In 20 years’ time,
Coste suggests,
trimarans could take
over, as more owners
seek the combined
benefits of fuel
savings and speed
It’s hard to ignore the
elephant in the room – Galaxy
of Happiness is reminiscent of
Adastra, which similarly
turned heads with her launch
in 2012. Of course, there are
plenty of white, multi-tiered
yachts but with Galaxy of
Happiness’s space-craft
exterior the resemblance is
more striking. According to
Coste, this was never the
intention. The creator/owner
of the Galaxy vessels explored
several styles before settling on
this design. He specifically
wanted a flowing, winged
superstructure, without a flat windscreen and no
reverse bow. Staying under 300GT was also part of the
aim, a challenge in a 174 foot yacht. “Adastra is much
more soft and curvy, we are more straight,” adds Coste.
“And we are much faster than Adastra.”
It certainly proves true. Galaxy of Happiness is sure-
footed in the choppy seas. Up on the flybridge there is
some wetness, to be expected on a rough day, but
noticeably far less rolling than a monohull. Inside the
salon, it is whisper quiet and so calm that you can’t tell
we’ve hit a top speed of 29.5 knots. It’s a boat that you
feel comfortable going to sea in, and in conditions that
would keep many monohulls in port. And best of all,
you wouldn’t have to stodgily roll through the waves at
an economical speed but could take off near top speed
and get to safe harbor faster and in more comfort,
although maybe not slip into every port.
This is just a sample of the possibilities of the
trimaran platform. Coste shares the renderings for
a number of other concepts that use other
superstructures on the same hull form employed in the
Galaxy twins. It is remarkable how different from
Galaxy of Happiness they are and they display how a
semi-custom platform could easily be born, offering a
variety of exterior profiles and layouts. One version has
two decks with Portuguese bridge style windows
reminiscent of a sailing cat wrapping all the way
around – more of a floating loft than a spaceship.
A 288 footer and 328 footer are also in development.
A bold owner, other multihull projects ready and
waiting and a yard willing to do things differently – for
Coste, good things come in threes it seems. BAbove:
The cozy sundeck
is home to a
spa pool and bar
Below:
The main aft deck is
the entertainment
hub with plenty of
couches and a
long dining table
that seats 12one of the earliest configurations because they are
efficient and stable,” he says. “It’s the same as those
wooden craft: long, narrow hull and two outriggers.”
Perhaps the multihull has been forgotten and it’s
time for a revival or, in Coste’s opinion, a design
revolution. He points to the bareboat charter market
in the Caribbean, where sailing cats have overtaken the
fleet thanks to their stability and comfort on board. In
20 years’ time, Coste suggests, trimarans could take
over the superyacht fleet, or at least put a dent in it, as
more owners seek the combined benefits of fuel
savings and speed. Trimarans offer that rare
combination of being eco-conscious while reaching
their adventurous destinations more quickly.
“There is a place in the market for people looking for
something that is both fast and efficient,” says David
Legrand, of Fraser. “Perhaps it could appeal to the
Mangusta owner, offering enough speed but not be
prohibited by range.” He admits the multihull market
is still a niche one, but for the younger millionaires who
enjoy self-sufficiency it’s an appealing proposition.WWW.BOATINTERNATIONAL.COMwanted a sofa, games table and big dining table, so this
is what is found in the lofty room that is well lit by an
opening skylight above. The windows and skylight are
LCD glass, which is dimmable.
Two separate stairways lead to the cabins, which are
split, with the master and a guest cabin aft and another
guest cabin amidships. One staircase is framed by a
masterful piece of architecture in carbon fiber. The
entire interior is warmed by the owner’s choice of
red-tinted mahogany floors and cherry joinery, also
stained in a red varnish. The bold choice gives a
colorful contrast to the cool exterior. Coste’s company
did the GA and even designed the furniture, while the
interior décor was created in-house by the yard.
The ports in the cabins all open, so a fresh breeze can
flow through the interior. You can open the doors and
skylight to get a current of wind that replaces the air
conditioning, even in summer. Coste says he carried
this over from the sailing cat world. Originally intended
for private use, the layout can accommodate a big
family and has guest cabins with three beds apiece. You
could picture the rooms reimagined with a larger
wardrobe or sitting area instead of one of the beds if
this wasn’t to the taste of a potential new owner.
Although catching the eye isn’t the aim, there is no
denying that Coste, Latitude and Fraser – representing
Galaxy of Happiness for sale – are all trying to attract a
new type of client, one who is younger and more
concerned about the environment, adventure and
speed than yachting traditions. Coste thinks the
trimaran, with its blend of unusual styling and efficient,
speedy performance, could be just the ticket.
Despite the modern lines, Coste says his inspiration
for the twin trimarans comes from some of the oldest
craft in the world. “It’s not that we’re doing something
new – just look at Polynesian pirogues. Multihulls areTOP
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