THE Corsair 37 This is a fast cruising trimaran, capable of competing in prestigious regattas with the ambition to win. At 11.27 meters long and with folding floats, it stands out for its versatility: able to navigate in shallow waters thanks to its variable draft (down to 0.54 m with the centerboard raised), it also offers the stability and unsinkability inherent to trimarans. This model, launched in 2008, is the result of the work of the Corsair Design Team.
The Corsair 37 comes in two versions: the CR (Cruise) and the RS (Race/Sport), the latter offering a lighter carbon structure for improved performance. Its success rests on a rare compromise: that of a boat equally at home in regattas and on family cruising, with a clean but highly functional interior.
To remember
- Kind Fast cruising/racing-cruising trimaran, foldable.
- Length : 11.27 m (37’).
- Width : 7.80 m (25’7”) / 3.00 m with waterlines folded.
- Draft : 0.54 m (drift raised) to 1.83 m (drift lowered).
- Architect : Design Team Corsair (United States).
- Builder : Corsair Marine (Vietnam).
- Launch : 2008 (replaces the Corsair 36).
- Materials : Fiberglass (standard version) or carbon (RS version).
- Weight : ~2,494 kg (CR version) / ~2,850 kg (carbon version).
- Program Coastal and offshore cruising, regattas, shallow water exploration.
History of the boat
The Corsair 37 was born from the evolution of the Corsair 36, itself heir to a long line of folding trimarans initiated by the Corsair Marine shipyard, founded in California by New Zealand architect Ian Farrier in the 1980s. Farrier, a pioneer of transportable trimarans, left the shipyard in 2000, but his technical legacy has endured, notably with the patented and continuously improved folding flotation system.
The Corsair 37 was launched in 2008, marking a significant milestone in the manufacturer’s product line, with a redesigned central hull for increased interior volume and performance.The Corsair Marine shipyard, now based in Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), produced more than 1,200 folding trimarans between 1984 and 2008, establishing itself as the world leader in this segment, ahead of competitors like Dragonfly (Denmark) or Farrier (Australia).
At its launch, theThe Corsair 37 was designed to meet a growing demand for habitable, high-performance, and easy-to-maneuver trimarans.capable of competing with catamarans in terms of comfort while offering the speed and safety of a trimaran. Its direct competitors at the time included the Dragonfly 1000, the Neel 45 (for cruising) and the Forsyth Tri 36/37, but The Corsair 37 was distinguished by its flotation folding system.allowing for easy road transport and storage. Similar to the Breton trimaran Tricat 30, For example.
The model quickly won over experienced sailors, particularly for its qualities in regattas (race victories) and expeditions (sailing in the Arctic or Polynesia). Since 2017, improvements have been made to facilitate sail handling and optimize the ergonomics of the cockpit of this cruising trimaran.
Interior design
The interior of the Corsair 37 was designed to offer surprising comfort for a trimaran of this size, while remaining light and functionalThe standard version offers two cabins (one forward, one aft) with double beds, a central saloon that converts into an additional berth, a fully equipped galley (sink, stove, refrigerator), and a bathroom with toilet, sink, and shower. The finishes are clean and simple, using lightweight materials (wood, laminate) to minimize weight without compromising aesthetics.
The saloon, often described as welcoming and bright, can accommodate up to six people around a central table. Storage is optimized, with lockers and storage compartments under the settees. Headroom is adequate for a trimaran (approximately 1.90 m), and access to the cabins is facilitated by side walkways. The RS Carbon version offers similar layouts, but with high-end materials (carbon fiber, technical fabrics) to further reduce weight.
A key advantage often highlighted by owners: the modularity of the spaceThe saloon can be converted into a double berth, and the cockpit benches offer additional seating for meals or evening gatherings. Sound and thermal insulation are adequate, although some note that trimarans remain less soundproofed than monohulls.
Corsair 37 marine qualities
The Corsair 37 is first and foremost a performance boat, designed to combine speed, stability, and safety. Its major advantages at sea include:
- Stability and unsinkability Thanks to its three hulls and sandwich construction, the Corsair 37 is unsinkable (watertight compartmentalization of the waterlines). Even if it capsizes, it rights itself, a reassuring feature for offshore or solo cruising.
- Flat navigation Like all trimarans, it offers stable and relatively stable handling, even in strong winds. Owners appreciate its ability to maintain a fast speed (10 to 15 knots cruising, up to 20 knots surfing) without sacrificing comfort. The variable draft (retractable centerboard and rudder) allows access to anchorages inaccessible to monohulls or catamarans, and sailing right up to the beach.
- Maneuverability The deck layout is intelligent and ergonomic: all controls (halyard, topping lift, reefing line, downhaul) are led back to the base of the mast or the aft cockpit, making single-handed sailing easier. The rotating mast (optional) further improves upwind performance. Folding floats, operated by a robust and maintenance-free vertical system, allow the boat’s beam to be reduced to 3 meters for transport or storage.
