The Nacra 15 is with a quick, snappy motion best suited to day sailing.
Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
4.9 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
Displacement / Length
56
Ultralight — responsive and fast, but carries less stores.
Comfort Ratio
2.1
Quick, snappy motion — better for day sails and racing than long passages.
Capsize Screening
4.71
Above the 2.0 offshore threshold — best suited for coastal and protected waters.
Hull Speed
4.9kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
2lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
Motion & Offshore Suitability
Two ratios that matter most when you're planning passages — how the boat feels in a seaway, and whether the hull geometry is suitable for open ocean.
Comfort Ratio
2.1
Quick, snappy motion — better for day sails and racing than long passages.
Under 20 — Snappy, racing motion
20–30 — Acceptable coastal
30–40 — Good offshore comfort
Over 40 — Very comfortable offshore
Capsize Screening Formula
4.71
Above the 2.0 offshore threshold — best suited for coastal and protected waters.
Under 2.0 — Acceptable for offshore
Over 2.0 — Coastal / protected waters
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Nacra 15.
| Nacra 15 | 470 | Dart 16 | Vanguard 15 | Vx Two | Yachting World Catamaran | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 15.4 | 15.4 | 15.8 | 15.3 | 15.7 | 15.5 |
| LWL | — | 14.6 | — | 15.0 | — | — |
| Beam | 7.7 | 5.5 | 7.6 | 5.5 | 5.7 | 7.0 |
| Displacement | 280 | 269 | 276 | 200 | 205 | 240 |
| Sail Area | 182 | 137 | 140 | 127 | 135 | 175 |
| Performance | ||||||
| SA/Disp | — | 52.7 | 52.9 | 59.5 | 62.4 | 72.6 |
| Comfort | 2.1 | 2.9 | 2.0 | 2.1 | — | 2.0 |
| Capsize | 4.71 | 3.41 | 4.64 | 3.76 | 3.87 | 4.51 |
| Hull Speed | 4.9 | 5.1 | 4.9 | 5.2 | — | 4.9 |