catamaran sailing how to

How To Sail A Catamaran? (A Detailed Step-By-Step Guide)

Are you an adventurous soul looking for an exciting way to explore the open waters? If so, then sailing a catamaran may just be the perfect activity for you! Catamarans are becoming increasingly popular for sailing due to their stability and speed, and when sailed correctly, can be a powerfully enjoyable experience.

This guide will walk you through the basics of sailing a catamaran, from understanding the basics of sailing to handling the boat in different conditions and beyond.

Here, we will cover the differences between a monohull and a catamaran, balancing the boat, basic sailing techniques, safety precautions, and tips for improving your catamaran sailing skills.

So grab your gear and lets get sailing!

Table of Contents

Short Answer

Sailing a catamaran is relatively straightforward.

To get started, adjust the sails and rudder to the desired angles.

Next, begin to move forward using the power of the wind and the force of the sails.

While underway, make sure to constantly adjust the sails and rudder to maintain the desired course.

Finally, when ready to stop, lower the sails and use the rudder to bring the catamaran to a stop.

Understanding the Basics of Sailing

Learning how to sail a catamaran can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but before you can take to the open waters you need to understand the basics of sailing.

It is important to familiarize yourself with the fundamentals of sailing, such as understanding wind direction and how to use sails.

Knowing the basics is essential for anyone wanting to sail a catamaran, as it will allow you to make informed decisions when sailing and will help keep you safe on the water.

Understanding wind direction is a key part of sailing, as it will help you determine the best way to sail and how to use the sails to propel the boat in the desired direction.

This can be done by looking at the flags or flags on other boats in the area, as well as by analyzing the behavior of the waves and the wind.

Additionally, you should also learn the different points of sail, which are the directions a boat can sail relative to the wind.

In addition to understanding wind direction, it is also important to understand how to use the sails of a catamaran.

The sails of a catamaran are made up of two mainsails, which are the two large sails on either side of the boat, as well as a jib, which is a smaller sail located at the front.

Knowing how to properly set the sails will allow you to make the most of the wind and propel the boat in the desired direction.

Additionally, you should also learn how to trim the sails, as this will help you to optimize the boats performance in different wind conditions.

Understanding the basics of sailing and how to use the sails of a catamaran is essential for anyone wanting to learn how to sail a catamaran.

With the right knowledge and practice, sailing a catamaran can be an incredibly rewarding experience.

The Differences Between a Monohull and a Catamaran

When it comes to sailing a catamaran, it is important to understand the differences between a monohull and a catamaran.

A monohull is a single-hulled boat with a keel that runs along the bottom of the boat.

This helps keep the boat stable and upright in the water.

A catamaran, on the other hand, has two hulls which are usually connected by a bridgedeck.

This helps to create a more stable platform in the water and allows for more open space on the boat.

There are some important differences between sailing a monohull and a catamaran.

For example, a monohull requires more power to move through the water and is more limited in terms of maneuverability.

On the other hand, a catamaran is more maneuverable and can be sailed in a variety of conditions.

Additionally, a catamaran is inherently more stable in the water and can handle larger waves.

Another important difference between a monohull and a catamaran is the way they are balanced.

A monohull relies on its keel for stability and must be balanced evenly along the length of the boat.

On the other hand, a catamaran relies on the two hulls to remain balanced and can be sailed with one hull slightly higher than the other.

This allows for greater maneuverability and can help to reduce drag in the water.

Finally, a catamaran is more efficient than a monohull and can be sailed at higher speeds for longer distances.

This makes it ideal for longer trips and open-water sailing.

Balancing the Boat

When it comes to sailing a catamaran, one of the most important steps is learning how to balance the boat.

This is because catamarans have two hulls, which means that they have twice the length and twice the width of a single-hull boat.

This can make it more difficult to keep the boat upright and stable in the water.

When sailing a catamaran, it is important to keep the hulls balanced so that the boat remains stable.

The easiest way to do this is to make sure that the weight is evenly distributed between the two hulls.

This can be done by ensuring that the sail is properly adjusted and that the passengers are sitting evenly between the two hulls.

Additionally, it is important to keep an eye on the wind direction and make sure that the sails are adjusted accordingly.

Furthermore, it is important to be aware of the boats center of gravity.

This is the point at which the boats weight is evenly distributed between the two hulls.

If the boat is not properly balanced, then it can become difficult to control, especially in rough conditions.

It is important to be aware of the boats center of gravity at all times and adjust the weight distribution accordingly.

Finally, it is important to remember that cats are less forgiving than other types of boats.

This means that any errors in balance or sail trim can be exaggerated and lead to a dangerous situation.

Therefore, it is important to practice balancing the boat in calm waters before venturing out in rougher conditions.

By following these steps, sailing a catamaran should be a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

With the right knowledge and practice, anyone can learn how to sail a catamaran safely and confidently.

Handling the Boat in Different Conditions

When sailing a catamaran, it is important to understand how to handle the boat in different conditions, such as in waves and strong winds.

In wave conditions, the key is to keep the boat balanced.

This means keeping the weight evenly distributed between the two hulls and using the sail to keep the boat stable.

To do this, you can adjust the angle of the sail and the trim of the boat to match the waves.

It is also important to keep an eye on the wind direction, as this can affect the boats stability.

In strong winds, it is important to know how to properly balance the boat.

This means keeping the weight evenly distributed between the two hulls and using the sails to keep the boat stable.

You can adjust the trim of the sail and the angle of the sail to match the wind direction.

It is also important to keep an eye on the wind speed, as this can affect how much power you need to use in the sails.

Finally, it is important to know how to handle the boat in rough weather.

This means using the sails to provide stability and keeping the boat balanced in rough conditions.

You should also be prepared to use the outriggers, which are the stabilizers that run along the sides of the boat, to help keep the boat upright in strong winds.

By familiarizing yourself with the basics of sailing and understanding how to handle the boat in different conditions, such as waves and strong winds, you can become a confident and skilled catamaran sailor.

With practice and experience, you can explore the open water with confidence and enjoy the unique experience of sailing a catamaran.

Basic Catamaran Sailing Techniques

Sailing a catamaran can be a great way to explore the open water and experience the thrill of the sea.

Before you set out, however, its important to understand the basics of sailing, such as wind direction and how to use sails.

Once youve got the basics down, you can then start to learn the specifics of how to sail a catamaran.

The most important thing to understand is the difference between a monohull and a catamaran.

Catamarans have two hulls, which make them more stable than monohulls.

This means you will need to learn how to properly balance the boat, as the two hulls can move independently of each other.

You should also be aware of the wind and current when youre sailing, as these can affect the boats stability.

When youre ready to start sailing, youll need to make sure that the sails are set properly and the boat is balanced correctly.

To do this, youll need to be aware of the wind direction and adjust the sails accordingly.

You should also make sure that the sails are trimmed properly, as this will help you to get the most out of the wind.

In order to properly sail a catamaran, youll also need to understand how to handle the boat in different conditions.

This includes handling the boat in waves, strong winds, and other challenging scenarios.

To do this, youll need to be aware of the wind direction, the current, and the waves.

You should also be aware of how the boat responds to different conditions, and be prepared to make adjustments as necessary.

Once youve got the basics of sailing a catamaran down, you can start to explore the open water.

So, dont be afraid to get out on the open water and learn the ins and outs of sailing a catamaran.

With a bit of practice, youll soon be able to enjoy the thrill of the open water.

Safety Precautions for Catamaran Sailing

Before sailing a catamaran, it is important to take safety precautions to ensure your trip is safe and enjoyable.

The first step in doing so is to make sure you have the right safety gear, such as a life jacket, flares, and a first-aid kit.

It is also a good idea to check the weather forecast before departing so you can plan your route accordingly, and to make sure you have the right clothing for the conditions.

Additionally, you should always carry a marine radio on board in case of an emergency.

Lastly, make sure you inform someone of your intended route and estimated time of return, so they can come to your aid in the event of an emergency.

By taking these safety precautions, you can enjoy your catamaran sailing experience to the fullest!

Tips for Improving Your Catamaran Sailing Skills

Improving your catamaran sailing skills is all about getting comfortable with the boat and understanding the different conditions youll be sailing in. Its important to start slowly and build your skill level gradually, as this will help you become a more confident and competent sailor. Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Learn the basics of sailing. Knowing the basics of sailing is essential before you start to learn how to sail a catamaran. Understand the basics of wind direction, how to use sails, and how the wind affects the boat. This will help you better understand the catamaran and how to maneuver it.

2. Familiarize yourself with the catamaran. Spend time familiarizing yourself with the catamaran and its components. Learn the differences between a monohull and a catamaran, such as the two hulls and how to properly balance the boat. You should also be aware of the boats capabilities and limitations.

3. Practice sailing in different conditions. Its important to practice sailing in different conditions, such as in waves and strong winds. This will help you become more comfortable with the boat and give you the experience to handle a variety of conditions.

4. Learn how to use the sails. Understanding how to use the sails will help you become a more efficient sailor and get the most out of your catamaran. Learn how to adjust the sails for different wind directions and how to use them to your advantage.

5. Understand the safety precautions. Before you start sailing, make sure you understand the safety precautions. This includes understanding the weather conditions and the safety equipment you need to have on board.

By following these tips, youll be well on your way to becoming a more confident and competent catamaran sailor.

Learning how to sail a catamaran is a great way to explore the world of sailing and open up a world of adventure on the open water.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a novice, knowing how to sail a catamaran can be a great way to get out and explore the open waters.

With the right knowledge and practice, you can become a confident and competent catamaran sailor.

From understanding the basics of sailing, to learning the differences between a monohull and a catamaran, to mastering the techniques of catamaran sailing, this detailed step-by-step guide has all the information you need to become a successful catamaran sailor.

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start your catamaran sailing journey today!

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

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• First time on a catamaran: what you need to know

During your captain training, you'll have learnt how to manoeuvre a monohull sailboat . But what about when you have the opportunity to sail a catamaran?  Find out everything you need to know, including differences from monohulls, important factors to consider, pros and cons, and recommended destinations and catamaran models. If you're new to catamaran sailing, this is the perfect guide for you.

5 reasons to rent a catamaran

What are the main reasons why someone decides to sail on a catamaran? Here are the top benefits of choosing this type of boat.

1. Stability

The double hulls of a catamaran provide exceptional initial stability, allowing it to  remain afloat and stable in rough waters and wind. If you're looking for a smooth and peaceful sailing experience, especially with small children or seasickness-prone individuals, a catamaran is a great option. It's perfect for taking along your grandma or a nervous friend who's never been on a boat before.

YACHTING.COM TIP: Getting seasick is not only a major worry for novice sailors, but also holidaymakers on a boat trip. But it even can affect experienced sailors from time to time. Those with darker humour say it has two phases — in the first phase you become so sick you're afraid you're dying, and in the second, you're afraid you're not going to. The important thing, though, is to understand why it happens and try to prevent it. Although you'll significantly reduce suffering from seasickness on a catamaran, what works best if it does occur? Find out in our guide —  How to cope with seasickness .

A catamaran offers more space than any other boat of similar length. With spacious saloons , plenty of seating and lounging areas , and ample sunbathing spots (such as the netting known as the  trampoline ), you'll never feel cramped. The cabins are roomy and the bathrooms are as big as those in many apartments. People who dislike tight spaces or value their privacy will find a catamaran ideal. On larger models (50+ feet), you'll have so much space, you may have trouble finding each other. Despite its comparable length, a catamaran always feels larger than its monohull counterpart. If you're used to a 50-foot sailboat, try a 45-foot catamaran and you'll still feel like you have more space.

3. Amenities comparable to a hotel room

Not only are the cabins spacious, but they are also comfortable and cosy. They usually come equipped with high-quality bedding, pillows, shelves, reading lamps, and more, making them feel like a proper room. That's why we wrote an article highlighting 9 reasons why a sailing holiday is better than staying at a hotel and it's doubly true with a catamaran.

4. Added extras

Catamarans often come equipped with the latest technology and gadgets. These include solar panels, generator, a seawater desalinator, a modern plotter with GPS, and autopilot . These will make you more self-sufficient at sea without needing the facilities of a marina as often.

5. Shallow draft

The reason why catamarans are so popular with sailors, especially in exotic countries , is the very shallow draft — 0.9 to 1.5 metres, depending on the length of the vessel, which means skippers don't have to concern themselves so much about hitting the seabed. While caution and monitoring charts are still necessary, it provides greater freedom in choosing anchorage spots, allowing you to sail almost right up to the beach and anchor to enjoy the peace and tranquillity.

Only small fishing boats can get as close to the shore as catamarans.

Check out articles about other boats and boating gear

Catamaran vs. sailboat: the main differences.

Sailors have differing preferences, with some sticking to single-hulled boats and others preferring catamarans. In fact, which is best has been a hot topic since sailing began. This makes understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each hull design essential so you can make your own choice.

1. Rental price

One major drawback of catamarans is their higher cost on the charter market. Single-hull sailboats can be rented for 1,000-2,500 euros per week, while a well-maintained catamaran typically starts at 3,000 euros per week. However, this may not be the case for all models.

YACHTING.COM TIP: If you want to save money on your catamaran charter, we recommend booking it in advance. Check out our  8 reasons why Early Bird deals are the best way to rent a boat .

2. Capacity

The higher cost of catamaran charters is offset by the extra space, comfort, and capacity — it can often hold up to 12 guests comfortably. This results in a per-person cost comparable to sailboats and cheaper than coastal hotels, making them popular for island cruising and party boats. However, for a safe and responsible party experience, we recommend checking out our guide — How to enjoy a party on a boat: 10 tips to keep your crew and your boat safe .

