greenpeace trimaran

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Greenpeace activists hold a banner after boarding a vessel carrying a Shell oil platform in the North Sea on February 6, 2023.

Undaunted by Jail Threat, Greenpeace Activists Continue Protest on Shell North Sea Platform

"we will not let shell silence us," vowed one of the demonstrators. "the world needs to hear about shell's ongoing plans to further heat up the planet, increasing climate devastation without paying a cent towards rebuilding the carnage.".

Undeterred by a court order threatening heavy fines or even two years behind bars, a pair of Greenpeace activists on Monday joined four other protesters aboard a ship carrying a Shell oil platform into the North Sea in order to demand the company stop expanding fossil fuel production around the world.

On Monday morning, the Greenpeace France-chartered trimaran Merida and two small boats approached the White Marlin heavy-lift vessel, which is transporting Shell's 34,000-ton floating production storage and offloading vessel to the Penguins oil field near the Shetland Islands off northeast of Scotland. According to Energy Voice , it's Shell's first new manned installation in the U.K. North Sea in 30 years.

Monday's action follows the delivery Friday of an injunction stipulating that the four activists who climbed aboard the Shell platform last week must seek an agreement with the White Marlin 's captain to safely disembark, and that the two Greenpeace boats—the U.K.-flagged Sea Beaver and Dutch-flagged Arctic Sunrise —must stay at least 500 feet away from the White Marlin .

"We will not let Shell silence us," Greenpeace climber Silja Zimmerman, Greenpeace—who boarded the White Marlin with Pascal Havez—vowed Monday in a statement . "The world needs to hear about Shell's ongoing plans to further heat up the planet, increasing climate devastation without paying a cent towards rebuilding the carnage we're seeing. And we have bad news for Shell: People everywhere are rising up in resistance because we no longer accept reliance on fossil fuel companies that are making our lives worse."

\u201c\ud83d\udea8 BREAKING: Shell has tried to SILENCE @Greenpeace\u2019s peaceful protest at sea with legal threats.\n\nSHELL FAILED. \n\nClimbers from Germany and France have joined the activists currently occupying Shell\u2019s oil platform on its way to the North Sea.\u270a\n\n#MakeShellPay\u201d — Greenpeace UK (@Greenpeace UK) 1675689101

According to Greenpeace:

The platform which six activists are now occupying is a key piece of oil and gas production equipment that will enable Shell to unlock eight new wells in the Penguins field in the North Sea. Burning all of the oil and gas from the field redevelopment would create 45 million tons of CO2—more than the entire annual emissions of Norway.

"We're living with increasingly sweltering summers, a lack of rain is destroying forests and affecting farmers, and with expensive energy bills it's getting harder and harder to put food on the table," Zimmerman said. "Whole workforces and entire communities are exposed to the boom-and-bust of volatile oil and gas markets. And in Germany, floods in 2021 killed 180 people, with reconstruction costs of €30 billion."

"Enough is enough," she added. "Shell must stop drilling, and start paying."

\u201cICYMI: \u201cThat Shell is investing in new oil and gas is absolutely criminal.\u201d - Usnea, Greenpeace US activist.\n\nJoin Usnea by signing this petition to #EndFossilCrimes \u27a1\ufe0f https://t.co/sdokuM38Hv\n\n#ClimateJustice #MakeShellPay\u201d — Greenpeace (@Greenpeace) 1675681996

Activist Hussein Ali Ghandour, who is from Lebanon, said aboard the Merida that "I come from the driest region of the world that is warming twice as fast as the global average."

"Across the Middle East and North Africa, droughts, raging forest fires, flash floods, and other climate disasters are now part of our daily realities, aggravating our social and economic woes," he stated. "It is big polluters like Shell that bear the historic responsibility for this loss and damage. The climate justice clock is ticking and polluters must stop developing new fossil fuel projects and pay for the decades of devastation they have caused around the world."

