Ocqueteau Speed 944 Trimaran

[caribcat]

Can any one tell me anything about this late 80s tri? There are some reports on the net but there in french and a bit confusing by the time they are translated! Has anyone sailed the boat or had any experience?
Thanks
Tom

[aezard]

Hi Tom,
I've owned one for the last couple of years. What do you want to know ?
Thanks
Adrian

[caribcat]

I've bought one as a family boat for knocking around Anglesey but as yet haven't had the weather window to sail her up here yet. Interested in what you think about the performance and any issues you've have or ownership experiences and advice you have to share.
Tom

[aezard]

Hi Tom,
The one from Milford off ebay a short while ago ?
If you send an email to aezard@hotmail.com I'll send through some copies of the original brochures from the manufacturer and any other bits I can find.
Good all round boat although if you haven't got either a centre board or dagger boards installed on the Amas after manufacture (I've seen both variants fitted) you may find her harder to tack sometimes. The deep keel sections on the Amas are supposed to do the work, but unless she's 'leaning' properly on the leeward one you'll get more leeway than you expect.
I sailed mine around from Essex to Cornwall in April a couple of years ago - cold, but no cause for concern with the boat in a range of conditions. Don't normally need to think about reefing up to about 20 knots of breeze and then only really if it's choppy to windward to slow down as you otherwise start to slam and end up 'stop/starting' the whole time. She'll do 7 - 8 knots to windward otherwise and I've topped out at about 14 knots on a reach. So not blindingly quick in trimaran terms, but faster than a 30ft mono, and you can put a cup of tea on the side in almost any weather and it won't fall over ! Also very dry and rarely get anything breaking over the top. Reckon on 5 knots for navigation when passage planning...
Helm is usually light a very precise - very much like a big dinghy.
Watch the windage in tight moorings, I back up more often than not when coming alongside anything, as I can turn the outboat to give more manoeuvrability and swing the stern sideways.
Make sure you have plenty of scope and chain if you're planning to anchor...
Have read various french articles about hull flex and weak rudder mountings - both possibly true, but I've not had any problems yet.

Let me know if you need a crew. Sounds like a good trip !
Cheers
Adrian

[caribcat]

Sorry didn't see your reply until now! I'll send an email, Thanks!