MULTIHULLS

Nominees: Astus 20.5, Aventura 34, Fountaine Pajot Astrža 42

It’s often the case we are drawn to the boat that gives the optimum sailing experience – but here it’s about the best response to market demand.

A real mix of multihulls made this a diverse, tricky category to judge. It can often be the case that we are drawn to the one that gives the optimum sailing experience, but here the consensus was to reward the design offering the best response to market demand.

When Astus asked VPLP to redesign their 16.5 and 20.5, it immediately achieved better results in speed and stability. The renowned French design firm almost doubled the volume in the floats of the 20.5 and added wave-piercing bows – something I was grateful for given the spicy conditions when I tested it! With gusts in the mid 20s and a short, sharp swell running, the leeward float cut through the water and remained buoyant, without the tendency smaller tris have to bury the leeward bow. There is a sporty feel on the helm, communicating the abundance of power and acceleration but with good control. It’s not a comfortable ride, but it’s certainly a fun one – and there’s space for a narrow twin berth with a chemical heads below.

With a dearth of entry-sized (and priced) cruising catamarans below 38ft these days, the Aventura 34 is a promising offering from a French brand that builds its modest-sized cruising cats in Tunisia. The overall design, the fine entry of the bows and the comparatively low freeboard is appealing, the latter certainly practical for boarding.

Unfortunately there is zero helm communication in light breeze, and a second winch in the helm area would aid tacking. But the design and modern style appeals and the quality is a step-up from the previous 33. I like the single-level main living deck with connecting galley/ cockpit and the hulls have generoussized berths with large hull windows. The price is another pleasant surprise.

Astus 20.5

A minimalist, trailable centreboard trimaran – the modern design of the floats help the sporty Astus handle speed and waves with control. Price ex VAT: €21,583

Aventura 34

A promising, modestsized cat, which is respectably finished for its price, with generous cockpit space and two or three cabins.

Price ex VAT: €159,000