For example, lets say their is a 30ft sailing with a 60hp attached to it. If the beam is 14.5ft and the is 7000 lbs. Is there an equation that I can use to determine approximate cruising speed or can anyone reference and examples that may be similar to this case so I can off a baseline?
Thanks a ton.
26-08-2017, 08:54
Boat: crowther trimaran 33
.
There is not much reason to consider motoring speeds.
26-08-2017, 09:47
are more complicated. The formula for catamaran is 1.34*(wetted length)1/2; however, this drag formula is generally not the limiting factor for catamaran speed. This is because with waterline length to beam ratios greater than 8:1 are not limited by hydrodynamic drag factors, whereas smaller need to plane to do so (planing requires enormous amounts of power for hulls). A more important factor to consider is the prismatic coefficient, Cp. Cp = V/(LBP*Am), where V is the volume of displaced by the , LBP is the length between perpendiculars, and Am is the area at midship.
I felt really smart for a few seconds....but I copied all that from ...have no idea what it means.
26-08-2017, 10:16
. However, narrower hulls can get away with a lower prismatic coefficient. The ideal range of Cp for a catamaran is between 0.61 and 0.65. There are a few ways of increasing the prismatic coefficients: sailors can use bulb bows, a wide planing aft segment, or a flat hull rocker in conjunction with a bustle aft. Though high prismatic coefficients increase drag at low speed, at high speeds they can reduce drag by as much as ten percent. I think what all this means is that if you put a 60hp in a 30' cat, it gonna go like hell. That's all I got to say about it; and I'm sticking to it.
26-08-2017, 11:37
Boat: Hitchhiker, Catamaran, 40'
26-08-2017, 13:25
Boat: Prout Snowgoose 35
at a good cruising with a 30hp . More often that not I get around 5-6knts. The same Cat with a 40hp will do close to 8knts.
I've been on larger catamarans that will easily do 10knts using just one engine, but perhaps something in the 7knt range is more common for Lagoons and the like.
26-08-2017, 13:57
450 cruises on one 54 HP engine at 2200rpm around 6knots at of around 3.8 litres per hr.
With Both engines at 2400 revs 8.3 kn with 9.4 litres per hour. Both engines flat out 9.1 knots 3000 is 20.5 Litres per hour
26-08-2017, 14:11
Boat: Chamberlin 11.6 catamaran
at about 8-9 knots top speed. Going 8 knots will use about 50% more than 7 knots so you motor at 6-7 instead.
Drag is related to the square if the boat speed so going fast needs huge amounts of power and fuel. I added a second motor to my boat - and got an extra 1 top speed with almost double fuel consumption - 9.9 knots now.
Sailing cats and power cats have very different shapes. A power cat has straight aft sections and a sailing cat has upsweep in the line. The two are very different and you can't make a power cat shape well when sailing in lighter winds and upwind and you can't make a sailing shape work well at high speeds under power.
Just chill out and go at 7 knots. Even though our boat has hit 19.9 knots, we average about 7.5 to 8.5 most of the time. You don't go that fast.
26-08-2017, 14:29
Boat: Fountaine Pajot - Lucia 40
,
26-08-2017, 14:34
26-08-2017, 14:57
Boat: Fountaine Pajot - Lucia 40
26-08-2017, 15:00
26-08-2017, 15:20
Boat: Leopard 39
26-08-2017, 16:44
Boat: TRT 1200
top speed with almost double fuel consumption - 9.9 knots now.
Sailing cats and power cats have very different shapes. A power cat has straight aft sections and a sailing cat has upsweep in the line. The two are very different and you can't make a power cat shape work well when sailing in lighter winds and upwind and you can't make a sailing shape work well at high speeds under power.
Just chill out and go at 7 knots. Even though our boat has hit 19.9 knots, we average about 7.5 to 8.5 most of the time. You don't go that fast.
26-08-2017, 17:28
Boat: Searunner 40 trimaran, WILDERNESS
40 , 30 hp with folding 18x12 prop = 8 knots at 2300 rpm, 20 knots under sail, unless I'm really nutso.
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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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My Cruiser Life Magazine
Fastest Catamarans for Cruising in 2023
Catamarans appeal to sailors and would-be sailors for a variety of reasons. One of those reasons is the need for speed—cats have a reputation for being faster. There are dozens of brands and tons of great boat designs that capitalize on this, and designers are constantly pushing the bounds and asking, “Really, how fast can a catamaran go?”