YACHTING.COM TIP: Never exceed the maximum capacity of the boat. And remember that even small children count as crew members.

A large crew can comfortably sail on a catamaran

3. Port charges and marina fees

Keep in mind that having two hulls means a wider boat, leading to higher docking fees . This increased width can take up more space than two smaller sailboats. However, the cost per person can be offset by the fact that more people can be accommodated. 

4. Speed vs. consumption

Catamarans typically feature two high-powered engines , making them faster than similar-sized sailboats. Even without the power of the wind, you can be flying across the waters and with a better fuel efficiency than motor boats.

Catamarans typically have two basic sails: the mainsail and the foresail and operating them follow similar principles as on single-hulled sailboats. Self-tacking jibs can also be used, reducing the work required to trim and manoeuvre the sails. 

For those looking to enhance their sailing experience, a gennaker can often be rented with the catamaran, providing added benefits, especially in light wind conditions. Take a look at our 5 reasons to rent a gennaker .

6. Flybridge

This elevated deck is a common feature on catamarans. Here you'll find the helm station and sometimes additional seating or lounging space. It is a valuable addition that provides extra living space on the boat.

The catamaran's second deck provides another spot to sit and enjoy views of the ocean

Who is the catamaran suitable for?

Catamarans are the preferred choice for a group of friends wanting a laid-back holiday on the water but are also popular for corporate team-building events  and specialised stays like yoga. As their spacious deck provides a safe play area for children , they are also ideal for multi-family vacations.

YACHTING.COM TIP:  If you are sailing with small children, safety is paramount. So, check out our guidelines for safe boating with kids , our article on how to survive on a boat with kids , the Skipper mom logbook: sailing with a baby and always try to stick to the 4 essential tips for smooth sailing with kids . If you don't have kids or don't want to bring them along, why not take your four-legged friend? Catamarans offer ample space for dogs to run around, and following these 7 tips can help make your pet a true sea dog.

On the other hand, we wouldn't suggest a catamaran to sporty sailors to chase the wind in, as the catamarans for charter aren't intended for racing or regattas. Due to their design, they have limited upwind capabilities (sailing boats can sail up to 30° wind angle, while charter catamarans can only handle up to 50° to 60° wind angle), making them unsuitable for competitive sailing.

YACHTING.COM TIP: If you have doubts about your ability to safely operate the boat, consider hiring a skipper. We can arrange a skipper for you who is knowledgeable about the area and can take care of the navigation for you or teach you any sailing skills you may be lacking. Remember when planning that the skipper will occupy one cabin or berth in the saloon. 

Specifics of sailing on a catamaran

The principles of sailing a catamaran are similar to those of a monohull sailboat, but there are some differences to keep in mind. These may have already been covered in your captain's training course.

Travelling on the engine

A catamaran has two motors , each of which can be controlled separately using its own throttle control. Want to turn on the spot? That's no problem at all with a catamaran — simply add throttle with one motor and reverse with the other. Once you get the hang of this trick, you'll no longer need a bow thruster, although catamarans are sometimes equipped with one. This makes docking your catamaran a breeze compared to single-hulled sailboats.

Travelling on the sails

Sailing varies mainly in what courses you can sail and how strong the winds are. Most charter catamarans perform best on courses at 50 to 60 degrees to the wind. This is a greater angle compared to sailboats. So be prepared to have to adjust your planned route.

If you sail a sailboat too hard, the boat itself will tell you that you've over-steered by heeling. A catamaran won't do that, so you have to be very attentive to when to reef the sails. Usually, you will put in the first reef at a wind speed of 18 to 20 knots and the second reef at 23 to 25 knots.

Best destinations for catamaran sailing

In addition to the more traditional locations of Croatia , Greece , Italy ,  Spain and Turkey , we rent catamarans all over the world. In these destinations, you appreciate plenty of space , comfortable access to the water via steps, stability on the waves and amenities such as a barbecue and air conditioning .

However, catamarans are perfectly suited for more exotic destinations . In remote locations, the low draft comes in particularly handy as the seafloor is often poorly charted and the beaches are stunning. The large water and diesel tanks, along with an electricity generator, a desalinator to produce fresh water from seawater, and solar panels are especially useful in exotic locations where the yachting infrastructure is less developed. These features help sailors to be self-sufficient and avoid the need to find a dock every few days.

Popular destinations for catamaran sailing include the beautiful Seychelles , Thailand , French Polynesia and the Caribbean (Grenada, St. Lucia, Martinique, Antigua, St. Martin, Cuba , British Virgin Islands, Bahamas, and Belize).

YACHTING.COM TIP: Don't be apprehensive about sailing to more tropical destinations! Check out our  guide to exotic sailing holidays . If you are headed to these warmer climes,  you will need to find out when the rainy season or the  hurricane season  starts.

Views in the Caribbean are picture perfect

The most popular catamarans

Popular charter catamaran brands include Lagoon , Bali , Fountaine Pajot , Nautitech , and Leopard . These are the models that have received positive feedback from our clients for years and that we confidently recommend.

The Lagoon 380 offers a true sailing experience, or the larger Lagoon 46 , where you may end up spending the whole morning lounging in its spacious cabin.

The Bali cat space  provides amazing seating up at the helm.

The Fountaine Pajot Elba 45 where you'll enjoy relaxing at the bow on the seating or the trampoline.

The Nautitech 46 with its huge saloon.

The Leopard 45 with its gorgeous bright interior, or the Leopard 50  that's so luxurious, you'll feel like a king.

YACHTING.COM TIP: For the discerning sailor, the Lagoon 620 and Dream 60 large catamarans are also worth mentioning. However, it's important to note that most captain's licenses are not valid for these giants and you'll need to hire a professional skipper.

Special types of catamarans

Catamarans have been around for quite some time, leading shipyards to continuously innovate and create new models with unique features and characteristics. So, what are some of them?

Power catamaran

The popularity of power catamarans has been increasing lately due to the fact that they provide the stability and spaciousness of a catamaran without the need to handle sails.

Do you believe that more is always better? Not satisfied with just two hulls? Then we have a unique chance for you to rent a trimaran , a three-hulled catamaran that offers an unparalleled sailing experience. Trimarans are still rare, so you're sure to attract attention wherever you go.

All catamarans in our offer:

Not sure if you want a catamaran or a sailboat no problem, we'll be happy to assist you in finding the perfect vessel. just let us know..

Denisa Kliner Nguyenová

Faq sailing on a catamaran.

What are the main differences between a sailboat and a catamaran?

• Number of hulls = stability
• More space = higher passenger capacity
• Higher charter and port charges
• Speed per engine

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How to Sail a Catamaran: 10 Catamaran Sailing Tips

Published Sept 6, 2021

Have you been wondering about how to sail a catamaran? Well then, you’re in the right place as we will provide you the basic information about catamaran boats as well as their advantages and disadvantages. The information we’re about to tell will help you sail your catamaran as easily as possible. Lucky for you, this article includes 10 tips for sailing catamaran boats that you should know.

What Is A Catamaran?

A catamaran is a multi-hull, meaning it has two connected hulls with two engines, two sails, and two rudders. Catamarans are known for their stability and spaciousness. Additionally, they offer larger areas for the deck, saloon, and galley, so this boat is the best option for people who prioritize their comfort over the cost.

Advantages Of Catamarans

• Spacious – Catamaran is a multi-hull, so the space it offers is double the space on usual monohulls . Massive space means more space for bigger rooms, cockpits, and decks. In addition, this multi-hull can accompany more guests all at once.
• Stability – Since a catamaran is built of two hulls, they are more stable, unlike other boats. As a result, multihulls are less prone to rocking and heeling, suitable for guests or crew members with seasickness. In addition, the stability of catamaran boats makes it more comfortable for people to sleep, read, and wander.
• Easy to maneuver – Catamarans consist of two engines and rudders. They are helpful when it comes to maneuvering and docking the boat. In addition, having two engines makes catamarans reliable when emergencies occur.
• Speed – As mentioned earlier, catamarans don’t have kneels, making them lighter than other boats. This makes them faster when it comes to sailing downwind or broad reaches.
• Design – Catamarans’ designs look attractive to the eyes. These multihulls bring prestigious vibes that most guests look for. They are treated like luxurious vessels because of their fascinating looks.

Disadvantages Of Catamarans

• Expensive – Catamarans tend to be more costly than most monohulls or cabin sailing yachts. This kind of boat is more expensive because it provides many features that require more high-quality building materials. 
• Availability – Despite being more expensive than other boats, catamarans seem to be very popular these days. Unfortunately, this multi-hull sells out fast, so they are not always available. If you wish to use catamarans, you should book a reservation for your boat early. 

Requiring bigger space to berth – Since they provide more space for guests, it takes up as much space. Therefore, this multi-hull usually takes up double the space to berth than monohulls. . (Related: Trimaran vs. Catamaran: Which is Better? )

10 Catamaran Sailing Tips

Here are some tips on how to sail your catamaran:

1. Always keep the boat sailing downwind

Sailing downwind prevents pounding and slapping sounds that slow down the boat. When the low bridge deck slaps on the undercarriage of the boat, it causes annoying sounds. Making sure that you are sailing downwind as much as possible makes your sailing hassle- and noise-free.

2. Speed up before tacking

You must have enough boat speed to tack smoothly. Tacking refers to a changed direction of a boat to achieve the desired destination. If you don’t speed up, you will most likely not be able to tack. 

3. Bring the mainsail close to tack efficiently

You can tack efficiently by keeping the mainsail tight and sailing as close to the wind as possible. You must be able to do that without losing boat speed. Otherwise, you won’t be able to tack.

4. Use the jib to help the bows turn better through the wind

Jibing is the opposite of tacking. It’s a sailing maneuver wherein the boat turns its stern through the wind to turn the bows. You should let the jib get backwinded for a while to fix the position of your bow. 

5. Bring as many snubbers as you can

Snubber is short cordage attached to the anchor chain and a strong area on a boat together with a bridle. These are used to stop chains from rattling on the bow roller. Snubbers are helpful to prevent and relieve tension on lines and deck fittings. Since the ocean waves can bring pressure to many lines in your boat, you should set up as many snubbers as possible.

6. Use throttle control for maneuvering in normal conditions

The throttle control manages the speed of a boat which makes it ideal to use for maneuvering. You must do this while keeping the steering wheel center.

7. Use engines only when maneuvering in narrow spaces

For maneuvering in tighter spaces, you should consider using the engines only. Using your engines alone is better than maneuvering with steering wheels.

• Use both engines for backing

When your catboat needs to anchor, your two engines will be helpful to you. You can use both engines for faster backing to anchor.

9. Make sure that your boat has completely stopped when you’re going to anchor

Catboats have a shorter keel than most boats, so they are less resistant to water. Catamarans require more time to slow down than monohulls, so you need to be extra mindful when anchoring your boat.

10. Plan advance for weather conditions

Checking the weather when you’re planning to go boat sailing is a must. Even though the weather reports tell you that it would be a sunny day, you should still prepare for other weather conditions. You should be ready and have every piece of equipment needed if ever the rain decides to fall unexpectedly.

Cruising Catamarans

These are the types of cruising catamarans that can be used for your next sailing trip:

Charter/cruising catamarans

This type of catamaran is built explicitly for the charter market. This has small rudders, heavier displacements and can easily struggle even in ideal water conditions. Charter cats usually sail at 55-60 degrees true wind angles (TWA).

High-performance cruising catamarans

High-performance cruising catamarans offer advanced centerboards, deeper rudders, and less displacement, which is better than a typical catboat. If no problems occur, you can sail this type of cat windward at a 45-50 degree TWA. 

Sailing with catamarans has its own advantages and disadvantages. However, we can’t deny the fact that it’s one of the beginner-friendly boats to maneuver. Sailing catamarans should be easier for you now that you’ve learned some tips on how to sail a catamaran.

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About The Author

Krizzia Paolyn has a bachelors degree in Psychology and a passion for yachting in South Florida. She has a desire to be heard and to encourage others to make their voices heard as well.

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Catamarans: A Complete Guide to Multihull Boats

Catamarans have been a part of sailing history for centuries and continue to be popular for their stability, spaciousness, and performance. Developed by various cultures around the world, the principles of catamaran design have evolved over time to become optimized for both pleasure cruising and racing. This complete guide will help you understand the essentials of catamarans, their unique characteristics, and how to choose the right one for your needs.

From the basic concepts of multihull design, performance, and handling, we will explore the advantages and benefits of a catamaran in terms of safety and comfort on board.

Along the way, we will discuss maintenance considerations, distinctive catamaran brands and models, and how a catamaran lifestyle can compare to more traditional sailing options .

Finally, we will provide learning resources and frequently asked questions tailored to both seasoned sailors and newcomers to the world of catamarans.

Key Takeaways

• Catamarans are known for their stability, spaciousness, and performance
• This guide covers aspects like design, handling, safety, and choosing the right catamaran
• Resources and frequently asked questions provide additional insights for potential catamaran owners

Understanding Catamarans

Design Characteristics

Catamarans are known for their unique design, which features two parallel hulls connected by a deck. This design provides several advantages over traditional monohull boats, such as stability and speed.

With their wide beam, catamarans have a reduced risk of capsizing and can access shallow waters due to their shallow drafts 1 .

One of the notable aspects of a catamaran is its twin hulls, which offer increased living space and comfort compared to a monohull. Additionally, catamarans are often favored by recreational and competitive sailors for their excellent maneuverability 2 .

The materials used for constructing catamarans range from wood to fiberglass, and even aluminum for high-performance vessels. Aluminum catamarans are known for their strength, lightweight structure, and resistance to corrosion 3 .

