Association Documents
Classifieds
Upcoming Events
Contact the US A-Class
Fleet Contacts
Suppliers/Builders/Resources
Click below to view your account
Social Media
Blog Updates
© 2024 US A-Class Association, All rights reserved.
Secondary address
Related members, related boats.
Event Details
- BOAT OF THE YEAR
- Newsletters
- Sailboat Reviews
- Boating Safety
- Sails and Rigging
- Maintenance
- Sailing Totem
- Sailor & Galley
- Living Aboard
- Destinations
- Gear & Electronics
- Charter Resources
Guide to Catamaran Manufacturers
- By Jeremy McGeary
- Updated: June 12, 2006
Admiral Yacht Manufacturers: (954) 713-0412, www.admiralyachtsusa.com
Alliaura Marine (Privilège): The Catamaran Company, (954) 727-0016, www.catamarans.com
Broadblue Catamarans: (877) 695-0358, www.broadblueusa.com
Chantier Catana: +33 4 68 80 13 13, www.catana.com
Dolphin Catamarans: (610) 617-0500, www.multihullcompany.com
Fortuna Catamarans (Island Spirit): +27 21 448 0100, www.islandspirit.co.za
Fountaine Pajot (Belize, Lavezzi, Mahé, Bahia): +33 546 35 70 40, www.fountaine-pajot.com
Fusion Catamarans: +61 7 4948 2849, www.fusioncats.com
Gunboat Catamarans: (401) 619-1055, www.gunboat.info
Lagoon: (410) 280-2368, www.cata-lagoon.com
Maine Cat: (207) 529-6500, www.mecat.com
The Moorings Yacht Ownership: (888) 703-3179, www.moorings.com
Multihull Manufacturing Group (Jaguar): +27 21 535 4474, www.jaguarcat.co.za
Nautitech Catamarans: (954) 523-6434, www.nautitech.fr
Outremer: +33 4 67 56 02 63, www.catamaran-outremer.com
Antares: (843) 725-8412, www.liveantares.com
Performance Cruising (Gemini): (410) 626-2720, www.geminicatamarans.com
Robertson and Caine (Leopard): (877) 795-4389, www.leopardcatamarans.com
Royal Cape Catamarans: +27 31 700 5165, www.royalcapecatamarans.com
St. Francis Marine: (242) 557-9629, www.stfrancismarine.com
Seawind USA: (619) 571-3513, www.seawindcats.com
Switch Catamarans: +33 467 43 01 82, www.sudcomposites.com
TomCat Boats/Strain Associates Ltd.: (905) 584-1236, www.tomcatboats.com
Voyage Yachts: (410) 956-1880, www.voyageyachts.com
- More: catamaran , sailboat , Sailboats
- More Sailboats
For Sale: 1998 Hinckley 51
Sailboat Review: HH Catamarans HH44
Sailboat Preview: 2 Sportboats We Love
Sailboat Preview: Windelo 50 Yachting
Fatty Goodlander: Where I Fall Short as Skipper
For Yachts or Home, Teak Stands the Test of Time
Shaft Bearing Maintenance Tips
- Digital Edition
- Customer Service
- Privacy Policy
- Email Newsletters
- Cruising World
- Sailing World
- Salt Water Sportsman
- Sport Fishing
- Wakeboarding
The DNA® A-class catamaran. Five times world champion. Proudly manufactured by Holland Composites. This blog tells you all you wish to know about sailing fast and foiling DNA A-cats..
about the A-class
Published on April 10th, 2023 | by Editor
A-Class Catamaran having it both ways
Published on April 10th, 2023 by Editor -->
The singlehanded A-Class Catamaran has a strong presence in the USA, which was strong enough to host the 2022 World Championship, and strong enough for the country’s Ravi Parent to win the Open division world title.
Scuttlebutt editor Craig Leweck checked in with Florida A-Class sailor Axel Issel for an update:
The A-Class Class rules allow for development, which is good for improving the boat but can get expensive as gear becomes obsolete. How does this impact participation?
The A-Class is divided into two sub-classes separated by different sets of measurement rules; the Foilers (Open) and non-foiling (the Classics). In the case of the Classics that have been around 67 years, most development has occurred in the last decade or so with the change from straight dagger boards to C foils and the deck-sweeper mainsail with curved booms.
Older hulls and masts remain competitive but the newer configurations do provide a slight advantage. Today, Classic boats from 10+ years keep winning Nationals and Continental championships and boats with straight booms and daggerboards still are in the top 5 in the Euro circuit.
The Classic fleet keeps growing in most countries due to the speed and simplicity of the boat; very competitive, tactical, fun races, with plenty of accessible boats around the globe. In many parts of the world, the Classics are very popular with larger numbers than Foilers like in the US/Canada, Italy, France, Australia, etc.
Sailors in Classics are competitive at all ages, many well into their 70s so it is a class where you can grow and be at the top for decades with your same boat for many, many years.
The Foilers have seen the most recent development. Here newer boats (2019-20 and newer) make a difference over older ones since they are easier and more stable to foil. Participation in the class is achieved in Classics due to very even and fun races with skippers with 20 years fighting 70s-year-olds. Participation in Foilers comes from younger sailors trying to master the fastest single-handed catamaran in the world.
Most of the top sailors in the world raced A-Cats at some point, even though it is a non-Olympic class. The A-Cat has consistently proven itself in the international scene whereby the World, European, and North American Championships are frequented by some of the most famous sailors in the world.
However, it’s always taken the dedication of a pure A-Class sailor to win the Championships. This demonstrates the high level of performance within the class and it leads to amazing numbers of entries for such events. Today, almost all top professional regattas are raced in foiling boats, like the America’s Cup, the Ocean Race, SailGP, etc, so learning and growing in a foiling A-Cat gives you experience and advantage, attracting young talents to the fleet.
