Nacra to launch F16

New design by Morrelli and Melvin to go into production

Nacra Sailing international has been following the development of the F16 class. Recently the F16 has begun to mature, becoming an ISAF 'recognised class' at the end of 2010. With this NACRA Sailing International decided it was time to get involved and started developing their own F16. With well established catamaran manufacturers like NACRA entering this market, it is hoped this will bode well for the future of the class.

Five groups have been identified as potential outlets for the Nacra F16:

- The solo sailors that just want to go out whenever it suits her/him

- Parents teaching their kids learning to race around the buoys

- Sailors that just want a light multihull with large range of sail and crew weight versatility

- Light racing teams that are too light for F18 but are searching for an exciting competitive boat

- Couples/mixed teams that are pushing the boundaries of what is possible with a boat

The Nacra F16 is designed and engineered by Morrelli & Melvin, in Huntington Beach, CA. Peter Vink, who is overseeing the F16 project on behalf of NACRA Sailing International, gives his take: "In a young class, as the F16 class is, we had to come up with a design that needs to be the benchmark for a long time. A 16 footer that can be used by recreational sailors and/or racing teams, pushing the limits of what is possible.”

Morrelli/Melvin already proved to be a successful combination with NACRA with several earlier Nacra designs such as the NACRA Playcat (1995), NACRA Inter F18(1995), NACRA F18 Infusion(2005) & The NACRA F20 Carbon(2009). Both F18s designed by Morrelli/Melvin became World Champion in the F18 class numerous times, the F20 Carbon is proving to be a true racing machine sailed by heavier sailors and winning events on line honours and handicap.

The NACRA F16 will become available for delivery in December 2011.