Capricorn F18 Information, Review, Specs

The Capricorn F18 stands as a testament to high-performance sailing, embodying the spirit of competitive catamaran racing within the globally recognized Formula 18 class. This agile 18-foot catamaran is designed for speed and thrilling on-water action, making it a favorite among experienced racers and those aspiring to push the limits of multihull sailing. Conceived by renowned multihull expert Dr. Martin Fischer, in collaboration with Greg Goodall, the Capricorn F18 is manufactured by Xtreme Sailing Products, an Australian-founded company with a significant presence in Singapore, known for its commitment to producing quality sailcraft at an exceptional price.

History and Design

The Capricorn F18 first entered production in 2008, a product of the combined expertise of designer Dr. Martin Fischer and Greg Goodall. Dr. Fischer, also known for his work on the Hobie Wildcat, brought a wealth of multihull design experience to the project. The design adheres strictly to the International Formula 18 rule, a class developed in the early 1990s by Olivier Bovyn and Pierre-Charles Barraud with the goal of providing fair boat-for-boat racing among catamarans from various manufacturers and designs. Xtreme Sailing Products, as a manufacturer rather than an original designer, specializes in precision manufacturing to ensure each boat meets the rigorous standards required for competitive sailing. Their ethos centers on making high-quality, class-legal boats accessible to a broad spectrum of sailors.

A notable variation in the model's production history is the C2, a redesign introduced in 2012, indicating continuous refinement within the F18 class rules to optimize performance. This commitment to evolving the design while maintaining strict adherence to class regulations is a hallmark of the Formula 18 class, which allows for restricted development to keep the boats at the cutting edge of performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As an 18-foot racing catamaran, the Capricorn F18 is engineered purely for exhilarating performance on the water. With a length overall of just over 18 feet and a reported sail area of 227 square feet, it is a lightweight, agile vessel designed to achieve high speeds. The boat's design includes two rudders and daggerboards, typical of high-performance catamarans, which contribute to its responsive steering and ability to point high upwind. Its fractional sloop rig, combined with a mainsail, jib, and a large spinnaker (21 m² or 19 m² for lightweight crews), provides ample power for racing in various conditions.

Formula 18 catamarans, like the Capricorn, are renowned for their dynamic handling and require active sailing. Owners and reviewers often praise F18s for their speed, responsiveness, and the thrilling experience they offer. These boats are known to be competitive and provide excellent boat-for-boat racing, a core tenet of the F18 class. The light displacement of approximately 397 pounds further contributes to its ability to accelerate quickly and plane readily, making for an exciting ride.

Accommodations and Layout

Consistent with its identity as a high-performance racing catamaran, the Capricorn F18 does not feature any interior accommodations or an enclosed cabin. Its design is entirely focused on maximizing speed and handling, with an open cockpit layout that provides space for a two-person racing crew. The deck is designed for efficient crew movement and sail handling, featuring open trampoline netting between the hulls. This minimalist approach is standard for the Formula 18 class, where every design choice is optimized for competitive sailing rather than comfort or cruising amenities.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Formula 18 catamarans, including the Capricorn F18, frequently express satisfaction with the class's competitive nature and the thrilling sailing experience it provides. The F18 class association fosters a strong community among sailors who appreciate the "fair boat for boat racing without handicaps." Owners often highlight the Capricorn as a great boat within the class, frequently serving as an entry point for those looking to get into F18 sailing. The availability of parts and support through manufacturers like Xtreme Sailing Products, who also provide tuning guides and regatta support, contributes to a robust ownership experience within the active F18 class associations.