The
Netherlands, 23 September 2020 - Nacra Sailing has chosen to
replace the renowned Nacra F18 Infusion with the newly developed
Nacra F18 Evolution on Nacra’s upcoming 45th anniversary.
The racing catamaran represents a unique design combined with 45 years
of experience, advanced technology and sophisticated design tools.
The primary ambition of the new Formula 18 design was to build upon
the Nacra F18 Infusion’s pedigree as the best all-around performing
F18, over the full range of sailing conditions for every sailor.
The design program of the Nacra F18 Evolution started last year at
the 2018 F18 World Championship in Sarasota, USA. Morrelli &
Melvin Naval Architects Ferdinand van West (2 time F18 World
Champion) and Pete Melvin (Olympic sailor) teamed up to sail the
Nacra F18 Infusion. With Nacra Sailing owner and technical director
Peter Vink’s coaching, the duo finished their first event in 6th
place. Inspired by this experience, they brought back a wealth of
data from the event which they applied directly to the drawing
board.
This is how Nacra Sailing teamed up again with their long-time
development partner Morrelli & Melvin to set its goals in this
ambitious project. These parties have a long history together,
having done many successful projects such as the Nacra F18 Infusion
which was launched in 2006. This relationship also includes the
development of the Olympic Nacra 17 which has changed the face of
sailing by becoming the first Olympic sailing class to introduce
hydrofoiling.
The design
The hydrodynamic characteristics of the Nacra F18 Evolution’s hull
shape are completely revised and benefit from the latest design
tools used by America’s Cup teams, analysing the performance of
dozens of hull shape iterations in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
simulations. Since their involvement in the last three America’s
Cups, Morrelli & Melvin have invested in using NUMECA’s
FINE/Marine CFD software for design optimization. Utilizing high
performance computing resources and advanced performance prediction
simulators to add fidelity to race model analysis.
Most notable, the Nacra F18 Evolution’s hull shape design, has an
aggressively styled raked wave-piercing bow with a horizontal hull
chine running back into the transom. This elegant solution cleverly
distributes the volume and contour curvatures desired for each
dynamic condition and delivers a unique compromise for both sailing
upwind and downwind at different speeds. The optimized foredeck in
front of the main beam and embedded beams into the hull add extra
sleekness to this design.
There was a careful focus on the platform configuration, which
features an updated longitudinal beam position to optimize the
hydrodynamic and aerodynamic balance between the sailplan and the
appendages. This has been further enhanced by a new high aspect
ratio rudder design, refining wetted area, and updates to the
hydrofoil sectional shape to the latest developments.
Close collaboration with the aerodynamic sail design of Performance
Sails has ensured an optimized sailplan which features the regatta
proven deck sweeper mainsail and an optimized jib design tailored
to the new mainsail.
Debut at
2020 World Championship
The Nacra F18 Evolution will make its F18 worlds debut at the 2020
Formula 18 World Championship in Formia, Italy, and is available
for order with first deliveries starting in February 2020.
The Nacra F18 Infusion will stay in production, as the only foiling
catamaran on the market that can be easily converted into a F18
class legal boat and back.
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