Performance sailing catamarans may look like your run-of-the-mill Leopard or Lagoon from a distance. But these boats are full of little tricks to boost their speeds—narrow hull designs, retractable daggerboards instead of keels, and extensive use of cutting-edge lightweight materials like carbon fiber. All of this adds up, so expect to pay double, triple, or maybe much more for a truly fast catamaran. And that means there are far fewer boats on the water, and owning one puts you in an exclusive club.
Table of Contents
Neel trimarans, what is a fast catamaran, how fast can a catamaran go, are fast catamarans the boat you’re looking for, fast catamarans faqs, top brands of fast catamarans.
Here’s a list of some of the best-known and trail-blazing fast catamaran makers. These companies are making luxury performance catamarans suited for owners who want to cruise fast. These aren’t barebones race boats built for nothing but speed. Instead, these are comfortable boats that will outperform most others in their class.
Most performance boats will be 45 feet long or more. Small catamarans don’t fall into this category, and most production liveaboard catamarans are built too heavily in order to save money.
For more than two decades, Gunboat has been setting the bar on what a performance catamaran can be. They took state-of-the-art technologies from the racing world and applied them to family-friendly cruising catamarans. The company started in the US in 2002. One of the company’s stated missions is to create boats that sail faster than the wind in anything more than 6 knots of breeze.
Since 2016, Gunboat has built top-quality boats at their La Grande-Motte, France, facility. However, they are still a boutique builder making only a handful of boats yearly. Their current offerings include the 68, 72, and 80. All boats have narrow hulls, retractable boards, high-performance sail plans, carbon fiber construction, and luxurious living accommodations.
The first hull of the Gunboat 68, CONDOR, was launched in 2019 and set out on a trans-Atlantic crossing immediately after its sea trials. The crew wrote a detailed report of the experience and the boat’s performance. CONDOR exceeded 30 knots occasionally, but average speeds were between 14 and 17 knots. Their best 24 hours saw 328 nm (an average speed of 13.7 knots).
The company motto says it all. “Life is too short to sail a slow boat.”
Outremer Catamarans is one of the original makers of French performance cats, in business since 1984. According to their website, the company has made over 300 boats since then. A large-scale production boat maker they are not. These are custom-built fast catamarans of the highest quality, made for safety, comfort, and speed. Outremer recently received much attention when popular YouTubers Sailing La Vagabonde sailed aboard an Outremer 45 for several years.
Currently, Outremer offers boats ranging from the 45 to the 5X (48 to 60 feet long). The X models (4X and 5X) are even more performance-oriented, with more extensive use of carbon fiber and a more race-inspired sail plan.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Riley Whitelum (@riley.whitelum)
Catana is yet another French performance brand of luxury cruising catamaran. Today, Catana Group also makes Bali cruising catamarans, effectively marketing Catanas to the performance set and Bali’s to the cruising and charter set. https://www.catana.com
Presently, Catana is only making two models, the OC50 and the 53. Historically, however, Catana has made many beautiful boats. Notably, the 471 is a fast cruising catamaran that is a favorite among long-distance cruisers. On the smaller side, the 431 and even the 401 and 381 are quick and fun sailers that move better than their competition.
Catanas are easily recognizable by their daggerboards and narrow hulls with asymmetrical designs. In addition, they use a lightweight composite layup that results in a very stiff boat that weighs less than their competitors. Still, Catanas are not on the same level as an Outremer 5X or Gunboat–these are fiberglass boats that are built better than the competition and made to outperform many other boats.
HH Catamarans is Gunboat’s first real competitor in the high-end performance cat market. They started in 2012 and are part of the Hudson Yacht Group. The boats are designed by Morrelli & Melvin, a highly-regarded multihull design firm, and are built in Xiamen, China, or Cebu, Philippines.
HH has boats in their model line from 44 to 88 feet long. The company focuses on providing what owners and sailors want and are looking for, so you’ll see lots of customizability within the lineup. They include features you won’t find from a lot of builders, including lots of planned real estate for solar panels (5kW or more!), hybrid drive systems, and ocean cruising OC (keels) or sport cruising SC (daggerboard) models to pick from.
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Balance started in South Africa in 2013. They focus on making semi-custom, comfortable performance yachts that are strong and safe and can be easily operated single-handedly or by a couple. They are live-aboard boats that strike a balance between comfort and performance. But, compared to the current offerings from Lagoon or Leopard, it’s clear that Balance cats skew far more toward performance than others do.
Models currently range from the 442 to the 750. They’re available with daggerboards or keels and made with extensive carbon fiber and all epoxy-resin composites. According to their website, the current record speed for a Balance 482 while surfing is 28 knots. She’ll cruise all day between 8 and 14 on a reach, though. They describe the 482 as a “trend-setting circumnavigator”—the perfect boat for your sail around the world route .
