a class catamaran worlds 2023

Jacques Valente. Sadly missed.

Jacques Valente passed away on July 11. He was a seasoned sailor with a rich career, known for his participation in events such as the Mini Transat and the Route du Rhum. His passion for sailing began at the age of 9, and despite significant health challenges, including a kidney transplant in 2008, he continued to be an active advocate for organ donation and a prominent figure in competitive sailing. Jacques owned several A-Cat’s during his sailing career and was member of the I.A.C.A. Committe from 2021 to 2023. We express our deepest sympathy to his wife and survivors.

• Read more about Jacques Valente. Sadly missed.

Swiss Open Championship 2024 in Dongo, Lake Como

A great fun event, with some interesting moments for all.  Christian Stock reports.

• Read more about Swiss Open Championship 2024 in Dongo, Lake Como

World Sailing approves new rule changes

The following alterations to the class rules have been approved by World Sailing.

The amendment of rule C.1.1(b) : "...allow the use of trapeze harnesses that are not of the quick release variety".

And slight alteration of rule C.7.1 : the Event TC and the Race Committee may allow .

Available at -  http://www.a-cat.org/sites/default/files/CTACR20240508.pdf

• Read more about World Sailing approves new rule changes

Matthias Dietz - another legend sadly passes.

It is with great sadness that we must report the passing of another A-Cat legend, known to a great many of us. Matthias Dietz was a beloved and gentle character for many years on both the German and European circuits. His immense knowledge of all things, ranging from the 1970's Le Mans Porsche 917 breaking systems that he worked on as an engineer, up to how he sets his rig up for those light airs, of which he was one of the Kings.

• Read more about Matthias Dietz - another legend sadly passes.

2025 European Championship dates announced.

Book the dates - 7th-14th June. A-Cat Euros 2025, Spiaggia 151 Riccione, Italy

More details to follow!

• Read more about 2025 European Championship dates announced.

Our new Instaboss Queen

It gives us great pleasure to introduce Matilde Delaite to the IACA team. Mathilde will be looking after our Instagram account and helping to spread the A-Cat love across that platform, so hopefully engaging a few new sailors to join us.

• Read more about Our new Instaboss Queen

Thoughts for new recruits.

I was reflecting on the class and where it could want to be heading recently, when I realised the question that we get asked frequently when someone is expressing an interest in our lovely boats is - I’m looking at getting an A-Cat, but what type should I go for? It is usually met with the first question from us, and we must assume that they have at least done a little research, and discovered that we have 2 categories within our class, so it’s do you want an Open or a Classic?

• Read more about Thoughts for new recruits.

2024 Worlds Poster. Get registered!

• Read more about 2024 Worlds Poster. Get registered!

2025 NZL Worlds Dates announced.

OFFICIAL - The 2025 A-Cat Worlds will be held at Manly Sailing Club, North Island, New Zealand. Dates - 8th-16th November 2025.

We can now look forward enormously to this event, at the club where no lesser sailor than Russel Coutts is Commodore, so we hope as many as possible can come over join in the party in Aeoteroa, the 'Land Of The Long White Cloud'!

• Read more about 2025 NZL Worlds Dates announced.

AUS Nationals crown Adam Beattie and Scott Anderson their 2024 Champions

The final day of a regatta can be a strange one. Sometimes, it all comes down to the last race as in the Toulon Worlds, and sometimes the last downwind leg of that race too, as we saw in Houston. On other occasions, the frontrunner is already decided and can afford to not even race as the discard would take care of the points gained for a DNR. Today was such an event. Both Scotty Anderson and Adam Beattie had the championship sewn up probably 2 races ago. So, some choose not to race and give someone else their chance of a bullet.

• Read more about AUS Nationals crown Adam Beattie and Scott Anderson their 2024 Champions

What's on & When's it happening

Regatta schedule.

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International A-Division Catamaran Association

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Published on April 10th, 2023 | by Editor

A-Class Catamaran having it both ways

Published on April 10th, 2023 by Editor -->

The singlehanded A-Class Catamaran has a strong presence in the USA, which was strong enough to host the 2022 World Championship, and strong enough for the country’s Ravi Parent to win the Open division world title.

Scuttlebutt editor Craig Leweck checked in with Florida A-Class sailor Axel Issel for an update:

The A-Class Class rules allow for development, which is good for improving the boat but can get expensive as gear becomes obsolete. How does this impact participation?