\u201c\ud83d\udea8 BREAKING: Greenpeace activists have OCCUPIED a Shell platform en route to the North Sea!\n\nThey have a message for the oil giant - Stop Drilling. Start Paying.\n\nShoutout to these brave activists \ud83d\udc4f\ud83d\udc4f\u201d — Greenpeace UK (@Greenpeace UK) 1675181034

Another Greenpeace activist, Noa Helffer, said: "We know the climate crisis is hitting hardest in countries that are the least to blame; and in Europe we stand in solidarity. Growing up in Italy, we saw waist-high flooding sometimes, and conversely, there's been times where it didn't rain for months, and farmers were left with only dried leaves."

Greenpeace's North Sea protest came as Shell reported its profits more than doubled in 2022 to a record $40 billion.

"Shell's profits are our loss," Helffer said. "It's time to make polluters pay."

Join Us: News for people demanding a better world

• 'Shell Is Richer Because We're Poorer': UK Oil Giant Sees Record $40 Billion Profit ›
• Greenpeace International climate justice activists board and occupy Shell platform en route to major oilfield with message: ‘STOP DRILLING. START PAYING.’ ›
• 'Stop Drilling and Start Paying': Greenpeace Activists Occupy Shell Oil Platform ›
• Opinion | I Occupied Shell's Ship to Hold Them Accountable | Common Dreams ›
• $8.6 Million Shell Lawsuit Threatens Greenpeace's Ability to Protest ›
• 'North Sea Fossil Free': Activists in 6 Countries Protest 'Unhinged' Oil and Gas Development ›
• Breaking: Greenpeace activists have occupied a Shell platform ... ›
• Greenpeace protesters board Shell platform bound for Shetland ... ›
• Shell reports highest profits in 115 years - BBC News ›

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Greenpeace’s Rainbow Warrior III Vessel

Rainbow Warrior III motor-assisted sailing yacht was custom built for environmental activist group Greenpeace International.

A-frame staysail schooner

Air Draught

Electric drive system.

10kt on 300kW

October 2011

Owner / Sponsor

Greenpeace International

Fassmer Shipyard

Dykstra & Partners

Construction of the ship was completed in October 2011 and it entered service in December the same year.

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A $32m (€23m) contract to build the ship was awarded to Fassmer Shipyard, Germany, in July 2009. Funds for Rainbow Warrior III’s construction were sourced from about three million sponsors. The 57.9m-long ship uses wind energy instead of fossil fuels and incorporates green marine technology.

Greenpeace uses Rainbow Warrior III in its environmental awareness campaigns. The ship provides a functional platform for campaigns at sea and in harbours. It can be deployed on campaign operations worldwide in all climatic zones and used for conducting research activities.

The ship has the capacity to carry and launch inflatable boats in tough weather conditions. It also has a helicopter landing facility. The oceanic vessel is equipped with the latest in electronic navigation, sailing and communications equipment.

The ship was built to meet strict environmental demands and as a result the heat generated from the engine is recycled to heat the cabins and the used water is treated and purified by a biological system. Rainbow Warrior was moored to block the entrance of the Brofjorden port to stop all tanker traffic to and from Swedish Preem’s oil refinery for the peaceful protest to the refinery expansion in September 2020.

Greenpeace’s first purpose-built ship details

Rainbow Warrior III is Greenpeace ’s first purpose-built ship. Its predecessors, Rainbow Warrior and Rainbow Warrior II, were conversion ships.

Built in 1955, Rainbow Warrior was a trawler originally named Sir William Hardy, which served the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food until 1977.

Greenpeace International relaunched the ship as Rainbow Warrior in 1978 after acquiring the vessel for £40,000. The ship was used to protest against numerous activities such as nuclear weapons testing, seal hunting and whaling.

During a mission in 1985, the ship was sunk by the French intelligence service while in harbour in New Zealand. Rainbow Warrior II was rebuilt in 1989 on the fourth anniversary of the sinking of her predecessor.