Kinetic Catamarans are designed by Simonis Voogd and built in Knysna, South Africa. Like others on the list, these are semi-custom, luxury, performance cruising cats with an emphasis on speed. They have all-carbon construction, carbon spars, laminated sails, and a forward sailing cockpit deck layout.
Since they are truly semi-custom, each boat is spec-ed out to each buyer’s vision. This includes standard or racing rigs, centerboards or daggerboards, and many furnishings, layouts, and outfitting options. Kinetic currently offers 54 and 62-foot versions.
What’s better than two hulls? Three, maybe. That is, three might be better if your goal is truly fast sailing. Neel Trimarans is a new French builder attempting to capitalize on this simple fact by merging the best of all worlds—the space and liveability of a cruising catamaran with the performance, sail efficiency, and stability of an offshore-capable tri.
The company presently offers models between 43 and 65 feet. They say cruising speeds are reliably over 10 knots, with 15 to 18 knots when the breeze freshens. Compared to cats, these boats’ rigid central hulls allow for stronger rigging and better upwind performance, and the central keel allows better tracking and rudder control.
Now you’ve looked at some fast cats, you might wonder what constitutes “fast.”
You will be wowed if you’re selling your 30-foot monohull and moving up to a 50-foot cat. But if you’re coming from the world of car and plane travel, sailboats of any ilk are anything but “fast.”
The first thing to accept is that all sailboats are slow . This shocks many people who think they’d like to travel and see the world by sailboat. The marketing of these “fast cats” is everywhere, and the idea that the faster boat is safer because you can “beat the weather” is especially pervasive. No sailboat at sea can outrun a front or storm cell moving at 30 or 40 knots.
In truth, the fastest catamaran you can comfortably live aboard and cruise on will average out under 15 knots . In similar conditions, production catamarans might be doing 10 to 12. The monohull speeds of the same length might be 7 or 8 knots, and a bigger monohull with similar living space might be doing 10 or 12.
So don’t be lulled or wowed by these vessel’s maximum speed or “surfing” claims—they’re fun numbers to kick around with your dock neighbors, but what really matters is how many miles you can tick off in a day of travel.
To get more speed than this, you’ll either push the boat in ways that are not safe or comfortable at sea, or you will have to find bigger, more advanced, and even more expensive vessels. Most boats on this list are luxury liveaboard that is safe to travel the world.
But are they fast? As the old sailor saying goes, “Nothing goes to weather like a 747.” Sailing is still sailing. And sailing is a slow, slow, slow way to see the world.
Traditional monohull sailboats are displacement vessels that are limited by a few rules. As they push the water out of their way, they build up bow and stern waves. Push too much water, and the waves get bigger, pulling the vessel farther into the water. So no matter how you power it, it’s limited to hull speed. Hull speed is a factor of waterline length, width of the hull, and displacement.
Modern designs favor flat bottoms like powerboats, with the idea that they can surf and plane to get more speed. Catamarans take this even further, and with some clever design tricks , it’s possible to get a catamaran well above displacement speeds for extended runs. Of course, a lot depends on the hull type, and other factors are also at play.
Catamarans are very sensitive to weight . Their speed comes from being a lightweight boat with the ability to fly across the water, contrary to how a heavy monohull plows through it. The heavier the boat, the lower it sits in the water.
Therefore, adding weight to any catamaran will slow it down. To this end, finding a performance-oriented liveaboard catamaran less than 47 feet long is difficult. Less than this, and the narrow hulls simply can’t hold the weight of you and your stuff.
Finally, there’s the consideration of the environment you’re sailing in. The wind is obvious—they sail fastest on a broad reach. And, just like any other type of boat, they are slowest when close-hauled and on a run.
Rough seas are another of the catamaran characteristics to consider in your need for speed. Often the boat is capable of more, but the ride is rough and uncomfortable.
So you shorten sail and slow down to find the sweet spot of comfortable sailing speed—enough power to maintain a good speed without pounding your brains out and causing undo fatigue on the crew. And, of course, the rougher the conditions, the slower the boat’s performance as she slows and in the troughs and speeds “downhill.”
While they are faster than other vessels, that’s certainly not the only thing catamarans have going for them. Fast is a relative term, and “fast” sailing is still awfully slow. So unless you already love sailing, sailing fast might not have as much appeal as you’d expect.
Catamarans are great vessels with a lot of pluses. And these fast modern catamarans are some of the best—luxurious living space aboard comfortable, top-quality vessels.
What are the fastest catamarans?
