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Astus 26.5: the trimaran that rethinks light family cruising
With a hull length of 7.90 m and a sailing beam of 5.80 m, the Astus 26.5 is the largest model ever designed by Astusboats. Presented at the Grand Pavois boat show in La Rochelle in September 2025, it is the successor to the Astus 24, now discontinued, and will meet the expectations of yachtsmen looking for comfort, logistical simplicity and modularity. This trimaran, still designed by VPLP (as has the entire range since 2016), is aimed at couples wishing to sail with a maximum of two young children without giving up the mobility of a transportable multihull.
A central volume for a livable, minimalist cruise
The interior volume of the 26.5 represents a significant step forward in the range. The canvas-separated forward cabin features a double berth measuring 1.40 m at the head, narrowed to 1 m at the foot. The saloon, with a headroom of 1.80 m, includes two side benches that can be transformed into 60 cm-wide berths (the berths can be extended into the passageway for the night). The interior equipment remains basic: a sink, a small stove, fresh water and a toilet area under the front bunk. This configuration is clearly aimed at outings lasting a few days on coastal waters, while maintaining a minimum of comfort for a family of four.
A transportable structure true to Astusboats' DNA
One of the strong points of this trimaran remains its float folding system. Mounted on telescopic aluminum arms, these allow two folded positions: one at 2.99 m (for stability in port) and one at 2.52 m for road transport. Each float, weighing around 110 kg, requires rope-assisted maneuvering for extension and retraction. However, once the boat is in the water, it remains accessible to two people. The boat can thus be stored at home or launched on conventional slipways.
Three versions to suit different sailing profiles
Astusboats offers this model in three configurations: Leisure, Cruising and Sport. The Leisure version features a 25 m² mainsail and 11 m² jib, while the Sport version boasts a 28 m² mainsail and 13 m² jib. The gennaker varies from 30 to 34 m² according to version. The rig reaches 11 m, giving the planing hull excellent acceleration capacity. In Sport configuration, the first runs exceeded 11 knots in light conditions. Behavior remains sound, the helm neutral and responsive, even at high speed.
Design choices focused on simplicity and safety
On the appendage side, the pivoting daggerboard and lifting rudder enhance safety in shallow or congested waters. Draught varies from 0.35 m to 1.80 m. This technical choice, combined with a light displacement of 1,100 kg, means that the boat can be beached without constraint. The infusion hull offers a good compromise between lightness, rigidity and production cost. Deck equipment remains simple, with a cockpit protected by coamings. A motor of up to 10 hp can be fitted to the chair.
An affordable alternative in the world of family multihulls
Priced from 100,000 euros inc. VAT for the basic version, and around 125,000 euros fully equipped, the Astus 26.5 competes head-on with the Tricat 8.50, which is more spacious but also more expensive and less suited to road transport. In keeping with its philosophy of a folding, dismountable and customizable boat, Astusboats is pursuing a line consistent with its previous models. This 26.5 is aimed at boaters who want to alternate between different waters, sail lightly and stay within a controlled budget.