When was the shift to foiling? How did the class endure that transition? Were there kits? Foilers started around 2015, but in 2018 the class decided to create two sets of rules to keep the non-foiling boats competitive, and two sub-classes were born. I believe this was a wise decision, to make the class appealing to a wider population.
Today you can be competitive in your 20s and into your 70s, with a newer Foiler or with an older Classic. Regattas are usually scored in two fleets, and some, like the North American Championship regatta, have the two fleets + the “Overall NA Champion” who is the best skipper among the two classes.
The transition was progressive, initially some folks modified the trunks on the hull to insert the newer foiling blades. Today, to be competitive in Foilers, you need a newer foiling specific boat. Manufacturers build two models: the Foiler and the Classic. The Classic is lighter, simpler and less expensive. The Foiler has a lower hull profile; is heavier due to extra carbon needed to support extreme foiling forces, and needs better physical input.
Has the foiling equipment stabilized or is it still evolving? For the last three years (late 2019-2020), there have been no new developments. The latest one was the rudder differential. Some have been working on differential for center foils with no success. Also, cambered sails with specific masts have been designed, but nothing new has come out. Until measurement rules for Foilers are changed, it will be difficult to see any new significant design improvement.
How is the used boat inventory in North America? Today, there are around 20 used boats for sale. Some used boats for sale are almost new, like a 2022 Foiler and newer Classics. You can buy an old Classic for less than $5K and be competitive in the Classic fleet. Used boats and parts can be found in https://usaca.info/ and in https://www.facebook.com/groups/922063451790001/ .
Who are the suppliers for North America? Are there any in the continent? Boats and masts builders are in Europe. Today, the largest manufacturer of boats is eXploder from Poland (with accessible labor), which provides new Classics and Foilers. Fastboatstuff.com is their representative in the US, and they carry new boats and parts for almost all new and older model boats. North America is getting shipments from Europe usually two times per year with new boats and parts. I have been in the class three years and I always find the parts needed quickly. Top competitive sails are built here in the USA by Glaser, Sail Technologies, etc.
Why do Foilers and Classics race together? Because it is way more fun, and way more competitive. The fleet is well mixed during races. In addition, it is a good way of keeping the fleet growing, making an easy and fun entry point to the class with more options. For example, I started in Classics two years ago and after the Worlds in Houston last year, I sold my Classic and I switched to the Open class.
Usually, the top Foilers will have an advantage but most part of the fleet is mixed. In lighter winds like sub 10 knots, the boats are even and in lighter non-foiling conditions, Classics are faster. Top light sailors can start foiling downwind around 8 knots but most of the foiling fleet foils closer with 10 knots of wind 100% air time, and upwind foiling is mastered only by the ultra-top sailors, and usually they need 12-13 knots of wind to make real gains over the top Classics going upwind.
For us, the newer foiling sailors, learning to foil (like me!), will always have Classics around showing how much ground is lost while we are trying to fly……and once on air, if we do not do the correct angle, Classics will pass you by. .Racing with 50 boats on the line, is always more fun than 20-30 boats, and chances are you always will have someone next to you on every mark.
What is the ideal sailor weight for the A-Cat? I believe 170-195 pounds is the ideal range, NED 007 Mischa Heemskerk won the world championship several times and he is 225+ lbs; the latest World Champion USA 76 Ravi Parent (2022 Rolex Yachtsman of the year) weighs around 165lbs . Who knows….!
Where are the hubs of class activity in North America? Florida concentrates 30% of the fleet, with Key Largo, and the Sarasota/Tampa Bay area being the most popular spots, followed by Fort Walton and Melbourne, FL. Lake Lanier in Georgia has one of the largest fleets, Annapolis/West River area is popular as well.
Lake Carlyle in Illinois, where we raced the 2021 North Americans, have several active boats. Also, there are 10 boats in Alamitos Bay in California, and there is a large fleet in Ontario Canada where we raced the 2022 North American Championship.
I heard a new fleet will grow soon in Mexico City as well. This year we are all looking forward to race in October the ‘Alter Cup’ in Pensacola, Florida, only for Classic boats, where skippers from other multihull fleets join the A-Catters to determine the best multihull skipper!
Tags: A-Class Catamaran , Axel Issel , Craig Leweck
Related Posts
Connecting the past with the present →
Going to Barcelona for the America’s Cup →
Grooming the next generation of sailors →
Living in the Scuttlebutt World →
© 2024 Scuttlebutt Sailing News. Inbox Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved. made by VSSL Agency .
- Privacy Statement
- Advertise With Us
Get Your Sailing News Fix!
Your download by email.
- Your Name...
- Your Email... *
- Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
F1x hydrofoils
Ultra-modern, lighter = better, craftsmanship, f1x hydrofoils - design.
Since 2014 the A-Class with our design hydrofoils is the founder of the so-called Z-foil configuration.
Because both foils are inserted downwards, a V-shape is created under water. The A-cat flies above the water on this created lift surface.
The latest generation of Z-foils of the DNA F1x is a design by the designers of Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ) and Glenn Ashby .
We build your new foiling boat!
Material & technology.
Base material: All F1x hydrofoils are made of carbon pre-preg. Thanks to our unique ‘one-shot’ production process, we manufacture all our continuous fiber foils, cured under vacuum in our 6.5 x 2.20 meter Autoclave.
The specially developed production method creates a hydrofoil that cures in one go, without any glue joints and including internal stiffening ribs. The result is a super-strong hydrofoil that is as light as possible. All foils are finished with high-quality paint finish. Color of your choice.