Like those used in recent America’s Cup races, pure racing catamarans use foils to lift their hulls out of the water. Whether performance-oriented or not, regular catamarans for cruising are much slower, averaging between 10 and 15 knots. Still, they generally outperform monohull sailboats of similar lengths in most conditions, especially when sailing downwind.
How fast does a 50 foot catamaran sail?
There are many designs of catamarans, and they all sail differently. In some conditions, a pure racing catamaran may sail significantly faster than the wind speed. Most cruising catamarans, whether designated as “performance” or not, will max out around 12 to 15 knots. Momentary peak speeds may be significantly higher.
What is the fastest point of sail catamaran?
As with all sailboats, the fastest point of sail will be near a beam reach, where the apparent wind is 90 degrees from the boat’s bow. Since cats travel faster over the water, this usually means that the true wind is off the quarter, with a true wind angle of about 120 degrees off the bow.
How fast is the Gunboat 68?
Gunboat 68, hull number 1 (68-01), was launched in 2019. Immediately after sea trials, CONDOR crossed the Atlantic . The crew reported the vessel’s max speed exceeded 30 knots occasionally, with averages between 14 and 17 knots. Their best day was 328 nm, making the average speed for those 24 hours 13.7 knots (15.8 mph).
Matt has been boating around Florida for over 25 years in everything from small powerboats to large cruising catamarans. He currently lives aboard a 38-foot Cabo Rico sailboat with his wife Lucy and adventure dog Chelsea. Together, they cruise between winters in The Bahamas and summers in the Chesapeake Bay.
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39 Vital Tips, How To Sail a Catamaran!(For Beginners, The Fun and Safe Way!)
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In this article, I list many of the things that I have found significant about sailing a catamaran. The list is mainly aimed towards sailors transitioning from monohulls, but new sailors without prior experience will benefit from reading this before leaving harbor!
So what do you need to know before setting off in a Catamaran?
Catamarans Don’t Heel
Since catamarans have two hulls, the boat won’t heel over to its side while sailing; this means a ton of things! In part, it means that your ride will be faster, safer, more comfortable, etc.
Read this to understand the difference between monohulls (aka regular sailboats) and catamarans.
You will be faster on a Catamaran.
Since a catamaran has two hulls, it has less volume of the boat below the surface; this means less drag and higher speeds.
Want to know why cats are faster than other boats?
Maneuverability inside the Marina will be much more pleasant.
Although a catamaran will be more affected by winds due to its immense size, you can maneuver it as you would with a battle tank since it has two engines. That is doing a 360 turn without any movement forward or backward. This is an excellent way to enter and exit a marina.
Fuel costs will decrease.
Low drag means less energy needed to propel the boat; this is also true when running the engines. Compared to a monohull, the catamaran will draw less fuel.
Check out this article to understand why and how you can save fuel and instead spend your money on fun things!
If you get knocked over, you won’t get back up again (but at least you won’t sink!)
Catamarans have a terrible reputation for flipping over or capsizing as it is known to the people of the water. There is not much data to support that claim, and if you look at the available data, you would actually see that catamarans, in many ways, are safer than boats with only one hull.
Are catamarans safer than other sailboats?
Catamarans are wider and, therefore, safer.
Is it easier to push something to its side if it has a wide or a small base? Yepp exactly, the cat has a broad base and is, therefore, more stable (the short and easy explanation). There are numerous other factors to consider but a wider base means better stability!
Sign up for my mailing list to find out when my article on catamaran stability goes online
Catamarans will get you the ladies(or men, or cats, or whatever)
There is nothing more accurate on this list than the fact that a catamaran will get you more company, of the sort you prefer, than a monohull. The sailing is smoother; the space is plentiful, it’s basically made for having friends hanging out on the trampolines.
Speaking of trampolines, some myths say that they are made to reduce water onboard and enhance safety, but everybody really knows it’s a place for beautiful times with great friends ;)!
What are trampolines you say?
Because of the shallow draft, you can go places where monohulls can’t
If you are going to the Bahamas (or any other place where the water isn’t very deep), and believe me, you definitely want, then a shallow draft is almost as good of a friend as a cold beer on a sunny day.
A shallow draft means that your boat won’t be sticking very deep into the water, which significantly enhances the number of places you can explore, and it also makes it possible to get very close to the beach.
Be prepared to spend your dollars.
“A boat is a hole in the water where you throw your money” is what a wise friend of mine once told me in a marina in the Miami River. Little did I know at the time how true that statement was to become.
And if you’re on a catamaran… you will have two engines, larger sails, more surface area, more everything, and more everything means that more things will break and more items will have to be paid for
BUT! it also means more fun!