The A-Class is divided into two sub-classes separated by different sets of measurement rules; the Foilers (Open) and non-foiling (the Classics). In the case of the Classics that have been around 67 years, most development has occurred in the last decade or so with the change from straight dagger boards to C foils and the deck-sweeper mainsail with curved booms.

Older hulls and masts remain competitive but the newer configurations do provide a slight advantage. Today, Classic boats from 10+ years keep winning Nationals and Continental championships and boats with straight booms and daggerboards still are in the top 5 in the Euro circuit.

The Classic fleet keeps growing in most countries due to the speed and simplicity of the boat; very competitive, tactical, fun races, with plenty of accessible boats around the globe. In many parts of the world, the Classics are very popular with larger numbers than Foilers like in the US/Canada, Italy, France, Australia, etc.

Sailors in Classics are competitive at all ages, many well into their 70s so it is a class where you can grow and be at the top for decades with your same boat for many, many years.

The Foilers have seen the most recent development. Here newer boats (2019-20 and newer) make a difference over older ones since they are easier and more stable to foil. Participation in the class is achieved in Classics due to very even and fun races with skippers with 20 years fighting 70s-year-olds. Participation in Foilers comes from younger sailors trying to master the fastest single-handed catamaran in the world.

Most of the top sailors in the world raced A-Cats at some point, even though it is a non-Olympic class. The A-Cat has consistently proven itself in the international scene whereby the World, European, and North American Championships are frequented by some of the most famous sailors in the world.

However, it’s always taken the dedication of a pure A-Class sailor to win the Championships. This demonstrates the high level of performance within the class and it leads to amazing numbers of entries for such events. Today, almost all top professional regattas are raced in foiling boats, like the America’s Cup, the Ocean Race, SailGP, etc, so learning and growing in a foiling A-Cat gives you experience and advantage, attracting young talents to the fleet.

When was the shift to foiling? How did the class endure that transition? Were there kits? Foilers started around 2015, but in 2018 the class decided to create two sets of rules to keep the non-foiling boats competitive, and two sub-classes were born. I believe this was a wise decision, to make the class appealing to a wider population.

Today you can be competitive in your 20s and into your 70s, with a newer Foiler or with an older Classic. Regattas are usually scored in two fleets, and some, like the North American Championship regatta, have the two fleets + the “Overall NA Champion” who is the best skipper among the two classes.

The transition was progressive, initially some folks modified the trunks on the hull to insert the newer foiling blades. Today, to be competitive in Foilers, you need a newer foiling specific boat. Manufacturers build two models: the Foiler and the Classic. The Classic is lighter, simpler and less expensive. The Foiler has a lower hull profile; is heavier due to extra carbon needed to support extreme foiling forces, and needs better physical input.

Has the foiling equipment stabilized or is it still evolving? For the last three years (late 2019-2020), there have been no new developments. The latest one was the rudder differential. Some have been working on differential for center foils with no success. Also, cambered sails with specific masts have been designed, but nothing new has come out. Until measurement rules for Foilers are changed, it will be difficult to see any new significant design improvement.

How is the used boat inventory in North America? Today, there are around 20 used boats for sale. Some used boats for sale are almost new, like a 2022 Foiler and newer Classics. You can buy an old Classic for less than $5K and be competitive in the Classic fleet. Used boats and parts can be found in https://usaca.info/ and in https://www.facebook.com/groups/922063451790001/ .

Who are the suppliers for North America? Are there any in the continent? Boats and masts builders are in Europe. Today, the largest manufacturer of boats is eXploder from Poland (with accessible labor), which provides new Classics and Foilers. Fastboatstuff.com is their representative in the US, and they carry new boats and parts for almost all new and older model boats. North America is getting shipments from Europe usually two times per year with new boats and parts. I have been in the class three years and I always find the parts needed quickly. Top competitive sails are built here in the USA by Glaser, Sail Technologies, etc.

Why do Foilers and Classics race together? Because it is way more fun, and way more competitive. The fleet is well mixed during races. In addition, it is a good way of keeping the fleet growing, making an easy and fun entry point to the class with more options. For example, I started in Classics two years ago and after the Worlds in Houston last year, I sold my Classic and I switched to the Open class.

