Australis Catamaran Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Australis was engineered for extreme speed and responsiveness, characterized by a exceptionally high power-to-weight ratio. As a single-handed 18-foot catamaran, it was designed to be "over-canvased" for its displacement, allowing it to plane in conditions where heavier multihulls remained stuck in displacement mode. Historically, the boat was noted for its light-air prowess; its victory in the 1967 trials was largely attributed to its ability to out-point and out-pace competitors in the oscillating breezes of Port Phillip Bay.

Handling the Australis requires significant finesse. The original design utilized narrow, high-aspect ratio hulls with a relatively "flat" bottom compared to modern wave-piercing designs, which made it sensitive to fore-and-aft trim. Sailors often describe the boat as "twitchy," requiring constant adjustment of the mainsheet and traveler to keep the platform level. Technical records from the Australian International A-Division Catamaran Association highlight that the early rigs featured highly flexible pear-section masts. These "bendy" masts allowed sailors to flatten the sail in heavy air, expanding the boat's competitive range, though they were notoriously difficult for novices to tune correctly.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Australis is most frequently cited in nautical literature as the "International" standard-bearer for the A-Class from 1967 to 1973. Its most famous media footprint stems from the 1967 IYRU trials in England, where Graham Johnston personally demonstrated the boat's superiority against the best designs from Europe and North America. This event is often cited by the Australian National Maritime Museum as a watershed moment for Australian yachting, proving that local designers could compete on the world stage. While the class eventually lost its exclusive international status due to the evolution of the "Open" A-Class, it remains a fixture in historical accounts of the multihull revolution.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective owners of vintage Australis hulls should be aware of several technical vulnerabilities common to 1960s and 70s fiberglass and foam-sandwich construction.

• Hull Delamination: Many early boats were built with a foam core that is prone to delamination, particularly in the areas around the front beam and the mast step. Buyers should perform a "tap test" across the hull surfaces to listen for hollow thuds indicating the core has separated from the laminate.
• Mast Step Stress: The downward compression of the mast on the main beam is a known stress point. Inspect the beam-to-hull joints for "spiderweb" gelcoat cracks or signs of movement.
• Trampoline Rail Fatigue: The tracks used to secure the trampoline can pull away from the hulls if the boat has been stored in high-UV environments or if the trampoline has been over-tensioned for decades.
• Rudder Gudgeon Wear: Like many beach cats of this era, the rudder pintles and gudgeons are prone to wallowing out. Excessive play in the steering system can make the boat difficult to control at high speeds.

Community & Resources

The primary steward of the boat's history and technical data is the Australian International A-Division Catamaran Association. While the modern A-Class has moved toward foiling carbon fiber machines, the association maintains records of the Australis's original class rules and historical significance. Regional multihull clubs in Victoria and New South Wales often host "classic" divisions where these boats can still be found racing.

The Verdict

The Australis Catamaran is a collector's racing machine that offers a visceral, high-speed sailing experience for those who appreciate multihull history. While it has been surpassed by modern carbon fiber designs in terms of absolute speed and foiling capability, its pedigree as an International champion remains undisputed.

Pros:

• Historically significant design with a prestigious racing pedigree.
• Exceptional light-air performance that remains competitive in classic fleets.
• Pure, unassisted sailing experience for single-handed enthusiasts.

Cons:

• Older hulls are prone to core delamination and fatigue.
• The flexible vintage rig can be difficult for modern sailors to tune.
• Demanding to sail at the limit, with a high risk of "pitch-poling" in heavy seas.