Rainbow II is 52 years old and has completed two decades of campaigning and navigation across the world. The ship was replaced by Rainbow Warrior III as it was found unfeasible to upgrade Rainbow Warrior II to meet Greenpeace’s future global campaign challenges.

Rainbow Warrior III design

Designed by Amsterdam-based naval architects Gerard Dijkstra & Partners, the ship is of the same green colour as its predecessors. A lifecycle analysis was undertaken by a research company TNO on behalf of the architects. An optimised eco-design and sustainability report of the Rainbow Warrior III was then produced.

The superstructure and spars are made of aluminium while the hull is made from steel to maximise fuel conservation. The ship’s mast has two A-frame masts for five sails having an area of 1,260m 2 . The sails are made semi-automatic so that rigging-in and rigging-out becomes easier. The ship has a fuel capacity of 110,000l, freshwater capacity of 32,000l and an electric drive system (10k on only 300kW). It has 30 berths.

Rainbow Warrior III also includes biological sewage treatment and a central filling and venting system to prevent spillage within. Water heating on board is carried out with heat created by the engine generators.

Engine of the environmental group’s vessel

Rainbow Warrior III is a sailing ship mostly dependent on wind energy. It, however, has a back-up engine, 1,425kW Caterpillar C3512, that runs on diesel-electric propulsion . The back-up engine is used during bad weather conditions.

The ship, running on the back-up engine, moves at a maximum speed of 15k. Power from the diesel-electric engine reaches the Schaffran propellers through an electromotor.

The ship is also installed with a Schottel STT60, 110kW bow thruster.

Missions involving Greenpeace’s Rainbow Warrior III

Outfitted with advanced communication and electronic navigations systems, the Rainbow Warrior ships have been active participants in many environmental campaigns.

In 1985, the ship relocated the South Pacific Island’s population. The evacuation transported 300 islanders and more than 100t of building materials in ten days.

In 2004, the ship provided relief to disaster victims of the tsunami in South East Asia. Rainbow Warrior campaigned against the French Government’s nuclear testing from 9 June 1995 until 20 March 1996.

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EARTHRACE-2

Earthrace-2 Project Summary

We are developing the awesome new vessel “EARTHRACE-2” to substantially extend our work in marine conservation. Initially she will be used to assist in monitoring the massive new CMAR Marine Protected Area encompassing Galapagos, Cocos Island, Coiba Island and Malpelo Island. These campaigns involve joint operations that sees local Rangers, Coastguard or Navy Personnel joining our ship and overseeing operations. We provide the ship, tender vessels, Schiebel S100 UAV, pilots, food and fuel, while the government agencies assist in flight permissions, and have jurisdictional oversight of the operations. We will also continue with selected scientific research projects that require support in remote locations. HERE is the “Deck” that gives a brief summary of the project. HERE is the Spanish Version. For more information please send us an email .

EARTHRACE-2, like her predecessor, will be a technology marvel, and one of the most awe-inspiring vessels the world has ever seen. Our video above discusses many of the things that make this boat so special.

The hull form has been extensively tank-tested in Melbourne (Australia) under various displacement and thrust conditions, allowing accurate predictions of final vessel performance.

[slider] [slide img=”http://www.earthrace.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/CAD1.png”] [slide img=”http://www.earthrace.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/CAD2.png”] [slide img=”http://www.earthrace.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/CAD3.png”] [slide img=”http://www.earthrace.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/CAD4.png”] [slide img=”http://www.earthrace.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/CAD5.png”] [/slider]

Based on a World Record Holder

The most obvious thing about EARTHRACE-2 will be her form – One of the most awe-inspiring vessels the world has ever seen. More than that however – she will be a technology showcase of the latest in maritime and surveillance hardware. This includes Schiebel S100 Drone with 200nm range, ELINT electronic detection system, FLIR thermal Imaging, a helm resembling that of a modern plane, FC470 Milpro zodiac, 10m amphibious RIB (launched astern from a roll-off platform), and a 30-person theater / briefing room.

