go catamarans

Buy any GoBoat 2.0 and get a free GoBoat 1.0! (Disclaimer: GoBoat 1.0 does not include a battery)

Free Shipping on Orders Over $1000 (before tax) – Get Your GoBoat on the Water! (Lower 48 States Only)

** GoBoats in stock and ready to ship! **

• Recently viewed

Your cart is currently empty.

Not sure where to start? Try these collections:

• Attachments

We use cookies

This site uses cookies for better user experience and analytics.

3 reviews 3 total reviews

The GoBoat 1.0 is a portable boat that sets up in minutes. Remember the thrill of bumper boats at the fair? With the GoBoat 1.0, you can relive that excitement anywhere there's water! Just load it into your trunk, inflate, and go! Whether you're playing bumper boats or enjoying the tranquility of nature with our quiet electric trolling motor, the GoBoat offers a cost-effective way to get out on the water and have a blast.

• Share on Facebook
• Tweet on Twitter
• Pin on Pinterest
• Share by Email
• Facebook Share on Facebook
• Twitter Tweet on Twitter
• Pinterest Pin on Pinterest
• E-mail Share by Email

Pairs well with

Customer Reviews

Great product and even better customer support.

If you have any questions, you are always welcome to contact us. We'll get back to you as soon as possible, within 24 hours on weekdays.

Shipping Information

Use this text to answer questions in as much detail as possible for your customers.

Customer Support

• Refund policy
• Privacy policy
• Terms of service
• Shipping policy
• Contact information
• Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
• Opens in a new window.

• Yachting World
• Digital Edition

Garcia Explocat 52 review: A go-anywhere aluminium catamaran

• February 23, 2021

The new go-anywhere Garcia Explocat 52 offers an enticing combination of space, pace and rugged construction. Rupert Holmes tested the new boat for Yachting World and felt it's clear she has the potential to make easy 250 mile days in the right conditions.

Product Overview

Manufacturer:, price as reviewed:.

In recent years there have been two clear trends in serious long-term cruising yachts. Firstly catamarans have become mainstream, to the extent that professional racing sailors talk of ‘buying a catamaran’ for cruising with their families – a monohull doesn’t even enter the equation.

This trend can also be seen in ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers) entries, where multihulls are increasingly common. In 2020 they accounted for 28% of the total fleet and a much higher proportion of new boats and more recent designs.

The second trend is the rapidly growing popularity of rugged metal expedition yachts. Aluminium is favoured for this as it offers good strength and stiffness without a weight penalty, especially for yachts over a critical size. That’s why many top-end racing yachts were built of aluminium before composites dominated that scene.

This is a boat that’s capable of effortlessly eating miles on a long passage. Photo: Jérôme Houyvet/Garcia Yachts

It was, therefore, surely only a matter of time before someone married these two concepts to create an aluminium expedition catamaran. Cherbourg-based Garcia Yachts has been building metal boats for almost 50 years, including Jean Luc Van Den Heede ’s 36.15 MET, in which he scored a podium finish in the inaugural Vendée Globe Race in 1989.

Equally Garcia needs no introduction as a front-runner in the development of expedition yachts, thanks to the success of the Exploration 45 that was developed with ARC founder Jimmy Cornell eight years ago. What’s less well known is that the Explocat 52 is by no means Garcia’s first aluminium catamaran.

A pair of 43-footers 15 years ago were followed by the SC48, one of which consistently posted some of the fastest passage times in the 2017/18 World ARC .

As part of the Grand Large Yachting group Garcia was also able to draw on considerable expertise from Outremer and Gunboat for its latest model, while naval architecture is by Pierre Delion, who also drew the SC48.

The Explocat 52 is therefore the product of a highly knowledgeable development team and has already attracted plenty of attention, including nomination for the 2021 European Yacht of the Year awards.

The core concept for the Explocat 52 is a robust, safe long-range yacht that offers good passagemaking speeds. A high level of comfort, both at sea – even in inclement weather – and in harbour was also a key requirement, and the boat had to be capable of being handled by a couple.

Go anywhere?

While a key marketing message for Garcia’s monohulls is ‘Nowhere you can’t go’, the company accepts this won’t apply as literally to the Explocat 52, even though the boat’s impressive speed potential will enable routing around a lot of bad weather.

Explocat 52, the ultimate aluminium exploration catamaran by Garcia Yachts

The problem is, unlike being knocked down in a monohull, capsizing a multihull is always catastrophic. There are parts of the world, especially at high latitudes in the southern hemisphere, or out of season in the north, where it could be impossible to route around potentially dangerous weather. Nevertheless, the boat is intended to stretch the boundaries that are sensible for exploring the globe with a catamaran, allowing owners to sail a lot further north and south than might be prudent with existing designs.

Rugged construction is also a benefit when venturing off the beaten track in tropical waters. If anything goes wrong while exploring a poorly-charted lagoon, for instance, a fibreglass boat may be in grave danger. Many foam sandwich hulls have surprisingly thin outer skins, which can make the structure vulnerable to abrasion, whether from coral or a concrete quay.

By contrast, the thinnest plating of the Explocat 52 is 5mm, which increases through 8, 10 and 12mm thicknesses, before reaching an enormously reassuring 14mm at the bottom of the hulls. The boat has framing of up to 14mm and is structurally engineered to eliminate flexing between the hulls.

A substantial keel with a long chord length is welded to the bottom of the hulls. They are marginally deeper than the rudders, which offers some protection, as well as providing a firm base on which to dry out on a beach. At the same time the key elements that have made Garcia’s Exploration monohulls so successful are incorporated.

These include fore and aft watertight bulkheads and upstands for through-hull fittings that enable all seacocks to be above the waterline. A skeg ahead of the saildrives and rudders provides good protection, while the rudders are large enough to offer redundancy in the event of one being lost. In addition, the top aft corner of the rudders have a sacrificial zone designed to eliminate risk of the blade puncturing the hull, or becoming jammed, if it hits an obstruction with enough force to bend the stock.

What about weight? Are metal multihulls uncommon because they’re simply too heavy? As with aluminium monohulls, where the material offers better strength/weight ratios for larger boats, around 14m/46ft overall length seems to be a transition point for catamarans.

Below that composite boats will always be lighter, but above that length aluminium is lighter for equivalent rigidity than a composite structure that doesn’t use exotic materials. At 18.9 tonnes lightship displacement the Explocat is therefore in the same league as other cruising catamarans of a similar size and indeed lighter than some.

Substantial built-in attachment points for shorelines are found at the waterline of each bow for use in extreme conditions, plus attachment points aft for a drogue

Interestingly, it’s also a similar figure to that of the Exploration 52 monohull, yet the Explocat offers a large amount of extra space and 35% more sail area. Maximum payload is a useful five tonnes. But how does that translate on the water?

Rapid exploration

Our test took place from Cherbourg on a gloriously sunny late November day, with a gusty and shifty southerly breeze varying from 7-19 knots.

It’s immediately clear the Explocat 52 picks up and sails at speeds that belie its displacement, putting it in a different league to other expedition yachts of similar length, especially when reaching.

Broad reaching at 120° TWA with full main and Code 0 in 16 knots of true wind we cruised comfortably at 10 knots, reaching an unfussed maximum of 11.8 knots, with the boat still feeling rock steady.

When the breeze picked up to 19 knots, at the design limit for the Code 0, we furled it and continued with the Solent jib instead, losing only a couple of knots of boat speed. By the time we turned upwind the wind had eased significantly, which gave a good test in conditions that can challenge cruising yachts.

Article continues below…

Boreal 52 boat test – The sailor’s off-roader

If ‘off-road’ or ‘off-piste’ were categories in sailing, the Boréal 52 would be among the top contenders. From the brushed…

Garcia Exploration 52 test: The sailing equivalent of a 4×4 off-roader

If you were to take your partner or family to some of the world’s most remote waters, exploring the oceans…

In just seven knots of true wind we made 5.3 close-hauled, rising to 6.2 in 9 knots of breeze. Maximum upwind speed was 9 knots in 15 knots of true wind. However, these numbers can’t be achieved if pinching – the boat likes to be sailed fast and free, with tacking angles of at least 105°. This is hardly a surprise for a boat of this style that’s sufficiently fast to have a big impact on apparent wind angles.

Even in light airs the Explocat is surprisingly nimble in tacks, showing no hint it might miss stays, or slow enough for steering to be difficult until speed is regained on the new tack. Obviously the steering has less feel than a lightweight monohull, but there’s enough feedback for it to feel reasonably responsive and enjoyable to helm.

The shifty and gusty offshore winds were ideal for figuring out the boat’s capability across a range of wind strengths, but the mostly flat water meant we didn’t see the boat performing in a more agitated sea state.

Pete Goss – another massively experienced high-profile Garcia owner – has sailed the boat in more lively conditions. Even fully powered up he reported the lee shrouds remaining tight and there was no telltale creaking of furniture below decks, indicating no deflection of the structure despite the high loads. “It’s incredible how fast she is,” Goss says. He was also impressed by how nimbly the boat tacks.

Cockpits and steering

Much thought has gone into optimising the deck layout. The core vision is for key operations to take place in the safety and shelter of the aft cockpit. The only exceptions are preparing the main for use and hoisting/dropping spinnakers and reaching sails.

We conducted our test in south-east to south-west winds of 7-19 knots, in flat water

As standard the helm station is offset to starboard at the front of the aft cockpit. It has a two-position swinging wheel, which provides an all-round view over the top of the coachroof in its upper position. When swung inboard and lower, the helmsman gains shelter from the hard top, while being able to see forward through the bridgedeck cabin windows.

However, at the request of the owner the first boat has twin outboard helm stations. Before sailing it I’d expected to prefer this arrangement, but didn’t warm to it. Granted, you can steer from the windward side, with a good view of the jib, but the headsail luff will also be visible from the higher of the standard steering positions.

The key problem with the twin wheels is the coachroof creates a large blind spot on the other side of the boat. This has potential to create issues when manoeuvring in confined quarters such as a marina or when bailing out of an anchorage in an unexpected squall.

Mainsheet and traveller are handled right aft on the crossbeam, while the headsail, staysail and kite sheets, plus furling lines, are handled by electric Lewmar 65 winches on each side of the cockpit. Plenty of large rope bins and bags help keep lines nicely ordered.

The rig has twin headstays, with a marginally overlapping furling Solent jib on the main forestay, plus a self-tacking furling staysail. This runs on a neat Dyneema strop, instead of a more conventional but unnecessarily expensive and heavy track.

Combined with furling spinnakers and reaching sails it’s an excellent configuration that takes the hassle out of changing gear to suit widely different conditions.

The square-top mainsail has a Dyneema strop that pulls the ‘gaff’ forward to the mast track without any need for complex hooks, making it as easy to use as pin-head sails. A fuse attaching one of the mainsheet blocks to the boom is intended as a capsize prevention device if the boat is over pressed.

When the fuse blows the strop joining the block to the boom extends by two metres, immediately depowering the sail. The idea of the forward cockpit is to provide a protected position for a lookout when sailing in ice and for anchor handling. It also doubles as a well ventilated area for relaxation when at anchor in warmer climes.

It’s generally easy to move around on deck and there are decent steps at a gentle gradient between the various different levels. I also liked the cork deck – it looks surprisingly good, has great grip and is a more environmentally friendly option than teak.

There’s plenty of stowage, both in small lockers in the cockpit benches and in cavernous sail lockers at the front of each hull.

Davits are rated to take a 500kg RIB, allowing a substantial, powerful tender to be carried.

Temperature control

Alongside the rugged exterior is supremely comfortable and well thought out accommodation.

This, of course, isn’t a boat where it would be appropriate for the distinction between interior and exterior living spaces to be all but eliminated, as it is for many recent designs intended solely for hot climates. Nevertheless, the standard specification has a drop-down window each side of the door between the saloon and aft cockpit. This will help to open the saloon to the aft cockpit and improve ventilation in warm weather.

The saloon is comfortable, bright and airy, yet also has practical sea-going elements

For colder parts of the world an air extraction system vents moist and stale interior air without needing to open hatches.

The main forward saloon windows are also equipped with demisters. In the same vein, dedicated lockers for foul weather gear and boots have mechanical ventilation and heating. These features make sailing in cold and damp regions far more civilised, yet are addressed by disappointingly few manufacturers.

The aluminium shell is lined with up to 76mm of high density foam, which provides excellent thermal and acoustic insulation. As a result the boat is impressively quiet inside when under way – in the saloon you can barely hear the engines, even at cruising speed, and the high bridgedeck – it’s 85cm above the water – means we experienced no slapping of waves.

