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1 Neel 45

The revolution on three hulls

Two years after Here the hulls and floats are no longer dedi- stops there. cated to the liveable volume, but following the On the Neel, unlike on a cruising catamaran, having presented a example of more performance-oriented boats, there is no chasing after liveable volume, as resolutely innovative the whole boat is organised around hulls the builder considers it sufficient, with a whose essential role is to support the boat's saloon (convertible into a double berth), three 50-foot trimaran at displacement. Here there is a living platform, double cabins, two heads and a galley. On our La Rochelle's Grand as flat as a pancake (see the accommodation test model, (the first, destined for charter), plan!), on the structure of a trimaran. The there are in addition two single berths in each Pavois, the builder result is convincing, the object is beautiful of the floats. Of course they can only be used Neel is launching a (subjective view), successful and very at anchor, and beware of tropical squalls! The modern, with its three inverted bows, just like Neel 45 is a pretty trimaran, awaited by many brand new 45-footer, Banque Populaire V or a MOD 70. But there is boat enthusiasts, because these three- also the ridge, which marks on the hulls a hulled boats have the rare quality of reminding built on the same slight 'longitudinal step', whose presence can us of the advantages of the monohull - plea- basic principle as its only be justified as an accompaniment to the sure at the helm, as well as the satisfaction of design of the cross beams, which are closer sailing well to windward - and those of the big sister. to the wing principle, so dear to Newick. catamaran - fast sailing, absence of heel, and Looking closely, moreover, there is a vague of course the liveable area, which we find family connection with the American archi- here, with the 60m² of the rigid platform and Text and photos: tect, with notably the stern of the central hull, of course even more if we count the trampo- Gilles Ruffet et DR which is completely open. The comparison line. We must remember that before the Neel,

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2 3 4 5

only Gérard Pesty and his mythi- through its cloth, it shape and to take in a first reef, then a the coachroof. Compared to the cal 'Architeutis' had dared to its cut. Just aft of it, there is the second. This innovative division Neel 50, certain points which in employ such architecture, using self-tacking staysail on a roller, of the sail plan allows you to sail my opinion were questionable a large part of the available attached to the at the always with a nice foresail: have been changed; this is the space. The other (too) rare crui- same level as the lower there is nothing more disastrous case for the mainsheet, which sing trimarans on the market shrouds, which guarantees pro- for sailing to windward than a was made up of a single strand. make do with a liveable volume per support. This splitting of the rolled-up . But it must be It has been replaced by twin almost comparable to that of an sail area also allows the mast to admitted, it is very practical… sheets, as on the Catanas, equivalent-sized monohull. be positioned further aft. Note also that the ree- which are also returned to the The mainsail is square headed fing pendants do not pass helmsman, after passing via the through blocks, as is usually the mastfoot. They are attached to AN INNOVATIVE SAIL PLAN and has two reefs. Although the first one is situated at around The sail plan deserves closer the lower quarter of the sail, the attention, as it differs in many second is almost in the middle, The Neel 45 is a pretty trimaran, awaited by ways from what we normally so your reefing habits will have see on a cruising boat. The fore- to be revised: on a 'classic' frac- numerous sailing boat enthusiasts. triangle is organised around a tional catamaran rig, you start sail which can be described as a by taking in one reef, then one hybrid, on a roller, flown from or two turns in the genoa, case, but through friction rings. snap links, which allow them to the bow; a sail which is bet- before taking in the second reef, The main halyard and reefing be moved when sailing down- ween a genoa and a gennaker etc. Here on the Neel, when the pendants are handled from the wind to act as a barber hauler (already the word 'gennaker is a wind freshens, the genoa is rol- mastfoot. You can climb on to for the mainsail. Trimming is cross between genoa and spin- led up, leaving just the staysail the coachroof from the front, via easy and with experience will naker, so what should we call it? (see box with the delivery skip- a step. Beware, however, the be as precise as with a more A Geeker?), even though it is per's report). There is therefore non-slip finish will perhaps not classical traveller/mainsheet finally closer to the genoa, a lot of latitude before you have be enough, and you may have to track setup. The advantage of add a few handholds and sup- this system is that it simplifies

1 : A trimaran for blue-water cruising, this is the Neel 45's wager. ports to have access serenely – the deck plan. The headsails are a detail which also applies to the hoisted on an all-or-nothing prin- 2 : Seaworthy, fast, lively on the helm – this trimaran that Neel has des- igned reinvents the cruising multihull. Bravo! central sugar scoop. The other ciple; thus the sheets don't control lines return to the stee- pass via blocks on a track, but 3 : You either like this atypical boat's lines, or you don't… ring position, on the aft side of via a fixed block. On certain 4 : Anchored off the Plage des Salines in Martinique... We told you this was a blue-water cruising boat! 5 : Three hulls for ocean cruising guarantees a giant platform. 80-83_essai_Neel_MM153-US_essai 14/05/12 15:15 Page82