Our automated pre-preg cutting machine from the Zünd brand prepares the laminates with high precision. A five-axis milling machine with a working range of 5.5 x 2.5 x 2 meters molds the required tooling fully automatically. All of this in-house.
CHARACTERISTICS F1x HYDROFOIL
The production of the F1x hydrofoils for the A-cat is entirely in the hands of DNA Performance Sailing. We are constantly working on the further development of this super fast foiling catamaran. Besides the latest version DNA F1x, we now also have the DNA F1 Vintage, for the non-foiling group A-class sailors.
Depth: 1.37 m Widest point: 0.16 m Smallest point: 0.05 m Design: Emirates Team New Zealand and Glenn Ashby .
The above specifications refer to the daggerboard foils.
Schrijf je in voor onze nieuwsbrief en blijf op de hoogte van de nieuwste ontwikkelingen!
Contactformulier
- Company Name
- Full name * First Last
- Emailaddress *
- Phonenumber *
- Mijn vraag betreft * My question: TF10 F1x G4 F4 Custom Parts Hydrofoils Other
- Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Registrieren Sie sich für unseren Newsletter
lassen Sie sich über die neuesten Entwicklungen informieren!
- E-Mail-Adresse *
Schrijf je in voor onze nieuwsbrief
blijf op de hoogte van de nieuwste ontwikkelingen!
- First name *
- Last name *
- Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Wij gebruiken cookies om u de beste online ervaring te bieden. Door akkoord te gaan, accepteert u het gebruik van cookies in overeenstemming met ons cookiebeleid.
Wanneer u een website bezoekt, kan deze informatie in uw browser opslaan of ophalen, meestal in de vorm van cookies. Beheer hier uw persoonlijke cookiediensten.
- wordpress_test_cookie
- wordpress_logged_in_
- wordpress_sec
- ACHIEVEMENTS
MANUFACTURING
Sailing range, power range.
Located in Cape Town, South Africa, Robertson and Caine currently manufacture 3 sailing catamarans and 3 power catamarans for the world markets. Ranging in size from 40-53ft.
We strive to be the benchmark for ocean cruising catamarans. Through innovative design, development of new materials and processes, handcrafted skills and strict quality standards.
R&C continues to position itself as a world-class manufacturer with the objective to deliver quality products throughout the world.
All of our boats are built in accordance with ISO standards and are certified by the International Marine Certification Institute (IMCI) in accordance with the Recreational Craft Directive 2013/53/EU. Additionally, our product is also certified by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) to ABYC standards. We are members of the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).
With plants covering over 60 000 sqm, manufacturing a range of six models by a Team of 2400+ persons, Robertson and Caine is focused upon producing world-class catamarans of exceptional build quality. Adhering to sustainable and safe production practices.
Our design philosophy is integration simplified. We blend the ease of boat handling with effective boat speed, without compromising onboard comfort and functionality. Our inhouse design Teams in Tampa and Cape Town, constantly innovate form and function, producing award winning industry benchmark catamarans in power and sail.
Construction
To build for solid blue water performance, Robertson and Caine use superior materials, fit for purpose, with every step of the build process, adhering to global standards and subject to stringent quality control. Robertson and Caine catamarans dominate the charter fleets of The Mooring and Sunsail, thus are built to be reliable, with low maintenance.
The construction of these vessels incorporates various manufacturing processes such as Hand Laminating, Vacuum Infusion as well as Resin Transfer Moulding to build the required composite parts. For structural parts, multiaxial E-Glass is used in combination with PVC Foam Core within vacuum infusion processes to provide rigidity, impact resistant and buoyant vessels.
Isophthalic/Vinyl Ester resins and NPG gelcoats prevents the onset of hydrolysis. The strong hull laminate is light and durable resulting in a dynamic weight-carrying capacity and excellent motion reaction.
Manufacturing techniques such as vacuum infusion, RTM Light, air demoulding and full deck/hull infusion are used to build a lighter, sturdier product, with greater performance potential.
Each of our six models has their own dedicated production facilities from moulding to final assembly. These are served by a joinery manufacturing facility and a distribution centre. Three catamarans are launched weekly. The catamarans are then shipped globally, with the mast already stepped, through the Port of Cape Town on transport vessels.
5-axis CNC Machining
5-Axis machining involves using a CNC system to move the table/bed and cutting tool along five different axes simultaneously. This enables the machining of very complex parts, which is why 5-axis is especially popular for marine applications.
All the machining and milling is done on advanced styling and tooling base materials with precision robotic systems ensuring perfect accuracy each and every time.
Hand Built Plugs
After the assembly of CNC cut timber profiles, our skilled workforce effect the cladding of the plug. Each step of the process is closely monitored by a team of Composite Engineers and tooling experts.
The plug will then be polished to a class "A" finish and handed over for a final quality check and approval. At this stage, new moulds may be developed for production.
Deck & Hull Infusion
The resin-infused Deck & Hull laminate is strong, light and durable resulting in a dynamic weight-carrying capacity and excellent motion reaction.
High-density PVC foam cores are extensively used throughout all the resin-infused parts. The cores are all CNC cut and nested to precise dimensions as per the engineering drawings.
Advanced Fabrics
Multiaxial E-glass stitched fabrics ensure maximum strength and promote a very high calibre glass-to-resin ratios. These fabrics includes, but are not limited to, unidirectional, biaxial and quadraxial E-glass.
Collision Bulkheads
In case of hull damage, watertight collision bulkheads at bow and stern prevent water from entering the hull.
Internal Modules
Internal modules are assembled offline which in turn allows for ease of production as well as enhanced quality control, before final fitment.
NPG gelcoats and a Vinyl Ester resins are used for underwater applications to ensure a resin-rich E-glass barrier layer is achieved which improves resistance to hydrolysis and helps prevent osmosis.