Insulation of this standard is expensive to install and doesn’t show up on photographs. Yet yachts create a cacophony of noise in heavy weather. Effective sound proofing is therefore a critical element in creating a comfortable environment, while the thermal insulation will be a benefit whether in the tropics or the Arctic.

As you’d expect, the saloon is very bright and airy, with a good almost all-round view.

The navstation forward on the port side, next to the watertight door to the forward cockpit

The biggest drawback in this respect is at the navstation, forward on the port side, as the mast support and starboard forward mullion obscure some of the view.

Also to port is a big galley that offers plenty of secure worktop space, with low fiddles, and masses of stowage. The test boat had additional fridge and freezer space in the starboard hull. Garcia says more than half its customers choose electric cooking and this boat has a microwave, electric oven and induction hob.

The company has its roots in custom boatbuilding and offers several choices for fitting out the hulls, with options for 6-10 berth arrangements, including a classic owner’s layout. The aft cabins have natural light through two hull windows, a wide aft window to the cockpit, plus opening ports aft and overhead.

If you enjoyed this….

Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams. Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

Garcia’s longstanding knowledge of creating rugged go-anywhere yachts has enabled the yard to produce one with a very enticing combination of space, pace and rugged construction. It also benefits from a high standard of finish, attention to detail and many neat touches. It’s clear the boat has the potential to make easy 250 mile days in the right conditions. At the same time it has sufficient tankage and stowage for supplies, spares and tools to give a high level of autonomy for extended periods. The owner of the first boat intends voyaging to Svalbard and, with another seven boats on order, it’s unlikely to be long before we see Explocats in many more far-flung and interesting parts of the globe.

electric boat

Meet the world’s most portable electric boat that can fit in a backpack.

Combining the best of a kayak, paddle board, and electric-powered boat , the GoBoat is dubbed “the world’s most portable boat.” Powered by a fully electric motor, the GoBoat deflates, allowing you to carry it in a large backpack (or bag) or fit it in a small trunk to take it wherever your adventure awaits.

GoBoat reveals the most portable electric boat you can buy

How nice would it be to have an affordable, fully electric boat you could take anywhere? GoBoat looks to make this a reality.

The company unveiled its new GoBoat 2.0 lineup Thursday, offering more performance, stability, and compactness than the first generation that will instantly upgrade your outdoor excursions. Whether camping, RVing, or even boating, the new GoBoat opens up new possibilities for exploring uncharted territory.

Made from the company’s proprietary AirCore construction material, the GoBoat can deflate to fit in a carry bag, sedan trunk, or even backpack at a weight of 57 pounds, according to GoBoat.

When inflated (all three inflation chambers for added safety), the electric boat features a round design to help you easily navigate.

The included 12V trolling motor, designed by GoBoat, has 35 pounds of thrust with a 24-inch shaft in a bow mount configuration. It is the “lightest and most compact 35 lbs thrust motor on the market” with five speeds forward and two speeds reverse.

You can take the GoBoat in fresh or saltwater with an added anti-corrosion system in place to protect it in the sea. In addition, the electric boat’s two-blade machete propeller won’t let weeds slow your roll.

Perhaps the best part is being able to silently glide across the water with a zero-emission electric motor.

GoBoat currently offers three versions of the world’s most portable electric boat. The mini, for small adults and kids, has a 55-inch diameter, while the adult model extends to a 70-inch diameter. A third model is designed for fishing with extra storage and attachments.

The mini version starts at around $683 (it’s on sale right now for under $500), and the adult model starts at approximately $1,000 (it’s also on sale for $753 right now) on the company’s website .

Buyers can elect to purchase their own battery or buy from GoBoat. The company highly suggests using a lithium battery due to its weight, charging ability, and life span. GoBoat offers its RoyPow 12V 30AH lithium battery for $169.99.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Peter Johnson is covering the auto industry’s step-by-step transformation to electric vehicles. He is an experienced investor, financial writer, and EV enthusiast. His enthusiasm for electric vehicles, primarily Tesla, is a significant reason he pursued a career in investments. If he isn’t telling you about his latest 10K findings, you can find him enjoying the outdoors or exercising

Manage push notifications

• BOAT OF THE YEAR
• Newsletters
• Sailboat Reviews
• Boating Safety
• Sails and Rigging
• Maintenance
• Sailing Totem
• Sailor & Galley
• Living Aboard
• Destinations
• Gear & Electronics
• Charter Resources

2022 Boat of the Year: Best Performance Catamaran

• By Cruising World Editors
• December 15, 2021

During and in the four days immediately following the US Sailboat show in Annapolis, Maryland, the  Cruising World  judges inspected and sailed on 27 boats vying for recognition. Learn more about the boats in our  2022 Boat of the Year  »

OK, confession time. When the roster of nominees for the 2022 Boat of the Year awards was released, the contest’s team and judging panel couldn’t help themselves, and quietly put three check marks, little symbols of anticipation, alongside a trio of boats: the untamed cats that would vie for the title of best performer in their class. After all, both Balance and Seawind had entered the winner’s circle in previous BOTY competitions, and it was clear they’d have a serious contender for the throne in yet another player from cat-crazy South Africa, the Kinetic KC54. How’d it go? Let’s just say, nobody was disappointed. The conditions on Chesapeake Bay were ideal for putting the three nominees through their paces, and the trio of scalded cats all acquitted themselves superbly. 

For 2022, if anything, the trend for flybridge catamarans is on a major upswing. New cats for 2022 from both Lagoon and Fountaine Pajot continued down that design path, putting an emphasis on living accommodations, not performance. But not aboard the latest Seawind 1600 , a brand originally built in Australia that is now produced in Vietnam. And that suits judge Tim Murphy just fine. “This boat was very dialed in,” he said, “and one place Seawind has always been innovative is with their helms. This one was really great; it was -outboard and aft with great visibility, sort of half-protected where you could step in and out. There was also good access to the boom and mainsail, which you don’t always see on cats. The deck layout was excellent, particularly the forward trampolines. Some cats have lacings with large openings where you can twist an ankle, but these were nice and tight.”

“Compared to other Seawinds that I’ve seen, I was just blown away with it in terms of what it could do and how it performed,” said Ed Sherman.  “It’s a fairly conservative boat in terms of technology compared to some of the other boats in the same category, which depending on a potential buyer’s state of mind, could be either a good thing or a bad one. I loved the centralized winch aft which is where all the sail-handling takes place. It’s pretty brilliant for a short-handed crew, and it’s all in a very safe and easy-to-access location that a cruising couple can deal with without scaring the heck out of themselves.”

The Kinetic KC54 is a fresh entry in the cat universe, and we’ll let Tim Murphy get right to the point: “This is a fairly new company that was started within the past couple of years. My breath was absolutely taken away by this boat; it was spectacular. I think it was the best-built boat in the entire fleet. It’s an all-carbon boat, with a foam core, epoxy resin, all infused–fantastic. The whole boat felt integrated. You didn’t feel like there was a conflict between the forces in terms of accommodation versus performance.” With a price tag approaching $3 million, it perhaps should not be astonishing. That was a major factor in evaluating the boat, and while it did not win its class, the experts panel did present it with a Judges’ Special Recognition prize to honor the boat’s overall excellence.

“It was my personal favorite in this year’s contest,” said Sherman. The materials that were used are absolutely the highest quality available in our industry at this point, and it’s a very high-tech boat in terms of systems.” Gerry Douglas was also duly impressed: “This was the Tesla of sailboats. I think that that was their model. In terms of design and execution and technology, it hit all three of those marks. This boat is built without compromise, and what it cost was not an issue, they just wanted to do the best they could in every aspect of the boat. The construction was impeccable, the fit and finish was amazing. There are some very clever design things in the boat, but it all really worked seamlessly.”  

With that level of competition, the Balance 482 had a tall order to overcome to win its class. And it did. “The sailing performance was excellent,” said Douglas. “The boat felt really good. The steering was terrific. The structure of the boat throughout was exemplary. Storage is really good. Visibility was good. Ventilation was great. There was even a rain collection system on the cabin top, which is the only one of the boats we looked at had that. It was very well concealed because the gutters formed a handhold going forward. The solar panel installation was also well done. The panels were encapsulated into a fiberglass tray that elevated the deck so the panels wouldn’t overheat. Very clever.”

The driving force behind Balance cats is Phil Berman, a world champ at racing beach cats who brought that passion to developing and marketing fully found cruisers. Judge Murphy knows him well: “Phil comes from a very strong view of wanting to see boats that have solid sailing performance. He’s also a strong proponent of daggerboard boats, which tends to be quick shorthand for the dividing line between cats that are more about payload versus cats that are about performance, but not so much where you’re going to fly a hull or break a rudder. There’s a balance within a boat that really performs that you can still live aboard.” A winning balance, it turns out, with the Balance 482 securing its position as the Best Performance Cruiser for 2022.

• More: balance catamarans , Boat of the Year , Boat of the Year 2022 , catamaran , Kinetic Catamarans , print 2022 jan , Sailboats , seawind catamarans
• More Sailboats

New Sailboat Brand: Mishi Yachts

For Sale: 2005 Tayana 48

For Sale: 2015 Catalina 355

For Sale: 1998 Hinckley 51

Le Boat and Groupe Beneteau Ink Deal

Hurricane Beryl Relief Efforts: How You Can Help

Gary Jobson To Talk U.S. Prospects in Upcoming World Sailing Competitions

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Email Newsletters
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

A Complete Catamaran Guide

• Post Written By: Boater Jer
• Published: January 26, 2020
• Updated: November 27, 2020

Disclaimer: You might notice that we recommend products in some articles. We may earn a commission for referring you if you click the link and buy a product.

We only recommend products we’ve tried/tested/own (that’s why you won’t find thousands of affiliate links on my site). If you have experience with one of the products we’ve mentioned, please share your experiences in the comments at the end.

There you are, out on the water when a strange craft approaches.  Is it a sailboat? It sure looks like one until it turns to face you.  That’s when you notice this boat doesn’t have just one hull. It has two hulls and it’s called a catamaran.

Catamarans are unique, and highly stable watercraft.  We’ll explore all the ins and outs of sailing the waters in one of these weird, and awesome multi-hulled craft.  Join me as we explore the wild world of sailing catamarans.

A History Of The Catamaran

It is believed that the first people to use a catamaran design were those living in Australasia.

The succession of boat design in this region was actually very interesting.  The beginning of boats in the area was simple, albeit conventional rafts. These were fashioned from logs strewn together with plant fiber lashings such as those formed using bamboo fiber.  

Catamaran Evolution

The conventional raft gave way to a minimal raft.  This design was basically a conventional raft with two cross beams added in the form of logs.  These would be eventually hollowed out to improve buoyancy.

The next step in the evolution of boats in the Australasian region was the double canoe.  This proved to be the first real catamarans.  

After some time, the form evolved further into the asymmetrical double canoe design.  In this design, one canoe was large and the other attached canoe was smaller.

The asymmetrical design quickly evolved into the single-outrigger boat like the one shown in the photo below.

The final stage of the evolution of the catamaran in the region was to gain a second outrigger.  This in effect created the trimaran with the single central hull and dual outriggers.

Eye Witness Accounts Of Catamarans

In 1697, William Dampier wrote of witnessing a type of seafaring vessel off the coast of Coromandel.  He noted how the locals called the type of boat a catamaran. He also noted that it had multiple hulls (logs) and that they were small vessels that the person operating would have to hang partway into the water, straddling the hull (log).

The name catamaran came from the Tamil.  And yet, it was easily applied by the European visitors to the two hulled sailing vessels that sped across the water in the region.

Although Dampier may have described the catamaran in the 1690s, the type of boat was actually used as early as the 5th century by the Tamil Chola dynasty.  They used boats to move their troops from one island to another. Using this design of boat allowed them to travel heavy, travel quickly and was partially responsible for the conquering of neighboring Burma, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

Building A Boat – Basics Of Catamaran Construction

A boat is usually thought of as being a single-hulled vessel that travels along the surface of the water.  It can have multiple types, shapes, and designs of the hull. However, it is often only thought of as having a single hull.  But, what if it had two hulls? Would that be like taking two separate boats, and making a raft over both of them? In essence, that is exactly what a catamaran is:  two boats made into one.

Advantages Of Multiple Hulls

• More stability than a monohull
• Wide supporting base allows for larger sails than monohull craft of the same length
• Hull does not require the deep-running keel of a standard monohull sailboat
• Less hull drag in the water than a monohull
• Less power required to drive a catamaran forward than a monohull boat

Disadvantages Of Multiple Hulls 

• Due to multiple hulls, construction is more expensive than a monohull design
• Catamaran speed relies on lightweight materials to make a lightweight craft.  This also drives up the cost of construction.
• Extra engineering requirements for multi-hull craft also increase the cost of construction.