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points of sailing, notably ted to points of sailing further downwind, a barber will be from the wind (it's not a Code needed. A pad eye on the 0!) and handicapped by a coachroof will be useful for slightly offset clew, does not this. allow good pointing. In addi- tion, the fixed anti-leeway arrangements, made up of a THE JOYS OF CRUISING IN A small appendage, as well as SAILING BOAT the V-shaped floats, which is effective in strong winds, About ten days passed bet- shows its limitations in light 6 ween the boat's launch and its weather (as is the case for all departure on the delivery trip multihulls with keels). to the West Indies (where it is Although to windward the a disadvantage in rough seas. boat with the chain, otherwise now available for charter from boat can do without a Code 0, The compromise is interes- the bow roller will suffer. This Autremer Concept, in Le downwind, there should be no ting, and under power, the point has also been corrected Marin, Martinique). Between a hesitation in boosting the avai- floats barely skim the surface on the n° 2. Note that the winter storm and work to per- lable sail area with a big asym- of the water. Drag from the chain disappears into the chain fect the boat, the only free day metric spinnaker or a genna- central hull is low. Propelled by locker, but this is not accessi- was a rainy one. Not the best ker. Because with our 8 knots the 50 hp Volvo, at 2,600 rpm, ble from the exterior, so in the for sailing, even less so for the of wind, after bearing away, the Neel was doing a peaceful case of a blockage (or more photos... Not to mention the there was barely enough sail, simply to check if the chain is wind, which did as it pleased, and on a broad reach, we were 9 knots; performance which and during the afternoon fini- a bit bored. It can clearly do would have several boats stacking correctly), you have shed at 8 knots. Not enough better, all you have to do is dreaming... As we came to go inside, to the forward to get excited about, yet the give it the wherewithal. Of alongside, we had to take care cabin; not really practical. at the back of the floats, which are finally a bit high when it A NICE LIVING AREA comes to getting on to the With such a precise helm, keeping the pontoon. This is a shame, as it As far as the accommodation would have been easy to genoa pennants parallel is child's play. is concerned, the Neel again lower the sterns, and fit a small sugar scoop (which has shows a real personality. This been corrected on the n°2). begins with the cockpit, which On this model, coming along- is characterized by a central boat responded rather well. course, the Neel 45 has nei- side has been made easier by passage and two small tables, The helm transmits good 'feel' ther the capacities nor the pre- the presence of a bow thrus- one either side. Aft, we appre- via its (textile) lines. The posi- tension to compete with ter, which is no luxury, as once ciated the path which allows a tion of the centre of effort and racing boats, but it sails well; it the wind freshens, the signifi- complete circuit of the boat its good balance gives the copes well with light weather, cant windage of this kind of without having to encroach on boat slight weather helm, just and promises fast passages boat can make the access the peace of the cockpit's enough to be able to feel the channels between the crow- downwind, in the trade winds, occupants. Movement around boat, and delight the helms- at average speeds which could ded marina pontoons very the boat is easy and reassu- man. Purists might even reach 8 – 9 knots, giving daily tricky. consider it a shame that the distances of over 200 miles! When chartering or blue-water ring, with triple lifelines at the configuration doesn't allow a But once again, beware of cruising, wild anchorages are stern and double forward. As tiller to be fitted... With such making a mistake concerning of course the favourite stopo- for the interior: the Neel 45 is precision, keeping the genoa its programme: the Neel 45 is vers; the anchor is raised by a like nothing else known, apart pennants parallel is child's and remains a cruising boat. vertical windlass. The length of from its big sister, the Neel play. And then extraordinary And aboard, there is no doubt the bow roller is surprising; it 50. Once you pass through things happened. With 8 knots – being on the water is a plea- is carried well forward, with the twin large glazed doors, of wind, close hauled under sure! the aim of keeping the chain there is a WC/bathroom either the big genoa and full main, of We returned to the marina at clear of the inverted bow to side, equipped with electric course, the boat approached Les Minimes, in La Rochelle. avoid damage to it. Through its the wind speed; it sailed easily Performance under power configuration, a spreader WCs. Further forward, two at over 6 knots, often excee- is…impressive! The dihedral is seems essential, and when other doors lead into the ath- ded 7, and even approached 8 small, which stops the boat weighing anchor, with assis- wartships double cabins, with knots. But in this configura- dancing from one side to the tance from the engine, care their large 'picture window' tion, the big genoa, more sui- other; even though this can be has to be taken to align the which looks out over the sea:

The Neel 45 against a few competitors NEEL 45 OUTREMER 45 FAST CAT 445 CATANA 47 N An interesting sail plan. Ty p e Trimaran with keels Catamaran with daggerboards Catamaran with keels Catamaran with daggerboards N The joys of a trimaran, under sail. N A nice view of the sea from the cabins. Length 13,50 m 13,70 m 13,60 m 14,03 m Beam: 8,50 m 7,20 m 7,49 m 7,67 N The cockpit could offer a bit more comfort. Windward sail area 106 m² 106 m² 139 m² 119 m² N The anchor chain can't be seen from the deck. Unladen displacement 6.500 kg 7.250 kg 6.400 kg 10.900 kg N Access to the coachroof and the mastfoot. (builder's figures) Price (euros, exc. VAT) 440.000 410.480 469.500 578.867

