´s see what the boat offers internally.

Passing through the primary bulkhead, to the port side the boat´s head is situated. This shall be near the pivotal point of the boat so that even when sailing there shouldn´t bee too much motion when taking a dump . The bathroom is surprisingly big given the dimensions. Again, the volume is utilized in a very clever way. Standing height where you have to be standing, enough space to get dressed/undressed, take a shower or sit down.

I especially liked the windows. A smaller hull window which can be opened will make the head light and ventilate out some smelly air. The round hatch in the hull´s bottom is absolutely breathtaking, making the room appear in oceanic blue colors. When sailing, it must be awesome to enjoy the view here.

Cabins in the Rapido 40 Trimaran

Vis-à-vis the bathroom there is some stowage and a dry-locker for wet sailing gear . Again, Rapido´s exploit of interior volume shows the capabilities of the designers in the fore cabin, which I would dub as owner´s cabin. Three windows in the hull which all can be opened, and a skylight hatch make for perfect cross ventilation and shiny light atmosphere.

The double bed should be suitable for two adults, stowage is to starboard side mainly and a small drawer adjoining the bathroom. Again, the level of details and determination to save weight is apparent even in the cabins: The light switches are made of carbon fibers as well. Crazy.

The rapido 40 is a two-cabin boat. Going back through the saloon and kind of kneeling down wedging oneself through the back of the navigation station one reaches the aft cabin. Measurements are stunning: The mattresses of the aft cabin can easily offer sleeping space for three adults, jet this cabin, being exactly underneath the cockpit, reminds me of small the makeshift “slip-cabins” in small power boats.

Laying in these berths, you have to slip underneath the cockpit, above your head a large hatch can be opened as well. This hatch can be used to climb into the aft cabin from outside as well or, left open, to provide for fresh air. For a sailing family, I presume, this would be the cabin for the kids. I would say, my kids would absolutely love it here.

Judging from the internal volume and the size of the berths, this trimaran I´d say is a good choice for the sailing couple. Maybe with kids joining the party, although performance-wise as a father I would think twice before bringing my kids to a boat like this. If used by more than two adults, the people sleeping in the aft cabin will have to make some sacrifices, especially when having to go to toilet at night … that´s quite a long walk to the head.

Fast cruising

I step out and put myself in the cockpit of the Rapido 40. Sitting in the two steering benches, which offer comfortable seating for two adults but can also be occupied by three, I have a great view over the coachroof. The boat´s running rigging and winch layout is clearly made for single handed sailing: All lines are diverted into the cockpit.

Tiller steering is a matter of fact, a powerful autopilot will work most of the time, I assume. In this I am both surprised and excited: As high and sophisticated the level of craftsmanship, material usage and performance of the Rapido 40 may be, the minimalistic and simplistic this boat appears to be when it comes to actually sailing it.

And I guess this is the true mastery of Rapido´s makers: Making a complex machine accessible, bringing forth the fun of sailing. Making the physics of sailing, the working of a sail, of the daggerboard, hull and rudders visible and the driving of the wind through the sails a primary factor and the main topic of this boat. In this, the Rapido 40 is even a step further when it comes to uncompromised sailing than the Outremer 45, which I sailed and wrote about in my previous article .

A fascinating maritime exemption

As such, I conclude my walkaround in the Rapido 40. She is clearly a boat that will attract and impress many people but will be the choice only of a few seriously dedicated. I guess it´s a matter of the price tag itself, of course, but also of the demanding boat: We all love to look at a Porsche GT 4, but truly capable of mastering one are just a few. The Rapido 40 is a kind of it´s own in this respect.

I like the #microcruising approach, level of attention to details and the almost aggressive use of high end material. In this, the trimaran does not just waste precious carbon fibers to show off but puts it to a good use. Speed, speed and speed – achieving maximum performance and at the same time bringing back a simplistic approach to sailing. A nice and attractive combination.