Hulls and Construction

The hulls in a catamaran are crucial to its stability and performance. These hulls help distribute the weight evenly across the water surface, minimizing drag and allowing for smoother sailing.

In general, the hulls can be categorized into two types:

• Symmetrical Hulls : The hull shape is similar on both sides, which enhances balance and stability in various sailing conditions.
• Asymmetrical Hulls : One side of the hull is designed differently than the other, which can be advantageous when sailing upwind.

The construction materials used in building catamaran hulls also play a vital role in the boat's performance and durability. Common materials include:

• Fiberglass : A popular choice due to its lightweight, strength, and ease of maintenance.
• Wood : Traditional material that offers a classic look, but requires more maintenance than fiberglass or aluminum.
• Aluminum : Lightweight and strong, aluminum is an excellent choice for high-performance catamarans 4 .

Multihulls vs Monohulls

There's often a debate between the benefits of multihull boats, such as catamarans or trimarans, and monohull boats. Here are some key differences between the two:

• Stability : Due to their wide beam and reduced heeling, catamarans offer improved stability compared to monohulls. This makes them an attractive option for those who want to avoid seasickness or feel more comfortable on the water 5 .
• Speed : Multihull boats are known for their speed, which results from their ability to minimize drag and maintain a level sail.
• Living Space : Catamarans and other multihulls generally have more living space, as both the hulls and the connecting deck can be utilized for accommodation and storage.
• Maneuverability : While monohulls are known for their agility and ability to point close to the wind, catamarans can still offer exceptional maneuverability when properly sailed 6 .

Performance and Handling

Speed and Efficiency

Power catamarans have gained popularity for offering a unique combination of speed, efficiency, and stability. Their dual-hull design allows for less water resistance, which directly translates to higher speeds and better fuel efficiency compared to traditional monohull boats.

In addition, the wide beam provided by the two hulls ensures a stable ride even at higher speeds. This makes power catamarans ideal for cruising, fishing, and watersports ( Boating Beast ).

Sailing Dynamics

When it comes to sailing catamarans , the performance is affected by factors such as keel, rudders, mast, and sails.

Their wide beam and dual-hull design provide inherent stability and reduced heeling effect, making them less likely to capsize compared to monohulls.

I should also note that catamarans have a shallow draft, which gives them the ability to access shallow waters that may be off-limits to other boats ( Navigating the Waters ).

In my experience, the lighter weight of a catamaran and its aerodynamic design can contribute to remarkable sailing performance under different wind conditions.

The larger sail area relative to hull weight allows them to harness more wind power, further enhancing their speed and agility on the water.

Maneuvering and Docking

Maneuvering and docking a power catamaran involves understanding its unique handling characteristics.

The presence of two engines in separate hulls allows for more precise control in confined spaces such as marinas.

The maneuverability of these boats is typically improved by the use of dual rudders that are located close to each powered hull for efficient steering ( BoatUS ).

When docking under power, I find it helpful to carefully assess the wind and current conditions beforehand.

This is because catamarans can be more sensitive to windage due to their larger surface area above the waterline.

By understanding how these forces may affect the boat, I can make adjustments to my approach and successfully dock the catamaran without any incidents.

Safety and Comfort on Board

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority when sailing any type of vessel, including catamarans. A well-built catamaran offers several features aimed at ensuring the safety of those onboard.

First, catamarans have inherent stability due to their wide beam and twin hull design . This makes them less prone to capsizing than monohull boats. This stability allows me to confidently navigate various water conditions .

In addition to stability, catamarans are designed with positive buoyancy, making them almost unsinkable . Of course, safety equipment such as lifejackets, flares, and first aid kits should always be onboard and well-maintained.

Furthermore, you should also stay updated on weather conditions, avoid sailing in high-risk areas, and learn your boat's safe sail limits.

Living Spaces and Comfort

When it comes to living spaces, I value comfort and practicality as essential features for my time on the water. Catamarans offer a unique advantage in this regard, as their dual hulls create spacious living areas.

Most catamarans are designed with separate cabins in each hull, allowing for privacy and comfort when sleeping. Additionally, these boats typically feature shallow drafts , which means I can access shallow waters and anchor close to shore.

The main living area, or salon, is situated on the bridge deck between the hulls. It usually includes a seating area, a dining table, and a galley (kitchen). Large windows provide ample natural light and panoramic views, making the space feel open and bright. Some catamarans even have the option for an additional living area on the upper deck where you can enjoy the sun and breeze.

One aspect of catamaran living I truly appreciate is the ample storage available. Each cabin typically has built-in storage spaces for clothes, gear, and personal items. There are also designated areas for equipment such as spare sails, tools, and water toys. This makes it easy for me to keep my belongings organized and make the most of my time on the water.

Maintaining a Catamaran

Routine Maintenance

In order to keep my catamaran in the best possible shape, I make sure to perform routine maintenance tasks. These tasks are essential to extend the life of the components and ensure smooth sailing:

• Cleaning : Regularly cleaning the deck, hulls, and sails prevents buildup of dirt, algae, and other debris that could affect performance.
• Inspection : Periodically inspecting my catamaran allows me to detect any potential issues before they become significant problems. I pay close attention to the rigging, sails, and lines on my boat.
• Lubrication : Keeping all moving parts lubricated is vital to prevent friction and wear on components such as winches and pulleys.
• Antifouling : Applying antifouling paint to the hulls of my catamaran helps prevent the growth of marine organisms that can damage the boat and reduce its speed. Make sure to do this at least once a year.

Dealing with Wear and Tear

Despite my best efforts to keep my catamaran well-maintained, wear and tear is inevitable. Here's how I deal with common issues that could arise from regular use:

• Repairs : When I notice signs of wear on sails, lines, or rigging components, I make it a priority to repair or replace them promptly. Neglecting these issues can lead to more significant problems and affect the boat's performance.
• Hull maintenance : If I find dents, scratches, or stiff rudders on my catamaran's hulls, I address them immediately. Repairing any damage not only ensures smooth sailing but also prevents further issues from developing.
• Sail care : Over time, my sails can become stretched, torn, or damaged due to exposure to sun, wind, and saltwater. Regularly inspecting them for signs of wear and making any necessary repairs or replacements helps maintain optimal performance.
• Rust and corrosion prevention : Since my catamaran is made of various metal components, I need to protect them from rust and corrosion. I routinely check for signs of corrosion and apply anti-corrosive treatments when needed.

Catamaran Brands and Models

High-Performance Models

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in high-performance catamarans. I have seen a variety of brands and models that have impressed me with their performance capabilities. One notable brand is Fountaine Pajot , which has a long history of producing a range of sailing catamarans and power catamarans. Some of their popular models include the Tanna 47 and the Bali 4.4 .

Another high-performance catamaran I've come across is the Leopard 40 . Known for their speed and exceptional handling in various conditions, the Leopard brand started with sailing catamarans and has since expanded to include power catamarans. Their models range from 40 to 53 feet long, offering both power and luxury for those looking for a thrilling experience on the water.

Cruising Catamarans

When it comes to cruising catamarans, the Lagoon brand is synonymous with luxury and comfort. With a range of sailing catamarans from 40 to 70 feet long, Lagoon offers spacious catamarans for extended bluewater cruising. Their 60- and 70-foot power catamarans are equally impressive, providing ample living space and smooth sailing experiences.

I've also found the Aquila 42 PC to be a remarkable cruising catamaran. With a focus on design and innovation, Aquila has produced catamarans perfect for exploring the open sea with friends and family. Their spacious, stable designs allow for a more enjoyable and serene journey, ensuring you arrive at your destination comfortably.

The Catamaran Lifestyle

Anchoring and Cruising

I find catamarans to be a fantastic choice for cruising and anchoring , which is a critical part of living the catamaran lifestyle . Catamarans have several advantages when it comes to anchoring and cruising, such as:

• Stability : Due to their wide beam and twin hulls, catamarans remain stable during anchoring, which reduces the risk of seasickness.
• Shallow draft : Thanks to their shallow draft , catamarans can anchor close to shore, enabling better access to protected coves and more beautiful beaches.
• Speed : Despite their large size for cruising vessels , catamarans are generally faster than monohulls. This is a result of their slim hulls and reduced water resistance.

When it comes to anchoring, catamarans can make use of their shallow draft to anchor in locations that other boats cannot. This allows for a greater range of cruising spots, which makes the overall experience much more enjoyable and unique.

Living on a Catamaran Full-time

For many catamaran enthusiasts, the dream of living full-time on a catamaran is entirely possible. While not without challenges, there are several factors that make living aboard a catamaran an enjoyable experience:

• Spacious living areas : Catamarans generally have more living area compared to monohulls, providing ample space for the whole crew.
• Privacy : The separate hulls allow for private cabins, ensuring that everyone on board has their space.
• Stability : As mentioned earlier, catamarans are stable vessels, making living on them more comfortable than monohulls.

Choosing Your Catamaran

Comparing Models and Features

When I start to look for the perfect catamaran, the first thing I focus on is comparing various models and features .

I determine the key factors that are essential for my needs, such as size, passenger comfort, and performance. By doing so, I can identify which catamaran models are most suitable for me.

For example, if I plan to sail with a large group, I would look for a catamaran that offers ample space both inside and out.

To help me with my comparisons, I usually create a table or list of the different models and their features:

This visual aid makes it easier for me to sort the options and prioritize my considerations, such as price, yacht type, and brand.

New vs. Second-Hand

Another critical aspect of choosing a catamaran is deciding between a new or second-hand boat.

Both options have their pros and cons, and ultimately it depends on my preferences and budget.

If I can afford a new catamaran, I get the advantage of the latest design , features, and technology. Plus, I typically receive better warranty coverage and support from the manufacturer.

However, new catamarans are more expensive and can have long wait times due to high demand.

On the other hand, purchasing a second-hand catamaran can save me a significant amount of money, and I might find a high-quality boat with low mileage or well-maintained by the previous owner.

However, this option carries more risks, as I need to be knowledgeable about potential maintenance issues and conduct a thorough inspection before purchase.

Learning Resources

Books and Manuals

When it comes to learning about catamarans, there are plenty of books and manuals available.

One of the highly recommended books is Multihull Voyaging by Thomas Firth Jones. This book provides a comprehensive understanding of multihulls, including catamarans, and is an essential guide for any beginner sailor.

Another great book to check out is Catamarans: The Complete Guide for Cruising Sailors by Gregor Tarjan.

With a foreword by Charles K. Chiodi, publisher of Multihulls Magazine, this book covers all aspects of cruising catamarans. It includes detailed information on design, construction, and maintenance, as well as tips and tricks for sailing a catamaran.

Here are a few more books that I find valuable:

• The Catamaran Book by Tim Bartlett, an excellent resource for both beginners and experienced sailors
• Catamaran Sailing: From Start to Finish by Phil Berman and Lenny Rudow, a comprehensive guide to both catamaran racing and cruising

Online Content and Photography

In addition to books, you can find plenty of online content and photography about catamarans.

Websites like Sailaway Blog and Boating Guide offer tips, techniques, and how-to articles for sailing catamarans.

Many of these sites also include stunning photography, showcasing these beautiful vessels in action.

For those who prefer Kindle or e-books, many of these resources are available in digital format.

This makes it easier for you to access them anytime, anywhere, allowing you to keep learning and improving your catamaran sailing skills.

To further enhance your knowledge, you can also join online forums and communities dedicated to catamarans.

These platforms provide invaluable advice and first-hand experiences shared by fellow sailors, as well as recommendations for additional learning resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

What factors should be considered when choosing a catamaran for full-time living?

When choosing a catamaran for full-time living, consider its space and layout , as it will become your home.

Look for a design with a comfortable living area , ample storage, and sufficient berths for the number of people living aboard.

Also, consider fuel efficiency , ease of maintenance, and the catamaran's cruising range .

Lastly, the overall cost of ownership , including insurance and mooring fees, should be considered.

How do catamarans perform in rough sea conditions?

In general, catamarans are known for their stability, which is primarily due to their wide beams. This makes them less prone to capsizing when compared to monohulls.

However, their performance in rough sea conditions will depend on the specific model and design of the catamaran. Some may perform better in certain conditions than others, so researching and selecting the right design is essential.

What are the key differences between sailing a catamaran and a monohull?

One of the main differences between catamarans and monohulls is stability.

Catamarans have a wider beam , which makes them more stable and minimizes the risk of capsizing.

They also have shallower drafts, which allow them to access more shallow waters compared to monohulls.

Additionally, catamarans often have larger living spaces, making them more comfortable and suitable for cruising and full-time living.

What are the advantages of catamarans for long-distance cruising?

Catamarans offer several advantages for long-distance cruising.

Their wide, stable design provides a comfortable ride and reduces the risk of seasickness.

They can also attain higher speeds due to their reduced drag and generally sail faster than monohulls on certain points of sail.

The shallow draft allows them to explore more coastal areas and anchor closer to shore. Lastly, their spacious interiors make them ideal for extended cruises and living aboard.

How does one assess the value of a used catamaran on the market?

Assessing the value of a used catamaran requires thorough research and inspection.

Start by comparing the age, model, and condition of the catamaran to similar listings on the market.

Take note of any upgrades or additions made to the boat, as these can affect the price.

It's essential to inspect the boat in person or hire a professional surveyor to ensure there are no hidden issues that could affect its value.

What essential features should be looked for in a catamaran intended for ocean voyages?

For ocean voyages, look for a catamaran with a strong, well-built hull designed to handle rough conditions.

Safety features such as liferafts, adequate flotation, and sturdy deck hardware are crucial.

A reliable engine and well-maintained rigging and sails are also essential.

In terms of living space, opt for a catamaran with a comfortable, spacious interior and ample storage.

