a class catamaran foiling

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.

a class catamaran foiling

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!

comment banner

Tags: A-Class Catamaran , Axel Issel , Craig Leweck

Related Posts

a class catamaran foiling

America’s Cup: Challenger series update →

a class catamaran foiling

Keeping quiet is not a growth formula →

a class catamaran foiling

Full range for A-Class World Championships →

a class catamaran foiling

Will DN iceboat rig be fast in the water? →

© 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... *
  • Name This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

a class catamaran foiling

The DNA® A-class catamaran. Five times world champion. Proudly manufactured by Holland Composites.

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..

tuning your DNA

  • Toospore rudders 2-3 mm (measure rudders fore and aft at transom level)(always check after reception of the boat).
  • Rudder raked under the boat: no more than 15 mm (factory settings can be slightly more)
  • Toe-in daggerboards 3-5 mm (difference fore aft daggerboards) (= standard factory settings)
  • Daggerboard J  or C board  slider: 1 cm space to the back end (standard setting) for more lift move daggerboard more aft, for less lift move daggerboard forward. Just untighten the screws lightly and use the board as a lever to change the position of the slider
  • Mastrake: just behind the hatch in light winds, on the transom in medium winds, halfway the transom in stronger winds. (Procedure; keep trapezeline on the deck at the fore stay and see where it touches the hull aft). If you adjust mastrake you might have to adjust sheetlength too.
  • Polish daggerboards and rudders with grid 600 and then 1000 or 1200. Especially the finish of the daggerboard has a huge impact on the performance.  New boards are not polished yet.
  • Upwind: traveller always in the middle, reduce mastrotation when the wind picks up.
  • Downwind: Traveller on hiking strap when doing the wild thing, mast rotation 80-90 degrees
  • Do not oversheet while doing the wildthing
  • Keep daggerboards down will doing the wildthing, pull the weather daggerboard up in marginal wildthing conditions. In the mild thing or while going flat pull both daggerboards halfway up. 
  • In strong winds put the boards up 10 cm.
  • Position yourself between the side stay and the daggerboard case when you are going upwind. Only step back when the boat is on full speed. Hike before the sidestay in light conditions (see pics Stevie at the Worlds in Cesenatico). Many sailors stand to far back when going upwind especially just after a tack. (Keep fat bottom out of the water)
  • Use surf wax on the trampoline to enhance grip in tacks and gybes.
  • Use toestraps if you want to trapeze downwind. You do not need these in the lighter circumstances but if the wind picks up your will suffer from less fatigue.
  • If you can trapeze downwind some cunningham may result in higher endspeeds and more control.
  • If  you cannot keep the bow up downwind come out of the trapeze, release the traveller a bit and steer for depth. Less mast rotation may improve control but hurts speed as well if wind is not stable.
  • Ask your sailmaker for the right amount of spreaderrake and the right amount of diamond tension. Use a loose gauge to measure the tension.
  • If you go from the windward mark to the offset mark do not step back and keep yourself positioned at the daggerboard case to prevent aggressive bow ups.
  • If you sail a long distance race reduce the amount of lift by moving the slider .6 cms forward.
  • Put your daggerboards in the trampoline bag before going ashore, else a board may wash off the boat and may sink.
  • Do not make jumps on purpose with the boat while reaching This might damage the boards.
  • Keep your hulls clean. Wash the boat with water after sailing on saltwater. Transport it either in a box or use lycra covers.
  • Teflon wax sealer can be applied on both the hulls and daggerboards for less friction.
  • Put water on your daggerboards before you put these in daggerboard cases. Do not hang a daggerboard in the water if you are already sailing as it can be swept out of your hands.
  • Keep the screws on the pushrods of the rudders tight else the pushrod pin might rotate.
  • Check the knot in the daggerboard rope regularly as  the daggerboards might sink if it comes loose.
  • Drill a 2 mm in the hatch covers to let air out in case of heating by the sun.
  • Do not drill holes in the beams as the beams are watertight and part of the positive safety buoyancy.
  • Do not use aceton on the paint to remove glue or stickers but use spiritus/alcohol instead.
  • Clean travellercar with clean water.
  • Check trapeze ropes regularly

Home

The new DNA F1x A-class catamaran is unveiled!

DNA is proud to unveil the new  F1x A-cat . In essence, it is a comprehensive update to the original F1 A-cat introduced in the spring of 2016.  Cost - Platform ready to go €25000 +VAT.

