The design brief also sought the convenience of a monohull, with most of the accommodation in one hull, combined with the light, bright, above-waterline feel of a catamaran.
Design and Construction
Morelli & Melvin developed the Rapido 60 using a full suite of advanced tools, including Finite Element Analysis, Computational Fluid Dynamics, and the GOMBOC Velocity Prediction Program developed for America’s Cup work. The resulting vacuum-infused foam-sandwich and carbon structure was judged very strong by the designers’ computer modeling.
During a structural test, the boat withstood enormous twisting pressure, then sprang back to its original condition unaffected. All three hulls have watertight bulkheads, while high-load areas such as the cockpit door frames receive carbon reinforcement. Safety at sea was the design’s number-one priority.
Light displacement is just over 22,000 pounds, roughly half the weight of a 60-foot performance catamaran, while maximum load is 26,456 pounds. The Rapido 60 can fly its central hull at only 12 to 13 degrees of heel without breaking up. Its righting moment exceeds that of a catamaran, making capsize in large seas unlikely.
Rig, Sail Handling, and Performance
The rotating, high-modulus carbon-fiber mast gives the Rapido 60 an air draft of 83 feet. The rig includes a torsional forestay with an integrated structural furler, aramid cap shrouds, and carbon diamonds. A carbon Park Avenue boom with large wings completes the package.
North 3Di sails provide more than 2,100 square feet between the mainsail and solent. Nearly all controls are led to the helm, where Jefa direct steering gives the driver maximum feedback. A sail-handling console on the bimini carries a large electric Lewmar 60 winch.
Under solent and a single reef, Multihulls World found that the central hull sheds a good part of its wetted surface. The windward hull lifts clear in a dynamic dihedron, the boat points tightly upwind, and spray seldom reaches the cockpit even in a breezy chop.
A reacher retains surprising upwind ability. With that sail or a gennaker, the boat can reel off more than 25 knots downwind. Romanza logged 24 knots at Airlie Beach Race Week and won New Zealand’s PIC Coastal Classic in 2020.
With the board and T-rudder raised, draft falls to just over 2.5 feet.
Cockpit and Accommodation
The stepped central hull creates a generous interior. The cockpit, saloon, galley, and navigation station are all on one level, and a removable saloon table allows the spaces to merge into a semi-outdoor refuge from wind, spray, and sun. Average headroom is 6 feet 11 inches.
The living spaces total about 260 square feet. Reviewers describe them as more open, private, and intimate than those aboard monohulls or catamarans.
The forecabin displays visible composite work and a demanding finish. Aft, the cabin has its own bathroom and a view of the wake, and is reached directly from the cockpit foot. A multifunction locker, reached through a large watertight cockpit hatch, even contains bunks.
Storage is extensive, with compartments in the floats, volumes beneath the cockpit, and space forward of the forecabin. The amas can swallow fenders, SUPs, and water toys. Giant trampolines, fixed to laminated battens without screws, sit at deck level for comfortable movement. There’s also a sunbathing area forward of the mast.
A side fairing closes off the cockpit at high speed. The raised helm has secure, direct access to the cockpit, while the transom swim platform includes a ladder and hot-and-cold shower.
Auxiliary Power and Electrical System
A single 53-hp Yanmar diesel, driving a folding three-blade propeller through a straight shaft, provides auxiliary power. The boat uses a 24-volt electrical system with lithium batteries that weigh half as much as lead-acid batteries and can tolerate deep discharge.
The Verdict
The Rapido 60 is one of the most exciting liveaboard multihulls produced. It’s a genuinely owner-operated trimaran that combines America’s Cup-grade engineering, short-handed sail handling, and a bright, open interior.
Its foam-and-carbon shell and watertight bulkheads make a case for stability and strength that few cruising catamarans can match. At the same time, its flying-hull performance and 25-knot runs redefine the pace of bluewater passages.
Pros
- Flies its central hull at 12–13 degrees of heel and has more righting moment than a catamaran
- Carries more than 2,100 square feet of North 3Di sail, with nearly all controls at the helm
- Provides 260 square feet of level living space, with a saloon and cockpit that can merge
- Draft drops to 2.5 feet with the board and rudder raised
Cons
- The 83-foot air draft limits access beneath some bridges and into some marinas
- At just over 38 feet of beam, berthing and transport require planning
- A single 53-hp diesel is modest auxiliary power for a 22,000-pound hull