Last but not least, good navigation and communication systems are necessary for long-distance ocean voyages.

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• How to sail a catamaran?

How to sail a catamaran? Our catamaran sailing tips

Catamaran sailing tips.

Searching for catamaran sailing tips ?

Curious to understand and know more about how to sail a catamaran ?

You have found the perfect article about it.

In the next ten minutes you will learn everything you need to know about:

• sailing catamarans ,
• when and why to choose a catamaran charter for sailing and
• what kind of experience can you expect when sailing with a catamaran.

Let's start from the beginning (If you missed our article about sailing fundamentals, we suggest you read first the post How to sail for beginners ).

What is a catamaran? (History of catamarans)

In the second half of the 20th century catamarans were developed for sports and recreational purposes. Catamarans design is based on a raft with two logs and bridged by planks that was used in the Indonesian archipelago early that time.

First catamarans were up to 70 feet long, originally paddled by many men, used for visiting places, military needs in wars and exploration. Longer voyages are possible after the sails have been added.

Modern catamarans , as we know them today, are faster , more spacious , offer more comfort , and are better ventilated than the first ones. The whole living area is above the water . To summarize, modern catamarans look a lot like a floating villa that offers advanced sailing performances .

Sailing catamarans basics

A catamaran is basically a sailboat with two hulls , two engines and (mostly) two sails (mainsail and genoa). These two hulls are connected by a bridge deck with a large saloon and cockpit on it.

Bedrooms are located in the hulls , each bedroom has its own private restroom.

Cockpit and saloon are usually connected with sliding doors, when opened we get large space used for the saloon & galley , and for navigating.

Larger catamarans have one extra level , known as the flybridge . Flybridge is usually equipped with all needed navigation instruments, steering wheel and extra sun platform.

Most of the people are usually familiar with small catamarans "Hobie cat": a catamaran made for fun sailing and hobbies on calmer waters; on the beaches and lakes. But there are many other models, much bigger and more luxurious.

A cruising catamaran is a boat based on the same principle but with larger hulls equipped with cabins and restrooms. On the bridge, between large hulls is a closed structure, used for a galley, salon and living area.

Catamarans are much more spacious and more stable than a sailing boat. Because of their two hulls they do not heel so much while sailing , movement around the boat is much easier , that is why people often consider catamarans easier to sail than monohulls. This is the main reason why are catamaran charters becoming a better option than sailboat rentals for many.

Two engines, one in each hull, make maneuvering with a catamaran “ a piece of cake ”.

For people looking for sailing or living on the water with maximum comfort , or for maximum relaxation while chartering, a catamaran is probably the best choice .

For a full and detailed comparison of multihull and sailing boat read our article monohull vs catamaran .

Advantages of sailing with catamarans

Catamarans are very safe , comfortable and ideal for longer trips .

The catamaran offers large living space and a lot of privacy for everybody onboard, which makes the time spent on the catamaran very relaxing.

As already mentioned, thanks to their two engines and two rudders catamarans are easy to maneuver in the harbors and bays .

They are very stable in a bay . With a little bit of wave action, you can see the masts of the keel sailboats going back and forth. A catamaran remains stable.

They also do not tilt while sailing , making it very comfortable to stay , cook , read , sleep , etc.

Enjoying comfortable sailing without heeling , with a lot of privacy is only attainable while sailing with catamarans. Living and sleeping spaces are well separated , from the cockpit and saloon you have an excellent panoramic view . For mentioned reasons catamarans are also the best choice when you want to yacht charter with skipper  while still having maximum privacy. On the other hand, if you are interested in crewed yacht charter , we are sorry to inform you, that we offer this option only for specific motor yachts at the moment. In bad weather , you can still sit inside the salon, above the water, with lots of light and a 360-degree view all around. On top of that, you can also steer from the inside in bad weather .

Due to the width of the catamaran, you can have a large dinghy with a powerful engine , which can be hoisted in a very simple way.

Saloon layout on a catamaran, which is placed above the water, is hard to beat when staying on the anchor in a calm bay.

Due to its limited / short draft, you can anchor a catamarans in almost any bay since their low drafts make it possible to get closer to shore than with a monohull .

 If you have not read yet check out also our article about most common sailing knots (with pictures) .

More advantages and benefits of sailing with a catamaran:

Since no heeling sailing a catamaran comes with less seasickness

• The higher helm station on a flybridge ,
• More storage space ,
• Bridge deck clearance ...

Sailing and maneuvering a catamaran

In essence, to sail with a catamaran we need the same sailing skills as any sailing boat. But you will find that maneuvering a catamaran is much easier. Catamaran can sail close to the wind as an average keel sailing yacht.

The disadvantage (only while sailing upwind) is that the drift is much bigger due to the lack of a deep keel .

With half and strong winds , a catamaran is faster (and certainly more comfortable).

The helmsman on the catamaran can do all sailing maneuvers single-handedly since all necessary lines are redirected to the helm, in case he needs more help he can rely on the autopilot for support.

Monohulls are a bit harder to sail since they heel much more than catamarans , and they offer less space and comfort in the cockpit . This is why sailing on a heeling boat is more challenging.

Catamarans however, do not heel . Because of their extra stability and room, you can easily move around the boat . That is why catamaran boats are considered “easier” to sail. The main difference with a monohull is that a catamaran has TWO hulls, with two engines and two rudders. The engines and rudders on a catamaran are far apart from each other, which makes maneuvering very easy (especially in narrow spaces like inside the marina ) - much easier than maneuvering a single-engine monohull.

Additional tips for maneuvering a catamaran:

• If you want to go forward in a straight line , you need to put both engines forward and center the steering wheel.
• To go back in a straight line - you need to switch both engines to the reverse and leave the steering wheel in the center.
• When you need to steer to the starboard - the port engine has to be in the forward position, starboard engine in the back position and wheel centered or to starboard.
• When you want to steer to the port - the starboard engine has to be in the forward position, the port engine has to be in the back position and steering wheel centered or to port.

Catamaran safety

Because a catamaran has two independent hulls, the chance of sinking completely is very small . If there is damage or a leak to one hull, the other hull will float.

A catamaran can not lose a keel either and will not capsize easily . But if it capsizes, it will not get right. A capsized catamaran will also float.

Additional benefit of catamarans is that many important navigation systems relevant for onboard safety are duplicated .

With a broken engine, a rope or a net in the propeller, you can still sail and steer with the second engine . If one rudder is defective, you can steer with the other rudder and you can still steer with the engines.

Because a catamaran does not tilt while sailing , there is also much less risk of falling . The gangways are very wide, without obstacles, making it very safe to walk around the boat .

Disadvantages of catamaran

If you compare a catamaran with a cabin sailing yacht with the same available space, a catamaran is more expensive to purchase .

Moorings will be more expensive in the marinas because they take the place of two boats. This is why it is always good to book catamaran on early booking or last minute charter discounts.

In certain areas , it can also be more difficult to find a berth , because double space must be available. You can compensate for those costs by anchoring a bit more.

A keel sailing yacht is slim, sporty, sleek, sexy and that cannot be always said for a catamaran, but modern catamarans look great too.

Detailed cost to charter a catamaran yacht .

Additional tips for sailing catamarans

Catamarans have large hull areas and very low draft, that is the reason why while exposed to wind a sailing catamaran can drift off easily .

Same thing while anchoring, if you have wind blowing from the side, anchoring maneuver should be performed as swiftly as possible .

While maneuvering in narrow spaces , the best is to use the power of the engines only , rather than the steering wheel. When maneuvering it’s best to work only with the throttle control , while doing that you need to turn (and keep) the steering wheel to the center (twelve o’clock).

When making the boat a turn you need to approach fast , letting the jib luff (head to wind) so the wind can push the bow around .

Maneuvering while sailing on a monohull (with deep keel) is more challenging. In strong winds the boat will heel, which will make most tasks more difficult to manage.

Catamaran anchoring secrets:

• Before you start anchoring , make sure that your boat has completely stopped . Catamarans need much more time to slow down than a monohull because a catamaran has shorter keel and less resistance to the water than a monohull.
• Always keep the boat straight into the wind by using the engines, never let the boat go sideways.
• When you feel you have set the anchor , back the boat straight with both engines .
• Keep the boat into the wind as you're setting the snubber with the bridle that all catamarans are equipped with.
• If you are using a mooring ball , you need to set a bridle . Never clear the ball line only on one hull.

Tips to maximize your performance while sailing a catamaran

When you charter a catamaran, don't always expect high multihull`s speed . Catamarans are underpowered compared to high-performance sailing boats . But you will still get a satisfying performance out of even the most basic catamaran when applying some simple sail-trim techniques. Some of these are unique to catamarans while others are similar to the ones used with monohulls. Catamarans can`t sail upwind as well as monohulls, if the sea is choppy while you are sailing on a smaller catamaran, like a 38ft. the yawing will be difficult. This is why most of the catamarans simply motoring upwind . For upwind sailing you need to bear off a couple of degrees to alleviate the movement.

Catamarans are all about going off the wind . The e fficient point of sail is between 120% and 150% . In this way you should sail at about 50% of the true wind speed. Needless to say, on these occasions, you will be faster than many monohulls !

Jibing is the same as for monohull... but tacking is different and can be frustrating.

How to efficiently tack on a catamaran:

• Get enough boat speed before tacking , without it, you will simply not be able not tack.
• Bring the main sail in close - tack the boat smoothly through the wind but decisively , without losing too much speed .
• In order to help the bows to turn better through the wind , you can let the jib get backwinded before releasing it to the other tack.
• When you get the bows on the other side of the wind , bear off a little more than necessary , until you get your full original speed back.
• Get back on course, once you get your original speed back.

Sailing a catamaran in heavy weather

Catamarans are exceptionally safe offshore ; the modern catamaran has plenty of buoyancy and exceptional roll inertia . That is why catamarans are almost impossible to capsize. Cruising catamarans can be split into two categories:

• Charter / cruising catamarans: Built for the charter market, featured with shallow-draft and integrated fixed keels, small rudders, high flybridges, masts located forward onboard, short "cut" bows and heavier displacements. Even in ideal flat-water conditions, these boats will struggle with windward sailing, they usually sail close-hauled at 55-60 degree true wind angles (TWA).
• High-performance cruising catamarans: have efficient daggerboards or centerboards, deeper rudders and less displacement. Without problems sail windward at a 45-50 degree TWA in all conditions. To remain safe in all sailing conditions special attention has to be given to sail selection. For safe sailing you should focus on higher speeds, lower loads and balance.

Final words

To summarize, whether you decide to sail a monohull or a catamaran, on both occasions you will enjoy sailing . Whether it’s on an ocean passage or a charter in the Mediterranean, it is important to have a good crew for the occasion, that is fun and enjoyable company on board .

You will easily get used to a difference in sailing style . Just get used to the fact that y our drink isn’t going to spill , and your things won't be flying around , while you are sailing on a catamaran. Some of you love the motion of a sailboat. Catamarans offer totally different kinds of motions . They can be faster with more stability and less seasickness on board. This is why guests with the whole family, kids or older persons on board , who may not be quite steady on their feet, prefer to rent a catamaran. To get most out of your sailing vacation with the youngest read also our tips on sailing with kids or baby .

Same goes for things in your possession on board. Since catamarans are more stable, less things will be falling on the floor or flying around. Catamarans remain relatively steady even in the rolliest anchorage . Stability at the anchorage will also secure a better night’s sleep , meaning the whole crew will be rested and less cranky the morning after.

Main reasons our catamaran charter guests love and choose catamarans for their sailing vacation:

• Some clients choose a catamaran because they want to have a luxurious and spacious boat.
• Other clients want a boat which is not too big but can accommodate many people.
• Sometimes two families want to spend a vacation together but still want to have their privacy in bedrooms and restrooms.
• Some just want to spend a vacation at sea but on a boat that is more stable on the water without too much tilting.
• While others clients will choose a catamaran charter because it has two engines and simply use it as a motoryacht charter without the use of sails at all .

About author

Need help with booking?

• Not sure which boat to choose?
• Interested in a boat that is not free in your period or wants to book out of Saturday to Saturday?
• Any special wishes?

Call us on +385 (0) 22 312 999

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Can You Sail a Catamaran By Yourself?

Catamarans are known for their stability and comfort, but are they too complex to sail single handed?

You can sail most small and medium-sized cruising catamarans by yourself. Thanks to technological advances such as electric winches and powered sail control, it's easier than ever to sail a catamaran single handed.

In this article, we'll go over the nuances of sailing a catamaran by yourself. We'll cover the different sizes of catamarans and which are best to sail solo. We'll also go over a few tips for successfully piloting a catamaran without a crew.

We sourced the information in this article from the online sailing community and sailors who have single handed a catamaran.

Table of contents

‍ Are Catamarans Easy to Sail?

Catamarans are not necessarily easier to sail on their own, but they do have some characteristics that make them safer and more pleasant. Catamarans have an enormous amount of inherent stability.

They divide the force of the wind between two equally sized hulls, which almost entirely eliminates heeling and the dangers associated with it.

Catamarans are also much faster than equivalently-sized monohulls. This is because they don't suffer from hull speed limitations, which are caused by interfering bow and stern waves on monohull sailboats.

This is actually detrimental for singlehanded sailing, as additional speed reduces the time you have to react to danger.

The primary benefit of additional stability is reduced risk of falling overboard or getting injured during tight maneuvers. Additionally, catamarans are extremely difficult to capsize, which increases the amount of time you have to react to a sudden gust or changing sea conditions.

As you can see, single-handing a catamaran is really more of a mixed bag than a cut-and-dry alternative. There are benefits and drawbacks, though it is possible to sail a catamaran by yourself (provided you have the necessary experience to handle a different kind of boat).

