The type of sailboat we choose to buy depends largely on our sailing program. While we often think of catamarans or monohulls, a trimaran can be an excellent sailing option for cruising.
For a cruising-oriented sailing program, we often consider a monohull for its ease of use and price, or a catamaran for its comfort and space. The trimaran market, whether new or used, is more niche. However, coastal or offshore cruising aboard a trimaran can be an excellent alternative that offers a lot of pleasure both while sailing and at anchor. So, used or new trimaran, why choose this multihull for cruising?
Real advancements for cruising trimarans
Until the 1990s, trimarans were mainly reserved for thrill-seekers and crews focused on performance above all else. These multihulls were quite technical, and interior comfort was minimal. As for storage or wintering, few marinas or shipyards had spaces for multihulls, and those that did were very limited in number.
But things have changed in recent years. The development of the multihull market has led to adaptations by industry players, particularly marinas. New facilities make it easier to accommodate cruising trimarans on buoys or catways.
At the same time, shipyards have made significant progress. Several series of trimarans are now offered with foldable arms, allowing access to smaller ports and securing a spot even in the height of summer. For smaller trimarans, it is even possible to transport them, such as the Tricat, Astus, or Triptyque ranges, among others. In terms of comfort, trimarans have also reached very appreciable levels for cruising, like the new Tricat 30 with its dinette saloon offering space under the roof, or, for larger budgets or chartering, the Neel 45.
Fast cruising… in complete comfort
A trimaran has many advantages for cruising. The first is speed. Being able to sail with pleasure and quickly reach a stopover or anchorage is one of the major assets of these sailboats. Trimarans are indeed faster than monohulls or cruising catamarans of the same size. At the same time, a trimaran sails closer to the wind than a catamaran, which remains, in my opinion, a key point in choosing a boat. Essential for making headway, moving away from the coast, etc.
Finally, the trimaran is stable during cruising and, undoubtedly, even safer than a catamaran. In strong winds, the risk of capsizing is even lower than with a catamaran. To add to the enjoyment, these boats are no more technical and adapt very well to family crews.
For coastal sailing, the trimaran allows for beautiful cruises in raids for the smaller units, as well as accommodating families in quite acceptable comfort for a week’s sailing in summer along the Breton coast, accessing the most beautiful rias thanks to its shallow draft. 9-meter trimarans can comfortably sleep 4 people with two cabins, like the Dragonfly 32 and the Tricat 30, which even offers the luxury of two double berths.
For semi-offshore or offshore sailing, advancements have provided even more comfort than on a catamaran. Just visit the Neel range of trimarans to be convinced. Without going that far, today’s trimarans can offer all the necessary comfort for a long offshore cruise. This is the case with the Dragonfly 35. Some shipyards offer aluminum trimarans like the Tribellule 44 from the Breton shipyard CNA Yachting, allowing navigation in the northern seas.
Trimaran models offered by shipyards
Coastal raid trimarans
Astus Boat and Tricat shipyards specialize in coastal raid trimarans with foldable or even transportable arms.
Habitable cruising trimarans
Three shipyards stand out for habitable cruising trimarans. By habitable cruising, we mean both coastal and semi-offshore cruising. There is the Breton Tricat, again with its latest trimaran, the Tricat 30. Two other shipyards offer very interesting series: Dragonfly and Corsaire Marine, or Farrier Marine, though the latter is not distributed in France.
And more
Finally, it is possible to go even bigger with trimarans from the Neel shipyard.