Neel 51

The Neel 51 is a standout yacht in the world of cruising boats. Recognized as the "2018 European Yacht of the Year: Multihulls," this trimaran offers a blend of performance and comfort that is hard to match. Built by Neel Trimarans since 2017, it has swiftly become a favorite among long-term cruisers and adventure seekers alike.

The design of the Neel 51 is both sleek and functional. Despite its impressive beam, it's only marginally wider than comparable models, providing a stable and spacious platform. The wide deckhouse and clear side decks enhance safety and ease of movement, making it ideal for both relaxed sailing and more ambitious voyages.

Inside, the Neel 51 offers a luxurious living space with plenty of innovative features. Its accommodations are tailored for comfort on the sea, ensuring that long cruises are enjoyed in style. This trimaran is not only about looks and comfort but also about delivering a high-performance sailing experience.

Key Takeaways

• The Neel 51 is an award-winning trimaran launched in 2017.
• It balances performance with spacious and comfortable living spaces.
• Its design includes a wide deckhouse and clear side decks for safety.

Design and Specifications

The Neel 51 is designed by Joubert Nivelt Design, offering a unique combination of modern style and high-performance sailing. Built in La Rochelle, France, this trimaran showcases exceptional marine performance and luxurious comfort.

Hull and Trimaran Configuration

The Neel 51 features a trimaran configuration with three hulls. The central hull is flanked by two amas, enhancing stability and performance. The hull and deck are constructed using vacuum-bagged E-glass with an end-grain balsa core, which ensures a strong yet lightweight structure.

This design provides excellent righting moments, helping the vessel to maintain stability even in rough seas. The sleek lines and modern aesthetic add to its appeal, ensuring it stands out in any marina.

Sails and Rigging

The sail plan includes a main and a self-tacking jib, with a total sail area of 1,472 square feet. The Neel 51 employs a rigid forestay, which contributes to better sail performance and easier handling, especially upwind.

The rigging is designed to maximize sailing efficiency, with an optimized mainsail area and genoa. This setup helps the boat maintain high speeds and good maneuverability, even in challenging wind conditions.

Size and Displacement

The Neel 51 has an LOA (length overall) of 51 feet and a beam (width) of 29 feet 2 inches. It has a draft of 4 feet 11 inches, which is relatively shallow and allows for more versatile sailing in various waters.

The light displacement is 30,864 pounds, making the boat relatively lightweight for its size. This contributes to its agility and higher potential speeds. Despite its size, the boat handles well and offers a smooth sailing experience.

Performance Features

The performance benefits of the Neel 51 are particularly evident in its sailing capabilities. The trimaran configuration and light weight contribute to high speeds and excellent upwind performance. The boat's design minimizes drag, helping it slice through waves with ease.

With a sail area of 1,472 square feet, the Neel 51 generates enough power to perform well in various wind conditions. The large sail area, combined with advanced rigging, ensures that the boat can harness wind energy efficiently, offering both speed and stability.

Accommodations and Living Space

The Neel 51 trimaran stands out for its spacious accommodations and luxurious living spaces. Its unique layout includes ample room in the saloon, galley, and multiple cabins.

Interior Layout

The interior of the Neel 51 is designed to maximize comfort and space. The large saloon is a central gathering area with panoramic windows that provide excellent visibility and natural light. Comfortable seating surrounds a dining table, making it a cozy spot for meals and relaxation.

The galley is well-equipped with modern appliances, allowing for easy meal preparation. Located on the same level as the saloon, it ensures that the cook remains part of the social environment.

Owner’s Cabin and Guest Quarters

The owner’s cabin is a standout feature with its full-beam layout, providing a large sleeping area and ample storage. Located in the main hull, it offers privacy and direct access to the deck.

Guest quarters are equally well-appointed, with cabins located in the outer hulls. Each guest cabin includes its own private bathroom, ensuring convenience and comfort.

This thoughtful design ensures that everyone on board enjoys a high level of comfort and privacy, making the Neel 51 ideal for long voyages or hosting friends and family.

Deck Features and Cockpit

The Neel 51 stands out for its well-thought-out deck and cockpit, perfectly balancing comfort and functionality. It features a spacious deck, advanced helm station, and convenient navigation controls, ensuring safety and easy maneuverability at sea.

Helm Station and Navigation

The helm station on the Neel 51 is strategically positioned for optimal visibility. This offers a clear view of the surroundings, essential for safe sailing. The layout includes state-of-the-art navigation equipment, ensuring that the captain can make informed decisions quickly.

Advanced navigation aids are integrated, including GPS, autopilot, and digital compasses, fostering easy monitoring of the boat’s course. The helm includes comfortable seating, allowing for long periods at the controls without discomfort. The thoughtful design ensures that all necessary instruments are within easy reach, minimizing unnecessary movement.

Safety and Accessibility

Safety and accessibility are critical features of the Neel 51 deck. The wide and open deck ensures there is ample space for movement, reducing the risk of trips and falls. Handrails are strategically placed to provide additional support for crew members when moving around the boat.

