Astus Boats: Pioneering Trailerable Trimaran Sailing
Astus Boats, a French boat builder, has carved a distinctive niche in the marine industry by specializing in innovative and accessible trailerable trimarans. Founded on the principle of offering performance and versatility, the company has grown to become a respected name, appealing to sailors seeking both speed and convenience.
Astus Boats was founded in 2004 in France by Jean-Hubert Pommois. Driven by a profound passion for sailing, Pommois embarked on a mission to design a new type of boat that would offer an innovative alternative to existing sailing yachts. His vision was to create vessels that were not only high-performing but also exceptionally practical, addressing the desire for easy transport and setup.
The company's foundational concept was brought to life with its very first model, the Astus 20.1 trailerable trimaran. This initial offering quickly gained traction, with seven units leaving the Astus Boats yard in its inaugural year. The Astus 20.1 set the precedent for the brand's commitment to delivering quality, performance, and affordability in a highly transportable package.
History and Evolution
From its inception, Astus Boats demonstrated a clear trajectory of innovation and expansion. Following the success of the 20.1, the company introduced new models, such as the Astus 16.1, which launched in 2006. In 2013, Astus Boats diversified its offerings by venturing into the motorboat market with the introduction of the Bay Dream 5.5 hybrid, a simple and cost-effective design.
A significant milestone in Astus Boats' evolution was the commencement of its partnership with the renowned naval architecture firm VPLP Design in 2016. This collaboration marked a new era for the company, infusing fresh design perspectives and further enhancing the performance characteristics of their trimarans. The Astus 16.5, a result of this collaboration, was showcased at major boat shows, signaling a forward-looking direction for the brand. The company has seen its boats reach international waters, with 73 units sailing in France and abroad as of an earlier report.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Astus Boats has cultivated a reputation in the sailing world for producing high-performance, quality, and remarkably affordable trailerable trimarans. The core of their design philosophy revolves around practicality, simplicity, and efficiency, aiming to provide a dynamic sailing experience without the complexities often associated with larger multihulls. Their boats are widely regarded for their inherent stability, a hallmark of trimaran design.
A defining characteristic unique to Astus Boats is their use of telescopic carbon beams. This ingenious feature allows the trimarans' floats to fold, drastically reducing their beam for easy road transport and storage. This "boats on wheels" concept is central to the Astus brand, making their vessels exceptionally easy to rig, launch, and recover.
Over the years, Astus Boats has collaborated with distinguished naval architects to bring their designs to life. While Jean-Hubert Pommois oversees the core concept, firms like Philippe Roulin (Perspective Yacht Design) contributed to models such as the Astus 20.2. Crucially, the long-standing partnership with VPLP Design since 2016 has been instrumental in shaping the modern Astus lineup, contributing to the contemporary shapes and sportier lines seen in models like the Astus 16.5, 14.5, and 20.5.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Astus Boats has produced a range of significant models that underscore its commitment to accessible multihull sailing. The Astus 20.1 holds a special place as the company's inaugural vessel, establishing the blueprint for the trailerable trimaran concept.
Later models like the Astus 16.5 marked a "new era" for the company, benefiting from VPLP's design input and offering a more contemporary aesthetic and sportier performance. The Astus 20.5 quickly became one of their most popular models, with 44 boats sold worldwide, showcasing its appeal to a broad base of sailors. The Astus 14.5 stands out as a "pocket multihull," designed by VPLP, demonstrating that even smaller boats in their range maintain modern design, lightness, and transportability. Other notable models in their evolving lineup include the Astus 22.5 and the Astus 24.
The legacy of Astus Boats lies in its successful disruption of the traditional sailing market by championing the "nomadism" aspect of boating. Their easily transportable trimarans offer freedom and flexibility, appealing to adventure seekers who desire quality and performance without the constraints of a fixed mooring.
The Builder Today
Today, Astus Boats remains a prominent manufacturer of trailerable trimarans, headquartered in Brech, France. Jean-Hubert Pommois continues to own and manage the company, maintaining the original vision of accessible performance multihulls.
The modern Astus lineup continues to attract sailors looking for a unique ownership experience. These boats appeal to those who value the ability to explore different cruising grounds, participate in regattas, and store their vessel easily at home. The ownership experience is further enriched by a strong community: the Astus Boats Club association was founded by a group of passionate Astus trimaran owners, fostering a vibrant environment for sharing experiences and knowledge. With ongoing expansion into markets like the USA, Astus Boats is solidifying its position as a global leader in the compact, high-performance trimaran segment.