EARTHRACE-2 is based on the original Earthrace, a 24m trimaran that set a new world record (that still stands today) for circling the globe, running 100% biodiesel fuel. In 2009 she went to Antarctica and became the star of Animal Planet’s Whale Wars TV Series. Earthrace set the benchmark for uncompromising focus on efficiency, functionality and awesome good looks. EARTHRACE-2 is looking to repeat this, but with a much bigger vessel that will take things to a completely new level, and change the way the world views conservation campaigns. Hi-Res CAD files can downloaded here .

Specifications

* Design: Tri-Hull Wavepiercer * Construction: Sandwich composite * Length: 59.3m (195 ft) * Beam: 12m (39ft) * Crew: 14 * Maximum Speed: 30 knots * Crew: 12 * Guest Capacity: 14 * Accommodation: 26 people * Guest Rooms: 5 * Range 10,000nm at 12 knots * Briefing Room / Theater (30 person) * Tender Vessel: 10m (35ft) RIB * Designer: LOMOcean Design Ltd * Build Time: 24 months * Build Location: TBA

[slider] [slide img=”http://www.earthrace.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/S106.jpg”] [slide img=”http://www.earthrace.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/S105.jpg”] [slide img=”http://www.earthrace.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/S101.jpg”] [slide img=”http://www.earthrace.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/S102.jpg”] [slide img=”http://www.earthrace.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/S100.jpg”] [slide img=”http://www.earthrace.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/S104.jpg”] [/slider]

The original Earthrace boat had over 250,000 visitors walk aboard her over a 3 year period. Through a combination of boatshows, and sponsor events / open days in port cities, she became the most photographed boat on the planet. Earthrace-2 will dedicate a period every year to continue this legacy, opening the boat to the public, schools, and at selected events.

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Greenpeace Action

Hope floats: the Greenpeace Esperanza retires after two decades, but the light shines on

Over the course of two decades, the crew of the Esperanza confronted pirate fishing and whaling harpoons, from the polar regions to West Africa, teamed up with scientists and journalists to reveal illegal activities and conduct groundbreaking studies. They fought on behalf of people and planet against those who are prepared to sacrifice both for profit and power.

The Espy, as it is lovingly known inside Greenpeace, carried our activists to parts of the world that are inaccessible to most. It’s often in these most remote areas where the worst environmental and humanitarian crimes take place. It brought aid and humanitarian relief to those in need in the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake of 2010, and 2012’s Typhoon Bopha, which devastated swathes of the Philippines.

As the fastest ship in the Greenpeace fleet, the Esperanza was often used to chase high-speed vessels and to confront environmental criminals few others could catch. The Esperanza’s ice-class credentials meant it took these fights into the freezing waters of the Antarctic in numerous polar expeditions.

It was, and always will be, a symbol of hope, born from the support of millions of people around the world and put into action by those who risked their safety and lives to stand against impossible odds for the protection of our shared environment.

Now, the Esperanza has arrived at its final port stop in Gijón, Spain and in the coming weeks will be retired for good.

As the world changes, so must Greenpeace’s maritime operations. The Esperanza, even with its electric drive, had a much larger carbon footprint than other Greenpeace vessels and despite the constant efforts of dedicated crew, technicians, volunteers and supporters to hone and improve the ship’s technical features, its fundamental biology does not allow it to be consistent with Greenpeace’s vision for a zero-carbon future.

The crew of the Esperanza launched solar-powered aircraft, helicopters and submarines from its decks and gave the ship many green renovations from the start of service and throughout its life, but in the midst of a climate emergency with environmental crimes still being committed all over the world, Greenpeace needs to lead the way on carbon emissions while at the same time finding more flexible and local maritime resources to allow us to take the fight to remote places few can go.

Indeed, while the Esperanza will now be dismantled, to the highest environmental standards, its spirit and the hope that it represents will live on in the continuing fight to protect our fragile Earth.

It would be impossible to list all significant events in the voyages of the Esperanza, here are a few highlights:

Clashes with whalers.

