As a leading voice in marine history, Yachting Prestige Magazine is delighted to present a deep dive into the fascinating world of NACRA Catamarans, a builder synonymous with high-performance, innovation, and the thrill of competitive sailing.
The genesis of NACRA Catamarans, an acronym standing for the North American Catamaran Racing Association, traces back to 1975 in California, USA, under the visionary guidance of sailboat designer Tom Roland. Roland was no stranger to catamaran innovation, having previously penned the 18-foot Alpha Cat in 1970. His initial grand ambition involved designing a 36-foot, oversized one-design beach catamaran to kickstart a professional racing series, an endeavor that, while building about ten boats, ultimately proved unviable. Despite the racing series not taking off, the "NACRA" acronym endured, repurposed as the brand name for his new venture.
Roland's true breakthrough came with the launch of the NACRA 5.2 in 1975. This 17-foot beach cat was designed to tap into the burgeoning market for small fiberglass catamarans, much like those popularized by Hobie Alter. The 5.2 was an unusual design for its time, notably featuring plumb bows. It quickly became a foundational model, representing NACRA's commitment to accessible performance sailing.
History and Evolution
From its Californian roots, NACRA Catamarans embarked on a journey of growth and transformation. The company, initially founded by Tom Roland, underwent several ownership and name changes throughout its history. A significant expansion occurred in 1985 when an Australian-based licensee, NACRA Australasia, began operating in Brisbane, further broadening the brand's global footprint.
In 1988, the company, then operating under the name "Performance Catamarans," expanded its portfolio by acquiring the competing Prindle brand and relocating its operations from Santa Barbara to Santa Ana, California. A pivotal moment in NACRA's history arrived in 2007 when a European group acquired the company, leading to its relocation and establishment in The Netherlands, where it operates today as Nacra Sailing. This move marked a new era, allowing NACRA to leverage Europe's extensive sailing culture and advanced manufacturing capabilities.
The early 1990s saw NACRA strategically renew its product program, introducing a recreational line that included models like the 460, 500, 570, and 580. This diversification allowed the brand to appeal to a wider audience, offering boats that, while still performance-oriented for club events and long-distance racing, also catered to those seeking simpler, boomless designs without daggerboards.
Design Philosophy and Identity
NACRA's reputation in the sailing world is unequivocally centered on high-performance racing catamarans. The company's core philosophy blends innovation, performance, and a deep passion for the sport, consistently striving to be at the forefront of design and technology.
A hallmark of NACRA's design evolution has been its pioneering adoption of advanced hydrofoiling technology. They were among the first commercial sailboat builders to integrate rudders and daggerboards specifically shaped to facilitate foiling at higher speeds. Modern NACRA designs often feature sleek, streamlined hulls with wave-piercing bows and high-volume forms, along with cutting-edge C-foil packages for enhanced lift and reduced drag. While Tom Roland laid the foundational design principles, the brand emphasizes its continued dedication to internal research and development, drawing on decades of racing and design experience.
Iconic Models and Legacy
NACRA's commitment to innovation and performance has resulted in a lineage of iconic models that have left an indelible mark on the multihull world:
- NACRA 5.2: As the original flagship model from 1975, the 5.2 was hugely successful, with thousands of units sold, solidifying NACRA's presence in the beach cat market.
- F18 Series: The Formula 18 class has been central to NACRA's racing identity. The NACRA F18, including its later iteration like the F18 Evolution, has been a dominant force in the class, with the NACRA F-18 recognized as a "Boat of the Year" in 2002 for its high-performance day racer capabilities. The F18 Evolution features an optimized hull shape and advanced technology, including carbon fiber rudders.
- NACRA 17: Arguably NACRA's most significant contribution to international sailing, the NACRA 17 was designed in 2011 and entered production in 2012. It rapidly became the chosen mixed multihull for Olympic sailing, making its debut at the Rio 2016 Games. Following Rio, the class and NACRA Sailing collaborated to evolve the boat into a full-foiling catamaran, making it an even more exhilarating and cutting-edge Olympic class for Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.
- NACRA 15: Designed to inspire the next generation of multihull racers, the NACRA 15 was adopted by World Sailing as a Youth World Championships class and for the Youth Olympic Games in 2015. It was also selected by the British RYA as their new Youth Multihull boat in 2016, featuring curved daggerboards that enable it to foil.
- Other Notables: NACRA has produced a wide range of popular models, including the 4.5, 460, 500 (with the modern MK2 featuring a wave-piercer bow and enhanced skeg surface), 570 (the MK2 honoring its 1998 predecessor), and 350, each contributing to the brand's diverse appeal.
The Builder Today
Today, NACRA Sailing is a Dutch company, with its main office located in The Netherlands since its acquisition in 2007. Under the leadership of figures like CEO Peter Vink, NACRA remains a leading manufacturer of cat sailing equipment, boasting a modern global structure with over 84 dealers worldwide to serve its loyal customer base.
Modern NACRA boats continue to appeal to a broad spectrum of sailors. While their roots are firmly in high-performance racing, attracting Olympic athletes and seasoned competitors, models like the NACRA 15 cater specifically to youth sailors seeking dynamic, foiling experiences. Recreational lines offer performance for club events while maintaining ease of use for family cruising. The ownership experience is marked by a strong, vibrant community, fostered by organizations like the International Nacra Class Association (INCA) and various national associations, connecting sailors of all levels and ensuring continuous support for the brand's enthusiasts worldwide. NACRA's ongoing commitment is to performance, design, and customer satisfaction, constantly striving to deliver cutting-edge solutions for the world of catamaran sailing.