La Grande Motte Multihull show once again proved that this venue is the one epicenter of multihulls, the world´s leading boat show for yachts with more than one hull. Seeing such a variety of catamarans and trimarans all together in one place, all of them in the water, some also going out to show their character in sea trials, is just great. Big brands, small one-offs; cruisers for a nice charter vacation, coastal cruising or serious circumnavigation – all in one place. Rapido is a wonderful, interesting and exciting exemption from the mass, an extreme in best sense of the word.

You might as well be interested in reading these articles:

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Class Fifty racing trimaran close-up

VPLP´s trick: Asymmetric hulls

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David Allouch - performance multihull expert

I’d be delighted to help you to find the performance multihull that suits your lifestyle.  We represent Rapido as well as Neel Trimarans, Excess Catamarans and Seawind.   To learn more about how we can help you just book a call >>

Performance Trimarans in French Polynesia

Rapido 60 from 1.79M USD

Brochure rapido 60, rapido 60 in video .

Specifications

• Length: 18.1m (59.3 ft)
• Beam: 11.7m (38.4 ft)
• Draft: 0.75m (2.5 ft)
• Displacement (light): 10,000kg (22,046 lb)
• Displacement (max load): 12,000kg (26,456 lb)
• Headroom (average): 2.1m (6 ft 9”)
• Mast height above water: 25.3m (83 ft)

Plan de Voilure

• Mainsail: 125m² (1,345 ft²)
• Solent: 71m² (764 ft²)
• Storm sail: 25m² (269 ft²)
• Reacher: 130m² (1,399 ft²)
• Asymmetric Spin: 210m² (2,260 ft²)

SPEED, SAFETY, PERFORMANCE… & LUXURY

“ I  sailed Rapido Hull #01 on the  Mediterranean Sea  the other day and we were doing 14 knots upwind while cooking in the spacious kitchen !” Ferdinand van West (former F18 World Champion working with designers,  Morrelli & Melvin ). ( Click here  for original article.)

Billed as the  World’s Ultimate Ocean Cruising Trimaran , the Rapido 60 really is the  Queen of the Oceans . It offers speed, safety, performance – and luxury.

The inspiration behind the Rapido 60 comes from Paul Koch (co founder of Rapido Trimarans), arguably, the man who has built more production trimarans than anyone else on the planet.

The design is by world renowned naval architects,  Morelli & Melvin Design and Engineering  who use some of the  most sophisticated technology  in the world and the construction is by  Triac Composites .

The foam sandwich and carbon construction provides an extremely strong and rigid structure that is relatively light and designed to withstand the might of the oceans and offer speed in friendlier conditions. The foam sandwich construction also offers a high degree of insulation making the Rapido cooler when the sun beats down.

Just how tough are the composites on the Rapido?

An ocean-crossing trimaran must be strong. Very strong.  As big as a 60′ trimaran is, it is but a floating cork on a boundless ocean.

Morelli & Melvin enjoy a very strong international reputation which includes designing entries for the  America’s Cup . Their computer modelling said that the boat was very strong. And so we tested it.

We bolted the centre hull of the Rapido to the factory floor in HCMC. We then brought in two mobile cranes – each took a diagonal corner of the two outer hulls. With one diagonal corner each, the two cranes began to lift while the trimaran’s centre hull remained bolted to the floor, causing it to twist. One tonne of lifting pressure… Two tonnes… Three tonnes…

As the trimaran twisted it began to creak and groan. But the sensitive electronic equipment we had measuring every move and twist remained unphased. Everything was within design parameters.

Seven tonnes… Eight tonnes… Nine tonnes… Enough!  The pressure was eased and the Rapido spring back into its original condition – totally unaffected by the enormous twisting pressure that had been placed upon it.

The computer modelling had accurately predicted the enormous structural strength of the composites used in the Rapido. The Rapido is built to take on the oceans. Rapido is, simply, the Queen of the Oceans.

A stunning success for the Rapido and another milestone for composites.

