The California beach culture, ancient Polynesian sailing concepts and high-tech fiberglass boat building techniques came together in 1972 to produce the most popular multi-hull sailboat in the world. The Hobie 16 put the thrills of high-performance catamaran sailing into an easy-to-handle package so appealing that more than 100,000 have been sold. After 26 years, itís still in production, selling briskly, and still one of the most exciting rides in sailing.

The 16's story starts with Hobie Alter, a champion surfer who pioneered the construction of lightweight fiberglass surfboards. The Hobie 16 was designed and built with the help of friend and fellow surfer, Phil Edwards. The 16 is the most successful Hobie Cat, but not the first. In 1968, Alter's idea of a fast catamaran easily launched off beaches became the Hobie 14. He built the first hulls himself, using a fiberglass-foam sandwich technique. Alter and his friend Art Hendrickson formed Coast Catamaran, the forerunner of today's Hobie Cat Company.

Those turned on to cat sailing by the Hobie 14 asked for more - and Alter responded with the Hobie 16. The reason for its instant and enduring success is no secret - performance. The Hobie 16 delivers the pure excitement of sailing. It's a breeze to set up and launch. One or two people can sail it with exhilarating speed derived from its light weight and large sail area, and the adaptation of Polynesian asymmetrical hulls without dagger boards.

Today, Hobie 16s are sailed by the thousands, off the beach or in competition at levels up to world class. Hobie Alter's legacy continues to expand the realm of sailing, showing the world just how much fun sailing can be.