Conclusion?  Well, it looks to me like everything about catamarans points towards superiority over monohulls in nearly every way.  But, you get what you pay for. I think the same thing likely applies to cars too. For instance, I have a performance car that cost me about 10k more than the equivalent non-sports car within the same class. 

Yet to drive the vehicle, it performs so much better than the normal version of the car, it really speaks volumes to the difference between a common vehicle, and a performance one.

Speaking of performance vehicles, let’s take a look now at the different kinds and uses of a catamaran.

Catamaran Types

Commercial catamarans – ferries.

One of the most common uses for a catamaran is the commercial use of the vehicle design when it comes to ferries.  This is likely due to the wide, flat deck possibilities of a catamaran versus a monohulled boat. Not only that, but the catamaran is also a much more stable bodied vessel.  This again makes it a superior design for transporting larger land vessels like trucks and so forth. They can easily drive on the ferry without fear of the ferry tipping over.

Some ferries are designed for taking vehicles, like the one you might find in the city of Toronto.  Where it transports cars from the mainland to Toronto Island. Others are designed specifically with the sole purpose of transporting people. I took a look at one such ferry that operates in Germany.  Take a look at the following case study.

Commercial Use Case Study – The Ferry

The FRS Helgoline is a ferry catamaran operating out of Flensburg, Germany, close to the Danish border.

According to the ferry company’s website, the ferry runs using four main engines which are run to a capacity of 12,182 hp combined.  This blasts this ferry at a speed of 35 knots or 65 km/hour. This is equivalent to 40 miles per hour. That’s pretty good considering the size and weight of the ship body this catamaran can carry.

Speaking of capacity, the ship can carry 680 passengers. At 56.4 meters long (185 feet) by 14 meters wide (45.9 feet), that’s a decent passenger capacity. 

Catamaran Passenger Capacity Versus Monohull Boat Passenger Capacity 

The general rule for calculating passenger capacity for a boat is as follows.

Length x Width / 15 = Passenger Capacity

Therefore, the FRS Helgoline should have a calculated capacity calculated as follows.

185 x 45.9 / 15 = 566  

But it actually has a capacity of 680 which is a 20% increase in capacity over a standard monohull.

For comparison, let’s look at a superyacht.  A 48.5m (159 feet) long by 10.7m (35 feet) beam (width of the boat) Palmer Johnson Supersport 48 (valued at about $28.5 million dollars) should have a capacity calculated as follows.

159 x 35 / 15 = 371

In short, 26 feet of difference in length equates to 309 fewer passengers.  It is almost half of the capacity of the catamaran at 26 feet longer length.

Photo courtesy of https://sysyachtsales.com/

Commercial Catamarans – Service Vehicles

Although Catamarans are typically used as ferries due to their stability and ability to carry wide loads on their flat decks, there are many different service catamarans out there as well.  From a support vessel to a crew transfer or search and rescue, catamarans are a solid and stable platform to build a ship on.

This is the Ardea which is a 20 meter (65.6 feet) catamaran to be used for crew transport and as a support ship.  This ship was built by the Echo Marine Group and delivered to Western Australia in early 2019. This particular vessel is in the service of the Cape Preston Sino Iron Project.  

Catamarans are used all around the world, for a variety of tasks, not just ferries or support craft.

Commercial Catamarans – Cruise Lines

Now these are the catamarans we all want to be aboard, aren’t they?  Due to the wide stance, these ships can feature massive halls and wide-open interior areas.  These ships are stable, and some would say even more stable and safer than monohull design ships.  

There are many cruise ship catamarans in use today around the world.  Some of the more ‘famous’ catamaran cruises are those which investigate the Galapagos Islands.  There are several high-end, small fleet, cruise lines operating to the Galapagos which utilize catamaran design vessels as their primary ship type. 

These ships can be extremely comfortable and stable and often offer some reprieve to those who may otherwise feel seasick. It won’t stop the feeling, but the more stable the hull, the less the boat rocks around.

Military Catamarans

Catamarans make excellent military transport vessels.  They are stable and the potential to have a large, flat and wide deck for transporting land craft, troops or acting as a landing pad for vertical take-off aerial craft.  The stability of the two hulls makes the vessel an excellent candidate for military use, and thus it is used for said purpose.

As you can clearly see in the image of the USNS Spearhead, the rear of the vessel has a moveable ramp that can be used for loading and unloading land vehicles.  The interior bay of the craft is visible in the image as well, a large area for storage of vehicles, supplies and more. The crane arm on the back of the ship also shows how it is a versatile craft, set up to act as an excellent support craft with a helicopter landing pad and ample storage and freight capacity.

Recreational Catamarans

Catamaran Personal WatercraftThe wind is in your hair, the warm spray from the hull cutting over the edge of each wave as you skip over the water.  That is life, let me tell you. Personal watercraft have come a long way over the years and the small one, two, three and four-person catamarans have come a long way as well. 

Depending on the options, you can get a small one or two-person catamaran for as little as $1500 new.  That might be an inflatable though. There are some very nice, rigid hull designed catamarans for 1-4 people that range from $3500 to $15000.  And these are basically open, personal watercraft like that shown in the image below.

Using a small catamaran can be quite challenging to learn at first.  Sailing is not for the faint of heart. It requires skill, technique, knowledge of the wind and sea, and a bit of hard work.  But it can be fun, rewarding and a great way to catch some sun and fresh air out on the water. It’s a relatively GREEN sport as well.   Given the use of sails over gas-powered motors that is.

‘Sailing Cats’ – Sailing Catamarans – Yacht & Luxury Class

Here’s where we get into the dreamy boats of the rich and famous.  I priced out a small 43’ luxury Leopard 40 sailing catamaran. Even before I added any extras at all, the base price was $399,000 USD.  I imagine if I added a few of the multiple extras available, and some tax, freight and that sort of thing, I’m easily in half a million dollars.  And that’s the smallest base model.

There are all kinds of luxury catamaran shipbuilders across the world.  From Asia to Europe and The Americas, it seems any major boating country has at least one company building luxury catamarans.  It’s weird that you don’t see more of them on the water though, don’t you think?

Being sailing vessels, these luxury cats require some training in sailing before you get behind the wheel.  And considering the price point, I would definitely want to be at least a semi-decent sailor with some good few years experience under my belt before I would comfortable at the helm of a half-million-dollar sailing cat.  It’s all relative I suppose. I imagine a billionaire might bat an eye at the prospect of wrecking a half-million-dollar boat. But to me, and most of you reading this, that’s likely a lot of money.

‘Power Cats’ – Powered Catamarans

The powered catamaran is one of my favorite boats.  They have sort of a muscle car appearance with the wide and often tall front end of the boats.  I find it to be reminiscent of a large air intake on the front hood of a rally race car like the Subaru WRX, for instance.  These boats are fast, they are stable and handle very well. Catamarans are often considered the boat of choice for long sea voyages due to their stability.  

A powered catamaran will definitely cost more than a powered monohull boat of the same length.  Why? Well, the powered catamaran has one crucial downside. That is, it needs two engines. One for each of the two hulls.  Otherwise, it’s off balance for propulsion. These two engines or motors have to be in sync with each other or again, the propulsion will be off-balance.  Because they have two motors, they have double the maintenance when it comes to maintaining the propulsion system.

More components also means a greater chance of things breaking down.  In essence, it doubles the chances of the ship having a motor break down. The saving grace is that should one motor break, they have a backup, even if it does mean very unbalanced propulsion.  In contrast, a monohull vessel of the same length may only have half the chance of motor failure due to only having one motor, but if that one motor breaks, then what? Call for help, that’s what.  A cat would have a struggling chance to get itself back to port. A monohull would be dead in the water unless it was carrying spare parts or another motor onboard somewhere.

Catamaran Frequently Asked Questions

What is a catamaran cruise.

A catamaran cruise is simply a cruise on a dual hull design boat.  Often used for river cruises, the catamaran which is used as cruise ships are often considerably smaller than their giant monohulled counterparts.

What is the purpose of a catamaran?

A catamaran is a design for a boat that utilizes two hulls.  Due to the flat, platform-like-potential for the deck of the boat, the catamaran is often purposed with transporting materials, vehicles, and people.  For instance, catamarans are quite often used as ferries.

Is catamaran safe?

Catamaran are very safe water craft.   The design of riding on two hulls separated by a gap in between, in essence is like giving a car a double-wide wheel base.  The wider the stance, the more stable the craft, from side to side anyway. And if the length of the boat is proportional to the width, then it becomes an extremely stable craft.  That is why catamarans are often considered the best to be used for long voyages. Yes, catamaran are safe.

What is the difference between a catamaran and a sailboat?

A traditional sailboat is a deep, monohull vessel that has at least one mast extending high into the air above the deck to hold sails.  A catamaran refers to the design of a dual-hull boat and really has nothing to do with sails. Although, catamaran do make excellent sailing boats as well, they are quite capable of acting as power boats and do not require sails if they have the correct amount of powered motors to propel them.  Sailboats, although also able to be powered if a motor is provided, are traditionally monohull and wind-powered exclusively.

Do catamarans have small interiors?

The size of an interior cabin on a boat is typically proportional to the size of the boat itself.  If a catamaran has above-deck cabins, they will likely be able to be of a larger design than those you would find on deck of a monohull boat.  This is because a catamaran has a much wider footprint than a monohull boat of the same length. This extra width would allow for larger on deck cabins.  

How much does a catamaran cost?

A personal watercraft (1-2 person) inflatable catamaran will run you anywhere from $1500-$12000 USD, depending on the quality and features.  The rigid hull catamarans of the same size start at about $4500 USD.

A small cabin cruiser type of catamaran will typically start at about $60000 for a small base model and the price just goes up and up depending on size and features.

For Instance, a 40’, 3 cabin with 1 washroom cat will cost you about $500,000 USD for the base model.  They are considerably more expensive that a monohull of the same length. However, the trade-off is greater stability and a smoother, more comfortable ride.

Is a catamaran more work to maintain?

Technically yes.  Due to having two hulls and if powered, two motors and likely also water jets, this means you have double the oil changes of a boat that would have a single motor.  Once you get past the basic engine and hull maintenance, a catamaran is not that much more work than a monohull ship of the same length.  

The trouble with catamarans in terms of maintenance, is that once they reach a certain length, the width becomes more than a standard lane on the road.  That being said, if you ever need to transport the boat via land, it can be quite the challenge. Especially if you need to pay to have a police escort for an extra-wide trailer.  And special licensing might be involved as well.

What is the difference between a catamaran and a trimaran?

A catamaran is a dual hull boat.  In other words, it has two hulls. A trimaran has three hulls.  

Is a catamaran considered a yacht?

According to Oxford dictionary, a yacht is a medium-sized sailboat equipped for cruising or racing.  A catamaran, on the other hand, is a boat with two hulls. Therefore, a catamaran can most certainly also be a yacht.  And likewise, if a yacht has two hulls, then it is a catamaran as well.

Can you get seasick on a catamaran?

Seasickness occurs when a person feels nauseous from the swaying motion of a rocking ship.  These feelings may be lessened on a catamaran, due to their extra stability. However, a catamaran may be slightly more stable than a monohull of the same length, but it is still a boat.  And it will still make someone who experiences seasickness continue to feel the ill effects.

Are catamarans more stable in rough seas?

Catamarans are known to be more stable than monohull ships of the same length.  This is why catamarans are often the ship type of choice for long sea voyages due to their stability.

Why do catamarans capsize?

Catamarans are not known for capsizing.  The larger vessels that is anyway. But, it does happen from time to time.  Catamarans are known for their stability, so typically if a capsize event should occur, it is typical for them to be extreme circumstances.  

Personal watercraft catamarans are a different story though.  These are in fact known for tipping over. Not because they are less stable than their monohull counterparts of the same length.  But instead, because they are able to go considerably faster than monohull personal watercraft of the same length (not including powered craft though).  This is due to the sailing cats being able to have a larger sail than a small monohull sailboat of the same length.

Due to the extra sail, they are able to travel faster than monohull sailboats of the same length.  This allows them to whip around on the water and at higher speeds, whipping your cat about quick can easily send it over sideways. Extra speed means fast turns carry momentum in the direction of travel and that extra speed equates to tipping over if turned too fast.  To sum up, they capsize due to user error or extreme events.

Which is safer, a catamaran or a monohull?

Due to the extra stability of having a wider footprint than a monohull, a catamaran of the same length is the safer vessel.

Are catamarans safer than sailboats?

