f18 class catamaran

Formula 18 (F18)

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One-Design Class Type: Multihull

Was this boat built to be sailed by youth or adults? Both

Approximately how many class members do you have? 90

Photo Credit:St Bart Cata Cup 2018 Round the Weather Mark

Photo Credit: St Bart Cata Cup 2018 Start

Photo Credit: St Bart Cata Cup 2018

About Formula 18 (F18)

The F18 class aims to provide fair boat for boat racing without handicaps on catamarans from various manufacturers and different designs within a “box” formula rule and for crews of various weights. Competition between boat manufacturers and sail makers keep costs very competitive and the competition is very close. Racing with upwind speeds of 11-13 knots and downwind speeds of 18-20 kts makes the racing very exciting. Allowing mixed and all female teams to compete on an equal basis fleets makes entering the class more accessible for every sailor. The Formula 18 class keeps offering popular, exciting, safe and fair racing, and also keeps on growing and evolving. The boat was designed for both distance “raid” racing and standard around the buoy multiple race events. There are major continental and world championships annually often with 100 to 160 catamarans entered.

Boats Produced: 500

Class boat builder(s):

Cirrus (France), Falcon (USA), Goodall (Australia), Nacra (Netherlands), Scorpion (Poland), Windrush (Australia)

Approximately how many boats are in the USA/North America? 200

Where is your One-Design class typically sailed in the USA? List regions of the country:

Arizona – Phoenix; California – Long Beach, San Diego, Santa Cruz, San Francisco; Florida – Clearwater, Sarasota, Key Largo; Hawaii – Oahu; Maryland; Massachusetts – Boston, Michigan; Rhode Island – Newport, Utah – Salt Lake City, Wisconsin, Washington – Seattle;

Does this class have a spinnaker or gennaker? Yes

How many people sail as a crew including the helm?  2

Ideal combined weight of range of crew:  300-380 lbs; minimum combined crew weight 330 lbs (150 kg) otherwise carry 1/2 pound lead for each pound underweight

Boat Designed in  1995

Length (feet/inches): 18′

Beam: 8’5″

Weight of rigged boat without sails: 396 lbs (180 kg) minimum required weight with sails

Draft: Approximately 5 ft but varies by type of F18. Boat has two daggerboards which can be raised when in shallow water.

Mast Height: 30′

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Published on September 23rd, 2019 | by Editor

Formula 18 Class: Evolve or Die

Published on September 23rd, 2019 by Editor -->

The success of one design racing rests largely on critical mass. There may be a lot of boats of a type, but if they are not in close proximity, convenient one design racing can’t occur. And if it isn’t convenient, it won’t thrive.

But what if different boat types, with similar characteristics, could come together and race on equal terms? The Formula 18 Class had that objective when the parameters were developed in 1993 to offer popular, exciting, safe, and fair racing in 18-foot catamarans.

The class’ further objective was to keep development under control, keeping it a non-foiler, and maintaining a good balance between cost and performance. By being open to any manufacturer, the competition keeps costs to sailors to a minimum… right?

While right in general, any class organization that has some degree of “openness” becomes open to efforts that try to build a better mousetrap, err, 18-foot catamaran. And once that happens, the effort to offer a level playing field tilts toward those spending money for the better boat.

This all came to mind with the pending launch of the newly developed Nacra F18 Evolution, which according to Nacra Sailing, hopes to improve on their previous boat – the Nacra F18 Infusion – to be the best all-around performing F18, over the full range of sailing conditions for every sailor.

Why do it otherwise, right? When there were no Nacras in the top 20 at the 2019 F18 Worlds , and the Exploder Scorpion dominated with 8 boats in the top 12, it’s time to evolve or die.

Here’s the background on this new boat:

The design program of the Nacra F18 Evolution started at the 2018 F18 World Championship in Sarasota, USA. Morrelli & Melvin Naval Architects Ferdinand van West (2 time F18 World Champion) and Pete Melvin (Olympic sailor) teamed up to sail the Nacra F18 Infusion.

With Nacra Sailing owner and technical director Peter Vink’s coaching, the duo finished their first event in 6th place. Inspired by this experience, they brought back a wealth of data from the event which they applied directly to the drawing board. This is how Nacra Sailing teamed up again with their long-time development partner Morrelli & Melvin to set its goals in this ambitious project. These parties have a long history together, having done many successful projects such as the Nacra F18 Infusion which was launched in 2006.

This relationship also includes the development of the Olympic Nacra 17 which has changed the face of sailing by becoming the first Olympic sailing class to introduce hydrofoiling.

The hydrodynamic characteristics of the Nacra F18 Evolution’s hull shape are completely revised and benefit from the latest design tools used by America’s Cup teams, analyzing the performance of dozens of hull shape iterations in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations.

