About Rapido Trimarans
The Vision Behind Rapido
Passion is what drives innovation. For Paul Koch, co-founder of Rapido Trimarans, that passion has always been trimarans. Over decades, Paul has been at the forefront of the multihull industry, transforming what was once a niche into a worldwide movement for performance cruising.
Paul’s journey began in 1986 with OSTAC Yachts (Ocean Sailing Trimarans and Catamarans). From 1994 to 2010, he led Corsair Marine, where he introduced breakthrough technologies and production methods that reshaped the trimaran market. His relentless drive and vision helped bring high-performance multihulls to sailors around the world.
Yet, Paul saw a gap: a true ocean-cruising trimaran that was fast, safe, owner-operated, and manageable by just two people. This vision gave birth to the Rapido 60 — the world’s fastest production cruising trimaran. To make it a reality, Paul partnered with Pete Melvin, co-founder of the world-renowned Morrelli & Melvin Design & Engineering.
[Video above: Barefoot Doctors Sailing ask Paul Koch about the philosophy behind Rapido Trimarans. Starts at 1.19mins]
Our Mission
At Rapido, our mission is simple and ambitious:
To build the world’s best ocean-cruising trimarans.
The Designers – Morrelli & Melvin
o achieve this mission, Rapido partnered with Morrelli & Melvin, the global leaders in multihull design. Known for their work on America’s Cup campaigns and some of the world’s most advanced performance yachts, their expertise ensures every Rapido trimaran is a masterpiece of engineering.
They use cutting-edge tools to optimize every detail:
- Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD): Analyze and maximize hull performance.
- Finite Element Analysis (FEA): Ensure strength and structural integrity.
- Velocity Prediction Programs (VPP): Model and forecast real-world sailing performance.
This combination of science, technology, and experience gives Rapido Trimarans their unmatched blend of speed, safety, and handling.
Click here to learn more about the technology they employ.
The Builder – Triac Composites
Rapido Trimarans are built exclusively by Triac Composites, which was founded in Vietnam by Paul Koch and Richard Eyre in 2014. While Triac’s primary focus is the Rapido range, its expertise in advanced composites extends well beyond the marine industry.
Why Composites?
Composites are the material of the future. They are:
- Lightweight – for speed and efficiency
- Super strong – for durability and safety
- Corrosion resistant – ideal for marine and other hostile environments
- Versatile – can be molded into almost any shape
These qualities make composites essential not only for high-performance yachts, but also for industries such as transportation, defence, mining, and aerospace.
Diverse Portfolio
Triac Composites has delivered projects around the world ranging from:
- Composite plugs and molds (commercial and pleasure boats, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), parts for commercial ships etc)
- C Foils, T foils, masts
- Superstructures for European ferries
- Outsourced composite boats (both commercial and leisure)
- Mining equipment
- Architectural facades
- Train interiors
World-Class Facilities
Triac operates a modern factory in Vietnam equipped with:
- A 7-axis Kuka robotic milling machine
- An 8.5m autoclave for aerospace-level prepreg curing
- CNC machining facilities
- An international management team
- 100 highly skilled staff, many of whom have worked with Paul since his first composites plant in Vietnam in 2006.
Enquiry for Triac Composites?
- Do you have a general enquiry regarding composites?
- Do you need tooling done?
- Production of parts and / or products?
- In carbon fiber or glass?
- For confidential enquiries, email Phil at [email protected]
Schedule a Factory Tour in Vietnam
Vietnam isn’t just where Rapidos are built; it’s a world-class travel destination and is often ranked as a top trending travel destination.
Our factory is located just 40 minutes from the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, District 1.
Combine your visit to our factory with a holiday in this vibrant country, and experience the charm of Vietnam firsthand.
Important Travel Information
Many nationalities require an e-visa to enter Vietnam. To apply, visit the Vietnam Government’s e-visa portal.
Discover the Rapido Difference
Explore our trimarans or Contact us today at [email protected] to learn more!
Dealership Network
For contact details of Rapido Trimarans’ International Dealership Network, click here.