The same rule applies to stability versus the length of the hull.  A cat will always be the more stable length for length. However, due to their ability to go much faster than a monohull sailboat, this kind of cancels out some of the added safety due to stability.  With that in mind, they may just be about the same but there is one generalization we can make when comparing the safety of catamarans vs sailboats: At the same speed, and of equal length, sailing or power catamaran will be safer than a monohull sailboat.

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.  

In terms of powered cats vs powerboats, a powered catamaran will typically require less energy to move forward than a monohull of the same sort of hull design (but monohull of course) and thus a cat should, in theory, be able to go faster than a monohull when both are using propulsion that is equal in power.

Bibliography

• Wikipedia – Catamarans
• Mahdi, Waruno (1999). “The Dispersal of Austronesian boat forms in the Indian Ocean”. In Blench, Roger; Spriggs, Matthew (eds.). Archaeology and Language III: Artefacts languages, and texts . One World Archaeology. 34 . Routledge. pp. 144–179. ISBN 0415100542 .
• Wikipedia – Spearhead -class expeditionary fast transport
• https://www.tiki-toki.com/timeline/entry/169516/Origin-of-the-catamaran/#vars!panel=1620923!
• https://www.austal.com/ships/passenger-express-56
• https://www.adventure-life.com/galapagos/galapagos-catamaran-cruises

Boating Gear

Take a look at our Recommended page for a variety of items. Here are some of the things you can expect:

• GPS And Fish Trackers
• Hitch And Trailer Supplies
• Lifejackets And Specialty Clothing
• Boating Books And More!

More From Boating Guide Magazine

• Pontoon Boat Basics
• The Complete Runabout Boat & Trailer Towing Guide
• Winterizing Your Boat
• Boating Gear Requirements For Canada And USA Waters
• Aluminum vs. Fiberglass Bass Boats
• Better Boating At Night & How To Survive The Darkness
• Staying Safe On A Catamaran: 24 Essential Tips
• Can A Catamaran Capsize?
• 4 Common Types Of Propulsion For Boats

Return To Home * About Boating Guide * About The Author

fakewatches.is

Share this post with your friends.

• Tags: boat type , catamaran , catamaran basics , catamaran essentials , sailing

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Join us in our love for all things water. And Adventure.

Should You Paint Or Re-Gelcoat A Boat Hull?

A regularly waxed gelcoat can last for up to 15 years on the boat. This figure can vary based on how well you take care of your boat’s hull. If you’re having trouble deciding whether to re-gelcoat or paint the hull, here’s a fantastic guide for you (and your boat). It is safe to paint

Bass Boats Vs. Bowriders (A Guide For New Buyers)

Bass Boats Vs. Bowriders (A Guide For New Buyers) – A Boating Guide Buyer’s Guide Report for 2023. Are you curious to know the difference between bass and bowriders boats? While the two types of boats look similar in some ways, they are best suited for different purposes.  Bass boats are specifically designed for bass

Before You Buy Guide: Understanding Fish Finders And GPS

There’s nothing more relaxing than a day out on the water.  The gentle movement of the boat, the sun, and breeze moving over the water.  These things make it hard to want to ever go back to civilization. And catching a few big fish sure would be the icing on the day’s cake.  There’s no

Semi V-Bottom Boats Explained – Hull Design, Where To Use And Avoid

The main image is brought to you courtesy of Tracker boats and White River Marine Group for this article about semi v-bottom boat hull design. The image is of a 2021 Tracker Targa™ V-18 Combo V-Hull Boat. Boats are the most convenient mode of transportation in a water body. Based on the users’ requirements and

Boat Trailer Tire Guide

A boat trailer tire is something that is neglected by most everyday people. In other words, a tire is an underrated part. However, the main question arises that is a tire underrated, or is it just a myth? This section deals with the factors and facts that are related to the boat trailer tire. It’s

Who Makes Each Brand of Catamaran and Where They’re Built

Boating Guide Presents: Who Makes Each Brand of Catamaran and Where They’re Built. Catamarans are gaining popularity among seasoned sailors. Their speed and reliability made them the top choice for family cruises and long distances voyages. Let’s dig deeper into their fabrication, shall we? Among the acclaimed Catamaran brands is Lagoon, Privilege, Gemini, Bali, Seawind,

Boat Information By Type

© 2023 Boating.Guide, A Hyperwave Media Group Ltd. Publication.

Privacy Overview

How Fast Do Catamarans Go?

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

August 30, 2022

‍ 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.

In this article, we’ll cover how fast catamarans can go based on factors such as size, sail area, and design category. Additionally, we’ll compare catamaran speeds to monohulls and trimarans and cover the reasons why multi-hull sailboats blow monohulls out of the water.

We sourced the information used in this article from sailing guides and hull speed calculations. Additionally, we sourced information directly from the manufacturers of common catamarans.

Table of contents

‍ Catamaran Speed by Type

Catamaran design can be split into different categories. After all, different vessels are designed for different tasks, as speed isn’t always the most important design consideration.

The fastest type of catamaran is the ultralight racing catamaran. These vessels have extremely narrow hulls and a remarkable planing ability. They’re designed to pierce waves and often achieve speeds in excess of 45 knots or greater, depending on conditions.

The second fastest catamaran variety is the sport catamaran. Sport catamarans often include a fairly good level of creature comforts in the cabin. They’re technically hybrid designs, because they are envisioned as a combination between a racer and a cruiser. Sport catamarans can achieve 30 knots or greater.

Cruising catamarans are designed primarily for safety and comfort. They’re often used for long offshore passages, where speed is important, but comfort is king. Despite their accommodations, cruising catamarans can still achieve a respectable 15 to 20 knots of speed—sometimes 50% faster than similarly-equipped monohulls.

Why are Catamarans So Fast?

Catamarans are remarkable vessels that can achieve amazing speeds. As a result of their unconventional design, typical calculations for hull speed (such as those used for monohulls) don’t always apply.

But what makes catamarans so much faster than equivalent monohulls? The first and most obvious speedy design element are the hulls themselves.

Catamarans don’t have a deep keel or a centerboard. This is because the second hull acts as a stabilizing device, and it helps the vessel track straight. The lack of a keel reduces weight (and equally important). It also reduces drag.

Additionally, catamarans behave in strange ways while underway. The hulls have a tendency to rise out of the water further the faster they go. This further reduces drag and makes it easier for the vessel’s speed to climb once it starts to move.

One additional characteristic is how the vessel’s sails point relative to the wind. Catamarans keep their sails perpendicular to the wind, which allows them to harness energy more efficiently. This is because, at a perpendicular angle, less wind energy is lost by spillage over the edge of the sails.

Are Catamarans Faster than Monohulls?

Yes, catamarans are typically faster than monohulls. They’re also a lot more stable, as their spaced-out hulls provide better motion comfort in rough seas. Catamaran hulls are narrower than monohulls, which also reduces drag and increases speed.

Catamaran vs. Monohull Speeds

We know that catamarans are faster than monohulls in most situations. But how much faster are they? Here’s a table of hull speeds for monohulls, which is a useful reference when comparing speed. Hull speed isn’t the absolute fastest that a boat can go, but it’s a good practical estimate for understanding the hydrodynamic limitations of single-hull designs.

Hull speed calculations for catamarans are more complicated. This is because catamarans have a greater length-to-beam ratio. And due to their narrow hulls and open center, they aren’t affected by the same hydrodynamic drag forces that monohulls are limited by.

For example, a 55-foot monohull sailboat with a waterline length has a hull speed of 9.4 knots or 10.9 mph. Its actual speed could exceed that in the right conditions, but rarely by more than a few knots.

Compare that to an efficient 51-foot catamaran, which can easily achieve speeds in excess of 20 knots in reasonable winds. That’s more than double the hull speed of a monohull with a similar waterline length and proves that catamarans operate under a completely different set of rules.

Wave Piercing

One aspect of catamaran design that makes them superior speeders is their ability to pierce waves. Specially designed catamarans have minimal buoyancy at the bow, which allows them to slice through waves instead of going over them.

This increases the speed at which catamarans can cover the distance. Think about it—a boat going over a wave has to use more energy to reach the same destination, as the height of the wave almost makes the distance further.

It’s like walking over a hill or on flat ground—you’ll take more steps walking up and down the hill than in a straight flat line. Wave piercing catamarans enjoy better stability, and they ‘take the flat road’ to a greater extent than monohulls.

Do Catamarans Plane?

Planing is when a boat’s hull rises out of the water due to hydrodynamic lift. This increases speed and efficiency, as there’s less drag but sufficient contact for stability. It also reduces rolling, as the bow only contacts the taller portions of the waves.

Catamarans have planing characteristics, but they generally don’t plane as dramatically as powerboats. This is still worth noting, as catamarans are specifically designed to use the phenomenon of hydrodynamic lift to gain speed and efficiency.

You’ll visibly notice a catamaran’s hull rising out of the water as it increases in speed. Compare that to a displacement monohull design (such as a classical cruising sailboat with a deep keel), which won’t rise out of the water in any significant way.

Are Catamarans Faster than Trimarans?

A trimaran is a catamaran with an additional hull in the center. Trimarans are usually less common than catamarans, but they have some of the same design benefits as other multi-hull sailboats.

At first glance, it would seem logical that trimarans are slower than catamarans. After all, they have an extra hull in the center, which likely increases weight and drag. However, there are more important factors at play here.

Trimarans are almost universally faster than catamarans. This has to do with weight distribution. Trimarans center their weight over the middle hull, using the outer hulls primarily for stability. This allows them to reap the benefits of a catamaran while increasing the efficiency of the wind power it captures.

Fastest Catamarans

Catamarans are popular for racing. There are several world records held by catamarans and numerous production boats with especially impressive speed-to-size ratios. Here are a few of the fastest racing and production catamarans ever built.

Fastest Sailboat Ever—Vestas Sailrocket 2

The Vestas Sailrocket is a specialized racing boat designed only for speed. This incredible vessel is actually the fastest sailboat ever built—and no wonder it’s a catamaran. A monohull simply can’t achieve record-breaking speeds when put head-to-head with a lightweight multi-hull.

The vessel, which earned the world sailboat speed record in 2012, has a modest 150 to 235 square feet of sail. Nonetheless, it managed to achieve a remarkable top speed of 65.45 knots in only 25 knots of wind. That’s about 72 miles per hour—in a sailboat.

Soon, a team of Swiss engineers will release their own version designed to beat the 65-knot speed record. Their vessel, which is a hydrofoil, will attempt to hit an incredible target speed of about 80 knots.

Outremer Catamarans

But what about production catamarans? How do they stack up, and how fast can they go? French boat builder Outremer Catamarans builds some of the fastest production catamarans ever built. These are not specialty racing boats—in fact, they’re average-sized cruising catamarans.

Let’s use the larger Outremer 51 as an example. This high-end cruising cat is known for its almost outrageous speed capabilities. In ideal conditions, owners of the Outremer 51 have reported speeds exceeding 20 knots for extended periods.

That’s a production catamaran with speeds that rival 20th-century warships. With such a fast boat, the world’s oceans start to appear a lot smaller. Plus, the genius design of the Outremer 51 allows it to be crewed by just two people.

But how do Outremer catamarans achieve such high speeds? The secret is in precise engineering and hull design, along with a sail plan that’s perfectly catered to the vessel. The hulls are sleek and narrow and designed to cut through the water with minimal drag.

From the bow, the Outremer 51 hulls look paper-thin. They increase in width gradually, which eliminates areas of sudden drag. These narrow hulls evenly distribute the vessel’s 21,825-lb displacement. Its low-buoyancy bows reduce drag and blast through waves instead of riding over them.

Related Articles

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.

by this author

Learn About Sailboats

Most Recent

What Does "Sailing By The Lee" Mean?

October 3, 2023

The Best Sailing Schools And Programs: Reviews & Ratings

September 26, 2023

Important Legal Info

Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.

Similar Posts

Affordable Sailboats You Can Build at Home

September 13, 2023

Best Small Sailboat Ornaments

September 12, 2023

Discover the Magic of Hydrofoil Sailboats

December 11, 2023

Popular Posts

Best Liveaboard Catamaran Sailboats

December 28, 2023

Can a Novice Sail Around the World?

Elizabeth O'Malley

June 15, 2022

4 Best Electric Outboard Motors

How Long Did It Take The Vikings To Sail To England?

10 Best Sailboat Brands (And Why)

December 20, 2023

7 Best Places To Liveaboard A Sailboat

Get the best sailing content.

Top Rated Posts

Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. (866) 342-SAIL

© 2024 Life of Sailing Email: [email protected] Address: 11816 Inwood Rd #3024 Dallas, TX 75244 Disclaimer Privacy Policy

17 Best Catamarans for Sailing Around the World

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site.

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.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment.

Recent Posts

Must-Have Boat Gear for Catamaran Sailors!

