RS CAT 16 XL

With wave-piercing bows that look like they’re fresh off of an America’s Cup catamaran and a powerful square-topped mainsail, the RS CAT16 S and her turbocharged big sister, the RS CAT16 XL, stand ready to provide high-speed thrills when the wind is blowing dogs off chains while still allowing you to glide efficiently in the light, cerebral stuff.

The RS CAT16’s balanced sailplan and modern undercarriage enable the boat to respond instantly to tiller commands, and her Cup-worthy bows make short work of small waves and chop. The boat relies on hiking straps, one (or two) set(s) of trapeze wire(s), and good old-fashioned teamwork to ensure stability in breeze-on conditions.

Both versions of the RS CAT16 feature identical sets of sturdy, three-layer rotomolded-polyethylene hulls that—along with their crossbeams—were cleverly designed to be bolted together using just eight bolts, one wrench and (ballpark) 15 minutes of your time, simplifying transportation and storage.