Since their involvement in the last three America’s Cups, Morrelli & Melvin have invested in using NUMECA’s FINE/Marine CFD software for design optimization. Utilizing high performance computing resources and advanced performance prediction simulators to add fidelity to race model analysis.

Most notable, the Nacra F18 Evolution’s hull shape design, has an aggressively styled raked wave-piercing bow with a horizontal hull chine running back into the transom.

This elegant solution cleverly distributes the volume and contour curvatures desired for each dynamic condition and delivers a unique compromise for both sailing upwind and downwind at different speeds. The optimized foredeck in front of the main beam and embedded beams into the hull add extra sleekness to this design.

There was a careful focus on the platform configuration, which features an updated longitudinal beam position to optimize the hydrodynamic and aerodynamic balance between the sailplan and the appendages. This has been further enhanced by a new high aspect ratio rudder design, refining wetted area, and updates to the hydrofoil sectional shape to the latest developments.

Close collaboration with the aerodynamic sail design of Performance Sails has ensured an optimized sailplan which features the regatta proven deck sweeper mainsail and an optimized jib design tailored to the new mainsail.

The Nacra F18 Evolution will make its F18 Worlds debut at the 2020 Formula 18 World Championship in Formia, Italy, and is available for order with first deliveries starting in February 2020.

Tags: F18 , F18 Worlds , Formula 18 , Formula 18 World Championship , Nacra Sailing

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• Nacra F18 Evolution

The evolution of sailing

Record-breaking winning design. The next step in Formula 18 sailing. (r)Evolutionary on every level.

Using the most advanced technology in Formula 18 sailing, the Nacra F18 Evolution is a racing catamaran built to win – a sophisticated design combined with 45 years of experience make it the best all-round performing Formula 18 multihull, across the full range of sailing conditions for every sailor.

The literal evolution in Formula 18 sailing, it’s the next iteration of the boat that won it all, the Nacra F18 Infusion . Using the same unique construction process, this catamaran will take you to heights in performance you’ve only dreamed of.

Usage Competitive One Design racing

Crew 2  Sailors

EVOLUTION IS THE SECRET TO THE NEXT STEP

The main purpose of the new F18 Evolution design was to build upon the unique pedigree of the Nacra F18 Infusion MKII  as the previous best-in-class allrounder. Taking all the best parts from its predecessor, redesigning its flaws, improving where we could, we’ve created a worthy successor.  The main visual difference is of course a completely new hull shape, but the real improvement is 

in the details. Built to push through in even the toughest conditions on the water, the Nacra F18 Evolution is truly the next step in Formula 18 sailing. Built upon a great legacy, it’s only a matter of time before the F18 Evolution makes its unforgettable mark in Formula 18 sailing.

NEW HULL DESIGN An already winning design.  The Nacra F18 Evolution has the same overall specifications as the Infusion MKIII , but incorporates a new hull design with reverse raked stems. It has a fractional sloop rig with aluminum spars. The hulls feature transom-hung carbon fibre rudders controlled by a tiller and dual retractable carbon fibre daggerboards. The rudders are a kick-up design.

CONFIGURABLE SAIL PLAN Next generation sailing performance.  Close collaboration with the aerodynamic sail design of Performance Sails has ensured an optimized sail plan which features the regatta proven Pentex™ Decksweeper mainsail and an optimized jib design tailored to the new mainsail. A tough polyester spinnaker, available in 3 colours and 2 types of different strength cloth, completes the sail plan.

Nacra Sailing strives to always be on the forefront of development. We don’t get it right all the time, but the F18 range has been a benchmark in design- and construction processes for decades, and the front line of box rule racing.  The Nacra F18 Evolution  truly reveals our DNA, everything Nacra stands for. As an early adopter of the since perfected Infusion process, our development has taken a rapid flight that allowed us to be on the bleeding edge of Formula development limits. And we’re unabashedly proud of that.   Not only have we poured 45 years of knowledge in this boat, we coupled that with feedback from pretty much all F18 legends and engineers, some of whom have since evolved to America’s Cup teams. From fluid dynamics to optimizing hull strength, to working with optimal sail shape and weight rules, ‘Scuderia’ Nacra’s 9th (!) generation F18 is built on a rich history of strife, success, hardship and perseverance.

• Nacra Users & Owners Manual
• Trimsheet Nacra F18 Evolution V2 (2024)
• Assembly Manual F18 Evolution

Specifications

International Formula 18 Class Association

Discover our entire range of catamarans

Shop all your spare parts and accessories directly from our online store.

Shopping for your business?

Do you order for a sailing school or club, a resort, or do you want to become a Nacra Certified Dealer? Contact Nacra Sailing to apply.

© Nacra Sailing INT. 2024

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The Scorpion F18 was born in April 2012, launched by Martín Vanzulli who continued to refine the design until in 2015 eXploder decided to support the initiative and invested to make the project a reality.

