Nacra 17

The Nacra 17 is the only mixed Olympic boat class in regatta sailing and combines catamaran tradition with modern foiling. Since the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, it has replaced the Tornado as the Olympic multihull; from Tokyo 2020 onward, the best teams have been foiling almost continuously. Two sailors – in the Olympic mixed configuration one man and one woman – steer the 17-foot catamaran with asymmetric spinnaker, double trapeze, and hydrofoils. Those who, after the 49er and 49erFX, seek the next step toward multihull and foiling, or who want to transition from the F18 and Nacra class environment into Olympic competitive sailing, will encounter this demanding class in the international squad.

History: From Tornado Successor to Foiling Catamaran

World Sailing selected the Nacra 17 in 2012 as the successor to the Olympic Tornado catamaran. The class was intended to be high-performance, spectacular, and attractive to spectators – while also expanding Olympic sailing with a mixed discipline. The design is based on the DNA design concept and is produced and managed by Nacra Sailing as a one-design class.

At Rio 2016, the Nacra 17 debuted still in classic mode with limited foiling component. Development toward the full foiling catamaran accelerated afterward: From the Tokyo Olympics 2020, the foiling setup dominated competitive operations. Today, the Nacra 17 is among the fastest and most technically demanding classes among Olympic boat classes and shapes the image of modern regatta formats such as stadium and short-course racing.

Nacra 17 Milestones

Technical Specifications and Foiling Setup

The Nacra 17 is a 17-foot catamaran (hull length approx. 5.25 m) with carbon hull, carbon mast, and modern rig. The hydrofoils – a central T-foil on the rudder and L-foils on the hulls – lift the catamaran out of the water and enable speeds that clearly surpass classic catamarans. The principle of foiling is described in detail under What is Foiling.

Nacra 17 vs. 49er in Regatta Practice

Construction Materials and One-Design Requirements

Licensed yards build the hulls from carbon epoxy according to strict class rules. Mast, hull foils, rudder foil, sails, and rigging are subject to measurement at world championships and the Olympics. Deviations lead to protest and possible disqualification – comparable with all one-design classes under class associations and one-design classes. Maintenance of the foils and their geometry is crucial; details on setup and control can be found under Foils and Hydrofoils.

Mixed Crew: Roles and Teamwork

In Olympic Nacra 17 sailing, one man and one woman sail together – a special feature in the Olympic sailing program and an expression of the mixed philosophy also discussed under mixed classes and separate competitions. Both sailors must perform equally in trapeze, foiling, and high-speed maneuvers.

1. Helmsman (helm) – rudder, main trim, tactical decisions, stabilizing foiling height, rules communication
2. Crew (foredeck) – headsail trim, spinnaker handling, trapeze work, foiling balance and rig tuning communication
3. Together – coordinate take-off and landing of foils, wind observation, start tactics, mark roundings in flight

Crew Roles on the Nacra 17

• Skipper – steering, tactics, and foiling control
• Crew – sails, spinnaker, and balance
• Joint foiling maneuvers – tack, gybe, spinnaker set/drop

The role distribution differs from classic double-handed dinghies – see role distribution by boat class.

Foiling, Trapeze, and Catamaran Handling

The Nacra 17 demands confident foiling sailing in moderate to strong wind. Take-off, stable flying, and controlled landing of the foils are part of everyday practice. Both crew members work on the trapeze while the catamaran glides over the water at more than 20 knots.

Typical maneuvers that must be mastered:

• Foiling tack and foiling gybe – tacking and gybing without losing flight, minimal VMG losses
• Spinnaker set and drop – asymmetric kite in foiling mode, precise hoisting and timing
• Wire-to-wire change – synchronized trapeze side change during maneuvers under high pressure
• Mark roundings – tight overlap situations and Rule 18 decisions in flight

Foiling Take-off on the Nacra 17

Detailed technical descriptions: Foiling Tacks and Gybes and Trapeze Technique in Dinghies.

Regatta Tactics and Course Profiles

Nacra 17 regattas are sailed on windward-leeward courses with a leeward gate – the format matches other Olympic classes and is described under Windward-Leeward Courses. High speed in foiling mode fundamentally changes laylines, overstand, and fleet positioning.

1. Upwind foiling – balance height and VMG; flying too low costs distance, too high risks stall
2. Downwind foiling – use pressure lines, optimize spinnaker angle, approach gates early
3. Start tactics – accelerated approach to the line; foiling start requires precise timing
4. Medal race – double points in the final increases risk and reward equally

The Career Path: From Multihull Entry to Nacra 17

For the Olympic mixed competition, the path is structured. Many top teams come from the beach cat or F18 environment, others transition from skiff classes such as the 29er or 49er. Foiling experience, mixed team chemistry, and access to training infrastructure are decisive.

The path into the Olympic squad is documented under Olympic pathway and competitive sailing system and Olympic qualification.

Training, Fitness, and Equipment Requirements

Nacra 17 sailing is extremely physically demanding: sustained load on the trapeze, explosive maneuvers, high forces on rig and foils. Core stability, endurance, and explosive strength are essential – comparable with strength training for sailors.

Checklist: Nacra 17 Regatta Preparation

• Inspect foils visually and mechanically (edges, attachment, play)
• Document rig tuning by wind strength (mast rake, spreaders, shroud tension)
• Test spinnaker and hoisting on set/drop
• Review mixed crew communication and maneuver protocols
• Check life jackets, helmet, and protective equipment
• Discuss weather windows and foiling limits with coach
• Prepare equipment measurement and sail numbers before regatta check

Budget, Availability, and Entry for Ambitious Sailors

A new Nacra 17 foiling boat is in the high five- to six-figure euro range including foils, rig, and basic equipment. Added to this are transport (trailer or container), training camps, regatta travel, and ongoing maintenance – especially on carbon foils and sails. For entry, a used boat from the class association or a charter/syndicate model at performance centers is often worthwhile.

1. New boat – maximum measurement certainty, highest acquisition costs
2. Used boat – more affordable entry, critically check measurement and foil condition
3. Charter at training camps – ideal for testing before purchase decision
4. National training centers – access to equipment and coaching for squad athletes

Nacra 17 in the Olympic Context

At the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Nacra 17 teams sailed in Marseille on the Mediterranean. The mixed configuration makes the class unique: no other Olympic sailing boat requires a man-woman crew by rule. This promotes team dynamics, communication, and strategic crew selection – topics also explored in depth under communication on board.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Nacra 17

Why mixed? – Promoting gender equality in the Olympic program.

From what wind do you foil? – depends on crew weight and setup, typically from approx. 8–10 knots.

Difference between Nacra 15 and Nacra 17? – Nacra 15 is youth/development class, Nacra 17 is Olympic.

Can amateurs compete? – yes at class regattas, Olympic level requires squad structure.

Which prior class? – F18, 29er, IQFoil, or Nacra 15 Foiling.

Related Topics

• 49er and 49erFX
• F18 and Nacra Classes
• What is Foiling
• Foiling Tacks and Gybes
• Olympic Boat Classes