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Some boats are built for leisurely cruising. Others are built for racing. And a select few, like Paradox, seem to have been designed to weather storms, tackle the impossible, and write a true epic.
Built in 1997, Paradox is the very first trimaran to come out of the Dazcat workshops. But that's not what makes it unique. This 30-foot multihull (later extended) was designed from the outset for a challenge that was as much human as it was sporting: to enable Alan, a paraplegic sailor, to take part in the Round Britain & Ireland Race, a double-handed race renowned for its often extreme conditions. The result? A simple, robust boat, designed to be maneuverable in all circumstances and capable of withstanding the elements without faltering.
A career carved out of the wind
Paradox quickly made a name for itself. It won the RB&I three times, including once with Matt Baker, brother of Simon Baker—now director of Dazcat—and a member of the construction team at the time. He also came second in his category in the Fastnet, one of the world's most iconic regattas, and won his class in the Round the Island race. This little trimaran flew, both literally and figuratively.
In 2001, it was bought by Simon and Matt. Paradox then entered a period of intensive sailing in all the major English races. But in 2005, its trajectory came to an abrupt halt: struck by a monohull the day before the Fastnet, Paradox was seriously damaged.
Renaissance and new victories
Rather than disappearing, Paradox is starting a new life. Two other builders, Will Claxton and Matt Gill, bought it from the insurance company, repaired it, and modernized it: carbon rudders and mast, various reinforcements, sail optimization. In 2010, Paradox made a strong comeback on the sporting scene. It won its class at the Fastnet, proving that even battered, it remains a formidable competitor.
In 2011, he achieved an impressive performance: 3 days and 16 hours to complete the Fastnet, a time equivalent to the best Class40s. Only the IMOCA and MOD70s finished ahead of him. He was crowned the best multihull under 50 feet. Far from being a mere outsider, Paradox became a regular on the podium.
During the 2010 Round Britain & Ireland race, he broke a stage record in hellish conditions. The crew had to slow the boat down with floating anchors made from tires, as the sea was so rough (with winds of up to 45 knots and 12-meter waves). Paradox then outclassed the Class40s with a 60-mile lead, before being overtaken in the heavy weather. He emerged battered but standing. Once again.
A trimaran that lives, breathes, and takes a beating
Paradox is a trimaran that has been through it all: storms, podium finishes, rushed repairs, electronic failures, layers of foam and Sika to seal leaks, violent crashes, and resounding victories. It has also enjoyed the Mediterranean sun, where it has sailed for pleasure, in spartan mode, with just enough fittings to carry a few toys—inflatable SUPs, kites, spare sails. The bare essentials.
Key features:
- Length: 9.90 m | Width: 7.00 m
- Displacement: 2,000 kg | Carbon mast: 16 m
- Mainsail: 43 m² | Jib: 22 m² | Spinnaker: 85 m²
- Engine: Yamaha 9.9 High Thrust
Its original design, created for simplicity and safety, makes it a surprisingly maneuverable and reassuring boat in the worst conditions. And while certain elements betray its age (such as removable rudders that are difficult to remove in the event of a collision), its structure, track record, and spirit speak for themselves.
A new chapter: circumnavigation of the Arctic
Today, Paradox is preparing to write a new chapter. It will leave the temperate seas behind to face the Arctic ice. The goal: a circumnavigation of the globe via the north, passing through the Northwest and Northeast Passages. An extraordinary adventure, worthy of this boat's history.
This will not be a first adventure. It will be the logical continuation of an extraordinary destiny. Paradox is not just a boat. It is a character. A regatta veteran. A survivor. A champion. And soon, an explorer of the ice.
Paradox is the ideal choice for an Arctic circumnavigation because it combines three essential qualities: lightness, robustness, and simplicity. Originally built to withstand extreme conditions solo or double-handed, it is tailor-made for rough seas. Its trimaran structure provides great stability in heavy weather, while its shallow draft allows for easy beaching—a crucial advantage in areas that are poorly charted or cluttered with drifting ice. Its simple, proven design, conceived from the outset to be manageable by a small crew, limits the risk of breakdowns and facilitates independent repairs. Finally, its light weight (2 tons) and generous sail area make it a fast boat, capable of taking advantage of short weather windows in polar regions. With Paradox, every mile will be a combination of efficiency, responsiveness, and helmsman's pleasure—exactly what is required for an adventure along the most inhospitable routes on the globe.