- Performance In regattas, the Corsair 37 proves formidable, especially in real-time racing or cruising. Its lightness (particularly in the carbon version) and its power-to-weight ratio allow it to compete with larger boats. For cruising, it is appreciated for its responsiveness and its ability to maintain close course without tiring the crew.
- Behavior in bad weather Experience has shown that the Corsair 37 handles well in challenging conditions (winds of 30-35 knots, swells of 2-3 meters). Its low center of lateral resistance and wide waterline reduce the risk of slipping. However, some owners note that the sail plan needs to be carefully trimmed to avoid nose-diving downwind in rough seas.
Owner reviews
Owner feedback on the Corsair 37 is generally very positive, with recurring praise for its performance, safety and sailing pleasure.
Highlights :
- The pleasure of barring The Corsair 37 is often described as incredibly enjoyable to sail, with precise steering and immediate responsiveness. Owners highlight its predictable handling in all conditions, even in rough seas.
- Versatility Whether for regattas, coastal cruising, or long-distance expeditions (e.g., Polynesia, the Caribbean), the boat adapts to all programs. Its ability to navigate in shallow waters is a major asset for exotic cruises.
- Robustness The construction is solid and durable, with low depreciation upon resale. Corsair trimarans are renowned for their longevity, even after years of intensive sailing.
- Comfort For a trimaran, the livability is remarkable. Owners appreciate the interior space, the brightness, and the modular layout. The convertible saloon and double cabins are often cited as advantages for cruising with family or friends.
- Security The unsinkability and stability of the trimaran are reassuring, especially for solo sailing or sailing with a small crew.
Areas for improvement :
- Quality of finish Some owners (particularly of the early models) have reported finishing defects (bubbles in the gelcoat, cheap-looking internal moldings). These problems appear to have been corrected on recent series.
- Weight Although light for a cruising trimaran, the Corsair 37 can be sensitive to loading. Care must be taken not to overload it to maintain its performance.
- Price The initial investment is high (especially in the carbon version), but owners point out that the boat resells well, with limited depreciation.
- Noise : As on all multihulls, sound insulation is less good than on a monohull, especially under sail in strong winds.
Testimonials :
“A superb machine for providing sailing pleasure, the 37RS is also a true cruising boat, bright, comfortable and elegant. Light, it will prove to be a formidable racing instrument in the hands of a sporty family.”
“We all had a blast with the Corsair 31, and the 37 is even better: more spacious, faster, and just as seaworthy.”
“Its super shallow draft allows it to access all anchorages and sail right up to the beach. A real plus for cruises in the Caribbean or Polynesia.”
Corsair 37 Technical Specifications
| Category | Corsair 37 CR (Standard) | Corsair 37 RS (Carbon) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall length | 11.27 | 11.27 | m |
| Waterline length | 10.97 | 10.97 | m |
| Width (floats deployed) | 7.80 | 7.80 | m |
| Width (floats folded) | 3.00 | 3.00 | m |
| Draft (centerboard raised) | 0.54 | 0.54 | m |
| Draft (centerboard down) | 1.83 | 1.83 | m |
| Empty weight | 2,494 | 2850 (carbon structure) | kg |
| Light travel | ~3,000 | ~2,850 | kg |
| Ballast | 600 (retractable keel) | six hundred | kg |
| Sail area (standard) | 75.0 | 75.0 (option: 85 m² with gennaker) | m² |
| Mainsail | 45.0 | 45.0 | m² |
| Genoese | 30.0 | 30.0 | m² |
| Gennaker | 90.0 (optional) | 90.0 (optional) | m² |
| Mast | Aluminum (standard) / Carbon (option) | Carbon | – |
| Headroom | 1.90 | 1.90 | m |
| Engine (standard) | 20 HP (Honda or Yamaha) | 20 HP | resume |
| Maximum speed | 18-20 | 20+ | knots |
| Cruising speed | 10-15 | 12-18 | knots |
| Fuel capacity | fifty | fifty | L |
| Fresh water capacity | one hundred twenty | one hundred twenty | L |
| Black water capacity | forty | forty | L |
| Number of cabins | 2 (1 front, 1 rear) | two | – |
| Beds | 4-6 | 4-6 | people |
| Shell material | Fiberglass / Sandwich | Carbon / Sandwich | – |
| Launch year | two thousand eight | 2008 (later RS version) | – |
| Architect | Corsair Design Team | Corsair Design Team | – |
| Builder | Corsair Marine (Vietnam) | Corsair Marine (Vietnam) | – |
| New price (estimated 2026) | €300,000 – €350,000 | €350,000 – €400,000 | € |