Latest NEEL 60 trimaran - certainly something to talk about

by Des Ryan on 4 May 2013 Just new and looking like a sleek alien which has just landed, the latest NEEL trimaran is certain something to talk about. The company calls it 'Sport Chic' navigation style and you certainly won't be missed on the water if you invest in one of these boats.

The NEEL 60 is a lightweight craft with very very smooth lines and all the sailing features of its smaller brother the NEEL 45. The manufacturers have kept in mind what they want to achieve : High Performance, fine helming and good sea keeping.

There is full comfort inside and out with different living spaces to enjoy company, a single level layout for the saloon, cockpit and cabins as well as a flybridge for relaxing sailing.

The architects are Jobert-Nevelt, the interior is by Franck Darnet Design and sleek is the word throughout. There is a very contemporary feel with quiet, sober and refined materials.

The layout looks generous, with the large living spaces possible on a trimaran.

She even has up to five double cabins depending on the configuration required, six bathrooms and an independent crew cabin.

The concept is unique, responding to the requirements of crewed charter usage as well as family cruising, with different versions available.

Exterior:
Access to the cockpit is through a wide sliding glass door. The large table accommodates 10 guests comfortably seated on a U-shaped bench. The cockpit has a kitchen with sink, fridge and hotplate. There is a wide sunbathing area to starboard. The skirt of the central hull platform offers a large swimming deck of 2.45 metres by 1.30 metres equipped with a bathing ladder.

To port there is a space for storing the dinghy with a rotating electric loading crane for completely stowing the ancillary craft in order to protect it from bad weather while sailing.

At the rear of the side floats, there are stowage bins for leisure facilities (canoes, windsurfing or paddle board gear) with quick and direct access to the sea by the skirts.

Access to the flybridge is via a staircase from the cockpit, providing extra security.

This communal area of 33 square metres contains both the helm and a table for eight people with a bench convertible into a wide sunbathing zone. The helm groups all systems for manoeuvering such that the comfort of guests is never disturbed.

Each side float has large deck access hatches to extra space which can serve as storage for sails, diving equipment (compressor) or be converted into additional sleeping cabins (two single bunks per float).

Thinking of the cruising sailor, the NEEL 60 is very easy to operate even with a reduced crew thanks to deck equipment and electric winch control at the helm on the flybridge. Remote control of the engine and bow thruster from the flybridge facilitates docking manoeuvres.

The interior:
The main living area is on the same level as the cabins, allowing easy movement around the interior—unique for a cruising multihull craft. The central kitchen is equipped with a convivial bar area.

Two tables (one of which is convertible into a cocktail table) can host up to twelve diners. The two L-shaped sofas face each other in a highly comfortable volume. A large chart table is situated in the centre, looking out to sea with panoramic view of 220°.

The owner’s suite is nothing short of majestic, boasting a large double bed with a view of the horizon through a bay window 2.5 metres wide. Light fills the space, inviting the outside world into its embrace. The cabin has a separate toilet and a bathroom with shower looking out to sea through a vertical panel.

Each of the other cabins has its own private bathroom with toilet.

A staircase leads to the central hull where the engine room and the technical area are housed. Here is also to be found the independent crew cabin with its private bathroom. This section is entirely self-contained for the comfort of guests and crew alike.

Floats may also be fitted out as an option with 2 bunks per float

For more information, see www.neel-trimarans.com