So, two years have passed since the introduction of the F1 and this is the first update. What remains and what has changed? Mischa, PJ and DNA lead engineer Niels went the extra mile. It is still the F1 as you know it, with the same hull shape aimed for light air & floating performance and aero optimization when foiling. But we have changed and added a few go-faster bits – more than just swapping foils alone.. The moulds have been slightly reworked and in short, these are the changes made: 

>> Magic wheel sheeting below deck 

>> Internal traveller system in aft beam  

>> New Z-foil design 

>> Changed Z-foil position and trunk entry with easy rake readout

>> New rudder design 

>> Changed rudder position 

>> Rudder rake adjustment while sailing 

>> Boomless pinhead sail design from Mischa Sails 

>> Larger deck area for crossing   

The F1x´s changes are explained in more detail on the following pages. Sailing images will be provided when the weather clears up – photo sessions have thus far been cancelled due to rain or fog.

Magic wheel sheeting

Located below the semi-rigid carbon trampoline is a clever new wheel sheeting system which replaces the traditional main sheet system. Why a wheel? This allows lesser sheeting loads and gives a much faster response. The sheet rolls on a wheel and is covered to prevent the sheet from falling off in case of a slacked line. It is a very clean system and requires less physical effort, which means lesser chance of mistakes throughout an already exhausting racing day, and the advantage of a quicker response needs no further explanation. 

Internal traveller 

The F1’s aft beam, which originally featured a nicely recessed traveller track, has been extensively reworked; with the F1x the aft beam features a wholly integrated traveller car inside the carbon beam. There are multiple advantages over a normal traveller track: it weighs less, there is -again- lesser windage, it runs smoother, it is fully optimized for a boomless sail and that sheet is no longer in your way as it fully runs under the trampoline.

We have been running a foil improvement program for more than a year now, as we started trying amended foil shapes well ahead of the 2017 Worlds. We found it very hard to make an allround improvement to the original Z-foil design which we developed in 2013 and introduced the following year. We then decided to call for help and have collaborated with Martin Fischer to create the next level in Z-foil design. Martin needs no further introduction we believe, and the good thing is - with most respect- that he is a real performance freak in the best sense of the word. Nothing but the absolute best would do, which meant that reviewing our real world data from testing our modified foil shapes and Martins computational calculations resulted in more than a dozen new shapes. Each was reviewed until, after months, we arrived at the final new shape. 

The one goal throughout foil development has been very straightforward; to make foiling easier overall and to achieve more flying time (upwind). This should ease foiling in rougher conditions which ultimately results in higher average speeds around the course, and secondly it makes entrance into the class for newbies easier too. We started off by saying that we would be happy to sacrifice some top end speed for a more forgiving design – however the foil professor came up with a design that is easier to foil, more forgiving overall AND has a higher top end. We expect to break the 30 knots speed barrier pretty soon, so as the season progresses and we learn more, it will be fun doing some new speed runs versus the MOTH’s again.   

When you look at the pictures, you will note more curves in the daggerboards. The Z-foils are fully class compliant and have been positioned slightly further forward. The foil has a higher aspect ratio and features some pretty ‘kinky’ intelligent stuff, featuring various profiles throughout the design.  

The rudders are a new design too. They are now positioned slightly canted, and the winglet is canted even further for additional heave stability. We maintain using L-rudders (so no T-rudders); these could be placed further outwards and are then not in the wake of the daggerboards providing a better steer and more efficient lift. The new rudders are located further aft to create a larger span, which aids control when foiling generally and eases upwind foiling specifically. 

In our opinion, L-rudders are the optimal rudder for performance and a positive side effect is that it is easy to shake off weed while sailing. Weed is pretty common in Dutch summers and we just do not want to make a full stop when you feel some weed dragging – just pop a hull, shake it loose and off you go again [at warp speed]. Small matter it may be, but details do matter.

Foil rake 

With the new F1x, the rake of both daggerboards and rudders can be adjusted while sailing. Last year, Mischa trialed various prototype rudder rake systems for convenience and durability and we have now come up with a well working, lightweight and clean solution.

Although the rudder rake is synchronized as standard, the rudder rake system has already been separated in a port and starboard system to -eventually- offer rake differential at the rudders. Customer boats will not feature this ex-factory as yet, although DNA team riders will feature such to test the structural integrity of the various masts currently available during the 2018 season. Rudder differential will increase righting moment and thus speed, however loads on the rig go up too and we do not want to see customer masts failing.

