Neel 52 Information, Review, Specs

The NEEL 52 represents a significant evolution in Neel Trimarans' commitment to advancing cruising multihull design, with its production commencing in 2023. It succeeds the popular NEEL 51, building upon the brand's established reputation for innovation. The design, penned by Marc Lombard, reflects a philosophy that balances power, speed, and elegance with a refined hull form and slender superstructures. Neel Trimarans, founded by accomplished offshore trimaran racing sailor Eric Bruneel around 2011, aimed to create vessels that were not only spacious but also fast, seaworthy, and inherently safe.

Central to the builder's ethos, and evident in the NEEL 52, is the use of advanced construction techniques such as vacuum-infused composite sandwich construction, incorporating fiberglass and isophthalic polyester resin. This method ensures exceptional strength and rigidity while optimizing weight. A cornerstone of Neel's design philosophy is also the emphasis on weight centering, with a centrally located technical compartment providing excellent access for maintenance and contributing to the boat's stability and minimized pitching motion. The NEEL 52 also offers flexibility in its rig, with options for both aluminum and carbon masts, influencing the total sail area.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a sail area of 1775.8 sq ft and a displacement of 29762 lbs, the NEEL 52 boasts a high sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 29.51. This figure underscores its design as a performance-oriented cruiser, suggesting strong capabilities in light to moderate winds. Reviews highlight its ability to achieve impressive speeds, with reports of easily averaging over 200 nautical miles on passage. In more specific tests, the boat has consistently logged over seven knots of boat speed close-hauled in true wind speeds of 8-10 knots.

The Marc Lombard design contributes to the NEEL 52's sleeker, more modern lines, enhancing its performance characteristics compared to its predecessors. Sailors praise its easy handling and good steering feel, making it a responsive and enjoyable boat to sail across various conditions. The trimaran configuration inherently offers superior stability and seakeeping compared to many catamarans, providing a comfortable and secure motion offshore, which is a hallmark of Neel's design philosophy.

Accommodations and Layout

The NEEL 52 truly excels in its living spaces, largely due to Neel Trimarans' signature "Cockloon" concept. This innovative design seamlessly integrates the cockpit and saloon on a single level, creating an expansive, fluid indoor-outdoor living area that maximizes space and promotes excellent ventilation. The interior layout of the NEEL 52 expands on previous models, offering more options and an enhanced sense of light and spaciousness.

A key feature is the much-improved owner's cabin, which is typically located on the bridgedeck and can extend to encompass the entire starboard hull, providing a large, private, and comfortable retreat. The central technical compartment not only aids in weight distribution and access for maintenance but also cleverly separates living spaces, contributing to quietness onboard. While specific material details vary by owner customization, the overall finish is generally regarded as high-quality, aligning with Neel Trimarans' position in the premium cruising market. The thoughtful layout and abundant natural light create a modern, elegant, and highly functional interior suitable for extended voyaging.