Interior exposure

VMG has revealed the interiors of its new VMG 53 performance trimaran, combining transformable living spaces with a nature-inspired palette and durable materials.

Photography by VMG - Velocity Made Good

18 September 2026

New York-based VMG (Velocity Made Good) has released the first details of the interior of its new VMG 53, with construction of the performance cruising trimaran progressing in Cape Town.

Designed for offshore cruising, the VMG 53 aims to combine the speed and responsiveness of a performance trimaran with the space, comfort and practical features required for extended cruising.

The interior has been designed by French designer Christophe Chedal Anglay around a philosophy that puts function and adaptability at the centre of life on board.

“At its heart, it is designed for performance-orientated sailing, not as an entertainment platform,” says Anglay.

The VMG 53 combines performance-focused sailing with the space and practicality of a cruising trimaran.

The VMG 53 is designed to balance offshore performance with comfortable, adaptable cruising spaces.

The 16-metre VMG 53 features a distinctive green exterior and powerful performance-trimaran profile.

The VMG 53’s aft deck connects directly with the interior living spaces for an open approach to life on board.

The broad stern provides stepped access to the water from each of the VMG 53’s three hulls.

An overhead view highlights the VMG 53’s expansive deck area and distinctive trimaran configuration.

Solar panels are integrated extensively into the VMG 53’s coachroof.

“It is inspired by my own background in extreme mountain sports and sailing, and there is no style versus practicality compromise. Functionality, and the constraints which this brings, generate the style of the vessel.”

Transformable spaces

Rather than adopting a conventional fixed layout, the VMG 53 uses spaces that can change according to how the yacht is being used.

During passages, the cabin close to the helm gives the owner a private space within easy reach of the controls. Once at anchor or cruising in warmer waters, the owner can move to a private cabin in one of the trimaran’s outer hulls, allowing the main cabin to become a larger social space.

Bifold doors and disappearing bulkheads enable the cabin to open into the saloon, while a projector can use one of the bulkheads as a screen. Switchable glass provides privacy when the area is configured for sleeping.

The result is a space capable of functioning as a bedroom, saloon or entertainment area.

Anglay cites Japanese architecture as an influence on the concept.

It’s a very Japanese way to see architecture, which is that you transform your living space from one week to another, or even from one day to another,” he says.

The flexibility continues in the VIP cabin, positioned forward to starboard. Its bed can be converted from a generous single to a double, while storage and furniture can be adjusted to accommodate different combinations of guests.

Inspired by nature

VMG’s signature green provided the starting point for the yacht’s colour palette, with Anglay expanding the concept into a broader connection with nature.

“The green evokes an island with a rainforest, and the blue evokes a beautiful lagoon,” he says.

Exterior areas use subtly darker tones to help maintain views outside, while lighter colours are employed within the more confined hull interiors.

Hull number one will feature an exterior finish designed to transition from deep green to golden bronze as the light changes, complementing the cork, eucalyptus and bronze hardware used throughout the interior.

The light-filled saloon brings together dining, lounging and helm functions in an open-plan arrangement.

Wide sliding doors connect the VMG 53’s saloon directly with the aft cockpit.

The flexible interior integrates navigation technology without compromising the VMG 53’s understated design language.

A dedicated workstation provides expansive views and access to navigation and performance data.

The VMG 53’s transformable layout allows accommodation and living areas to be reconfigured for different cruising scenarios.

Integrated storage reflects the emphasis on practicality throughout the VMG 53 interior.

A private cabin adjoining the main living space forms part of the VMG 53’s flexible accommodation concept.

The VMG 53 interior is designed around adaptable spaces that can change function according to how the yacht is being used.

The VMG 53’s accommodation combines warm timber finishes with practical storage and an ensuite bathroom.

Sustainable material choices

Materials selected for the VMG 53 include cork, eucalyptus and vegan suede, with durability a key consideration.

“Every material I chose to use on board is the best you can find on the market in terms of durability; we made no compromises at all in this area,” says Anglay.

Cork flooring continues between interior and exterior areas, visually linking the aft cockpit, deck and bow.

Owners will also have considerable scope to personalise their yacht. While the underlying hull and deck architecture remains consistent, flooring, colours, woods and textiles can be tailored in collaboration with the designer.

“It is an important part of my approach that every new project has to be different from the one before,” Anglay says.

VMG says the first VMG 53 is scheduled for delivery in January 2027.

vmgtrimarans.com