Rudder feeling 

Achieving a light, direct and balanced feel on the rudder is a DNA trademark and has been a high priority for years, and it has now improved even further. It is balanced such that the pressure on the helm slightly increases when foiling high, providing more feedback and control. 

Sail changes 

DNA successfully introduced the decksweeper sail setup with a wishbone boom. Initially, we were skeptical about a boomless decksweeper sail, however with the latest pinhead sail designs from Mischa Sails and our new traveler setup we no longer require a boom to achieve the best performance. This saves weight and costs. 

Retrofitting 

Changes between the F1 and F1x are few, but are nonetheless significant due to a few changes in the platform. Retrofitting new features as rudder rake adjustment, the internal beam traveler and the magic wheel sheeting would involve a mighty lot of work.  Due to the changed positioning and shape, the F1x Z-foils will not fit in the 2016-2017 F1 daggerboard cases – however, with ample interest from existing F1 A-cat customers, we will create a new Z-foil which takes lessons learned from the updated F1x, and make that suitable for use in the F1 without any platform modification whatsoever.   

The new F1x L-rudders can be used in the original F1 rudder cassettes, requiring just some sanding for a snug fit.

Overall  

We hope to deliver in our quest for improved handling, more speed and more control while going fast while maintaining good looks. The last bit of good news is that we have been able to lose some weight – total weights are very close to the magic 75 kg again. 

We remain affirmed in our belief that customers should be able to sail, foil and race within 30 minutes after taking delivery of their A-cat.  Each DNA F1x comes fully prepared and tuned  (tuned to Mischa spec) so you can go sailing straight away. Due to the added complexities, the platform cost has gone up to €25000 excluding taxes.

We hope you like it – let us know your comments at  [email protected] please! 

Renderings rights free for editorial use with credit : ©DNA performance sailing

Full specs on the F1x A-cat as well as other DNA performance sailing products :  www.DNAperformancesailing.com

For media or sales information, contact : Thijs van Riemsdijk,  [email protected] , tel +31 320 281877

Sign up for the DNA newsletter :  www.DNAperformancesailing.com

a class catamaran foiling

a class catamaran foiling

The British

'a' class catamaran, association.

The official site for the British 'A' Class Catamaran Association.  Designed to inform new and existing 'A' Cat sailors about UK 'A' Class trends.

a class catamaran foiling

Technical Section

a class catamaran foiling

In this section, you will find explanations, setup advice and some videos about various technical aspects of the 'A' Class Catamaran, all provided by expert sailors and designers to help you to get the best from your boat.  It covers both Classic and Foiling designs.

DNA-Performance-Sailing-Roeland-Wentholt-F1x-foiling-Acat-multihull-battle-hydrofoils-Worlds-Acat-Weymouth-aug2019-©GordonUpton

Foiling multihulls

Innovative design, fast, foiling & fun, custom parts & hydrofoils, tf10 foiling trimaran.

The Morrelli & Melvin designed TF10 is a safe and easy to sail foiling trimaran

F1x A-CAT Foiling Catamaran

Multiple World Cup constructors title winning design within the international A-class catamaran division

Hydrofoil Manufacturer

We produce hydrofoils for the Olympic Nacra 17 and MOD70 foiling multihulls and many other types of carbon hydrofoils for various foiling sailboats

Custom Parts

DNA is happy to help you with your custom carbon composite solutions

Wij bouwen uw nieuwe foiling boot!

About dna performance sailing, the boat building division of holland composites.

DNA Performance Sailing is the high-quality boat building division of Holland Composites, the composite production company based in Lelystad, The Netherlands. DNA builds state-of-the-art foiling multihull sailboats. A passionate team works here from the design, the complete construction and detailed finishing to the delivery of the boat to the customer.

The DNA Performance Sailing line-up consists of the following models:

  • the F1x – a 5.5 m lightweight and super-fast A-class catamaran. Multiple World Championship constructors title winning design within the international A-class catamaran division
  • the TF10 – a 10 m one-design foiling trimaran designed by Morrelli & Melvin, the perfect transportable foiling multihull sailboat.

Our foiling multihull sailboats are designed to make flying above water at every level and accessible to a wide audience. We strive to deliver beautiful, safe and efficient foiling multihull sailboats. Always combined with a very committed customer service. Welcome to tomorrow’s sailing.

