Formula 18

The Formula 18 class, abbreviated F18, is a formula-design sport catamaran class. It was started in the early 1990s and quickly grew to a full-sized International Sailing Federation recognised class, with large racing fleets all over the globe. Before the turn of the century, the F18 class was attracting up to 150 boats and crews to their world championships. Since then, a limit has been placed on attendance (max 150), and therefore qualifier rounds for the world championships are held worldwide.

Currently the F18 class is serviced by 11 professional boatbuilders, each of which designed and builds their own boat for the class. Because the F18 class is a Formula class, any boat that adheres to the limited set of general design specifications may participate in all F18 races. This has led to a score of homebuilders and professional builders to design their own F18 boats and race them in this class.

Weight rules

The F18 class also uses an equalizing system to keep heavy crews competitive with light crews. Lightweight crews are required to sail with smaller jib and spinnaker sails, giving them less sail drive.