As Featured in Voiles et Voiliers – May 2026.
The Rapido 40 Racer is featured in the May 2026 issue of Voiles et Voiliers, where it’s described as a true “three-hulled speed machine.”
The article highlights its all-carbon build, cutting-edge design by Morelli & Melvin, and proven performance following its debut regatta in Langkawi.
Read the English translation by Chat GPT below.
RAPIDO 40 RACER
Three-Hulled Speed Machine
Even more fun! Following the Rapido 40 Cruiser, this small trimaran – habitable and foldable, already strongly performance-oriented – is the racing version of the Morelli & Melvin design, newly built at the Vietnamese yard Triac Composites, founded in 2014 by Paul Koch (former director of Corsair Marine).
Hull #01 of the Rapido 40 Racer made its first runs in regattas in January 2026 in Langkawi, Malaysia, before being shipped to the Mediterranean, where it will make its European debut at the International Multihull Show at La Grande Motte from 22-26 April 2026.
This 12-meter carbon speed machine (like all Rapido trimarans) is even lighter (4.5 tonnes compared to 5.2 tonnes for the cruising version). Its rotating carbon mast is taller (19.5 m), and it is equipped with two C-shaped foils (2.18 m draft in the lowered position), also designed by the same team of architects responsible for five America’s Cup campaigns.
It should therefore easily exceed the 25 knots already achieved by the more “civilised” cruising version of the trimaran.
This beautiful machine arrives fully equipped for offshore racing: a full North Sails inventory, deck hardware, electronics, and complete safety equipment. It is simply waiting for the signal to start a European or transatlantic race.
Designed for a crew of 4 to 5 in racing mode, it can also be sailed solo for offshore racing. Enough said…
Rapido: just as the name suggests!
The two floats, with their wave-piercing bows, are the same length as the central hull, whether deployed or folded.
The interior layout of the central hull is naturally more basic than the cruising version, but still offers the essentials for sleeping and cooking.
Key Specifications
- Length: 12.63 m
- Beam: 8.80 m
- Draft: 0.87 – 2.18 m
- Displacement: 4,500 kg
- Upwind sail area: 109 m²
- Downwind sail area: 74 m²
- Interior: 35 m²
- Architects: Morelli & Melvin
- Builder: Rapido
Enquiries
- Email: [email protected]
