Known for their speed and stability, Astus trimarans have gained international stardom in recent years—from receiving nominations for prestigious awards like the 'European Yacht of the Year' to being featured in some of the top sailing magazines. So, what is it about these trimarans that makes them so special?
In this in-depth guide, we'll have a look at the history of Astus as a brand and explore their most popular models on offer. We'll also share our thoughts on their trimarans' best features and address some of your most frequently asked questions.
Let's set sail!
A Brief History Of Astus Trimarans
Known for its innovative fleet of performance trimarans, Astus Boats was established in France in 2004 by Jean-Hubert Pommois, who owns the brand to this day. Astus was founded to offer an alternative option for modern sailors, with the company focusing on easy towing, cost-effectiveness, and practical solutions for short-handed rigging.
During the first year of manufacturing (2005), just seven trimarans left the boatyard. Since then, Astus has developed new models, increasing their expertise with each new design. Now, they offer a whole range of incredible vessels to choose from.
2016 was a turning point for the company, marking their first collaboration with esteemed French-based naval architecture firm VPLP. With VPLP onboard, Astus began implementing more innovative features into the design of their trimarans, like retractable floats, and started attracting a wider range of customers.
In the past decade, Astus has released several well-received models, including the ever-popular Astus 22.5. Today, Astus is a world-renowned brand and their trimarans are sold around the world, including the USA.
Astus Trimaran Models
Astus offers an innovative range of trimaran sailboat models, including the Astus 14.5, 16.5, 20.5, 22.5, and 26.5. With four beds and great sailing performance, the Astus 22.5 is undoubtedly the most popular. On the other hand, retailing at €98,000, the Astus 26.5 is the biggest and the most expensive.
Let's take a closer look at these models and explore some of their best features.
Astus 14.5
The Astus 14.5 is a well-designed multi-purpose platform that can be used for fishing, canoeing, rowing, sailing, and siding.
Its compact size and light weight (main hull: 55 lbs) allow for easy storage, maintenance, and transportation (it can even fit on the roof of a car). While this trimaran is perfect for solo sailing, it can also accommodate a small child.
Furthermore, it can be sailed in proa or trimaran mode.
Astus 16.5
This recreational multi-hull is the result of the very first collaboration between Astus and the award-winning architects at VPLP. Launched in 2016, the Astus 16.5 offers plenty of impressive features, including telescopic floats, narrow water entry, a storage locker, and a place to mount an outboard engine if need be.
The Astus 16.5 comes in a club version as well as a sport version, with the sport model offering slightly bigger sails. While relatively small in size, the Astus 16.5 still comfortably accommodates 3-4 people thanks to its large cockpit.
The 16.5 also has a cabin of sorts that can accommodate one sailor to sleep below deck!
Astus 20.5
The most popular model in the Astus fleet - the 20.5 is a stylish and highly functional coastal cruiser. In 2018, this beauty was nominated for the 'European Yacht of the Year' award and was also tested and given honorable mention in SAIL Magazine’s 2023 Best Boat Competition.
The streamlined, tulip shaped hull offers effective spray deflection as you glide through the water with speed and grace.
Because of its lightweight design and folding floats, the Astus 20.5 can be towed on an unbraked trailer. It comes in a leisure version, perfect for relaxed family sailing, as well as a sport version, complete with a vacuum system hull.
Astus 22.5
The Astus 22.5 has the ability to sleep four people, making it ideal for family outings. Furthermore, this model is easy to rig, offers personalizable features, and boasts a stylish cabin.
Like many of the other Astus boats, there is both a sport version and a leisure version to choose from.
In 2023, the Astus 22.5 was shortlisted for the prestigious 'European Yacht of the Year' award in the 'Best Specialist Yacht Category'. While it didn't win, only two other yachts were nominated in this category.
Astus 26.5
Say hello to the newest Astus design, the Astus 26.5, which will be available to order winter of 2025. There are three versions to choose from: leisure, sport, and cruising.
Depending on the version, the Astus 26.5 can carry between five and seven people, offering a forward cabin and a separate toilet area. The saloon is fitted with a galley and ice box, providing you with everything you need for a comfortable day or weekend on the water.
