Born from a vision to blend the versatility of kayaking with the thrill of sailing, TRiAKsports, established in 2012, carved out a unique niche in the marine industry. Based originally in Bainbridge Island, Washington, and with a past mailing address in Solana Beach, California, the company became synonymous with its innovative product: the TRIAK, a highly portable and adaptable trimaran sailing kayak.
The Origin Story
While specific details regarding the founder's background and initial motivation remain largely out of public documentation, TRiAKsports emerged with a clear focus on creating a multi-faceted watercraft. The company's core offering, the TRIAK, was conceived to offer an experience that combined paddling, sailing, and general outdoor adventure in a single, manageable package. This original vision aimed at providing a versatile and accessible platform for watersports enthusiasts, bridging the gap between a traditional kayak and a small sailboat. The first TRIAK model appeared around 2014.
Design Philosophy and Identity
TRiAKsports' reputation in the sailing world is defined by its singular, innovative product: the TRIAK. The company became known for its commitment to portability, ease of assembly, and multi-sport functionality. The TRIAK was designed as a "sailing kayak trimaran," emphasizing stability and performance for its size.
A crucial aspect of TRiAKsports' identity and success was its collaboration with the esteemed naval architecture firm Morrelli & Melvin. Morrelli & Melvin, renowned for their high-performance sailing and motor yacht designs, including work on America's Cup projects and world-class multihulls, brought a wealth of expertise in multihull design to the TRIAK project. This partnership ensured that despite its compact and recreational nature, the TRIAK benefited from serious design principles, allowing it to perform admirably under sail while remaining manageable as a kayak. The design aimed for a boat that was enjoyable for both experienced sailors and those new to the sport.
Iconic Models and Legacy
The TRIAK is the singular iconic model from TRiAKsports, though it saw several iterations and versions throughout its production. These included:
- TRIAK P1: Functioning primarily as a kayak.
- TRIAK P2: A kayak equipped with a sailing rig, allowing for a hybrid paddling and sailing experience.
- TRIAK P3: The full sailing trimaran version, featuring a mainsail and spinnaker for enhanced performance.
Previews and reviews of the TRIAK highlighted its evolving features, such as new stepped masts, indicating continuous development to refine its design and performance. The TRIAK's impact lies in its unique proposition as a portable, versatile trimaran that appealed to adventurers looking for a craft capable of both serene paddling and spirited sailing. It gained attention at boat shows, showcasing its distinctive design and capabilities.
The Builder Today
As of recent information, the TRiAK sailing kayak appears to have been discontinued. While the specific reasons for this are not publicly detailed, it suggests that TRiAKsports may no longer be actively producing new boats. Public records and searches do not readily provide information on the current ownership or an active website. The once-referenced website, triaksports.com, does not appear to be actively maintained, further supporting the discontinued status of its product line. This means the ownership experience for TRIAK boats today largely relies on the secondary market and the community of existing owners who continue to enjoy and maintain these unique sailing kayaks.
