The results are in! The NEEL TRIMARANS teams are very proud to announce that the NEEL 52 has been awarded the prize for “Multihull of the Year over 50 feet”.
A few weeks ago we learned that Cruising World Magazine had nominated the NEEL 52 for Multihull of the Year 2025.
The results are in! The NEEL TRIMARANS teams are very proud to announce that the NEEL 52 has been awarded the prize for “Multihull of the Year over 50 feet”.
This award recognizes more than just a trimaran: its a vision, a heritage, and a passion for excellence at sea.
“Owners dont just get their own stateroom aboard the Neel 52 trimaran. They get a two-story suite with a head, shower and private office located aft in the starboard float, and a stunning view from the berth located on the bridge deck. The living space on this boat is tremendous.” says Mark Pillsbury, jury member.
With its modern, sleek silhouette, the NEEL 52, designed by Marc Lombard Yacht Design Group, incorporates all the assets that have made the range so successful, while embodying the art of living at sea.
This trimaran pushes back the limits of comfort and innovation: “Its the logical evolution of an iconic company” says jury member Herb McCormick.
This award is the fruit of the hard work and passion of our teams, and we can not wait to see our customers and future customers explore the world aboard this unique boat. In search of freedom, dreams and adventure.
NEEL 52 invites you to expand your horizons.
The NEEL 52 is a modern trimaran that combines performance, comfort, and innovative design, making it a standout in the multihull market. Designed by Marc Lombard Yacht Design Group, this model succeeds the NEEL 51, incorporating significant advancements in both sailing capabilities and onboard amenities.
Design and Construction
The NEEL 52 features a central rockered hull, enhancing maneuverability and load-bearing capacity, complemented by streamlined floats (amas) that provide stability and reduce pitching. Constructed using vacuum-infused composite sandwich materials, the trimaran emphasizes weight reduction without compromising structural integrity. Notably, the design incorporates sustainable materials, such as flax fibers and recycled PET foam cores, aligning with eco-friendly building practices.
Performance
With a displacement of approximately 13.5 tons, the NEEL 52 is engineered for speed and agility. Its sail plan includes a fully battened square-top mainsail (1,011.8 sq ft with an aluminum mast, or 1,097.92 sq ft with a carbon mast), a furling genoa (764 sq ft), and a staysail (345 sq ft).
These features enable the trimaran to achieve impressive cruising speeds, often matching wind velocity in favorable conditions. The central hull design facilitates efficient tacking and port maneuvers, while the powerful 110 HP Yanmar engine ensures reliable performance under power.
Interior and Layout
The NEEL 52 offers a versatile interior layout, accommodating up to six cabins, making it suitable for both private ownership and charter operations. The main deck can feature a spacious owner cabin with panoramic views or a large galley with an adjacent bar, depending on the chosen configuration.
The innovative Cockloon® concept seamlessly merges the cockpit and saloon, creating an expansive living area that enhances onboard comfort.
Additionally, the trimaran boasts a substantial technical room, providing easy access to essential systems and ample storage space.
Notable Features
- Cockloon® Concept: A design innovation that blends the cockpit and saloon into a unified living space, enhancing social interaction and comfort.
- Full Beam Cockpit®: An extra-wide cockpit with adaptable seating configurations, allowing occupants to enjoy various vistas and optimize space utilization.
- Eco-Friendly Construction: Utilization of sustainable materials, including flax fibers and recycled PET foam cores, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility.
The NEEL 52 stands as a testament to modern naval architecture, offering a harmonious blend of speed, stability, and luxury. Its thoughtful design and innovative features make it a compelling choice for sailors seeking a high-performance multihull with ample living space and comfort.
The History of NEEL Trimarans
NEEL Trimarans is a distinguished French boatbuilder renowned for its innovative trimaran designs, blending performance, comfort, and elegance. Since its inception, the company has revolutionized the multihull sailing market, catering to adventurers, cruisers, and performance enthusiasts alike.
Founding and Vision
NEEL Trimarans was founded in 2009 by Eric Bruneel, a seasoned sailor and naval architect with a passion for multihulls. Prior to establishing NEEL Trimarans, Bruneel had extensive experience in the marine industry, including 26 years as General Manager of Fountaine Pajot, a leading catamaran builder. His vision for NEEL was to create a new category of trimarans that would bridge the gap between the speed and stability of performance yachts and the comfort and spaciousness of luxury cruising vessels.
Early Models
The company first model, the NEEL 50, launched in 2010, set the tone for the brand philosophy. It featured a unique design that combined a central hull with two streamlined floats (amas), offering stability, speed, and exceptional interior volume. The NEEL 50 gained attention for its innovative approach and was well-received by the sailing community.
Building on the success of the NEEL 50, the company introduced the NEEL 45 in 2013. This smaller, more accessible trimaran featured a pioneering layout that optimized living space while maintaining impressive sailing performance. The NEEL 45 earned accolades for its versatility and was awarded the 2013 "European Yacht of the Year" in the Multihull category.
Growth and Expansion
NEEL Trimarans continued to refine and expand its range with models like the NEEL 51 (launched in 2017), which became one of its most successful designs. This trimaran offered a perfect balance between performance and luxury, featuring an innovative "Cockloon®" concept that seamlessly merged the cockpit and saloon into a single open-plan living space.
The NEEL 65 followed as the flagship model, offering an unprecedented level of luxury and space in the trimaran market. It catered to private owners and charter operators looking for a high-capacity, high-performance vessel.
Innovation and Sustainability
In recent years, NEEL Trimarans has embraced sustainability as a core principle. The company has adopted eco-friendly construction techniques, incorporating renewable and recycled materials like flax fibers and PET foam cores. Their designs prioritize lightweight yet durable materials, reducing fuel consumption and environmental impact.
Recent Developments
The launch of the NEEL 52 in 2023 marked another milestone for the company. This model introduced a modernized design with advanced technology, better performance, and enhanced comfort. It reflects NEEL ongoing commitment to innovation and customer feedback.
NEEL Trimarans also diversified its offerings with the creation of LEEN Trimarans, a line of motorized trimarans. This new venture caters to powerboat enthusiasts seeking the stability, space, and efficiency of a trimaran platform.
Recognition and Legacy
NEEL Trimarans has earned numerous awards and accolades, including the "Multihull of the Year" and "European Yacht of the Year" titles. Their trimarans are celebrated for their distinctive aesthetics, sailing prowess, and unmatched living spaces.
NEEL Trimarans has redefined the concept of multihull sailing by creating vessels that seamlessly blend high performance with luxurious comfort. The company dedication to innovation, sustainability, and craftsmanship has solidified its position as a leader in the trimaran industry, inspiring sailors worldwide to explore the seas in style and confidence.