Dart 16 Race Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Dart 16, and subsequently the Dart 16 Race, began production in 1997, emerging from the design vision of Yves Loday. Loday's goal was to create a catamaran that offered better maneuverability than many larger catamarans, with a responsiveness akin to a racing dinghy, thereby appealing to a broad spectrum of sailors from beginners to experienced competitors.

LaserPerformance, known for its ethos of producing robust, reliable, and performance-oriented dinghies, applied its manufacturing expertise to the Dart 16 line. The company's commitment to creating boats that are easy to rig, maintain, and sail aligns perfectly with the Dart 16's design philosophy. The hull construction utilizes rotomoulded plastic, a choice that makes the boat exceptionally durable and almost unbreakable, an advantage particularly valued in training and club racing environments where robustness is paramount.

The "Race" designation of the Dart 16 signifies a significant upgrade over the standard model, explicitly tailored for enhanced performance. These additions include a larger mainsail and the incorporation of a gennaker for downwind speed. Furthermore, the Race version features a double trapeze, allowing both crew members to hike out for maximum righting moment, an upgraded carbon tiller extension for precise control, a Harken traveler mainsheet system, and a jib furling system, all contributing to its aggressive racing attitude.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a light, 15.75-foot catamaran, the Dart 16 Race is engineered for exhilarating speed and agility. Its twin-hull design, characterized by a unique hull shape, grants it superior maneuverability compared to many larger catamarans. This design, coupled with a reported sail area of 148 square feet and a fractional sloop rig, ensures that the Dart 16 Race is quick to accelerate and responsive to helm input.

The Dart 16 Race is known for its lively performance, providing a sensation similar to that found on a racing dinghy. The inclusion of a gennaker significantly boosts its downwind performance, making it a formidable competitor on the race course. The double trapeze system further enhances its upwind capabilities by allowing the crew to generate substantial righting moment, enabling the boat to stand up to more wind and convert it into speed. The presence of skegs instead of daggerboards simplifies operation and reduces draft, making it ideal for launching from beaches and sailing in shallower waters, though some may note a slight compromise in upwind pointing ability compared to boats with daggerboards. Its overall design promotes stability while retaining the dynamic feel expected of a performance catamaran, making it both thrilling and confidence-inspiring for a range of sailors.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its design as a compact, open-deck performance catamaran, the Dart 16 Race does not feature traditional enclosed accommodations or significant headroom. Instead, its layout is optimized for on-water performance, ease of handling, and recreational fun. The deck plan prioritizes functionality, offering ample space on its trampolines for crew movement, whether single-handed or double-handed with the added complexity of a double trapeze.

The main sailing area consists of a robust trampoline spanning between the two rotomoulded hulls, providing a large, comfortable platform for the crew. Control lines are typically led aft for easy access, and the upgraded Harken traveler mainsheet system on the Race model ensures precise control over the powerful mainsail. A furling jib system simplifies sail handling, allowing for quick deployment and dousing. While interior storage is minimal, typical for this class of boat, there is usually enough space on the trampolines and within the hulls (accessed via hatches) for essential safety gear and personal items required for a day on the water. The open design facilitates quick rigging and de-rigging, upholding LaserPerformance's philosophy of accessible sailing.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Dart 16 and Dart 16 Race consistently praise its ability to provide exciting performance that can be enjoyed by a wide range of skill levels, from beginners learning to sail to more experienced racers seeking a thrilling ride. Its robust rotomoulded hull construction is frequently highlighted as a major strength, offering exceptional durability and resilience against bumps and scrapes, making it a low-maintenance option for club use and family sailing. The boat's responsive handling and maneuverability are often lauded, with many appreciating its dinghy-like feel on the water. The "Race" version, with its gennaker and trapeze, is particularly valued by those looking for a more competitive edge, providing a noticeable boost in speed and excitement.

A recurring positive sentiment is the Dart 16's versatility, capable of being sailed both single-handed and double-handed, making it adaptable to different sailing preferences and conditions. While praised for its durability, some owners of the standard Dart 16 have noted that the original rudders, sometimes without the Race model's upgrades, could be improved in terms of stiffness or design for optimal performance. However, the overall consensus points to the Dart 16 Race as a well-regarded catamaran that delivers on its promise of fun, accessible, and dynamic sailing.