Formula 18 is a class of sport catamarans created in 1993. The class only defines maximum authorized characteristics such as length, width, mast height, sails surfaces, weight or permitted materials so all boats have similar performances. Those box rules permit a close competition among catamarans manufacturers, more than 15, to build the fastest F18 boat. However, all models have similar speeds, as previous world championship ranking shows, which permit a fair competition among sailors.
The Formula 18 class is now getting a key position in catamaran sailing worlds. The class is becoming very attractive since Tornado have been removed from the Olympic Games. Consequently, recent F18 Worlds editions attracted several highly skilled teams such as the Australian Bundock-Ashby team (several time F18 world champion). Formula 18 also attracts oceanic skippers such as Franck Cammas (2nd at 2008 worlds) or Jérémie Laguarrigue (co-holder of the sailing speed world record using the Hydroptère on September 4th, 2009). For french peoples, Formula 18 is now one of the available ways for young sailors to get selected on the top level sailors list. Finally, the catamaran is fast and provides great sensations therefore is a privileged choice for many F18 enthusiasts and occasional competitors. The 2010 edition, will be a great event too with more than 180 teams from 20 countries from all over the world.
Carbon is only permitted in spreaders, rudder blades, dagger boards, blocks, cleats and tiller extension. The rest of boat is made of regular materials in order to limit the overall costs to build a Formula 18 catamaran. Only one single suit of sails can be used for the whole duration of the event. All sails and parts to be used during the event are marked on the first day by the measurement committee in order to prevent any change. There are two suit of sails possible depending on the weight of the crew. As a result, heaviest crews gets a compensation for their weight and all teams can sail in real time without any time compensation.
Main characteristics:
| International Class: | http://www.f18-international.org/ |
| French class: | http://www.f18.fr/ |
| Max overall length: | 5.52m (=18 feet) |
| Max overall beam: | 2.60m |
| Minimum weight: | 180kg |
| Minimum crew weight: | 115kg |
| Main sail surface: | 17.00m² |
| Jib surface: | 3.45m² or 4.15m² |
| Spinnaker surface: | 19.00m² or 21.00m² |