Buyer's guide

2023 Sail Buyer's Guide - Multihulls from 20 to 30 feet

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Article published on 03/12/2022

By Emmanuel van Deth

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published inn°187jan. / feb.

purchase

Clearly shunned by the biggest manufacturers, you might think this category is close to flatlining. Let’s hope that demand evolves and could (at last!) provoke a real craze for entry-level multihulls. But for now, there are no new products or launches in this category. So, for the time being, it’s trimarans that are in charge. Most of the models on offer feature a folding or telescopic float system. These units can fit into a standard marina slip and can even be transported by road. And this is what makes them ideal for coastal sailing and for discovering waters far from your home port. Or why not a bit of racing?

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ASTUS 20.5

Designed for cruising, this is now a one-design racing class!

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This trimaran has seen remarkable success, with almost 100 units built since its launch in 2018. Our test revealed that this VPLP designed multihull is as fun to sail as it is practical and easy to operate. The most active owners have been working together with Astus Boats to establish a one-design class. The 20.5 is particularly exciting in the Sport version, as it offers 260 sq ft (24 m²) upwind for a weight of less than half a ton. Enough to have fun and sensation, especially when the gennaker is out! Like the other models in the range, it adopts a telescopic link system for the arms. The interior layout is compact, but still offers a mini saloon and a double berth. The strong points of the 20.5 for coastal cruising: pivoting appendages and a large 172 sq ft (16 m²) sailing platform.

Builder: Astus Boats
Architect: VPLP
Length: 19’6” (5.95 m)
Beam: 8’2”/14’9” (2.48/4.5 m)
Light displacement: 1,036/1,080 lbs (470/490 kg)
Draft: 10”/4’1” (0.25/1.25 m)
Upwind sail area: 226/260 sq ft (21/24 m²)
Downwind sail area: 366/452 sq ft (34/42 m²)
Gennaker: 215/280 sq ft (20/26 m²)
CE category: C5/D7
Engine: 2 to 6 HP outboard
Price: € 28,242 ex-tax (Leisure version)

www.astusboats.com

CORSAIR PULSE 600

Radical and incredibly efficient…

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As its name suggests, this sub-500-kilogram (1,000 lb) machine is designed for racing, and small fleets have appeared - notably in Australia. Though the Pulse 600 is the smallest of Corsair’s trimarans, it is still very attractive! Its three sharp and inverted bows give it a great look... a design as radical as it is efficient because on the water, you’re immediately won over by the potential of this machine. The cockpit is large enough to accommodate three people – and you can quickly hike out onto the floats to give the Pulse even more power. The removable coachroof houses a large watertight locker. No fitting-out or berths: it’s simply a shelter that can be used at anchor. The Pulse 600 is of course transportable and foldable.

Builder: Corsair Marine
Length: 19’8” (6 m)
Beam: 8’/14’9” (2.45/4.5 m)
Displacement: 992 lbs (450 kg)
Draft: 9”/4’ (0.22/1.2 m)
Mainsail: 205 sq ft (19.1 m²)
Jib: 76 sq ft (7.1 m²)
Spinnaker: 345 sq ft (32 m²)

www.corsairmarine.com

TRICAT 20

For rallies and performance

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This is the smallest model in the range: first presented four years ago, this trimaran was designed primarily for day-sailing, it also excels on coastal trips, where its compact size, maneuverability and performance are outstanding. The Tricat 20, with over 50 examples already built, naturally reflects the success of its predecessors, including the 25 Evolution’s intelligent folding system, with the advantage of offering a nice living space and irreproachable seaworthiness for its size. Inside, there is a double ...

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