The Esperanza was rammed by the Kyo Maru, a Japanese whaling vessel.

Relief work with MSF on Haiti earthquake

The Esperanza delivered supplies to the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince following a devastating earthquake.

Pole to Pole

The Esperanza and the Arctic Sunrise jointly undertook an almost year-long ‘pole to pole’ voyage from the Arctic to the Antarctic, building the case for a UN Global Ocean Treaty.

Hope floats

Before joining the Greenpeace fleet in 2000, the ship, which began life as a Russian fire fighting vessel, had been known as ‘Echo Fighter’. The first Greenpeace crews aboard painted out the ‘h’ to spell ‘Eco Fighter’, but as the organisation began an environmentally friendly refit of the vessel an online vote was called to choose a permanent name. Thousands of activists in Argentina and other Hispanic countries saw a historic opportunity for the first ever Greenpeace ship with a Spanish name. Bringing together their enthusiasm for action at sea and the emerging digital activism of the era, they flooded the vote with one name: ‘Esperanza’.

For more than two decades the Esperanza’s story has been the sum of the actions of its talented and dedicated crew, the brave activists and volunteers who called it home, the teams who helped to deliver hope in action through campaigns and the supporters who brought the Esperanza into the Greenpeace fleet, named the ship, and stood behind it on every part of its journey.

The Esperanza has hundreds of thousands if not millions of people to thank. It is perhaps fitting that the ship’s final destination is in a Spanish-speaking country: the language of its name’s birth.

To those people, and all of you, who have carried the light of hope in your hearts, we say “gracias”. While we don’t know for sure all the places that light will be needed in the future, we do know it will never be extinguished, and we will bring wherever it needs to go, together.

It is often said that a ship is so much more than the physical construction: it comprises the heart and soul of the people who make it go. As the French writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry said: “If you want to build a ship, don’t gather up people to collect wood or assign tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.”

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Austal to build wind-powered cargo trimaran for Vela Transport

Austal Limited has announced a contract to design and construct a 66.8-metre wind-powered cargo trimaran for Vela Transport of Bayonne, France.

The new vessel, priced between A$40–$45 million, will be built at Austal Philippines in Balamban, Cebu, and is slated for delivery by mid-2026.

The trimaran, based on a concept by VPLP of Paris and equipped with a sailing system from MerConcept, represents a significant advancement in sustainable maritime technology. Paddy Gregg, CEO of Austal Limited, highlighted the company’s role in this pioneering project. ‘Austal is delighted to be partnering with Vela to deliver this unique, sailing cargo trimaran – a striking looking vessel that will transport high-value goods across the Atlantic Ocean using 100% wind power,’ Gregg said.

The vessel promises numerous advantages over traditional cargo ships. According to designers the trimaran design ensures ample cargo space and superior seakeeping abilities, while its shallow draft allows access to secondary ports, facilitating direct routes to factories and warehouses. ‘Austal’s proven experience in trimaran design offers Vela a large cargo space and greater flexibility while delivering superior seakeeping, efficiency, and performance,’ Gregg added.

A key feature of the trimaran is its reliance on wind for propulsion, expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 99% compared to conventional container ships. This environmental benefit aligns with the increasing push for sustainability in maritime transport. ‘The use of sails for main propulsion, rather than conventional diesel-powered engines, is also expected to deliver a 99% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, compared with conventional container ships,’ Gregg noted.

Vela Transport’s CEO, Pierre-Arnaud Vallon, said: ‘We are not just constructing a ship with Austal, we are helping to shape the future of international maritime transport. With our strategic shipbuilding partner Austal, we are pioneering the way for an era where ships harness clean and inexhaustible energy. This sailing cargo trimaran, the first and largest of its kind, symbolizes our vision of a world where sustainability and innovation go hand in hand.’

The project’s complexity was underscored by Vela Transport’s COO, Pascal Galacteros, who commented: ‘The construction of this unique vessel represents an unprecedented technical challenge. We are tackling it with pride and determination, relying on Austal’s globally recognised expertise in multi-hulls and aluminium shipbuilding, and integrating the wind sailing expertise from our partners, VPLP and MerConcept,’ Galacteros stated.

