Yachting World Catamaran Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The story of the Yachting World Catamaran begins in 1964, when Yachting World magazine initiated a project to develop a more affordable and compact one-design catamaran. This initiative aimed to popularize multihull sailing by offering a standardized, cost-effective platform that could be easily raced and enjoyed by a wider audience. The design was developed to meet this specific brief, focusing on simplicity, performance, and ease of construction.

This period was a crucible for multihull innovation in the United Kingdom, leading to the formal establishment of Sailcraft Ltd. in 1967 by Reg White MBE and Rodney March. While the Yachting World Catamaran's production began prior to Sailcraft's founding, it aligns with the ethos of high-performance and innovative design that would define the builder. Sailcraft quickly gained a reputation for embracing advanced construction techniques, particularly the use of fiberglass, which allowed for lighter, stronger, and more consistently built vessels. The Yachting World Catamaran itself was constructed from solid fiberglass for its hull and deck, a testament to the forward-thinking approach of its time.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a 15.5-foot catamaran with a remarkably light displacement of just 240 pounds, the Yachting World Catamaran was designed for exhilarating performance and agile handling. Its fractional sloop rig, paired with a generous 175 square feet of reported sail area, suggests a boat that would be quick to accelerate and responsive in lighter winds. With a beam of 7.0 feet, it offers a stable platform for its size, while its twin daggerboards allow for a variable draft, from a shallow 0.25 feet with boards raised to 2.83 feet when fully lowered. This daggerboard configuration provides excellent upwind performance and allows for easy beaching or shallow-water access. The twin rudders further enhance steering control and responsiveness, characteristic of a performance-oriented beach catamaran.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact size and purpose as a one-design day sailor or racer, the Yachting World Catamaran does not feature traditional interior accommodations. There is no stand-up headroom or enclosed cabin space. Instead, the design prioritizes an open cockpit layout, providing ample space for crew movement and efficient sail handling. This open-deck configuration is typical of small catamarans of its era, designed for direct interaction with the elements and focusing purely on sailing enjoyment rather than extended cruising comfort.