On a weekend of textbook catamaran sailing weather, the Rutland ‘A’ Class TT took place on the 13th – 14th May.   A stiff 13-16 knot breeze kept blowing pretty much the same each day and the broken cloud that developed certainly helped the feel good factor in the boat park.   14 boats raced, with 5 of them being visitors.  

A-Cat Class Rule rewrite - UPDATED

The Technical Committee has updated the rule rewrite, based on some of the questions and comments received since first published. There are a few minor changes, and a few with a little bigger impact. Here's a list of the changed rules:

• C5.1 (b) – parts of the rule have been deleted.
• C5.1 (c) – added.
• C5.1 (d) – added.

Our current rules does not limit the usage of compasses, GPS or other devices, so therefore the rewrite also shouldn’t do it.

A proposal for a Classic division at our World Championships

Jacek Noetzel reports - On May 2nd-3rd, 2017 the Sopot Catamaran Cup regatta was held at the venue of the this years World Championship in August. The regatta was organized by sailing club UKS Navigo under the auspices of the City of Sopot.

On the first day of the regatta, before the races, competitors on their cats took part in a live broadcast with a parade on the famous Sopot Pier. The fans could see everything on the water from the pier and the beach.

Giovanni Calabria wins the National A Class regatta organized by the Centro Velico Sunset. Lorenzo Bianchini and Vittorio Bissaro respectively on the second and third place on their debut in the 'A' Class - reports Pier Faccin.

During this weekend at Calambrone, near Livorno, the second stage of the Cat A Italia’s Calendar was held at Centro Vela Sunset. With 31 registered helmsmen, this event has somehow redeemed the quite slow start of the new ITA season seen at the Vele di Pasqua event. 

The 'Critérium National Classe A' will be held in Sète, South of France, from the 25th to the 28th of May. 

This new regatta on the AFCCA calendar replaces the French Nationals that were traditionally held on this Ascension week-end. Nationals that are for the first time move back to early November to enhance the sports interest throughout the season and conclude it in the best possible manner, crowing a French champion. 

Dear Presidents and Competitors,
The eligibility to participate to the Worlds championship in Sopot is governed by the IACA constitution and championship rules.

Championship Rules :
All helmsmen shall be fully paid up Members of their National Association, which in turn must be financial member of IACA or individual Members of the IACA. Evidence of current membership shall be produced.

With the European 'A' Cat season getting underway, Pier Faccin sends us this report. 

Cesenatico - Italy: Matteo Fiorini wins the 43rd edition of A-Class Vele di Pasqua 

Serge Pelissier, FRA 51, has passed away recently.

You may have met Serge and his wife Alice in France and the nearby countries racing Hobie Cats and his A-Cat.  Serge was a very good person to be around. Our thoughts go to his wife Alice and their family.

Fair winds Serge and keep sailing up there.

Charles Bueche

IACA president

A couple of years ago, the British ‘A’ Class Catamaran Association had a new membership application from a Weymouth based sailor.  This man was known to be a competent sailor and has, in the past, shown to have had a fair turn of speed.