dutch a class catamaran association

A-Class Catamaran World Championships 2024

Punta Ala, Italy September 7th-14th 2024

Warm Up Event! ITA National Regatta - 31st - 1st Sept

Open Championships for both 

Classic and Open Disciplines

REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED

Our sponsors - , without these guys, this event would not be possible, please check them out..

PuntAla Camp & Resort 

WIP Water Protection

Challenger Sails

Ciu Ciu Wines

The British

'a' class catamaran, association.

The official site for the British 'A' Class Catamaran Association.  Designed to inform new and existing 'A' Cat sailors about UK 'A' Class trends.

'A' CAT HISTORY

In 1956, the "A-Division-Catamaran-Class" was originally founded in England by the former "International Yacht Racing Union" as a free construction class. 50 years on it is going strong and stands proud as one of the oldest and most active catamaran classes in the World.

However, the International A-Division Catamaran Association (IACA) was founded on 8th May, 1975 with the prime intention to co-ordinate and supervise the activities of the National Associations of A-Division Catamarans. Interest in A cats was then very high in several European countries, North America, Great Britain and Australia. European championships were held from 1975 until 1980 with Kerry Holmes (Qld) the European champion in 1979.

Due to a minimized construction protocol with adherence to length, width, sail area and minimum weight it has been possible for the numerous designers to develop a boat of outstanding performance.

The main parameters are;

Min overall boat weight : 75 kg (165lb)

Max overall boat length : 5.49 mtr (18ft)

Max overall boat width : 2.30 mtr  (7ft 6in)

Max sail area incl. mast : 13.94 sq. mtr. (150sq ft)

No hydrofoils are permitted

This led to the fact that the A-Cat as a multihull has become a pure high-tech boat and is now considered as the Formula One amongst all sailing boats.

Modern materials such as Carbon and Kevlar are being used for mass production of the hulls and masts, a potential of development which has been recognized and approved by modern industries, whereas others are still satisfied using glass-fibre hulls and aluminium masts.

The A-Cat has consistently proved itself in the international scene whereby the World and European championships are frequented by some of the most famous sailors in the world. However, its always taken the dedication of a pure A-Class sailor to win the Championships. This demonstrates the high level of performance within the class and it leads to amazing numbers of entries for such events. The International A-Class Rules allows 80 to 100+ entries to each event which results in each country needing to sail pre-selection events if required.

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Captained and Bareboat Yacht Charter St Petersburg FL

The wildlife and nightlife of florida’s gulf coast.

Waypoints Florida offers elevated charter experiences in St. Petersburg, FL aboard new model yachts outfitted for comfort and performance. From our charter specialists to our captains, we know the best marinas, local hotspots, and more to help you maximize your cruise on the Tampa Bay.

During your charter vacation, you will enjoy beautiful seaside towns, secluded anchorages and fine marinas, white sandy beaches, sparkling blue waters, gentle winds, dolphins, and an array of wildlife. Bring your camera to capture the unforgettable Skyway Bridge and the multitude of seabirds, including ospreys, herons, egrets, and pelicans.

This Waypoints base also offers sunset cruises and corporate team building events.

Charter St. Petersburg with Waypoints ® to Experience:

• Daily, Weekend, and Week-Long Charters 
• Skippered, Bareboat, and ASA Certification Charters
• New Luxuriously Appointed Sailing and Motor Catamarans and Monohulls
• Yachts Equipped with Air-Conditioning and Ice Makers* 
• Provisioning and Personal Concierge Services

An Insider’s Viewpoint

“This is our second charter with Waypoints and we could not be more satisfied. Availability and pricing were clear, communication was prompt, and the staff was knowledgeable and nice. The Vinoy Marina is very convenient to a couple of airports so the crew had no problem coming in from all over the country. We think Waypoints is the best charter company available and already have another trip booked for January in St. Thomas!” Jim K.

“The entire team from the Waypoint dock manager, office staff, and dock hands as well as mechanics went above and beyond to make us have a great experience. Sailing Sereia changed me… it was such an incredible trip . With tears in my eyes, I left the boat and I have been counting the days until I can go back and sail her again. We loved all the crew we came in contact with – thank you again!” Constance M.

