Tricat 6.90Small, light, fast - a marvellous combination in the YACHT test

Jochen Rieker

 · 23.07.2024

Light and easy: The 720-kilo flea starts gliding at three Beaufort
Photo: YACHT/Andreas Lindlahr
Small but clever. The Tricat 6.90 is technically far ahead, sails swiftly and is fun to sail. Living is also possible, somehow. And it can do something else really well

The market for yachts has diversified enormously in recent years. There is hardly a segment in which new subtypes have not been developed. In the luxury market, for example, luxury performance cruisers are in demand, while Excess has carved out a niche between cruising and sports cats in the multihull range.

The market is only thinning out more and more in the area of small boats that are still reasonably affordable even for middle-income earners. With the exception of Beneteau, which offers contemporary compact models between 14 and 27 feet with its First series, none of the large series-production boatyards are catering for the entry-level segment. It is therefore all the more pleasing that other, smaller boat builders are filling this gap - such as the Breton Antoine Houdet with the new Tricat 6.90.

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With a base price of 62,260 euros, the cruising trimaran with the two side floats that can be swivelled aft via buoys remains affordable, at least when measured against the well thought-out design and modern infusion construction as well as the carbon rudder and centreboards. Equipped ready to sail with outboard motor, fenders, mooring lines, anchor gear, gas cooker and antifouling, it costs more, but is still a fair offer - especially when you consider its universality and almost unlimited mobility.

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With an unladen weight of 720 kilograms, the 23-foot Tri is a real lightweight. For comparison: the First 24a sporty monohull, weighs just under a third more. Even with a trailer and holiday luggage on board, the towing capacity remains limited to less than 1.3 tonnes - which means that it can even be towed by a basic Golf with a one-litre petrol engine without any problems.

The Tricat also shines when unfolding the floats with ease

Slipping and setting the mast is just as easy as with a dinghy. An optional jibing device makes you independent of the mast crane, and thanks to the cleverly designed trailer, the boat slides into the water so early that nobody gets their feet wet.

Unlike the otherwise in many respects comparable Astus 22.5 (see test in YACHT 7/2022), the Tricat also shines when unfolding the floats with ease. A small outward push with the hand, a pull on the outhaul line and the outriggers swing into position. It takes less than 30 seconds to go from a width of 2.45 metres on the trailer to a full 4.60 metres in sailing mode. It works just as quickly and smoothly the other way round. If you can't find your own box on the jetty of your favourite marina in the current tight mooring situation, you can park the three-legged boat and trailer at home or on a parking space in the harbour until it is needed and save on mooring fees. An advantage that will be highly relevant for many owners, at least in the coming years.

What should be particularly attractive for new or returning sailors is an advantage typical of multihulls: the lack of leeway when sailing. This sets the Tricat apart from conventional small cruisers, which usually offer less storage space in this size.

The only thing the boat can't offer is headroom. The Tricat does not quite measure 1.50 metres under the closed folding hatch on the companionway. However, it is comfortable enough to sit on: amidships, there are 91 centimetres between the bench seat and the cabin roof, and 81 centimetres at the head end of the forward berth.

A maximum of four guests can spend the night below deck, albeit without any freedom of movement

Antoine Houdet, the shipyard boss, who is always in a good mood and in love with tinkering and building, has put together an astonishingly extensive range of equipment for such a compact trimaran. With the exception of a pressurised water system, shower and sea toilet, everything you would want on a small cruising yacht is included. And either as a package, which is cheaper, or individually, which allows for highly customised configurations. Great!

The boat was fully equipped for the test, including the performance-enhancing sports package with a longer boom, more sail area and better fittings. If you also order the trailer, the total price is a good 75,000 euros, but also covers the entire spectrum - from cruising boat to fun machine.

A maximum of four guests can spend the night below deck, albeit without any freedom of movement. At 46 centimetres wide, the side benches are not really suitable as bunks. It becomes more comfortable if the table is used as a support between them and a double berth with a shoulder width of 1.38 metres is created with additional cushions. But then no-one can reach the companionway from the foredeck without being touched. Which is why the Tricat 6.90 is actually a two-plus-two model, meaning: two children in the front, two adults in the centre. Maximum!

It's less claustrophobic with two people. If you choose this crew size, you don't have to put all your luggage to one side at night and have space to separate a little or have a cosy chat before going to bed. In the "Family" version, the Tricat offers plenty of usable storage compartments and lockers so that you don't have to live out of pocket.

The Tricat 6.90 flies past conventional displacement yachts at speeds of up to 15 knots

From build number two onwards, the interior also looks less "tinkered" because the rather handcrafted-looking plywood furnishings shown here, which separate the forecastle and main cabin, now consist of sheer GRP modules. However, the rustic woodchip look remains unchanged: the hull walls and deck are only slightly smoothed and sealed with topcoat, and the cap nuts of the fitting bolts cannot be overlooked due to the lack of an inner shell. This is due to the endeavour to achieve lightweight construction and maximum space utilisation, which is common in this class, even if it does come across as slightly uncomfortable. Owners will find compensation for this if they want to move forward.