There are sliding doors that provide quick and easy access between the cockpit and interior spaces. This ensures a smooth transition from outside to inside, which is especially useful during rough weather. The deck is also equipped with control lines that are clearly marked and easily accessible, ensuring safety during maneuvers.

Control and Maneuvering

The control and maneuvering systems on the Neel 51 are designed for both efficiency and ease of use. The boat features strategically placed control lines that allow for swift adjustments to the sails. This setup ensures that the boat handles well in various wind conditions.

The design of the cockpit prioritizes ease of handling with winches and cleats conveniently located. This layout allows for quick and smooth sail adjustments. The positioning of controls supports both experienced sailors and newcomers, making it easier to learn and manage the boat’s systems.

By integrating these features, the Neel 51 ensures a balanced and enjoyable sailing experience while maintaining high safety standards.

Technical Aspects

The Neel 51 trimaran is noted for its advanced engineering, efficient weight management systems, and meticulous design focusing on stability and performance.

Engine Room and Propulsion

The Neel 51 features a well-designed engine room that houses a reliable saildrive propulsion system. This system ensures smooth operation and efficient power transmission. The engine room is accessible for maintenance and is located centrally for balanced weight distribution. The propulsion system integrates seamlessly with the trimaran's design, contributing to its notable performance and handling.

• Engine: Typically equipped with a single inboard diesel engine.
• Propulsion: Saildrive system for enhanced efficiency.
• Maintenance: Easy access for regular checks and repairs.

Weight Management Systems

Weight management is a central element in the Neel 51's design, crucial for optimal performance. The boat uses a combination of lightweight materials and strategic placement of heavier components to maintain a low center of gravity. This balance improves both speed and stability.

• Materials: Lightweight composites to reduce overall mass.
• Central weight management: Placement of heavier items centrally for better balance.

Draft and Stiffness

The Neel 51 boasts a draft of approximately 4.9 feet, which contributes to its shallow water capabilities. Stiffness in the structure is bolstered by its wave-piercing hulls, which help in maintaining stability even in rough waters. This design aspect ensures the trimaran remains durable and capable of withstanding various sea conditions.

• Draft: Approximately 4.9 feet.
• Stiffness: Reinforced hulls for enhanced durability and performance.
• Handling: Improved stability and reduced drag.

Market Context

The Neel 51 occupies a unique spot in the boating market, blending the characteristics of catamarans, monohulls, and multihulls. This trimaran boasts impressive performance, excellent value, and a strong reputation backed by international awards.

Comparison with Catamarans and Monohulls

The Neel 51 trimaran offers key advantages over traditional catamarans and monohulls. While catamarans are known for their stability, they can become less effective with increased heel angles. The Neel 51 remains more stable and maintains its performance in higher winds.

Compared to a monohull, the Neel 51 provides more living space and comfort. Its three-hull design allows for better weight distribution, making it faster and more efficient. Sailing characteristics combine the speed of a monohull with the stability of a catamaran, offering the best of both worlds.

Pricing and Value

The cost of a Neel 51 can vary based on the year and condition. For instance, 2019 models are priced around $975,000, while a 2018 model might be listed at approximately $912,430. These prices reflect the boat's premium features and market desirability.

Buyers are investing in a vessel equipped with carbon masts, new mainsails, and modern engines. This trimaran is considered a good value due to its durability and the comfort it offers for long voyages. The financial outlay can be justified by the boat’s advanced design and features.

Reputation and Awards

The Neel 51 has garnered significant recognition, winning three prestigious international awards, including the European Yacht of the Year. These accolades affirm the high quality and innovative design of the boat.

The Neel 51's reputation is bolstered by positive reviews in major sailing magazines. Its design by veteran architects Michel Joubert and Bernard Nivelt, coupled with Eric Bruneel’s ocean-racing experience, contributes to its esteemed reputation. This trimaran is not just a boat, but a celebrated piece of engineering in the sailing community.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section covers common questions about the Neel 51 trimaran, including its cruising speed, manufacturing details, specifications, model range, differences from other Neel models, and pricing information.

What is the cruising speed of the Neel 51?

The Neel 51 has a cruising speed around 8-10 knots. It can reach higher speeds depending on wind conditions and the sailing setup.

Where are Neel boats manufactured?

Neel boats are manufactured in La Rochelle, France. This location is known for its rich maritime history and expertise in boat building.

What are the specifications of the Neel 51 trimaran?

The Neel 51 is a 51'2" (15.6 meters) cruising trimaran. Designed by Joubert Nivelt Design, it features a vacuum-infused construction with vinylester and polyester resin and PVC foam. The boat was awarded the European Yacht of the Year in 2018.

Which is the largest model in the Neel trimaran range?

The largest model in the Neel trimaran range is the Neel 65. This boat is designed more for luxury cruising, offering ample space and comfort.

How does the Neel 52 differ from the Neel 51?

The Neel 52 is a newer model and includes updated design features and technologies compared to the Neel 51. Specific details about the differences may include advancements in materials, layout, or performance enhancements.

What is the price range for a new Neel 43 trimaran?

The price for a new Neel 43 trimaran typically ranges from $500,000 to $600,000. This can vary depending on customization and optional features chosen by the buyer.