CAPRICORN F18

About the CAPRICORN F18

Mainsail + mast area: 17m² Jib area: 4.15m² (or 3.45m² for lightweight crews) Spinnaker area: 21 m² (or 19m² for lightweight crews) Mast height: 9.15m Designed to Int. Formula 18 rule. Shown here is C2, a re-design for 2012.

The Capricorn F18 is a compact, high-performance day sailor designed by Martin Fischer and Greg Goodall, built by Performance Sailcraft Australia starting in 2008. With a displacement of 397.0 lb and a LOA of 18.04 ft, it is engineered for agility and ease of handling rather than heavy cruising.

Best for:

This boat is ideal for single-handers or couples seeking a trailerable, high-performance day sailor for coastal waters and protected bays. Its fractional sloop rig with rotating spar and variable keel options make it suitable for sailors who prioritize speed and easy transport over offshore endurance.

Bluewater capability:

With a low displacement of 397.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 4.65, the F18 is not designed for bluewater cruising and is best restricted to coastal and protected waters.

Comparables:

Comparable boats include the Laser 2 and the Sunfish, as they share similar trailerable footprints and single-handed sailing characteristics. However, the F18 distinguishes itself with a more robust fractional sloop rig and higher sail area-to-displacement ratio (67.32) compared to these dinghy-style competitors.