The New VMG 53 Trimaran Brings Supercar Style to the Open Water

New York-based shipyard Velocity Made Good has entered the high-performance sailing market with the VMG 53, a striking new trimaran designed to combine the speed of an ocean racer with the comfort and practicality of a modern cruising yacht.

The 53-foot model is the first in a planned series of offshore trimarans from the newly established shipyard, founded by sailors Michael Schwartz and Karl Reed.

Developed alongside an international team of marine specialists, the VMG 53 has been created to challenge the traditional compromises between performance, stability and luxury.

“Designed to eliminate traditional compromises between performance, luxury and dynamic stability, it presents an exterior that is disruptive, purposeful and timeless,” Schwartz said.

The first example is currently under construction, with delivery scheduled for January 2027.

A Sculptural, Performance-Led Exterior

The VMG 53 is distinguished by a low, flowing silhouette, with long lines running uninterrupted from bow to stern.

Its highly sculpted exterior gives the yacht a sense of speed even while stationary, drawing visual comparisons with contemporary supercars and high-performance automotive design.

The first hull will feature a particularly distinctive finish, with deep green tones transitioning into golden bronze as the light moves across the surface.

That palette continues inside, where eucalyptus wood and cork are paired with bronze detailing to create a warm, modern interior.

The use of natural materials softens the yacht’s technical character while maintaining the refined aesthetic expected of a luxury multihull.

Designed for Short-Handed Sailing

At the centre of the yacht is a dedicated sail pit from which the entire rig can be controlled.

This arrangement allows the VMG 53 to be sailed by a small crew or even operated solo, making it suitable for owners seeking greater independence at sea.

The navigation station and central helm are positioned close to the sail controls, allowing the captain to move easily between key operational areas.

A second helm is located aft, offering a more exposed and engaging sailing position from which the crew can experience the movement of the windward hull.

Despite its performance focus, the layout also includes a spacious owner’s suite on deck, bringing private accommodation closer to the yacht’s principal living and sailing spaces.

An Unconventional Propulsion System

Rather than using a traditional centrally mounted engine, the VMG 53 features two 57 hp engines, with one positioned in each of the outer hulls.

Velocity Made Good says this configuration provides strong manoeuvrability, efficient cruising and impressive performance, although exact speed and range figures have not yet been released.

A hybrid propulsion option will also be available.

Under sail, the yacht can operate with one engine while the second is lifted clear of the water, helping to reduce drag and improve efficiency.

The unconventional arrangement reflects the wider philosophy behind the VMG 53: every technical component has been positioned to support both sailing performance and practical long-range use.

Adventure Without Compromising the Design

At the stern, the central hull incorporates a fully enclosed tender garage.

The space houses a custom carbon-fibre tender designed to complement the mothership, complete with a bespoke cork bumper.

It can be launched through a pickup-style transom door, allowing the tender to be deployed without interrupting the yacht’s streamlined profile.

A separate “adventure locker” provides storage for additional equipment, watersports gear and cruising essentials.

By concealing these practical elements within the hull, the designers have preserved the VMG 53’s clean exterior lines while ensuring that the yacht remains capable of supporting extended journeys and active days on the water.

A New Approach to Performance Cruising

The VMG 53 arrives at a time when more owners are seeking yachts capable of delivering genuine sailing performance without sacrificing comfort or ease of operation.

Its combination of a lightweight multihull platform, short-handed sailing systems, flexible propulsion and distinctive design positions it as an alternative to both conventional performance yachts and larger luxury catamarans.

With the first unit due to be delivered in January 2027, the VMG 53 represents an ambitious debut for Velocity Made Good—and a compelling new vision for high-performance cruising.