Deutsch
English
Catamarans and Multihulls
Multihulls have fundamentally changed regatta sailing over the past few decades. While monohulls long served as the standard, catamarans and trimarans now dominate Olympic disciplines, professional series such as SailGP, and the America's Cup. Their wide platform, low water resistance, and high speed make them spectacular racing machines – while at the same time placing entirely different demands on crews than classic keelboats.
Anyone who wants to understand why a Nacra 17 on foils sails faster than some keel yacht downwind runs, or which multihull class fits their own regatta goals, will find the fundamentals here: from physics and common boat classes to tactics, crew roles, and getting started.
What Are Catamarans and Multihulls?
A catamaran consists of two parallel hulls (hulls or pontoons), connected by a crossbeam (aft or forward crossbeam). A trimaran additionally carries a central main hull (floater) between the outer hulls. Both forms belong to the group of multihulls – in contrast to the monohull with a single keel.
In the regatta world, three broad areas of use are distinguished:
- Olympic and international Strict One-Design classes such as the Nacra 17 or the Hobie Cat 16
- Recreational and club classes such as F18, A-Cat, or Club Beach Cat regattas
- Professional and development boats such as AC75 in the America's Cup or F50 in SailGP
Multihull Families at a Glance
Multihulls
Overarching category of all multi-hull boats
Catamaran
Beach cat, F18, Nacra 17
Trimaran
ORMA, MOD70
Professional Hydrofoils
AC75, F50 SailGP
Physical Advantages on the Regatta Course
Multihulls use form stability instead of keel ballast. The wide platform prevents capsizing up to a certain angle and allows significantly higher hull speeds than the theoretical hull speed limit of a monohull. Decisive for regatta success are:
- Low water resistance through narrow hulls and lightweight construction
- High righting moment – crews use trapezes instead of ballast
- Large sail area relative to boat weight (high power-to-weight ratio)
- Rapid acceleration in gusts and downwind surfing
Warning: Multihulls capsize faster and more violently than monohulls. Capsize training and life jacket requirements are standard on most regatta courses – especially in foiling classes.
Comparison: Monohull, Catamaran, and Trimaran
Important Regatta Classes at a Glance
The multihull landscape ranges from club beach sailors to million-dollar America's Cup boats. The most common regatta categories:
Beach Cats and Club Catamarans
Hobie Cat 16, Dart 18, and comparable beach cats are the classic entry point. Regattas often take place directly on the beach – shore starts, short courses, and fast races define the format. Many sailors gain their first experience here with trapeze, spinnaker, and coordination as a pair.
Formula 18 and International Cat Classes
The Formula 18 (F18) is considered one of the most capable amateur multihull classes worldwide. Strict one-design specifications, double trapeze, and an 18-square-meter rig make F18 regattas demanding fleet races. Details on F18, Nacra variants, and related classes can be found under F18 and Nacra Catamarans.
Olympic Multihull: Nacra 17
Since 2016, the catamaran has been firmly established in the Olympic program – as a mixed class with a man and woman on board. The Nacra 17 sails on hydrofoils and is one of the most spectacular disciplines among Olympic Boat Classes. Anyone transitioning from youth multihull sailing to competitive sport will encounter international-level competition here.
Professional Series: America's Cup and SailGP
At the top end of the performance scale are foiling catamarans with crews of professional sailors. The America's Cup sets standards for foiling technology and match racing tactics with the AC75 boats – covered in detail under America's Cup Boats.
SailGP uses uniform F50 catamarans for a global stadium format with short races and live broadcasts. The format, boats, and tactics are described in the article Format and F50 Catamarans.
Multihull Classes by Speed
Foiling: The Revolution of Multihulls
Foiling – sustained lifting on hydrofoils – has accelerated multihulls once again. Instead of cutting through the water, the hull "flies" above the surface; only the foils and occasionally the hulls touch the water. The principle, setup, and regatta relevance are explained under What Is Foiling.
What Foiling Means for Regatta Sailors
- Higher average speeds on all courses – especially upwind and reaching
- New maneuvering techniques – foiling tacks and foiling gybes require dedicated training
- Finer balance control – crew weight and foiling height must be constantly adjusted
- Material-intensive equipment – foils are sensitive, expensive, and subject to class rules
Foiling Regatta Leg in Sequence
Important: A brief foiling failure (crash-down) often costs several boat lengths in tight fleet races. Continuous foiling is mandatory at the top level – not optional.
Regatta Tactics on Multihulls
Multihull tactics differ noticeably from monohull strategies. Higher speed compresses decision windows; laylines arrive faster, and the start carries even greater importance.