Light Resin Transfer Moulding
Automated moulding processes are used to allow for repeatability at the same weight & quality every time.
At Robertson & Caine, we systematically evaluate the quality of our products at every manufacturing stage to ensure that quality standards are met.
Feedback from our charter partners and private owners is used to improve the design and reliability of our sailing and power yachts..
- CLASSIFIEDS
- NEWSLETTERS
- SUBMIT NEWS
Calling all A-Class Catamaran sailors - Discover the magic of Pensacola
Related Articles
Australian International A Division Catamaran Association
All you need to know about sailing A Class Catamarans in Australia
A Class Sailing
The A Class Catamaran is the fastest single handed small catamaran in the world. This highly responsive lightweight boat is a joy to sail. The powerful rig means that even the heaviest sailors are on the trapeze upwind in 6 knots of breeze and flying a hull downwind (wild thing). The top sailors in the class have now mastered the art of trapezing downwind, making the boat even faster and more exciting. The boat is very easy for an experienced sailor to sail, but very difficult to sail really fast.
The A Class is a boat built specifically for racing and has very strong fleets both in Australian and overseas. The National Championship in 2011 had a highly competitive fleet of 73 boats, the largest catamaran fleet in Australia. State Championships in Qld, Vic and NSW all had over 30 competitors. Australians consistently perform well at the world championships, in 2010 taking 5 of the top 10 places, including the top 3.
The high quality of racing in the A Class often surprises those new to the class. Regular competitors include Olympic medalists and world champions in several other classes. At recent Australian National Championships, several professional sailors from Americas Cup teams have been shocked to find themselves mid-fleet, although others like Dean Barker and James Spithill have shown their ability to perform at the top of any fleet.
The A Class catamaran is a development class with very simple rules defining the boat. The key rules are:
| 5.49m (18ft) | |
| 2.3m (7ft 6.5in) | |
| 13.94 sq m (150 sq ft) | |
| 75kg |
Full rules are available on the international site.
Several competitive designs of A-Class are commercially available, although which boat is the fastest changes as these products are constantly improved. 50 years of development have produced a very refined boat, so changes are typically incremental and boats usually remain competitive for several years.
If you are interested in a new boat, a number of manufacturers can be found under the Builders/Suppliers list on the right of page.. For secondhand boats and parts our members use the classifieds on this site .
One strong advantage of the development nature of the class is that it allows customization of a boat to suit a specific sailor. For example the weight of a sailor is much less critical on an A Class than any one design class. A heavier sailor will choose a more powerful sail and mast combination than a lighter sailor and a hull shape with more buoyancy. This usually ensures that sailing skill is the most important factor in winning races. It is common to see the top competitors using different hull shapes, mast manufacturers and sailmakers.
Come and give A Class sailing a try. There are a number of clubs where A Classes are sailed regularly and the sailors at these clubs will be happy to talk to you about getting started. Please contact your state representative ( details on our contacts page ) to find out which clubs are active in your area.
Top 10 Cruising Catamaran Manufacturers: For Families, Comfort and Performance!
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site.
Cruising steadily and relaxing without a care in the world may sound like a fantastic idea. However, you need the right boat and the right support from the builder. I believe that catamarans are the way to go, but which brand should you go with? Today I have chosen a little bit different perspective on how to evaluate the best catamaran brands.
Leopard, Nautitech, and Catana are some of the best cruising catamaran manufacturers. They offer safe and easy to handle cats with impressive speeds. Leopard boasts the best family-friendly vessels, Antares is environment friendly, and Nautitech offers impressive performance.
If you’re ready to buy yourself a high-end cruising catamaran, read on. Prepare yourself to spend some money and land the life of your dreams. Pack your sunscreen, lean back, and relax—adventure is on its way!
If you are on the hunt for a catamaran (just as I am), I would recommend you check out my other articles, and maybe they can help you find the boat that suits your needs the best.
- Best catamarans under $200k
- Best catamarans under $100k
- Best catamarans for blue water solo sailing
- Best catamarans under 50ft
- Best catamarans under 30ft
| 1. Leopard | 95 | 20% |
| 2. Outremer | 72 | 15% |
| 3. Lagoon | 57 | 12% |
| 3. Seawind | 57 | 12% |
| 4. Fountaine Pajot | 45 | 9% |
| 5. Catana | 20 | 4% |
| 6. Nautitech | 19 | 4% |
| 6. Balance | 19 | 4% |
| 7. Privilege | 16 | 3% |
| 7. Antares | 16 | 3% |
| Other | 63 | 13% |
Table of Contents
1. Best for Families: Leopard Catamarans
As a fine example of build quality, we have the Leopard 48 , which has an excellent design and great handling. The brand is also known for pushing the standards of catamarans well past industry norms.
Leopard catamarans are known for being very sturdy and great oceangoing vessels
This sturdiness and high build quality have made leopard a somewhat pricier alternative than, let’s say, lagoon. But as we have come to learn the recent years (with bulkhead problems on the Lagoons), this price increase is probably something that you will save in the long run anyway.
Looking at the Leopard 42 above, we can see that comfort and space are offered in plenty; there are also other versions, but the most common is for the owner to make their own modifications suiting their specific needs.
2. Best Racing-Cruising Experience: Outremer
Even though Outremers haven’t built nearly as many cats as Leopard they definitely have managed to build a reputation equally as strong. Outremer, even though low in production numbers, comes in 2nd place in this poll of the best catamaran brand.
When you first look at Outremer’s website , you’ll see the words:
“Ultimate Blue Water Cruiser” outremer.com
For many this is true, for those of you who follow the youtube channel La Vagabond, they have an Outremer 45 and beautifully showcase how this vessel operates in all types of conditions.
