When you are on a sailing trip, not only is your destination important but it also is the boat that you choose for your voyage. A good yacht or a catamaran creates wonderful memories of the location and your sailing adventure. If you are looking for an idyllic sailing trip that combines luxury and comfort while you experience a sense of rejuvenation then the best bet for you is a catamaran. But before you hoist those sails and pack your beer we would like to give you a beginner’s guide to sailing on a catamaran.
The structure of this beauty
The hulls– A catamaran has two hulls that are connected by crossbeams. The staterooms with their private head are located in the hulls. Because of the two hulls in a catamaran, it gets a large living space which is appreciated when you are going on a long sailing.
The deckhouse and the bridge deck – These are used as the saloon and galley and also for navigating while sailing. In some catamarans, you will also find a flybridge that adds another level to the boat.
Smooth sailing features
Catamarans generally have a large living space. When sailing with a group of friends or family, the large living space does not give a claustrophobic feel.
Catamarans do not yaw and you can sail them easily without any heeling as they lie on the water just like a raft.
Another interesting feature of a catamaran is that unlike a monohull, a catamaran with its low drafts can anchor in almost any bay as it can get close to the shore. These low drafts also help the catamaran in navigating shallow reefs easily.
The hulls of a catamaran are lighter with less wave impedance, which makes them faster than a monohull. This comes in handy when you are sailing at reaching angles.
The living space indoors is quite large because of the dual hull but the outdoor space is also very generous in a catamaran. It is increased further by the flybridges which provide an elevated space for lounging and the dinghies that can be lifted easily with the electric davits.
As catamarans do not heel or rock and roll like a monohull, you can easily do activities like cooking your fresh catch of the day on the boat itself. The seasickness is also at bay because of its steadiness.
The catamarans have a flat even deck which provides a safe walking passage while the boat is sailing. It is particularly good for children and seniors on board. Also, you are not required to do any climbing when moving from bow to stern.
A catamaran with its duplicate features like two hulls, engines, and rudders enhances its safety quotient.
You can easily carry stuff like your scuba diving gear on the catamaran as there is enough space to stow all this away. You can sunbathe on the trampoline while your partner goes for a dive. Now, how good is that!
The add-ons
Some basic features are present in all catamarans but then there are some add-on features in some of them which differentiate them from the others.
Safety – If the catamaran offers a large sail area then you can maneuver it easily and safely with just a little support from the wind. There must be easy access to the control panel as it adds to the safety of the yacht; something which is very important. You must be able to communicate with the crew in the deckhouse, saloon, and on deck at any point.
The interiors– You must pick a boat that is aesthetically done from inside as the whole idea behind your sailing vacation is to marry comfort with luxury. If the bridge deck of the catamaran has a seating option you can easily enjoy watching the scenery and the aquatic life around you. Imagine yourself sitting on the deck with a beer in hand and watching the sunset with your partner. Motivated enough?
Be a pro-sailor with these easy tips
A catamaran can drift off easily with the wind because of its low draft and its large surface area that is exposed to the wind all the time. You must be good at anchoring the boat swiftly, especially if you are experiencing a side blowing wind.
If you want to use the engines and not the steering wheel when maneuvering the catamaran, turn the wheel to a 12’0 clock position and work only with the throttle control.
You can save a lot of money by looking for a secluded cove for anchoring your catamaran. Because of their wide beam, the docking of catamarans is usually more expensive. By docking at a secluded cove you cut down on this expense and you never know, the scenery at that spot might just be pristine and breath-taking.
Hop aboard!