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which brings the and the conviviality of the THE DELIVERY SKIPPER'S REPORT: number of berths galley), but there is a real to six, and ten pleasure in sailing this kind of Yves German took charge of the Neel 45 at La Rochelle, and delivered it to Martinique, in the with the berths boat, which should appeal to West Indies. He gave us his impressions. fitted in the floats, pure sailing enthusiasts. A plus two more in real dream, which neverthe- "First of all, I would like to explain that we didn't have very strong trade winds – at the the saloon, which less has a price: 440,000 very most, 25 knots. The boat is powerful, and can be converted euros exc. VAT… into a double equipped with a very nice mainsail, with a very wide square head – a bit like a racing berth. POSTSCRIPT machine. Downwind, with one reef in the Last but not least, main, you can twist it and when the boat acce- in the entrails of 7 Four months after the test lerates, you don't lose power (a bit like on a the central hull, aboard the n°1 of the series, windsurfer). The boat accelerates very nicely. there is the now Despite its light weight, I find it has a certain we were lucky enough to sail traditional 'cellar', amount of inertia, as the mainsail compen- where enthu- on the n°2, in stronger winds, sates. Of course downwind, it needs a big siasts can store between 15 and 20 knots. In headsail, an asymmetric or a gennaker, which their wine, of strong winds, the helm is par- we didn't have... With 15 knots of wind or course(!) ticularly light, and the rudder more, you can start tacking downwind. With amongst other is reactive and precise. less, we had the sails goosewinged; the square head copes, even though you have to things. There is Close-hauled (under staysail and full main), it reached ten be careful with the cars, which hit the tracks. sufficient space We also sailed with the genoa on one side and for all the techni- knots or so, pointing high the staysail on the other. During the crossing, cal equipment, enough to make a potbellied with just 15 knots of wind, we covered around and you don't cruising monohull envious. 160 miles per day – a good average. It sails need to be a And when we bore away well; in light winds it is immediately at 8 knots 8 contortionist to onto a reach, the Neel slip- - it goes really well in light weather. In trade maintain it. The ped along comfortably at 12 – winds which were a bit stronger, it maintained same goes for 13 knots, still in 18 knots of an average of 8.5 knots, regularly surfing at 10 – 12 knots, sometimes at 13 – 14. The record the water and wind. Not bad! Downwind, fuel tanks, the was 17.8 knots, but surfing, which isn't signi- with the genoa unrolled, it ficant. It also sails well in strong winds, with rudder segment sailed peacefully at 10 knots; two reefs in the main, and the staysail; as a and the autopilot obviously a big headsail will general rule, we took in a reef from 18 knots of ram, the charger increase this performance. At true wind. To windward in 25 knots of wind, it and the hot water these speeds, the Neel 45 behaves a bit like a monohull; you control how tank. Those who offers us the pleasant it 'leans' on the float, it's quite amazing. This wish could add a boat is incredibly simple; after 45 minutes impression of being aboard a diving compres- aboard, you understand how it works. You real sailing boat. Inside this sor, generator, have the impression you are sailing a dinghy; second boat, dedicated to a etc. One thing is you forget the size." 9 certain, there is private owner, the starboard no lack of sto- cabin has a private bathroom, wage volume. with a separate shower. In a call to romantic lovers There are also two big any case, the builder is liste- TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS coming aboard for their lockers on either side of the ning to its customers, and Overall length: 13.50 m honeymoon… Even further cockpit, however you must the accommodation is flexi- Overall beam: 8.50 m forward, the gangway reveals be careful not to overload the ble. The few small faults Draft: 1.20 m on either side the elements boat. noted during the test of the Air draft: 19.15 m Unladen displacement: 6,500 kg of the galley: two sinks to n°1 have been corrected, as Fully laden displacement: 9,000 kg port, a double burner and TO CONCLUDE… has the access to the quay Self-tacking jib: 20 m² oven to starboard. Still fur- from the stern of the floats, Roller genoa: 46 m² ther forward is the chart Although the Neel 50's aes- which now has a step, or the Fully-battened, square-headed mainsail: 60 m² table, to port, with a superb thetics are debatable, it is addition of a delphiniere, Engines: 55 hp Volvo inboards, saildrives view over the sea, and next hard not to find the Neel 45 which allows a gennaker or Fresh water: 600 litres to it, the fridge and freezer. beautiful. It offers a real alter- an asymmetric spinnaker to Diesel: 300 litres The saloon table is to star- native to the cruising catama- be attached, and above all Price: 440,000 euros exc. VAT, including 3 sails, fridge/freezer, pressurised water system, etc board. The owner's tour is rans. Of course the comfort keeps the anchor far enough completed by the third dou- is not exactly the same (the forward, so the chain doesn't ble cabin, in the forepeak, size of the saloon, notably, damage the hull.

6 : The cockpit is very nice, with its central passage and the two little tables. 7 : Welcome aboard the Neel 45, a real apartment on the water.. 8 : Up forward, we find the chart table and a nice saloon. 9 : One of the two athwartships cabins: a real must in a 45-footer.

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