“We had a great experience with Waypoints Florida Yacht Charters! We spent four days in Florida on Leap of Faith and had a great time. It was our first sailing adventure. We explored Tampa Bay, Anna Maria, Egmont, Bradenton and Palma Sola. It was a great escape! “ Mark L.

Contact a Florida Charter Specialist Today

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Come aboard and soak in the stunning views of downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, and the vast expanse of Tampa Bay with Intelligent Sailing’s top-notch experiences. Cruise on our cutting-edge luxury yachts for personalized, one-on-one coaching tailored to your skill level – whether you’re up for a laid-back “fun day” or aiming for advanced training and ASA certifications with our seasoned instructors. As ASA’s longest-serving Sailing School in St. Petersburg, Florida, boasting over 20 years of experience, we feature an entire fleet of new model yachts, ranging from just a few months to a few years old. With Intelligent Sailing, you sail and snooze on brand-new yachts!

Indulge in luxury with our Intelligent Sailing School or opt for our Yacht Club Membership program, or why not both? Gain exclusive access to our impeccably maintained fleet of yachts, including monohulls and catamarans ranging from 32 to 51 feet, each decked out with lavish amenities like multiple cabins, air conditioning, generators, refrigerators/freezers, fresh-water electric heads, and more.

Nestled in the prestigious Harborage Marina, our spot offers unparalleled convenience, with mega-yacht slips, a charming grilling area, swimming pool, lounge, showers, and laundry facilities. Enjoy easy access to downtown St. Pete’s vibrant scene, top beaches, and Tampa International Airport.

At Intelligent Sailing, we’re all about going above and beyond. From private cruises to beginner classes, corporate team-building events to special charters, we’ve got it all. Plus, explore ASA Sailing Certification Courses to boost your skills and confidence on the water.

Ready to turn your sailing dreams into reality? Our services include yacht brokerage, guiding you through every step of the process. With our Owner options, leave the care and maintenance to us while enjoying passive income opportunities based on usage.

Dive into the lively spirit of Tampa Bay and downtown St. Petersburg with Intelligent Sailing – where every journey promises extraordinary adventures.

Why settle for ordinary? Instead, join Florida’s premier sailing school and elevate your adventure with Intelligent Sailing. Choose from our fleet of new yachts and take your sailing escapades to new heights.

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ASA Veterans Sailing Education Program - Sign Up Now >>

At ASA we recognize the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who have served or are serving in our country's armed forces. As a token of our appreciation, and our way of saying thank you, we are inviting veterans and active military personnel to share our passion for sailing by offering a discount on our ASA 101 Basic Keelboat Sailing course. Intelligent Sailing is offering a minimum of $50.00 or 10% off their ASA 101 Basic Keelboat Sailing course.

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Sailing Lessons in St. Petersburg, FL

Get started:, call: (888) 454-7015.

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Florida Sailing Lessons in St. Petersburg, FL

St. petersburg, fl sailing school at the downtown hampton inn & suites.

Offshore Sailing School’s St. Petersburg, FL sailing school fleet is in St. Petersburg Municipal Marina across from the Downtown St. Petersburg Hampton Inn & Suites where most of our students stay. The picturesque city of St. Petersburg sits on Tampa Bay and the Vinoy Basin where good winds and sunny skies make our Florida sailing school in St. Petersburg great for sailing lessons and sailing vacations. Earn your bareboat cruising certification at this dynamic Florida destination, with quick access to interesting and picturesque anchorages. Click the course links below to learn more about sailing lessons in St. Petersburg, FL.

Learn to Sail in Three Glorious Days on Tampa Bay

If you are just starting out in sailing or looking for a brush up on your sailing skills, consider the 3-day Learn to Sail OSS 101 course. Combine your sailing course with a 5-night hotel stay (Sunday through Thursday) and explore beautiful St. Petersburg Beach, top-notch museums within walking distance of the hotel, chic shops and delectable dining.

