trinity sail yachting

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Extraordinary boats: Trimaran Trinity

• Helen Fretter
• September 27, 2023

Trinity is a custom 45ft performance trimaran designed by Reichel/Pugh to be fully adaptive and wheelchair accessible

Californian sailor Terri Nelson likes nice things. One of her pet peeves, she tells me from her home in San Diego, is that even when checking into luxe hotels, as a wheelchair user she misses out on some of the finer design elements that other guests enjoy.

So it’s no surprise that when she commissioned a custom-designed trimaran, one of the key briefs was that it should not look like an adaptive boat. Instead it needed to combine performance, style, and a certain luxuriousness: a tough brief.

Terri Nelson had sailed for much of her adult life, initially on Hobie Cats, then Catalina 30s, and bareboat chartering with friends all over the Caribbean. Always highly active despite her limited mobility, she enjoyed adaptive snow skiing and, as she puts it, “trying almost everything except parachuting”. For many years she used crutches to get about on land, and found the confines of a cockpit relatively easy to manoeuvre herself around in. After Nelson became a parent she began using a wheelchair more frequently. Her love of sailing never waned, however, and once her daughter had grown up she began to mull the idea of building a custom boat that would be fully wheelchair accessible.

“One day I thought, it’s either now or never. So I looked up who the local marine architects were, and I decided to drive down to Shelter Island and just see if there’s a parking place, because that’s important to me. Sure enough, there was a place right in front of Reichel/Pugh’s office.”

The spontaneous trip led to a meeting with the Reichel/Pugh design team, and the concept of Trinity was born.

Trinity is optimised to perform well in light winds, with Nelson planning to race locally in San Diego. Photo: C/O Reichel/Pugh

“When she came to us, neither one of us had any idea what this boat would look like,” recalls Jim Pugh of Reichel/Pugh. “But it evolved from discussions with her about her past sailing – her experience was on monohulls – and we sort of discussed and sketched up some different concepts. A trimaran offered good feel and sensation while being very stable and sailing at low angles of heel, which is pretty important.”

There are few fully adaptive sailing yachts in existence – the catamaran Impossible Dream was an early reference point, but the design quickly set off in a different direction. “I wanted to race, so Trinity is called a cruiser, but I consider it a performance cruiser,” explains Nelson. “I wanted it all. And Tony [Beale, senior naval architect] at Reichel/Pugh knew that.”

Article continues below…

“That was quite a big challenge,” says Jim Pugh. “Incorporating that accessibility combined with aesthetics and performance, and designing a beautiful yacht was a top priority for her and for us. We wanted to incorporate a design that had the graceful curves and proportions that Reichel/Pugh designs are known for, without compromising that accessibility.”

Trinity is constructed of carbon and foam core with light weight being a key objective, and was built at New Zealand Yachting Developments in Auckland. ‘We had to initially do a very extensive weight study – like you have to with any design, but we didn’t have a lot of comparable data for a design like this,” says Pugh. “Doing that weight study early, and tracking and monitoring the weight through the design and build, allowed us to evaluate decisions as the project went forward and through construction.”

The layout is designed to maximise both usable and wheelchair accessible space. The entire main deck is accessible, including a cockpit forward of the main saloon, the helm stations, and the aft deck, while Nelson’s master cabin and heads are also on the same level. An automated sliding door to the master cabin creates an open plan living area. The (non-adaptive) guest cabins are located down in the ama hulls, along with a second head, with machinery space below in the central hull and a sail locker in the forepeak.

Owner Terri Nelson taking the helm during sea trials in Auckland. Photo: C/O Reichel/Pugh

Access all areas

Full-width retractable doors that slide flush into the bulkhead create a single level area between the main saloon and aft cockpit as well as creating a sense of spaciousness.

The helming and sailing controls are also designed to be entirely accessible to Nelson from her wheelchair, with multiple helming positions: two outboard helm stations, and a third inside forward. “We designed some steering stations and then the yard [in New Zealand] actually built versions of them and sent them up to [California], with the wheel and everything. We had them in our office so that Terri could come in and try them,” recalls Pugh.

Flush sliding doors create a single level space between main saloon and aft cockpit. Photo: C/O Reichel/Pugh

The interior helm station sits next to an inside cockpit area with control lines led under shelter. Overhead windows provide sight lines for sail trim. The mainsheet is hydraulic with an in-boom furling main, furling jib and fully powered winches for push-button control.

The controls are designed so that, in time, Nelson will be able to sail with a high degree of autonomy. “I’m not there yet because it’s still a learning curve for me. I haven’t sailed for a really long time, and this is all new, and I have to figure out how I’m doing things,” she explains. “I’m not a skipper right now, I’m learning the boat, so I’ve got a skipper, and she’s really good. I’m going to gradually get more and more responsibilities, but it’s set up for me to go everywhere.

