Designed by legendary multihull pioneer Dick Newick in 1975, this distinctive trimaran represents an early exploration into high-performance sailing technology. With only 30 hulls built by Dafy Duck Marine, the Val 31 stands as a rare example of innovative construction methods from the mid-1970s sailing scene. The boat's advanced composite construction featuring fiberglass with polyurethane foam core, reinforced with carbon fiber and Kevlar, was remarkably progressive for its era. This lightweight building approach, combined with the fractional sloop rig featuring a rotating mast, creates an exceptionally responsive sailing platform ideal for performance-oriented sailors and racing enthusiasts. At 31 feet overall with a waterline length of nearly 28 feet, the trimaran configuration delivers impressive speed potential while maintaining reasonable handling characteristics for coastal sailing and club racing. The substantial sail area relative to displacement indicates strong light-air performance, while the shallow 6-foot draft opens access to shoal waters often denied to conventional monohulls. Dick Newick's reputation for creating fast, seaworthy multihulls makes this design particularly appealing to sailors seeking unique performance characteristics. The Val 31 suits adventurous sailors comfortable with trimaran handling dynamics and interested in experiencing a piece of multihull sailing history.
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What is the Val 31's comfort ratio?
The Val 31 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 1.61. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Val 31 safe for offshore sailing?
The Val 31 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 7.7. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Val 31?
The theoretical hull speed of the Val 31 is 7.07 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Val 31 weigh?
The Val 31 has a displacement of 2,200.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 31.16 ft.
Who designed the Val 31?
The Val 31 was designed by Dick Newick, first built in 1975.