Sailing is probably the most gear-intensive activity I've ever done; there are so many decisions to be made about what gear to buy now, for tomorrow, and what to definitely never buy. The gear on...

6 Best Trailerable Trimarans For Bluewater and Coastal Sailing

Having a boat costs a lot of money, even when you are not using it, marina fees, etc. And once it is in the water most sailors never go very far from their "home marina" and sailing will be somewhat...

View All Catamaran Listings for sale, Search Catamarans

Find a pre owned or new catamarans or search sail or power catamarans. explore our listings from gemini, nautitech, fountaine pajot dealerships.

• Next Next -->

"IPHARRA"

• 122 Inquiries
• 1,261 Views

2009 SUNREEF 102 ft Type: Sail | Condition: Used Model: Sunreef 102 Catamaran for Sale Call Italy

"LITTLE GIANT"

• 11 Inquiries
• 1,241 Views

2017 SUNREEF 88 ft Type: Sail | Condition: Used Model: Sunreef 88 DD Catamaran for Sale Fort Lauderdale Florida

"MAGIC CAT 83"

• 41 Inquiries
• 1,270 Views

1995 MULTIPLAST 82 ft Type: Sail | Condition: Used Model: Magic Cat 82 Catamaran for Sale Sètes France

"HOUBARA"

• 179 Inquiries
• 17,944 Views

2012 SUNREEF 82 ft Type: Sail | Condition: Used Model: Sunreef 82 DD Catamaran for Sale Sardinia Italy

"SUNREEF 80 POWER ECO YACHT"

• 39 Inquiries
• 1,382 Views

2024 SUNREEF 80 ft Type: Power | Condition: New Model: Sunreef 80 Power Eco Catamaran for Sale Factory Poland

"SEACLUSION"

• 13 Inquiries
• 2,356 Views

2020 SUNREEF 80 ft Type: Sail | Condition: Used Model: Sunreef 80 Catamaran for Sale Saint Martin

"MY CAT"

• 6 Inquiries

2016 GUNBOAT 78 ft Type: Sail | Condition: Used Model: Gunboat 78 Catamaran for Sale Badalona Spain

"HTC"

• 15 Inquiries

2019 LAGOON 78 ft Type: Power | Condition: Used Model: Lagoon Seventy-8MY Catamaran for Sale Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam

"KINGS RANSOM"

• 76 Inquiries
• 6,078 Views

2008 MATRIX YACHTS 76 ft Type: Sail | Condition: Used Model: Silhouette 760 Catamaran for Sale Tortola Virgin Islands (British)

"XENIA"

• 44 Inquiries
• 3,223 Views

2010 PRIVILEGE 74 ft Type: Sail | Condition: Used Model: Privilege 745 Catamaran for Sale Fort Lauderdale Florida

"KAILUA"

• 10 Inquiries
• 2,389 Views

2018 SUNREEF 74 ft Type: Sail | Condition: Used Model: Sunreef 74C Catamaran for Sale Mallorca Spain

"SOVEREIGN"

• 36 Inquiries
• 4,129 Views

2006 LIDGARD 73 ft Type: Sail | Condition: Used Model: Executive 73 Catamaran for Sale Gloucester Virginia

"MULAN"

2012 SUNREEF 71 ft Type: Sail | Condition: Used Model: Sunreef 70 Catamaran for Sale Honolulu Hawaii

"OCEAN VIBES"

• 7 Inquiries

2020 SUNREEF 70 ft Type: Sail | Condition: Used Model: Sunreef 70 Catamaran for Sale St Thomas Virgin Islands (US)

"ALMA DIVA"

• 12 Inquiries

2022 SUNREEF 70 ft Type: Power | Condition: Used Model: Sunreef 70 PC Catamaran for Sale Cartagena Colombia

"BROCHURE-FOUNTAINE PAJOT ALEGRIA 67"

• 109 Inquiries
• 5,552 Views

2024 FOUNTAINE PAJOT 67 ft Type: Sail | Condition: Brochure Model: Alegria 67 Catamaran for Sale France

"ADALIZ"

• 2,520 Views

2022 BALLOTTA 65 ft Type: Power | Condition: New Model: Kelsall KSP 65 Catamaran for Sale La Punta Peru

"LADY MIRABELLE"

2024 LAGOON 65 ft Type: Sail | Condition: Used Model: Lagoon Sixty 5 Catamaran for Sale Bordeaux France

"BROCHURE-FOUNTAINE PAJOT POWER 67"

• 63 Inquiries
• 2,975 Views

2024 FOUNTAINE PAJOT 65 ft Type: Power | Condition: Brochure Model: Power 67 Catamaran for Sale France

"HONORARY"

• 21 Inquiries
• 2,073 Views

2016 LAGOON 62 ft Type: Sail | Condition: Used Model: Lagoon 620 Catamaran for Sale St Thomas Virgin Islands (US)

"ODISEA"

• 3 Inquiries

2017 LAGOON 62 ft Type: Sail | Condition: Used Model: Lagoon 620 Catamaran for Sale Martinique

"ZAHORA"

• 64 Inquiries
• 6,928 Views

2008 SUNREEF 62 ft Type: Sail | Condition: Used Model: Sunreef 62 Catamaran for Sale Barcelona Spain

"PONO"

• 14 Inquiries
• 1,143 Views

2005 FOUNTAINE PAJOT 60 ft Type: Sail | Condition: Used Model: Eleuthera 60 Catamaran for Sale Port Canaveral Florida

"BROCHURE FOUNTAINE PAJOT SAMANA 59"

• 1,233 Views

2021 FOUNTAINE PAJOT 59 ft Type: Sail | Condition: Brochure Model: Fountaine Pajot 59 Catamaran for Sale France

"VOYAGE 590"

• 23 Inquiries

2024 VOYAGE YACHTS 59 ft Type: Sail | Condition: New Model: Voyage 590 Catamaran for Sale Tortola Virgin Islands (British)

"GRENADIER"

• 9 Inquiries
• 1,029 Views

2025 FOUNTAINE PAJOT 59 ft Type: Sail | Condition: New Model: Samana 59 Maestro Catamaran for Sale New In Stock

"DREAM MAYREAU"

2017 FOUNTAINE PAJOT 58 ft Type: Sail | Condition: Used Model: IPANEMA 58 Catamaran for Sale Saint Martin

"HOKULEI"

2023 GRANOCEAN 57 ft Type: Power | Condition: Used Model: 57 Catamaran for Sale Hallandale Beach Florida

"RECIPE"

• 31 Inquiries
• 3,230 Views

2011 LAGOON 56 ft Type: Sail | Condition: Used Model: Lagoon 560 Catamaran for Sale Antigua and Barbuda

"NO NAME-LAGOON 560"

• 1,157 Views

2017 LAGOON 56 ft Type: Sail | Condition: Used Model: Lagoon 560 S2 Catamaran for Sale Fort Lauderdale Florida

• Sail Catamarans for sale
• New Catamarans for sale
• New Power Catamarans for sale
• New Sail Catamarans for sale
• Power Catamarans for sale
• Used Catamarans for sale
• Used Power Catamarans for sale
• Used Sail Catamarans for sale
• Catamarans in Florida
• Catamarans in Maryland
• Catamarans in Texas
• View All Catamarans

Learn How to Sail a Catamaran: Beginner’s Guide to Mastering Catamaran Sailing

Alex Morgan

Sailing a catamaran offers a unique and thrilling experience on the water. Whether you are a seasoned sailor or a beginner, understanding the essentials of catamaran sailing is vital to have a safe and enjoyable journey. In this guide, we will explore the different aspects of sailing a catamaran, from its advantages to the essential equipment, basic sailing techniques, advanced maneuvers, and navigation and safety tips. Let’s dive in and discover how to sail a catamaran like a pro.

Introduction to Catamarans: Catamarans are multi-hulled vessels that have gained popularity in the sailing world for their unique design and capabilities. Unlike traditional single-hulled sailboats, catamarans feature two parallel hulls connected by a deck, offering stability and spaciousness. The design of a catamaran allows for enhanced performance, comfort, and versatility.

Why Choose a Catamaran for Sailing? Before delving into the specifics of sailing a catamaran, it is important to understand the advantages that these vessels offer:

1. Stability on the Water: Catamarans are known for their exceptional stability, which is attributed to their wide and buoyant hulls. This stability makes them less prone to heeling or tipping over, providing a smoother sailing experience.

2. Spaciousness and Comfort: With their wide beam, catamarans offer ample space and room for movement both above and below deck. The spacious interiors often feature multiple cabins, a large saloon, and a well-equipped galley, providing comfort and convenience during extended trips.

3. Shallow Draft: Catamarans have a shallow draft, meaning they require less depth of water to operate. This allows them to explore shallower areas and navigate closer to shorelines, expanding the cruising grounds and opening up new destinations.

4. Speed and Performance: Due to their design and reduced drag, catamarans are renowned for their speed and performance. They have the ability to reach higher speeds, making them perfect for those seeking an exhilarating sailing experience.

By understanding the advantages of sailing a catamaran, you can appreciate why these vessels are a popular choice amongst sailors. In the following sections, we will delve into the essential equipment needed for catamaran sailing, basic and advanced sailing techniques, as well as navigation and safety tips to ensure a successful and enjoyable catamaran sailing experience.

Key takeaway:

• Stability on the water: Catamarans offer excellent stability, making them a preferred choice for sailing. The two hulls provide a wider base, reducing the risk of capsizing and providing a smooth sailing experience.
• Spaciousness and comfort: Catamarans offer more living space compared to monohulls, providing comfort for passengers and crew. The wide beam allows for spacious cabins, lounging areas, and enhanced privacy.
• Speed and performance: Catamarans are known for their speed and performance. With two hulls and reduced drag, catamarans can achieve higher speeds and offer thrilling sailing experiences to enthusiasts.

Why Choose a Catamaran for Sailing?

When it comes to sailing, why should you choose a catamaran? Well, for starters, they offer unparalleled stability on the water. Not to mention, their spaciousness and comfort make for an enjoyable and relaxing sailing experience. Catamarans have a shallow draft , allowing you to explore shallower waters that other boats may not be able to reach. And let’s not forget about their impressive speed and performance . So, if you’re looking for a thrilling and comfortable sailing adventure, a catamaran is the way to go!

Stability on the Water

Stability on the Water is crucial when sailing a catamaran. Catamarans have twin hulls that create a wide and stable platform, distributing weight evenly and reducing the risk of capsizing. The catamaran’s wide beam also enhances stability, resisting tipping.

Catamarans offer increased comfort and safety on the water. Passengers can move freely without losing balance or feeling seasick. The stable platform also allows for activities like sunbathing or dining, making for a pleasant experience.

Catamarans have better handling and maneuverability , thanks to their stability. They maintain a level sailing position even in rough waters, providing a smoother and more comfortable ride. This stability also enables higher speeds, perfect for those seeking excitement .

It is important to note that external factors like wind and waves can still affect catamarans’ stability. Proper sailing techniques and safety protocols are essential for optimal stability.

Spaciousness and Comfort

Catamarans offer ample space and comfort, making them ideal for sailing enthusiasts. The large living areas and wide hulls provide plenty of room to relax and enjoy the water. The trampoline between the hulls is a comfortable spot for sunbathing and taking in the views.

The spaciousness of catamarans translates to comfortable interiors with multiple cabins, bathrooms, and a well-equipped galley. This allows for privacy and convenience, perfect for extended sailing trips or larger groups.

With their dual-hull design, catamarans offer excellent stability on the water, reducing the likelihood of seasickness and providing a smooth sailing experience.

The wide beam of a catamaran minimizes motion, creating a stable and enjoyable ride. This is beneficial for those sensitive to motion or seeking a relaxed sailing experience.

Shallow Draft

The shallow draft of a catamaran allows it to navigate in shallow waters, which other types of boats cannot access. This advantage is especially helpful when exploring coastal areas, lagoons, or cruising around sandbanks or coral reefs.

The catamaran achieves a shallow draft by designing the hulls with reduced depth. This allows the boat to float in shallower waters, reducing the risk of running aground and enabling access to secluded anchorages and coves. In addition, the shallow draft enhances maneuverability in tight spaces, such as narrow channels or smaller marinas.

Compared to deeper-draft monohull sailboats, catamarans with a shallow draft also have less vulnerability to underwater obstacles like rocks or coral, making sailing safer. It’s important to note that each catamaran model will have its own specific shallow draft measurement provided by the manufacturer.

When planning sailing routes and exploring areas with limited depth, considering the shallow draft of a catamaran is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience on the water.

Speed and Performance

A catamaran is well-known for its exceptional speed and performance on the water, which makes it a preferred choice for sailing enthusiasts.

