Trintella 57 A Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Trintella 57 A falls within a pivotal period for Trintella Yachts, as the shipyard, under founder Anne Wever, made a strategic move into aluminum construction in the early 1980s. This transition saw continued collaboration with E.G. van de Stadt, who was instrumental in designing the yard's new aluminum series, 1, 2, 4, 14]. Wever's manufacturing ethos, characterized by "a lot of passion and workmanship" and a "pursuit of perfection," ensured that Trintellas, including the 57 A, were built to "superyacht quality" standards, emphasizing seaworthiness and luxurious comfort. Indeed, the 57 A is widely considered to be Anne Wever's best passage-making sailing yacht ever constructed.

The Trintella 57 A, with a length overall just under 57 feet and a waterline length of nearly 46 feet, offered considerable flexibility in interior customization, reflecting her semi-custom build approach. While the specifies a fin keel with a maximum draft of 9.35 feet, some Trintella 57A models, particularly those referred to as the 57A/58A, could also be equipped with a sliding keel, offering a variable draft from 6.07 feet to 10.33 feet, providing versatility for different cruising grounds. The 58A variant, for example, typically featured a fixed keel and a more sporty sail plan.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Trintella 57 A's design ratios underscore her capabilities as a capable offshore cruiser. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 18.78, she suggests good performance potential, especially in lighter air, indicating she is not sluggish despite her substantial build. Her Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of around 0.43, well above the typical 0.40 threshold, points to a highly stiff and stable vessel, capable of standing up to significant wind and maintaining her canvas in demanding conditions. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 233.78 positions her as a moderate to heavy displacement cruiser, a characteristic often associated with comfortable motion in a seaway and robust construction.

Anecdotal evidence supports these figures, describing the Trintella 57 A as a "real seagoing vessel". Her fin keel contributes to "splendid manoeuvrability," allowing for responsive handling despite her size. The twin cockpit layout, which often includes a fixed wheelhouse, offers flexibility, allowing for comfortable cruising in "adverse conditions" while also providing an open aft cockpit for fair-weather sailing.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior headroom is not detailed in the provided data, the generous dimensions of the Trintella 57 A allowed for a wide range of interior layouts, catering to owner preferences. The interior fit-out is consistently praised for its "exceptionally high standard" and the high quality of its timber match throughout. Owners can expect a well-appointed interior finished with meticulous attention to detail.

A common configuration features a spacious and well-appointed owner's cabin, often located on the centerline, offering a large double berth. The twin cockpit design typically incorporates a sheltered wheelhouse or doghouse area, providing protection from the elements and often housing a secondary steering station or navigation area. This arrangement contributes to comfortable liveaboard potential and extended cruising. Further interior details, such as the specific arrangement of the galley, salon, and additional berths, would vary between individual vessels given the semi-custom nature of their construction.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Trintella 57 A yachts frequently laud their solid construction and robust offshore capabilities, often describing them as true passage makers. The Trintella Vriendenkring (Friends of Trintella) community actively preserves the brand's history and fosters a strong sense of camaraderie among owners.

However, a recurring maintenance point noted by some owners concerns the original teak deck. The method of fastening, involving thousands of screws into the aluminum deck, can lead to leaks over time, necessitating re-bedding or more extensive repairs. Addressing these deck issues can be complex due to the underlying aluminum structure and insulation, as welding or traditional filling methods are not viable options. Despite this, the overall sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive, reflecting the enduring quality and seaworthiness that Trintella yachts, and particularly the 57 A, represent.