2025 Sail Buyer's Guide

20 to 30 Feet

The long-dormant, under-30-foot multihull category seems to be stirring, with the arrival of two new models this year - the Astus 26.5 and the Tricat 8.50. On the other hand, there has been no involvement from the major manufacturers - much to our regret. And yet, the sharp rise in prices observed after the Covid crisis and persistently high interest rates are motivating many buyers to think smaller. Here, in the 20- to 30-foot sector, it’s the 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?

1 / 6

Published 29/11/2024

By Mark Bernie, Julie Echelle, Dick Sawyer, Emmanuel van Deth and Kim Wellington

Subscribers Only

Issue: 199

Published: jan. / mar. 2025

Discover this issue

Astus 20.5

Designed for Cruising, it Makes a Great Racer!

This trimaran has seen remarkable success, with more than 80 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 under 500 kg (1,100 lbs). 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.

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
Drivetrain: 2 to 6 HP outboard
Price: € 29,833 ex-tax
www.astusboats.com

Corsair Pulse 600

Radical and Incredibly Efficient…

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 International
Architect: Yacht Design Collective
Length: 19’8” (6 m)
Beam: 8’/14’9” (2.45/4.5 m)
Displacement: 992 lbs (450 kg)
Draft: 9”/4’ (0.22/1.20 m)
Mainsail: 205 sq ft (19.1 m²)
Jib: 76 sq ft (7.1 m²)
Spinnaker: 345 sq ft (32 m²)
corsairmarine.com

Astus 22.5

Three Hulls for Skimming Across the Water

Astusboat has focused on this rigid, high-off-the-water trimaran to establish itself in the United States. The Astus 22.5, with 20 or so examples built, will continue to be the flagship of the range until the 26.5 is launched. This particularly lively multihull is simply waiting to make long runs, propelled by its gennaker. With less than 23 feet (7 meters) of central hull, this small trimaran built in infusion is of course foldable - and easily transportable. The interior volume is sufficient to accommodate four proper berths.

Builder: Astus Boats
Architects: VPLP
Length: 22’8” (6.9 m)
Beam: 8’2”/9’10”/15’5” (2.5/3/4.7 m)
Mast height: 29’6” (9 m)
Draft: 13”/4’7” (0.34/1.4 m)
Displacement: 1,590 lbs (720 kg)
Headroom: 5’3” (1.6 m)

This article was published in the issue 199. To read the full article, purchase this issue or subscribe from $3/month.