Due to its ingenious dual-hull design, a catamaran experiences minimal drag in the water, resulting in the ability to reach higher speeds compared to monohull sailboats.

The wide beam of a catamaran not only enhances its stability but also reduces the risk of capsizing, enabling faster sailing in stronger winds.

With its lightweight structure and sleek shape, a catamaran effortlessly glides through the water, maximizing its speed potential.

Catamarans consistently maintain higher speeds, making them an ideal option for lengthy sailing trips or competitive racing.

Catamarans have a reduced wetted surface area, which minimizes resistance from the water and leads to improved efficiency and performance.

Another advantage of a catamaran is its shallow draft , allowing it to navigate shallower waters with ease, thereby increasing its versatility and suitability for coastal exploration.

Catamarans boast a spacious deck layout , providing ample room for passengers to move around comfortably and accommodating various amenities and recreational activities.

Catamarans offer a smooth and stable sailing experience, even in choppy or rough sea conditions, ensuring optimal comfort for all those on board.

Essential Equipment for Sailing a Catamaran

When it comes to sailing a catamaran, having the right equipment is crucial. In this section, we’ll dive into the essential gear you’ll need for a smooth sailing experience. From the sails and rigging that harness the wind’s power to the rudder and steering controls that guide your vessel, we’ll cover it all. We’ll also explore the importance of anchoring and docking techniques , as well as the safety gear that ensures you’re prepared for any unexpected challenges on the open water. Get ready to gear up and set sail!

Sails and Rigging

When it comes to sailing a catamaran, understanding the importance of sails and rigging is crucial. The sails power the boat and enable it to move through the water, while the rigging supports and controls the sails. Here are some key points to consider about sails and rigging:

1. Sail design: The design of the sails, including their size, shape, and material, plays a significant role in the catamaran’s performance. High-performance racing catamarans often have larger, more efficient sails that generate greater speed.

2. Rigging setup: The rigging on a catamaran consists of the mast, shrouds, and various lines and controls. Proper tensioning and adjustment of the rigging ensures correct sail positioning and overall balance of the boat.

3. Sail controls: Catamarans have several controls for adjusting the sails while sailing. These include the mainsheet, which controls the main sail, and the jib sheets, which control the jib sail. Learning how to trim and adjust these controls optimizes performance.

4. Sail handling: Proper handling of the sails is crucial for smooth sailing. This involves hoisting, lowering, and reefing the sails in strong winds. Understanding safe and efficient sail handling techniques is essential.

Now, let me share a true story to illustrate the importance of sails and rigging. During a sailing race, a catamaran led the fleet due to its well-designed sails and properly rigged mast. The crew efficiently adjusted the sails using the various controls, allowing the catamaran to effectively harness the wind’s power. As a result, they maintained optimal speed and maneuverability, securing victory in the race. This highlights how understanding and utilizing sails and rigging can significantly impact sailing performance.

Rudder and Steering

When it comes to catamaran sailing, the rudder and steering are crucial for maneuvering the vessel efficiently. Here are some key points to consider:

• The rudder is an important part of a catamaran’s steering system. It is usually located at the rear of the boat and controls the vessel’s direction.
• Catamarans typically have two rudders , one on each hull, which provide improved stability and control.
• Steering a catamaran involves using the tiller or wheel, depending on the type of steering system. The helmsman turns the tiller or wheel to adjust the direction, which in turn moves the rudders .
• When sailing upwind, it is necessary to steer slightly higher into the wind to maintain speed and prevent excessive leeway.
• Downwind sailing requires adjusting the course to downwind angles, allowing the wind to fill the sails from behind.
• Proper rudder and steering adjustments are essential for maintaining balance and preventing excessive heel or capsizing.
• During tacking and jibing, it is important to have the rudder in the correct position to maneuver the catamaran smoothly without losing speed or control.
• Regular inspection and maintenance of the rudder and steering system are crucial to ensure functionality and prevent any issues while sailing.

By understanding and utilizing the rudder and steering effectively, catamaran sailors can confidently navigate the waters and enjoy a safe and enjoyable sailing experience.

Anchoring and Docking

When anchoring and docking a catamaran, it is important to consider the following factors:

1. Choose a suitable anchor for the size and weight of your catamaran , taking into account the seabed type and prevailing weather conditions. The plow anchor is widely favored due to its strong holding power and versatility.

2. Lower the anchor gently and gradually, allowing it to settle properly on the seabed. Pay attention to the water depth and use a scope ratio of 7:1 (7 feet of anchor rode for every foot of water depth) to ensure sufficient holding power.

3. Secure the catamaran by attaching the anchor rode to a cleat or designated anchor attachment point on the boat. Make sure to apply proper tension to prevent excessive movement.

4. When approaching the dock, do so slowly and cautiously, taking into consideration factors such as wind , current , and nearby boats. Use your engines and rudders to maneuver smoothly.

5. Employ appropriate docking techniques based on the type and design of the dock. Consider utilizing spring lines or fenders to assist in securing the boat and protecting the hulls.

Pro-tip: Regularly practicing anchoring and docking maneuvers will improve your skills and give you confidence in handling your catamaran under different conditions. Proper technique and experience will greatly enhance your overall sailing experience.

Safety Gear

When sailing a catamaran, having the right safety gear is crucial. Here are some essential safety gear items for catamaran sailors:

• Life Jackets: Wear properly fitting and Coast Guard-approved life jackets for everyone onboard.
• Throwable Devices: Keep easily accessible throwable devices, such as life rings or cushions, for emergencies.
• EPIRB: An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) helps rescuers locate you in emergencies.
• Flares: Carry a set of marine flares to signal for help in low visibility or emergency situations. Check the expiration dates regularly.
• Fire Extinguishers: Have at least one marine-grade fire extinguisher onboard to quickly put out potential fires.
• First Aid Kit: Keep a well-stocked first aid kit onboard to treat minor injuries or provide initial care before professional help arrives.
• Navigation Lights: Ensure your catamaran has properly functioning navigation lights for visibility during low-light conditions.
• VHF Radio: A VHF marine radio is essential for communication with other vessels and contacting emergency services if needed.
• Anchor and Rode: Carry a reliable anchor and sufficient anchor rode for safe anchoring when needed.

Remember to familiarize yourself with the operation and use of all safety gear onboard your catamaran to be prepared for unexpected situations.

Basic Sailing Techniques for Catamarans

Mastering the art of sailing a catamaran requires a solid foundation in basic sailing techniques. In this section, we’ll dive into the essential skills you need to navigate the waters with confidence. From understanding points of sail to mastering tacking and jibing , we’ll cover the maneuvers that will enhance your catamaran sailing prowess. We’ll explore the crucial aspects of sail trim and balance , as well as maneuvering in different wind conditions . Get ready to set sail and embrace the thrill of catamaran adventures!

Understanding Points of Sail

Understanding points of sail is crucial for successful catamaran sailing. It refers to the different angles at which a sailboat can sail relative to the wind. Different techniques and adjustments are required for optimal performance based on the point of sail. The main points of sail are:

1. No Sail: When the boat is not under sail and the sails are completely down.

2. Close Hauled: Sailing as close to the wind direction as possible, typically at an angle of 45 degrees or less.

3. Beam Reach: Sailing perpendicular to the wind direction, with the wind coming directly from either side of the boat.

4. Broad Reach: Sailing with the wind coming from behind the boat at an angle.

5. Running: Sailing directly downwind, with the wind coming from directly behind the boat.

To effectively sail a catamaran, it is crucial to understand how to adjust and trim the sails, as well as steer the boat based on the current point of sail. Practice and experience will enhance your proficiency in handling different wind conditions and making the necessary adjustments for optimal speed and performance.

Remember, prioritize safety while sailing. Familiarize yourself with navigation rules, weather patterns, and emergency preparedness to ensure a smooth and enjoyable catamaran sailing experience.

Tacking and Jibing

Tacking and jibing are vital sailing techniques for catamarans . These maneuvers allow you to change direction and navigate effectively. Below are the step-by-step instructions for tacking and jibing:

1. Tacking:

– Direct the catamaran towards the wind until the sails start to luff . – Release the jib sheet and ensure it smoothly crosses the boat, avoiding any entanglement. – Turn the bow of the catamaran into the wind, managing the mainsail as it fills with wind on the opposite side. – Adjust the jib sheet on the new leeward side to capture the wind and maintain speed. – Make any necessary adjustments to the heading and sails to resume your desired course.

– Prepare the catamaran by getting the jib and mainsail ready for the change in direction. – Steer the catamaran away from the wind, ensuring that the mainsail is backed by the wind. – Release the mainsheet and swiftly swing the boom across the cockpit to the opposite side. – Trim the mainsail and jib to harness the wind from the new direction, effectively maintaining control and speed. – Adjust the heading and sails as needed to resume your desired course.

By mastering these techniques, you can skillfully maneuver your catamaran, enhancing the enjoyment and efficiency of your sailing. Always consider the wind direction and adjust your sails accordingly to maintain control and optimize efficiency throughout your journey.

Sail Trim and Balance

Sail trim and balance are crucial for effective catamaran sailing. Proper sail trim ensures optimal performance and speed , while balancing the sails evenly distribute the pressure between them and prevent excessive heeling of the boat . Adjusting the angle, tension, and position of the sails in response to wind conditions is essential for achieving the desired sail trim and balance.

One way to achieve sail trim and balance is by adjusting the position of the traveler , which controls the lateral movement of the mainsail. Moving the traveler to leeward allows the sail to take in more wind, improving the sail trim, while moving it to windward reduces exposure, compensating for gusts or changes in wind direction.

In addition, adjusting the tension of the halyards and sheets can further fine-tune sail trim and balance. By tightening or loosening these lines, you can optimize the shape and curvature of the sails , ultimately improving their performance.

It is important to continuously monitor and make adjustments to sail trim and balance while sailing. Being responsive to changing wind conditions and making timely adjustments will enhance overall performance and ensure a smoother, more enjoyable sailing experience .

Keep in mind that mastering sail trim and balance takes practice and experience . Paying attention to these factors will significantly improve your catamaran sailing abilities.

Maneuvering in Different Wind Conditions

Maneuvering a catamaran in different wind conditions requires specific steps for optimal control and performance. In order to achieve this, it is important to assess the wind direction by observing nearby objects or using a wind indicator. Once the wind direction is determined, adjust the sails based on the wind direction. For downwind sailing, set the mainsail and jib on opposite sides, while for upwind sailing, position the sails closer together.

Next, it is crucial to trim the sails properly to maximize lift and minimize drag. In lighter winds, the sails should be loosened, while in stronger winds, they should be tightened. Using the mainsail traveler to adjust the position of the mainsail sheet can optimize sail shape and control in different wind angles.

To steer the catamaran, adjust the rudder accordingly. Smaller course corrections should be made in light winds, while larger adjustments are necessary in stronger winds.

In gusty conditions, it is important to react to gusts by depowering the sails. This can be done by easing the sheets or heading up into the wind, which helps maintain stability.

It is essential to be aware of wind shifts and make necessary adjustments to the course and sail trim.

Practicing sailing techniques such as tacking , jibing , and sailing close-hauled or downwind can significantly improve proficiency in handling the catamaran in various wind conditions.

By following these steps, catamaran sailors can confidently navigate and maneuver their vessel in different wind conditions, ensuring a safe and enjoyable sailing experience.

Advanced Catamaran Sailing Techniques

Ready to take your catamaran sailing skills to the next level? In this section, we’ll dive into the thrilling world of advanced catamaran sailing techniques . Get ready to learn about the exhilarating art of spinnaker sailing , the adrenaline-pumping experience of flying a hull , the secrets of performance tuning , and the challenges and strategies of handling heavy weather conditions . Brace yourself for an adventure on the high seas as we explore the exciting realm of catamaran sailing like never before.

Spinnaker Sailing

Spinnaker sailing is a vital technique used in catamaran sailing to optimize speed. The spinnaker , a balloon-shaped sail, is strategically flown in front of the boat while sailing downwind. By harnessing the wind from a different direction, the spinnaker empowers the catamaran to sail faster and with greater efficiency.

To set up the spinnaker, the crew skillfully hoists it up the mast using a halyard and securely attaches the corners of the sail to the spinnaker pole . Once elevated, the crew precisely trims the sail by adjusting the sheets , controlling its shape and angle. This requires coordination and expertise as the crew works together to steer the boat and fine-tune the sails for optimal balance and speed.

Maintaining awareness of wind conditions is crucial to adapting the spinnaker and avoiding excessive power or loss of control. Spinnaker sailing significantly enhances the performance of a catamaran, enabling it to achieve remarkable speeds and maximize downwind navigation.

