The Nacra 500 is aggressively canvassed for its weight.
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
SA / Displacement
68.4
Performance-oriented — carries a lot of canvas for its weight.
Wind Range & Comfort Envelope
Estimated wind ranges for comfortable sailing on the Nacra 500 — based on sail area, ballast, and displacement characteristics.
Ghosting
0–5 kts
Light air, motor-sailing likely. Need patience and a light genoa.
Sweet Spot
5–16 kts
Comfortable under full sail. Best speed-to-comfort ratio.
Time to Reef
16–24 kts
Time to shorten sail. Reef the main, swap to a working jib.
Heavy Weather
24+ kts
Storm conditions. Storm jib or bare poles. Seek shelter if coastal.
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Nacra 500.
| Nacra 500 | G Cat 50 | Hobie 16 | Hobie Max | Prindle 16 | Trac 16 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 16.4 | 16.7 | 16.6 | 16.1 | 16.0 | 16.4 |
| LWL | — | 15.5 | — | 15.9 | 15.0 | 15.9 |
| Beam | 8.2 | 8.0 | 7.9 | 8.2 | 7.9 | 8.0 |
| Displacement | 297 | 340 | 320 | 320 | 300 | 359 |
| Sail Area | 190 | 210 | 218 | 192 | 189 | 194 |
| Performance | ||||||
| SA/Disp | 68.4 | 69.1 | 74.6 | 65.7 | — | — |
| Comfort | — | 2.1 | 2.1 | 1.9 | 1.9 | 2.2 |
| Capsize | — | 4.59 | 4.63 | 4.80 | 4.73 | 4.51 |
| Hull Speed | — | 5.3 | 5.0 | 5.3 | 5.2 | 5.4 |