Dart Hawk Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Dart Hawk lies in the early 1990s, when the Formula 18 class was established to promote a restricted development, formula-design sport catamaran. Designers Reg White and Yves Loday were instrumental in shaping this rule, with the Dart Hawk being a direct result of their vision for high-performance sailing. Dart Sailboats, a UK-based company with a long-standing reputation for pioneering catamaran development since 1974, brought the Hawk to market in 1996. During this era, Dart's manufacturing philosophy was characterized by excellent build quality and a commitment to competitive, fun sailing, often involving expertise from America's Cup designers and Olympic medalists. The Hawk’s design directly adhered to the F18 rule, ensuring it met specific criteria for dimensions, weight, and sail area to guarantee fair competition. While the F18 class allows for continuous development within its rules, promoting innovation, the fundamental design of the Dart Hawk remained consistent, reflecting the one-design spirit of Dart's other iconic models.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a Formula 18 class catamaran, the Dart Hawk is engineered for speed and agility, offering an exhilarating sailing experience. With an overall length of 18.04 feet and a beam of 8.53 feet, its twin fiberglass hulls are designed to minimize wetted surface and maximize performance. The boat is rigged as a fractional sloop with a rotating spar, optimizing sail shape and efficiency, and boasts a reported sail area of 206.0 square feet. Additionally, it carries a 21m2 spinnaker, highlighting its downwind performance capabilities.

The Dart Hawk's lightweight displacement of 397 pounds, combined with its substantial sail plan, allows for quick acceleration and impressive top-end speed in a range of conditions. While older F18 designs like the Dart Hawk may face challenges competing directly against the very latest F18 boats in modern racing circuits due to continuous rule development, they nonetheless provide engaging and "fun-sailing" experiences. Owners often praise its responsiveness and the thrill of its performance, making it a popular choice for those seeking a lively sport catamaran.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its role as a high-performance racing catamaran designed to the Formula 18 rule, the Dart Hawk prioritizes functionality and speed over interior comfort. With an overall length of just over 18 feet, the Dart Hawk is an open-deck boat, and as such, it features no interior accommodations. The design focuses entirely on the racing cockpit, with deck space optimized for crew movement, sail handling, and efficient operation during competition. There is no maximum headroom or any enclosed cabin space, reflecting its specific purpose as a pure sport cat.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Dart Hawk often highlight the boat's solid construction and the spirited performance characteristic of the F18 class. Many appreciate the accessible nature of F18 racing, although some acknowledge that maintaining competitiveness against newer F18 designs can be a challenge for older boats. The presence of a strong community, including forums and secondhand markets for parts, indicates an active ownership base, with new owners frequently seeking advice on aspects such as rigging and maintenance for their recently acquired boats. The Dart Hawk continues to be valued by sailors who enjoy the thrill of fast, competitive catamaran sailing.