Dart 18 Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Dart 18 is rooted in the burgeoning interest in multihull sailing in the United Kingdom during the 1970s, with Dart Sailboats commencing operations in 1974. The boat itself was designed by British maritime architect Rodney March, born out of a perceived necessity for a competitive yet manageable racing catamaran. The first pre-production Dart 18 was launched in the summer of 1975, marking the beginning of its enduring legacy. Dart Sailboats quickly gained a reputation for excellent build quality and a philosophy centered on creating boats that offered both performance and a strong social component through class racing events. The Dart 18's design aimed to deliver a thrilling experience while maintaining the strict one-design character critical for fair competition, a principle that has been diligently upheld through its class rules., 1, 23, 24] There have been no significant variations in the Dart 18's design during its extensive production run, emphasizing its commitment to the one-design philosophy.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Dart 18 is celebrated as a stylish sailing machine that delivers exceptional, blistering performance with outstanding handling characteristics. With an overall length of 18 feet and a reported sail area of 175 square feet, coupled with a lightweight displacement of just 285 pounds, it is engineered for speed. The catamaran's unique skeg hull profiles contribute significantly to its high performance and control. Capable of reaching speeds up to 20 knots, the Dart 18 is known for its exhilarating ride. It features kick-up rudders and eschews centerboards and a boom, simplifying its operation. While designed for two crew members, it can also be sailed effectively solo, often utilizing a trapeze for optimal performance and control. Owners generally find the Dart 18 to be a "foolproof design to zip around on" in moderate to strong winds. It truly shines in winds exceeding 8 knots, though some sailors note it can be less engaging in lighter conditions. The rig tension and mast rake provide a wide range of tuning options, allowing sailors to optimize performance across various conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

As an 18-foot racing catamaran, the Dart 18 is unequivocally designed for performance and competitive sailing rather than cruising comfort. Consequently, traditional onboard accommodations such as a galley, head, or sleeping berths are not present. The layout focuses on an open deck plan with trampolines, maximizing space for crew movement, sail handling, and efficiency during races. The minimalist design underscores its primary function as a purebred racing machine, where every element is geared towards speed and responsive handling.

Owner's Perspectives

The Dart 18 benefits from a remarkably robust and passionate owner community, supported by strong class associations like the International Dart Association. Owners frequently praise the boat for its solid construction and its straightforward, fun-to-sail nature, often describing it as a "foolproof design." The ease of rigging, especially when compared to some other performance catamarans, is also a commonly appreciated feature. However, like any aging fleet, some recurring issues are noted, particularly with older models from the 1970s, where "problems with cracking" in the hulls could occur. Potential buyers of used Dart 18s are advised to inspect the condition of the skegs and keel lines, as these areas can indicate general wear and tear. New owners often seek advice on mastering techniques such as trapezing and capsize recovery, underscoring the Dart 18's dynamic and performance-oriented nature.