MULTI AT ITS BEST: VISIT THE NEEL 45 AT THE GRAND PAVOIS LA ROCHELLE

Neel Trimarans combine modern living space and fast cruising on three hulls

A fast cruising catamaran? Hard to find. A spacious cruising trimaran? Even harder. Except for those who have discovered Neel Trimarans, a French boatyard specialized in fast cruising trimarans that offer an enormous amount of space. The “smaller” version, the Neel 45, will be presented at the Grand Pavois La Rochelle from September 16th to 21st. Her big sister, the just finished first Neel 65, is said to be the largest series-build cruising trimaran ever launched.

What is so special about these trimarans, whose spiritual father is Eric Bruneel, the successful multihull sailor and founder of Neel Trimarans? The secret is to combine the advantages of the multihull yacht catamaran and trimaran: the interior space of a cruising cat with the speed and sailing performance of a tri.

Only 6.5 tons are displaced by the Neel 45. It is extraordinary how the designers arranged the living area on one floor between the hulls. Three double cabins can be found in the owner’s version, additional berths will be placed in a charter boat. The modern interior with panoramic view for safe navigation and a light atmosphere are convincing as well. And what about safety on this sailing machine able to reach 200 miles in 24 hours? Its width guarantees stability at sea. And with only a four-foot draft, shallow waters and anchor bays are easy to reach.