The world of performance cruising has a new benchmark with the debut of the TRM 43, a catamaran designed for those who prioritize the raw joy of sailing over unnecessary luxuries. Featured in a recent tour by Toby Hodges for Yachting World at the International Multihull Show 2026, this vessel is a masterclass in lightweight composite engineering. Built by the Portuguese yard Triarine Composites and designed by the renowned Christophe Barreau, the TRM 43 is a spiritual successor to the iconic TS42, aimed at sailors who want to move fast even in the lightest breezes,.
Ultra-Light Construction Sets the TRM 43 Apart
The defining characteristic of the TRM 43 is its incredible weight—or lack thereof. Coming in at just 6.5 tons, it is significantly lighter than its competitors,. This feat was achieved through the expertise of Fernando Senna and his team at Triarine Composites near Lisbon, who utilized epoxy foam sandwich construction throughout the entire vessel,. To shave off every possible kilogram, the boat features carbon fiber bulkheads, a carbon longeron, and carbon daggerboards. Unlike traditional cruising cats, there are no heavy inner liners; the interior is essentially the structural hull itself, meticulously finished and painted,.
Fast, Responsive Sailing With Minimal Engine Dependence
Designed to provide a beach cat feel in a blue-water cruiser, the TRM 43 offers an exceptionally hands-on experience. The boat is steered via tillers and bucket seats, giving the helmsperson a direct connection to the water,. Its performance figures are equally impressive: the yacht is capable of hitting 20-knot speeds in strong following breezes and has demonstrated the ability to average double-digit speeds (10–11 knots) during offshore deliveries,. Perhaps most impressively, the TRM 43 starts moving in as little as two knots of true wind speed, meaning owners will rarely need to rely on the twin Volvo Penta 30hp engines,.
Single-Handed Control and Efficient Deck Layout
Despite its high-performance nature, the TRM 43 is designed to be easily managed by a single person. The deck is outfitted with the latest equipment from Carver and Antel, with all essential controls—including daggerboard lines and sheets—led back to the cockpit,. The rig features an Axon carbon mast and boom, with the mast height kept at a conservative level to ensure the boat remains manageable without requiring constant, high-alert mainsheet trimming,. The setup also includes carbon-wrapped furlers for the staysail, genoa, and code sail, keeping weight centralized for better stability.
Spartan Interior Focuses on Function Over Luxury
The no-frills philosophy is most evident once you step below deck. The interior is spartan and simple, focusing on weight savings and structural integrity. The main salon features a functional galley and a unique reclining chaise style navigator seat positioned behind forward-facing windows that provide excellent visibility and ventilation without glare. The hulls are narrow and focused on utility, containing double berths, technical rooms for equipment like the water maker, and a pull-out shower system to save space,. While the accommodation is tight compared to a standard cruising catamaran, it remains capable of hosting family and friends for long-distance voyages.
Built for Off-Grid Cruising and Long Independence
The TRM 43 is built for sailors who want to stay away from marinas. The roof is equipped with a large array of solar panels that charge a substantial battery bank, providing enough power for the water maker and onboard electronics,. A clever rainwater collection system is integrated into the roof, allowing the owner to top up water tanks or jerry cans during passage,. Because the boat sails so efficiently in light winds, fuel consumption is kept to an absolute minimum, further enhancing its independent cruising capabilities.
Price Reflects the TRM 43’s Specialized Performance Build
This level of specialized composite construction and high-end hardware comes with a corresponding price tag. The base price for the TRM 43 starts at approximately €890,000. However, a fully equipped model, such as the one showcased with premium carbon components and advanced sailing gear, typically ranges between €1.2 million and €1.3 million. For the purist sailor, it is the price of owning one of the fastest and most responsive 43-foot cruising catamarans on the market today.
Photo: Screenshot/Yachting World
