Nacra 6.0 Information, Review, Specs

The Nacra 6.0 emerged in 1988, a product of Performance Catamarans Inc., a company founded by sailboat designer Tom Roland in 1975. Roland's vision was to create catamarans that pushed the boundaries of speed, and the Nacra 6.0 perfectly embodied this ethos, specifically conceived to excel in grueling offshore races like the Worrell 1000. While Tom Roland laid the groundwork for the Nacra brand's performance identity, sources indicate that Roy Seaman was a key designer for the Nacra 6.0 itself, with Skip Elliot contributing to the sail plan. The builder, Performance Catamarans Inc., consistently focused on producing lightweight, fast, and agile machines, a philosophy evident in the 6.0's construction.

Over its production run, the Nacra 6.0 saw a few notable variations, including the original 6.0, the "Express," and the "NA" (Nacra 6.0NA) models. The initial Nacra 6.0 featured a 31-foot mast. While specific details on the differences between these versions are varied, discussions among owners suggest variations in jib setups, diamond wires, and potential hull modifications to enhance performance or address specific racing rules over time.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As an all-out racing catamaran, the Nacra 6.0 is known for its exhilarating performance and demanding nature, making it best suited for an informed and experienced crew. With a reported sail area of 264 square feet, combined with its lightweight, 20-foot hull, it is engineered for speed and responsiveness. The boat is particularly praised for its tacking ability, which owners report as very good. However, the jib is considered crucial for balancing the boat and facilitating effective tacking.

Equipped with twin daggerboards and rudders, the Nacra 6.0 boasts a maximum draft of 3.18 feet, which can be significantly reduced to a minimum of 0.42 feet when the daggerboards are retracted. This shallow draft capability allows the boat to sail very close to beaches, offering flexibility for launching and recovery. Its design was aimed at dominating the demanding conditions of the Worrell 1000, underscoring its capability to handle rough sea states and maintain high speeds offshore.

Accommodations and Layout

Consistent with its design as a pure racing catamaran, the Nacra 6.0 offers no traditional interior accommodations or living spaces. The boat's layout is entirely focused on performance and crew efficiency during competitive sailing. Its primary "deck" space consists of trampolines, which are essential for crew movement, weight distribution, and managing the boat's powerful sail plan. Accessories such as integrated halyard pockets near the mast base indicate a design tailored for immediate access to controls during high-speed maneuvers, rather than comfort. Any storage is minimal and intended for essential racing gear.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Nacra 6.0 often highlight its impressive speed and engaging handling characteristics. It is frequently described as a powerful and fast catamaran that excels in competitive environments. Many express pride in owning such a capable racing machine. A commonly cited strength is its effective tacking performance.

However, the boat's high-performance nature means it demands an experienced hand. A recurring point of discussion among owners is the critical role of the jib in maintaining the boat's balance and aiding in tacking, suggesting that sailing without a properly set jib can lead to challenges. Furthermore, some owners of "Euro Nacra 6.0" models have noted that finding replacement parts and sails can sometimes be difficult, particularly in regions outside of Europe.