Rapido 60 Sailboat Review, Specs, and Listings

Design and Construction

Morrelli & Melvin approached the 60 with a full suite of high-tech tools, including Finite Element Analysis, Computational Fluid Dynamics, and the GOMBOC Velocity Prediction Program developed for America's Cup work. The result is a foam-sandwich and carbon structure, vacuum-infused, that the designers' computer modeling judged very strong anchor. A structural test bore enormous twisting pressure before the hull sprang back into its original condition, unaffected. All three hulls carry watertight bulkheads, and high-load zones such as cockpit door frames are carbon-reinforced. At roughly half the weight of a 60-foot performance catamaran — light displacement just over 22,000 pounds against a maximum load of 26,456 — the Rapido 60 flies its central hull at only 12 to 13 degrees of heel without breaking up, and its righting moment exceeds that of a catamaran, making a capsize in large seas unlikely. Safety at sea was the number-one priority woven through the design.

Rig and Handling

The rotating high-modulus carbon-fiber mast steps to an air draft of 83 feet and works with a torsional forestay carrying an integrated structural furler, aramid cap shrouds, and carbon diamonds. A carbon park-avenue boom and large boom wings complete the package, while North 3Di sails deliver more than 2,100 square feet between mainsail and solent. Nearly all controls sit at the helm, and Jefa direct steering gives the driver maximum feedback. Multihulls World found the central hull sheds a good part of its wetted surface under solent and a single reef anchor, and the windward hull lifts clear in a dynamic dihedron; upwind angles close tightly and spray seldom reaches the cockpit even in a breezy chop. A reacher preserves surprising upwind ability, and with that sail or a gennaker the boat reels off 25-plus knots downwind — Romanza logged 24 knots at Airlie Beach Race Week and won New Zealand's PIC Coastal Classic in 2020. With board and T-rudder raised, draft shrinks to just over 2.5 feet.

Accommodations

The stepped central hull gives a generous interior, with cockpit, saloon, galley, and nav station all on one level and a removable saloon table letting the spaces merge into a semi-outdoor refuge from wind, spray, and sun. Headroom averages 6 feet 11 inches. Reviewers describe living spaces more open, private, and intimate than those of monohulls or cats, totaling about 260 square feet. The forecabin shows visible composite work and a demanding finish; the aft cabin has its own bathroom and a view of the wake, reached directly from the cockpit foot. A multifunction locker opens by a large watertight hatch from the cockpit and even houses bunks. Storage is extensive: float compartments, under-cockpit volumes, and forward of the forecabin, while the amas swallow fenders, SUPs, and water toys. Giant trampolines fixed on laminated battens without screws stretch deck-level for comfortable movement, and a sunbathing area lies forward of the mast.

Equipment and Power

A single 53-hp Yanmar diesel with straight shaft and folding three-blade propeller provides auxiliary drive on this 24-volt platform, backed by lithium batteries half the weight of lead-acid and deep-discharge capable. A sail-handling console on the bimini carries a large electric Lewmar 60 winch. The transom swim platform adds a hot/cold shower and ladder. A side fairing closes the cockpit for high speed, and a raised helm with secure direct access to the cockpit anchors the command position.

The Verdict

The Rapido 60 is one of the most exciting liveaboard multihulls produced: a genuinely owner-operated trimaran that pairs America's-Cup-grade engineering with short-handed sail handling and a bright, open interior. Its foam-carbon shell and watertight bulkheads deliver a stability and strength case few cruising cats can match, while the flying-hull performance and 25-knot runs redefine bluewater passage pace.

Pros