Finding a place to lift your cat out of the water might be trickier than you thought.
Unless you are on a smaller cat, such as the Gemini Legacy 35, you won’t be able to fit in a standard slip, and getting hauled up out of the water might not be possible everywhere.
Be prepared to pay a little extra, and make sure you ask before you!
In contrary to many beliefs, cats can be sailed single-handed.
Another myth is that catamarans are harder to sail than their monohull counterpart; this is simply not true in a general sense. If the boat is set up for shorthanded sailing, it will most certainly be easier to sail than its heeling and leaning sister ship, the monohull.
If you are interested in the skills needed to handle a large cruising catamaran I think you should check out my recommended books here.
No more sailing close to the wind
Since a cat doesn’t have a colossal keel, it tends to move sideways when sailing close to the point of wind. This means more drag, less transfer of movement in the direction of travel, and a less comfortable trip.
Usually, a cat needs to sail more of the wind than a monohull,
Downwind is your new best friend.
But on the other hand, going downwind or running downwind is, together with humans, your dog and red wine, your new best friend. This is where the catamaran will show its true potential.
It’s fast, smooth, and can take you around the world!
Sailing around the world.
Unless you are setting a world record, you will probably take the westward route around the globe. Sailing west means traveling with the prevailing winds and, you guessed it, perfect for a catamaran.
Interested in sailing around the world?
You have friends? Bring all of them!
Maybe not all, but many catamarans can fit many people; 6-10 people is not uncommon. Most of the space is on deck, but since there are two hulls, there are usually 2-4 berths fitting 4-8 people sleeping!
That’s a lot of friends, family, cats, or whomever you would want to bring.
Are you used to monohulls? Then you need to update your storm tactics!
Often, the boat will survive more hardship than the crew; it has happened more than once that a ship will be found only to have lost its team somewhere in the middle of the ocean.
A boat is only as good as its captain allows it to become; with poor sailing skills comes danger, and handling a catamaran IS different than handling another type of boat. Ensure you update your skillset, especially those considering rough weather, so that they are relevant when transitioning to a different kind of vessel!
Full speed with double engines
Exactly how fast you will be able to travel is, of course, dependent upon many factors. But something you can rely on is that more power equals higher speeds; in most catamarans, they employ two engines!
If you want to see a table of examples comparing sailing with one engine and two engines, check this out.
Hate swinging around on anchor? You better up your bridle-game
A well-balanced bridle will make the cat stay stable towards the wind; a poorly balanced bridle will tend to do a pendulum motion where the waves might push it one way only for the wind to push it back.
Want to better understand how a bridle work and how to make one?
Don’t stop before the beach; go all the way upon it.
Sailing in the Caribbean, we could often find ourselves wanting to explore a deserted island. We could either throw in the dingy or swim to shore; with a catamaran, you have a third option: “beach” it.
Beaching a catamaran means taking it all the way up to the shoreline so you can step off onto a beautiful beach without even getting your toes wet!
Check this out to understand what beaching a catamaran is like.
The cat is enormous; why not live on it!
A monohull’s size is usually what takes the fun and comfort out of the vacation, but with more space and your own berth/room, the ability to stay comfortably for more extended periods increases.
You might even have a hard time to get people of your boat 😉
How to sail faster upwind than a longer monohull
Yes, it is usually true that a mono can go closer to the wind than your average cat; this means a shorter distance from point A to point B if traveling directly towards the wind.
But, and its a big but (one T) catamarans on average are faster, that means even though they might have to travel a longer distance, they will usually show up at the destination faster than its mono counterpart.
Especially if we are talking longer distances, let’s say around the world or Atlantic crossings, then there is no discussion over which is the fastest.
Check this list of catamaran speeds to learn more .
No more merry-go-round while at anchor
One of the things I hated the most when living and sailing on a monohull was getting seasick when not even sailing. The wind pushing you one way and the waves the other makes for an incredibly potent mix of sea-sickness.
On a cat, that’s not really an issue; yes, it will swing around a little, it might even swing a little extra since it catches a lot of wind, but it is not going to roll! Which is a huge deal!
How to become a better sailor
Everybody says that to become a good sailor, you must get out there earn your experience, but without the correct feedback and conclusions, you might be at risk of sub optimizing your skillset.
This means that unless you bring someone very experienced, you might create habits that only work under the circumstances you have practiced, that is, calm weather close to shore.
What you need is someone to tell you, “that works today, but it will get you into trouble in X and Y situations,” those tips are vital! Get the opinion of someone you trust, whether it’s online or an actual person tagging along!
The American sailing association has a pretty cool book about handling large catamarans, check it out here.
