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Rapido 50

Description

When the idea to make the Rapido 50 a folding trimaran was first suggested, the builder’s initial reaction was, “ARE YOU CRAZY??”

But after consulting with Pete Melvin from designers, Morelli & Melvin, they thought, “Why not!”. After all, the Rapido management team has built more folding trimarans than anyone else in the world, and if anyone understands the challenges and how to do it right, they do!

The folding mechanism will add a small amount to the initial cost but the ability to park the boat in any marina that accepts monohulls will make it all worthwhile and the payback will be huge!

Advantages of the Rapido 50’s folding system

The Rapido folding system keeps the floats vertical when in the folded position. This prevents growth from occuring on the sides of the floats which does happen on other folding systems. And, unless you are prepared to clean the floats prior to your next sail, it will look visually unappealing. Not so with the Rapido 50 which keeps the side of the floats in pristine condition.

Compared with yet other systems, the Rapido model actually adds to the overall strength of the boat by reducing the loads on the beams when sailing and it does not make the boat any longer when folded thus reducing the length of the marina berth or slip required.
The Rapido folding system is winch-assisted to take away, what some people say, the back-breaking force required on bigger boats with other systems.

The Rapido folding system does add some cost and complexity but Rapido believes it is easily justified by the massive advantages in practice.

And, having been designed by Morrelli & Melvin, it is designed to last. It’s bullet proof.

FAST AND POWERFUL
Trimarans are safe, powerful and fast as demonstrated by the fact that they consistently win races and hold the solo speed record for circumnavigating the world.

SAFE
Safety at sea is the No. 1 priority and this thinking is reflected throughout the design and construction of the Rapido.

SPACIOUS
The Rapido has some truly amazing living spaces which provide more open, private and intimate areas than monohulls or catamarans.

STABLE AND COMFORTABLE
Trimarans are comfortable on all points of sail.

FUN
The combination of safety, performance and comfort put the Rapido in a league of its own. The enormous trampoline nets add fun and excitement as you watch the blue water rush underneath you – or as you lounge on the nets while gently floating over a reef. You will be instantly hooked.

Specifications

LOA15.24m
Length (waterline)14.96m
Overall Beam10.38m
BOA (float to float CL)9.32
Freeboard1.6m
T (board up)0.67m
T (board down)3.52m
Displacement (light)6.55T

Displacement (max)8.4T
Mast Height above DWL22.98m
Mainsail95m2
Solent54m2
Staysail18m2
Reacher125m2
Asymmetrical spinnaker160m2

Videos

Boat layout

Reviews

MULTIHULLS World Magazine has reviewed the Rapido 50 in its Buyer’s Guide 2021. The review is narrated by Rapido Trimarans which has put together this video. More Information Rapido 50 Trimaran Rapido TrimaransMultihulls World Magazine

Harnessing the inherent speed in a lightweight carbon trimaran design while still having a spacious cruising boat is the secret of Rapido Trimarans’ success. Years ago, at the start of his new project building larger cruising trimarans, I met and talked with Rapido co-owner, Paul Koch. It was an interesting... read moreBoating NZ Magazine