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• Yachting World
• Digital Edition

First look: Rapido 50 folding trimaran

• June 9, 2021

The recently launched Rapido 50 will share many of the same characteristics of her predecessors as a performance folding trimaran that should turn heads

When launched in 2016 the Morelli and Melvin-designed Rapido 60 quickly established this brand as a new breed of ultra-fast, yet practical, performance cruising/racing trimaran

The Vietnam-based builder has two further models in development, at 40ft and 50ft. Both are folding multihull designs, which enables them to slip into a regular monohull marina berth and reduces storage costs when ashore.

Construction of the Morelli and Melvin design is of infused carbon foam sandwich, with beams, daggerboards and rudder made of pre-preg carbon. The central hull is configured for single-level living, with the cockpit and deckhouse both on the same level, although the Rapido 50 has a higher helm station to give a clear view over the coachroof.

Polars for this model show it being capable of well over 20 knots of boat speed across a wide range of reaching wind angles, and as much as 18 knots beam reaching in just 14 knots of breeze. The first Rapido 50 was built for delivery to an owner in Palma, Mallorca.

Article continues below…

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Rapido is also working on a 40-footer with curved C-foils and T-foil rudders. As well as offering a performance boost, without the control issues of a fully foiling boat, these allow the interior to be opened up as there’s no need for a daggerboard in the central hull.

The result looks to be a very enticing high performance yacht with a civilised two-cabin interior and acres of deck space.

Base prices are ex works, ex sails and electronics, and with aluminium spars.

Rapido 50 specification

LOA: 15.24m / 50ft 9in LWL: 14.96m / 49ft 1in Max beam: 10.38m / 34ft 1in Folded beam: 5.5m / 18ft 1in Draught: 0.67-3.52m / 2ft 2in to 11ft 7in Displacement (light): 8,200kg / 14,400lb Base Price: US$1.25m ex VAT

If you enjoyed this….

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

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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!

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Specifications

(For more photos of the Rapido 50, visit our photo gallery .

General Details

• Length overall (LOA): 15.24m (50 ft)
• Length of waterline (LWL): 15.2m (49.9 ft)
• Beam overall (BOA): 10.24m (33.6 ft)
• BOA (folded): 5.8m (19.0 ft)
• BOA (float to float CL): 9.29m (30.5 ft)
• Average light displacement (subject to final options): 8,550kgs (18,850 lbs)
• Freeboard: 1.67m (5.5 ft)
• Daggerboard up: 0.67m (2.2 ft)
• Daggerboard down: 3.52m (11.5 ft)
• Mast Height above DWL: 24.98m (82 ft)
• Headroom in cockpit area (no ceiling liner): 2.01m
• Headroom in saloon (ceiling liner): 2.0m
• Headroom in forward cabin and head area (ceiling liner): 1.91m
• Storage volume of floats (at greatest dim.): (L) 4.6m x (W) 1.1m x (H) 1.5m
• Storage volume under cockpit (at greatest dim.): (L) 1.7m x (W) 2.4m x (H) 1.0m
• Download the Rapido 50 General Specifications (10 January 2022)
• SA Main: 97m2 (1,044sqf)
• SA Solent: 57.5m2 (619sqf)
• SA Staysail: 27.9m2 (300sqf)
• SA Reacher: 150m2 (1,615sqf)
• SA Asym Spin: 230m2 (2,476sqf)

General Information

360 degree virtual tour.

Click here to watch 360 degree tour of the Rapido 50.

The Rapido 50 – The World’s Ultimate  Folding  Cruising Trimarans

Every exceptional product needs a source of inspiration. For the all-new Rapido 50, that source has been the Rapido 60 which has proven herself to be an exceptional trimaran for:

• Podium performances
• Fast passage-making
• Classic cruising
• Couples; and

Critically, the Rapido 60’s DNA can be found throughout the Rapido 50. But where the Rapido 50 sharply differentiates herself is that she has the ability to fold the floats to slip into single berths at marinas.