Sign up for our newsletter and stay informed of the latest developments!

2021: let’s foil again.

Boy, what a strange year 2020 was, we barely felt the waves beneath our... Lees verder

SPECIAL BLOG: 10 facts about the TF10 foiling trimaran!

In this special blog you can discover 10 interesting and funny facts about the... Lees verder

Sign up for our newsletter!

  • First name *
  • Last name *
  • Email address *
  • 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 *
  • Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Schrijf je in voor onze nieuwsbrief

blijf op de hoogte van de nieuwste ontwikkelingen!

  • Emailaddress *

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.

a class catamaran foiling

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

Please Support TheBeachcats.com

Users 37,763
Active Ads 510
Comments 1,147
Views 921,297
Items Sold 4,105
Value of items sold $14,962,308.00
» »















Seller Details
Quantity Views Date Posted
Asking Price Shipping to USA (48 States)
"None" means shipping included or
see Description For Shipping Info.
Distance from you

Description: New Years' Resolution: Win some foiling regattas in 2024!


This is a Competitive Exploder platform, with Z22 foils, rudder rake controls, a lightly used Brewin mainsail, and a Glaser training mainsail.


Fiberfoam medium mast (straight, not tapered).


Includes custom-fit beach dolly, covers.


Boat sails and foils well - tested this recently!


More pics available if you are interested.


(This boat is being sold on behalf of Youth Sailing Foundation of Miami. Proceeds of the sale go to funding young kids sailing programs!)
Brand: Exploder
Model: AD3
HIN#: EXP00722A317
City: Miami
State: FL
Phone Number: 6178389503
Comment Date:
 

[email protected]

Social Media

Blog Updates

© 2024 US A-Class Association, All rights reserved.

Secondary address

Related members, related boats.

Event Details

a class catamaran foiling

A-Class Catamaran World Championships 2024

puntala logo .png

Open Championships for both 

Classic and Open Disciplines

Punta Ala, Italy September 7th-14th 2024

Live tracking here kindly sponsored by challenger sails, results - classic, results - open, our sponsors - , without these guys, this event would not be possible, please check them out..

camping-punta-ala-logo_edited.png

PuntAla Camp & Resort 

a class catamaran foiling

WIP Water Protection

a class catamaran foiling

Challenger Sails

loghi ciu ciu .png

Ciu Ciu Wines

Screenshot 2024-07-04 at 08.47.03.png

Yachting World

  • Digital Edition

Yachting World cover

Everything you need to know about the Youth America’s Cup 2024

Toby Heppell

  • Toby Heppell
  • September 17, 2024

The Youth America's Cup will see 12 teams competing in Barcelona in AC40 foiling monohulls to claim the Youth America's Cup Trophy

a class catamaran foiling

The 2024 Youth America’s Cup is set to get underway today Tuesday 17 September 2024 in Barcelona. Sponsored by UniCredit, the event will bring together the best young sailors from around the globe to compete in a knock out series to crown the Youth America’s Cup champion.

The inaugural Red Bull Youth America’s Cup was introduced in San Francisco and the winners of that regatta are now leading names in sailing.

Peter Burling , today the skipper of the Defender of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup , skippered the ‘NZL Sailing Team with Emirates Team New Zealand’ that featured stellar names like Blair Tuke, Andy Maloney and Sam Meech who are all involved with Emirates Team New Zealand in 2024.

Other names in that regatta, which was then held in non-foiling AC45 catamarans, include Jason Saunders (now with Orient Express Racing Team ), Lucien Cujean and Jason Waterhouse (both now with Alinghi Red Bull Racing ).

a class catamaran foiling

The Land Rover BAR team were crowned 2017 Red Bull Youth America’s Cup Champions last time the event took place

Following the success of that inaugural regatta, the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup returned in 2017 in the crystal waters of Bermuda with the upgraded AC45F foiling catamaran and this time it was the British ‘GBR Land Rover BAR Academy’ team that lifted the trophy. Onboard was Neil Hunter, the powerhouse cyclor who was quickly snapped up by the senior team and is now a key member of the INEOS Britannia squad.

The Youth America’s Cup did not take place during the 2021 America’s Cup in Auckland, but has been reintroduced for this latest edition of the event.

