Nacra 570 Information, Review, Specs

Originally launched as a more powerful alternative to the Nacra 5.0 and the older 5.5, the model has undergone significant evolution. The current Nacra 570 MK2 reflects modern catamaran trends with its wave-piercing bows and high-volume hulls, which provide more buoyancy forward to prevent the "pitch-poling" (nose-diving) tendencies common in older beach cat designs.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Nacra 570 is defined by its impressive power-to-weight ratio and its "skeg" hull configuration. Unlike the Olympic-class Nacra 17 or the F18, which utilize retractable daggerboards to point high into the wind, the 570 features deep, molded-in fins. While this sacrifice in ultimate upwind tacking angles is measurable, the gain in "jump-and-go" simplicity is substantial. On a reach, the 570 is remarkably fast; the lack of boards means less drag and one less thing for the crew to manage during high-speed maneuvers.

The boat is typically rigged with a boomless mainsail, a feature that significantly improves safety for the crew by removing the risk of a swinging boom during unexpected jibes. Handling is described by owners as "lively but predictable." Because of its nearly 19-foot length and generous beam, it offers a more stable platform than its smaller siblings, allowing it to carry more sail area comfortably. In the MK2 iteration, the hulls are designed with a "wave-piercing" profile, which allows the boat to slice through chop rather than bouncing over it, maintaining a higher average speed in confused seas. For those seeking an extra adrenaline boost, the 570 is frequently equipped with a gennaker (spinnaker) kit, which transforms the boat into a double-trapeze rocket ship capable of speeds exceeding 20 knots in the right hands.

Popular Mentions & Media

While the Nacra 570 is less of a "celebrity" than its foiling Olympic cousins, it holds a prestigious position as a primary workhorse for the Mark Warner and other high-end Mediterranean beach resorts. Its presence in these settings has made it the "first fast cat" for thousands of sailors who transitioned from hobbyist sailing to performance multihulls. It is also a regular participant in long-distance catamaran raids and coastal endurance races, where its rugged hulls and lack of boards make it superior to fragile racing machines for navigating unknown, shallow coastlines.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

When inspecting a pre-owned Nacra 570, the focus should be on the structural integrity of the hull-to-deck joints and the condition of the sailing hardware, as these boats are often driven hard in salt spray environments.

• Rudder Kick-Up Mechanism: Nacra’s rudder system is designed to kick up upon impact with the ground. Over time, the internal springs or plastic locking components can wear down, causing the rudders to float up while sailing or jam when you try to release them. Ensure the rudders lock firmly in the "down" position.
• Hull Soft Spots: Check the decks, particularly in front of the forward crossbeam. High-stress areas on fiberglass sandwich hulls can develop soft spots (delamination) if the boat has been jumped frequently or stored improperly. Firmly press your thumb across the deck; it should feel rock-solid.
• Crossbeam Tension: The 570 relies on its aluminum crossbeams (beams) to maintain hull alignment. Check the bolts where the beams meet the hulls for any signs of "working" (gray powder or enlarged holes), which indicates the boat has been sailed with a loose platform.
• Trampoline Condition: Because the 570 is an open boat, the trampoline is constantly exposed to UV rays. Check the stitching and the hiking straps; a failed trampoline at speed can lead to serious injury.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for owners is the International Nacra Class Association (INCA), which oversees the racing rules and class standards for all Nacra models. While the 570 is more recreational than the F18, it still enjoys a robust racing community in Europe and Australia. For technical support, the Nacra Sailing official website remains the primary source for parts diagrams and rigging manuals for the MK2 and legacy versions.

The Verdict

The Nacra 570 is the ideal choice for the sailor who wants a "big boat" feel in a beach catamaran package. It offers a sophisticated hull shape and immense power without the headache of fragile foils or complex rigging.

Pros:

• Extreme Durability: Skeg hulls allow for worry-free beaching and shallow-water sailing.
• Simplicity: Boomless rig and no daggerboards make it easy to rig and sail solo or with family.
• Stability: Large footprint and high-volume hulls offer a safer platform in heavy air than 16-foot alternatives.
• Performance: Capable of genuine high-speed sailing, especially when equipped with the optional gennaker.

Cons:

• Upwind Limitations: Will never point as high as a daggerboard-equipped catamaran.
• Physicality: At nearly 19 feet, it is a heavy boat to move across the sand by hand without high-quality balloon-tire beach wheels.
• Trailering: The width of the boat may require a specialized trailer or tilting mechanism in some jurisdictions with strict road-width laws.