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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.

Why Sail the 

'a' class cat.

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.

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.

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?!

Currently there are A cat fleets here 

NEWS  

The 2024 UK Nationals at Hayling Ferry SC 

Next events.

Grafham Cat Open

6-7th July 2024

If you are a UK registered, or based 'A' Cat sailor, we urge you to join the Class Association.  As the number of entrants we are allowed for the World Champs is based on the registered class membership, we need everyone we can get, so we have a good representation at the Worlds and Europeans.

BACCA Mugs now available!

£13.50 incl pp, applications, join/renew  bacca here..

Australian International A Division Catamaran Association

All you need to know about sailing A Class Catamarans in Australia

Notice of Race: 2024-25 A Class Catamaran Australian Championship

Lake Cootharaba Sailing Club Saturday 4th January to Friday 10th January 2025. Online entitieshttps://www.mysailingclub.com.au/event/GHJZM

Notice of Race: Western Region Stawell Yachting Regatta (Vic)

The Stawell Yacht Club inc, welcomes yachties with off the beach monohulls, off the beach catamarans and trailableyachts, to the Western Region Stawell Yachting Regatta on the 2nd & 3rd of November 2024, at Lake Fyans, Stawell,Victoria. Entry Forms can be downloaded at www.stawellyachtclub.org.au To Access the on-line booking service via https://www.trybooking.com/CVCGU

2024 Worlds – Punta Ala – useful links

Official website: https://www.aclassworlds.com/ Classic results https://www.manage2sail.com/en-US/event/ACatWorlds2024#!/results?classId=acatclassic Foiling results https://www.manage2sail.com/en-US/event/ACatWorlds2024#!/results?classId=acatfoiler Live race tracking here: https://www.metasail.com/live/612/ Media & Gallery https://www.aclassworlds.com/media-gallery Regatta news & reports https://www.aclassworlds.com/blog

Notice of Race: 2024 Colac Regatta

Friday 6th December – Sunday 8th December 2024 Camping at Lake Colac Holiday Park Register via attached NoR flyer or via Colac Regatta 2024 Tickets, Colac Yacht Club, Colac | TryBooking Australia

2025 Australian Championships update

Venue: Lake Cootharaba Sailing Club Provisional schedule (TBC – Notice of Race to follow) Saturday 4 Jan 2025 – Registration, Measurement Sunday 5 Jan – Registration, Measurement, Invitation race Monday 6 Jan – Racing, Welcome BBQ Tuesday 7 Jan – Racing Wednesday 8 Jan – Racing Thursday 9 Jan – Racing Friday 10 Jan – […]

Notice of Race: 2024 A Class Catamaran QLD Championships

Lake Cootharaba Sailing ClubBoreen PointFriday 29 March – Sunday 31 March 2024 Sailor Entry Link https://www.mysailingclub.com.au/event/GHJYT

NoR: 2024 Lake Boga Easter Regatta

Lake Boga Easter Regatta is renowned for its hospitality, beautiful weather and fantastic yacht racing, boasting features such as:• Lawn to the water • Lawn camping sites at the club• Great facilities • Catering at the club. Racing begins on Friday 2pm and concludes Midday Monday. Regatta is open to all OTB Yachts. Bring your […]

Notice of Race: A Class Catamaran Victorian Championships 2024

Bendigo Yacht Club 45 Somerset Drive, Eppalock Saturday March 9th 2024 – Monday March 11th 2024

2024 Zhik Lighthouse Regatta – McCrae YC

This year’s event sees the water sports apparel company Zhik join with McCrae Yacht Club as the regatta’s major sponsor. We hope to see everyone there, but the event is limited to 150 participants so act fast! We expect the entry list to fill up quickly. When: 26-28 January, 2022 What: Three days of fun and competitive racing Where: McCrae […]

Notice of Race: SPASC 2023 Catagatta

Entries are invited for the regatta to be organised by Speers Point Amateur Sailing Club inc.Date: Saturday 21 & 22 October 2023Location: Speers Point Amateur Sailing Club, Park Road, Speers Point (within grounds of Speers Point Park). Online Registration. Eligible boats should enter via the Online Registration FormSPASC 2023 Catagatta – Speers Point Amateur Sailing […]