What Size Catamaran is Best for Singlehanded Sailing?

Catamarans come in lots of different sizes, though they're not as varied as monohulls. There are two primary types of catamarans: open catamarans and cruising catamarans.

Open catamarans are small and useless for long-distance travel. These boats are primarily for recreation and racing, and they have a limited market. Almost all open catamarans are designed for singlehanded sailing, though some of them can accommodate a crew of two or more people.

Cruising catamarans are completely different beasts. These vessels start at around 30 to 35 feet long and top out around 50 feet.

Anything longer than 60 feet is likely a superyacht, and only a handful of these types of catamarans exist. No catamaran in the superyacht category can be sailed single handed without the help of complex electromechanical and automated systems.

The ideal size for a cruising catamaran is around 35 feet to 45 feet if you intend to sail it yourself. These sizes are manageable due to the limited force required to manipulate halyards and reef the sail.

Also, visibility on a smaller cruising catamaran is usually adequate to maneuver without additional spotters. These vessels make it easier to get to the sail and winches in a short time, as you don't have to run 20 feet between the cockpit and the mast.

Electronic and Mechanical Controls

Some of the larger and more luxurious catamarans come equipped with advanced automatic controls. These systems allow you to raise, lower, and reef the sail from the cockpit, theoretically enabling a single person to perform these tasks while continuing to steer.

Automated winches are increasingly common on larger catamarans, as they reduce the energy required to do relatively simple tasks and allow the crew to focus on navigation.

These systems have proven to be quite reliable even in the harshest conditions, though they should never be trusted completely in place of a competent crew. As a result, the maximum size of catamaran that can be safely singlehanded is still limited.

That's said, having these systems certainly makes it a lot easier and safer to sail a catamaran alone. Smaller catamarans are also being equipped with automatic controls, and autopilot has been available for quite some time.

Do People Buy Catamarans for Singlehanded Sailing?

Generally speaking, people don't purchase catamarans solely for the purpose of singlehanded sailing. Catamarans are more popular for families and groups, as they have more comfortable accommodations in their large double hulls. This is why you don't happen to see catamarans manned by a single person.

Smaller specialty catamarans have been produced for ages. These vessels were often crewed by a single person, but they were made specifically for breaking a record for extreme exploration. Catamarans like these live in record books but aren't manufactured or sold to the wider public.

Challenges of Sailing a Catamaran By Yourself

Catamaran sailing poses a number of challenges, particularly when it comes to the shape of the boat. Catamarans have an extremely wide stance, which makes them difficult to maneuver in tight spaces. Some catamarans have thrusters that can somewhat alleviate these issues.

Additionally, catamarans are more difficult to get around than monohulls. Tending to the boom isn't as simple as reaching overhead in many cases, especially with closed-cockpit models.

But overall, catamarans have a lot more benefits than drawbacks. Singlehanded sailing can be challenging, as you can't dive into the cockpit from the deck like you can on a monohull in the event that you need to rapidly steer the boat.

Additionally, catamarans have a lot of interior space. While this isn't necessarily a problem, it begs the question—what's the point of having such a big and expensive boat if 90% of the interior space goes unused?

Single Handed Catamaran Sailing Tips

Sailing a catamaran single handed is completely possible, although it does require a different set of skills than sailing a monohull. Here are a few tips to help make single handed catamaran sailing safer and easier.

1. Sleep in the Pilothouse

Most cruising catamarans have a spacious covered cockpit, also known as the pilot House. The pilothouse usually contains the galley and a large sitting area for eating or plotting charts.

In the vast majority of cases, the sitting area in the pilothouse can be easily converted into a large bed. It is much safer to sleep in the pilothouse than in the lower hulls while singlehanded sailing.

This is because, when you're sleeping, nobody else will be on watch. If a situation arises and you need to take control of the boat, you have a much better chance of getting to the helm in time if you're sleeping in the cockpit.

2. Install Warning Radar

This goes for all single handed sailors. Installing a warning radar system can make your journey significantly safer. These systems alert you to the presence of nearby ships, such as cargo ships, and give you identifying information such as vessel size and speed.

Marine radar systems can alert you with an audio alarm if you pass within a certain distance of another vessel. This can be useful if you intend to communicate with the vessel, and it can also wake you up if you need to take control of the boat.

Remember, commercial traffic and warships always have the right of way. This is because the stopping distance and turning radius of a large ship are measured in miles, not feet, and you can maneuver much quicker than they can. Again, they will not get out of your way—and radar can tell you when you need to move.

3. Install Automatic Winches

Automatic winches can make singlehanded sailing an absolute breeze. These electric devices allow you to control lines and sheets from the cockpit, and you never have to go out on deck except to raise and lower the sail. Some automatic systems can even reef the sails.

Additionally, automatic winches can save energy, as you don't have to exhaust yourself reeling in and taking out the line. Automatic winches are particularly useful when tacking, as the headsail can be adjusted to either side without going up on deck.

Advanced automatic controls can be linked to your autopilot system. The system can steer instead of your boat and use the weather data from instruments to adjust the sails for maximum speed and efficiency.

4. Buy a Smaller Catamaran

Smaller boats are usually easier to handle—it's a simple fact about sailing. If you plan on single-handing a catamaran, why purchase a 50-footer when a 40-footer would be more than adequate?

There's a point where the seaworthiness tends to flatten out, and a 40 to 45-foot catamaran can handle just about any reasonable sailing conditions without much trouble. You'll save money on slip and lock transit fees, and it'll be easier for you to manage by yourself. Plus, there's still plenty of room for guests to come aboard.

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Daniel Wade

I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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Best Sailing Catamaran for Cruising: How to Choose and Test for Ultimate Adventure

Imagine gliding effortlessly across crystal-clear waters, the gentle sea breeze tousling your hair as you soak in the sun’s warm embrace. But wait, finding the perfect sailing catamaran for your cruising adventures can be a daunting task. Picture this: endless options, technical jargon, and conflicting reviews leaving you adrift in a sea of uncertainty.

Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! In this article, we’ll steer you in the right direction to discover the best sailing catamaran for your dream cruising escapades. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a novice adventurer, choosing the ideal vessel can make or break your nautical journey. Get ready to set sail on a voyage of exploration and find the perfect catamaran that fits your needs like a glove.

Key Takeaways

• Sailing catamarans offer enhanced stability and comfort due to their dual-hull design, making them ideal for cruising and minimizing seasickness.
• When choosing a sailing catamaran, consider factors like space, performance, build quality, and durability to ensure a smooth sailing experience.
• Top picks for the best sailing catamarans include luxury options, performance-oriented choices, and budget-friendly vessels to cater to different preferences and budgets.
• Conducting a sea trial before purchasing a catamaran is crucial to evaluate its performance, comfort, safety features, and responsiveness on the water.
• Regular maintenance tasks like inspecting the hull, checking the rigging, cleaning, engine maintenance, and electronics checks are essential for keeping your sailing catamaran in top condition.
• Consider upgrades and customizations like installing solar panels, upgrading navigation systems, enhancing comfort features, and prioritizing safety enhancements to optimize your cruising adventures.

Exploring the Appeal of Sailing Catamarans for Cruising

The dual-hull difference.

Sailing on a catamaran offers a unique experience due to its dual-hull design. Unlike traditional monohull sailboats, catamarans have two hulls joined by a sturdy frame, providing added stability and space. With two hulls, these vessels offer enhanced balance, reducing the likelihood of tilting, especially in rough waters. This stability not only ensures a smoother sailing experience but also makes catamarans ideal for those prone to seasickness. Additionally, the wider beam of catamarans creates a spacious deck area, perfect for relaxing and entertaining while enjoying the open sea.

Comfort and Stability on the Water

Catamarans are renowned for their exceptional comfort and stability while cruising. The inherent stability of a catamaran, thanks to its design, allows for a more enjoyable and relaxing sailing experience. The reduced heeling angle compared to monohulls means you can move about the boat with ease, even during windy conditions. This stability is particularly advantageous for those new to sailing, as it instills confidence and a sense of security while on the water.

Moreover, the layout of a catamaran provides ample living space, ensuring a comfortable journey for extended cruising trips. The separate hulls house private cabins, usually with en-suite bathrooms, offering privacy and comfort akin to a cozy home on the water. The central saloon area is spacious and bright, serving as a communal hub for dining and relaxation. The well-equipped galley ensures that preparing meals on board is convenient and enjoyable, adding to the overall cruising experience.

The appeal of sailing catamarans for cruising lies in their dual-hull design, which guarantees stability and comfort on the water, making them an excellent choice for both experienced sailors and novice adventurers seeking a smooth and enjoyable nautical journey.

Key Features to Look for in a Sailing Catamaran

Space and layout considerations.

When choosing a sailing catamaran for cruising, one essential aspect to consider is the space and layout of the vessel. Look for catamarans that offer ample living areas, including spacious cabins, a comfortable saloon, and a well-equipped galley. Having enough room to move around comfortably is crucial for extended cruising trips, especially if you plan to have guests on board. Additionally, check for outdoor spaces such as a large cockpit or trampoline area where you can relax and enjoy the scenery while underway.

Performance and Handling Aspects

The performance and handling of a sailing catamaran can significantly impact your cruising experience. Opt for catamarans known for their stability, smooth sailing, and good maneuverability. Consider features such as the sail plan, hull design, and sailing rig, which can affect the catamaran’s speed, efficiency, and ease of handling. A well-balanced catamaran that responds well to different wind conditions and sea states will make your cruising adventures more enjoyable and less demanding.

Build Quality and Durability

Investing in a sailing catamaran with excellent build quality and durability is crucial for the safety and longevity of your vessel. Look for catamarans constructed using high-quality materials, strong hulls, and reliable components. A well-built catamaran will not only withstand the challenges of long-distance cruising but also offer peace of mind knowing that your vessel is structurally sound. Check for reputable boat builders with a track record of producing durable and seaworthy catamarans that can handle various weather conditions and sea environments.

Top Picks for the Best Sailing Catamaran for Cruising

Luxury cruising catamarans.

When looking for the best sailing catamaran for your cruising adventures, luxury options offer top-tier comfort and amenities. These catamarans are designed with opulence in mind, providing lavish cabins, spacious lounges, gourmet kitchens, and elegant finishes throughout the vessel. The focus is on providing a premium onboard experience, perfect for those who seek both high performance and luxurious living at sea.

Performance-Oriented Catamarans

If you prioritize speed, agility, and superior handling, performance-oriented catamarans are your ideal choice. These catamarans are engineered for optimal sailing performance, featuring sleek designs, advanced sail systems, and lightweight construction. They excel in speed and responsiveness, catering to sailors who enjoy the thrill of cutting through the waves with precision and agility.

Budget-Friendly Options

For those seeking a cost-effective cruising solution without compromising on quality, budget-friendly catamarans are a smart pick. These vessels offer value for money without sacrificing essential features. While they may not boast luxurious amenities or cutting-edge performance enhancements, budget-friendly catamarans provide reliable functionality, comfortable accommodations, and satisfactory performance for enjoyable cruising experiences without breaking the bank.

The Importance of Test Sailing Before Purchase

What to expect during a sea trial.

When you embark on a sea trial before purchasing a sailing catamaran, you’re ensuring that the vessel meets your expectations and requirements. During this crucial phase, you’ll get the opportunity to experience firsthand how the catamaran performs on the water.

• Performance Evaluation : You’ll assess the catamaran’s speed, maneuverability, and stability. Pay attention to how it handles different wind conditions and whether it maintains a comfortable motion.
• On-Board Comfort Inspection : Test the living spaces, cabins, and amenities to ensure they align with your comfort standards. Check for noise levels, storage capacity, and overall living convenience.
• Safety and Control Check : Evaluate the catamaran’s safety features and how easy it is to control the vessel. Confirm that essential navigation equipment is functioning correctly.

How to Assess Catamaran Responsiveness and Comfort

Ensuring that the sailing catamaran you select provides both responsiveness and comfort is paramount for a satisfying cruising experience. Here’s how you can effectively evaluate these aspects:

• Sailing Responsiveness : Test the catamaran’s responsiveness by adjusting the sails and observing how it reacts to your commands. A responsive catamaran will offer agility and control, vital for navigating different sea conditions efficiently.
• Comfort Considerations : Assess the catamaran’s comfort by spending time in various living areas. Check the seating, sleeping arrangements, and overall ergonomics. Consider how well the layout suits your needs for extended stays on board.

Remember, your experience during the sea trial will give you valuable insights into how the sailing catamaran handles, feels, and accommodates your needs. Make the most of this opportunity to ensure you choose the best catamaran for your cruising adventures.

Maintenance and Upkeep of Your Sailing Catamaran

Managing the maintenance and upkeep of your sailing catamaran is crucial for ensuring its longevity and performance. Here are essential tips to help you keep your vessel in top condition.

Regular Maintenance Tasks

Maintaining your sailing catamaran involves a series of routine tasks that you should perform regularly to prevent issues and ensure smooth sailing:

• Inspecting the Hull: Regularly check the hull of your catamaran for any signs of damage, such as cracks or dents. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent more extensive damage.
• Checking the Rigging: Inspect the rigging, including the shrouds and stays, to ensure they are secure and in good condition. Look for any fraying or corrosion that may compromise the rig’s integrity.
• Cleaning and Polishing: Keep your catamaran clean by regularly washing the deck and hull to prevent dirt and salt build-up. Polishing the surfaces not only enhances the boat’s appearance but also protects it from corrosion.
• Engine Maintenance: Regularly service the engines and check for any leaks, unusual noises, or vibrations. Following the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule is essential to keep your engines running smoothly.
• Electronics Check: Test all electronic equipment on board, such as GPS, radar, and communication systems, to ensure they are functioning correctly. Address any issues promptly to avoid disruptions during your voyages.