Learn to Cruise and See the World Under Sail

If your ultimate goal is to own a cruising sailboat or charter a yacht with friends, the Fast Track to Cruising® Course OSS 101/103/104 is our most popular program and takes you from novice sailor to cruise-ready in 8 days. If you already know how to sail, then your next step is the 6-day Live Aboard Cruising Course OSS 103/104/114 on Tampa Bay. Your “home” while participating in these exciting sailboat cruising programs could be a 44′-47′ Jeanneau monohull, or a spacious 40′-45′ Leopard catamaran as you sail from point to point in Tampa Bay and along the Gulf Coast of Florida. During your sailing lessons, you cruise to beautiful harbors, anchorages and fun marinas where you can sample the laid back world Floridians love so much. Download Cruising Courses in St. Pete on the Gulf Coast of Florida to learn more about cruising destinations you might visit during your sailboat cruising week.

About the Downtown Hampton Inn & Suites

Hampton Inn & Suites Saint Petersburg, Florida – Florida Sailing School

Unwind after your Tampa Bay sailing lessons at the Downtown Hampton Inn & Suites! The AAA-rated Hampton Inn & Suites St. Petersburg (a member of the Hilton Hotel group) is located next to the St. Petersburg Yacht Club in the historic downtown district. This conveniently-located, comfortable hotel features an art deco motif, with complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, a secluded roof-top swimming pool, and fitness room. All guests enjoy complimentary breakfast during their stay. Across the street from the hotel is the all-new St. Pete Pier, with 26 acres of walking/jogging paths, a variety of kids and family play areas (including a splash pad), fishing dock, several waterfront restaurants, a marketplace and picnic areas. Nearby is Tropicana Field, home to the Tampa Bay Rays.

Vibrant Art Scene and Sun Coast Beaches

American Style magazine highlighted St. Petersburg’s “vibrant” arts scene. Stroll down the cobblestone streets of Central Avenue or along the waterfront on Beach Drive and duck into one of the many cafes for dinner or a cocktail. The Museum of Fine Arts, Dale Chihuly Collection, Mahaffey Theatre, and Salvador Dali Museum are all within walking distance. A short drive away is St. Petersburg Beach – luring beach lovers to the Sun Coast. There’s no better place to go for St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay sailing lessons, and extend your learning vacation with another day or two to visit Busch Gardens and Disney World.

• Activities and Amenities
• Courses Offered
• What's Included

At the Hampton Inn & Suites in downtown St. Petersburg:

• Flat screen TV and DVD player in each guest room
• Complimentary, deluxe hot breakfasts
• Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout hotel
• Second-story terrace with heated swimming pool
• Guest laundry facility
• Fitness room
• On-site Suite Shop
• Coffeemaker, refrigerator and microwave in your room
• Valet parking
• Convenient downtown location directly across the street from marina and new Pier with many restaurants, bars, museums within walking distance

While other Florida sailing schools teach up to 6 people on a boat, Offshore Sailing School never teaches more than four per boat and instructor unless you opt for a Buy the Boat program. Private Couple or Family Courses are also available. Please check the individual courses for more details. Rates vary by season. Please see the “What’s Included” tab for more details. If you’d rather not book online, contact us: 888-454-7015 or 239-454-1700; email [email protected].

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Here is an overview of what’s included when you take an Offshore Sailing School course in St. Petersburg at The Downtown Hampton Inn & Suites. Please check the individual course pages for more details.

An overview of what’s included when you book a package including accommodations at the Hampton Inn:

• Your course tuition
• Accommodations and taxes
• Complimentary daily breakfasts at hotel
• Your cabin aboard for Live Aboard Cruising Courses
• All breakfasts, lunches, snacks and three dinners aboard during live aboard courses (two dinners ashore are on you)
• Your course textbooks
• Diploma and logbook
• Course certifications when you pass the tests
• Other items specific to each course
• Exclusive one-year subscription to  Cruising World  or  Sailing World  magazine (mailed to U.S. address)

Call 888-454-7015 or 239-454-1700 Email  [email protected]

How to get to st. petersburg.

The Hampton Inn & Suites is a short drive or taxi ride from Tampa International Airport (TPA) and St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport.  Super Shuttle offers discounted one-stop direct service for Hampton guests and all the rental car services are available at the airports.

Address Information:

The Hampton Inn and Suites 80 Beach Drive NE St. Petersburg, FL 33701

6338 Presidential Court, #201  Fort Myers, Florida 33919

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Provisioned Charters for Discriminating Guests

Tell Us Where You Want To Go – We Will Plan The Rest.