Austal was chosen for the project following a comprehensive nine-month global tender process. ‘The trust that emerged from our interactions with the Austal teams in Australia and Philippines convinced us that we had the best strategic shipbuilding partner for our project,’ Galacteros added.

Austal has a history of delivering large trimarans for commercial and defense operators since 2007, which means the company is well-prepared to take on the project. Both Austal and Vela hope that their collaboration will set a new standard in sustainable shipping and demonstrate the potential of wind power in modern maritime transport.

Image: Austal

Tom Barlow-Brown

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The complete list of trimarans.

There is no single trimaran that is best for everyone. Where some prefer luxury cruisers for long trips with family and friends, others might opt for a high performance racing tri for thrilling rides at breakneck speeds. With the recent spike in trimaran popularity, these days there is a perfect tri for every sailor. So to help prospective trimaran owners decide which boat is just right for them, we here at WindRider have put together a comprehensive list of the best trimarans on the market today! Read through for simple at-a-glance trimaran comparisons of boats both big and small, exhilarating and relaxing, and for all price points.

Jump to a specific sailing trimaran: Neel Weta Corsair WindRider Dragonfly Catri Astus Hobie Sea Pearl Farrier Sea Cart Multi 23 Triak SeaRail Warren Lightcraft Diam Radikal Challenger

Known for their award-winning luxury trimarans,   NEEL   is based in La Rochelle, the capital city of sailing in France. NEEL trimarans are built for fast cruising with an average cruising speed of about 10 knots, and are even configured to facilitate that sustained speed under motor propulsion. The NEEL 45 was notably named Cruising World’s Most Innovative Vessel in 2013, and by all accounts is an easy-to-sail, high performance boat that is just plain fun.

At a glance:

Models: NEEL 45, 65

Length: 45’ – 65’

Cost:   $$$$$

Use: Luxury cruiser

A fan favorite,   Weta trimarans   are fast, stable, and remarkably easy to rig. This single-sailor tri has a capacity of up to three, and the ease with which it can be transported and stored makes this a great, versatile boat for beginners. The Weta was named Sailing World’s 2010 Boat of the Year, and one ride is enough to know why: simply put, the Weta is an absolute ton of fun to sail regardless of skill level.

Models: Weta

Length: 14’5”

Cost:   $$ $$$

The high-end   Corsair trimaran   definitely holds its own in the categories of versatility, performance, and convenience. Boasting a rigging time of 30 minutes from trailer to sailor ,   the Corsair 42 – whose convenient folding amas makes trailering possible – is a simple option even for single sailors, though cabin space is suitable for two adults. These boats are wicked fast, capable of reaching speeds of 20+ knots, and were made for skilled sailors seeking solid construction and high performance vessels, not for beginners.

Models: Pulse 600, Sprint 750 MKII, Dash 750 MKII, Corsair 28, Cruze 970, Corsair 37, Corsair 42

Length: 19’8” – 37’

Cost:   $$$$ $

Use: Sports cruisers

Built for the sailor who wants to maximize the joys of sailing while minimizing any hassle, WindRider trimarans are notoriously fast, very safe, and a blast to sail from start to finish. With several models that can hold between 1 and 6 riders, including adaptive designs to allow participation from sailors of all levels of mobility, there’s something to suit every sailor’s needs. The WindRider 17, an exhilarating ride perfect for families or camper sailors, has been known to reach speeds of up to 20mph. This easy day sailor goes from trailer to sailing in under 30 minutes and is sure to fit in perfectly with whatever adventures you have planned.

