Trias Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Sunbeam Trias lies in the demanding IYRU trials of 1967, which sought to identify a new three-person keelboat for international racing. Helmut Stöberl's design aimed to meet the stringent performance criteria of these trials, resulting in a yacht with a strong emphasis on speed and maneuverability. Sunbeam Yachts, with its deep heritage in woodworking dating back to 1838 and its formal establishment as Schöchl Yachtbau in 1957, brought its commitment to high quality and robust construction to the Trias. During this era, Schöchl Yachtbau was building a reputation for well-crafted boats, transitioning from wooden vessels to modern fiberglass (GRP) construction, a material used for the Trias's hull and solid fiberglass deck. While the Soling ultimately won the IYRU selection, the Trias entered production in 1967, reflecting Sunbeam's dedication to producing performance-oriented yachts. Information regarding significant variations in the Trias's production run, such as MkI or MkII versions, or differing rig options, is not readily available.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Sunbeam Trias, with its design rooted in competitive trials, exhibits characteristics indicative of a lively and capable performer. Its Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 23.76 is notably high, suggesting excellent performance in lighter air conditions and a responsive feel at the helm. This is complemented by a high Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of around 0.53, indicating a very stiff and stable boat for its size, capable of standing up to its powerful sail plan even in stronger winds. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 196.58 further classifies the Trias as a relatively light and performance-oriented boat for its waterline length, contributing to its agile nature. Owners and sailors often describe the Trias as a fast and shapely regatta boat, requiring special sail profiles to achieve optimal propulsion. Its fin keel and spade rudder further enhance its responsiveness and maneuverability, making it an engaging boat to sail in various sea states.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its origins as a performance-focused keelboat for a three-person crew, the Sunbeam Trias likely prioritizes sailing efficiency over extensive cruising accommodations. Interior details for the Trias are limited in available specifications, but typical layouts for a boat of this design from the late 1960s would offer basic facilities. Expect a relatively open interior, possibly featuring a V-berth forward, a compact salon area with settees that might double as berths, and minimal galley facilities. A small marine head would also be typical. The emphasis would be on functional and robust construction, likely utilizing wood trim in line with Sunbeam's carpentry heritage, but with a practical, no-frills approach suitable for competitive sailing. Storage would be adequate for racing gear and short-term cruising, and ventilation would primarily rely on deck hatches and companionway opening.

Owner's Perspectives

While extensive owner reviews specific to the Sunbeam Trias are not widely available in public forums, Sunbeam Yachts in general has a reputation for quality, design, and service, which would likely extend to the Trias. Owners of Sunbeam yachts consistently praise their solid construction and beautiful interior finishes. Given the Trias's design brief, owners would likely appreciate its spirited sailing performance, responsive handling, and robust build quality. Potential common issues, if any, might be related to the aging of original components typical of any vessel from its era, such as deck fittings, although specific recurring problems for the Trias are not commonly reported.