Performance Catamarans introduced the Nacra 570 in 1984 as part of their growing lineup of recreational catamarans designed to make multihull sailing accessible to weekend warriors and club racers. Developed by the Nacra Design Group, this compact 18.5-foot catamaran strikes an appealing balance between exciting performance and manageable handling for small crews.
The 570's lightweight fiberglass construction and modest 360-pound displacement contribute to impressive acceleration and responsiveness in moderate conditions. Its fractional sloop rig with rotating mast maximizes sail efficiency across the generous 230 square feet of canvas, while the 8-foot beam provides stability without requiring excessive skill to manage. The asymmetric hull design eliminates the complexity of centerboards, making this an ideal choice for sailors seeking straightforward catamaran sailing without elaborate systems.
Best suited for protected waters and coastal day sailing, the Nacra 570 excels in conditions where its high sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 72.8 can truly shine. The shallow 1.5-foot draft opens up skinny-water exploration opportunities that deeper boats cannot access. While not designed for extended cruising, this catamaran delivers pure sailing enjoyment for those who prioritize speed and excitement over creature comforts.
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Performance Ratios
Displacement/Length
Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
41.33
Comfort Ratio
Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
2.09
Capsize Screening Formula
The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
4.5
Hull Speed
Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions.
5.31 kn
Pounds/Inch Immersion
Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline.
2.7 pounds/inch
How It Compares
vs. G Cat 57, Macgregor 19, Mirage Tandem Island Hobie, Pacific Catamaran, Sol Cat 18