When honing spinnaker sailing skills, it is advised to commence in lighter wind conditions and progressively advance as proficiency accrues. Proper training and diligent practice are imperative for a safe and gratifying sailing experience.

Flying a Hull

Flying a hull is a technique used in catamaran sailing. It involves lifting one hull out of the water, allowing the boat to glide on just one hull while the other remains elevated. This technique, known as flying a hull , is commonly used in high winds and requires practice and experience.

To fly a hull, the sailor must position their weight on the windward hull, leveraging their body weight to lift the hull out of the water. This creates less resistance, increasing the catamaran's speed and performance. It can be an exhilarating experience, as the boat skims across the water.

Flying a hull is not without risks and should only be attempted by experienced sailors. It requires a good understanding of the catamaran's dynamics and stability. Proper sail trim and balance are crucial to maintain control and prevent capsizing.

When flying a hull, be prepared for sudden gusts of wind and rapid changes in boat speed. Constant adjustments to sail trim and weight distribution are necessary for stability and control. Prioritize safety, wear appropriate gear, and always be mindful of your limits and the current conditions. With practice and experience, flying a hull can be a thrilling and rewarding aspect of catamaran sailing.

Performance Tuning

• Maintain and inspect all systems and equipment regularly. This includes checking rigging tension , inspecting sails for damage, and ensuring proper alignment of rudders and steering system .
• Clean hull regularly to remove marine growth that can create drag and slow you down.
• Maximize speed through proper sail trim. Experiment with adjustments to find the perfect balance between power and efficiency. Adjust mainsail and jib sheets to achieve desired sail shape and angle to the wind.
• Distribute weight evenly throughout the catamaran for stability and performance. Balance passengers , equipment , and supplies evenly on both hulls to prevent unnecessary drag.

Frequent performance tuning will help you get the most out of your catamaran, allowing for faster and more efficient sailing. A well-tuned catamaran can significantly enhance your sailing experience and give you a competitive edge in races.

Fact: Performance tuning can improve catamaran speed by up to 10%, allowing for swift gliding through the water.

Heavy Weather Sailing

In heavy weather sailing, taking proper precautions is crucial to ensure the safety of both the crew and the catamaran. Follow the steps below when sailing in challenging weather conditions:

1. Check the weather forecast: Before heading out, always check the forecast for potential storms or strong winds. This will help you decide if it is safe to sail.

2. Reef the sails: Reduce the exposed sail area in strong winds. Partially furl or lower the sails to maintain control and stability.

3. Ensure proper ballast: Distribute weight in the catamaran to maintain balance and stability. Shift crew members or equipment to the windward side to offset strong gusts.

4. Monitor the sea state: Pay attention to the sea condition and adjust your course accordingly. Avoid large waves or swells that may cause the catamaran to broach or capsize.

5. Have appropriate safety gear: Carry essential safety equipment like life jackets, harnesses, and tethers. Ensure all crew members are familiar with their use.

6. Maintain constant communication: Keep in touch with other boats or shore stations to report your position and receive important updates or warnings.

7. Stay vigilant: Continuously monitor weather and sea conditions, making adjustments as necessary. Be prepared to make quick decisions and react to environmental changes.

To sail a catamaran safely in heavy weather, proper training and experience are important. If you are a beginner or unfamiliar with heavy weather sailing, seek guidance from a qualified instructor. Remember, safety should always be the top priority when facing challenging weather conditions at sea.

Navigation and Safety Tips for Catamaran Sailing

When it comes to sailing a catamaran, navigation and safety are of paramount importance . In this section, we’ll discover essential tips and techniques that will help you navigate channels and obstacles with ease . We’ll also uncover the mysteries of understanding weather patterns for a smoother sailing experience. To ensure safety, we’ll delve into the art of mooring and docking safely . And finally, we’ll touch upon emergency preparedness , equipping you with the knowledge needed to tackle unexpected situations. Let’s set sail and explore the fascinating world of catamaran sailing!

Navigating Channels and Obstacles

When sailing a catamaran and navigating channels and obstacles, it is important to follow certain steps to ensure safety and efficiency.

1. Plan your route: Take the time to study charts and navigation aids, identifying the safest and most efficient route. Pay attention to potential hazards such as sandbars, reefs, or underwater obstructions.

2. Stay within marked channels: Stick to designated channels and be vigilant about watching navigational markers that guide boats safely through the area.

3. Maintain a safe speed: Slow down when navigating through narrow channels or around obstacles to have better control and quicker reactions if needed.

4. Keep a lookout: Assign a crew member the responsibility of actively watching for boats, buoys, and obstructions. Good communication among the crew is crucial in ensuring everyone’s safety.

5. Use navigation aids: Make full use of onboard GPS systems, charts, and radar to accurately determine your position, marker distance, and potential hazards.

6. Communicate with other boaters: In busy channels, it is important to use VHF radio or visual signals to communicate with other boaters, helping to avoid collisions and ensure safe navigation.

7. Be prepared for changing conditions: Keep in mind that channels can be affected by tides, currents, and weather. Stay updated with the latest information and adjust your navigation plan accordingly.

To successfully navigate channels and obstacles, it is important to practice safe and vigilant sailing techniques. Always prioritize the safety of your crew and vessel, and never underestimate the importance of proper navigation.

Understanding Weather Patterns

Understanding weather patterns is crucial for safe and successful catamaran sailing. Here are some key points to consider:

• Study weather forecasts: Regularly check weather forecasts before your sailing trip. Look for details such as wind speed, wind direction, and any warnings or advisories.
• Learn about local weather patterns: Different locations have unique weather patterns. Understand the typical wind patterns, temperature changes, and seasonal variations in your sailing area to anticipate potential weather changes.
• Recognize signs of changing weather: Keep an eye out for signs of changing conditions while on the water. Signs may include darkening clouds, shifting winds, sudden temperature drops, or changes in wave patterns.
• Be prepared for different weather conditions: Have necessary gear and equipment for various conditions. This includes proper clothing, safety gear, and navigation tools. Prepare for storms, high winds, and other challenging weather situations.
• Adjust your sailing plans accordingly: Based on the forecast and observations while sailing, make necessary adjustments to your route, timing, and activities. Safety should always be the top priority.

Understanding weather patterns will help you make informed decisions and ensure a safe and enjoyable catamaran sailing experience. Prioritize safety and consult with experienced sailors or local authorities when in doubt. Safe sailing and smooth voyages!

Mooring and Docking Safely

Mooring and docking safely are crucial when sailing a catamaran . Here are the steps to follow:

1. Approach the dock or mooring area carefully, considering wind and current conditions.

2. Assign crew members to handle lines and fenders for a smooth docking process.

3. Use fenders to protect the hulls of the catamaran during mooring and docking safely.

4. First , secure the bow line to prevent the catamaran from drifting away.

5. Attach the stern lines after securing the bow line to ensure mooring and docking safely while keeping the catamaran aligned with the dock or mooring.

6. Communicate with the crew to ensure everyone knows their roles and responsibilities during mooring and docking safely.

7. When leaving the dock or mooring area, untie the lines in reverse order, starting with the stern lines and finishing with the bow line.

Suggestions for mooring and docking safely include:

– Practice docking and maneuvering in different conditions to improve skills.

– Consider using spring lines to control the catamaran’s movement while mooring and docking safely.

– Be mindful of nearby boats, obstacles, and other watercraft to avoid collisions.

– Invest in high-quality lines, fenders, and docking equipment for stability and safety.

– Stay updated with local boating regulations and guidelines for mooring and docking safely in specific areas.

Remember, practicing and having a well-prepared crew can make a significant difference when it comes to mooring and docking safely with a catamaran.

Emergency Preparedness

When catamaran sailing, emergency preparedness is crucial for everyone’s safety. Here are some essential tips for handling emergencies on a catamaran:

• Always have a well-stocked first aid kit on board, including bandages , antiseptic ointments , and seasickness medication .
• Have a reliable communication device , like a VHF radio or satellite phone , to call for help in emergencies .
• Practice regular safety drills with your crew to familiarize them with emergency procedures , including man overboard drills and fire drills .
• Understand basic navigation techniques and be prepared to use navigational aids, such as GPS or charts , in case of equipment failure .
• Carry extra safety equipment, like life jackets , flares , and a life raft , for rough weather or if the boat becomes disabled.
• Keep a strong anchor and anchor line on board to use in case of engine failure or other emergencies that require quick anchoring.
• Stay updated on weather conditions and be prepared to change course or seek shelter if severe weather is forecasted.
• Foster good communication and teamwork among your crew to ensure a coordinated response to emergencies and to maintain calm in stressful situations.

By prioritizing emergency preparedness and taking necessary precautions, you can enjoy a safe and enjoyable catamaran sailing experience.

Some Facts About How To Sail A Catamaran:

• ✅ Understanding a Catamaran: A catamaran is a multi-hulled water vessel with two parallel hulls and sails. Small catamarans, also known as beach catamarans, are the focus of this guide.
• ✅ Essential Parts of a Catamaran: The essential parts of a catamaran include the hull, tiller, rudder, keel, mast, mainsail, foresail, and boom. Each part plays a crucial role in the catamaran’s operation.
• ✅ Common Sailing Terminologies: Some important sailing terms to know include point of sail, port, starboard, bow/stern, tack, jib, heeling, windward, leeward, aboard, halyards, and sheets.
• ✅ Learning How a Small Catamaran Works: The wind is what propels a catamaran. By raising and trimming the sails, you can capture the wind’s power and move the catamaran. The tiller is used to control the rudder and steer the catamaran in your desired direction.
• ✅ Getting Equipped: Before setting sail, it is important to have the right sailing gear. This includes fitting shoes, sailing gloves, polarized sunglasses, a windbreaker, a logbook, a compass/GPS, a first aid kit, a phone and power bank, and enough food and water.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of sailing a catamaran over a monohull.

Catamarans offer several advantages over monohulls, including more living space, greater stability, and less likelihood of causing people to fall overboard. Catamarans also have two engines, providing increased safety in case of engine problems.

What is the process for learning to sail a catamaran?

Learning to sail a catamaran requires hands-on experience. Nautilus offers week-long live aboard courses in various locations, providing an intensive course where individuals can gain practical skills. Successful completion of the course earns ASA certification, allowing them to charter catamarans internationally.

What are the essential parts of a small catamaran?

The essential parts of a small catamaran include the hull, tiller, rudder, keel, mast, mainsail, foresail, and boom. Each part plays a crucial role in the catamaran’s operation.

How do I trim the sails on a catamaran?

Trimming the sails involves adjusting their positioning to control the catamaran’s movement. Tighten or loosen the sheets to achieve the desired sail shape and maximize the catamaran’s performance in different wind conditions.

Where can I find top-quality catamarans designed by renowned boat builders?

The Moorings offers exclusive access to top-quality catamarans designed by Robertson & Caine, a renowned South African boat builder. They provide a range of options for sailing vacations and ownership yachts.

Are catamarans safe for offshore sailing?

Catamarans have undergone significant design improvements and are considered safe and stable for offshore sailing. They offer greater stability, duplicate navigation systems, and reduced risk of capsizing. It is still important to adhere to safety protocols and consider weather conditions for a safe voyage.

About the author

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Latest posts

The history of sailing – from ancient times to modern adventures

History of Sailing Sailing is a time-honored tradition that has evolved over millennia, from its humble beginnings as a means of transportation to a beloved modern-day recreational activity. The history of sailing is a fascinating journey that spans cultures and centuries, rich in innovation and adventure. In this article, we’ll explore the remarkable evolution of…

Sailing Solo: Adventures and Challenges of Single-Handed Sailing

Solo Sailing Sailing has always been a pursuit of freedom, adventure, and self-discovery. While sailing with a crew is a fantastic experience, there’s a unique allure to sailing solo – just you, the wind, and the open sea. Single-handed sailing, as it’s often called, is a journey of self-reliance, resilience, and the ultimate test of…

Sustainable Sailing: Eco-Friendly Practices on the boat

Eco Friendly Sailing Sailing is an exhilarating and timeless way to explore the beauty of the open water, but it’s important to remember that our oceans and environment need our protection. Sustainable sailing, which involves eco-friendly practices and mindful decision-making, allows sailors to enjoy their adventures while minimizing their impact on the environment. In this…

Sail GP: how do supercharged racing yachts go so fast? An engineer explains

Head of Engineering, Warsash School of Maritime Science and Engineering, Solent University

Disclosure statement

Jonathan Ridley does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

View all partners

Sailing used to be considered as a rather sedate pastime. But in the past few years, the world of yacht racing has been revolutionised by the arrival of hydrofoil-supported catamarans, known as “foilers”. These vessels, more akin to high-performance aircraft than yachts, combine the laws of aerodynamics and hydrodynamics to create vessels capable of speeds of up to 50 knots, which is far faster than the wind propelling them.