Sailing single-handed
Catamarans, when set up correctly, can be sailed single-handed or shorthanded. Some of the changes you’ll have to make include;
Get an autopilot
Make sure your lines go all the way to the cockpit, so you don’t have to leave your GPS, radar, etc.
Remove things that are obstructing your view; there are only two eyes on board!
Ensure you have enough physical power to handle the winches, sail, etc., if you don’t? Hit the gym; if that doesn’t work, buy electric winches.
Practice sailing single-handed(but have a passive crew tag along for safety) and figure out what else you need.
More info on how to sail single-handed
Anchoring your cat at sea
One way to do this is to use a sea anchor, basically a parachute in the water that breaks your movements. more on sea anchors here
The sea depth in the middle of an ocean can be thousands of meters, so bringing that much anchor chain doesn’t really work. What you would do is drift under control, that is, situating the boat in a comfortable position, and that doesn’t make you drift too much in the wrong direction.
Picking up a mooring ball
This is a common question, but I’m not sure why it intimidates people as much as it does. It is probably the easiest way to anchor of them all.
Basically, what you want to do is;
Prepare your bridle
Head into the wind slowly, approach the ball on the same side of the centerline as your friend, who will later pick it up.
Take into consideration the drift occurring by the wind and current.
Use a boathook, stick, or whatever to pick up the line from the mooring ball and attach it to the center of your bridle.
Put the boat in reverse, give it a little throttle, and tension the lines so that you can trust your anchoring
Voila, you’ve picked up your first mooring ball!
How to make your useless friend useful onboard
Turn that useless friend into and a vital asset!
The best way to prepare for troublesome situations is to think through what problems may happen and what you want to do when it happens. What you do is you bring that diamond in the rough that is your friend onboard, you discuss a few situations, you tell her what you want her to do and when.
Then you practice, not full-on, but you will show your friend how things are done; let’s say you want help with anchoring. Do a walkthrough of the process where you let your, now a little bit shinier diamond, handle the ropes and respond to commands. Offer honest and concrete feedback and let them succeed in the task.
Once you feel comfortable with your friend’s actions, you have accomplished two things, you have taught your friend a new skill, and you have acquired a crewmember! Glorious!
Bring your real best friend, the dog (or cat, for you weirdos 😉 )
Heeling is not only tough on us humans! On a cat (the boat), a cat(the animal) can move around more safely, and there is a smaller chance of it falling off. Many chose to keep the pet inside the boat, but I really do believe that your pets should also be able to enjoy the beautiful sailing and weather!
Prepare to see nothing.
I don’t mean beautiful islands and tropical beaches; you’ll see plenty of that! I mean, seeing where you are going, a cat has a lot of stuff in front of you(such as that glorious interior space), so if you’re used to your good old monohull, you might find it difficult at first to get at a good view of where you’re going. Especially when docking or in a marina.
Catamaran Sailing Techniques: Everything you need to know – Yachting World
The wind will give you a hard time.
A catamaran is basically a big box with floating sleds; boxes are not famous for aerodynamics. This box-shaped floater will catch a lot of wind and will make slow speed movements, such as docking, a little bit trickier.
To the rescue comes double engines with separate controls making it possible to do 360 turns on the spot and super small unballasted keels called centerboards.
Spring of the dock will be your new way of life.
Higher on the list, we looked at the box-shaped floating thing that is a catamaran and how much the wind affects it. This is also true when exiting a dock; all that force will make it impossible to head out if the wind blows towards the dock.
Spring off the dock to the rescue! This method uses simple physics of leverage to make your stern move away from the dock even though the wind and waves are pushing you back in.
Sign up to my mailing list for information on when that article is published!
Stop turning the wheel and start using your throttles.
The downside of a shallow draft is that it won’t have much that stops you from moving sideways with the wind; the upside of having a catamaran is that you have two engines!
When moving at slow speeds, let’s say docking, you dont have much “grip” on the water and not much water passing around the rudders. This makes handling a catamaran in the same way as a monohull very difficult.
Instead, the preferred method is to put the rudder at center position and turn by offsetting the throttle; higher throttle on your right engine will make you go left and vice versa. This allows for 360 spins and precis handling in tight spaces! Pretty neat, I would say.
Get used to that hellish banging noise!
Bridge deck clearance is a real thing on a catamaran, and if you’re on a smaller sized or just poorly built, you’ll get more banging than your teenaged self ever wished for(pun intended)!
So bridge deck clearance is the distance between the water and the lowest part of the boat between the hulls.