Video above: Multihulls World magazine has announced that the Rapido 50 has won the Multihull of the Year Award for 2022 in the 45′-55′ category. The award was announced at the Multihull Show at La Grande Motte on 20 April 2022.

Advantages of the Rapido 50’s folding system

Folding floats :

• Access to single marina berths
• Access to all marinas
• Reduced marina, hard stand and shipping costs
• Keeps floats in upright position (no barnacles or algae on sides)
• Maintains stability of trimaran in folding position and during folding

Folding mechanism :

• High tech design by world-acclaimed multihull designers, Morrelli & Melvin
• Patented Design (concept by Paul Koch, Australia Patent Application No. 2019902014)

Summary of Rapido 50

The Rapido 50 sets a new standard in the market place. Upon its launch in October 2020, it will generate an enormous amount of interest and attention. Its benefits include it being:

• Easier and safer to handle with self-tacking jib, roller furler head sails and spreaderless mast
• CE A Certification for safer ocean crossings
• Better weight distribution with heavy items (eg engine) in the middle of the boat
• Functional interior finished to Rapido 60 standards
• High tech, infused carbon foam sandwich construction with beams, daggerboards, ruddercase and blade made from prepreg carbon and cured in autoclave
• Folding floats (reduced fees for marina, hard stand and shipping)

Download these pdf files

• Rapido 50  Interior Arrangement (24 July 2018)
• Rapido 50  Sail Plan (29 August 2019)
• Rapdio 50 General Specifications (5 November 2020)
• Rapido 50  General Arrangement ,  click here (24 July 2018).

Further details – Rapido 50

• Email Paul Koch
• Contact your nearest Rapido Trimarans’ Dealer

FAST AND POWERFUL

Trimarans are safe, powerful and fast as demonstrated by the fact that they consistently win races and hold the solo speed record for circumnavigating the world.

Safety at sea is the No. 1 priority and this thinking is reflected throughout the design and construction of the Rapido.

The Rapido has some truly amazing living spaces which provide more open, private and intimate areas than monohulls or catamarans.

stable and comfortable

Trimarans are comfortable on all points of sail.

The combination of safety, performance and comfort put the Rapido in a league of its own. The enormous trampoline nets add fun and excitement as you watch the blue water rush underneath you – or as you lounge on the nets while gently floating over a reef. You will be instantly hooked.

look inside the   50

50 in action.

See more Rapido Trimarans videos (You Tube)

View all Rapido 50 photos

– in the media

Below is a list of articles which have appeared in various publications regarding Rapido Trimarans.