Models: WR 16, 17, Tango, Rave V

Length: 10’11” – 18’3”

Cost:   $ $$$$

Use: Day sailor

The Danish-built   Dragonfly   trimarans come in a variety of models ranging from 25’ – 35’, all known for their spry performance, comfortable ride, and ease of use. Every model comes equipped with the unique “SwingWing” feature, a motorized system that can unfold the amas even while the boat is already underway – making it accessible to marinas and slips, and even makes trailering possible. Perfect for those who don’t want to sacrifice their comfort for high performance, the Dragonfly can breeze along at 13 knots while remaining one of the quietest compact cruisers out there.

Models: Dragonfly 25, 28, 32, 35, 1200

Length: 25’ – 39’

Designed for both safe cruising as well as for high speed racing,   Catri trimarans   will make your day. Especially noteworthy is the Catri 25, a stable yet wildly fast foiling trimaran with accommodations for up to 6 people. With profiles optimized for speeds of 25+ knots when foiling, this is no beginner’s sailboat. The special attention paid to stability in the foil design allows the Catri to be a single sailor vessel, even at foiling speed, with no special physical abilities. Whether you’re taking a small crew for longer rides at shuddering speeds or bringing the whole family along for a shorter, but still thrilling sail, the Catri is truly one of a kind.

Models: Catri 25

Length: 25’

Use: Cruiser/racer

A popular brand of trimaran in Europe,   Astus   has recently made its way to the US market to the delight of sailors on this side of the pond. Designed to offer maximum pleasure with minimum hassle, all models of Astus trimarans are fast to set up, quick on the water, inherently stable, and always a joy to sail. Their outriggers are mounted on telescopic tubes for easy stowage and towing, and can even be extended and retracted on the water for access to narrow passageways and monohull slips in marinas. With models in all sizes and price points, Astus trimarans are a great option for any sailor.

Models: Astus 16.5, 18.2, 20.2, 22, 24

Cabin: Some models

Length: 16’ – 24’

Use: Sport cruisers

HOBIE ADVENTURE ISLAND

Great for beginners and adventurers alike, the   Hobie Mirage Adventure Island   series is nothing if not just plain fun. With the option to use as a kayak or as a very basic trimaran, the Hobie is transportable, versatile, unintimidating, lightweight, and wonderfully affordable. The pedal system known as “Mirage Drive” allows a person to pedal the kayak using their legs for an extra kick of movement in slow winds. Amas tuck close to the main hull for docking or car-topping, adding serious ease and convenience to the exhilarating experience of the Hobie.

Models: Hobie Mirage Adventure Island, Mirage Tandem Island

Length: 16’7” – 18’6”

Use: Convertible kayak/trimarans

Best known for its use in camp cruising excursions, the   Sea Pearl   offers a roomy main hull and particular ability to sail in very shallow waters, making beaching and launching a breeze. The lightweight Sea Pearl trimaran is easy to tow, and the larger-than-expected cabin opens this vessel up for overnight adventures with plenty of storage space. The simple design makes the Sea Pearl notoriously low maintenance, and the ease it takes to rig and sail it add to the overall delight of owning this boat.

Models: Sea Pearl

Length: 21’

Use: Camper cruiser

Quick, lightweight, roomy, and trailerable,   Farrier trimarans   are made for versatility to fit every sailor’s needs. Different Farrier models are available in plan or kit boat form for those who appreciate building their boat themselves, but of course, also as the full production sail-away boat for the rest of us. Single-handed rigging and launching takes under 10 minutes from start to finish, minimizing hassle and getting you on the water fast. All non-racing Farrier designs use a minimum wind capsize speed of 30 knots or more to ensure safety for all those aboard. Add the roomy cabin and high speed capabilities to the equation and you’ve got a boat that is great fun for everyone.

Models:   F-22, 24, 25, 82, 27, 28, 31, 9A, 9AX, 9R, 32, 33, 33R, 33ST, 36, 39, 41, 44R

Length: 23’ – 39’4”

Cost:   $$$ $$

Use: Sport cruisers/racers

One of the biggest names in the game,   SeaCart   is internationally noted for its high performance trimarans that far exceed expectations for a production boat of its size. The SeaCart trimaran performs as brilliantly off the water as it does on with its super-light and efficient harbor folding system, making light work of trailering. Notoriously easy to manage and maintain, the SeaCart 26 One Design is the ultimate day racing trimaran, designed for both course and inshore/coastal distance racing. Absolutely worth the international buzz it has garnered, the SeaCart is a thrill from beginning to end.

