Updated on August 7th, 2023
Today we asked marine engineer Jelle Bilkert some questions.
Dear Jelle, please tell us a little about the history of the Trimonoran concept. How did the idea come about?
While learning, by myself, moving in a canoe with sail I discovered a vessel needs stability. Also you will never beat nature: when a tree refuses to bent it will break.
A sailing boat will always sail at an angle (except foilers). Therefore I sketched a model at a comfortable angle. Than mirrored the cross section and the basics existed. Most imported was the hull proved to be perfect for sailing as well motor vessels (80 % of the market).
Does such a hull allow the engines or batteries (in the case of an electric version) to be placed low enough for stability?
Yes indeed: low in the middle hull.
Obviously, the cost of building a Trimonoran-based yacht can be somewhat higher than that of a classic monohull. Is this difference expected to be offset by fuel economy?
A 15m Trimonoran is 20% more expensive than a 15m monohull, but faster, has more space, equals a 18m monohull.
We know that the Trimonoran hull has been fully tested, from computer simulations to scale models. We are very curious, have you done any testing for sailing versions?
For sure. We tested a tow tank model with sails.
Are there any potential disadvantages of Trimonoran?
Maybe the draft for motor vessels?
What designers do you collaborate with on projects?
Baran Akalin, Barry Broadbent, Massimiliano Cassinis, Pedro Krüger, Edwin van der Mark, Sirosh Prakash, Vadim Yurchuk.
Is there any interest in Trimonoran from government agencies?
None.
How can investors and customers contact you?
Always, by e-mail gjb@anwigema.nl or phone +31655974092.