The inspiration behind the Ipsum 45 is unmistakable. The project draws on the sleek trimaran designs of the 1970s and 1980s, and in particular Mike Birch’s ‘Olympus’, with which the Canadian won the first Route du Rhum in 1978. The work of multihull pioneers Dick Newick, Jim Brown, Derek Kelsall, Arthur Piver and James Wharram also served as models for the developers. However, beneath the deliberately classic-looking hull lies a modern performance concept.
The French studio AWA (Apparent Wind Activities), founded by naval architect Loïc Goepfert and designer Julien Boucher, is responsible for the project. Among other things, both were involved in the development of the latest maxi-trimarans, the “Gitana 18 / Edmond de Rothschild”. Ship designer Guillaume Verdier and his team designed the hulls of the Ipsum 45 and optimised them using complex flow simulations.
Foils are designed to reduce load rather than to fly
The trimaran, which is 14.20 metres long and 9.15 metres wide, is not designed purely as a foiler. Instead, small wings with winglets on the floats are intended to create what is known as a ‘skimming effect’: they relieve pressure on the leeward floats through dynamic lift, thereby reducing their draught and, at the same time, dampening their movements in rough seas. The aim is not for the Ipsum 45 to lift off the water completely, but rather to glide more smoothly and in a more controlled manner across the water.
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There is considerable scope for variation in the rig. From the outset, the design was also intended to accommodate the self-supporting and automated ACC wing sail. According to the developers, the wing is said to generate significantly more lift than a conventional sail whilst also simplifying handling. As a deliberately more conventional alternative, a classic rig is provided, the design of which is based on the latest fast regatta boat designs, such as the Pogo 40 S4.
A flexible extension and living concept
The most radical idea, however, does not concern the rig, but the structure. Instead of narrow crossbeams with trampolines, aerodynamically faired and walk-through connecting arms are to be fitted between the central hull and the floats. These are intended to house one or two separately accessible living modules in the style of compact lofts. There are even plans for dedicated wet rooms within the floats.
Alternatively, the side areas can be used to store surfboards, kite, wingfoil or diving equipment. Those who prefer a more traditional set-up can still configure the Ipsum 45 with two conventional beams and trampolines. According to the developers, the range of options in terms of materials and appearance extends from a full-carbon version with aerodynamic fairings to a wooden structure with exposed surfaces.
The production concept nevertheless follows the same principle. High-stress structural components are to be manufactured as a prefabricated ‘core kit’ by specialist suppliers and shipped together with the selected modules in 40-foot containers. Assembly and outfitting could then take place at a shipyard of the owner’s choice. In this way, AWA positions the Ipsum 45 less as a mass-produced boat and more as a customisable platform – somewhere between a professional high-tech build, a semi-custom yacht and a modern take on a DIY project.
Technical Specifications for the Ipsum 45
- Designer: Guillaume Verdier / AWA
- Length of central hull: 13.00 m
- Length of float: 10.90 m
- Overall length: 14.20 m
- Width: 9.15 m
- Draught without foils: 0.59 m
- Draught with foils: 2.20 m
- Unladen weight: 4.0 t
Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology