SEAON 96 (sold)

History of the Seaon Since the mid-1990s, Stephan Törnblom has been designing trimarans. Their names are Cheetah (8m), Gazelle (11m), T35 Nexus. This choice perfectly illustrates the attitude of Baltic sailors towards their multihulls: they develop trihulls for their potential for speed and stability and they are all foldable integral dinghies in order to beach everywhere and simplify transport. All of these characteristics favor road transport, containerization, cranes and more generally cohabitation with a multi. Above all, it makes it possible to be satisfied with light port infrastructures, so beneficial for the preservation of the coast while enjoying a fun platform, suitable for frequenting the open sea. Aeronautical engineer, Jan Gapinski is an efficient sailor in J24 and Mumm 36. When investing in an IMX 38, he realizes that he will not go faster and moves towards a Mycat catamaran, then a Corsair F31. Seduced by their performance, he decided to start work in 1997 on a superb Nexus T35 equipped with an aerorig. This experience foreshadows the Seaon adventure. Architecture and construction Patiently, Jan Gapinski and Stephan Törnblom perfected the Seaon concept as well as the production process and the choice of industrial site. Mats Johansson (Gran Segel sails), the accomplice sailboat is responsible for optimizing the "engine", Marström (also from aeronautics) provides the rotating mast. All that remains is to install the production tool in Poland. The method of construction uses the Carbon sandwich pre-impregnated on a Divynicell foam, post-cured under vacuum. The big advantage of this process lies in the almost unlimited implementation time it allows, promoting working comfort and therefore the final quality. The Seaon is light, the water lines of the central hull are fine, the wet surface reduced, only the steps and the volume of the vault betray the cruising orientation. The freeboards of floats are important, but the sections are thin; the Seaon seeks the security of its supports in the progressiveness of vertical volumes that are more comfortable than cylindrical arbitrations. The featherweight allows particularly delicate hydrodynamic leaks. Fall back! The Seaon knows that to achieve its objectives, the strategy of withdrawal is a trump card. The geometric axis is horizontal (like the Dragonfly), the Carbon arms are embedded on the float side in a conical sheath (equipped with a safety key) and pivot on reassuringly sampled structural hinges, integrated into the central hull . The quality of construction and the simplicity of the textile paths allow opening-closing maneuvers with astonishing flexibility and speed. The absence of waterstays (arm martingales) is surprising, but the yard claims to have had no problems in this regard. A particularly attractive silhouette… The Seaon is an elegant trimaran whose lines reflect the designer's stylistic mastery: the proportions are perfect, the crossing of the arms gives it a sleek look despite the absence of a pronounced dihedral. The curvature of the coachroof reveals a graceful eyelid above a half-open feline eye, a distinctive aesthetic sign. But a real cruise ship Four single berths, a double forward, a 4/6 person saloon, a kitchenette and a sink, all covered in Alcantara and bathed in light, here are the "cruising" assets of the Seaon! The overall finish reveals quite remarkable care and attention to detail. The absence of a centerboard daggerboard greatly improves circulation. Trimaran and "coal engine" The Seaon comes standard with a Marström carbon rotating mast and our test model sported Gran Segel sails in Mylar-Carbon sandwich. If we add the magnificent retractable bowsprit and the absence of a furler, we will see that this trimaran makes no concessions despite its attractive presentation! Prototype performance… usable on a daily basis! Mooring dropped, the Seaon, obedient, fell on the right side (on the right, the corner is riddled with Breton granite…) and started immediately. Hoisting the jib only takes a handful of seconds and with the starboard daggerboard alone (Bernard exploded the other on an ofni), the yellow machine climbs upwind at more than 10 knots. Five tacks later (level with the rocks, it's so easy with the self-tacking solent!) EUREKA is out of the minefield that borders the coast of Lancieux at low tide. The ease of this upwind trimaran is admirable: it has no inertia and progresses in the gusts with infectious enthusiasm. The lack of port drift is not a handicap for our test, we barely concede a few degrees without any real loss of sensation. The dynamic qualities and finesse of the Seaon would, I am sure, allow it to progress without these appendages!
The ease of this upwind trimaran is admirable: it has no inertia and progresses in the gusts with infectious enthusiasm. The lack of port drift is not a handicap for our test, we barely concede a few degrees without any real loss of sensation. The dynamic qualities and finesse of the Seaon would, I am sure, allow it to progress without these appendages! Crosswind towards Fréhel, the machine carves a regular and fast course in a hesitating breeze (10-15 knots of speed for the same real wind) and I take full advantage of this beautiful machine. The long Carbon stick and the return of the main carriage end to the wind make the exercise comfortable and exciting, while keeping one hand on the brake (not necessary at this pace). Well clear offshore, the track (black, of course!) opens up in front of us: the breeze seems a little cooler (14-18 knots) and the hoisting of the gennaker wakes up the Seaon, which was lazing on the high reach at 10 knots during the maneuver (under the mainsail alone, etc.). A few degrees to the luff and the light brigade sounds the charge! Scalloping over the ridges, the Seaon reveals its fiery nature; controlling the bird with the end of the stick, I accelerate regularly and maintain a constant speed of 15-16 knots with regular peaks of 19-20. The behavior is very healthy, the piloting easy and reassuring and it does not wet at all (for the moment). The lightness of the boat is marvelous and despite its single rudder, the directional effect remains precise and will allow you to flirt with the limits in the waves. The lateral and longitudinal stability is perfect and you don't feel any "balan", the gliding qualities seem exceptional. A crew using rappel should be able to find impressive resources, but as it is, in cruising configuration, it's already impressive. CONCLUSION The Seaon is a wonderful boat, pretty, comfortable, practical and very efficient. This beautiful object costs the price of a Porsche Turbo and offers comparable sensations (more ecological despite the intensive use of Carbon)! It takes place in the middle of a rapidly expanding offer in an exciting segment that will soon exceed the circle of enthusiasts.

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