Neel 65 Information, Review, Specs

The NEEL 65 entered production in 2015, marking a significant milestone as the largest series-built cruising trimaran launched at the time. The boat's genesis is rooted in Eric Bruneel's vision for creating cruising multihulls that offer an attractive alternative, combining the speed of a monohull, the space of a catamaran, and the inherent stability of three hulls. The design and manufacturing process, undertaken at the Neel Trimarans workshop in La Rochelle, France, involved a year of dedicated effort to bring the first unit to fruition.

In 2018, Neel Trimarans launched an enhanced version, the NEEL 65 Evolution, reflecting a continuous drive for innovation. This Evolution model introduced several key upgrades, including a larger master cabin on the main deck, a redesigned access route to the central hull leading to a new interior layout, and improved material quality with optimized overall finishes. These developments underscore the builder's commitment to refining their models based on evolving market demands and customer feedback.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The NEEL 65 is engineered for impressive performance, balancing speed with comfort and stability. With a reported sail area of 2227 square feet and a displacement of 49,600 pounds, its sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) is approximately 281. This high ratio suggests a powerful sailing vessel capable of performing well even in lighter winds, a desirable characteristic for a cruising multihull. The trimaran's displacement to length ratio (D/L) is exceptionally low, approximately 87.8 (based on its 63.2-foot waterline and 49,600 lbs displacement), indicating a relatively light and performance-oriented vessel for its considerable length. This low D/L ratio is typical for multihulls, contributing to their ability to achieve higher speeds than comparably sized monohulls. It's important to note that the ballast to displacement ratio, a key metric for monohulls, is not applicable to trimarans like the NEEL 65, as their stability is derived from their wide form and multiple hulls rather than a heavy keel.

Anecdotal reports and reviews consistently highlight the NEEL 65's respectable sailing characteristics and precise handling. It is known to move fast under sail, with an average speed of 9-10 knots considered a "brilliant result" for a cruising trimaran. Reviewers have noted that the NEEL 65 sails close-hauled "a little bit better than a catamaran". Despite its considerable size and wide beam of 39.5 feet, the trimaran is described as an "agile boat" due to its fine-entry bows and good clearance between the floats, which aids in navigating various sea states. Test sails have demonstrated that the boat can achieve around nine knots in winds between 15 and 16 knots, underscoring its genuinely respectable speed performance.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the NEEL 65 is designed to maximize living space and comfort, embracing the builder's innovative "Cockloon" concept which seamlessly integrates the cockpit and saloon on a single level, 12]. This design creates a fluid indoor-outdoor living experience, highly valued by cruising sailors. While the exact maximum headroom is not provided in the specifications, the overall design prioritizes voluminous interiors, often described as offering "over-the-top accommodation space".

The layout of the NEEL 65 is highly versatile, with options ranging from three to eight cabins to suit various owner preferences and potential charter configurations. A common arrangement includes an expansive owner's cabin situated on the main deck, providing direct access and often featuring a private head and shower. Additionally, the floats typically house two double cabins, each equipped with its own head and separate shower. The interior design, often by Franck Darnet Design, features a "sporty chic contemporary interior" that combines a modern feel with "sober and refined materials". Storage for leisure equipment like canoes and windsurfing gear is also incorporated into the design, reflecting its blue-water cruising capabilities. The NEEL 65 Evolution, in particular, boasts enhanced material quality and optimized finishes, further elevating the onboard experience.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners and reviewers frequently praise the NEEL 65 for its successful integration of luxury, performance, and expansive living spaces. Many consider it an ideal platform for long-distance cruising, offering significant comfort and high speeds for its class. The innovative "Cockloon" layout and the centrally located technical compartment, which facilitates maintenance and optimizes weight distribution, are consistently highlighted as major strengths. The general consensus among those familiar with the brand is that Neel Trimarans, including the 65, offers a stable and comfortable motion in a seaway, a key attribute for extended voyages, 11]. The active "NEEL OWNERS COMMUNITY" also attests to a loyal following and supportive network, indicative of overall owner satisfaction.