Outremer is famous for continually improving and producing high-performance cruising catamarans in the ranges of 45 to 55ft. This can be seen by their after sales reputation which is said to be next to none.
Outremer also has an interesting perspective on being environmentally friendly, just read this quote from outremer’s commercial director:
“If you can sail at 5kts, you can sail 95% of the time” Matthieu Rougevin-Baville
Slow windspeed sailing is a priority for Outremer, this means less motoring, less noise, less pollution and opens up for better electric propulsion alternatives?
3. Best Customer Experience: Lagoon
Online shopping for catamarans can be complicated, but when it comes to Lagoon , they make sure you can easily navigate to find the right boat for you. The front page advertises their newest additions along with an educational blog.
“[You should get an] Early 2000s Lagoon. We own a 2001 Lagoon 470. Incredible boat” Jacob, Lagoon 470 owner
When you go shopping, Lagoon reminds you that delivery may be difficult due to the recent pandemic. However, they are committed to making sure you’re still able to enjoy your experience. Their cat variety is nice, but the features are even better.
Lagoon even has something called Club Lagoon, which provides extra benefits, including privileged events and personalized meetings. The main goal of Lagoon is to establish a friendly experience with its buyers. It’s quite clear that Lagoon sees you as more than just a customer.
Lagoon has come in some bad weather for the bulkhead issues of the L450, but to be fair this is only one model of many ever produced. Lagoon still stands as one of the top catamaran manufactures in the world.
They make sure that you feel comfortable and prove they care about you, not just your money. So, if you’re ready for a friendly experience, go with Lagoon!
4. Best Overall Experience: Fountaine Pajot
Fountaine Pajot states that their boats are designed for the best living space to provide comfort to help you enjoy the cruising experience the right way.
“ Fountaine Pajot – been living aboard our Astrea for 6 months and love it. Easy living, fun to sail, rides well. “ Jay, poll respondant
With features such as sunbathing areas, well-designed kitchens, comfortable cabins, Italian-style bathrooms, and more, this brand clearly focuses on making sure you get the best experience. So, if you’re looking to sit back and let the boat speak for itself, get a Fountaine Pajot. Remember that your comfort is their number one priority.
5. Best Reviews: Catana Catamarans
Much like the Nautitech, Catana designs their cat with a somewhat more open and “unprotected” helm oftentimes seen in racing, this allows for great visibility but can be stressful on the crew during long passages.
Catana remains one of the fastest production catamarans out there and you got to love their slogan:
“Performance by Nature” Catana.com
Everywhere you look, on Youtube, websites, or talking to owners, almost all of them love the Catana, some might not favor the helm position (but usually those are people who haven’t actually sailed a Catana) but all love the general feel and look of the boat.
The Catana is one the highest praised catamarans that I have researched but for some reason this doesn’t reflect in the poll.
6. Best Performance: Nautitech
Nautitech has a variety of catamarans such as the 40 Open, the 46 Open, the 46 Fly, the 54, and the 47 Power.
The 46 Open has a reputation for its unique experience with great safety and luxurious interiors. As for the 46 Fly, it’s best known for its revolutionary flybridge on a sailing cat.
“ Nautitech 46. Simple to sail. Great safety. Easy docking single handed. Fabulous access to engines water maker. Calorifier. Fast boat if kept light. “ Alan, poll respondant
According to their website , Nautitech is known as a brand that keeps in touch with the living at sea experience, all while providing immense comfort.
Nautitech was the first to create the idea of “open living” onboard by combining the saloon and cockpit into a large and functional living space. After all, their catchphrase on the opening page is “elevate your dreams.”
While they focus on comfort, the might behind it all sets it apart from other companies. With 200 employees producing 80 boats per year, you would almost assume the quality wouldn’t be as good. That’s where you’d be wrong. It operates at the perfect speed so you and your friends or family can enjoy ocean life.
So, if you want a catamaran with comfort and exciting history, get ready to sail with Nautitech.
7. Best Semi-Custom: Privilege Catamarans
Make no misstake these are not bad boats, but they are somewhat more rare to be seen and as such numbers will always lean towards the more common brands.
If you know what you want it’s a pretty high likelihood that privilege will be able to construct it for you, the brand is known as the midway between custom and production cats. Bringing benefits from both worlds into its own genre of boats.
The list of customizations is impressive and I would be surprised if you didn’t find what you were looking for, just remember, with custom boats comes custom problems , so maybe with semi-custom boats, you get semi-custom problems?
In some ways, this model is the opposite of let’s say Lagoon 380, which has hundreds of identical vessels and a large community of people around it.
Privileges are usually not the fastest cats out there, but if you are prepared to give up a little bit of speed you will most definitely enjoy sailing in great comfort on this masterpiece.
8. Best For Environment: Antares Catamarans
When it comes to vacations, you want to relax, but you still need to focus on safety, and Antares takes that cruising aspect seriously. If you decide to buy a catamaran from Antares (here´s a buyers guide ), you will find that they recommend you “get to know” your boat.
“ As far as actual cruising cats I love my Manta and getting a solid blue water boat under $300k is amazing. But I’ve been on a Antares. Wow. “ Jim, poll respondant
Antares is known for building blue-water capable vessels that are sturdy and excellent for liveaboards.
With a brand new design that focuses not only on space and comfort but also on bringing modern technology onboard and making it environmentally friendly, it’s clear that Antares wants the best experience for its cruisers and for the planet.
They redesigned the electrical system to create a diesel hybrid so you can cruise without having to worry about running low on battery power, all while doing your part in protecting the planet.
