Nacra 17 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Nacra 17's journey began in 2011, driven by a specific mandate from World Sailing to create a mixed multihull event for the Olympic Games. Production commenced in 2012, marking a pivotal moment for both Nacra Sailing and the sport itself. The design philosophy, spearheaded by Morrelli & Melvin, aimed to produce a performance catamaran that was not only incredibly fast—capable of speeds exceeding 20 knots—but also highly controllable and easily handled, even in the most demanding competitive environments. This objective aligned perfectly with Nacra's long-standing ethos of blending performance with a deep passion for sailing, leveraging decades of racing and design experience.

A significant evolution in the Nacra 17's history occurred after its debut at the Rio 2016 Olympics. In collaboration with the class association, Nacra Sailing undertook the ambitious project of transforming the boat into a fully foiling catamaran for the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Games. This upgrade involved critical modifications, including the integration of carbon epoxy high-aspect curved daggerboards and revised rudders, enabling the boat to lift clear of the water and achieve even greater speeds. Notably, Nacra Sailing ensured that existing boats could be retrofitted with the new foiling technology, demonstrating a commitment to the class and its competitors.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Nacra 17 is engineered purely for high-speed racing and agile handling, a hallmark of its design. With a lightweight fiberglass and carbon-reinforced hull, the boat offers superb responsiveness. Its fractional sloop rig features a substantial 216 square feet of reported sail area, harnessing wind power efficiently for rapid acceleration and top-end speed. It is capable of achieving impressive speeds, with sailors reporting control even above 20 knots. When configured for foiling, the Nacra 17 can maintain flight down to wind speeds of 10 knots, though takeoff typically requires just over 10.8 knots. The boat's design emphasizes dynamic crew movement, facilitated by an open forward cockpit that allows the forward crew to move swiftly and unobstructed from side to side, essential for high-performance multihull sailing. Its two-rudder system provides precise steering and control, critical for navigating the complexities of competitive racing at speed.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its primary role as a high-performance, two-person Olympic racing catamaran, the Nacra 17's design prioritizes speed and crew functionality over traditional interior accommodations. There is no enclosed cabin or "interior layout" in the conventional sense, nor is there a true cockpit for sitting as one might find on a cruising sailboat. Instead, the design focuses on an open platform with specific deck layouts optimized for efficient sail handling and crew ergonomics during intense racing. The deck features a layout designed to manage the substantial loads generated by its high-aspect, fully-battened mainsail, with hardware strategically placed to aid crew in trimming and control. The design facilitates rapid movement and effective communication between the two crew members, making it a highly athletic and engaging boat to sail.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners and sailors of the Nacra 17 consistently praise its exceptional performance and superb handling, particularly its lightness for its length, which contributes to its agility on the racecourse. Many commend its durability and the quality of materials and engineering, noting that these boats appear to have a long lifespan despite the rigors of competitive sailing.

However, as with any high-performance vessel, certain considerations are frequently discussed within the owner community. With the transition to foiling, a significant safety concern has emerged regarding the risk of severe cuts to sailors who fall off the boat and are subsequently struck by the rudders or elevators. Additionally, some owners have reported issues with original deck fittings, specifically problems with trapeze bails and trapeze hooks, which have been noted as common points of failure requiring attention. There was also a reported issue regarding defective foil wells that prompted Nacra Sailing to issue a communication to owners of both new and retrofitted foils. Despite these challenges, the strong support from the International Nacra Class Association (INCA) and a vibrant community of owners ensure ongoing support and information sharing, underscoring the enduring appeal of the Nacra 17 as a top-tier racing machine.