2026 Sail Buyer's Guide

20 to 30 feet

The under-30-foot multihull category seems to be waking up at last with the launch of two new models this year - the Astus 26.5 and the Tricat 8.50, along with an interesting project – the Kavagavom’s. On the other hand, there’s still no involvement from the major manufacturers. And yet, the sharp rise in prices observed after the Covid crisis, and with economic and geo-political uncertainty 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 cruising and for discovering waters far from your home port. Or why not a bit of racing?

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Published 28/11/2025

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Issue: 205

Published: jan. / feb. 2026

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Astus 20.5

Designed for Cruising, it Makes a Great Racer!

Test MW171

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 AstusBoats 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: Astusboats
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) Sail area downwind: 366/452 sq ft (34/42 m²)
Gennaker: 215/280 sq ft (20/26 m²) CE category: C5/D7
Drivetrain: 6 HP outboard
Price (2025): € 29,833 ex-tax www.astusboats.com

Kavagavom’s

A Rocketship on Three Hulls

NEW

Specialist in fast, blue water cruising multihulls, Philippe Tournier presents this year an attractive 21-foot trimaran, the brainchild of his grandson Thibault Armengaud. Beyond this wonderful family story, this multihull can be dismantled and therefore easily transported. Built in composite sandwich construction, it features a rotating mast (optionally in carbon) and promises excellent performance thanks to its generous sail area. In terms of appendages, the central hull has a mini-keel, while each float is equipped with a daggerboard. Kavagavom’s has therefore been designed for the simple pleasure of sailing fast, even in light airs, whether at sea and or on inland waters. Its considerable beam (19’8”/6 m) and generous freeboard (2’/0.6 m) guarantee stability and buoyancy - enough to sail at over 20 knots in a good breeze, hiking out on the wing of the windward float!

Builder: Tournier Marine
Length: 21’ (6.4 m)
Waterline length: 21’ (6.4 m)
Beam: 19’8” (6 m)
Draft: 15” (0.38 m)
Displacement: 1,100 lbs (500 kg)
Mainsail: 301 sq ft (28 m²)
Masthead drifter: 312 sq ft (29 m²)
CE Category: C
Drivertrain: 4 HP outboard
www.tourniermarine.fr

Astus 22.5

Hulls Made for Skimming Across the Water

Test MW179

Astusboats has focused on this rigid, high-off-the-water trimaran to establish itself in the United States. 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 of the central hull, with its daggerboard well offset to port, is sufficient to accommodate four proper berths.

Builder: Astusboats
Architects: VPLP
Length: 22’8” (6.9 m) Beam: 8’2”/9’10”/15’5” (2.5/3/4.7 m)
Mast height: ...

This article was published in the issue 205. To read the full article, purchase this issue or subscribe from $3/month.