Something that is all too common on cruising cats is their poorly sized battery and electrical system making cruisers more often than necessary rely on the genset. With 1800w of solar panels, this is no longer an issue.
A few of their great features include a lightweight cherry wood interior, Corecell construction, and superior steering. This company clearly stands for comfort, relaxation, and safety.
Bonus Boat: Most Popular For Coastal Sailing, Gemini Catamarans
For nearly three decades, their Gemini 105mc has been the most popular catamaran ever built (measured by number of units sold).
According to the website , the Gemini 105mc surprises newcomers with its legendary performance. I would take this with a grain of salt, or two, or maybe a bucket full.
Although Geminis aren’t as beautiful or fast as the other cats on this list, they are much cheaper and smaller . Some Geminis even fit inside a regular monohull slip which will save you tons of money in marina fees.
These are no bluewater I-am-going-to-sail-the-world type of boats, but they are perfect for coastal and inshore cruising whether it be a weekend or full-on liveaboard.
When it comes to their new catamaran line-up, they have the Hull 1227, Hull 004, Hull 012, Hull 106, and the Hull 1223. While the prices may still be high, they offer discounts, and they recently announced they’d have price drops.
The popular Gemini 105mc that has been a legacy since 1981. It’s spacious, light, and airy .
Another interesting model is the Gemini Legacy 35 . While it’s not as popular as the Gemini 105mc, it still has some unique features.
They also have the Gemini Freestyle 37 , which is best known for its flexibility. It can be tailored as a basic family catamaran, day-charter boat, or for single-handed sailing . It also has a low starting price and can be tailored to suit all of your needs for the perfect cruising vacation.
In addition, they have the Gemini Freestyle 399 Power . It’s essentially a power version of the Gemini Freestyle 37. This new catamaran includes several storage areas, comfortable cabins, a vanity unit, a lounge area with seating for up to six people, and air conditioning.
This would be the perfect catamaran for a group of friends or family on a weekend sail.
Bonus Boat: Best Affordability, Manta
This fantastic brand has eight different models that range from coastal to offshore cruising.
Mantas are one of my favorite boats, but as soon as they show up for sale, they are gone.
There is also a Manta owners club which doesn’t seem to be very active at the moment as far as I can tell.
Final Thoughts
As we’ve seen, the best cruising catamaran brands focus on comfort just as much as they focus on safety. With luxurious experiences and tons of opportunities to relax while also experiencing the adventure of a lifetime, who wouldn’t want to cruise away?
Here are Some of My Favorite Catamaran Cruising Resources
Thank you for reading this article. I hope you found it helpful as you hopefully start your sailing adventures. Here are some resources that I use as a sailor that I hope you’ll also find helpful. These are affiliate links, so if you do decide to use any of them, I’ll earn a commission. But in all honesty, these are the exact things that I use and recommend to everyone, even my own family. Sailboats: If you’re looking for the best boat to suit your needs, I would recommend a catamaran. If you’re interested, I can show you the differences between catamarans and other types of sailboats .
Books: For getting started, I really like Cruising catamarans made easy . It is actually a textbook from the American sailing association; it is used to get a cruising catamaran certification. There are some other great books, and I have compiled a list of books about cruising catamarans that you will find useful.
Communication: Being out on adventures, whether it be sailing or climbing mountains, good communications are essential to being safe. I recommend two things Google fi (incredibly simple cellular data all over the world) and Garmin inreach mini (for text and voice in remote areas without cell coverage)
Sailing courses: Online sailing courses are great for beginners starting out their sailing career; it’s an efficient way of learning the basics of navigation, throttle controls, and maritime safety. I suggest starting with two free courses from NauticEd .
To see all my most up-to-date recommendations, check out this resource that I made for you!
Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!
Leave a Reply Cancel reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment.
Recent Posts
Must-Have Boat Gear for Catamaran Sailors!
Sailing is probably the most gear-intensive activity I've ever done; there are so many decisions to be made about what gear to buy now, for tomorrow, and what to definitely never buy. The gear on...
6 Best Trailerable Trimarans For Bluewater and Coastal Sailing
Having a boat costs a lot of money, even when you are not using it, marina fees, etc. And once it is in the water most sailors never go very far from their "home marina" and sailing will be somewhat...
Class rules
In this section you can find the A-Cat Class rules and measurement guidelines.
World Sailing Plaques ( Open link here )
Pre-Owned Catamarans
2015 RAPIER 550 BY BROADBLUE
- Build Year: 2015
- UK - S England
2018 BROADBLUE 346 (SHARED OWNERSHIP)
- Build Year: 2018
Luxury Cruising Catamarans
Luxury performance catamarans, latest news & events.
- 07 Jun 2023
ARC Bluewater Open Day June 10th 2023
We are pleased to be attending the ARC Bluewater Open Day in Lymington. We will have the Rapier 550 on show, and be available to advise about all aspects of offshore cruising in a catamaran.
- 20 Mar 2023
Multihull World show Broadblue 346
Multihull World will be exhibiting a Broadblue 346 at the South Coast and Green Tech show 21 - 23 April at Ocean Village on Southampton.
- 18 Jan 2023
New Broadblue 425 catamaran
Our latest long range family cruiser with Broadblue qualities of easy sail handling, build quality and effortless performance
World class luxury cruising and performance catamarans.
Broadblue Newsletter
@media screen and (min-width: 70em){.css-1c47y9x{color:var(--chakra-colors-blue\.brand);}} A Cat Class buy/sell second hands, ads and prices
Launched in 1950, this is a class that aims for the best performance in a single-handed sport catamaran. Often made of carbon, now equipped with foils, the A-Class is the most technologically advanced class for solo racing. It is a very dynamic class and the level of the racers is very (very) high.