Usually, the top Foilers will have an advantage but most part of the fleet is mixed. In lighter winds like sub 10 knots, the boats are even and in lighter non-foiling conditions, Classics are faster. Top light sailors can start foiling downwind around 8 knots but most of the foiling fleet foils closer with 10 knots of wind 100% air time, and upwind foiling is mastered only by the ultra-top sailors, and usually they need 12-13 knots of wind to make real gains over the top Classics going upwind.

For us, the newer foiling sailors, learning to foil (like me!), will always have Classics around showing how much ground is lost while we are trying to fly……and once on air, if we do not do the correct angle, Classics will pass you by. .Racing with 50 boats on the line, is always more fun than 20-30 boats, and chances are you always will have someone next to you on every mark.

What is the ideal sailor weight for the A-Cat? I believe 170-195 pounds is the ideal range, NED 007 Mischa Heemskerk won the world championship several times and he is 225+ lbs; the latest World Champion USA 76 Ravi Parent (2022 Rolex Yachtsman of the year) weighs around 165lbs . Who knows….!

Where are the hubs of class activity in North America? Florida concentrates 30% of the fleet, with Key Largo, and the Sarasota/Tampa Bay area being the most popular spots, followed by Fort Walton and Melbourne, FL. Lake Lanier in Georgia has one of the largest fleets, Annapolis/West River area is popular as well.

Lake Carlyle in Illinois, where we raced the 2021 North Americans, have several active boats. Also, there are 10 boats in Alamitos Bay in California, and there is a large fleet in Ontario Canada where we raced the 2022 North American Championship.

I heard a new fleet will grow soon in Mexico City as well. This year we are all looking forward to race in October the ‘Alter Cup’ in Pensacola, Florida, only for Classic boats, where skippers from other multihull fleets join the A-Catters to determine the best multihull skipper!

Tags: A-Class Catamaran , Axel Issel , Craig Leweck

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A-CLASS OPEN

1st at the A-Class Catamaran World Championships 2023, Toulon

Our team rider, Jakub Surowiec , recently won the World Championships, adding the final golden medal to his impressive collection, which already includes silver and bronze. 

A-Class Catamaran 2023/2024 Bryt Sails standard decksweeper mainsail

The Bryt Sails Mainsails are designed for foiling. Sails provides easy power control for foiling downwind and upwind. Many test hours and much attention has been paid to make sure sails keeps up with the class trends and follows sailor’s expectations in all weather conditions. Bryt Sails A class sails are developed with the collaboration of the Exploder team riders.

Sail design is based on the successful 2021 model, but optimized for upwind foiling as A-cat platforms now offer effective foiling performance all around the racecourse. Main target was to improve twist profile and adapt depth of the sail for higher speeds, but still maintain power in downwind legs and light wind conditions.

For 2023 the bottom section was redesigned with a large window. We also added more leech shape to maintain some of the power in the light conditions, when cunningham is released. All 2023 Bryt Sails now feature cutaway clew for more space to move from side to side, trying to keep foiling during the tack. From 2023, Standard models are unchanged.

This is Standard model which is suitable for <78 kg sailor, also depends on the skipper’s performance. If you are looking for easy to power up set up, check Bryt Sails standard decksweeper mainsail.

• 9+1 Fiberfoam battens
• Easy access leach velcro for bottom batten
• Head ring to hook the sail
• Available in Contender Maxx EnduMax GP or Maxx Racing sailcloth, both with carbon stringers
• Cutaway clew for easier side to side access
• Measurement certificate
• Country code
• Sail number

Compatibility:

A class catamaran is a development class. The sail design supports large variety of mast and boat set ups. If your boat differs from any dimensions below, or you have any individual request please note that when placing your order.

• 9m long Saarsberg, Fiberfoam Standard or Tapered  mast
• 192 cm distance from mast to main traveler track
• 110 cm distance from mast to trampoline mainsheet block

Also please let us know your body weight and height so we can make sure the sail is the perfect choice for you!

Contact details:

[email protected]

SAIL – 1650 euro net                   Transport in EU – 150 euro net

A-Class Catamaran 2023/2024 Bryt Sails standard+ decksweeper mainsail

Sail design is based on the successful 2021 model, but optimized for upwind foiling as A-cat platforms now offer effective foiling performance all around the racecourse. Main target was to improve twist profile and adapt depth of the sail for higher speeds, but still maintain power in downwind legs and light wind conditions.

