What is a Formula 18 Catamaran

• January 25, 2026 by Joseph Bennett |
• Language: EN
• Play Time: 00:03:00
• SAILING YOUTUBERS

Formula 18 (F18) Catamaran – Class Explained | High-Performance Racing Catamarans

The Formula 18 (F18) is one of the most popular and competitive high-performance racing catamaran classes in the world. Built to a box-rule rather than a single one-design, the F18 allows multiple manufacturers to compete boat-for-boat under the same rules — creating fast, exciting racing without handicaps.

First established in the mid-1990s, the class began with boats like the Hobie Tiger, Nacra Inter 18, Dart Hawk, and Diam, before evolving through several major design phases. Over time, the F18 has seen the introduction of self-tacking jibs, spinnaker chute systems, longer high-aspect foils, and most recently the decksweeper mainsail, which uses the end-plate effect to generate more lift with less drag.

In this video, I explain:

What defines the Formula 18 class

How the boats have evolved over three major design generations

The differences between early, mid-generation, and modern F18s

Who each type of F18 is best suited for

What it’s really like to own, sail, and race one

What F18s cost on today’s used and new markets

Early F18s are forgiving and ideal for sailors stepping up into performance catamarans, while modern designs like the Nacra Evolution, Akurra, and Exploder offer extreme performance for experienced racing crews. With over 100 boats regularly attending World Championships, the Formula 18 remains one of the strongest and healthiest catamaran classes globally.

If you’re interested in catamaran racing, high-performance sailing, or choosing the right beach cat for racing, this is a class you need to understand.

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Formula 18 (F18) Catamaran – Class Explained | High-Performance Racing Catamarans

The Formula 18 (F18) is one of the most popular and competitive high-performance racing catamaran classes in the world. Built to a box-rule rather than a single one-design, the F18 allows multiple manufacturers to compete boat-for-boat under the same rules — creating fast, exciting racing without handicaps.

First established in the mid-1990s, the class began with boats like the Hobie Tiger, Nacra Inter 18, Dart Hawk, and Diam, before evolving through several major design phases. Over time, the F18 has seen the introduction of self-tacking jibs, spinnaker chute systems, longer high-aspect foils, and most recently the decksweeper mainsail, which uses the end-plate effect to generate more lift with less drag.

In this video, I explain:

What defines the Formula 18 class

How the boats have evolved over three major design generations

The differences between early, mid-generation, and modern F18s

Who each type of F18 is best suited for

What it’s really like to own, sail, and race one

What F18s cost on today’s used and new markets

Early F18s are forgiving and ideal for sailors stepping up into performance catamarans, while modern designs like the Nacra Evolution, Akurra, and Exploder offer extreme performance for experienced racing crews. With over 100 boats regularly attending World Championships, the Formula 18 remains one of the strongest and healthiest catamaran classes globally.

If you’re interested in catamaran racing, high-performance sailing, or choosing the right beach cat for racing, this is a class you need to understand.

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Whether you’re on a Hobie, Nacra, A-Class, Prindle, Hurricane, Dart, Windrush, Tornado, Unicorn, F18, F16, Topcat, Hobie Getaway, Dragoon, or even a Minicat — you’ll find clear, practical videos here to help you sail faster, safer and with more confidence.

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Joseph Bennett

Coming from Vassiliki on the Greek island of Lefkada, catamaran sailing tutorials, demonstrations and live commentaries. Boat maintenance and reviews, and the occasional something for the monohull sailor. .

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