Big fish
The iconic trimaran prototype, Black Marlin has now entered serial production.
16 March 2021
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The iconic trimaran, Black Marlin, developed as a singular prototype by designer, builder and sailor, Jan Andersen has now entered serial production.
The original Black Marlin, a 10–metre carbon, environmentally-focussed trimaran, was first designed by Andersen in 2012 under his one-person brand, Vision Boats. In the near decade since, Black Marlin has secured line honours at the 2016 Ohavetrundt, won the 2017 Fyncup as well as a series of victories in the world’s biggest single hand sailing regatta, the Silverrudder, in Denmark.
Black Marlin has also cruised consistently throughout Europe with Andersen at the helm.
In 2004, Andersen built a similar vessel, the Barracuda – a near-10 metre carbon trimaran that also drew positive attention. In 2007, Barracuda was voted the “Most Beautiful Boat” at the International Multihull Meeting in Norway.
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To oversee the transition from prototype to serial product, which is now being referred to as the Marlin 33, Andersen has teamed with Olympic medal-winning sailor, Roland Gaebler, and Belgian composite expert, Jan Verroken – the three establishing the new brand, Marlin Trimarans.
At 10-metres and a total weight of 1460-kilograms due to a carbon/epoxy construction, the Marlin 33 is extremely light, facing minimal water resistance. Power for the electrical engine and other consumption on board is supplied by 450-watt solar panels positioned on the rooftop.
The high volume and design of the amas, or side hulls, allow the boat to run through the water at maximum speed while also providing preventing nose dives in strong winds. Two rudders also allow full control in all wind and wave conditions.
Outfitted for single and double-handed sailing and provided with ample space, the Marlin 33 is a versatile vessel, suited for both racing and cruising. The boat is also foldable and trailerable with a 2.54-metre beam, allowing it to be towed on land.
The Marlin 33 also has a kick-up centreboard and rudders that flip up if it hits a rock or is sail into shallow waters, preventing major damage as well as providing to potential for anyone to comfortably sail anywhere.
The Marlin 33 is also a simple-to-operate vessel and can be sailed with one or two rudders in harbour manoeuvres. The flat deck also provides excellent visibility and overview while under sail.
The headroom in the saloon is 1.95–metres in length and can seat eight people at the table.
Production of the Marlin 33 is scheduled to take place at the new Elica Shipyard, located in north-east Bulgaria and managed by Jan Verroken.
Testing sailing sessions are scheduled to begin from April onwards in both Denmark and Germany.
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