RAPIDO 40 AND 50
LOA 12.0m 39ft 4in • LWL 11.96m 39ft 3in • MAX BEAM 8.80m 28ft 10in • FOLDED BEAM 4.90m 16ft 9in • DRAUGHT 0.56-1.4m 1ft 10in-4ft 7in • DISPLACEMENT (light) 4,229kg 9,323lb • BASE PRICE ex VAT US$395,000 ex VAT • www.rapidotrimarans.com
ranging from spacious suites fore and aft to a six-cabin layout. One neat option gives the ability to split the forward area into either two double cabins, or convert it in only a few minutes into a large suite, with a larger double bunk, plus a sofa.
Provision of natural light has been taken a stage on from existing designs, thanks to the long saloon windows, plentiful overhead hatches and generous hull windows that give a view of the water from every bunk.
For the first time Jeanneau has positioned the galley forward next to the main bulkhead, which also helps accentuate space in the saloon. Interior joinery is limited in choice – it’s either teak or light oak. However, for upholstery there are ten different choices of design, half of them leather, while a further five different styled themes are available for cabins.
This flexibility offered in interior layouts continues in the options to configure the boat for different types of use. These include a cockpit arch, hard top, and sprayhood, plus an external galley, detachable inner forestay, furling mainsail, a ‘Mediterranean Sport’ model and a version adapted for longer distance offshore cruising.
The Jeanneau Yachts 60 is scheduled to be unveiled at the Düsseldorf boat show in January 2021 and completes Jeanneau’s line-up of yachts between 51ft and 64ft. Pricing will be announced in November.
When launched in 2016 the Morelli and Melvindesigned Rapido 60 quickly established this brand as a new breed of ultra-fast, yet practical, performance cruising/racing trimaran. The Vietnam-based builder has two further models in development, at 40ft and 50ft. Both are folding designs, which enables them to slip into a regular monohull marina berth and reduces storage costs when ashore.
Construction is of infused carbon foam sandwich, with beams, daggerboards and rudder made of pre-preg carbon. The central hull is configured for single-level living, with the cockpit and deckhouse both on the same level, although the 50 has a higher helm station to give a clear view over the coachroof.
Polars for this model show it being capable of well over 20 knots of boat speed across a wide range of reaching wind angles, and as much as 18 knots beam reaching in just 14 knots of breeze. The first Rapido 50 is finishing build and is scheduled for delivery to an owner in Palma, Mallorca, during autumn 2020.
Rapido is also working on a 40-footer with curved C-foils and T-foil rudders. As well as offering a performance boost, without the control issues of a fully foiling boat, these allow the interior to be opened up as there’s no need for a daggerboard in the central hull. The result looks to be a very enticing high performance yacht with a civilised two-cabin interior and acres of deck space. The first Rapido 40 is scheduled to be unveiled to the public at the Multihull show at La Grande Motte in April next year.
Base prices are ex works, ex sails and electronics, and with aluminium spars.
The largest Ovni by far has been announced, although precise specifications are yet to be released. This 65-footer incorporates many of the developments first seen on the Ovni 400 that was launched 18 months ago and reviewed in Yachting World last month. These include the inverted and rounded bow, which adds to form stability, increases interior space and, according to the builders, offers a comfortable motion at sea.
The chunky pilothouse provides great visibility and includes seating, the navstation and an inside steering position. Unlike many decksaloon yachts it’s therefore designed for effective watchkeeping at sea in inclement weather.
At the same time, the boat incorporates longstanding Ovni attributes, including rugged aluminium construction and a flat bottom thanks to the fully retractable lifting keel that will allow this big yacht to be beached.
To reinforce its abilities as a long distance cruiser it incorporates two 115hp engines.