Article continues below…

a class catamaran foiling

AC40: the America’s Cup class’ younger sister

The 37th America’s Cup may be retaining the AC75 – albeit with a tweaked rule set – for actual Cup…

a class catamaran foiling

British Women’s and Youth America’s Cup squads unveiled

The British team is seeking to win the first ever Women’s America’s Cup. It will also be aiming to defend…

The UniCredit Youth America’s Cup, is scheduled from September 17 to 26, 2024 and is open to sailors aged 18 to 25, it promises to showcase the talents of young athletes from 12 countries, all vying for top honours in foiling yacht racing.

The event will feature both fleet racing and match-racing formats, allowing teams to test their mettle in the different racing tyles. Fleet races will be the order of the day initially  while match-races will see two boats go head-to-head in a knockout format.

The Youth America’s Cup Venue

The races will be held at the Port Olímpic in Barcelona, a prime waterfront location that has undergone significant renovation in recent years. Built for the 1992 Olympic Games, the port is now a hub of Barcelona’s maritime culture and is the area in which the Louis Vuitton Cup and America’s Cup are taking place. Fans will have an incredible opportunity to view the races close up from the waterfront and beaches, adding a unique level of engagement to the event.

a class catamaran foiling

An AC40 in action. Photo: Ricardo Pinto / America’s Cup

The Boats: AC40

The Youth America’s Cup will take place in the AC40 a one-design foiling monohull that has been used by America’s Cup teams for training, development and America’s Cup preliminary regattas.

The purchase of one AC40 was a prerequisite to entry into the 37th America’s Cup with the boats being used for an America’s Cup preliminary series (consisting of two events in the run up to the Cup itself), and also the reintroduced Youth America’s Cup.

Both the Youth AC and Preliminary Events (previously called the America’s Cup World Series) concept have been a feature of past America’s Cups, but both were dropped in the run-up to the 36th America’s Cup in Auckland.

The AC40 is designed to behave in a similar way to the America’s Cup boats , the AC75 . They have two large, weighted foils on either side of the boat but no traditional keel.

The boats are designed to foil on one foil only with the windward foil raised out of the water to reduce drag and provide increased righting moment.

With only four crew members onboard the AC40 there is a reliance on a variety of automated systems, including a battery powered system replacing the need for grinders, and automated controls to adjust foiling height and self-tacking headsails.

In terms of the rig, the AC40 again mimics the AC75s and features the same D-shaped mast on which two sail skins will be hoisted to create a soft wingsail, offering plenty of control in a sail plan that can be easily raised and lowered from onboard.

a class catamaran foiling

Youth America’s Cup Format

The competition kicked off with five days of training from September 10 to 16, giving the teams a chance to familiarise themselves with the AC40s. The race series begins with the Qualification Series from September 17 to 21, where the teams are split into two groups. The top three teams from each group will progress to the Final Series on September 22, followed by the Match-Race Final on September 26.

The format challenges the sailors in both fleet and match-racing, testing their versatility and adaptability across multiple racing styles.

a class catamaran foiling

Photo: Ricardo Pinto / America’s Cup

Youth America’s Cup teams

Twelve teams from around the world, will compete for the trophy. These teams represent both traditional America’s Cup contenders and yacht clubs from across the globe, reflecting the growing international appeal of youth sailing. Teams will consist of four sailors each, with a mix of helmsmen and trimmers. The Teams in the Youth America’s Cup are:

  • New Zealand – Emirates Team New Zealand – representing the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS)
  • Great Britain – Athena Pathway – representing the Royal Yacht Squadron Ltd (RYS)
  • Switzerland – Alinghi Red Bull Racing – representing Société Nautique de Genève (SNG)
  • Italy – Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli – representing Circolo della Vela Sicilia (CVS)
  • USA – NYYC American Magic – representing New York Yacht Club (NYYC)
  • France – Orient Express – L’Oréal Racing Team – representing Société Nautique Saint-Tropez (SNST)
  • Spain – Sail Team BCN Real – representing Club Náutico de Barcelona (RCNB)
  • The Netherlands – JAJO Team DutchSail – representing Koninklijke Nederlandsche Zeil- & Roeivereeniging (KNZ&RV) Royal Maas Yacht Club (KR&ZV ‘De Maas’)
  • Canada – Concord Pacific Racing – representing Royal Vancouver Yacht Club (RVYC)
  • Germany – Youth America’s Cup Team Germany – representing Kieler Yacht Club, Verein Seglerhaus am Norddeutscher Regattaverein, Bayrischer Yacht-Club
  • Sweden – Swedish Challenge Powered by Artemis Technologies – representing Royal Swedish Yacht Club (KSSS), Royal Gothenburg Yacht Club (GKSS)
  • Australia – Andoo Team Australia – representing Cruising Yacht Club of Australia

a class catamaran foiling

Youth America’s Cup, Youth Presentation. Photo: Ricardo Pinto / America’s Cup

How to watch the Youth America’s Cup

The Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup has partnered with broadcasters in some territories but most sailors will be able to catch it live on the America’s Cup Facebook and YouTube pages, as well as www.americascup.com . If you missed the races or want to relive the action, full replays are available immediately after the racing finishes.