For 2023 the bottom section was redesigned with a large window. We also added more leech shape to maintain some of the power in the light conditions, when cunningham is released. All 2023 Bryt Sails now feature cutaway clew for more space to move from side to side, trying to keep foiling during the tack. From 2023, Standard+ models are unchanged.

This is Standard+ model which is suitable for over78 kg sailor, also depends on the skipper’s performance. If you are looking for easy to control set up, check Bryt Sails Standard decksweeper mainsail.

• Available in Contender Maxx EnduMax GP or Maxx Racing sailcloth, both with carbon stringers

SAIL – 1650 euro net                     Transport in EU – 150 euro net

A-Class Catamaran Bryt Sails Pro2024 decksweeper mainsail

The Bryt Sails Mainsails are designed for foiling. Sails provides easy power control for foiling downwind and upwind. Many test hours and much attention has been paid to make sure sails keeps up with the class trends and follows sailor’s expectations in all weather conditions. Bryt Sails A class sails are developed with the collaboration of the Exploder team riders.

Pro model evolved from the Standard model. For 2024 we used Standard+ luff characteristic for more power. Smaller top lowers the center of effort, what results in easier heel control and less aerodynamic drag.

All 2023 Bryt Sails now feature cutaway clew for more space to move from side to side, trying to keep foiling during the tack.

This is 2023 Worlds winning model of Jakub, and refined 2022 Promodel, 3rd at the 2023 Europeans.

Pro model 2024 is made for brave sailors, who are always looking for more speed. Smaller top reduces drag, however makes it more difficult to pop-up the hull in light conditions. If you are looking for an easier to power-up set up, check Bryt Sails Standard and Standard + decksweepers mainsails.

• New 2023 bottom design with large window and cutaway clew for easier side to side access

Bryt Sails 3/4 Boat Cover

The Bryt Cover is designed for Exploder A cat catamarans. It protects essential parts of the boat that can be weather effected: trampoline, anti-slip foam, rudder system. Cover is made of super reliable waterproof cloth MASACRIL. There are 2 full boat-wide buckles that keep your boat covered on the most windy days, just don’t forget to tighten your boat down 😉

● Waterproof durable cloth MASACRIL ● Available in different colors (masacril) ● Full trampoline + rudder system protection ● Mast + compass sleeve ● “Over the top” rudder cassette cover ● Personal print available (sail number, boat name etc..)

A class catamarans vary in the mast, beams and sidestays positions. This cover is designed for 2020-2023 Exploder Ad3. It should fit 2016+ Ads Exploders as well.

190 euro net

A-CLASS RESULTS

2023 victory, a class world championship , yaqcht club toulon/france.

1st – JAKUB SUROWIEC

GERMAN NATIONAL CHAMPS , MALCESINE/LAKEGARDA

Polish nationals , sopot, 2022 victory, world championship, houston.

2nd – JAKUB SUROWIEC

9 – JACEK NOETZEL

SPRING CUP , ARCO

1st – TYMOTEUSZ BENDYK

A-CAT EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP 2022 , ARCO

3rd – JAKUB SUROWIEC

5th – TYMOTEUSZ BENDYK

Easter regatta, Campione del Garda

1st- TYMOTEUSZ BENDYK

Gdynia Sailing Days, Poland

2nd- TYMOTEUSZ BENDYK

Błękitna Wstęga Zatoki Gdańskiej, Poland

Sopot catamaran cup , poland.

     1st – TYMOTEUSZ BENDYK

MISTRZOSTWA POLSKI A CAT , SOPOT - POLAND

   1st – JAKUB SUROWIEC  

  2nd – TYMOTEUSZ BENDYK

 3rd – JACEK NOETZEL

WINNING THE A-CLASS POLISH CUP FOR THE 2022 SEASON, POLAND

JACEK NOETZEL

2021 VICTORY

Univela trophy , campione del garda, dutch nationals , hellecat, easter regatta , campione del garda, gdynia sailing days , poland.

1st  – JAKUB SUROWIEC

2nd – TYMOTEUSZ BENDYK

GERMAN NATIONALS

2020 victory, 3 mola sopot , poland, 2019 victory, world championships , weymouth uk.

3rd – TYMOTEUSZ BENDYK

Winning the A-class Polish Cup for the 2019 season

TYMOTEUSZ BENDYK

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A Class Catamaran World Championship at Yacht Club de Toulon - Day 4

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