rapido trimarans

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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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Rapido Trimarans

For serious sailors. The Rapido 40 offers the benefits of the Rapido 60 – but only requires a single berth in a marina.

The Rapido 50 Trimaran is the world’s ultimate ocean-cruising folding trimaran. Designed by Morelli & Melvin.

Wide-body version of the Rapido 50 with eXtra Space. The performance of a trimaran with the space of a catamaran.

Rapido 53xs.

The world’s fastest cruising trimaran. Offering cutting-edge performance with a spacious and luxurious interior.

Why a rapido trimaran.

Why would you want to cruise on anything other than a Rapido Trimaran if you want the following:

• A stable boat which doesn’t heel.
• A boat that loves long distances, short sprints and the passage between.
• Discovering places that others cannot venture to when you sneak up alongside a secluded beach or glide over a reef (the draft of the Rapido 60 is just 0.75m with the rudder and daggerboard retracted).
• The Speed when you need! Having the flexibility to power up and sail away from bad weather systems is prudent. Powering up and sailing away while other boats are wallowing is, well, just a lot of fun!
• To sail short-handed with centralized systems, Karver reefing hooks, self tacking furling jib, furling reacher and stay sails.
• Safety . Safety is paramount on the water and the fleet of Rapido Trimarans are designed and built to put you in control for fast, safe, fun sailing (see “SAFE” box further below).

Click here to read more about why you should buy a Rapido Trimaran

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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.

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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

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Performance Trimaran in French Polynesia

Rapido 50 from 1.25M USD

Brochure rapido 50, rapido 50 in video .

Specifications

• Length overall (LOA): 15.24m (50′ 9″)
• Length of waterline (LWL): 14.96m (49′ 1″)
• Beam overall (BOA): 10.38m (34′ 1″)
• BOA (folded): 5.5m (18′ 1″) (59′ 5″)
• BOA (float to float CL): 9.32 m (30′ 7″)
• Freeboard: 1.60m (5′ 3″)
• T (board up) 0.67m (2′ 2″)
• T (board down): 3.52m (11′ 7″)
• Displacement (light): 6,550kgs (14,440lbs)
• Displacement (max): 8,400kgs (18,519lbs)
• Mast Height above DWL: 24.7m (81′)

Plan de Voilure

• SA Main: 95m2 (1,023sqf)
• SA Solent: 54m2 (581sqf)
• SA Staysail: 18m2 (194sqf)
• SA Reacher: 125m2 (1,345sqf)
• SA Asym Spin: 160m2 (1,722sqf)

LIGHTER, FASTER, EASIER with FOLDING FLOATS

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.

The Rapido 50 sets a new standard in the market place. It’s lighter, faster and easier and safer to handle with self-tacking jib, roller furler head sails and spreaderless mast.  With better weight distribution with heavy items (eg engine) in the middle of the boat and a high tech, infused carbon foam sandwich construction with beams, daggerboards, ruddercase and blade made from prepreg carbon and cured in autoclave.

And of course, folding floats (reduced fees for marina, hard stand and shipping)

When the idea to make the Rapido 50 a folding trimaran was first suggested – yes, that’s right, a 50′ trimaran that folds! – our initial reaction was, “ARE YOU CRAZY??”.

But after consulting with Pete Melvin from our designers,  Morelli & Melvin , we thought, “Why not!”. After all, our management team has built more folding trimarans than anyone else in the world and if anyone understands the challenges and how to do it right, we do!

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  Morrelli & Melvin
• Patented Design (concept by Paul Koch, Australia Patent Application No. 2019902014)

The Rapido folding system is winch-assisted to take away, what some people say, the “back-breaking” strength required on bigger boats with other systems.

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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!

Practical info

• Builder : RAPIDO TRIMARANS

• Finance your Rapido 60 Ocean Cruiser
• Articles about the Rapido 60 Ocean Cruiser
• Available in issue # 157

Boat Test price 5.00 € Inc. tax

Add several tests to your cart

and get an extra discount!

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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Rapido Trimarans Statement regarding issues raised in Sailing La Vagabonde video

August 22, 2024

RAPIDO TRIMARANS STATEMENT, La Vagabonde III 22 August 2024

The following statement addresses the dagger board case issues raised in a video by You Tubers, Sailing La Vagabonde, which was posted on You Tube on 17 August 2024. (Note: at the time that the video was posted, all issues raised in the video had already been resolved and SLV had already commenced sailing to Japan.)

CRACK FACTS

• CRACKS WERE LARGELY COSMETIC, NOT STRUCTURAL.
• CRACKS HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH MAST SUPPORT. AT NO TIME WAS THE MAST IN ANY DANGER OF FALLING.
• RESULT WITH THE DAGGER BOARD CASE? ACCORDING TO RILEY FROM TWO DAYS AGO: “LOOKS TO BE PERFECT, MATE…”

WEIGHT OF RAPIDO 60s

• Independent official OMR weights for Rapido 60 Hulls Nos. 01 and 02 were approximately 10,000 kg. • La Vagabonde III, due to extensive and unique customization work by Elayna and Riley is over 2,000 kg heavier than Hulls Nos. 01 and 02 according to Riley (NB: La Vagabonde III to our knowledge was not weighed in accordance with OMR procedures).