After routing the plug and getting the molds done, the first hull sets were built in the eXploder yard in Poland. Among the first batch a Scorpion F18 was built for Mischa Heemskerk to participate in the 2015 Worlds. The new platform was sailed for the first time by Mischa & Francesco Bianchi hours before the regatta.

The Scorpion showed some promising performance out of the box and after the Worlds Francesco told us : “The Scorpion will become a World Champion design in the future” …

And he was right. On a blasting performance by the Dutch crew the Exploder Scorpion F18 grabbed its first World Title in 2017 in dominating fashion. In the following years another 2 World Titles followed with 2 different crews, also sweeping the podium in the last Worlds before the pandemic, making it absolutely clear that the constant development philosophy at eXploder brought the boat to an unmatched performance level.

F18 CLASS TECH SPEC

Type: catamaran, non foiling Design: “box rule” Crew: 2 (both trapeze, 140-170 kg) Boat weight: 180kg LOH: 5.52m (18 ft 1 in) Beam: 2.60m Mast length: 9.1m Main sail area: 17m² Jib area: 4.3m² Gennaker area: 21m² Upwind sail area: 21.3m² Downwind sail area: 42.3m²

Materials: Hulls – glass fiber with epoxy resin Rudders, Daggerboards – carbon fiber prepreg Beams – aluminium, constant cross section Mast – aluminium, constant cross section

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP PROVEN

F18 World Championship 2021:  1st Mitch Booth / Ruben Booth (EXPLODER SCORPION F18)  2nd Cruz Gonzalez Smith / Mariano Heuser (EXPLODER SCORPION F18)  3rd Augustin Krevisky / Nicolas Aragones (EXPLODER SCORPION F18)

F18 World Championship 2019:  1st Darren Bundock / Conor Nicholas (EXPLODER SCORPION F18)  2nd Danny Paschalidis / Kostas Trigonis (EXPLODER SCORPION F18)  3rd Cruz Gonzalez Smith /Mariano Heuser (EXPLODER SCORPION F18)  4th Mitch / Ruben Booth (EXPLODER SCORPION F18)

F18 World Championship 2018:  1st Danny Paschalidis / Kostas Trigonis (EXPLODER SCORPION F18)

F18 World Championship 2017:  1st Mischa Heemskerk / Stephan Dekker (EXPLODER SCORPION F18)

F18 European Championship 2018:  1st Iordanis Paschalidis / Konstantinos Trigonis (EXPLODER SCORPION F18)

EASY, AFFORDABLE, DURABLE

Yes, eXploder is all about performance. Yes, we invest and dive into R&D head on. Yes, we don’t like to compromise. But the F18 class is all about affordability, durability and fair racing.

The ease of transport is one of a kind in a high performance cat. The minimum weight requirement of the class makes it much less relevant how big and heavy you are. If you’re too light you need to put extra led in the boat. All this paired with a fraction of the price of other high-performance cats make the F18 Class an obvious choice for sailors of most levels!

• Thu. Sep 5th, 2024

US F18 Catamaran Class Assn., Inc.

The formation of the North American F18 Class Association (NAF18) was the origin of organized F18 class racing in both the United States and Canada. In 2009 the Canadian Formula 18 Class Association (CanF18) was founded in a move to guarantee berths at F18 Worlds events. While initially resistant, by 2010 NAF18 was officially renamed to the United States Formula 18 Class Association (USF18). Events through 2011 were all North Americans as their organization originated within NAF18.

As the F18 class grew internationally with the formation of the Argentinian and Chilean F18 Class Associations, the Americas championship was formed. In both 2012, 2018 and 2022 USF18 has had the opportunity to host F18 Worlds bringing in competitors from across the globe. In 2019 USF18 and CanF18 came together again for the first North Americans since the NAF18 era. 2023 was the second time a North American Championship was held in Canada.

When an international caliber event is hosted by USF18, no lesser major event is held. For World Championships, the teams listed below are the top placing US team, and the proceeding number is their finishing place if they did not place first.

In case you missed it

2024 f18 americas championship, 2023 annual general meeting, seesaw battle at north american championships, q&a with ravi parent.

F18 UK Class Association

Welcome Welcome to the website of the UK’s premier dinghy racing catamaran, the Formula18. You will be able to find all the information you need to join the class.

Class Membership Membership of the Formula18 catamaran association provides access to arguably the highest level of multihull racing in the UK and world.

Events With events organised in the UK and an established, international class organisation, there are many events to choose from. Visit the events page for more information.

Check out our the UK F18 Catamaran Sailing Facebook group with over 600 members for discussions, items for sale and events.

International Formula 18 Class Association

Official website for the International Formula 18 Class Association.

Disclaimer: this page has no other purpose than to connect sellers and buyers through the Wanaboat® platform. The International Formula 18 Class Association cannot be held liable for any dispute between the interested parties.

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