Nacra’s Olympic Legacy

The Nacra 17 has been the exclusive Olympic catamaran since May 2012, when World Sailing selected it as the mixed-gender multihull for the Rio 2016 Olympics. This marked a historic moment as the first ever mixed discipline in Olympic sailing, promoting gender equality and teamwork at the highest level of competition.

After its Olympic debut, innovations on the Nacra 17 continued to meet new performance demands. In collaboration with Morrelli & Melvin and the Nacra 17 Class, we developed a fully foiling 4-point catamaran inspired by the America’s Cup. This transformation elevated the Nacra 17’s place as a leader in high performance sailing, challenging athletes to master the art of foiling.

Today, the Nacra 17 remains a key class in Olympic sailing with sailors competing in World Championships, Continental Championships and World Sailing events on the road to the Olympic Games. Its high speed foiling capabilities continue to push the limits of modern sailing, making it a dynamic part of the Olympic sailing program.

About foiling
Foiling is a sailing technique that uses hydrodynamic daggerboards or foils to generate upward lift, raising the boat above the water’s surface. This reduction in friction allows the boat to achieve higher speeds. Similar to how an airplane wing generates lift, the foils keep the boat flying over the water, providing a smoother and faster sailing experience.

Foiling with FCS technology enhances performance and gives sailors the sensation of flight on the water, making it a revolutionary advancement in competitive sailing.

Nacra 17

A foiling icon in Olympic sailing

The Nacra 17 revolutionized Olympic Sailing with its debut at the 2016 Rio Games. Designed for World Class Olympic athletes, it combines cutting edge innovation, speed and durability. Its daggerboards make it the ultimate full foiling multihull on the water.