This is the part where the water will pass between the hulls, and under some circumstances, let’s say big enough waves, water will crash and hit the underside—making not only a lot of noise but also vibrations throughout the boat.
Bring all that crap that you thought you would have to leave on land.
“sailing is living the simple life and bringing only what you need,” someone said to me once; screw that! 🙂 On a cat, there is so much space that you’ll be able to bring almost anything that you want and need.
People bring everything from scuba gear(including a system to fill up the oxygen tanks) to washing machines!
Even though I consider myself to be a simple man when it comes to stuff (i live in a van, as some of you know 😉 ) I can totally understand the beauty of bringing a lot of creature comfort on board.
Shallow draft, yes, but how deep is the water, visual checks.
Before sailing the Bahamas, I would hear of stories almost every day of boats that went aground and either got stuck or wrecked their ships. I was terrified but once underway and a couple of months in, I couldn’t really understand how it could happen.
So I started looking into the information about different accidents that I could find, and something struck me, common sense isn’t that common…
I realized that many sailors trusted their GPS or maps more than they trust their own eyes. I could easily understand that the people who went aground were the ones that did not do visual checks when entering or moving through a shallow section.
When storms roll in, the seafloor, especially if made of sand, shifts, and depths, is rarely accurate on a map, and if your sailing with only a few feet to spare, you better keep an eye out!
If monohulls give you feedback like your mom at family dinner, then a catamaran is your dead budgie.
Maybe that title is a bit of a stretch and only applies to my family; if so, sorry about that, let’s carry on!
So when the wind hits the sails on a monohull, it leans to the side, everybody gets seasick, and you want to go home, that is not all bad! That same feeling also gives the captain a sensation of how much force is acted upon the sails, something vital if you want to stay afloat.
The issue with a catamaran is that it does not offer feedback to the helm in the same manner; there is nothing dangerous about it; it is just different. The problem occurs when you expect feedback in the shape of leaning before you start reefing.
If you wait for that, you’ll soon find yourself in trouble! The easiest and safest way is to use a “wind speed rule of thumb,” basically a standard operating procedure for putting the reefs in based on apparent wind. Once the wind speed hits X m/s, you put your first reef in; when the speed hits Y m/s, you put the next reef in, and so on.
See a squall coming? Reef early!
A gust of wind? Head down, not up!
I know, I know, I compare monohulls and cats all the time… and yes, here’s one more comparison!
Some of you single-hull-people out there might be tempted to head upwind if there’s a gust hitting the sails, I would rethink that strategy and recommend you train your reactions to do the opposite!
Heading upwind(on a cat) during a gust will increase the risk of capsizing (flipping over is extremely rare, but if you’re ever going to pull it off, here’s your chance!).
Gybe like Barry White would
I’m not sure we see the same things here, but what I’m trying to say is that you want to take it nice and smooth on the transition from one side to the other.
Tighten in the sheet, pull the mainsail to the center and slowly pass from one side to the other; this will decrease the wear and tear and reduce the risk of injuries from the beam swinging like a
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!
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IMAGES
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COMMENTS
Daniel Wade. Catamarans are known for their speed, and some vessels are fast enough to break world sailing speed records. Catamarans can go between 15 and 30 knots, with the fastest achieving speeds well in excess of 60 knots. Sailing catamarans are sometimes twice as fast as monohulls and cut through the water with greater efficiency.
Sailing catamarans typically average about 10 knots. Pontoon boats average about 20 mph. A powerboat cruiser can average anywhere between 30 and 50 mph. Cigarette boats can even reach close to 90 mph in the proper conditions. Sailboats average between 6 and 12 mph depending on wind conditions.
Still, cruising catamarans can be great racing boats, but just how fast can they go? Some of the fastest cruising catamarans include the Gunboat 68 (35 knots), Outremer 45 (25 knots), ORC50 (25 knots), FastCat 435 (20 knots), TS 42 (35 knots), and Lagoon 440 (20 knots). Yet, there are many more cats that can reach 35 knots safely.
Sailing catamarans typically average about 10 knots while pontoon boats average about 16 knots. As for powerboats, they can average anywhere between 30 and 50 mph. Most average sailboats are designed with monohulls and they average from 6 to 9 knots depending on wind conditions.
So, how fast are cruising catamarans? Sailing cruising catamarans can travel at an average of 9-15 knots and max out around 35 kts. Power Cruising catamarans have a maximum speed of 70 knots but averages around 20-25 kts. How fast a catamaran can go also depends on the load it is carrying, its structural design, and its engine power.
