The Nacra 17 is the world’s premier mixed-gender foiling catamaran. Fast, technical, and demanding, it rewards commitment, teamwork, and precision. Whether you’re stepping up from another catamaran or entering the foiling world for the first time, this guide will help you get started.
1. Become a Nacra 17 Class Member
Joining the class is your first step into the Nacra 17 community.
As a class member, you’ll gain access to:
Official class news and updates
Event calendars and notices
Class rules and technical information
A global network of sailors, teams, and coaches
👉 Sign up to become a class member
2. Join the Community
The Nacra 17 class has an active and supportive international community. Connecting with other sailors early will help you progress faster.
Facebook Forums
Our Facebook groups are the main hub for:
Beginner and setup questions
Buying and selling boats and equipment
Foiling and tuning advice
Connecting with crews, coaches, and events
👉 Join the official Nacra 17 Facebook forums
Social Media
Follow the class on social media for:
Event highlights and race footage
Class news and announcements
Behind-the-scenes insights from the fleet
👉 Follow us on our social channels:
Discord Group
Ask the class manager Ben@porttackracing.com for an invite.
3. Get a Boat
Buying a Second-Hand Nacra 17
Most sailors start with a second-hand boat. It’s a cost-effective way to enter the class and gain experience.
A second-hand Nacra 17:
Is more affordable than buying new
Is ideal for learning foiling and boat handling
Often comes with spare parts and setup knowledge
Where to look:
Ask on the Facebook forum
Contact class representatives or local fleets
Getting Started at the Right Level
If you are new to foiling or transitioning from another class, starting with an older or well-used boat is often the best choice. It allows you to focus on:
Safe foiling techniques
Boat handling and teamwork
Understanding setup and control systems
Many teams upgrade equipment gradually as their skills and goals develop.
4. What You Need to Go Sailing
The Nacra 17 is a highly technical foiling boat. To go sailing, you’ll need:
Boat & Platform
Nacra 17 hulls and platform
Mast and boom
Trampoline
Sails
Mainsail
Jib
Spinnaker
Foils & Systems
Foiling daggerboards
Rudders with elevator systems
Control systems for rake, pitch, and foil settings
Personal Equipment
Trapeze harnesses (for both sailors)
Helmets (strongly recommended)
Impact vests / buoyancy aids
Wetsuit and more:
a) 3mm base layer farmer john wetsuit + rash guard
b) add warmer tops for colder conditions (3mm full sleeve top and maybe also a spray top)
c) if it’s hot, add a rash guard to long john wetsuit(1mm)
d) if it’s cold, add a ‘steamer wetsuit’ – 5-6mm full sleeve or drysuit
e) boots, 3mm for typical conditions, good grip. Thicker for cold weather.
f) gloves – the fishermans gloves with good grip and feel, typically with finger ends cut off
If you’re unsure about equipment or setup, ask on the forums — knowledge sharing is a strong part of the class.
5. Tuning Guides & Setup Tutorials
Before heading on the water, we strongly recommend spending time with the official Nacra 17 tuning guide and the class tutorial videos.
These resources will help you:
Set up your boat correctly and safely
Understand foil, rudder, and control system adjustments
Learn baseline settings for different wind conditions
Avoid common setup mistakes that slow learning and increase risk
Tuning Guide
The tuning guide provides:
Recommended base settings
Step-by-step explanations of key systems
Clear references for adjustments and terminology
👉 View the Nacra 17 tuning guide
Tutorial Videos
👉 Watch all the Nacra 17 setup tutorial videos
6. Start Training on the Water
Time on the water is essential in the Nacra 17.
Start at your local sailing venue:
Focus on safe launching and landing
Learn stable takeoffs and touchdowns
Practice communication and coordination as a mixed crew
Early training priorities:
Boat handling before pure speed
Consistent foiling upwind and downwind
Recovery techniques and safety awareness
Foiling takes time — progress comes with patience and repetition.
7. Get Racing Experience
Once you’re comfortable foiling, racing is the best way to improve.
Start with:
Local or regional regattas
Open training regattas
Class-supported events welcoming new teams
Racing helps you:
Improve starts and tactical awareness
Learn to manage pressure and traffic while foiling
Benchmark your progress against other teams
The Nacra 17 fleet is competitive, but newcomers are welcomed and supported.
8. You’re Part of the Class
If you’re sailing a Nacra 17, you’re already part of the class.
No matter your ambitions:
Olympic pathway or high-level racing
National or international competition
First season or long-term campaign
You belong here.
See you on the water.
