Sail Design
A-Class Catamaran
Formula 18 Catamaran
A-Class Catamaran: The project began back in 2020 in Long Beach, California. In collaboration with renown sailors and sailmakers Jay and Pease Glaser of Glaser Sails, as well as training partner Riley Gibbs, we tested the current designs in the fleet and thought through basic planform, batten angles, shaping, material selection, and fine detailing. We worked through over 5 full sail versions, each with several smaller changes on the loft table every week before the next big design change.
Combining historical A-Class knowledge with Nacra 17, Moth, AC, and other foiling experience and inspiration we developed a well rounded sail that balances performance across a wide wind range with consistency, reliability, and a long lifespan.
A-Class Catamaran: World Championships
After many iterations, I’ve raced with a few finalized designs at World Championships. Each sail was specifically suited to the conditions of the venue. Some were flatter for windier and full foiling conditions, while others had more shape to help in down-range takeoff. While I’m always looking for the next evolution in the design, at some point the decision nis made to build the final sail with enough time to actually learn to use it effectively before racing. Balancing the development and performance timeline is tricky!
2022 Worlds: 1st, V5.2 Glaser Sails
2023 Worlds: 4th, V7 Glaser Sails
2024 Worlds: V8.2 Marchal Sailmakers
A-Class Catamaran: Continued Testing
The learning always continues! Whether it’s sail cloth, luff curve vs seam shape, leech rondure, batten stiffness, mast stiffness, spreader angles, or even fine details, there’s always something new in development. The overall goal and way I’m using the sail has remained constant, but the efficiency and versatility of the design is constantly improving.
Glaser Sails has now transitioned to Marchal Sailmakers with Jay and Pease’s retirement from sailmaking. The design and development continues with Dominic Marchal in the former Glaser loft. Lots more to come!
Formula 18 Catamaran
I’ve partnered with Nacra Sailing and Performance Sails in the F18 class to push development, performance, and quality in the fleet. Like in the A-Class, we are consistently adjusting shape, materials, and dimensions to suit venue conditions, team size, and overall sail balance. I’m proud to be racing the Nacra F18 Evolution, designed by Morrelli & Melvin!
2025: The class voted for another rule change, now allowing 2 different materials per sail, so we will release an updated sail plan maximizing the benefits of diverse material properties.
2024: In response to changes in forestay bridle and jib rules, we are testing square head jib options. This testing actually began in July 2023 when I was training for the Travemunde Worlds.
2023: We have implemented screw-adjusted batten ends into the mainsail, similar the notable Rocket Tensioners used with carbon battens (not legal in the F18). This allows for repeatable settings and easy adjustment every day. The jib shape was also adjusted to open a wider range of trimming options.