The Classe a would be the catamaran equivalent of the foiling Moth : light, technological, extreme, fast and bringing together the best in the discipline.
the last A Cat Class ads at the best price
Classe A Goodall for sale in Toulon
Classe A Hobie Cat for sale in Bordeaux
Classe A Exploder for sale in Sanguinet
Classe A DNA for sale in Carnac
Classe A Bimare for sale in Les Sables-d'Olonne
A Cat Class presentation
The model A Cat Class has 2 differents versions : Classe A classic , Classe A foiler .
The A class catamaran, a unique spirit
The A-Class is a single-handed class, the freedom given by the gauge has allowed it to be always at the forefront of technological innovations. The result is a sports catamaran with a magnificent look, impressive and performing around 3 buoys. This open gauge allowed her to be one of the first light sail series to be equipped with foil. The A-Class now flies above the water.
Class A program
It is a boat intended more for regatta sailors than for sailors looking for "calm" rides. There are many shipyards producing A Class boats, including Marstrom, Bimare , Nacra, Addiction, Askell and DNA.
Second hand Class A catamaran
The second-hand A Classes remain quite expensive for recent productions, however, if one is looking for a catamaran for sailing more oriented towards leisure than performance: the bill will be much less expensive.
The entry prices for Class A boats are very low: sometimes 1000$ for old boats, on the other hand, recent Class A boats, those which can perform in championships, are traded for 20000$.
Buying or selling an A Class
This is where it all happens, you can find a lot of A-Class ads on iWannaboat.
Some figures of the A Cat Class catamaran :
Min price :
Max price :
Average price :
Median price :
Available boats :
Launch year :
Used A Cat Class price table
| Advert title | Builder | Year | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
| Goodall | 2000 | 1700€ |
| Hobie Cat | 2013 | 4800€ |
| Exploder | 2014 | 8500€ |
| DNA | 2011 | 6500€ |
| Bimare | 2016 | 7100€ |
| - | 2016 | 3900€ |
| Exploder | 2017 | 8500€ |
| Bimare | 1999 | 2200€ |
| Bimare | 2000 | 1€ |
| - | 2004 | 5500€ |
| Exploder | 2017 | 8000€ |
| Bimare | 2000 | 200€ |
| - | 2006 | 5100€ |
| Bimare | 2013 | 5000€ |
| - | 2020 | 22000€ |
| - | 2000 | 475€ |
| Scheurer | 2000 | 299€ |
| - | 2000 | 250€ |
| Exploder | 2020 | 18000€ |
| Exploder | 2016 | 10500€ |
| - | 2000 | 1700€ |
| - | 2000 | 150€ |
| Exploder | 2018 | 9500€ |
| - | 2000 | 1200€ |
| - | 2008 | 8800€ |
| Exploder | 2018 | 10500€ |
| Exploder | 2015 | 8000€ |
| Exploder | 2000 | 1150€ |
| Exploder | 2019 | 7500€ |
| Bimare | 2000 | 500€ |
| Bimare | 2014 | 7500€ |
| - | 1986 | 700€ |
| - | 2000 | 1€ |
| Bimare | 2000 | 400€ |
| - | 2000 | 7000€ |
| - | 2006 | 4500€ |
| Exploder | 2017 | 9000€ |
| Bimare | 1995 | 2300€ |
| Bimare | 2000 | 1€ |
| Scheurer | 2015 | 12500€ |
| - | 2000 | 500€ |
| Scheurer | 2019 | 15000€ |
| Exploder | 2019 | 10000€ |
| - | 2000 | 60€ |
| Bimare | 2012 | 3800€ |
| - | 2000 | 80€ |
| Exploder | 2022 | 22€ |
| - | 2008 | 4875€ |
| - | 2000 | 200€ |
| Bimare | 2000 | 500€ |
| - | 2000 | 1€ |
| Bimare | 2000 | 1€ |
| Bimare | 2000 | 1€ |
| Paradox | 2014 | 14000€ |
| - | 2000 | 1€ |
| Bimare | 2000 | 150€ |
| Scheurer | 2016 | 12000€ |
| Bimare | 60€ | |
| Bimare | 60€ | |
| - | 850€ | |
| Bimare | 300€ | |
| - | 2016 | 12000€ |
| Bimare | 6300€ | |
| Bimare | 6600€ | |
| Bimare | 6500€ | |
| DNA | 11000€ | |
| - | 1€ |
A-Class Catamaran World Championships 2024
Punta Ala, Italy September 7th-14th 2024
Warm Up Event! ITA National Regatta - 31st - 1st Sept
Open Championships for both
Classic and Open Disciplines
Our Sponsors -
Without these guys, this event would not be possible, please check them out..
PuntAla Camp & Resort
WIP Water Protection
Challenger Sails
Ciu Ciu Wines
Aluminum A Class Catamaran Trailer
Post comment
or continue as guest
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
The official organisation for the A-Class catamaran is the IACA (International A division Catamarans Association). The A-Class rules were expanded over time to prevent the cost of these boats from rising too high and to ensure fairness in racing. Currently the main A-Class rules are: [3] Min overall boat weight : 75 kg / 165.3 lbs.
Contact the US A-Class Fleet Contacts Suppliers/Builders/Resources Login Join Contact. [email protected] Social Media Facebook ...
The 'A' Class Catamaran - Its place at the top table. ... Much design work was done over the winter of 2015/16 and two of the major manufacturers both produced more optimized designs. The Polish Exploder came out with their Ad3, with a design input from the Spanish based D3 Applied Technologies design team. The other was the Holland ...
