The Nacra 17 is a high-performance sailing catamaran designed for competitive racing. It is a class of boat recognized by World Sailing, the international governing body for the sport of sailing. Here are some key features and details about the Nacra 17:
1. Design: The Nacra 17 was designed by Morelli & Melvin Design and Engineering in collaboration with Nacra Sailing International. It was first introduced in 2011 and has since become an Olympic class boat.
2. Construction: The boat is constructed using lightweight materials such as carbon fiber and epoxy resin, making it both strong and agile on the water. It has a length of 5.25 meters (17 feet) and a beam of 2.59 meters (8.5 feet).
3. Rigging: The Nacra 17 features a double-trapeze rigging system, allowing two crew members to balance the boat while suspended from trapeze wires. This setup enables the crew to maximize their leverage and control over the boat.
4. Foiling: One of the most distinctive features of the Nacra 17 is its ability to foil. Foiling refers to the use of hydrofoils, which are wing-like structures attached to the hulls. When the boat reaches a certain speed, the hydrofoils lift the hulls out of the water, reducing drag and increasing speed.
5. Performance: The Nacra 17 is known for its high-performance capabilities. It can reach speeds of up to 30 knots (55 kilometers per hour) when foiling, making it one of the fastest Olympic sailing classes. The boat is highly responsive to wind and wave conditions, requiring skilled sailors to handle it effectively.
6. Olympic Class: The Nacra 17 was selected as the mixed-gender multihull class for the Olympic Games starting from the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. This means that each team consists of a male and a female sailor, promoting gender equality in the sport.
7. Racing: The Nacra 17 is primarily used for competitive racing at various levels, from local regattas to international championships. It requires a high level of skill, teamwork, and physical fitness to maneuver the boat effectively and compete against other skilled sailors.
Overall, the Nacra 17 is a cutting-edge sailing catamaran designed for high-speed racing. Its foiling capabilities, lightweight construction, and Olympic recognition make it an exciting and challenging boat for sailors around the world.
