The new Astus 26.5 also features the brand-typical function of pushing the hulls together for less width in the harbour or for transport by road. The Astus principle is very simple: the beams consist of solid aluminium round tubes, which are arranged in a staggered arrangement and inserted into correspondingly larger fitting tubes that are integrated into the hull. On land, the floats are simply pushed parallel close to the centre hull or retracted on the water via a sheet pull and with the help of the winch.
The design for the new Astus 26.5 comes from the renowned VPLP Design office. The strikingly slim side floats feature a distinctive wave piercer design and are built higher, especially at the front, to ensure sufficient buoyancy in swell. Equally striking are the pronounced chine edges in the centre hull over the entire length. The tulip-shape bulkhead keeps the waterline slim, while still providing sufficient volume for an interior fit-out suitable for touring.
Astus 26.5: simple handling, a wide range of applications
A deep centreboard in the central hull can be raised almost completely. Together with the attached and therefore also retractable rudder, the tripod can be sailed right up to the beach on tour and when travelling and can also be easily launched and retrieved via the slip ramp. The Astus 26.5 can also be easily transported on a trailer on the road thanks to its reducible width of at least 2.52 metres and a weight of just 1.1 tonnes.
The Astus 26.5 will be offered in three versions (Leisure, Cruising, Sport) and can therefore be customised to the needs of the customer right from the shipyard. Corresponding equipment packages will be available. The interior of the Astus 26.5 offers good living and cruising comfort for up to four people with a separate toilet room and a galley with integrated cool box.
The first ship of the new Astus 26.5 type is apparently already under construction and is due to be launched for its first test voyages in summer 2024. The shipyard has also already announced a price range. The trimaran is expected to cost around 90,000 euros gross, ready to sail including the sails.
Technical data Astus 26.5
- Designer: VPLP
- CE design category: C (5)/D (7)
- Hull length: 7.90 m
- Width ready to sail: 5.80 m
- Width reduced: 2.52 m
- Weight: 1.1 tonnes
- Sail area upwind: 36 m² (Leisure + Cruising version)/41.0 m² (Sport)
- Motorisation: up to max. 10 hp outboard
- Price: approx. 90,000 euros gross, ready to sail