Older models
In addition to the aforementioned models, which are part of the brand's current range, there are older Astus models in circulation, and you may be able to find them second-hand.
The very first Astus trimaran was the Astus 20.1, followed by the Astus 16.1 and the Astus 14.1. Some of the brand's other older models include Astus 18.2, Astus 20.2, and Astus 22.
Out of all the older models, the Astus 20.2, designed by Phillip Roulin, was one of the most popular as it was exhibited at the 2009 Paris International Boat Show, which helped boost its sales.
Many of the older models, designed by Jean-Hubert Pommois and Stéphan Vallet, are still considered excellent options for anyone looking to buy a second-hand multi-hull.
Unique Features
Let's take a closer look at some of the features that have helped skyrocket Astus trimarans into global popularity.
Collapsible telescopic hull system
The innovative telescopic hull system allows you to retract the outer floats and reduce the boat's width, which is beneficial for storing, transportation, and maintenance.
Full buoyancy floats
Since Astus trimarans have full buoyancy amas, they don't require a lot of hiking. This means you can spend more time in the cockpit, and the boats feel a lot bigger than they actually are. Although relatively small in size, the Astus 16.5, for example, boasts a cabin that can easily dry sleep one adult. Try doing that on a Hobie 16 or WETA!
Created by pioneers in the industry
VPLP is a naval architect firm that's been working with Astus Boats since 2016 and is behind many of the recent innovations, such as the retractable floats.
Astus trimarans are handmade by a small team in France, where every step of the manufacturing process is overseen.
Hull to deck joint
Most boats are built like a shoe box since the hull and deck are typically created separately and then joined together. Astus trimarans are less fragile than your typical multi-hull due to their solid fiberglass external hull-to-deck joint. This creates a ½” solid fiberglass rub rail all the way around both amas for extra peace of mind when at the dock.
Designed for single-handed sailing
With the easy-to-use rigs offered by Astus, even the larger models are perfect for solo sailing. The trampolines, which extend further than usual, also ensure you don't fall out of the boat if you fall out of the cockpit.
Vacuum infusion
By making use of vacuum infusion methods when layering fiberglass, Astus manages to keep its hulls as lightweight as possible. Basically, only the exact amount of epoxy needed is used, resulting in faster sailing and the ability to carry more crew and gear.
FAQs
How do Astus boats compare to their competitors?
Corsair is probably Astus's biggest competitor, and Astus outperforms them in many different categories. For example, if you fall backwards out of a Corsair cockpit, you fall overboard. In an Astus, the trampolines go all the way to the back of the boat, so if you fall backwards out of the cockpit, you still stay on the boat. This makes Astus trimarans much safer for kids. Astus’ telescopic amas also keep the hull bottom oriented correctly, Corsair boats fold, exposing the sides of the hulls to the water, this either requires you to bottom paint the sides of your amas (ugly) or restricts your dockage to wider (more expensive) slips.
Are Astus trimarans transportable?
Astus trimarans are easily transportable thanks to the fact that you can retract the outer floats. This feature allows you to reduce the boat's width so you can load it onto a trailer and take it to your chosen destination.
What model of Astus trimarans is the most popular?
The Astus 20.5 trimaran is considered to be the most popular model produced by the brand. This boat boasts a cabin for overnighting and many other desirable features. Well over 120 units have been sold since its initial launch.
What are Astus trimarans used for?
Astus trimarans are used for coastal cruising, fun family outings, trailer sailing, and weekend racing. Sailors love these boats thanks to their impressive versatility and unique features. Whether you're a pro solo sailor or a hobbyist looking to have fun with friends, an Astus trimaran may be a great choice for you.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're sailing for sport or leisure, these performance trimarans will suit a wide variety of sailors. Not only are the vessels from the Astus trimaran range affordable, but they're also durable, lightweight, easy to transport, and thoughtfully designed.
If you're already set on a particular model, remember to always request a test sail before purchasing—this will give you a true feel for the rig and an idea of what you can expect when sailing your new vessel.