DAGGER BOARD CASE ISSUES

Team Rapido admires Elayna and Riley for the way they have made SLV such a success story, and we celebrate success stories! We love how they are encouraging all of us to try cruising in faraway places, outside our comfort zones.

We sincerely regret and apologize whole heartedly for the extra stress that these cracks in the dagger board case and the back of the board have caused Elayna and Riley.

The cracks in the dagger board case looked awful and they should not have happened. The back of dagger board crack was not deep and in fact was very minor.

Like all brands of boats, if it is a warranty issue, an owner is obliged to go direct to the builder and have them deal with it. Calling in third parties who do not know the specific design, construction and lamination details can be counterproductive and cause undue stress to an owner however well-intentioned the third parties may be.

From the outset there was communication with the US design and engineering team at Morrelli & Melvin, who have designed each of the Rapidos (Morrelli & Melvin are extremely well regarded on the global stage for designing carbon, performance multihulls. They are even engaged in Americas’ Cup campaigns. SLV’s dagger board case issues are well within their level of expertise and experience). Initially, the focus was on identifying the cause of the issue and secondly, to then develop a robust solution.

During the investigation, it was quickly reconfirmed that, at no stage, was the integrity of the mast base or the mast itself an issue.

So what went wrong internally during the build of the dagger board case?

As part of their custom build, SLV selected a new, wider coach roof design which required the original dagger board case to be modified. Part of the modifications required additional layers of carbon and, regrettably, this was not adequately done. Clearly our fault and we have rectified it. We are constantly improving our Quality Control systems in the factory because in every organization, particularly one involved with high tech, complex builds and custom requirements, QC is a constant.

Why did the resin fail to go off? Sourcing the right resin and right hardeners in Philippines was a challenge and we were unable to airfreight these items from our factory as airlines deem resins to be hazardous materials. The hardener was slow reacting the first time and the work had to be redone with a different ratio. We then sourced a new fast hardener which enabled the resin to cure at the faster rate.

Two days ago, we contacted SLV seeking an update on the warranty work. They replied that they were 250 miles from Okinawa (Japan) and that the dagger board case “Looks to be perfect mate but will have a proper look when we arrive (in Japan).”

WEIGHT of LA VAGABONDE III

The design, engineering and construction of the Rapido range of trimarans ensures that the standard boats are some of the fastest, safest, ocean cruisers afloat – all with weight carefully managed within the bounds of CE A certification.

La Vagabonde III is heavier than R60s Hulls Nos. 01 and 02, as was expected.

The first two boats were independently weighed with certified calibrated scales and in accordance with OMR (“Offshore Multihull Rule” is used for boats competing in the Ocean points series. This rule requires measurement and weighing of the boat and the issuing of a formal rating certificate). OMR weighing is under strict scrutineering and, basically, the boat is weighed with its sails but without fuel, water, consumables and such things as pots and pans, utensils etc.

These two Rapido 60s each weigh about 10,000 kgs.

Riley reports that La Vagabonde III is about 12,500 kgs. (It is our understanding that it was not weighed in accordance with OMR).

WHY the difference between these two R60s and La Vagabonde III?

As mentioned above, SLV selected the new wider coach roof. While it also has beautiful large glass windows that give a panoramic view, it also comes with a weight penalty compared with the standard roof.

The real weight additions, however, come from SLV heavily customizing the boat during the build (which has very much made La Vagabonde III quite spectacular and unique).

Apart from special features such as copper sinks, copper faucets and special wall lamps and wall paper, there is also a custom bow sprit; heavy duty bow thruster with 48 V motor and controls; 60m of stainless steel 10mm chain; a heavy galvanized anchor; Oceanvolt all-electric sail drive in addition to a completely separate Yanmar diesel engine; 6 MG batteries at 55kg each plus control boxes, a lot of extra heavy duty wiring and composite boxes to house the batteries (the standard R60 has 2 X lithium ion batteries); two start batteries; two Jefa autopilots plus wiring, alterations to the forward head and extra bulkhead reinforcing to accommodate such, among other items.

Notwithstanding the additional weight, the performance of La Vagabonde III remains amazing, which is a core feature of the Rapido pedigree.

We look forward to watching many more videos from SLV with their beautiful cinematography and of course, the two fearless boys showing us all that cruising the World is so enlightening. We also wish them a continued safe voyage for the remainder of their sail to Japan. (We do note that the recent social media commentary has highlighted SLV’s trip to Japan which has prompted some professional sailors to express concern / caution  about the timing given that it is typhoon season.)

N.B. While our standard R60 has a carbon helm seat/ leaning post and carbon hard top bimini for the protection of the crew, SLV insisted that these items NOT be made for their vessel. Some commentary on social media has stated that this was a decision made by Rapido but this is not correct. We believe that the absence of a helm seat/ leaning post is a safety issue and accordingly, we had SLV sign a liability waiver.

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