Tri Supernova Information, Review, Specs

While the monohull Supernova Class Association remains the primary hub for the design’s lineage, the trimaran variant occupies a niche position in the market. It is often sought after by sailors who appreciate the Mark Giles design philosophy—characterized by a light, responsive hull and a powerful fully-battened mainsail—but who desire the upright sailing posture and safety margin provided by a multihull. The boat is typically constructed of glass-reinforced plastic (GRP), ensuring a stiff, lightweight frame that can be easily trailered and assembled at the water’s edge.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Supernova trimaran are defined by its exceptional power-to-weight ratio. Because the amas provide a massive increase in righting moment compared to a monohull of the same length, the boat can carry its sail area much longer into freshening breezes. On a reach, the boat exhibits the classic multihull "lift," where the central hull clears the water's surface as speed increases, significantly reducing wetted surface area.

Handling is sharp and communicative, though sailors transitioning from the monohull version will notice a more "level" sailing experience. Unlike the monohull Supernova, which requires precise body positioning to maintain trim, the Tri version is more forgiving of weight shifts. However, this stability can be deceptive; in high winds, the boat can reach speeds that outpace its 15-foot waterline, leading to a "wet" ride as the bows of the amas pierce through chop. Tracking is generally excellent due to the deep-section central hull, though the added windage of the outriggers can make tacking slightly more deliberate than the instantaneous pivots of the monohull variant.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus their inspection on the unique structural components that differentiate the trimaran from the standard dinghy.

• Beam Attachment Points: The most critical area of inspection is where the crossbeams (akas) bolt into the central hull and the amas. Look for stress cracking in the gelcoat or signs of "working" in the laminate, which can indicate that the boat has been driven hard in heavy seas.
• Ama Integrity: Older models may suffer from water ingress in the outriggers. Check the hatch seals and the hull-to-deck joints of the amas. If an ama feels unexpectedly heavy during a "tap test," it may have saturated internal foam or trapped water.
• Mast Step Compression: Given the increased righting moment of a trimaran, the mast and mast step endure significantly higher loads than on a monohull. Ensure the mast step is not showing signs of sinking or cracking in the surrounding cockpit floor.
• Trampoline Tension: The fabric mesh between the hulls provides both safety and structural rigidity. Check for UV degradation in the stitching and ensure the lacing eyes are secure. Replacing a custom trampoline can be a significant hidden cost.

Community & Resources

The primary resource for technical data regarding the hull and rig remains the Supernova Class Association, though their focus is primarily on monohull racing. Technical support for the trimaran-specific hardware is often found through the designer Mark Giles’ archival notes or through general multihull groups such as the Small Trimarans community. Owners often collaborate on rigging modifications, as many Tri versions were customized by their original owners to include jibs or asymmetric spinnakers not found on the standard Class legal dinghy.

The Verdict

The Supernova trimaran is a rare but rewarding find for the multihull enthusiast who wants "pocket rocket" performance in a package that can be managed by a single sailor.

Pros:

• High Stability: Extremely difficult to capsize compared to a standard dinghy, making it an excellent choice for solo sailors in gusty conditions.
• Speed: Capable of double-digit speeds on a reach, far exceeding the hull speed of traditional 15-footers.
• Ease of Use: Can be launched from a standard boat ramp and requires no complex winch systems or large crews.

Cons:

• Rarity: Very few units were produced compared to the monohull version, making parts and sistership comparisons difficult to find.
• Assembly Time: The process of attaching beams and amas adds 20-30 minutes to the pre-sail setup compared to a simple dinghy.
• Wet Ride: The low-slung amas and high speeds result in significant spray in even moderate chop.