The Trimaran: A New Option for Boat Travel?

When searching for a boat for long voyages, the choice typically falls between a monohull or a catamaran, whether sail or motor-powered. Each design has its advantages and disadvantages. Catamarans offer a comfortable and spacious living area, while monohulls often provide superior handling and sailing pleasure. Neel, founded in 2010, has chosen a third path: the trimaran. Why a trimaran? According to the founder, whose racing record on trimarans is impressive, this type of boat offers the best of both worlds.

The Advantages of a Trimaran for Boat Travel

With its three hulls (two floats and a central hull), the trimaran offers a platform at least as wide as a large production catamaran, with numerous layout possibilities, even though the two side floats are not habitable in the Neel 43. However, its floats and central hull provide storage space unheard of on catamarans, and even more so on monohulls. This is a compelling argument for long-distance boat travel, where storage management is always a challenge! The trimaran demonstrates some of its essential qualities while sailing: performance – offshore racing has largely demonstrated the superiority of the design – and sailing pleasure. A trimaran handles somewhat like a monohull, with a smooth passage through the water and very limited heeling (10°). On the Neel 43, days of 200 nautical miles are common, and speeds of 18 knots are regularly achieved.

A Trimaran for Travel: Yes, But…

Shallow draft, comfortable accommodations, and good performance upwind and downwind make the trimaran seem like the ideal boat. However, it is also very wide, particularly sensitive to windage, and equipped with only one engine: its maneuverability in port, in crowded or narrow anchorages, is not its strong point. Its upwind performance is interesting for a cruising multihull, but cannot compete with that of a fin-keeled boat with a sharp hull. Finally, while it is wide, its accommodations are not up to the standards of modern catamarans, which offer versions with four cabins and two bathrooms, and a more livable and pleasant saloon/cockpit area than that of the trimaran, even in smaller sizes.

The Neel 43 Duo: A New Version of an Iconic Boat

Neel has focused on the accommodations in the Duo version of its 43-footer. This brand-new version will be presented at the upcoming boat show in Cannes in September 2025.

The unique feature of Neel trimarans is the owner’s cabin on the same level as the saloon/cockpit area. This cabin has its own private bathroom and a stunning view of the anchorage. Easily accessible, it is universally appreciated by owners. In the “classic” Neel 43, the other two cabins are located, one in the forward peak and the other to port below and in direct relation to the saloon, without much privacy. Ideal for a family with young children, the 43’s configuration is not suitable for use with two couples or with children/teenagers wanting more privacy.

Two Cabins for a Successful “Duo”

The “Duo” version announced by the shipyard partially addresses this demand for privacy. The second cabin – still located slightly below to port – is now closed for better privacy. As for the forward peak, it houses a beautiful bathroom. In this “Duo” configuration, the shipyard offers two cabins and two bathrooms in a more luxurious and warmer boat. A true travel trimaran, comfortable and less minimalist, for two couples, a family with a teenager or a young adult.

More News Coming Soon?

Following the Neel 52 and the Neel 43 Duo, the shipyard has other announcements coming soon. A new boat will be announced at the next Multihull Boat Show in La Grande Motte in April 2025. This boat, in the sailing range, should replace the Neel 47 in the range, of which 65 units are currently sailing on all the oceans of the world, a record for a model from the shipyard.

Neel 43 Duo Technical Specifications:

Overall length: 12.90m
Overall width: 7.40m
Draft: 1.50m
Mainsail area: 58.60m2
Genoa area: 43.40m2
Light displacement: 9 t
Engine: 50 hp
Fresh water: 500 l
Diesel: 300 l
Architect: Marc Lombard Yacht Design Group
First presentation: Cannes Yachting Festival 2025

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