Follow all of our 2024 America’s Cup coverage

If you enjoyed this….

Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams. Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

IMAGES

  1. F1X Foiling Catamaran

    a class catamaran foiling

  2. Four minutes of Foiling A Class Catamaran Sailing

    a class catamaran foiling

  3. Foiling catamaran F1X a class a cat Mischa Heemskerk EU championship 2019 Italy

    a class catamaran foiling

  4. A-Class Catamaran Foiling Class Winner Bruce Mahoney

    a class catamaran foiling

  5. A class catamaran foiling 2022

    a class catamaran foiling

  6. F1X Foiling Catamaran

    a class catamaran foiling

VIDEO

  1. Team Invictus C-Class Catamaran Sailing

  2. Death of a Foiling C Class Catamaran

  3. Foiling A Class downwind sequence

  4. DNA Performance Sailing F1 A-class foiling catamaran composite introduction video

  5. Sailmon MAX mount, self-tacking, for DNA F1x A-Class catamaran, 3D-print-yourself

  6. A Class Catamaran speed runs on Sandy Hook Bay 9/1/2020

COMMENTS

  1. F1x A-class foiling catamaran

    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.

  2. International A-class catamaran

    The A-Class Catamaran, often abbreviated to A-Cat, is a development class sailing catamaran for singlehanded racing. [1] ... (Foiling) division, and a non foiling Classic division for boats with straight or C-shaped foils, and with different class rules to prevent foiling. The two have slightly different SCHRS handicaps, the Open being 0.978 ...

  3. The 'A' Class Catamaran

    The 'A' Class Future. The two foil types are causing a little debate within the class though. Although all the boats measure as 'A' Class cats equally, the foiling/floating thing appears to irk some in a few national class associations. Some want separate races for foilers, claiming that is not fair now to race both on the same course.

  4. A-Class: Learning to Foil the Exploder (Part III)

    A-Class: Learning to Foil the Exploder (Part III) Unusual cold rainy winter this year, so not much sailing. The F18s have been racing and training for the Worlds past months, but the 'Panzer tanks' can sail in almost any condition, with the F18 you can go out and charge +25knots and hard chop/waves. With the A for me the plan is always to ...

  5. Four minutes of Foiling A Class Catamaran Sailing

    Four minutes of upwind foiling, downwind foiling, tacks, and gybes on a foiling A-class Catamaran in preparation for 2022 Worlds in Houston.

  6. A-Class Catamaran having it both ways

    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.

  7. The DNA® A-class catamaran. Five times world champion. Proudly

    DNA was founded by longtime A class sailor Pieterjan Dwarshuis in 2010. The DNA A-cat was created in collaboration with sailor Mischa Heemskerk and i ndustrial designer Rudo Enserink as the boat which we wanted to sail ourselves, based on years of experience on dozens of A class and other catamarans.

  8. The new DNA F1x A-class catamaran is unveiled!

    The new DNA F1x A-class catamaran is unveiled! DNA is proud to unveil the new F1x A-cat. In essence, it is a comprehensive update to the original F1 A-cat introduced in the spring of 2016. Cost - Platform ready to go €25000 +VAT. So, two years have passed since the introduction of the F1 and this is the first update.

  9. Our Boats

    All our foiling F1x A-class catamarans come directly, race-ready and 'Mischa-tuned' from our factory. VIEW ALL SPECS. TF10 FOILING TRIMARAN. The TF10 foiling trimaran is a sensational and very pleasant sailing trimaran, which represents the new generation of foiling multihull boats. The design of the TF10 is highly thought out by Morrelli ...

  10. Foils

    Technical Section. In this section, you will find explanations, setup advice and some videos about various technical aspects of the 'A' Class Catamaran, all provided by expert sailors and designers to help you to get the best from your boat. It covers both Classic and Foiling designs.

