Shearwater

The Shearwater Class association have an enviable reputation for friendliness and a professional outlook of how the Class should be run. National Championships are held over six days at various venues in the UK. There is a Traveller's Trophy series held at a variety of clubs throughout the season. A mid-winter get-together is held at a hotel over a weekend. Owners and their families regard the Nationals and Open Weekends as an Integral part of their social life and many life-long friendships are built up. If you have not tried a modern Shearwater before don't delay any longer - you may be missing out on the thrill of a lifetime.

The pedigree SHEARWATER Catamaran has been refined and developed over a period of 40 years to give a light-weight, strong, high perform-ance catamaran.

The "Coster" high-aspect sail plan, well proven over many years is complemented by a spinnaker, which has resulted in a race-winning combination in open meetings and champion-ships. There is now the option of the latest in sail design and technology with the "White" fat-head main and jib, which is proving very fast.

These give exciting, fast, competitive sailing in the smaller range of catamarans.

The constant development policy of the Shearwater (it is designated a Development Class) has ensured that it has kept pace with all the latest catamaran designs and indeed has influenced much of the modern catamaran thinking. Due to a favourable PYR number 839 (SCHRS 119), it is very competitive in handicap racing.

Unlike some classes, older Shearwaters still remain competitive with new boats. In fact, a ten year old wooden boat has won the National Championships for two years running. This maintains the resale value of the boat and protects your investment.

The Class Rules control the hull shape to ensure that all boats, whoever the manufacturer, always remain within certain strict parameters. Sails, spars and fittings are controlled only by maximum and minimum dimensions, giving a wide range of freedom for personal preference.

Length: 16ft 6in (5.05m)
Width: 7ft 6in (2.28m)

Sail area: 163 sq ft (15.5 sq m)
Spinnaker: 190 sq ft (17.6 sq m)

Weight: 264lbs (120kg)
Designed by Francis & Roland Prout

The SHEARWATER is a very light and responsive boat to sail and handles more like a dinghy than the larger catamarans, being easy to tack and gybe, whilst still retaining the exhilarating performance and acceleration of a thoroughbred racing machine.

Due to the Shearwater's hull shape it is less prone to nosedive or cartwheel than many other designs. The boat also has a low wetted surface area for good light weather performance.

Although the SHEARWATER has developed primarily as a racing machine, the inherent stability and sea-keeping qualities make it ideal for fast cruising. Also it is suitable for taking the family and friends out for a day's sailing.

Shearwater Class Association