Upgrades and Customizations

Enhancing your sailing experience often involves making upgrades and customizations to your catamaran to suit your preferences and needs:

• Solar Panels: Consider installing solar panels on your catamaran to harness renewable energy for powering electronic devices and reducing reliance on fuel-powered generators.
• Upgraded Navigation Systems: Invest in advanced navigation systems, such as GPS with integrated chartplotters, to enhance your sailing efficiency and safety while exploring new waters.
• Comfort Upgrades: Explore options to improve onboard comfort, such as upgrading bedding, adding shading solutions like awnings, or installing additional cooling systems for hot climates.
• Safety Enhancements: Prioritize safety upgrades, including adding extra handrails, upgrading life rafts, or installing a man-overboard system, to ensure a secure sailing experience for you and your crew.

By staying proactive in maintaining your sailing catamaran and considering strategic upgrades and customizations, you can enjoy smoother voyages and optimize your cruising adventures. Keep these tips in mind to sail confidently and make the most of your time on the water.

You’ve explored a variety of sailing catamarans tailored to different preferences and budgets. Remember, test sailing is key to finding your perfect match. Focus on performance, comfort, safety, and control during sea trials. Regular maintenance ensures your catamaran stays in top shape. Consider upgrades like solar panels and advanced navigation systems for an enhanced sailing experience. Choose wisely, and embark on unforgettable cruising adventures aboard your ideal sailing catamaran.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what are some challenges in selecting a sailing catamaran for cruising adventures.

Choosing the perfect sailing catamaran involves considering factors like size, layout, performance, and budget to meet specific cruising needs.

2. What types of sailing catamarans are available for cruising?

Sailing catamarans come in luxury cruising, performance-oriented, and budget-friendly options to cater to different preferences and budgets.

3. Why is test sailing important before buying a catamaran?

Test sailing allows potential buyers to evaluate a catamaran’s performance, comfort, safety features, and control to ensure it meets their expectations.

4. What tasks are involved in the maintenance of a sailing catamaran?

Maintenance tasks for sailing catamarans include hull inspections, rigging checks, cleaning, engine maintenance, and electronics testing to ensure safety and optimal performance.

5. How can sailing catamarans be upgraded or customized for a better cruising experience?

Upgrades like solar panels, advanced navigation systems, comfort enhancements, and safety features can be added to sailing catamarans to improve the sailing experience and ensure a secure voyage.

Hi, I'm Richard, a passionate traveler and cruise enthusiast. With over a decade of experience exploring the world's oceans, I've developed a deep love for all things related to cruising. Whether it's luxury liners or intimate river cruises, I enjoy sharing my insights and tips to help others plan their perfect getaway. When I'm not sailing the seas, you can find me writing about my adventures or planning my next voyage

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Bahamas-Bound: Your Comprehensive How-To for Sailing to the Exumas

[december 14, 2023].

When you first step on your new Leopard in Miami, you can’t help but feel the urge to get up and go… somewhere . You’ve done the shakedown and the harbor cruise and maybe even explored a little of Biscayne Bay and watched the sunset at anchor. And you’re ready for more.

The next step can be a jump off to the Bahamas, and if you plan well and take some care, you can day hop from Miami to the Exumas.

You’ll need four days of sailing or motoring to get from Miami to Highbourne Cay in the Exumas without sailing at night. You don’t have to do it on back-to-back days. In fact, you shouldn’t. Every stop along the way has sights to see, gorgeous beaches, snorkeling, and places to visit on shore. So, plan to spend a couple of days between jaunts relaxing, exploring, and getting ready to move again while you look for optimal sailing weather.

Your Itinerary

You’ll set sail from Miami with a favorable wind forecast, and your boat provisioned with food and drink to hold you for the next week or more. Take each day as its own trip, with time to wait for favorable wind and weather.

• Miami to Bimini . Crossing the Gulf Stream, this 50-nautical-mile trip is relatively easy with the right weather.
• Bimini to Chub Cay . This is the longest day, a push to cover 85 miles during daylight.
• Chub Cay to Nassau . Thirty-five miles across deep water to the heart of the Bahamas.
• Nassau to Highbourne Cay . Cross the banks for 38 miles to the gateway to the Exumas.

Passage Planning

When heading offshore, plan for the worst and hope for the best. Be sure your fuel and water tanks are full, and you’ve got plenty of food. It’s critical to plot your route early and take time to check the weather for several days ahead of your planned departure.

Expert delivery Paul Badenhorst plans his deliveries at six knots or a little over. Even though your boat can go faster, setting a reasonable target speed for your passages is a good idea. If you exceed them, great. But if you hit light winds, bad currents, or other problems, you’ll leave yourself plenty of margin for safety.

Leg One: Miami to Bimini

You should be able to journey from Miami to Bimini in about eight hours, whether sailing or powering. Plan for an early start, and you’ll settle into Bimini for dinner. But here’s the catch – you have to cross the Gulf Stream.

The Gulf Stream is a strong, warm water current flowing north between mainland Florida and the Bahamas. The average speed is three knots but may reach six in the middle. If you don’t account for it, it will sweep you miles off course.

On a good day, the Gulf Stream is a delight. The water is warm and a deep cobalt color like no other. It’s full of fish and marine life, and it’s just beautiful out there. But in the wrong conditions, it can be challenging and dangerous. And it will push you north about three miles for every hour you’re in it. So you need to take care.

Wind versus Current

Any northerly wind blowing against the north-flowing Gulf Stream creates large, steep waves. Ensure there is no northerly component to the wind for twenty-four hours before crossing the Gulf Stream. Northwest, north, and northeast winds will all set up nasty and unsafe conditions, even if the sky is clear and the sun is shining.

The prevailing winds in winter are often easterly, and those aren’t the best either since you’re sailing straight into them. So, watching the wind a few days before your departure is essential. Look for that window when the wind is shifting through the south. Those can be tight windows, so give yourself several days of schedule padding to find the right day. And don’t force it.

Current and navigation

The stream pushes you north at a three-knot average speed. In south Florida, the Gulf Stream is quite close to shore. Expect to spend 6-7 hours in the stream with an average speed of six knots. During this time, the stream could push you 18-20 miles north of your target if you don’t plan and sail accordingly.

Plot your course across the stream assuming you’re aiming at a point south of Bimini, and keep your boat headed in that compass direction. If you plan right, you’ll sail the same compass heading most of the way and end up where you aimed. Otherwise, you’ll end up motoring south into the current to get back to Bimini, and that’s not fast.

The details necessary to plot your course are beyond the scope of this article, as the best way still uses paper plots and a bit of vector math. But we can direct you to a few guides. Consider using a professional weather router to help you plot an optimal course and find a good window for your first crossing.

The Keys Alternative

If getting swept north concerns you, you can get around this by leaving from further south in the Florida Keys. You get to take a delightful trip to the Keys and sail north to get to Bimini from there. So, your chances of overshooting with the Gulf Stream are much lower.

Gulf Stream Resources

Passage Weather has predictions for Gulf Stream velocity and wind conditions.

The Boat Galley has an excellent overview of planning a crossing, as does this piece from Cruising World .

Jennifer Clark’s Gulf Stream has provided routing and crossing data to sailors for decades, and Chris Parker’s Marine Weather Center is another routing service with extensive Caribbean experience. Either weather service will develop a course for your boat, find an optimal weather window, and offer an array of weather support packages available.

Leg Two: Bimini to Chub Cay

You must push your boat and yourself to make this 85-mile trip in daylight. It’s better to plan at a slower speed, but for this day, you’ll need to maintain 7.5 knots or faster to reach your destination during shorter winter days. You will probably be motoring hard and need to get up early.

Keep a close eye on the water, and wear polarized sunglasses. Even with a catamaran’s shallower draft, there are shoals and coral to watch for.

Cast off by dawn and head north around Bimini towards North Rock. You’ll want to stay north to clear the foul waters east of North Bimini until you turn for the mark at Mackie Shoal. Work your way east-southeast to the northwest channel, where the water will suddenly get deep. It’s fourteen more miles from there until you anchor off Chub Cay.

Leg Three: Chub Cay to Nassau

This 35-mile stretch of open water should be the easiest leg of the trip. Once you get away from Chub Cay, there is little to worry about until you get close to New Providence Island. Nassau Harbor is well-marked. You’ll want to make a marina reservation before you arrive, although you can anchor in several places around the harbor.

This is also an excellent location to replenish your stores and supplies before heading to the Exumas.

Leg Four: Nassau to Highbourne Cay

Your last day is just under 40 miles of sailing across middle-ground banks and shoals. It’s better to leave a little later to give the sun time to get in the sky to help with visibility, spotting shallows, and obstructions.

Take care when crossing this stretch of water. Watch for coral obstructions and heads. Your crew should always be on the lookout for dark patches of water that signify coral heads. Give them a wide berth. Make this passage on a sunny day, and try to time it so you’re near Yellow Bank at mid-day for the best visibility.

Heading east out of Nassau Harbor, pick your way down the channel between Athol Island. Then head south, keeping west of Yellow Bank and east of White Bank. Once past Yellow Bank, you can head more east-southeast and make straight for Highbourne Cay.

Cruising the Exumas

You did it! After four days of sailing, you have arrived ”” perched near the top of a chain of over 365 islands and cays. Highbourne Cay is the gateway to the Exumas and a great place to kick off your island exploration. The hardest part is over; now you’re free to find your favorite white sand beach and your own bit of paradise.

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The 6 preparation rules you should follow for sailing across oceans

• Toby Heppell
• September 10, 2024

What really matters when it comes to preparing for an offshore adventure? Andy Schell distils it down to six golden rules

I completed my eighth and most recent Atlantic crossing in February, sailing from Mindelo, Cape Verde, to Barbados aboard our Farr 65 Falken with 10 crew. The 2,200-mile passage took just under 11 days — fast, comfortable and dreamy, exactly as you hope for a tradewind crossing in the tropics.

I have never, ever said ocean sailing is boring, but I had more free time on that trip than in any in recent memory. Time to get out the sextant and teach some celestial navigation, time to read, to fly the drone and mess around taking photos; time to do whatever I fancied!

To me, that’s the goal of a well-planned and executed ocean crossing: to have the time to truly enjoy it. But with so many things to think about in the preparation stage, where do you start?

What really matters?

My wife, Mia, and I hosted a 59° North small group workshop on just this topic in Annapolis this spring. The group spent the first morning brainstorming what ‘matters’ offshore versus what doesn’t. Where and how should you focus your energy?

Our group of eight sailors were all yacht owners with varying backgrounds and boats, from sailing an old-school Allied Seawind 32, to building a new performance cruiser Xp 50. Yet some common themes emerged. Each person’s ‘mission’ was to make safe, comfortable ocean cruising passages and have the knowledge and confidence to adapt to situations as they developed.

In our workshop, what stood out on the ‘matters’ list included both serious and humorous items. Coffee was high on the list, right behind understanding the weather. Boat condition (ie maintenance), comms and self-steering made it to the ‘matters’ list, while some surprising items like boat design and electronics didn’t.

Coffee features high on many offshore sailors’ must-have lists! Photo: 59° North Sailing

Perhaps the most important thing on the ‘matters’ list won’t be covered in this article as it’s such a big topic: medical. Keeping the crew healthy and managing the situation in the event of a medical emergency matters more than anything else, yet invariably most sailors leave those preparations until the last minute. Don’t.

For this article I’ve chosen a few things from the ‘matters’ list to do a deeper dive on. Plus we’ll touch on some things left off the list and why they don’t matter as much as you might think. Here I’ve tried to distil an entire weekend’s discussions into just a few key points to help you plan and prioritise.

What doesn’t matter

Several topics that seem to dominate armchair sailor discussions ended up on our ‘doesn’t matter’ list. Take boat design for example – there are so many different types of boats plying the oceans that it’s impossible to say what is ‘best’ for passagemaking. I often refer to my friend Matt Rutherford’s epic Around the Americas voyage, a solo, nonstop passage through the Northwest Passage and around Cape Horn that took him 309 days.

He did it in a 1970s 27ft Albin Vega which he refitted by diving around the boatyard skips of Annapolis. Nobody would argue that’s an ideal boat for that mission, but he did it anyway. The more skilled and prepared the sailor, the less that boat design matters. So really it’s knowledge and preparation that truly matter.

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A number of systems we spend way too much time debating didn’t make the list. Who cares what kind of battery system you’ve installed, the material in the sails, or what type of engine the boat has? What matters is less the choice of equipment but how it’s designed, installed and maintained. Any system fit for purpose and properly maintained will serve the mission, so don’t get too bogged down in brand choices and technical specs.

Sailors have been crossing oceans for thousands of years and even an average boat today is light years safer and better performing than what we’ve had for most of human history. Forget the stuff that doesn’t matter and focus on what does.

high on the list of what matters are the boat’s steering and self-steering systems. Photo: Tor Johnson

‘The more you know, the less you need,’ is one of my favourite quotes, attributed to Yvon Choinard, founder of iconic clothing brand Patagonia, himself an avid climber and outdoorsman.

I often preach that seamanship is both ‘learned’ and ‘earned’. You don’t need to have thousands of ocean miles under your keel to successfully cross the Atlantic, but you should have a wide array of accumulated knowledge. You can be the most book-smart sailor, but at some point you need to apply that knowledge in the real world by going to sea. Likewise, you can have vast amounts of experience and still not know how to be a good leader.

