F18 (boat class)

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Notation
Character does not exist
Boat dimensions
Length above : 5.52 m
Width above sea level : 2.60 m
Weight (ready to sail): 180 kg
Sail area
Mainsail : 17 m²
Jib : 3.60-4.30 m²
Gennaker : 19-21 m²
Others
Hobie Tiger
Sketch F18 catamaran

The Formula 18 (F18) is a boat class for non-foiling sport catamarans from various manufacturers. She is the fastest growing catamaran class in the world with active fleets in Europe, North America and Oceania. The modern, sophisticated boats are equipped with a gennaker and double trapeze. National championships, European and world championships are held regularly.

history

Formula 18 was created in France in the mid-1990s. In their function as board members of the catamaran class association in the French sailing association FFV, Olivier Bovyn and Pierre-Charles Barraud designed a system in which the crew weight is balanced by counterweights and different sail areas so that light and heavy teams can sail against each other with equal opportunities free of charge.

Formula 18 was recognized as an international class in 2002 by the then International Sailing Association ISAF, now World Sailing .

In 2016, the F18 class was to become an Olympic boat class alongside the Tornado . For the mixed team competition, however, the Olympic Committee decided on the Nacra 17 .

Design features

The Formula 18 class is a construction class that sails in a so-called “box rule”. In order to ensure the comparability of the different designs in competition, uniform technical specifications apply:

  • Maximum length: 5.52 m (18 feet )
  • Maximum width: 2.60 m
  • Minimum platform weight: 130 kg
  • Maximum sail area of the mainsail: 17 m²
  • Maximum sail area of ​​the foresail ( jib ) with one
    • Team weight from 115 to 150 kg maximum 3.60 m²
    • Team weight of over 150 kg maximum 4.30 m²
  • Maximum sail area of ​​the gennaker for one
    • Team weight from 115 to 150 kg maximum 19 m²
    • Team weight of over 150 kg maximum 21 m²
  • Minimum weight of the ready-to-sail boat: 180 kg
  • Minimum weight of the steering gear : 3.0 kg
  • Maximum weight of the swords : 5.5 kg

In addition, the use of a trapezoidal device is possible for both the helmsman and the bowman . A gennaker can also be set up. Both sails are fully battened. The wavepiercer hulls are made of polyester or epoxy-GRP construction, the 9 m high mast is made of aluminum.

Formula 18 catamarans are well balanced, powerful and have high speed potential. In clear winds they can reach speeds of over 25 knots.

The class is also attractive for newcomers. The acquisition costs for a new boat are relatively cheap, and older models are also competitive thanks to the technical regulations. In addition, the boats are still manageable in size.

F18 catamarans are also ideal for recreational sailors and, thanks to the combination of stability and performance, are also suitable for demanding long-distance sailing.

Manufacturer

  • Capricorn F18 - PSA Performance Sailcraft PTY LTD
  • Cirrus - Boulogne Conception Marine
  • C 2 - Goodall Design
  • Falcon F18 - Falcon Marine
  • Hobie Tiger, Hobie Wildcat - Hobie Cat
  • Nacra F18 Infusion - Nacra
  • Scorpion - Exploder
  • Shockwave - Sirena Voile
  • Windrush Edge - Windrush Yachts

Regattas

The Formula 18 class is a lively boat class that regularly hosts top-class competitions. The atmosphere is relaxed and uncomplicated. Ambitious amateur sailors regattas with active and former Olympic participants, stars from the offshore scene and talented youth teams. At large international events, the fields have up to 150 participating boats.

The defining personalities of the F18 class include sailing legend Mitch Booth , multihull specialist Mischa Heemskerk, catamaran experts Helge and Christian Sach and the Greek duo Jordanis Paschalidis / Konstantinos Trigonis.

World and European championships

World championships have been held annually since 2000. European championships only take place if the world championships are held overseas.

The next Formula 18 World Championships will take place from July 3 to 10, 2020 in Formia (Italy). The defending champion is the Australian duo Darren Bundock / Conor Nicholas.

classic

Although the F18 class is a very young boat class, some regattas have already established themselves as classics.

  • Round about Texel
  • Stockholm Archipelago Raid
  • Costamoricaine Raid
  • Saint Barth Cata Cup
  • Great Texas 300
  • Martinique Cata Raid
  • EurOcat - YC Carnac

literature

  • Tom & Brian Phipps: "Catamaran sailing for beginners and advanced". Delius Klasing Verlag, Bielefeld 2018.
  • Helge Sach & Andreas Kling: "Catamarans. The new book." Self-published, 2013.

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Formula 18 genesis. Formula 18 Class Association, accessed January 31, 2020 .
  2. ↑ Recognition as an international class Class rules International Formula 18 Class Association 2019
  3. ↑ Yacht online (Ed.): Nacra 17, Kitesurfer at Olympia 2016 . October 2, 2019 ( yacht.de [accessed January 15, 2020]).
  4. ↑ Class Rules International Formula 18 Class Association. June 2019, accessed on January 15, 2020 .
  5. ↑ Facts about the class. German F18 class association, accessed January 2, 2020 .
  6. ↑ The world champion shows his cat, which comes off the shelf. SVG Service Verlag GmbH, January 20, 2012, accessed on December 28, 2019 (German).
  7. ↑ World Sailing Sailor Biography Iordanis Paschalidis. Retrieved January 15, 2020 .
  8. ↑ World Sailing Sailor Biography Konstantinos Trigonis. Retrieved January 15, 2020 .
  9. ^ Hall of Fame World Champions. Retrieved January 15, 2020 .
  10. ^ Hall of Fame European Champions. Retrieved January 15, 2020 .
  11. ↑ Result list F18 World Championship 2019. Accessed January 15, 2020 (Spanish).
  12. ^ Hall of Fame - Classic Events. Retrieved January 15, 2020 .

Web links