What the fleet has seen
The Neel 51, as the fleet has seen it
Derived from the videos the fleet has analysed of this model. ▶ marks open the moment aboard.
The Neel 51 is a 15.6-meter fractional sloop trimaran, designed by Joubert, Nivelt, and Joubert-Nivelt, and built by Neel Trimarans since 2017. With a beam of 8.9 meters and a draft of 1.5 meters, it displaces 13,999 kg. Aboard *Igor Stropnik*, a Neel 51 crossed the Atlantic during the ARC regatta, maintaining an average speed of 7 knots and occasionally reaching 10 knots while surfing downwind in 15 to 24 knots of breeze.56:49 The crew found downwind sails like gennakers and spinnakers prone to damage in ocean swells, preferring a Parasail, Code Zero, or light Genoa for long passages.27:14 They addressed halyard chafe by replacing lines with Dyneema and protecting high-friction areas. *Sailing Solé* delivered a Neel 51 from Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas, navigating tight river turns and shallow waters, noting the vessel's full-size galley, central salon, and multiple cabins with private heads.0:57 The crew of *Sailing Doodles*, sailing a Neel 43, praised its stability and speed over catamarans, noting its increased living space compared to the Rapido trimaran.19:15
