Whereas most other racing classes are one-design, the A-Class is a development class and as a result it has become the very pinnacle of the high-tech sailing boat.  Many state-of-the-art design developments seen today in, for example, the latest Americas Cup racers, have been first developed and then applied to the 'A' Class cat.

 

Whilst being a relatively easy boat to actually sail.  They are stable and not particularly prone to cartwheeling or 'pitch-polling' even in the strongest of winds, unless you do something really stupid.  But the 'A' Class Catamaran is difficult to sail well, requiring many subtle tweaks and fine tuning to get it up to it's full potential.  You can be sailing upwind and suddenly realize that everyone else is out-pointing you, for no apparent reason!  A slight sail trim here, a small mast rotation there - it all has an effect, which is more noticeable because you are traveling faster. It suits people who like to fiddle and tune, but the feeling when you hit the sweet-spot is superb! 

 

It is so responsive that it almost talks to you...... You just have to learn to listen.

 

Hardly any two 'A' Cats are the same.  Each sailor likes to have things customized to 

suit their own style.  Transom or centre mainsheet, different downhaul and mast rotation systems, even rudder and daggerboard shapes can vary.  You will see many different hull shapes.  Until recently, the trend was for wave piercing bows.

 

 Now, The class is now in two categories - the Classic: the original non-foiling version, fitted with straight or constant curve C shape boards, and the Open, (or foiling version) fitted with J and Z shaped boards, together with T or L rudders allow skilled sailors to foil the boats downwind.

 

However, the actual hull shape has a lesser effect on the speed than having the correct rig setup.  The mast and sail are designed to work together for a particular crew weight.  Having the correct sail shape and mast stiffness for you is far more important than having the latest hull design.  A smooth sailing style is also crucial, and with an all up minimum weight of 75kg, this is essential to maximising the potential boatspeed.

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Although spectacular to watch, the Open foiling category requires much more agility and movement to sail properly.  They are much more 'on the edge' as regards stability, however, the speeds now reached are in excess of 32 knots in this configuration.

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The Classic usually tends to be the more popular version sailed here in the UK, and indeed Worldwide.  The close racing, and comparative ease of sailing keeps many older sailors within the class and the camaraderie as much fun as the sailing.

 

So, if you are up for the challenge of the Formula One of the sailing boat world, drop us a line.  We can then hopefully put you in touch with someone who can help, as the 'A' class 'scene' is a very friendly and helpful one!

 

Currently we have A cat sailors at the following clubs;

Thorpe Bay, Whitstable, Rutland, Grafham Water, Weston, Weymouth, Stokes Bay, Bala, Clacton, Farmoor. 

 

Now you wouldn't want to die not knowing, would you?!

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Currently there are A cat fleets here