The A CLASS CATAMARAN has undergone a steady evolution since the rule was first established in 1962. Dimensions listed are class limits, and beyond these few restrictions, the class is fairly open.
Evolution Non-BR
BYS
Max Prop
Discount Sails
Electric Yacht
Boating Closeout Non-BR
Pelagic Autopilots
Rigs: Cat (rotating spar)
Cat with rotating spar.
Originated in New Zealand and soon spread to Australia. Designed for the for the amateur builder using plywood. A fiberglass version was introduced in the mid 1970’s. Class is still active (2010). Plans and completed boats are still available.
Intended as a single hander only.
Beam with wings: 11.58′.
Also available as a sloop with ‘sport’ package (seen above).
Photo courtesy Adam Hunt.
The first Hobie Cat and one of the most popular catamarans ever, though soon eclipsed in sheer numbers by the even more successful HOBIE 16.
A TURBO version added a jib. (Total SA: 148 sq. ft./13.75m2.)
Discontinued for sale in the US in 2004.
Production continued in Europe for a few more years.
Available with a 50.6 sqft sail.
Windward Boatworks acquired the rights to the Skimmer 45 from Wind Products in 2022.
ShipCanvas
KiwiGrip
Bruntons
Rudder Craft
EWOL
SBD App Non-BR
