About us

The Vision behind the Rapido

Rapido 60, Romanza, crossing the Tasman Sea from New Zealand to Australia, 2018 (by Jaz Knowles).
Rapido 60, Romanza, crossing the Tasman Sea from New Zealand to Australia, 2018 (Photo: Jaz Knowles).

Have you ever felt an unstoppable passion for something?

For Paul Koch, co-founder of Rapido Trimarans, this passion has always been trimarans. Over decades, Paul has been a pioneer in the multihull industry, revolutionizing the niche market of production trimarans with his innovative vision.

Paul’s journey began with OSTAC Yachts (Ocean Sailing Trimarans and Catamarans), which he owned and operated from 1986 to 2008. From 1994 to 2010, he led Corsair Marine, introducing cutting-edge advancements in multihull design and production. Recognized for his unwavering dedication and forward-thinking approach, Paul transformed how the world views trimarans.

However, Paul identified a gap in the market: an ocean-cruising trimaran that could be owner-operated, powerful enough to accelerate out of danger, and safely managed by just two people. This vision led to the creation of the Rapido 60, the world’s fastest production cruising trimaran. To bring this idea to life, Paul collaborated with Pete Melvin, co-founder of the renowned Morrelli & Melvin Design and Engineering


The Mission

Rapido is committed “To build the world’s best ocean-cruising trimarans".

The Designers – Morrelli & Melvin

Morrelli & Melvin, state of teh art designers for multihulls.
Morrelli & Melvin, state of the art designers for multihulls. Click on image for further information.

We partnered with Morrelli & Melvin Design and Engineering because of their unparalleled expertise in multihull design. Known for their work on America’s Cup campaigns and other iconic projects, their combination of technical knowledge and hands-on experience is unmatched.

Their advanced design tools include:

  • Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD): For analyzing and optimizing hull performance.

  • Finite Element Analysis (FEA): To ensure structural integrity and strength.
  • Velocity Prediction Program (VPP): For forecasting speed and handling under various conditions.

Learn more about their technology here.

The Builder – Triac Composites

Triac Composites, established in Vietnam in 2014 by Paul Koch and co-founder Richard Eyre, is the manufacturing arm of Rapido Trimarans. While our primary focus is building the Rapido range, Triac has diversified to serve industries beyond the pleasure boat sector, thanks to our expertise in composites.

Triac Composites, the modern, state of the art facility in Vietnam where the Rapido range of trimarans is built.
Triac Composites, the modern, state of the art facility in Vietnam where the Rapido range of trimarans is built.

Why Composites?

Composites are:

  1. Lightweight
  2. Super strong
  3. Resistant to corrosion in salty environments
  4. Malleable into virtually any shape

These qualities make them ideal not only for marine applications but also for industries like architecture, mining, and transportation.

Diverse Portfolio

Triac has built a UAV with a 16m wingspan. Photo, illustrative purposes only.
Triac has built a UAV with a 16m wingspan. Photo, illustrative purposes only.

Triac Composites has delivered projects ranging from:

  1. Composite plugs and molds (commercial and pleasure boats, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), parts for commercial ships etc)
  2. Superstructures for European ferries
  3. Outsourced composite boats (both commercial and leisure)
  4. Mining equipment
  5. Architectural facades
  6. Train interiors

Our modern factory facilities have state of the art equipment that includes a 7 axis milling Kuka Robot, 8.5m autoclave, and CNC machines, along with an international management team and nearly 100 skilled staff. Many of our team members have been with Paul since he established 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?
  • Speak to Triac Composites.

Email Now: [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.

HCMC, Vietnam is a modern, vibrant city - and is the home of Triac Composites. Photo credit, needpix.com
HCMC, Vietnam is a modern, vibrant city – and is the home of Triac Composites. Photo credit, needpix.com

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.