Preparing for A-Class Catamaran Worlds

The A-Class Catamaran Class has brought their 2025 World Championships to New Zealand, with racing along the sandy shore of Castor Bay on the north side of Auckland. A pre-worlds tune-up on November 8-9 leads to the main attraction on November 11-16.

The fleet was split into two categories back in 2018, when the membership voted to allow foiling in an Open category, while also maintaining a Classic category where boats fly one hull at a time.

Despite people’s misgivings, it proved to be a great success, retaining many of the older sailors who were unwilling or unable to modify or master foiling techniques, whilst allowing those with the circus skills to continue foiling. In the end, the Classic is the larger category, as the close tactical sailing proved a draw to those who wanted something faster yet manageable.

With no expectations to match the record 179 boat turnout from last year’s event at PuntAla, Italy, as New Zealand is not on the way to anywhere, or even close to anywhere, a 55-boat fleet from eight countries is assembling, split into 22 in the Open foiler and 33 Classics.

With quality over quantity, the sailors read like a masterclass in this fastest and most elegant single-handed catamaran class. There are four past A-Class World Champions, including the reigning one, a multiple F-18 and Tornado World champion, a few Olympic sailors with a couple of them medalists, and an America’s Cup winning skipper. Oh, not to mention one twice World Sailor of the Year.

The neighbors from across the Tasman sea make up the largest contingent, with 20 AUS boats. Next is a good home team turnout of 18 for NZL. Then there are 4 POL, and 4 USA sailors, with the rest singles representing ITA, NED, FRA, GBR, ESP, and SUI.

At this time, it’s tricky to pick a winner, particularly in the Open fleet, as the proliferation of talent is rather concentrated, which should lead to some hard-fought foiling racing and the reigning Champ, Kuba Surowiec, POL 41 is on hand to fight then for the crown, The Classics could have a new name though, as Current Classic Champ, Gustavo Doreste-Blanco, couldn’t make the trip from Spain.

Event details – Entry list – Facebook

Source: Gordon Upton