F18: Nacra Infusion MKII
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You can search this blog for “Infusion” and you’ll find several post prasing this Pete Melvin design, even before I had the chance to sail her. I also post in June 2008 the end of the Tiger reign, and later in the middle of the Wildcat launch frenzy, when it was almost comical how everyone seemed to forget the Inf at that time, but I clearly remarked that the hull design that set a new wave piercing trend, added volume, had many competitive years left.
In fact I had to assure to some locals that no new design was considered, as they were saying that Nacra would launch a new boat.
Now Nacra is launchig the “Infusion MKII” (Mark 2) upgrading only her daggers, as the rudders had since day one the highest aspect ratio of the F18 fleet.
Hull remains untouched (no need, as improving it is almost impossible at this stage of gral catracing development) Upgrading will not make you win like instant magic, but you’ll be able to cover the mid range conditions where the long boards are having some performance advantage.
A nice and quick retro fit will be also available for previous boats.
New eva deck and a new sail cut, with more draft and power for sure, and focus on high end quality construction (confirmed by a trusted source) complete the package.
As the F18 designs have reached almost a stagnation point cause all latest hull platforms are quite alike and all have converged in a similiar profile shape and volume distribution, developments are being focused on foils and rigs. The same will occur on the A-Class for some time with post Dna boats.
The only concern I’m having with these new lenghts, is that they are elevating the costs in the class.
But right now the latest F18s (Infusion, Wildcat, C2, Shockwave etc) and even the Wpiercing pioneer, the Capricorn, are playing in an overall leveled field beyond the amount of $ you spend, crew talent is still the key factor and that’s the beauty of this class, the Formula 18.
How is a standard Joe Bloggs suppose to keep up with the trends? You need to spend €20,000 every year…. The F18 Class is out of control.
In response to the above post.. yes 20k is a lot (kind of) for a new boat, the beauty is that an older boat in the 10 – 15k range is JUST as competitive. With the top teams buying the new boats every year or so, the used market is growing by the day. You can get an amazing used Capricorn, Nacra or Tiger in the 8 – 14k (USD) range, above that you move into newer but used C2s, Infusions and WildCats…
That is the strength of the class, the old boats can still win a championship (see last Canadian Nationals for reference).
These ultra-long daggerboards are an unfortunate development in the F18 class. The F18 has been the best combination of versitility, affordability and durability. These boards make the boats more expensive without enough performance increase to make it worthwhile.
I think this shows that a good project boat for so long remains current with a small investment cost, (the kit of 2 daggerboards fullcarbon is in production in Italy from 2009 to 1400 €), the cost of a mainsail.
15% more expensive boat for 0.1% improvement in only certain conditions!
If you are not happy why don't you just sail a Hobie 16…
It is a cheap one design class and you won't have any daggerboard lenght issues…
The F18 is always moving forward that's one of the reason of his succes ! If you are restricting and limiting everything then it will die.
Too expensive = class will suffer.
Professionalism has lit up the 18's, the A's, and even the C's… maybe the Hobie 16 will be the only survivor in the end?
Lead with your best line guys, you're on the front page!
Blackburn