Models:   SeaCart 26

Length: 26’

A high performance racer class, the   Multi 23   is a lightweight, powerful trimaran known for its wicked speed of up to 25 knots. Multi trimarans of both available configurations were designed to give beach cat thrills and speed without any of the stability or seaworthy concerns. Open ocean sailing is no issue for the Multi’s big bows, which do their job to keep her stable. Built for sailors with a need for speed, the Multi makes a perfect weekend boat for racers, especially those with a taste for boat camping.

Models:   Multi 23

Length: 23’

Another dual outrigger sailing kayak/canoe design,   the Triak trimaran   was designed to be effortless and fun, especially for beginners. Paddle the kayak with sails furled, use the foot pedals for an extra kick of momentum, or sail with just the mainsail – the only boat in its class to feature an asymmetrical spinnaker – for exhilarating speeds and a blast on the water. Car-top the Triak anywhere for a quick sail or plan for a week long expedition, but always count on having a great time on this easy little boat.

Models:   Triak

Length: 18’

Use: Convertible kayak/trimaran

SeaRail trimarans   are known for being affordable, light weight, trailerable trimarans that offer the perfect combination of exciting and relaxing experiences to a wide range of sailors. Whether it’s day sailing with your family, resort or camper sailing, SeaRail trimarans are ideal leisure vessels. Leave the hassle to the other boats – the SeaRail takes you from trailer to sailor in 15 minutes. But don’t let its reputation as a leisure tri fool you: if speed is what you want, rest assured that the SeaRail can deliver that as well.

Models:   SeaRail 19

WARREN LIGHTCRAFT

Warren Lightcraft trimarans , another example of a convertible kayak-to-sailboat option, are known for their aesthetically pleasing designs that are also, as the name implies, very light for simple transportation and ease of use. Convert the kayak into a fast, high performance sailboat in just minutes, fly around on the waves all day long, then simply car-top the 68lb Warren for a maximum enjoyment, low-hassle day on the water. Perfect for sailors and paddlers of all skill levels, the Warren Lightcraft is the best of both worlds and an absolute joy to sail.

Models:   Warren Lightcraft

Length: 15’6”

Built strictly with racing in mind,   the Diam 24   is a light, powerful one-design class trimaran and a notoriously exceptional performer. Boasting blistering speeds of up to 30 knots, Diam trimarans are not intended for beginners. For racers who crave the very best in terms of intense speeds, smooth handling and impeccable performance, the Diam is the red-hot one-design racing tri for you.

Models:   Diam 24

Length: 24’

For the sailor who prefers the finer things in life, the   Radikal 26   delivers. Perfect for bringing the whole family out for a day on the water, this high performance, trailerable sailing trimaran strikes the most luxurious balance between quicksilver speeds and a smooth, comfortable ride. The Radikal 26 trimaran is as convenient to transport and set up as it is pleasant to sail, with a folding system that minimizes rigging hassle and also makes this a trailerable tri. Built for a fast and comfortable sail rather than a hold-onto-your-seats thrill, one-the-water safety and overall pleasure makes the Radikal 26 what it is.

Models:   Radikal 26

Use: Sport cruiser

A solidly-built, single-handed trimaran, the Challenger also doubles as an adaptive design – meaning it is made to accommodate sailors of all levels of physical mobility. Best suited to lakes, the Challenger is a very safe, seaworthy boat for sailors of all ages and experience levels. Add to this the ease of owning, transporting and maintaining the Challenger trimaran and what you get is a simple, fun sailboat perfect both for beginners and those seeking a cheap thrill alike.

Models:   Challenger

At a glance comparison:

Did we miss one? Let us know. Tell us what you sail and what you like about each boat in the comments below.

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