Factors Affecting Catamaran Speed: There are several factors that determine how fast a sail catamaran can go. Let's take a closer look at them: 1. Hull Design: The design of the hull plays a significant role in determining the speed of a catamaran. Catamarans typically have two parallel hulls connected by a deck structure, which reduces drag ...
Short Answer. The speed of a catamaran depends on the type and size of the boat, as well as the weather and water conditions. Generally, a catamaran can travel at speeds of between 6-8 knots (7-9 mph) when under power, and as much as 20 knots (23 mph) under sail.
How fast can catamarans go? The speed a catamaran can go is entirely dependent upon the hull design, weight of the vessel, the strength of propulsion (be it wind or powered) and so on. The general rule is that in terms of sailing cats vs monohull sailboats, a cat of equal length can typically go faster than a sailboat.
Catamarans can be much faster than monohulls. This comes as a result of two hulls that are narrower than just one and allow the boat to cut through the waves by reducing drag and causing planing. Planing is the lifting of a boat over the water, a process that makes them go much faster. Normally, a catamaran's top speed is between 15 and 30 ...
Sailing catamarans come in all different shapes and sizes. Some are optimized for living space and comfort, while others are designed with fast cruising speeds being the sole goal of the boat. The Gunboat 68, one of the fastest cruising sailboats currently made, can exceed 30 knots.
An F50 catamaran preparing for the Sail GP series recently even broke this barrier, reaching an incredible speed of 50.22 knots (57.8mph) purely powered by the wind. This was achieved in a wind of ...
A sport cruising catamaran can reach 30 knots. A racing catamaran is somewhat faster and can sail at 45 knots. The power cruising catamaran is probably the fastest vessel and can travel at 70 knots. One of the main features that make catamarans so fast is the integration of assisting foils that lift the boat off the water.
This is the formula for Maximum Hull Speed on a displacement boat: Max hull speed= √((Length on Water Line x g) /(2 x pi)) x 3600/1852. Now we need to add the increased efficiency (loss of drag) of a semi-displacement hull, usually, this is somewhere between a 10-30% increase. Semi Displacement hull speed = Maximum hull speed * 1.3.
A catamaran is a sailboat with two hulls. These two hulls are connected by a bridge deck. Many people will be familiar with Hobie cats, small catamarans that are popular for sailing on lakes and in calmer waters. Cruising catamarans are based on this same principle but have large hulls that can fit many cabins inside, and house large structures ...
The goal is speed, performance and offshore comfort, both in the strong stuff and, more importantly, in whispering airs that park-up monohulls. "A good performance catamaran can sail 1.2 to 1.5 times faster than windspeed in some conditions, meaning less time motoring and more time sailing," says Greg Young, designer of the TAG 60.
The V.O 60, X-Yachts X4.0, and Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 are great examples of fast monohull boats. For multihull boats, Rapido 60 (Trimaran), Dragonfly 40 (Trimaran), and ICE Cat 61 (Catamaran) are some of the fastest in that category. The list can go on when you are talking about specialized performance boats, foiling boats, and even windsurfers.
How SailGP's foiling F50 catamarans sail so much faster than the wind. Jonathan Turner. January 8, 2023. Arguably the most technologically advanced sailboats on the planet right now, the one-design SailGP F50 foiling catamarans are capable of breathtaking speeds - at times, reaching four times the velocity of the wind that drives them.
Most catamarans can sail at speeds between 15 and 30 knots. Some racing catamarans can reach speeds of up to 30 knots. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule and some catamarans can sail faster or slower depending on the conditions. However, the average cruising speed for a catamaran is around 12 knots.
The two are very different and you can't make a power cat shape work well when sailing in lighter winds and upwind and you can't make a sailing shape work well at high speeds under power. Just chill out and go at 7 knots. Even though our boat has hit 19.9 knots, we average about 7.5 to 8.5 most of the time. You don't go that fast.
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.
The crew wrote a detailed report of the experience and the boat's performance. CONDOR exceeded 30 knots occasionally, but average speeds were between 14 and 17 knots. Their best 24 hours saw 328 nm (an average speed of 13.7 knots). The company motto says it all. "Life is too short to sail a slow boat.".
We have fielded many questions about how these catamarans can sail so fast. One of the best explanations of what happens when these catamarans get going, is the one by Grant from NauticEd. He explains how these AC72 not only goes faster than the true wind, but actually go faster than the apparent wind. He points out that the limitation on boat ...
Sailing single-handed. Catamarans, when set up correctly, can be sailed single-handed or shorthanded. Some of the changes you'll have to make include; Get an autopilot; Make sure your lines go all the way to the cockpit, so you don't have to leave your GPS, radar, etc. Remove things that are obstructing your view; there are only two eyes on ...