The more practised you are at handling a boat under sail, working in tight spaces on maintenance and repairs, reading and interpreting weather forecasts, understanding radar plots and the myriad other skills needed to safely cross an ocean, the easier it’s going to be when you actually get out there.

Understanding navigation is one of the fundamentals for a bluewater adventure. Photo: 59° North Sailing

If seamanship is all about anticipation, what matters most is understanding and anticipating the weather. With modern comms, computerised weather models, forecasting tools and mobile-based weather-routing software, a sailor should never be ‘caught out’ by a change in the weather. The ability to predict the next 24-48 hours of any given passage provides a huge advantage when it comes to positioning your boat relative to weather systems on the larger scale, and your sail plan relative to conditions on a local scale.

Understand the difference between weather ‘forecasting’ and weather ‘routing’: the former gives information while the latter provides guidance. Weather routing, whether by a human service ashore or by software on board, is an essential tool, but it’s worthless if you don’t understand both its limitations and the big-picture forecast behind it.

When we teach weather, we always start by zooming right out to what creates wind in the first place (a difference in atmospheric pressure), and what the typical seasonal weather patterns are in the ocean in which we’re sailing. As I write this, Falken is a day or two out from making landfall in Horta, Azores. The boat departed Bermuda and has been traversing the top of the Azores High, the dominant weather feature in the North Atlantic which, in conjunction with the jet stream aloft, helps to steer the depression track as they march from west to east.

Stay south of the low centres and you can expect ‘free’ winds from the westerly quadrant as the lows, spinning counterclockwise, pass to the north. Well-developed lows will have associated cold fronts, and those cold fronts will have distinct patterns as they pass over the boat – increasing south-westerly winds, unsettled, squally weather, followed by a (sometimes violent) wind shift to the west-northwest and clearing skies. On a given Bermuda-Azores crossing you can expect three or four of these lows and associated fronts to overtake you on a typical 10-14 day crossing.

Understanding weather should be one of the highest priorities. Photo: 59° North Sailing

This is where anticipation comes in. Modern GRIB models have a pretty high degree of certainty in a 72-hour timeframe, so we can predict, at least within 12 hours, when an approaching front is going to overtake us, and can set the boat up accordingly.

As the front approaches, the wind will build from the south-west. The course from Bermuda to the Azores is east-northeast, so we’d typically be sailing on a run on starboard tack, with the jib poled out to windward and the mainsail off to port.

However, were the wind to shift abruptly to the west-northwest – if we missed anticipating the frontal passage – we’d have to gybe through this wind shift, a tricky and dangerous manoeuvre in unsettled weather. Instead, we can gybe well ahead of the frontal passage and sail on a more northerly heading on port tack, continuing to shorten sail as the south-westerly increases.

When the wind shifts, the only manoeuvre required is to bear away and follow the shift, eventually coming back onto a run but on port tack as the skies clear and the wind fills in from the north-west as the low moves off to our north and east. Yes, we may have sailed 60 miles out of our way to the north, but we made a much safer and more comfortable sail out of it.

My point is that with modern weather models you’ll always know the coming trend over a 1-3 day window with a very high degree of certainty, and you can use that trend to make decisions. Is the wind lifting or heading us? Is the weather changing in our favour or against us? Is it easing off, allowing me to shake some reefs, or is it forecast to increase and might I want to reef down before dark?

What’s most interesting to us as offshore sailors is the degree of certainty in the forecast. I typically use both the GFS model, provided by NOAA in the USA, and the ECMWF (aka ‘Euro’) model. People will argue about which model is ‘better’, but that’s missing the point. All models do some things better than others and some things worse.

Photo: 59° North Sailing

What’s useful in looking at both models is how they diverge over time – if both appear more or less the same after 3-5 days, I can infer a high degree of certainty in the models and therefore make more confident routing decisions. If, conversely, they diverge significantly in the 1-4 day range, that tells me there’s a high degree of uncertainty in the models and I’d better make more conservative routing decisions.

I’ll always do a ‘manual’ route by analysing a few models myself and looking at which side of the rhumb line is favoured to give me the best sailing angles. Remember, in cruising, we’re trying to optimise for safe, comfortable passages, not outright speed.

That means playing the wind angles, not necessarily getting from A to B as quickly as possible. Then I’ll let the computer run a route for me and see if it aligns with my own assumptions. Usually it does and I’m confident. In the odd cases the computer and I disagree, that tells me I’ve missed something in my analysis and I’ll go back to the drawing board, or often, call in the experts and actually speak to a meteorologist.

By doing this kind of weather analysis during the planning stages of a passage, right before departure, and usually daily at sea, I can confidently meet the ‘anticipation’ part of seamanship because I should never not know what’s over the horizon weather-wise, and have the boat setup accordingly.

Choose a light weather downwind sail – and know how to use it. Photo: Tor Johnson

3 Sail Plan

High on our ‘what matters’ list was sail inventory. You can be the best at weather forecasting, but that’s of little help if you can’t adapt your sail plan to the changing conditions.

I think a good seagoing sail inventory, for monohull and multihull ocean-going cruising boats alike, should look like this:

• Bluewater mainsail: 3 reefs, external reef fairleads on the leech, full battens.
• All-purpose jib/genoa: ‘reefable’ on a furler, the sail you’ll use 90% of the time.
• Second, smaller/flatter upwind jib: when you really need to point high or in case your all-purpose sail fails.
• Storm jib/staysail: ideally on a removable inner forestay.
• Light weather downwind sail: gennaker, asymmetric or symmetric kite, your choice. Know how to rig your downwind sail and how to sail with it.
• Pole for wing-on-wing: modern boats almost all have bowsprits these days for flying asymmetric kites, but for real tradewinds voyaging you still need to carry a pole for sheeting headsails to windward when running, especially as the wind and sea state gets up.

Sail material matters less, but certain materials are definitely more durable and forgiving than others.

Avoid flogging your sails offshore, and take care to keep them from chafing. Just have ‘enough’ sails to deal with changing conditions, with some redundancy in case of failures, make sure they’re in good shape, and know how to use them.

Keep abreast of long- and short-range weather forecasts. Photo:Tor Johnson

4 Communications

You can’t get good weather information without good communications on board, and I feel pretty strongly about what constitutes a ‘good’ comms set up.

Starlink is ubiquitous now. As much as I hate the way it’s changing offshore sailing philosophically, it’s hard to argue against it for the ease of access to higher resolution weather data, and for connecting with doctors ashore in the event of a medical emergency. For 59° North, we’re considering installing Starlink to better be able to communicate with staff between passages when the boat is in remote harbours where it’s hard to access good wifi or a local SIM card (Starlink will be turned off at sea on our boats, except in an emergency).

But Starlink is not enough for emergency comms. It’s an integrated system on the boat, and not something you can take with you in the liferaft in a real worst-case scenario. I said the same thing years ago about Iridium Go! – that was (and is) a great tool for sending emails and downloading weather, and we use them on our boats too, but it’s not a replacement for a robust and reliable Iridium handset, kept in a waterproof case with a spare battery always charged.

Test the phone before every passage and make sure you keep the SIM active and the minutes topped up. We’ve had the same Iridium handset technology since our first transatlantic back in 2011 – it’s tried and true and won’t fail you when you need it most.

Hearty food keeps a crew happy and fuelled up for staying on watch during a long passage. Photo: Tor Johnson

5 Provisions & Water

This one seems like a no-brainer, but I recall a pretty stupid situation from an ARC rally I worked on back in the late 2000s that prompts me to mention it. One of the boats had lost electricity and with it, their fridge and freezer (see below on ‘decoupling’ systems).

They’d planned all of their meals around fresh or frozen food, taking for granted that they’d have a working fridge for the duration of the Atlantic crossing and not packing enough dry stores for contingencies. So with a week still to sail towards St Lucia, they sent a message to Rally Control asking for assistance with provisions. Not long after a nearby boat rendezvoused and passed over food to get them home. Needless to say this was a major planning oversight by the crew.

The same applies to cooking gas – would you have enough food that doesn’t need to be cooked to complete a passage in the event your propane runs out?

Most boats have watermakers these days, and with 10-11 crew sailing on Falken we literally couldn’t complete our longest passages without one. We run our watermaker each night during dishwashing after dinner, always ending the day with full tanks. If the watermaker fails beyond repair, we can then start rationing from a full supply. And we carry emergency rations in plastic gallon cans in the bilge.

A well-maintained boat will always do better on the ocean than a new but poorly looked-after yacht. Photo: 59° North Sailing

6 Maintenance

If boat design and systems choices matter little, then maintenance does. A poorly designed but well maintained boat will do much better on an ocean passage than a perfectly designed but poorly maintained one.

When it comes to tools we follow a simple axiom – if you need a tool once, borrow it; if you need it twice, buy it. There’s nothing worse than facing a relatively easy fix at sea but not having the right tool for the job. Spend a lot of time figuring out what tools you’ll need; buy the highest quality you can afford (and take care of them); test them to make sure they work for the intended purpose; and keep them organised and inventoried on the boat.

We discovered, thankfully in port, that Falken required a custom-welded impeller puller to change the impeller on the engine’s cooling water pump, thanks to the secondary alternator mount interfering. What should be a five-minute job turned into a three day bonanza, but now, through much trial and error, we have the right tool.

Maintenance has to be prioritised into ‘mission critical’ systems versus ‘luxury’ systems, and you have to be honest about what makes up the two lists. Hull, keel, rudder and sails are ‘mission critical’; cosmetic repairs, many electronics and instruments, even the engine in some cases, aren’t.

At the outfitting and planning stage of a voyage, think about what systems are ‘coupled’ – ie co-dependent to function – and try to uncouple them. A modern problem is that more and more boats have converted to lithium batteries which can power induction hobs and electric ovens. These are wonderful conveniences and absolutely increase the joy of life aboard. However, you’ve now coupled your hot meals with a working electrical system, which itself is already coupled to a working charging system. Should the charging or electrical systems fail, you’ve lost the ability to make a hot meal on top of it.

Make sure PLBs or other devices are correctly registered and check Iridium phone is active and charged. Photo: Tor Johnson

You might decide it’s worth the risk, and put more effort into making sure the electrical and charging systems are properly maintained as the stakes are higher. But these decisions should be made consciously and ahead of time.

Think also about what needs maintaining at sea versus what can wait until after a passage. Any watch system will work so long as it’s adhered to and everyone is able to get rest. But when the crew is working overtime on maintenance items at sea, the watch schedule breaks down and a vicious cycle of sleep deprivation begins. The less sleep each watch gets, the more likelihood for mistakes.

There’s a fine line between making small improvements to the boat at sea and wrecking the watch system. Splicing strops, whipping rope ends, even servicing the odd winch are great activities on watch on a sunny day.

But this becomes a problem when a non-mission critical item is confused for a critical repair, and too much time and energy is spent at sea trying to fix it. Marine electronics are a favourite culprit, and one I’m guilty of spending too much time fiddling with.

We get so used to having all the data at our fingertips – wind and boat speed, digital compass, AWA, XTE, etc – that we sometimes forget we can sail without them. And networked electronics are notoriously fussy. One bad connection in a NMEA2000 backbone can wreak havoc across the entire network, and you can spend hours tracing wires trying to get it back online when a paper chart and handheld GPS would navigate you across any ocean quite happily.

Back at the planning stage we can mitigate the risk of losing a mission critical system by installing redundancies. Two alternators on the engine for charging, for example, or even an ‘A’ and ‘B’ N2K backbone if instruments are critical to your passage. But once you set off, really think hard about what systems you will deal with while on passage, and which can wait until landfall.

The rewards

After that tradewind crossing on Falken, my first mate Manot and I had 10 days to kill in Barbados. The boat, after a thorough cleaning, was in tip-top shape and beyond the normal rig checks and routine maintenance, we didn’t have any issues to fix so could enjoy island life.

This is how a good ocean crossing can be – mellow and philosophical at sea, with time for adventures on landfall. Keep things simple and make conscious decisions about how you fit out your boat and execute a voyage to focus on what really matters.

If you enjoyed this….

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17 Best Catamarans for Sailing Around the World

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Catamarans are quickly outstripping single-hull boats for long-distance journeys. They are more stable and comfortable , and some can travel more than 200 miles in a day. In today’s article, I have put together a complete (well almost) list of some of the best catamarans for circumnavigating the planet; the question is, which one is best for you?

The best catamarans for sailing around the world include: 

• The Fountaine Pajot Ipanema 58

These cats focus on speed, safety, and comfort for longer journeys. 

This article will show you the seventeen best catamarans for long journeys, and why they’re the best. You’ll also learn some great tips on what to look for in a Catamaran and how to save money by buying a used catamaran. Let this list be a jumping-off point for your future research!

Pro-tip; here are the actual costs of maintaining a cat and here are considerations on how to circumnavigate .

Table of Contents

The Best Catamarans for Sailing Around the World 

A catamaran is a double-hulled boat with a deck or cabin area in between (bluewater cat definition in this article ). The double hull design means that the boat rocks less, sits higher on the water, uses less fuel to sail, and can be sailed in shallower waters than a single-hulled boat without worrying about grounding. 

Catamarans come in a variety of sizes and can be sail-powered or motor-powered and range from single-person sailing boats to family-sized yachts. Every catamaran design is different, and the twin-hull shape offers many ways to customize the layout of a ship. 

Each boat on this list is a larger catamaran (+40ft, more on size here ), so if you’re going to sail around the world, you want lots of space for provisions and rest.

Of course, there are tons of technical specs for each of these boats, but I’m going to focus on the overall features of each of these catamarans, what makes them stand out, and why they would each be an excellent choice for a transatlantic journey. 

Antares 44i 

The Antares 44i is an excellent option for sailing around the world and was explicitly designed for long-distance cruising. It performs well in any weather conditions, can be sailed easily by two people, and you’ll be able to sail long distances and live in comfort. 

