Introducing the Hobie 16
The Hobie 16 is a legendary beach and racing catamaran that was developed as a larger version of the Hobie 14. Both were designed by Californian surfing pro Hobart “Hobie” Alter, the Hobie 14 in 1968 and the Hobie 16 in 1971. The aim was to create a fast, exciting yet simple to set up fun catamaran but larger and more powerful than the 14.
What is Special About this Cat?
The Hobie 14 and 16 stand out for their unique asymmetrical hulls that eliminate the need for daggerboards. In conjunction with the kick-up rudder system, this enables these boats to be sailed off and back onto the beach, even through heavy surf. Also special is the concept of an uncomplicated boat that is quick and easy to rig, while still offering sophisticated sail trim options and exciting performance for the advanced racing sailor.
How does it sail?
In a word, beautifully. Quick and responsive, with the option of having both crew hiking out on trapezes, these cats are pure joy for the sportive sailor. The Hobie 16 excels in breezy and wavy conditions, where it can reach exhilarating speeds above 20 knots.
Beach Fun Cat and Serious International Racing
This is an unlikely combination that works extremely well in this case. Hobie 16 catamarans can be seen the world over in beach clubs or hotel resorts as water toys to be enjoyed by the guests. At the same time, there is a very active and highly competitive global racing scene with huge fleets gathering for regional, national or international regattas and championships. The Hobie 16 is an international one-design class recognized by ISAF, the world sailing federation.
Impressive Numbers
Over 135,000 Hobie 16s have been built as of 2025. Already it is recognised as the most popular catamaran ever produced. The Hobie 16 is sailed in over 60 countries, with active fleets and racing circuits on every continent. Inducted into the Sailing Hall of Fame in 2013, the Hobie 16 continues to be a benchmark for beach catamarans.
Rig and Sails (And Some Tips on Sailing and Trimming)
The Hobie 16 rig is both simple and powerful. Jib and main are fully battened with a sail area of 16.7 m² (180 ft²) plus a substantial Gennaker of 20 m² (215 ft²). There is no permanent forestay, this being replaced by the jib. Mast rake and mainsail leech tension are crucial factors in trimming the rig and these are controlled by the jib halyard tension. If the power in the rig becomes too much drop jib halyard by just a few inches. Also, more mast rake basically enables better pointing upwind. Finding the balance of mast rake and mainsail leech and luff tension is the key to fast Hobie 16 sailing!
Another deciding factor is playing the mainsheet right. Upwind in breezy conditions, the mainsheet is typically pulled in tight block to block. In light winds the sheet is loose, if pulled in too tight the boat will stop. Care must be taken not to oversheet in light airs, but in gusts or breeze it should be block to block. The tell-tales in both sails will show if the flow is right or not.
Why We Are Involved
Rolly Tasker Sails are renown the world over as suppliers of dependable and performing offshore cruising sails which remains our core business. However, our origins go back to international and Olympic one-design dinghy racing with our founder, Australian yachtsman Rolly Tasker, being the first to win a silver medal in Olympic sailing for Australia. Today, we have family and friends racing in various one-design classes. Our Production Manager in Phuket, Mikael, is a keen Hobie 16 enthusiast!
Rolly Tasker Sails for the Hobie 16
The Hobie 16 class rules specify only original Hobie sails to be used in championship level racing. But with Mikael sailing a Hobie 16 himself, we are keen to develop our own ideas of the best Hobie 16 sails, which we call training sails.
Find out all about our Hobie 16 sails here!
And have a look at this short video:
