Trintella IV Information, Review, Specs

The Trintella IV began production in 1975, evolving from the successful Trintella IIIa design to offer a larger, enhanced cruising platform. Jachtwerf Anne Wever was a pioneer in Europe, embracing Glass-Reinforced Plastic (GRP) construction methods from the early 1960s, which allowed for consistent quality and mass production while maintaining high standards. The Trintella IV, with its GRP hull, benefited from this innovative approach, with mouldings often supplied by Tyler.

E.G. van de Stadt's design philosophy for the Trintella IV aimed to create a "first class modern cruising yacht," integrating the latest advancements in marine technology while retaining a timeless appeal and the renowned "seakindly" characteristics of earlier Trintella models. This model is part of the "Centre Cockpit series" of Trintellas, a distinctive feature that allows for unique interior layouts. Anne Wever's craftsmen were known for their meticulous attention to detail, evident in the beautifully finished yachts that left their yard.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Trintella IV is characterized by its heavy displacement and long keel, contributing significantly to its sailing performance and handling. With a displacement of 24,640 lbs and a long keel hull type, she offers exceptional directional stability and a comfortable motion, especially in a seaway. Her S-shaped hull further enhances her seakindliness. The ketch rig provides versatility in sail plans, allowing for easy adaptation to various wind conditions, from light breezes to stronger winds.

Calculated performance ratios underline her design as a comfortable cruiser rather than a light-air racer. Her sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 12.5 suggests a boat designed for steady progress and comfort in heavier air, rather than high-speed performance in marginal conditions. A ballast to displacement ratio of about 0.35 indicates good stability, enabling her to stand up well to the wind. Furthermore, an exceptionally high displacement to length ratio of around 740 underscores her robust, heavy-duty cruising nature, indicating a vessel built for comfort and safety during extended voyages, and suggesting a deliberate design choice for stability and load-carrying capacity over pure speed. She is noted to offer "good performance under power and sail," with a hull speed of 7.6 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Trintella IV is celebrated for its classic and warm atmosphere, featuring liberal use of high-quality teak joinery. A key aspect of her layout is the center cockpit, which allows for a spacious and private aft cabin accessible directly from the cockpit. The typical arrangement includes a comfortable saloon, a forward cabin, and the large aft cabin, providing a total of four fixed berths with the option for two additional berths, accommodating up to six individuals.

Headroom in the saloon is generous, typically around 195 cm (approximately 6 feet 4 inches), contributing to a spacious indoor environment. The forward accommodation usually includes a separate wet cell or head, complete with hot and cold running water. While standard layouts were offered, including a dinette arrangement, the builder also allowed for variations to customize the accommodation to owner preferences. Owners frequently describe the interior as elegant, comfortable, and well-suited for extended periods aboard.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners consistently praise the Trintella IV for its solid construction and the comfortable motion it exhibits in a seaway, reinforcing its reputation as a highly capable cruising yacht. Many consider it an "unmatched" vessel for long voyages, highlighting its robust build and inherent stability. This model is widely regarded as "well proven" due to its extensive use and the experience of its owners.

However, like any yacht of its age, the Trintella IV may present certain maintenance considerations. A recurring topic among owners pertains to the integrity of chain plates, with a technical bulletin specifically addressing their replacement, suggesting it as a known area for preventative maintenance. Despite such considerations, the collective sentiment among owners is overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the Trintella IV's enduring quality and suitability for serious blue-water cruising.