• Sailboat Review, Rapido 40, A sailor’s dream boat , by Mark Pillsbury, Cruising World magazine, 6 May 2024
• Rapido host much anticipated launch of first Rapido 53XS , Sails magazine, 1 May 2024
• Rapido 53XS – a peak speed of 24 knots during initial sea trials , by Emmanuel van Deth, Multihulls World, 19 April 2024
• Rapido 53XS, the new 16m globetrotter of a trimaran , by Aldo Fumagalli, Vela magazine, 24 January 2024
• First look – Rapido 53XS, a 20 knot cruiser , by Toby Hodges, Yachting World, 29 December 2023
• Video. Sailing Bliss: Unveiling the Rapido 40 Trimaran – GIDDY UP!!! , by Naval Gazing at Camp David, December 2023
• Video. The Rapido 53XS: Tour, review and ideas , by Naval Gazing at Camp David, December 2023
• Rapido 53XS Review , by Yachting World, 9 November 2023
• Video. Der Kat-Jäger: Carbon-Trimaran Rapido 40 aus Vietnam (“The cat hunter: carbon trimaran Rapido 40 from Vietnam”) by Yacht TV, 12 October 2023
• Cruising World announces Rapido 40 as Boat of the Year 2024 nominee , Cruising World, 26 September 2023
• Rapido 40 carbon trimaran from Vietnam – the test , by Michael Good, German Yacht Magazine, 21 September 2023
• C-foils on a fast cruising trimaran? This looks rapid!, Rapido 40 tour, Yachting World magazine video by Toby Hodges, 8 September 2023
• Rapido 40: The Alternative Trimaran , by François-Xavier de Crécy with photos by Ludovic Fruchaud, LE MONDE DU MULTICOQUE #24 by Voile Magazine. July, 2024.
• The Rapido 40 is a 20 knot cruising tri , George Day, Cruising Compass, 24 May, 2023
• Boat Review of Rapido 40, Zuzana Prochazka, Sail Magazine, 4 May 2023
• Rapido 40: ultra fast cruising in complete safety on three hulls , Maxime Leriche , SailboatNews.com, 25 April 2023
• Boat anomaly: Rapido 40 Trimaran , No Frills Sailing, 19 April 2023
• Rapido 40 – Fast, foldable and worry free!,  Multihulls World magazine, No. 189, May-July 2023
• Shipyard Focus: Rapido Trimarans , by Kevin Green, Multihulls World, August / September 2022.
• Rapido, changing the game , by Zuzana Prochazka, Sail Magazine, 23 March, 2022
• Rapido 40: A livable sailboat for cruising on 3 hulls , Briag Merlet, Sailboat News, 23 February 2022.
• Rapido, changing the game , (takes a detailed look at the cutting edge design and technology of Morrelli & Melvin) by Zuzana Prochazka, Multihull Sailor, December 2021
• Boat Review: Rapido 50 , Kevin Green, Boating New Zealand, November 2021
• Harnessing Speed , by Kevin Green, Boating New Zealand, November 2021
• Rapido 60 Trimaran Boat Review: A Bold Gamechanger For Performance Bluewater Cruising , by Zuzana Prochazka, Yacht World, 23 September, 2021.
• Harnessing the wind , by Kevin Green, Multihulls World, September / October 2021 issue, 6 page spread on Rapido Trimarans.
• Sailing La Vagabonde choose Rapido 60 to sail world’s oceans , video announcement by SLV to their 1.59 million subscribers, You Tube, 8 June 2021
• The Ultimate Racer-Cruiser: Clients on Romanza are turning heads on the racetrack when they’re not cruising at high speed , North Sails, 19 April, 2021
• Making Short-handed Short Work – Onboard Rapido 60 , Anna Merchant, Sail-World, 11 February 2021
• Rapido 50 News from the Shipyards , Multihulls World, 2 February 2021
• Buyers’ Guide 2021, Rapido 50 , Multihulls World, 18 December 2020
• “New breed” Rapido 40 & 50 , Yachting World magazine, November 2020
• Cruising Helmsman reviews Rapido 60 , October 2020
• Romanza takes top spot in Yates Cup , SEA Yachting magazine, September 2020
• Rapido Trimarans relocates production arm into Vietnam ,  SEA Yachting  magazine, Nov/Dec 2019.
• Rapido Trimarans, On the March, Seahorse Magazine , October 2019.
• (French)  Rapido 40, un trimaran repliable de 12 m , Bateaux.com, 29 August 2019.
• Rapido 60 – The most exciting production multihull in the world?  (or  click here  for selection of quotes), Multihulls Magazine, Summer (July) 2019.
• Rapido , Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia, June 2019 (pp23-24)
• Ineffable’s Steve Bourne: I’m a nutter for sailing , Daily Herald, 26 February 2019.
• Rapido 60′ the fastest production multihull in the world? , International Multihulls World, December 2017
• RAPIDO 60’ : Le multicoque de série habitable le plus rapide du monde? , Multihulls World, 23 November 2017
• Finding Mrs Right , Boating New Zealand, August 2016
• Blue Water Cruising Trimaran , Australian Multihulls World, August 2016
• Rapido 60 , Cruising World, 25 August, 2016
• Rapido 60 , by Emma Bamford, Sailing Today.