Technical details. The F1x A-class foiling catamaran has a number of unique features that improve performance. For example: Semi ridged trampoline. Gives extra torsional stiffness to the boat and increases its aerodynamic characteristics. Patented main-sheet-wheel-system. For more direct and faster trim of the main sail.
editor Tue, 04/30/2024 - 11:00. It is with great sadness that we must report the passing of another A-Cat legend, known to a great many of us. Matthias Dietz was a beloved and gentle character for many years on both the German and European circuits. His immense knowledge of all things, ranging from the 1970's Le Mans Porsche 917 breaking ...
A Class Catamaran (International) Site: Download Boat Record: Notes. The A CLASS CATAMARAN has undergone a steady evolution since the rule was first established in 1962. Dimensions listed are class limits, and beyond these few restrictions, the class is fairly open. Sailboat Forum. View All Topics: ...
Guide to Catamaran Manufacturers. Contact information for catamaran manufacturers By Jeremy McGeary Updated: June 12, 2006 Admiral Yacht Manufacturers: (954) 713-0412, www.admiralyachtsusa.com. Alliaura Marine (Privilège): The Catamaran Company, (954) 727-0016, www.catamarans.com.
The A-class is an international ISAF class. It is a single handed catamaran based on a so called box rule. The box is defined by the max. length of 5,49 m, a max. width of 2,30m, a max sailarea of 13,94 square meters and a minimum of 75 kgs for the complete boat.
The singlehanded A-Class Catamaran has a strong presence in the USA, which was strong enough to host the 2022 World Championship, and strong enough for ... Today, the largest manufacturer of boats ...
The production of the F1x hydrofoils for the A-cat is entirely in the hands of DNA Performance Sailing. We are constantly working on the further development of this super fast foiling catamaran. Besides the latest version DNA F1x, we now also have the DNA F1 Vintage, for the non-foiling group A-class sailors. Depth: 1.37 m. Widest point: 0.16 m.
We strive to be the benchmark for ocean cruising catamarans. Through innovative design, development of new materials and processes, handcrafted skills and strict quality standards. R&C continues to position itself as a world-class manufacturer with the objective to deliver quality products throughout the world.
We start in 1965, covering Hobie, Shearwater, Prindle and C Class, then the Worrell 1000 We delve into the past, and round-up all the videos which show racing catamarans, including Hobie cats, Shearwaters, Prindles and C Class, from the 1960s to the 90s. Plus some Worrell 1000 history. Posted on 7 Apr A-Class Admiral's Cup at Pensacola day 1
A Class Sailing. The A Class Catamaran is the fastest single handed small catamaran in the world. This highly responsive lightweight boat is a joy to sail. The powerful rig means that even the heaviest sailors are on the trapeze upwind in 6 knots of breeze and flying a hull downwind (wild thing). The top sailors in the class have now mastered ...
1. Best for Families: Leopard Catamarans Leopard 42 offers a crazy amount of space 20% of the respondents answered that Leopard catamarans are the most preferred catamaran manufacturer. This puts Leopard at the top of this list! As a fine example of build quality, we have the Leopard 48, which has an excellent design and great handling. The ...
File Attachment. 'A' Cat World Sailing Official Rules (updated 10/5/24) Measurers Guidelines 01-01-2023.pdf. IYRU Sail Measurement Instructions. A-Cat Classic Hull Measurement Form-19-12-2022.numbers. A-Cat Classic Hull Measurement Form-19-12-2022.xlsx. A-Cat Hull Measurement Form-19-12-2022.numbers. A-Cat Hull Measurement Form-19-12-2022.xlsx.
World class luxury cruising and performance catamarans. Broadblue is a UK company based at Thornham Marina, Emsworth. We build world-class contemporary cruising catamarans renowned for their exemplary performance and speed, luxury live-aboard comfort and safety.
The A-Class catamaran is a development gauge for sport catamarans. It is the king of single-handed sport catamarans. This catamaran built in carbone fiber is very fast. Now the A Cat has foils and it flyes on the water. Launched in 1950, this is a class that aims for the best performance in a single-handed sport catamaran.
A-Class Catamaran World Championships 2024. Punta Ala, Italy September 7th-14th 2024. REGISTER HERE. NEW! Warm Up Event! ITA National Regatta - 31st - 1st Sept. Open Championships for both . Classic and Open Disciplines. 365d. 24h. 60m. 60s. Our Sponsors - Without these guys, this event would not be possible, please check them out.
Aluminum A Class Catamaran Trailer. Designed specifically for A-Class Catamarans. Equipped with 2' x 8' x 12' treated and fully carpeted support boards with alignment guides on rear crossbar. Satin anodized finish, bolted and fully adjustable for a perfect fit. Front mast stand equipped with bow stop, winch and rubber "V" bar mast protection.
The S-400 Triumf (Russian: C-400 Триумф - Triumf; translation: Triumph; NATO reporting name: SA-21 Growler), previously known as the S-300 PMU-3, is a mobile surface-to-air missile (SAM) system developed in the 1990s by Russia's NPO Almaz as an upgrade to the S-300 family of missiles. The S-400 was approved for service on 28 April 2007 and the first battalion of the systems assumed ...
A residential and industrial region in the south-east of Mocsow. It was founded on the spot of two villages: Chagino (what is now the Moscow Oil Refinery) and Ryazantsevo (demolished in 1979). in 1960 the town was incorporated into the City of Moscow as a district. Population - 45,000 people (2002). The district is one of the most polluted residential areas in Moscow, due to the Moscow Oil ...
State Housing Inspectorate of the Moscow Region Elektrostal postal code 144009. See Google profile, Hours, Phone, Website and more for this business. 2.0 Cybo Score. Review on Cybo.
Heliport information about UUDO - Orlovo, MOS, RU. Information on this site may not be accurate or current and is not valid for flight planning or navigation.