The Neel 51 has fast become a popular production trimaran with six completing the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) in recent years. Toby Hodges and Francois Tregouet find out whyNeel trimarans, and the Neel 51 specifically, blend the extreme space offered by the family\/charter catamarans together with good average speeds. First impressions of the Neel 51 are sure to centre on its sheer size and space inside. But, when you sail one, the overriding impression quickly centres on its performance.
\nNeel has found a clever niche offering the performance benefits of a trimaran with the type of accommodation offered in a cruising catamaran.
\nThe La Rochelle company argues its trimarans are more stable than cruising catamarans. Cats, it says, reach their peak righting moment at 12\u00ba heel, beyond which sail needs to be reduced.<\/p>\n
That peak for a tri, however, is not until 27\u00ba heel\u00a0\u2013\u00a0an unusually steep angle for cruising. Neel also argues that trimarans are faster, particularly upwind, thanks to a more rigid forestay (attached to centre hull) and more central weight management.
\nThese trimarans are becoming a popular mass production-built option. Six of the 51 have completed the ARC in the last five years. Their appeal may be due to their direct steering, but more likely its the open plan living spaces and incredible views, especially from the owner\u2019s cabin.
\nThe Joubert-Nivelt designed Neel 51 incorporates the best assets of Neel\u2019s previous 45 and 65 models \u2013 that of performance and comfort in a bluewater family yacht \u2013 and adds even more space for its size.
\nNeel 51 price
\nex VAT: \u20ac749,000
\nRead our full list of the best bluewater multihulls of all time.<\/p>\n
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The post Best bluewater multihulls: Neel 51 appeared first on Yachting World.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Neel 51 has fast become a popular production trimaran with six completing the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) in recent years. Toby Hodges and Francois Tregouet find out whyNeel trimarans, and the Neel 51 specifically, blend the extreme space … <\/p>\n