With a racy, modern silhouette, elaborately designed hull and sleek lines, the NEEL 52 exudes power, speed, safety and elegance.
About the construction
The NEEL 52’s construction mirrors that of the other models in the range, using the techniques and materials: Vacuum-infused composite sandwich with triaxial fibre reinforcements.
It is worth noting that NEEL-TRIMARANS uses PVC and PET foams in the sandwich core – unlike other multihull manufacturers who use Balsa, which, though certainly cheaper, alters the quality of the sandwich core as it is more sensitive to water infiltration.
Resins and gelcoats have also been improved with a view to limiting styrene emissions.
Hulls
NEEL-TRIMARANS once again entrusts the design of the NEEL 52 to Lombard, following on from NEEL 47 and the NEEL 43.
Basing their design on the NEEL 47 and NEEL 43’s sailing experiences, the Lombard firm has consolidated the positive attributes, the hull’s voluminous floats and high freeboard.
The hulls of NEEL trimarans combine a central ‘rockered’ hull, which facilitates tacking and manoeuvring when in port, with streamlined floats that provide stability and prevent pitching.
The design of the hulls for the NEEL 52 also had to consider the load on long distance voyages. The load capacity of the NEEL 52 is 19.5 tons.
Cruising programs, finesse of the helm and rigging
The NEEL 52 is a beautifully-sized, fast, and voluminous trimaran. It therefore offers a vast range of sailing possibilities. Everything’s possible, from peaceful cruising to long-distance travel and rally racing.
The various configurations of the NEEL 52 (4, 5, 6 double cabins), with 0,1,2 crew positions are suited to individual owners or charter companies.
NEEL trimarans are renowned for their unrivalled steering. This stems from the unique rudder design, manoeuvred by textile steering lines on ball bearing blocks. The rudder stock is mounted on self-aligning bearings.
The sail plan comprises a mainsail (with 3 reefs) and a staysail on a rolling furler (on a structural wire inside the sail).
The asymmetrical spinnaker makes it easier to comfortably sail downwind.
There are 2 rigging options to choose from:
- Conventional rigging: the mast and boom are made of aluminium while the standing rigging is made of stainless-steel wires.
- High-performance rigging: the mast is made of carbon with an aluminium boom and the standing rigging is made of textiles (except for the forestay which remains a wire) (70cm difference in height between the two mast versions).
All manoeuvres lead back to the helmsman who enjoys an unobstructed 360° view at the helm.
Life on board
The NEEL 52 features the renowned Cockloon® , an impressive interior/exterior living space made possible by the wide opening between the cockpit and the saloon. It also incorporates the Full Beam Cockpit®, an extra-wide cockpit with multiple seating configurations that can be rearranged to take full advantage of the different vistas
The helm station is particularly ergonomic and has a triple seat. Its access, from the cockpit via side steps or from the deck, ensures seamless communication between the skipper and the crew.
The roof is reached by side steps leading up from the cockpit and on the helm side, rendering the mast, boom, sun-deck, and sun-lounging area easily accessible. Around this area, a secure handrail has been incorporated for safe movement aboard. The wide, well-protected stern skirts make it easier to access the sea and manoeuvre the dinghy.
In addition, the system for lifting and handling the dinghy has been greatly simplified.
There are various different versions of the NEEL 52 available, with 4,5,6 cabins, an owner cabin on one level or a huge saloon, 1 or 2 crew positions, so that you can set up your boat according to your preferences and requirements.
The living space on one level is highly ergonomic and entirely open plan, offering exceptional luminosity. The kitchen and the chart table face forwards. The panoramic view from this huge saloon is breathtaking.
Both elegant and simple, the decoration (high-end upholstery, top-quality carpentry, solid wood, bolon and corian) lends the NEEL 52 a look of timeless distinction and gives the ample living space a calming atmosphere. Flow of movement on board is smooth, and the cabins are accessed via private stairs.
Launching of the NEEL 52: September 2023
