French Studio Unveils Ipsum 45 Trimaran Inspired by Historic Route du Rhum

A French naval architecture and design studio has introduced a new trimaran concept that draws heavy inspiration from the historic roots of the famous Route du Rhum transatlantic race. The project, named the Ipsum 45, looks back to the sleek multihull designs of the 1970s and 1980s, specifically referencing the legendary vessel "Olympus" sailed by Canadian skipper Mike Birch.

Birch famously piloted his small trimaran to victory in the inaugural Route du Rhum in 1978, defeating larger monohulls in a thrilling finish. Alongside Birch's pioneering craft, the creators of the Ipsum 45 also drew inspiration from the works of prominent multihull architects such as Dick Newick, Jim Brown, Derek Kelsall, Arthur Piver, and James Wharram.

Developed by the French studio AWA, founded by naval architect Loïc Goepfert and designer Julien Boucher, the project merges classic aesthetics with modern performance technology. Both founders previously contributed to the development of the maxi-trimaran "Gitana 18 / Edmond de Rothschild." Furthermore, constructor Guillaume Verdier and his team designed the hulls for the Ipsum 45, utilizing advanced fluid flow simulations to optimize the vessel's shape.

The newly designed trimaran measures 14.20 meters in length and 9.15 meters in width. Rather than functioning as a pure foiler, the boat relies on small winglet-equipped hydrofoils on the outriggers to generate a skimming effect. This system provides dynamic lift to relieve the leeward float, reducing its immersion depth while simultaneously dampening movement in heavy seas, allowing the vessel to glide smoothly and controllably over the water.

Customization is a central element of the Ipsum 45 rig design. The layout was engineered to accommodate a self-supporting and automated ACC wing sail, which developers state provides significantly more lift than conventional rigging while simplifying handling. Alternatively, sailors can select a traditional rig modeled after the latest fast racing yachts, such as the Pogo 40 S4.

Perhaps the most radical feature of the vessel involves its structural superstructure. Instead of utilizing traditional narrow crossbeams strung with trampolines, the design incorporates aerodynamically fairing, walk-on connecting arms between the main hull and outriggers. These hollow arms can house one or two independent loft-style living modules, complete with optional wet rooms located within the floats.

For owners who prefer alternative layouts, the side areas can serve as storage space for recreational gear like surfboards, kiteboards, wingfoils, or diving equipment. Those favoring a more traditional aesthetic can also configure the Ipsum 45 with standard crossbeams and open trampolines.

Construction options are equally flexible, ranging from an all-carbon build with aerodynamic fairings to a classic wooden finish with exposed surfaces. AWA plans to distribute heavily stressed structural components as prefabricated core kits that can be shipped globally in standard shipping containers for assembly at a shipyard of the owner's choice, positioning the vessel between a semi-custom yacht and a modern self-build project.