Sailing Yacht Charters

Celebrate life with a journey on the water. We help you find a boat & Captain to fit your budget and needs. Plan a getaway.

Yacht Sales

We are licensed and bonded Yacht brokers specializing in the in catamarans by Bali. While our home port is Florida our boats travel From Florida to New England and Back each year to offer qualified buyers the “try before you buy” experience through a variety of charter programs

Captain Services

Buying or selling a boat? Let us help you coordinate your sea trial, survey, and delivery. Tell us what you need. We are here to help. 

About Sailicity Yacht Sales & Charter

Let your journey begin with Sailicity with all-inclusive sailing experiences. We foster the spirit of sailing and craft personalized and unique voyages tailored to discriminating guests. Tell us where you want to go, and we will plan the rest. We partner with an array of dynamic fleets designed to combine luxury lifestyle and the travel freedom of a memorable sailing experience. We have the privilege to provide guests with alternative social gatherings by hosting socially distant events on the sea, making all feel safe and exclusive.

Our Charter Concierge will craft private charters from half-day, weekend, or up to 14-day voyages. We have multiple types of charters; that sail anywhere in Florida along the Atlantic coast in the spring and fall with our Summer base in New England and our Winter Home in the Caribbean. Sailicity’s concierge service removes the headaches of planning and will take care of all the small details with industry-leading experts.

Our mission is to provide you the sailing experience of your dream. Make an appointment to speak to a Charter Concierge at no cost.

Contact a Charter Concierge to Learn More

Your Charter Concierge will help you create an experience you and your family will never forget. Celebrating a special occasion? Take the family on vacation? Explore incredible sights you can only see by water? We are here to help!

Celebrate Life with us on the Water

We amplified the concept of micro weddings with the creation of Weddings on the Water. Our venue focuses on personalized details for a brief ceremony at anchor for the bride and groom and up to 10 additional guests. 

We will provide wedding planning services, coordinating Florist, Videographer, Photographer, and Caterers to create a memorable experience. The Ceremony can be followed by cruises to resort destinations around Florida’s Gulf.

It took years of planning and effort to get to this point in your life.  There is no better way to celebrate and say thank you to the people who helped you get here. Your day has come, and we strive to meet all your expectations when planning your retirement holiday. 

Your celebration may be a catered dinner and sunset sail or a weeklong excursion, combining sailing, golf, dining, and tennis as we traverse Florida’s Gulf coast and visit some of our finest resorts.

Birthdays & more

Celebrate the time of your life with the people you love aboard a well-appointed crew yacht. Whether it is a milestone or not, let our special event planner help you celebrate in style. 

We will suggest menu options and provision for day cruises for up to 12 guests or overnight retreats for up to three couples. It can be the most memorable celebration of life.   Birthday yacht charters originate from the Vinoy Marina in St. Petersburg, FL, or Key Bight in Key West.

Why Sailicity Charters & Yacht Sales?

We remove the headaches of planning and will take care of the small details with industry-leading experts. We pride ourselves on taking the time to listen to your needs because WE CARE & have a passion for sailing.

We offer the chance to climb aboard the best boats from world-class manufacturers. Our boats combine maximum comfort blended with high performance.

It takes years of experience to know the different types of sailing vessels and how to determine which one is best for you. We are here to guide you to ensure you receive the best value on the type of boat you want.

We’re sailors. We are here to give you a sailing charter experience you will never forget. Start planning your sail today.

The possibilities are endless! Our beautiful Bali Catamarans are always based at ports during high season in the region. Our Concierge Service will help you plan your sailing adventure and build itineraries that are all about you.

A bareboat charter or demise charter is an arrangement for the chartering or hiring of a ship or boat, whereby no crew or provisions are included as part of the agreement; instead, the people who rent the vessel from the owner are responsible for taking care of such things. We are happy to arrange bareboat charters for qualified sailors who choose to go it alone. However, our specialty is to help you connect with knowledgeable captains and competent crew members to enhance your sailing experience by organizing your provisioning, planning your sailing itineraries, helping you manage meals and the galley and keeping you safe during your sailing adventure. Learn More .

Learn more about yacht ownership here .