The NACRA 6.0 was born from the NACRA 5.8 and was designed by Roy Seaman. The sail plan was designed by Skip Elliot. The original NACRA 6.0 had a 31 foot mast, 255 square feet of sail area and did not come with a spinnaker. The upper trap wire (skipper) connected to the spinnaker hound which made for a "pumping" sensation when sailing it.
<br>It had the same diamond wires and spreaders as the NACRA 5.8. It also had a self tacking jib. Spinnakers were added but there was no official size limitation or requirement.
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<br>Shortly there after there was a European version which had a slightly larger jib that overlapped by about 10%.
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<br>Randy Smyth found the boat to be under powered and came up with the 6.0 EXPRESS which featured a bigger main and jib.
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<br>The NACRA 6.0NA was the first factory boat with an increase in sail area. The concept was to put up as much sail as was practical on a boat this size with no boom and a conventional mast.
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<br>The mast configuration changed from the regular 6.0 to the NA with the addition of a wider set of spreaders and a higher attachment point for the outer diamonds and the second set of inner diamonds helped control pumping of the rig.
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<br>The jib area was greatly increased on the 6.0NA as well. This turned the mainsail inside out in anything over 16 knots of wind.
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<br>In 1995 we started experimenting with a carbon mast on the 6.0NA and it helped the performance of the boat a lot. Overall the boat sailed better with the carbon rig but it's reduction in healing and pitching moment was the most welcomed change.
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<br>I hope this helps clarify the lineage of the boat.
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<br>For a picure of Larry Harteck and I sailing a carbon mast NACRA 6.0NA off Santa Cruz Island go to:
http://www.sailingproshop.com/images/Cat95.jpg<br>
<br>Best regards and happy Thanksgiving to you all.
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<br>Mark A. Michaelsen ~MM~
<br>SPS Website:
http://www.sailingproshop.com<br>Small Craft Advisories Sailing Centers
<br>1244 Pacific Coast Highway
<br>Seal Beach, Ca 90740
<br>(562) 594-8749 Voice
<br>(562) 594-0208 FAX
<br>(800) 354-7245 Order Line
<br>(714) 238-0925 International Voice Mail/Pager
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<br><br><br>Mark Michaelsen
<br>http://www.sailingproshop.com
<br>(800) 354-7245