What is the difference between a NEEL trimaran and a good catamaran?

Why NEEL? How is a trimaran significantly different from a catamaran? We love catamarans, but in truth, trimaran has several advantages. Speed, safety and mega internal volume are the keys to the success of NEEL Trimarans!

What is the difference between a NEEL trimaran and a good catamaran?

The width of the NEEL trimaran is an important safety factor on the high seas as it guarantees stability. And if the catamaran is stable on the wave, in comparison with the monohull, then the trimaran is much more stable than the catamaran. On a catamaran, the maximum restoring moment occurs at a roll of 12 °. This angle can be achieved relatively easily when the catamaran is sailing in strong winds and strong waves. However, on a trimaran, the maximum restoring moment does not occur up to 32 ° roll, which is why this angle is never achieved under normal conditions of use of a multihull. For this reason and thanks to the centralized weight distribution, the trimaran is much more stable than the catamaran.

Another advantage of NEEL trimaran is that they have the best seaworthiness. Consider a situation where a catamaran and trimaran roll 12 °, which is a safe angle of inclination that cannot be exceeded on a catamaran. As shown in the graph, the restoring moment (GZ) is much higher on a catamaran than on a trimaran. A higher GZ value means more severe seaworthiness. At this angle of roll, the restoring moment (GZ) of the catamaran is twice that of the trimaran. Therefore, sailing in a trimaran is much smoother than sailing on a catamaran. Now imagine where, theoretically, according to all criteria, on this scale there will be a single-hull, from which you will feel as if you are in a luxurious house by the sea.

It is believed that the catamaran does not get seasick, and this is true, but the fact is that the trimaran shows the best performance here too. The trimaran pumps much less since its center of gravity is never downwind. Again, centered weight is the key to success and comfort. NEEL Trimarans.

So, by the way, not all trimarans are created equal! NEEL trimaran is completely different from the development of existing cruise trimaran. NEEL is certainly not the first to come up with outriggers, but he has created a new aesthetic in naval architecture. The innovation is the integration of two outriggers with a connecting platform into a single living space that includes a walkway, a central galley and a splendid panoramic saloon. The trimaran ratio provides generous floor space and height while guaranteeing a very large interior volume.

In fact, all the main heavy equipment on a trimaran is installed in the main central hull, while on a catamaran it is split in half in both hulls. This superiority of trimaran is even more significant in difficult conditions, as shown in the illustration below.

As for the performance, it is obvious that trimaran is much faster than catamarans and monohulls, which is confirmed by the toughest ocean races. This statement also applies to cruise trimaran, as evidenced by the results of the rally for cruisers. ARC... Undoubtedly, NEEL trimarans are made for cruisers who value speed as well as safety.

The superiority of the trimaran is even more evident when sailing upwind. Performance is also enhanced by the trimaran's clever center of gravity, which is also designed to limit pitching. At an average cruising speed of about 10 knots, a trimaran easily passes more than 200 nautical miles per day... When the wind blows, the speed is 15 to 18 knots.

The center body sways for easier tacking, and the floats are elongated for stability. The rigging is directly borrowed from the racing trimaran, which achieves full cruising speed twice that of any other cruising yacht. Finally, the trimaran configuration also contributes to a stable speed when the engine is running. The low prismatic ratio of the center body means that there is very little resistance and the side floats only lightly contact the water surface.

NEEL Trimarans

To optimize the design of the NEEL trimaran, the shipyard has partnered with TENSYLwith whom they previously worked on the design of a racing trimaran TRILOGIC... TENSYL specializes in the design of multihull racing and cruising composites. Testing identifies the most severe structural loading conditions, such as when the trimaran is catching a wave at high speed, or sailing abeam with the wind.

Analysis programs transmit relevant information, which is compared with conditional values in specifications. These research is aimed at determining the type and amount of building materials, the most suitable for each zone, in order to eliminate excess weight, or vice versa to provide a margin for loading load-bearing elements. Even the interior coatings have been rigorously tested in ocean conditions. Rigging and sails are designed and manufactured by multihull specialists in La Rochelle.

Shipyard NEEL Trimarans

Trimaran hull design It is vacuum infused in one mold using vinyl ester and polyester resin and expanded polystyrene. The center body has laminated annular frames for rigidity, the floors and bulkheads are also foamed and vacuum formed. All this ensures that this vessel is unsinkable.

Fin of the central body protects the engine and steering gear, and the shallow draft allows you to get close to the shore and enjoy the most beautiful anchorages. A high average speed optimizes navigation planning based on weather conditions. Fractional sailing equipment (mainsail, solent, staysail) makes work easier, especially for small crews.

All embedded systems, such as refrigeration, electrical and electronic equipment, power generation, storage, fittings and armaments, all done with twenty-seven years of boat building experience. Thus, trimarans NEEL are built using materials and technologies most suitable for their merciless exploitation in rough oceans, combining strength, rigidity and weight reduction.