I can offer my observations since I have owned and sailed a P-19, Tornado, Auscat Mk. IV, Auscat Mk. V, and now currently an A2.

The biggest advantage I see to the "wave piercer" A-class designs is less pitching upwind in chop and better handling (they turn easier and quicker). My Auscat Mk. IV was every bit as "smooth" through the water in flat water as any of the newer A-class designs. In flat water, I think it tacked on par with my Mk. V. In chop, you noticed a definite improvement with the Mk. V in keeping the boat quiet sailing upwind (i.e. less pitching). The design of the bows and the volume distribution allows the boat to sail through chop easier. The swept back bow of the Auscat and Egner Flyers enhances that attribute.

The A2 improves upon the Flyer design IMO by distributing more hull volume further aft and has a bit more hull rocker fore and aft. That coupled with very high aspect daggerboards and large rudders results in the quickest turning A-cat ever. Downwind in wild thing mode, it is amazing how you can steer this boat up, down, and around waves. I have never sailed another catamaran like it. You find that you work the boat harder (the first catamaran where I have actually pumped the main downwind) and it rewards you with better VMG.

As far as pitchpoling downwind, from my perspective I've never felt the wave piercers were more or less susceptible than my P-19, Tornado, or Auscat Mk. IV. They all can and will and you have to learn the traits of each boat to keep your transoms in the water. That said, I think the improved handling the wave piercers offer can let you push the boat harder and not get "spanked"! In regards to the A2, it is advantageous to move aft sooner than other A-Class boats and most A2 owners are sailing in light and heavy air with more aft mast rake. That tends to keep the bows up more while the further aft volume distribution and rocker keeps the transoms from squatting down. It is really a fun boat in 12-18 knots to sail in waves downwind.

Bob Hodges
A-Class USA 230