Start and Acceleration
- Early positioning – multihulls need space for acceleration; a poor start is hard to recover from
- Use the biased end – as with monohulls, but with higher speed on the first leg
- Prioritize clear air – dirty air affects catamarans more strongly due to their large sail area
Upwind and VMG
Upwind, VMG (Velocity Made Good) matters more than ever. Multihulls can sail higher angles than many monohulls, but only with optimal trim and crew weight. Sailing the layline too early is punished by poorer mark roundings.
Downwind and Surfing
Downwind, surfing dominates: using gusts and waves to accelerate past opponents. Asymmetric spinnakers (Nacra 17, F18) require precise sets and drops – see also Spinnaker Set and Drop.
Mark Roundings
Tighter turning circles and faster acceleration allow later roundings – but Rule 18 and overlap situations must be decided more quickly at higher relative speed. Gate roundings at the leeward mark are often more efficient on catamarans than classic single marks.
Crew Roles and Coordination
On a typical regatta catamaran, two to four sailors share clearly defined tasks:
- Helmsperson (helm) – course, balance, foiling height, tactical decisions
- Forward crew / crew – trim, spinnaker, trapeze, communication with opponents and fleet
- On larger boats – trimmer, pit, grinder, and tactician analogous to keelboat crews
Trapeze Technique in Dinghies forms the foundation for almost all sport catamarans. Double trapeze requires synchronized hiking and precise weight shifts during maneuvers.
Tip: Clear commands and fixed roles reduce errors during fast maneuvers. Professional crews practice set/drop sequences and foiling gybes until they become automatic.
Equipment and One-Design Rules
Multihulls for regattas are usually subject to class rules or one-design specifications. Typical areas of regulation:
Measurement and equipment control follow the general rules under Equipment Rules of Sailing.
Getting Started in Multihull Regattas
The path into the multihull regatta world usually follows a clear progression:
- Fundamentals on monohull or beach cat – balance, wind feel, regatta procedure
- Learn trapeze and spinnaker – in club courses or with an experienced partner
- First club regatta – Hobie, Dart, or comparable class
- Transition to F18 or Nacra 15/17 – depending on height, budget, and career goals
- Specialization – Olympic path (Nacra 17), America's Cup, or SailGP as long-term goals
When choosing a boat, the criteria under Choosing a Boat Class help – supplemented by multihull-specific factors such as trapeze experience and foiling ambitions.
Checklist: First Multihull Regatta
- Check sailing certificate and regatta license
- Pack life jacket and helmet
- Capsize training completed
- Check trapeze harness and shoes
- Class rules read
- Spinnaker set practiced
- Weather and wind limit understood
- Protest watch and radio ready
Safety and Capsize Management
Multihulls capsize differently from monohulls: they often flip onto the hulls (inversion) or lie as a "turtle" with the mast pointing down. Regatta organizers therefore require:
- Proof of capsize recovery training
- Life jackets throughout the entire race
- Often mandatory helmets in foiling classes
- Safety boats on the regatta course
Detailed maneuvers can be found under Capsizing and Righting and Turtle and Inversion Recovery.
Future: Where Are Multihulls Heading?
Trends for the coming regatta years:
- Foiling in more classes – from youth multihulls to recreational classes
- Mixed and equitable crews – role model Nacra 17, SailGP Women's Pathway
- More sustainable materials – recyclable hulls, longer-lasting foils
- Stadium formats – short courses, live tracking, spectator proximity as in SailGP
Multihull share in Olympic sailing: From zero Olympic multihull disciplines in 2000, the offering grew significantly with the Nacra 17 from 2016 onward. For 2024 and 2028, the foiling catamaran remains firmly established in the program as a mixed class – a clear trend toward faster, more spectacular racing formats.
Frequently Asked Questions About Multihulls in Regatta Sailing
Do I Need Monohull Experience?
No, but it helps with understanding regatta procedure, wind feel, and tactical fundamentals. Many sailors enter directly via beach cats.
What Does an Entry-Level Catamaran Cost?
Used Hobie 16 or comparable beach cats are available from a few thousand euros. New F18 or Nacra boats are significantly more expensive – depending on class and equipment.
Is Foiling Mandatory?
Only in classes that require foiling in the class rules – such as Nacra 17, SailGP F50, or AC75. Beach cats and many club catamarans sail without foils.
What Height Suits the Nacra 17?
The mixed crew requires coordination and strength for double trapeze and foiling. Height is less decisive than balance, technique, and combined crew weight according to class rules.
Where Can I Find F18 Regattas in Germany?
Through national class associations, regatta calendars of sailing federations, and international F18 fleet events. Many regattas take place on the North and Baltic Seas as well as on large inland lakes.