Photo Credit:Rhoda Meldau
Photo Credit:
Photo Credit: Rhoda Meldau
About Isotope
The world’s fastest single-handed 16-foot sloop-rig catamaran according to the US
Portsmouth Yardstick. With symmetric hulls, pivoting centerboards, and balanced 185
sqft sail-plan, the Isotope is an excellent learning platform as well as an affordable, high-tech,
high-performance racing cat. It has a nicely-balanced helm and outpoints most
other catamarans.
The Isotope was originally designed for double-handed sailing on inland lakes in a
moderate breeze of 7-8kts. It excels in light air, moving in 1kt of wind, and flying a hull
in 5kts. Winds up to 15kts are controllable, but sailing single-handed 2-up in 18kts is a blast
Design
Boats Produced: 625
Class boat builder(s):
Sharp Fiberglass, LLC PO Box 1976, Wake Forest NC 27588
www.sharpfiberglass.com 919-672-4300
Approximately how many boats are in the USA/North America? 530
Where is your One-Design class typically sailed in the USA? List regions of the country:
Mid and South Atlantic coastal states
Does this class have a spinnaker or gennaker? No
Ideal combined weight of range of crew: 150-180 lbs
Portsmouth Yardstick Rating: 73
Boat Designed in 1965
Beam: 7’6″
Weight of rigged boat without sails: 285 lbs
Draft: 6″-24″
Mast Height: 26′