This is one of the greatest strengths of the concept. Due to its lack of mass, the 6.90 does not need much wind to show the sterns of most other boats. During testing as part of Europe's Yacht of the Year 2022 in the Bay of La Rochelle, it was often the fastest of the entire fleet, which also included exquisite performance cruisers such as JPK 39 and Pogo 44 counted.

Even in five knots of wind it started agilely, and from ten knots onwards it started planing under gennaker, half-windward and square-sailed. It creates its own breeze because it increases the apparent wind through speed. When the wind rose to 18 to 20 knots in a short front in the afternoon, it showed its full potential in an impressive way. With speeds of up to 15 knots through the water, it flew past conventional displacement yachts. This is when it brings a smile to the faces of even the most experienced and hardened test editors.

Like the entire boat, all of this is characterised by an almost playful lightness. Thanks to the carbon centreboards and the successful buoyancy distribution of the hulls, the Tricat sails as safely as if on rails, but can also be willingly steered after wind and waves. Only two points of criticism detracted slightly from the fun: the laminate sails are profiled too flat for efficient light wind trim, and the well pre-balanced rudder attached at the rear has slight play in the suspension, which affects precision and feedback.

For the price of a current ten-metre cruising boat, you get the fully equipped Tri

Because we are criticising: The trampolines between the main and side hulls could also be a little tighter. Although they hardly contribute to the stiffness of the bandages, they provide less support than possible when walking on the floats, for example in the harbour.

Otherwise, however, the 6.90's design, deck details and workmanship are pleasing. What's more, it offers some practical solutions that you won't find on much more expensive yachts today - such as a swallow's nest in the cockpit for mobile phones, sun cream or snacks. Despite the competitive price, the shipyard has thankfully not skimped on sensible equipment or substance.

This and its flexibility of use prompted the jury of Europe's Yacht of the Year 2022 to award the Tricat 6.90 a special mention for its versatility. In short, it is the tiny house of modern boat building. By compromising on size and comfort, the owner gains mobility, ease of use and simplicity. For the price of a current ten-metre cruising boat, you get the Tri fully equipped, plus a brand new SUV as a towing vehicle - and you can go on sailing holidays practically anywhere in Europe, from the Finnish archipelago to the Greek islands. Not a bad deal at all!

The measured values for the test

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The Tricat 6.90 in detail

There are two sail plans. Although the rig remains the same, the Tricat offers significantly more sail area with the sports package shown here and tested by us. Three versions, but only one cabin layout - the differences lie solely in the equipment, not in the extensionPhoto: YACHT/N. CampeThere are two sail plans. Although the rig remains the same, the Tricat offers significantly more sail area with the sports package shown here and tested by us. Three versions, but only one cabin layout - the differences lie solely in the equipment, not in the extension

Technical data of the Tricat 6.90

  • Designer: Jack Michal
  • CE design category: C
  • Fuselage length/folded: 6,90/7,60 m
  • Total length: 7,12 m
  • Waterline length: 6,90 m
  • Width/folded: 4,60/2,45 m
  • Draught max/min: 1,20/0,30 m
  • Mast height above WL: 10,28 m
  • Theor. torso speed: 6.4 kn
  • Weight: 0,72 t
  • Mainsail: 19,0 m2
  • Furling genoa (109 %): 9,7 m2
  • Gennaker: 24,0 m2
  • Motor (outboard motor): 3.5-6 HP
  • Fuel tank (portable): 12 l

Hull and deck construction

GRP sandwich with Corecell foam, laminated with polyester resin using a vacuum infusion process. Side floats can be folded up via buoys. Retractable centreboards and attached folding rudder made of carbon fibre

Equipment, price and shipyard

Rig and sail

The standard boat comes with simple Dacron sails. The sports package has laminate sails with 12 percent more surface area, traveller and self-tailing winches.

Packages and added value

If you want to use the Tricat for touring, you should choose the "Family" version at extra cost. The "Cruising" version is even more luxuriously equipped.

Prices

  • Base price ex shipyard: 62,260 € gross
  • Guarantee/against osmosis: 2/2 years

As of 07/2024, how the prices shown are defined can be found here!

YACHT rating of the Tricat 6.90

For the price of a campervan, the Tricat offers more living comfort than a sports boat and almost as much sailing fun. A successful combination, and even more: a truly marvellous one.

Design and concept

  • + Clever folding mechanism
  • + Upscale construction
  • + Almost unlimited mobility

Sailing performance and trim

  • + High performance potential
  • + Uncomplicated handling
  • - A little too much play at the helm

Living and finishing quality

  • + Bright, practical cabin
  • - Narrow bunks
  • - Sober ambience

Equipment and technology

  • + Good fitting equipment
  • + Successful deck layout
  • + Plenty of easily accessible storage space

Video of the Tricat 6.90

The article first appeared in YACHT 12/2022 and has been updated for the online version.

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