The German nationals where held in Schwerin with the beautiful 16th century castle as a backdrop.  This race report  from Christian Shaefer, and later from Thomas Paasch.

This years German nationals (April 28th -April 30th) have been hosted by the Schweriner Segler Verein on lake Schwerin.

Dear members of National Associations,

The Technical Committee of the IACA has provided a major effort to rewrite the class rules to be modern, in line of World Sailing recommendations, and to include interpretations into clear and concise instructions. The new class rules have been accepted by the extraordinary WGM of 21.4.2018 with 107 yes, 0 no, 3 abstentions. As for constitution §11, the process is continuing with a world-wide ballot among the members of the National Associations.   The new rules are here.

An extraordinary WGM took place on 21.4.2018. The single agenda item was a vote on the class-rules proposal. The result of the vote is : the new class rules are accepted by the presidents with 107 yes, 0 no, 3 abstentions.  As for constitution §11, the process will continue with a world-wide ballot among the  members of the national associations. Members will be informed on www.a-cat.org in due time.

The final starting places per nation are now available and advised in terms of the Championship Rules Appendix 1.3.6. I would like to thank each country President for their assistance in this matter. To date we have 97 confirmed places, which is a fantastic figure and continues to show the strength of the class on the world stage. Each country will have now received advices on how to proceed with individual registration and payment.

After the success of last year's A-Class Catamaran World Championships in Sopot, Polish sailors did not rest on their laurels and continued their good streak in ‘A’ class cats.  Michał Korneszczuk​ reports.

A Class Spring Cup in Hyères – 24^th & 25^th March.  Thibault Laudren reports.

The multihull sailing club of Hyères held last week-end the first regatta of the French season on the Mediterranean coast. Despite the difficult weather forecast, a group of 10 sailors showed up for the event.

This is a true A Cat story from Andrea Ferrarri.

Giorgio Marchetto, called "il Bafo", a great fellow who is sailing on the Venice lagoon, at the age of 70 goes sailing almost every day, enjoying the beauties of the lagoon and the pleasure of his A Class.

Last Sunday during a nice trip through the islands, he had a heart attack, which could cost him his life.  It was only thanks to his cold blood and the speed of the catamaran that he managed to get back to the shore unaided and fast, just in time to be hospitalized and got life saving treatment.

The European sailing season is just around the corner, and things are happening in France - Thibault Laudren reports.

The provisional NOR for the 2018 European Championships is published.  See http://www.a-cat.eu/en/ for further details.  

Please note - As declared in paragraphs 3.9 to 3.13

– competitors shall register and pay through their National Association

– all National Associations shall submit there entries by filling out the Collective Entry Form.