“Everything is push button. And everything else is [controlled] on an iPad – so the hatches open and close, right down to the screens and the shades.” The powered systems which control the doors, hatches and blinds are integrated into the boat’s C-zone system.

The mast base cockpit area with powered winches and push-button controls allows all sails to be adjusted from a protected internal position. Photo: C/O Reichel/Pugh

One of the key accessibility goals was for Nelson to be able to board the yacht on her own. Hull topside doors aft open to create an adjustable height boarding platform and ramp for access to and from the dock. “Getting off and on is really important, and I want to do it myself. I told them, ‘Make it so that I can go by myself.’ I won’t, I know that – mainly because I can’t dock her. Though I even looked into fenders that kind of go in and out of the hull, but really, you still need somebody else to tie up.”

Besides the access ramp there is also a lowering platform on the transom that Nelson can swim from, cunningly disguised as an aft cockpit seat, and bearing no resemblance to a conventional swimming pool hoist. “The middle of the rear of the boat has the teak seat. You sit on it and it will lower into the water or lower me into the dinghy – but you wouldn’t know that,” she says.

The inside forward helm station is designed for excellent visibility with curved windows outboard and glass panels in the roof. Photo: C/O Reichel/Pugh

Custom details

The interior is by Design Unlimited. Designer Nigel Jones explains: “The layout and functionality of Terri’s living spaces was particularly fascinating to develop. From corridor and open spaces to placement of taps, handrails and customised wardrobe handles there was an extra level of meticulous planning and design reviews that were required to ensure everything worked for Terri as seamlessly as possible.”

Some of Nelson’s favourite details include a custom-designed coffee station to house her beloved Keurig coffee machine, and a wardrobe with stowage that raises and lowers to make stored clothes easily reachable – based on a design she has in her own house.

There are two outboard helm stations, each with joystick and touch-screen controls. Photo: C/O Reichel/Pugh

The soft furnishings echo the seafoam green-blue of the hull, with crisp white and orange leather accents together with black carbon trim detailing. “I really wanted it sporty, I really wanted it to represent performance. And that means more contemporary.”

So far Nelson’s first custom-built yacht is exceeding expectations for sailing performance. “For a big boat, she handles really well. She is sharp and responsive and handles turns extremely well.”

Her sailing plans include some exploring of the local Coronado and Catalina Islands, and likely cruising south to Mexico. However, she’s also keen to put Trinity through her paces. “I want to do some club racing and probably longer races.

I want to put her out in everybody’s face!”

Trinity specifications

LOA: 13.71m / 45ft 0in Beam: 8.30m / 27ft 3in Draught: 1.93m / 6ft 4in Displacement: 11,900kg / 26,235lb Upwind Sail Area: 109m2 / 1,173ft2 Downwind Sail Area: 253m2 / 2,723ft2

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Below Deck Sailing Yacht is available to stream on Peacock.

Below Deck Sailing Yacht

Not available

Below Deck Sailing Yacht is a spin-off of the Below Deck reality television series. Premiering on Bravo, the show follows the life of a Yacht crew as they attempt to navigate a busy Charter season in which many customers make use of a 177-foot sailing yacht. Over the first three seasons, the yacht has been to Greece, Croatia, and Spain.

Looking for a specific day? Check what cruises are available here

Adamas Milos, 84800

Mon-Sun, 07:00-24:00

+30 698 639 9999

Make fulfilling adventurous cruises in Milos, you will always remember.

Help people to live a complete life, full of memorable experiences.  The quality of people’s lives is measured in the experiences they have lived.  Trinity Yachting wants more people to find happiness by collecting new experiences.

What we do?

One day, a thousand memories! Trinity yachting provides a whole day, cruising around the island of Milos. Discover amazing landscapes, meet people from all around the world, taste excellent food and wine, see the magic of the ocean through snorkelling and so much more. 

Whom do we serve?

Hello adventurer, Do you like exploring? Do you love the ocean? Are you thrilled by amazing landscapes and the cultural background? Do you love homemade food and local wines? Trinity Yachting cruise is made for you! 

How it started?

“Nothing in the world will take the place of persistence.” This is the motto that led to the creation of Trinity Yachting.

The story begins with Alexandros..

The story begins with Alexandros, a young person, full of goals and visions, who seeks a way to live a complete life full of memories. He was 18 years old, with no help from family and friends, and completely broke. Alexandros is not afraid of hard situations, and never loses his courage no matter the difficulties. He loves the sea and sailing, so he followed his instinct and sailed away around the world for 10 years.

During his trips, he focused on himself. Alexandros put a lot of energy into educating himself. He was reading books and continuously trying to learn new things. Self improvement became his most important goal and he made himself better everyday in economics, business and management. He searches inside to understand who he is and what made him really happy, until one day, he finally gets it. He gets it and decides to quit his job as a captain. 

