Over the last 25 years, catamarans have seen a massive rise in popularity among charterers, cruisers, and even the casual daysailor. Curious about catamaran sailing? Here’s some basic information you need to know:
What is a Catamaran?
A traditional sailboat is a monohull–in other words, it has only one hull centered around a heavy keel. A catamaran is balanced on two hulls, with the sails in the middle. It’s as simple as that. Depending on the size of the boat, the space separating the two hulls might be filled by a cockpit, a main cabin, and usually some netting (which can be a great place for relaxing in the sun).
Why are Catamarans Popular?
Size and stability are the main factors. With two hulls and the space in between, there tends to be more room on a catamaran, both above and below decks. Vacationers chartering a boat love cats for this reason. There’s space for a lot of people and a lot of stuff. Additionally, the stability offered by having two hulls means that the boat doesn’t heel like a monohull–it stays pretty much level. This means the sailing experience is less tiring, as you aren’t battling gravity. Catamarans don’t need as much water underneath them, so you can sail in shallower places than a monohull, and in your anchorage at night you won’t roll around. There’s also a bit more privacy for those onboard, as the two hulls are completely separate from one another. 
How is Catamaran Sailing Different from Monohull Sailing?
As noted above, catamarans don’t really heel over. This makes the entire sailing experience different; the motion of the boat is different, you have to trim the sails differently, and pay attention to other factors that you might not be used to. In light wind and upwind sailing conditions, it can be harder to make headway. When the wind is strong, because the boat doesn’t seem to “react” to the wind, it can be more challenging to tell when you are overpowered and need to reef. In heavy weather (which most casual sailors tend to avoid) a catamaran can be a liability, though with the proper training they can be handled safely. When the conditions are right, catamarans are sweet sailing, smooth performing, and comfortable, so it’s no surprise that more and more of them are appearing in the world’s best sailing destinations.
Where Can I Get Training in Catamaran Sailing?
In response to their rise in popularity, ASA developed 114: Cruising Catamaran. This course is ideal for people who already have monohull cruising experience and want to translate that over to the catamaran. You’ll learn all the advantages and disadvantages of multihull sailing so that you’ll always be making an informed decision when considering which boat to charter or buy. You’ll also get the practical sailing skills you need to be confident and have a great time on your cat. Contact an ASA school near you to see if they offer ASA 114: Cruising Catamaran.
Charter Resources
- Your First Charter Sailing Vacation Today bareboat chartering is the culmination of your sailing education. When you walk across the deck and get your sailing diploma you step on to the metaphorical boat of your future and you can sail it anywhere you want!
- Charter Sailboat Resources Whether you have just begun to sail and have recently earned your ASA 101 certification or if you have already mastered ASA 114 and are a veteran of bareboat charters this resource should help you.
- Bareboat Charter in the BVI Getting aboard your bareboat charter is the goal when you get your ASA sailing certifications. Where do you begin? For many, it is a sailing vacation in the British Virgin Islands.
- Choosing a Charter Boat Company It’s time for you to set off on your own and explore endless shorelines and secluded coves. You have mapped out your plan and you have reserved your vacation time now all you need is a boat. How do you choose a charter company to rent a boat for a week?
- Choosing The Right Boat for Your Sailing Charter When you decide to take a sailing vacation aboard a sailing vessel that you will call home for a week or two you’ll be surprised by just how much you think you need.
- Sailing in Europe? Chartering overseas is on the bucket list of many a sailor, but making it happen comes with a stipulation or two. A sizable number of countries require an International Proficiency Certificate that lets them know the charterer is trained, qualified and prepared to take one of their boats out to sea.
Responses
I’ve only had one experience sailing a cruising cat..that being a 5 day charter on a PDQ 32 in the North Channel of Lake Huron. I sailed with my 4 brothers and father…all 6′ guys. We thought this boat provided us with great stability and sailing while providing more then adequate room for the 6 of us. We had previously only chartered mono-hulls, but my father had lost his arm the year before and the stability of of the catamaran allowed us to keep sailing with him being comfortable and safe.
Tim
Catamaran sailing vacations are great for everyone…even people shorter than 6′! As far as the cats heeling – they hardly do for one very simple reason – width to length ratio. The oceanliner Oasis of the Seas is 1186′ long and only 198′ in width, and 30′ of the width is below the waterline – width is about 15% of the length.
In comparison the catamaran Marmot is 67′ long and 37′ width which is 55% of the length hard to roll even in stiff winds and high seas!