C-Class Catamaran: World’s coolest yachts

Yachting World has been asking top sailors and marine industry gurus to choose the coolest and most innovative yachts of our times, and offshore catamaran specialist Helena Darvelid nominated the C-Class Catamaran. Here’s the report:

“Having been involved in the build and campaigning of three C-class projects, I have to nominate the 25ft C-Class catamaran.” Known as the ‘Little Americas Cup’, the International Catamaran Challenge Trophy was a match racing series begun in 1961 which led to the development of the radical C-Class catamaran, with rigid wing sails, which could race at twice the wind speed.

“The simplicity of the rule often inspired designers more than sailors and the resulting boats were marvels of DIY, small-shed ingenuity and efficiency. They were ultra-rare and if you wanted one, you had to design and build it yourself. These elegant wonders showed the sailing world what wing sails could do.

“Ultimately the class became a victim of its own success as the America’s Cup grabbed the baton and took all the tech ‘coolness’ into the big league. The worlds of America’s Cup, SailGP and outright speed sailing owe the C-Class a big nod of respect.”

C-Class Catamaran Stats Rating
Top speed: 30-34 knots
LOA: 7.62m/25ft
Launched: from 1961
Berths: 0
Price: up to €2million
Adrenalin factor: 90%

For Yachting World’s list of cool boats, click here.