Was it hard? Yes, but that was not the problem. Was it lonely? Yes, but that was not the problem. Was it exhausting? Yes, but that was not the problem. What was the problem?

He did not feel satisfied from his accomplishment.

Didn’t he make money? No, he made a lot of money, but money is not the most important thing.  Couldn’t he stand it anymore? No, Alexandros could do it just fine, but it’s not enough. 

Didn’t he love the sea? Of course, he loved the sea, and he was feeling comfortable with where he was.

So what was it?

The lack of human communication. Alexandros wanted to help people to gain happy memories for a lifetime. He may have enjoyed his time as a captain, but he couldn’t feel the satisfaction of inspiring new people.

How did it came true?

So he left everything behind, and he made his next step. Start his own sailing company. 

He has no support, no guidance, no money, but again nothing stopped him. He made everything it took to make it happen, and he succeeded in just a few months. 

He may have lost his sleep, devoted a ton of personal time, sacrificed his comforts, invested every last penny he had, but he made it. 

In 2018, in his late 20’s, Alexandros started Trinity Yachting. 

He chose Milos to offer daily cruises with semi-private and private tours. 

He managed to survive a difficult first season due to coronavirus measures, and the very next year became one of the most famous daily cruise brands on the island, and finally won a Trip Advisor Awards by his satisfied clients.

Right now Trinity Yachting is maybe the most famous and newest company in Milos. Alexandros is proud, but not about being famous. This is just the result. 

The reason behind  the prιde, is that he managed to find a way to live life. 

This is what makes him happy.

He lives according to his beliefs. 

He is helping people to live happy moments, they will always remember. 

He helps people to live a life full of memories that make them feel truly happy.

of the company

Teamwork with persistence and determination.

Not everyone could be a part of the Trinity crew. Every Trinity member has been chosen very carefully to be responsible and consistent on the quality of Trinity services.

Respect and caring for the customer

Customer comes first no matter what! Trinity respects every person who comes onboard and does everything to satisfy you with respect. 

Always in good mood and full of energy

Every trip is a different amazing experience, and every day is unique. That’s how every Trinity member perceives every day. Seize the day! (Carpe diem).

Honesty, Trust and Reliability

Don’t hesitate to ask anything during your trip. Ask the Trinity team for whatever concerns you and get honest and immediate answers.

Responsibility

Trinity is responsible for your time onboard. First of all, your safety comes first. There is not a single chance to be exposed, no matter the circumstances. You are always safe. All you have to do is to follow the instructions of the Trinity team.

Every deal is sacred

You have expectations on your trip, and Trinity makes everything it takes to exceed them! Trinity’s mission is to give you a fulfilling adventurous cruise. Everything you have read or heard will be fulfilled. No stepbacks, no excuses. A deal is a deal.

Enjoyment, happiness and sense of freedom

You are here with the Trinity team for a reason! To have fun, explore new places, taste good food and the most important of all leave happy with unforgettable memories. This is what Trinity offers in its trips for people like you who are in an adventurous mood.

When was Trinity Yachting established and who owns it?

Trinity Yachting is a private charter company established in 2006, and operates on the island of Milos. It is owned by people full of enthusiasm and love for the sea.

NOW, Trinity Yachting:

• Carried so far more than 10.000 passengers
• Provides you service of private or semi-private cruises
• It is ready to cruise you for more than one day. 
• Offers you to book a cruise for special occasions (bachelor parties, birthday parties, wedding proposals and honeymoon cruises).

Meet the crew

The time on-board arrives. You are going to experience a thrilling day. But before that, it is the time to meet all the people who are here to assist you organize a unique daily sailing cruise tailored to your desires.

Alexandros Kelesis, 29 OWNER AND CAPTAIN

Alexandros, is the owner of the Trinity Yachting. He spent a major part of his late 20’s traveling around the globe as a captain and found many difficulties in his way. But he was full of will, determination and optimism that he would succeed. And so he did!

He is very well experienced in organizing trips and using the boat equipment to make sure everybody is safe on board. You will find him exploring nature, meeting new people and if you have a problem he is the perfect life coacher! He never gives up and he has the germ of a businessman and wants everything to work perfectly.

He believes that you can do WHATEVER it comes to your mind only if you make sacrifices to achieve it. 

Bavaria Nautitech 400

The Bavaria Nautitech 400 got plenty of room for everybody on board, made ideally to enjoy every moment relaxing or sunbathing on the trampoline between the hulls at the bow.

BAVARIA 50 CRUISER

The Bavaria 50 Cruiser boasts robust construction, effortlessly slicing through the water with its swift navigation while exuding glamour with its elegant design and luxurious features.