New AstusBoats 20.5 Trimaran
While my main sail is being fitted with slides (update to follow next week), I thought I would write this blog entry about the new Astus 20.5 trimaran just shown at the world’s largest boat show in Düsseldorf Germany last weekend. At the 2017 Paris boat show, Astusboats was showing a sexy scale model of the 20.5.
Stephen Walker over at Ahoy-Boats in the UK wrote about and posted on his blog, a thought-provoking video of the Astus 20.5 test sails. I studied that video, and the Astus spec sheet and wanted to post some comparisons with my Astus 20.2 XL. In the demo video, Jean-Hubert and other sailors are bundled up, the weather is grey and looks cold. Far cry from the warm sugar sand of the Florida Gulf Coast. But the sailors do appear to be having fun out on the water, while performing for the camera.
The Astus 20.5 demo trimaran shows a 20.5 Sport logo on the bow. But unlike the Astus 20.2 Sport model, this new tri has the extended cabin size like the XL, like my s/v embouchure. The sport vs leisure version is mainly in the sails; mylar vs dacron respectively. Also slight variation in competition rigging hardware (in sport version). This demo tri is equipped with mylar jib and main plus rip stop gennaker. Assuming this is the sport sail plan. The jib is a bit smaller as the attach point to the main hull is closer to the mast step. With all due respect, the new VPLP design with reverse bows, sprit attachment and sail plan, looks very much like an older sibling of the Astus 16.5.
I like the video for it enables me to make comparisons to my boat. In that the photogs boat creates a wake, the sequence of the tri's leeward ama digging in and simulated surf jumping fun is a visual indication of stability handling and maneuverability in the slightly rough conditions. One side comment: the video shows three guys at the ramp hoisting the mast. Note: while I have been hoisting my mast solo since day one (i need to post video of that). The tri would not be nearly as much fun if I needed help with the mast raising. In all fairness, the Astus 20.5 is a new tri and very much improved boat for the 6m size. Similar design philosophy and presumably target market, but with new hulls and cockpit.
Listed below are some points of comparison:
20.5 20.2
VPLP Design architects Perspective Yacht Design architects
Wave Piercing Reverse Bow Profile Contemporary Vertical Bow Profile
Floats buoyancy 930 liters Floats buoyancy 650 liters
Displacement 390 Kilos / 860 lbs. Displacement 450 Kilos / 992 lbs. My Leisure version.
Sail Area Sail Area
Upwind Upwind
21 m sq / 225 ft sq Leisure 21 m sq / 225 ft sq Leisure
24 m sq / 258 ft sq Sport version 24 m sq / 258 ft sq Sport version
Downwind Downwind
34 m sq / 366 ft sq Leisure 38 m sq / 409 ft sq Leisure
42 m sq / 452 ft sq Sport version 44 m sq / 473 ft sq Sport version
Jib Furler Jib Furler
Jib furler connect to dedicated eye Jib furler connects with a spectra line
on the fore deck just forward of the bridle cinched to bow port and starboard
mast step. respective eye bolts at the bow hull and deck seam
Jib furler line to port, gennaker furler Jib furler line to starboard, gennaker furlerline
line to starboard to port.
Jib sheet to swivel cam cleats on cabin Jib sheets swivel cam on the cockpit gunnel.
deck top.
Bow sprit on top fore deck, through Bow sprit in fore deck channel with
bow ‘chain plate’ sleeve. bow cover plate cover plate now showing
spider webs in gel coat.
Cabin cover is wider and more Fixed hinge cabin cover. (I modified for ease of
practical on removal. removal.)
Cockpit seat is bench is wider without
gunnel coming on outer sides,
more room in quarter berth.
Cockpit deck appears higher above
main hull, with more room under the
cockpit deck.
Boom is on a fixed goose neck. Boom connection via pintle (like hobie cat).
Main down haul appears to be on Main down haul on 4:1 cunningham.
a mast mounted jam cleat.
Drop keel offset to port. Drop keel offset to starboard.