Yacht TV has reviewed the Rapido 40 in a video published on You Tube on 12 October 2023.

The video is in German and is titled, Der Kat-Jäger: Carbon-Trimaran Rapido 40 aus Vietnam (“The cat hunter: carbon trimaran Rapido 40 from Vietnam”). It has been transcribed and translated into English by AI. A summary is reproduced below.

One of Germany’s leading sailing journalists recently stepped aboard the Rapido 40 during the International Multihull Show at La Grande Motte, France. After spending a full day sailing the boat in ideal conditions, his verdict was clear: the Rapido 40 delivers exceptional performance while offering the comfort and space expected of a true cruising yacht. And it delivers “enormous fun”.

The review, published after extensive sea trials, highlights the qualities Rapido owners have come to appreciate—lightweight carbon construction, exhilarating sailing performance and surprisingly generous accommodation.

A Different Kind of Trimaran

The reviewer begins by noting that the Rapido 40 is unlike almost anything else in its class. Built in Vietnam by Rapido Trimarans, the yacht follows the successful Rapido 60 and Rapido 50, bringing the same uncompromising design philosophy to a highly versatile 40-foot platform.

“This trimaran is something very special.”

That impression stems not only from its performance, but from the engineering that lies beneath it.

Carbon Fibre Without Compromise

One of the strongest themes throughout the review is the Rapido 40’s extensive use of carbon fibre.

Rather than using carbon selectively, the reviewer notes that virtually everything, including many interior components, are manufactured in carbon fibre. Depending on the part, construction uses prepreg carbon cured in an autoclave or advanced vacuum infusion techniques.

The result is remarkable:

• Length: 12 metres (40 feet)
• Beam: 8.8 metres
• Displacement: Just 5.2 tonnes
• Fully equipped cruising interior

For a yacht of this size and capability, the reviewer considers those figures exceptional.

Performance That Speaks for Itself

With 10–12 knots of breeze and relatively flat water, the Rapido 40 immediately demonstrated why it has earned such a strong reputation among performance cruisers.

During the test sail the reviewer recorded:

• Approximately 8–8.2 knots sailing close-hauled.
• An impressive 85° tacking angle, allowing the boat to point exceptionally high.
• Almost 10 knots of boat speed while reaching in only 10 knots of true wind.

Perhaps the most telling observation came when comparing the Rapido to the surrounding fleet.

“We left almost everything behind us.”

The carbon asymmetric “C” foils also attracted praise, providing additional lift and noticeably enhancing performance on reaching courses while keeping the yacht responsive and enjoyable to helm.

Above, Rapido 40 Hull #02 chases down a catamaran in France’s Bay of Biscay.

Surprisingly Spacious

Performance is only part of the story.

Like many first-time visitors to a Rapido, the reviewer was genuinely surprised by the amount of living space inside the yacht.

The raised saloon provides outstanding visibility through large panoramic windows, creating an open, airy atmosphere with almost uninterrupted 360-degree views.

Particular praise was given to:

• A spacious galley with generous storage.
• Excellent natural light throughout the saloon.
• A comfortable forward owner’s cabin with exceptional ventilation.
• A surprisingly spacious bathroom for a performance trimaran.
• Nearly two metres of headroom in the saloon.

The impression is of a genuine cruising yacht—not simply a lightweight racing machine with basic accommodation.

Thoughtful Engineering

The reviewer also highlights numerous practical engineering details, including the rotating wing mast, high-quality carbon interior components and the option of twin electric pod drives.

The electric propulsion system allows the yacht to be beached without risking damage to conventional shaft-driven propulsion, providing greater flexibility for owners exploring shallow anchorages.

Balanced Criticism

No independent review is complete without constructive criticism.

The reviewer felt that the folding ama system is currently better suited to transport than everyday marina use, requiring several preparation steps before the floats can be folded. He also suggested that the saloon table support could benefit from increased rigidity.

Importantly, these comments relate to convenience rather than sailing performance, which received consistently enthusiastic praise throughout the review. The comments have also been taken on board by Rapido and are being addressed.

Premium Trimaran. Premium Construction.

The reviewer acknowledges that the Rapido 40 occupies the premium end of the market.

However, he also notes that buyers receive an exceptional specification as standard, including:

• Full carbon fibre construction.
• Rotating wing mast.
• Carbon asymmetric “C” foils.
• Advanced composite engineering throughout.

Rather than simply comparing prices, the review concludes that the Rapido’s engineering and construction quality place it in a category of its own.

The Verdict

Independent reviews often reveal what owners themselves discover after taking delivery.

The Rapido 40 combines remarkable sailing performance with genuine cruising comfort, delivering impressive speed, excellent windward ability, a surprisingly spacious interior and uncompromising carbon construction.

For sailors looking for a trimaran capable of comfortably crossing oceans while leaving conventional cruising multihulls in its wake, the German review paints a compelling picture.

“This trimaran is something very special.”