Corsair 880 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Corsair 880 began production in 2019, marking a contemporary addition to Corsair Marine's celebrated lineup of folding trimarans. Designed by Francois Perus, the 880 builds upon the success of earlier iconic models like the F-27, aiming to deliver effortless performance through meticulous design and attention to detail. The overarching goal was to create a modern, ambitious trimaran that could function as a true pocket cruiser, integrating a surprising array of amenities within its multihull structure.

Corsair Marine, under the ownership of Seawind Catamarans since 2010, continues its manufacturing ethos of using lightweight composite materials to ensure both high performance and durability. The brand's signature patented folding mechanism allows the outer amas to retract, significantly reducing the beam for convenient trailerability and docking, a feature central to the 880's versatility. The design incorporates large volume amas with a very flat deadrise in the transom, intended to enhance performance characteristics. The Corsair 880 is available in two main configurations: a "Standard" version and a "Sport" version. The Sport version elevates its racing pedigree with a taller carbon mast, laminate sails (including a high-aspect square-top main), and a carbon bowsprit.

Sailing Performance and Handling

True to Corsair Marine's heritage, the 880 is lauded for its "fantastic, sporty" performance and ability to "glide across the water". With its lightweight composite construction and efficient trimaran hull form, the Corsair 880 is capable of achieving impressive speeds, with reports of up to 25 knots in certain conditions. This "super efficient" vessel offers exhilarating sailing while maintaining remarkable stability and comfort, a hallmark of Corsair's design philosophy. The Sport version, with its advanced rig and sails, is further optimized as a "finely tuned RACING MACHINE". Overall, the 880 delivers responsive handling, making it an engaging boat for experienced sailors and a confident platform for those newer to multihulls.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its trailerable dimensions, the Corsair 880 surprises with a remarkably spacious interior, often noted for having "amazing" standing headroom and a cabin that feels generous for its size. Designed as a legitimate pocket cruiser, it boasts a "state-of-the-art interior" and full boat systems, making it suitable for extended stays. The layout typically accommodates up to five individuals for sleeping, featuring an aft cabin, a comfortable main salon area, and an enclosed head. Reviewers frequently praise the thoughtful design that fits amenities such as a galley and even a compact water heater into efficient spaces. This emphasis on maximizing interior volume and comfort, alongside its performance, positions the Corsair 880 as a highly versatile cruising trimaran.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners and enthusiasts of the Corsair 880 frequently discuss its dual nature as both a high-performance sportboat and a comfortable cruiser. The strong and active global Corsair owner community, which often organizes regattas and sailing "Safaris," provides a rich network for support and shared experiences. Many Corsair dealers are themselves owners, offering authentic and knowledgeable support to potential buyers. While owner experiences largely highlight the boat's speed, stability, and trailerability as major strengths, discussions within forums have touched on incidents such as a reported failure of a Corsair 880 during the Race to Alaska, indicating areas that some owners monitor or discuss within the community. However, the general sentiment points to the 880 as a well-regarded and capable trimaran for a diverse range of sailing activities.