WebreaderShopNewsletterTop harbours

VMG 53Performance Tri from Cape Town

Martin Hager

 · 18.06.2026

The French design firm VPLP is responsible for the design and structural calculations for the VMG 53.
Photos: VMG
The new VMG brand is launching a 16-metre performance trimaran into series production. The French design studio VPLP Design is responsible for the design. The first vessel is due to be launched in January 2027.
Topics in this article

VMG, a new multihull brand based in New York, is presenting its first model, the VMG 53, a 16-metre-long performance trimaran. The idea for this exciting project was conceived during an offshore regatta off the coast of New England, where the VMG founders, Michael Schwartz and Karl Reed, met as crew members. After a challenging crossing, the pair discussed the ideal sailing boat and came to the conclusion that sailors should not have to choose between speed, comfort, safety and ease of handling. Work on the first model began three years ago in Cape Town, where the VMG 53 concept was developed. The trimaran is currently in production and is set to combine offshore racing DNA with exclusive interior fittings and robust lightweight construction.

The name says it all

The brand name, Velocity Made Good, reflects the philosophy of the project. In sailing, Velocity Made Good – or VMG for short – refers to the effective speed at which a vessel is moving towards a destination, particularly when sailing into the wind. For the founders, the term represents a broader commitment to pursuing the most effective way forward through smart design and innovative technologies.

Fast-moving lines by VPLP Design

The French VPLP Design Office, renowned for its pioneering work in multihull design, is responsible for the design and structural calculations. The studio, led by Marc Van Peteghem and Vincent Lauriot Prévost, has developed some of the fastest offshore racing trimarans and brings decades of expertise to the project. Christophe Chedal Anglay is in charge of the interior design, whilst Thorne Yacht Design is responsible for the engineering and technical development.

VMG 53, build number 1, is being built in Cape Town

Construction of the first unit is taking place at the facilities of Evolution Marine Manufacturing in Cape Town, an experienced composite boat builder. The launch and the first sea trials are scheduled for spring 2027

Share article:
Martin Hager

Martin Hager

Editor in Chief YACHT

Martin Hager is editor-in-chief of the titles YACHT and BOOTE EXCLUSIV and has been working for Delius Klasing Verlag for 20 years. He was born in Heidelberg in 1978 and started sailing at the age of six, in an Opti of course. This was soon followed by 420s, Sprinta Sport and 470s, which he also sailed on the regatta course with his brother. His parents regularly took him on charter trips through the Greek and Balearic Islands. Even at a young age, it was clear to him that he wanted to turn his passion for water sports into a career. After graduating from high school and completing an internship at the Rathje boatbuilding company in Kiel, it was clear that he did not want to become a classic boatbuilder. Instead, he successfully studied shipbuilding and marine engineering in the Schleswig-Holstein state capital and focused on yacht design wherever he could. His diploma thesis dealt with the “Testing of a new speed prediction method for sailing yachts”. In 2004, the superyacht magazine BOOTE EXCLUSIV was looking for an editor with technical and nautical background knowledge, a position that was perfect for Martin Hager. The application was successful and a two-year traineeship was arranged. After twelve years as an editor, the editorial team changed and he took over responsibility for BOOTE EXCLUSIV as editor-in-chief in 2017. After long-time YACHT editor-in-chief Jochen Rieker moved to the role of publisher, Martin Hager also took over the position of editor-in-chief of Europe's largest sailing magazine YACHT, which is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year, at the beginning of 2023. When he's not working on topics for the two water sports titles, Martin Hager likes to go out on the water himself - preferably with kite and wingfoil equipment or on a little after-work trip across the Alster.

Home

Most read in category Yachts