Although it can be easily sailed by a crew of two I believe that a true bluewater cat should be set up for single-handed sailing, more on that in another article .

This catamaran features a stateroom on each hull and a forward cabin with plenty of storage space. The living and entertainment features include a flatscreen tv and a high-end deck speaker system. 

With this model, Antares dedicates itself to high-quality boats with optimal rigging and engine configurations. 

Atlantic 42

Atlantic is no longer building this catamaran, but there are usually a few pre-owned boats on the market. You can also get it made custom if you love the design, but be prepared to spend more money on a custom boat (custom boat also gets custom problems ;)). 

The Atlantic 42 is slightly smaller than some of the other catamarans on this list but is a seaworthy vessel. 42 ft is what most sailors I interview ( in this article ) said was the smallest cat to safely cross big oceans. It is also a decent size to counter the risk of capsizing (more on that here ).

It has a forward cockpit and pilothouse, which gives the owner a better use of space and makes the boat easier to navigate. With single-handed capability, one person can sail it easily and let the rest of the crew relax. 

One of the best-praised aspects of the Atlantic 42 is its galley, more extensive than most 42-footers (12.8-meter) can offer. 

One of the few 50 footers (15.24 meters) that can be sailed by just one person (many would of course disagree on this).

The Catana 50 is a catamaran worthy of an overseas journey. Its size adds to its stability on the open waters and its ability to sail straight through the choppy ocean and windy conditions. 

The Catana is also incredibly spacious on the inside, with substantial cabins and showers. The biggest downside to the Catana 50 is its price, as it’s much more expensive than most of its competitors. 

Catana also holds up well against some of the fastest cruising cats out there, here’s a list of the fastest cruisers if you are interested in that.

However, if you can find a gently-used Catana 50, you can rest assured that this boat will last! 

The Dolphin 42 is unique because of the use of daggerboards instead of fixed keels. This upgrade means that the boat has some pretty decent upwind performance while at the same time being faster downwind.

Centerboards and daggerboards offer some interesting downsides compared to mini keels. This is an interesting discussion and I suggest you read another one of my articles if you want to deepen your knowledge a little.

These catamarans are some of the lightest on the market. Not many Dolphins were made, so they are relatively hard to find. However, if you want a small, lightweight boat capable of going great distances, the Dolphin 42 is an excellent choice. 

Fountaine Pajot Belize 43

The Fountaine Pajot Belize is another well-built cruising yacht. Its core is made of foam instead of balsa, which reduces the risk of structural damage due to a rotten core in case of water intrusion. 

The design of Belize offers many options for customizability, with large open spaces and a combined saloon, navigation, and dinette area. 

There are two styles of Belize catamarans for sleeping quarters. You can either purchase a boat with an entire primary suite on one hull or one with two cabins in each hull. The first option is great if you are sailing the world alone and not expecting many guests, as it increases the storage capacity. 

Understanding what factors to consider when getting a cat can be hard, there are just so many of them (such as the daggerboard discussion above), I have tried to compile some of the most important in this article .

The boat also has wraparound windows to increase the sense of space in the galley. 

Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40

Fountaine Pajot is one of the best sailboat manufacturers existing today, as their boats are well made and highly versatile. The Lucia 40 is no exception – it’s a smaller boat but has a lot of room for moving around and on-board living. 

The living area is remarkably spacious on this catamaran for its size. 

The galley and lounge easily accommodate 6+people. The Lucia 40 doesn’t disappoint when it comes to sailing either, as the narrow hulls slice through choppy waters with ease. 

Most catamarans today are built to withstand rough weather but that doesn’t matter as much if the crew isn’t up for the task, I firmly believe that the most important thing a boat should consist of, is knowledge. Therefore taking online courses ( two free here ) or reading books ( my favorites here ) is imperative.

Gemini 105M

Gemini’s boats have been on the market for years and are solidly built for cruising. This boat is one of the most popular ever made, I personally would consider something different for offshore cruising, but since it has such a good reputation, I felt I had to add it to the list.

If you want to understand why I am hesitant to take this boat around the world, I recommend you read my article: What are trampolines on a catamaran?

The Gunboat 62 is a great catamaran and set the standards for the rest of the impressive Gunboat lineup. It’s sleek and spacious while being robust and capable of transatlantic journeys. You can easily travel the world in a Gunboat 62 with several people and not feel cramped. 

The yacht was made for speed and power and remains one of the fastest catamarans on the market, even rivaling the newer Gunboat models.  GABO

Although the earlier models of the Gunboat 62 weren’t designed for a lot of cargo, you can still find space for everything you need without compromise. 

Lagoon catamarans are known for their reliability and ease of use. If you are considering a catamaran for the first time and are unsure about the technicalities of sailing, a Lagoon boat is a great option. 

The Lagoon 380 is probably the smallest cruiser on this list, which makes it better suited for solo or couple sailing.  

When I go looking to buy something, whether it be a boat, campervan, or whatever, I create a checklist and classify all the things I want either by NEED or NICE to have.

I believe the Lagoon 380 to be sub-optimal for my NEEDS, even though it does check a lot of NICE boxes, there’s a step-by-step article on the NEED and NICE method here .

There are several cabin options available on the Lagoon 380, but if you’re sailing by yourself, you can settle for three cabins and a larger galley and living space. With a smaller cockpit and broader side decks, the Lagoon 380 packs a lot of practicality and ease of sailing into a more compact catamaran. 

If you like the idea of a Lagoon boat but want a little more space, the Lagoon 42 is the upgraded version of the Lagoon 380. With all of the same benefits, it comes with more space for cabins or storage, making it one of the best-selling Lagoons of all time. 

The Lagoon 42 is also a faster cruiser built for strength. While it’s not the fastest on the market, it works well in choppy waters and windy conditions, making it great for the beginning sailor to go on a more extended trip. 

Many people have completed an around-the-world sail with this ship.

Although there is a flybridge version, I would recommend the “open” version due to several factors, some including increased windage and a higher boom. More on flybridges pros and cons here .

For stability, safety, and durability, you can’t beat the Lagoon 42. 

The Leopard 45 performs better with less storage weight because of the relatively low bridge deck clearance. If the boat is fully loaded, you could experience some wave pounding. However, the cockpit is open and airy, with devices that block the sun and provide maximum comfort while sailing. 

The Leopard 45 is an incredibly beautiful boat,   and has a strong reputation for excellent build quality!

Leopard catamarans are one of my personal favorites, as such I have written an entire article about the brand, so if you want to understand its pros and cons then here is the link . Gabo

Designed in South Africa, it features a high rear arch for extra support and very smoothly connected decks. The galley is large and open, and most Leopards offer a four-cabin plan. If you are traveling with another person, this boat is an excellent option for you! 

The Manta 42 is another classic catamaran that you can buy used (at a decent price), as it is an incredibly seaworthy vessel. While still in production, the Manta was one of the most popular catamarans on the market. 

It is still in high demand amongst circumnavigators. Buying a used Manta 42 usually means that you inherit some of the previous owner’s boat upgrades! 

The Manta 42 also made it to my list of the 9 safest catamarans on the market ( link ).

This blue water cat can be sailed by one or two people, making it ideal for liveaboard couples or long-distance shorthanded sailing. The galley is in the saloon ( instead of in one of the hulls ), making the cabins below more spacious and better equipped. 

Overall, the Manta is well equipped for sailing around the world. 

Nautitech 44

Nautitech is an excellent brand of the catamaran, with several different designs per boat. The Nautitech 44 has a unique feature, you can have it with two options for steering: twin wheels or a single wheel.

The Nautitech 44 also features a cockpit on the same level as the saloon. The door between the two is more convenient than a hatch and dramatically reduces the risk of water damage during rain pour. 

This is also the same boat that aeroyacht president Gregor owns, he has offered some great insights into Nautitech in the book Catamarans (amazon link )

Outremer 45

Outremer is famous for being one of the fastest brands of catamarans on the market. If you need speed, the Outremer 45 might be the perfect choice for you. It has a top speed of 16 knots, which is higher than almost every other catamaran of its class. 

While the Outremer 45 is known for speed, it doesn’t compromise on the quality of living. 

You can settle into life on this boat with complete peace of mind. Even as a beginning sailor, the steering is simple and easy to use, and the autopilot is top of the line, so you’ll be able to sail across the ocean in an Outremer without issue. 

Privilege Serie 5

A French-designed catamaran, the Privilege Serie 5 is one of the most comfortable 50-foot (15 m) yachts available. The unique cabin layout includes the master cabin in the boat’s center instead of in one of the hulls. 

The Privilege Serie 5 is also incredibly easy to sail, despite its larger size. 

The sails and controls lead to the helm, where the raised deck makes it easy to see all around the deck. If you want to cross the ocean with a full crew then the Privilege Serie 5 might be perfect for you! 

Seawind 1000

The Seawind 1000 is the smallest boat on this list, measuring 33 feet (10 meters) long altogether. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s not livable. If you are sailing on your own or with a partner, there is more than enough space to live in the Seawind 1000, which includes the option of a centered cabin or two hull cabins. 

Because it’s small, the Seawind 1000 is easy to handle. The mast and sails are all manufactured for extra stability and ease of use. 

Overall, the Seawind 1000 is an excellent example of a simple, safe, and seaworthy catamaran. 

Note: since this is a small catamaran it will also be more sensitive to heavy weather so trip-planning becomes even more important.

The Voyage 44 is one of the oldest cats on this list, having had its hay-day in the mid-1990s. However, this also means that a used Voyage 44 will be cheaper than a newer boat. If you can find a Voyage with previous responsible owners, you will inherit any upgrades and fixes that they’ve made on top of a very seaworthy boat. 

The Voyage 44 has more storage and space than most cruisers of its size and is known for behaving very well in choppy waters. 

This catamaran does its job well while providing adequate space for cooking, sleeping, and living aboard. 

What To Look For in a Long-Distance Cruising Catamaran

If you are planning to sail around the world, you need to be very careful about which kind of catamaran you decide to use. Many of the things you want in a boat really comes down to personal preference, so be sure you know what design preferences you want before you start shopping! 

Size and Payload

The most important thing to consider when buying a catamaran is how much space and cargo you need because the larger the boats are, the bigger the payload it can handle. Decide how long you want the ship to be and how much you’re taking with you. 

It’s vital not to overload a catamaran, this will reduce performance and increase risk of unwanted behavior in heavy seas.

Cabin Placement  

Most catamarans have options for a “Maestro” cabin placement, where one entire hull is the master suite, and the other cabins are located on the opposite hull.

Cockpit and Protection From The Weather

Is the cockpit on the boat you’re looking at covered or open? This can make a difference on the high seas, especially during rainy weather. 

The size of the ship also can affect how many people you need as a crew. If you’re traveling by yourself or with one other person, you don’t want to buy a boat that needs a larger crew. 

Buying Used? 

If you don’t want to spend the money on a brand new catamaran, I don’t blame you. Several of the ships on this list are out of production and can only be found used. However, for circumnavigation, you do want a boat of high quality to keep you safe and dry until you make it to your destination.  

When buying a suitably used catamaran, it’s essential to look at the refit history of the boat more than the year it was made. Catamarans are sturdy, and the general design has been the same for at least the past decade. 

If you find a newer, larger, cheaper boat, you should look into its history. 

Your best bet to save money while buying a catamaran will be to buy an older, probably smaller boat with an excellent refit history and no serious issues. It will still be an investment, and a sturdy used catamaran will serve you well. 

Final Thoughts

No matter which catamaran you decide to buy for your journey, you’ll be able to sail safely and comfortably. Catamarans are great yachts for long-distance sailing, and the ships on this list are the best of the best. These brands are time-tested and ready to accompany you on an adventure around the world! 

Here are Some of My Favorite Catamaran Cruising Resources

Thank you for reading this article. I hope you found it helpful as you hopefully start your sailing adventures. Here are some resources that I use as a sailor that I hope you’ll also find helpful. These are affiliate links, so if you do decide to use any of them, I’ll earn a commission. But in all honesty, these are the exact things that I use and recommend to everyone, even my own family. Sailboats: If you’re looking for the best boat to suit your needs, I would recommend a catamaran. If you’re interested, I can show you the differences between catamarans and other types of sailboats .

Books:  For getting started, I really like  Cruising catamarans made easy . It is actually a textbook from the American sailing association; it is used to get a cruising catamaran certification. There are some other great books, and I have compiled a list of books about cruising catamarans that you will find useful.

Communication:  Being out on adventures, whether it be sailing or climbing mountains, good communications are essential to being safe. I recommend two things Google fi (incredibly simple cellular data all over the world) and Garmin inreach mini (for text and voice in remote areas without cell coverage)

Sailing courses: Online sailing courses are great for beginners starting out their sailing career; it’s an efficient way of learning the basics of navigation, throttle controls, and maritime safety. I suggest starting with two free courses from NauticEd .

To see all my most up-to-date recommendations,  check out this resource  that I made for you!

• Wikipedia: Catamaran
• Cruising World: A-Z Best Cruising Catamarans 
• Dreamy Yacht Sales: Four Best Catamarans for New Buyers
• Atlantic Cruising: Good Cat/Bad Cat
• Yachting World: Catamaran Sailing Across the Atlantic
• Boat Affair: What is a Catamaran? 
• Nautilus Sailing: Catamaran Sailing

Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!

3 thoughts on “ 17 Best Catamarans for Sailing Around the World ”

I like the efforts you have put in this, regards for all the great content.

Thanks Elisabeth I really appreciate the kind words 🙂

I appreciate you sharing this blog post. Thanks Again. Cool.

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