Please select your home edition
Edition
GOAT Marine

Nacra 15 selected as the next Youth multihull

by Tim Johnson 13 Dec 2015 21:04 GMT 13 December 2015
The Nacra 15 has been selected as the next Youth Multihull © Iain Philpott

In November of this year ISAF directed the introduction of a new youth multihull - the Nacra 15. This boat will replace the current ISAF youth multihull the SL16. Their decision was based upon modernising the existing design, reflecting recent advances in multihull technology and utilising a design that reflects that of the Olympic Nacra 17.

The Nacra 15 will be introduced at the ISAF Youth Worlds 2016, crews will remain open until the 2018 ISAF Youth Worlds when it will become mandatory mixed sex, reflecting the Olympic multihull event. ISAF also directed that the Nacra 15 will be one of the three classes selected for the 2018 Youth Olympics where it will also be fully foiling for the event.

The current RYA recognised multihull class is the 16ft Spitfire. The Spitfire is an affordable pathway to youth multihull sailing. It remains, and will continue to remain a very important boat within the UKCRA youth pathway. The current ISAF youth multihull, the SL16, is not sailed in the UK. Training and competition is sailed using the Spitfires with the RYA Youth Squad moving over to the SL16 ahead of the Youth Worlds.

It is intended to continue with this approach until numbers of the Nacra 15 sailors are equal to that of the Spitfire. Teams choosing to buy a Nacra 15 are encouraged to join UKCRA Youth and the extensive youth training programme UKCRA Youth provides. The Nacra 15 has a lower entry crew weight >120kg and is well suited to smaller teams transitioning from junior classes. This gives the chance for smaller teams to start earlier, whereas previously teams have needed to be a bit older and bigger, limiting the time they are eligible for youth selection.

Many new teams have joined UKCRA Youth this year and the Spitfire is an opportunity to start multihull sailing either before the NACRA 15 is available, or if you are older and looking at transferring from one of the other RYA Youth classes. UKCRA youth are working closely with the RYA Youth Racing Team to ensure the inclusion of the Nacra 15 is managed, to continue the growth in youth cat sailing in the UK and to produce world class youth multihull sailors. Mark Nicholls, RYA Youth Racing Manager, said today "The RYA will be at the forefront of the new catamaran generation..." (The full RYA Youth Catamaran Sailing press release can be read here)

Alongside The America's Cup, BAR Racing, the Red Bull Foiling Generation and the advancing technology the message of speed and excitement is filtering through to our most junior members of sailing in the UK. The UKCRA Youth Multihull programme has never looked stronger. In 2015 12 Spitfire teams competed at the RYA Youth Nationals - an all time record. In 2016 some 20 Spitfire teams will compete at the RYA Youth Nationals!

The future of sailing is with our youth. The future of sailing is on two hulls.

Related Articles

The Yacht Sales Co. set for Sanctuary Cove
Book your appointment to view the range of new and pre-owned brokerage yachts Join The Yacht Sales Co. at this year's Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show and discover some of the some of the world's top sail and power cruising models. Posted on 10 Apr
Cure 55 nominated for 2025 Multihull of the Year
Earning instant recognition as a hot contender The new Cure 55 blazes straight into the spotlight, earning instant recognition as a hot contender for the 'Multihull of the Year' Award in the Performance Cruising category by Multihulls World / Multicoques Magazine. Posted on 10 Apr
Staying in your lane – a Robertson and Caine story
Boat building is quite happy to hand out Degrees from the University of Hard Knocks at will It's not an easy thing, this boat building caper. It is quite happy to hand out Degrees from the University of Hard Knocks, at will, and frequently. Much like on-the-spot fines from an overzealous parking inspector. Posted on 10 Apr
The Cure 55 Dazzles off the Sunshine Coast
Some truly exhilarating sailing in a variety of wind conditions and sea states Since our last update, we've been enjoying some truly exhilarating sailing aboard the Cure 55, MIYU, in a variety of wind conditions and sea states off the beautiful Sunshine Coast of Australia. Posted on 10 Apr
Australian debut of the Cervetti 44
At the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show Performance Cruising Yachts are thrilled to announce the Australian debut of the Cervetti 44 Sailing Catamaran at the 2025 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show — and you're invited to come aboard! Posted on 10 Apr
BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival overall
Solid teamwork & consistency pay off under challenging conditions Wrapping up day 3 of the 52nd BVI Spring Regatta, following several days of relentless high winds, competitors will importantly remember the final day of racing: a picture-perfect Caribbean racing day with temperatures in the mid 80's, warm trades. Posted on 7 Apr
BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival day 2
Great racing and sighs of relief as conditions mellow Day 2 of racing in the BVI Spring Regatta saw few lead changes with teams at the top of their class holding firm. Posted on 6 Apr
BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival day 4
It was time to enjoy a rum or two in the Nanny Cay Regatta Village The breeze was full-on for Mount Gay Rum Race Day at the BVI Spring Regatta, with all classes enjoying some spectacular racing. Posted on 5 Apr
BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival day 3
Excitement on the docks as big breeze lines up for thrilling racing There's no shortage of talent or breeze in the BVI as almost eighty boats prepare to assume the challenge in the 52nd edition of the BVI Spring Regatta which starts Friday in the stunning Caribbean waters off Nanny Cay Resort and Marina. Posted on 4 Apr
BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival day 2
A wild and windy day for the Scrub Island Invitational With gusts hitting 30+ knots in a particularly dark squall that hit the racecourse, washing off the salty water that had already drenched those sailors on the rail as big seas washed over the sides. Posted on 3 Apr