For decades, advances in yacht design were largely confined to elite racing programs such as the America’s Cup and offshore grand prix racing. Today, many of those same technologies are finding their way into high-performance cruising yachts.

In an article titled Cutting Edge Technology for Multihull Design, Zuzana Prochazka from Sail Magazine explored the engineering, design tools and performance innovations behind the Rapido 60, describing it as a boat that is “changing the game”.

Drawing on insights from renowned multihull design firm Morrelli & Melvin, the article explains how advanced composite construction, structural analysis, performance modelling and modern design validation techniques have combined to create one of the world’s most innovative offshore cruising trimarans.

Below are some of the key takeaways from the article and why the Rapido 60 continues to attract sailors seeking both exhilarating performance and serious bluewater capability.

Why Sail Magazine Considered the Rapido 60 a Game Changer

• Designed by world-renowned multihull specialists Morrelli & Melvin.
• Uses advanced engineering and performance modelling techniques developed in elite racing programs.
• Approximately half the weight of many comparable 60-foot performance catamarans.
• Features a rotating carbon fibre mast and highly efficient sail plan.
• Delivers speeds exceeding 25 knots.
• Can be sailed short-handed despite its size.
• Combines offshore capability with family cruising comfort.
• Allows sailors to avoid weather systems through superior speed and range.

The Three Stages Behind the Rapido 60 Design

Part I – Concept Development – click here

Part II – Structural and Performance Analysis – click here

Part III – Design Validation – click here

Pull Quote from article

• “The boat is approximately half the weight of a 60ft performance catamaran with an equivalent sailplan.”

The Result: A New Generation of Offshore Cruising Trimaran

The Rapido 60 was never intended to be just another cruising multihull.

By combining advanced engineering, lightweight composite construction and performance-focused design, Morrelli & Melvin set out to create a yacht capable of delivering exceptional offshore speed without sacrificing safety, comfort or ease of handling.

According to Sail Magazine, the result is a boat that successfully brings racing-derived technology into the hands of cruising sailors.

For owners, that translates into faster passages, greater weather-routing flexibility and an offshore cruising experience unlike that offered by traditional monohulls or catamarans.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ #1 – Who designed the Rapido 60?

The concept behin Rapido Trimarans was formed by its co founders, Paul Koch and Richard Eyre. The design and engineerings was done by internationally renowned multihull design firm Morrelli & Melvin, one of the world’s leading specialists in high-performance multihulls.

FAQ #2 – Why did Sail Magazine call the Rapido 60 a game changer?

Sail Magazine highlighted the Rapido 60’s combination of advanced engineering, lightweight construction, offshore capability and performance that exceeds many traditional cruising multihulls.

FAQ #3 – How fast is a Rapido 60?

The Rapido 60 is capable of speeds exceeding 25 knots while remaining manageable for short-handed crews.

FAQ #4 – Is the Rapido 60 suitable for offshore cruising?

Yes. The Rapido 60 was designed specifically for bluewater cruising and has completed numerous offshore passages around the world.

FAQ #5 – What makes the Rapido 60 different from a catamaran?

The trimaran configuration provides greater righting moment, lower weight and higher performance compared with many cruising catamarans of similar length.

FAQ #6 – Where are Rapido Trimarans built?

Rapido Trimarans are built by Triac Composites, a specialist advanced composites manufacturer with expertise in tooling, prepreg carbon fibre, infused composites and high-performance marine structures.

Continue Exploring Rapido Trimarans

• Read the original article, Changing the Game, by Zuzana Prochazka, Sail Magazine, December 2021
• Rapido 60 page with full details
• Rapido 60 Owner Review: Why I Chose a Rapido Over a Monohull, by Stephen Bourne
• Rapido 60 Owner Review: What Would We Change After Crossing the Tasman Sea?
• Sailing La Vagabonde choose a Rapido 60 to sail world’s oceans.
• Rapido 53XS web page
• Meet the new Rapido 63 web page
• Rapido 53XS, Picomole, sails across Drake Passage to reach Antarctica
• Rapido – cutting edge design and technology by Sail Magazine

To view the whole article online, click here. (Note, this article was originally published in the Winter 2021-22 issue of Multihull Sailor magazine. It was also published in Sail Magazine on 23 March 2022 under the heading, Cutting edge technology for multihull design.)