  11. Foiling Multihull sailboats

    the F1x - a 5.5 m lightweight and super-fast A-class catamaran. Multiple World Championship constructors title winning design within the international A-class catamaran division; the TF10 - a 10 m one-design foiling trimaran designed by Morrelli & Melvin, the perfect transportable foiling multihull sailboat.

  12. PDF Fluid Interfaces Technical Article

    Foiling in these conditions is definitely not for the feint hearted. So, it seems that potential gains from foiling A-cats are not always clear or available to all sailors. Interestingly, from a class perspective it reminds me of the slow and frustrating transition in Moths from Scow to displacement Skiffs during the 1980's. The skiffs were very

  13. A class catamaran foiling 2022

    Short video of Foiling A-Class catamaran, upwind and downwind at Lake Macquarie in NSW, Australia in Late January 2022The footage at times is quite shaky (ap...

  14. A-Class: New DNA F1 "x" in Detail

    The new DNA F1x A-class catamaran . DNA is proud to unveil the new F1x A-cat. In essence, it is a comprehensive update to the original F1 A-cat introduced in the spring of 2016. ... with the same hull shape aimed for light air & floating performance and aero optimization when foiling. But we have changed and added a few go-faster bits - more ...

  15. A-Class foiling catamaran

    Got my new Mischa sail for my DNA F1x A-Cat and time to try it out as the new 2021 season starts with this May. As the the new sail: "... next generation Mis...

  16. Sailing hydrofoil

    The 2014 A-Class Catamaran World Titles in Takapuna New Zealand demonstrated early foiling capabilities to the class. [20] Now the A-Class can foil stably downwind in 6 knots and upwind in 12 knots or more. Peak speeds are reported to be about 30 knots and 2.5X wind speed. [21] The A-Class has set the standard for 4-point foiling that many ...

  17. A Class

    A Class - Full Foiling 2017 eXploder AD3 - negotiable - Catamaran Sailboat Classifieds. Choose Ad Type. Sell a Beachcat $15.00 USD Parts For Sale $6.00 USD Sails For Sale $6.00 USD Larger Multihulls $20.00 USD Monohulls $20.00 USD General For Sale $20.00 USD. Enter Username.

  18. Classifieds

    2020 Exploder AD3 Foiling A Class Catamaran for Sale. Fast boat, competitive in all conditions. Fully rigged, tuned, and turn-key. See the attached spreadsheet for inventory. Only selling to get another Acat. Includes mast, platform, no trailer. Lots of photos/videos on Instagram @camsails and Youtube @camsails. $27,000.00

  19. Sailing

    A-Class Catamaran World Championships 2024. Open Championships for both . Classic and Open Disciplines. Punta Ala, Italy September 7th-14th 2024. Live Tracking HERE! kindly sponsored by Challenger Sails. Results - Classic. Results - Open. Our Sponsors - Without these guys, this event would not be possible, please check them out.

  20. Everything you need to know about the Youth America's Cup 2024

    The Event. The UniCredit Youth America's Cup, is scheduled from September 17 to 26, 2024 and is open to sailors aged 18 to 25, it promises to showcase the talents of young athletes from 12 ...

  21. THE BEST Things to Do in Luzino (2024)

    Things to Do in Luzino, Russia: See Tripadvisor's traveler reviews and photos of Luzino tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in September. We have reviews of the best places to see in Luzino. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions.

  22. Tara Gates

    By Hotel Class. 3-Star Hotels in Omsk 5-Star Hotels in Omsk 4-Star Hotels in Omsk. By Hotel Brand. Cronwell Hotels in Omsk. ... Zoo Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit Los Angeles King County Water Taxi Mtirala National Park Folkloric Ballet in Mexico City Catamaran Snorkel to El Cielo and Tortugas Beach Club Harry Potter London Walking Tour Kansai (KIX

  23. THE BEST Things to Do in Tara (2024)

    1. Church of the Saviour. 2. Tara Art Museum. 3. Omsk State Northern Drama Theatre in the Name of M.A. Ulyanov. Things to Do in Tara, Russia: See Tripadvisor's 13 traveler reviews and photos of Tara tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in August. We have reviews of the best places to see in Tara.

  24. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Omsk Oblast (2024)

    10. Omsk State Museum of History and Regional Studies. 52. History Museums. Established in 1878, this museum safeguarded valuable collections during World War II and, after the war, expanded its holdings to reflect the region's rapid social development, economic achievements…. 11.