The class was founded during the 1960s and was part of the 4-tier IYRU (now ISAF) approach to divide up the sports catamaran sailing scene into 4 separate groups. These A, B, C and D classes were governed by a very small set of class rules to which each design had to comply. In the beginning it was just:
Maximum hull length
Maximum overall width
Maximum sailarea
All boats designed and built to these specs would be grouped into one fleet and race each other for crossing the finish line first.
The A-Class is the largest remaining of those 4 main classes. The B-Class quickly splintered into a score of sub classes like the Hobie 16's, Formula 18's and other classes that contain far more and far stricter class rules. The C-Class quickly developed into the really high tech and vanguard boats that were used in the Little America's Cup. These require immense investments of time and money to race. As a result, this class is extremely small but still maintains its status as the ultimate sailing catamaran designs. The D class never really got off the ground in earnest.
The Sopot Catamaran Cup 2016 regatta in one of the most beautiful town in north Poland just off the Gulf of Gdansk.
Video Producer: ProVideos.pl
Since the 2015 A-cat Worlds in Italy finished, DNA set out to work on a worthy replacement model of the original DNA A-cat which was introduced in 2010 and which led the foiling revolution in the A class. With four World Championship titles under their belt ever since the introduction, and facing...
A slow start to the regatta, with racing cancelled due to strong wind most competitors made a b-line for the shelter of the coffee shop to stay warm and dry.
Video Producer: VR Sport Media
Medemblik turned on some brilliant conditions today. The first group completed the scheduled two races in light breeze with no foiling but lots of tactics. The breeze filled to a steady 12-14 knots in the afternoon for group two. Mischa Heemskerk had some serious speed on today but Darren Bundock...
The second day of actual sailing served up terriffic conditions for the first fleet, with another two bullets for Mischa Heemskerk. However the breeze dropped leaving the afternoon fleet drifting, allowing light wind specialist Darren Bundock to snatch to comfortable wins. Tomorrow sees the fleet...
The sailors experienced all four seasons on Day 4 the A-Cat Worlds in Medemblik. Starting off with biblical thunderstorms and 12-15 knots; if only Noah had some Z-foils on his Ark! The first race was an absolute air show with the foilers up and flying however the breeze faded for the gold fleet ...
The Final Day of the Magic Marine A-Cat Worlds and the Champion is crowned - congratulations go to Mischa Heemskerk. On water interviews with Mischa (watch out for a Dutchman being emotional!), Darren Bundock (gracious 2nd overall) with Steve Brewin (unlucky with a broken rudder) completed the po...
Part of a new series, VRsport.tv gets down to the techniques of boat tuning with some of the best sailors across the globe. This episode focuses on the amazing DNA F1 A-Cat and 2016 World Champion, Mischa Heemskerk.
Video Producer: VR Sport Media
VRsport.tv Tech Talk - Get to know the techniques of boat tuning with some of the best sailors across the globe. This episode focuses on the stunning Exploder AD3 A-Cat with Darren Bundock.
Video Producer: VR Sport Media
VRsport.tv Tech Talk - Get to know the techniques of boat tuning with some of the best sailors across the globe. This episode focuses on the custom designed Exploder AD3 A-Cat for women with Carolijn Brouwer.
Video Producer: VR Sport Media
VRsport.tv Tech Talk - Get to know the techniques of boat tuning with some of the best sailors across the globe. This episode focuses on the Exploder AD3 A-Cat with Steve Brewin and all of his bespoke modifications.
Video Producer: VR Sport Media
2016 saw two Foiling Weeks, the first in Malcesine on Lake Garda, Italy, the second in Newport, Rhode Island (USA) . Lake Garda was host to Foiling Week third edition with a participation increase that confirms the growing interest foiling has sparked in sailing enthusiasts around the globe. New...
If it foils then they come to Foiling Week - International Moth, WASZP, GC32, Flying Phantom, Laser, Cherub, Prototype, Kite and even Windsurfers. Hosted on Lake Garda by Fraglia Vela Malcesine - it's time for the Long Distance Race..
Video Producer: Horue Video Production