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 just 19.3 knots (22.2mph). F50s are 15-metre-long, 8.8-metre-wide hydrofoil catamarans propelled by rigid sails and capable of such astounding speeds that Sail GP has been called the “ Formula One of sailing ”. How are these yachts able to go so fast? The answer lies in some simple fluid dynamics.

As a vessel’s hull moves through the water, there are two primary physical mechanisms that create drag and slow the vessel down. To build a faster boat you have to find ways to overcome the drag force.

The first mechanism is friction. As the water flows past the hull, a microscopic layer of water is effectively attached to the hull and is pulled along with the yacht. A second layer of water then attaches to the first layer, and the sliding or shearing between them creates friction.

On the outside of this is a third layer, which slides over the inner layers creating more friction, and so on. Together, these layers are known as the boundary layer – and it’s the shearing of the boundary layer’s molecules against each other that creates frictional drag.

A yacht also makes waves as it pushes the water around and under the hull from the bow (front) to the stern (back) of the boat. The waves form two distinctive patterns around the yacht (one at each end), known as Kelvin Wave patterns.

These waves, which move at the same speed as the yacht, are very energetic. This creates drag on the boat known as the wave-making drag, which is responsible for around 90% of the total drag. As the yacht accelerates to faster speeds (close to the “hull speed”, explained later), these waves get higher and longer.

These two effects combine to produce a phenomenon known as “ hull speed ”, which is the fastest the boat can travel – and in conventional single-hull yachts it is very slow. A single-hull yacht of the same size as the F50 has a hull speed of around 12 mph.

However, it’s possible to reduce both the frictional and wave-making drag and overcome this hull-speed limit by building a yacht with hydrofoils . Hydrofoils are small, underwater wings. These act in the same way as an aircraft wing, creating a lift force which acts against gravity, lifting our yacht upwards so that the hull is clear of the water.

While an aircraft’s wings are very large, the high density of water compared to air means that we only need very small hydrofoils to produce a lot of the important lift force. A hydrofoil just the size of three A3 sheets of paper, when moving at just 10 mph, can produce enough lift to pick up a large person.

This significantly reduces the surface area and the volume of the boat that is underwater, which cuts the frictional drag and the wave-making drag, respectively. The combined effect is a reduction in the overall drag to a fraction of its original amount, so that the yacht is capable of sailing much faster than it could without hydrofoils.

The other innovation that helps boost the speed of racing yachts is the use of rigid sails . The power available from traditional sails to drive the boat forward is relatively small, limited by the fact that the sail’s forces have to act in equilibrium with a range of other forces, and that fabric sails do not make an ideal shape for creating power. Rigid sails, which are very similar in design to an aircraft wing, form a much more efficient shape than traditional sails, effectively giving the yacht a larger engine and more power.

As the yacht accelerates from the driving force of these sails, it experiences what is known as “ apparent wind ”. Imagine a completely calm day, with no wind. As you walk, you experience a breeze in your face at the same speed that you are walking. If there was a wind blowing too, you would feel a mixture of the real (or “true” wind) and the breeze you have generated.

The two together form the apparent wind, which can be faster than the true wind. If there is enough true wind combined with this apparent wind, then significant force and power can be generated from the sail to propel the yacht, so it can easily sail faster than the wind speed itself.

The combined effect of reducing the drag and increasing the driving power results in a yacht that is far faster than those of even a few years ago. But all of this would not be possible without one further advance: materials. In order to be able to “fly”, the yacht must have a low mass, and the hydrofoil itself must be very strong. To achieve the required mass, strength and rigidity using traditional boat-building materials such as wood or aluminium would be very difficult.

This is where modern advanced composite materials such as carbon fibre come in. Production techniques optimising weight, rigidity and strength allow the production of structures that are strong and light enough to produce incredible yachts like the F50.

The engineers who design these high-performance boats (known as naval architects ) are always looking to use new materials and science to get an optimum design. In theory, the F50 should be able to go even faster.

• Engineering
• Aerodynamics

Student Internship Officer

Apply for State Library of Queensland's next round of research opportunities

Associate Professor, Psychology

Professor and Head of School, School of Communication and Arts

Management Information Systems & Analytics – Limited Term Contract

Discover the best catamaran trips of Mallorca

Discover the magic of mallorca with sail go catamaran.

We offer you unforgettable catamaran trips along the stunning South West coast of Mallorca. With a maximum of 12 guests we provide you a day you won’t forget. Captain Nico and 1st officer Delia will show you the hidden treasures of the Mallorquin coastline you won’t find by yourself.

Read more about this private boat trip>>>

More about this shared boat trip >>>

Read more about this hen party trip >>>

Private Catamaran Trips : Your Exclusive Voyage

Experience our luxury private catamaran trips the way you like it. Whether the occasion is celebrating a birthday or anniversary, a hen do- bachelorette party, or a family/friends adventure as well, our private catamaran trips are designed to provide you with a truly exclusive experience.

Shared Catamaran Trips: Adventure with New Friends

Our shared trips are the perfect choice for those who likes the company of like-minded people. Join other couples or small groups and embark on a memorable voyage along the Mallorquin coastline.

Unforgettable Hen Do parties

Looking to celebrate a hen do in style? Join the ranks of those who’ve already enjoyed our famous hen do parties on board. During your trip you will create unforgettable memories with your closest friends. In the meanwhile you cruise the turquoise waters of Mallorca, sipping drinks, dance in the sun or have a karaoke session! During the trip there’s plenty time to party and having waterfun,

Delightful Dining: Fresh Homecooked Food

During all our Mallorca catamaran trips we serve fresh, homecooked meals that will tantalize your taste buds. Savor the flavors of Mallorca during your dine on the open waters, enhancing your journey.

Beverage Selection : Quench Your Thirst

Satisfy your thirst with a wide range of alcoholic but also non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase on board. Whether you prefer a refreshing cocktail, a glass of wine, or a non-alcoholic beverage, there’s something for everyone for reasonable prices.

Water Adventures: Dive, Glide, and Splash

Enjoy snorkeling in the crystal-clear, turquoise waters of Mallorca with our provided snorkeling equipment, or take in the coastal beauty while paddling on our SUP-boards. If you seeking excitement before lunch, try our inflatables and other water devices that guarantee endless fun.

Your Mallorca adventure starts here. Book your catamaran trip today and experience the magic of Mallorca in a way that suits your desires, whether it’s a special celebration, shared adventure, or water-based excitement

4 hour private boat trip or shared boat trip

• Included our signature tapas lunch, we also have vegetarian options
• Also available as a sunset trip.

5 hour private boat trip or shared boat trip

• Included our famously meat  BBQ, can you eat it all? On request we have a fish or vegetarian BBQ.

6 hour private boat trip or shared boat trip

• Included an extensive BBQ, AND a snackplate in the late afternoon. On request we have a fish or vegetarian BBQ.

7 hour private boat trip or shared boat trip

Contact us for information or make a reservation

By phone or whatsapp.

We can be reached through Whatsapp and phone should you have any questions about us.

+31 6 176 80 521

Connect with Sail Go Catamaran  on

• Tripadvisor

15 Best Catamarans in 2024

We gave our Sailing writers one job: Find the best and most popular catamarans and review them.

Our review team always considers durability, price, quality, and value in their reviews.

A catamaran is a sailboat that has a multi-hull design. It gives it more stability because it’s wider and that creates more livable space for more people.

Read about the best multihull boats in this article and learn which one is best for your voyages.

The biggest advantages of a multihull are:

• Multihulls are usually faster than monohulls, especially on downwind runs, reaches and broad reaches. You can travel further per day and outrun inclement weather
• They are more stable than a monohull. Sailing flat definitely has its advantages
•  It is less tiring sailing a multihull
•  More space!
•  For cruising the draft is less than a monohull which means you can go into shallower water safely

Top 5 Catamarans in 2024

All the catamarans we've tested.

Lagoon Catamarans

Where to buy:

Where to buy lagoon 40:.

Lagoon has always enjoyed a sweet spot in the 38 to 40-foot catamaran market. The Lagoon 380 became one of the most popular cats ever, with nearly 1,000 hulls being produced over a 20-year run. The L400 and L39 attempted to tweak that popular design, but neither caught on to the extent the 380 did.

The new Lagoon 40 is turning heads for many reasons. The Lagoon 380 is officially off the Lagoon website, so it might finally be time for the torch to be handed to a new cat. And the 40 has just the right mix of modern features, small size, and affordability that many cruisers and families seek.

Here’s a go-anywhere boat that looks good, sails easily, and keeps you comfortable.

• Naval Architects: Van Peteghem-Lauriot Prevost (VPLP Design)
• Built: CNB Yards, Bordeaux, France
• Exterior Designer: Patrick le Quément
• Interior Designer: Nauta Design
• Length Overall: 11.74 m/ 38 feet, 6 inches
• Beam: 6.76 m/ 22 feet, 2 inches
• Draft: 1.35 m/ 4 feet, 5 inches
• Mast Clearance: 18.42 m/ 60 feet, 5 inches
• Sail Area: 80 square meters/ 861 square feet
• Engines: 2 x 29 hp Yanmar 3YM30 (upgradable to 45 hp)
• Fuel: 2 x 200 liters/ 56 gallons
• Fresh Water: 300 liters/ 76 gallons
• CE Certifications: A10/B12/C16/D20

Our Overall Review

Things we like:, things we don't like:.

Leopard Catamarans

Where to buy Leopard 42:

The Leopard 42 is the company’s replacement for the 40. It integrates several design elements that were proven on the new 50 and 45-foot models, including an upper lounge area atop the coachroof. The design also has the unique forward salon door that opens for direct access to the foredeck and a sun pad lounging area.

Like all Leopard catamarans, the 42 is not only comfortable to stay on, but it’s also fun to sail. All sailing controls lead to the compact helm. Everything can be handled from this one control station. The full-roach main and overlapping genoa provide plenty of power, and optional electric winches make sail handling a snap.

The Leopard 42 share company in the market for 42-foot cats with some very attractive boats–the Lagoon 42, the Bali 4.2, and the FP Astrea, to name a few.

• Year Launched: 2021 (There have been several designs to carry the "Leopard 42" name)
• Designer: Alex Simonis
• Builder: Robertson and Caine, Cape Town, South Africa
• Length Overall: 41 feet, 7 inches/12.67 meters
• Beam: 23 feet, 1 inch/7.04 meters
• Draft: 4 feet, 7 inches/1.4 meters
• Mast Height: 67 feet, 10 inches/20.68 meters
• Power: 2x Yanmar 45 hp diesel engines
• Fuel: 158 gallons/600 liters
• Water: 174 gallons/660 liters
• Holding: 44 gallons/ 166 liters
• Upwind Total Sail Area: 1,217 square feet/113.1 square meters

Catamarans-Fountaine-Pajot.com

Fountain Pajot 80 Catamaran Superyacht

Where to buy Fountain Pajot 80 Catamaran Superyacht:

Fountaine Pajot, one of the foremost builders of sailing catamarans, unveiled their biggest “ Super Catamaran ” ever: the Thira 80.

The release comes on the tail of an ever-increasing trend in the catamaran market—the bigger-the- better era . With Sunreef, Lagoon, and Gunboat all making boats in the 70 to 80-foot range, these companies clearly see a market for the catamaran superyacht.

Boats this size are easily comparable to a motor yacht of more than 125 feet long. The very wide beam provides cavernous interiors for more livable space. And they have plenty of room for the toys of the trade—tenders, jet skis, paddleboards, and more.

While sailing is always preferable, its 175 to 300-horsepower engines are more than capable of moving it on calm days. And it’s hard to beat the ride and comfort of a catamaran at sea, with its extra stability and lack of heeling in the wind.

So, is bigger really better? Let’s dive in and tour the new Fountaine Pajot 80 and all that she has to offer.

• Length: 78.7 feet/23.98 meters
• Beam: 36.4 feet/11.09 meters
• Draft: 6.9 feet/2.10 meters
• Displacement: 66.0 tons (approximate)
• Sail area Main: 2,153 sqft/200 sqm Genoa 1,507 sqft/140 sqm
• Power options: 2x 175-hp, 270-hp, or 300-hp

Balance Catamarans

Balance 482

Where to buy Balance 482:

The Balance 482 is the Sailing World Magazine’s Boat of the Year 2022: Multihull, and no surprise. To quote the designer Phil Berman ‘Balance doesn’t make Perfect – only Perfect balance makes perfect’.

Every aspect of the yacht has been thought through to find the perfect balance between speed and comfort. The designers are racers as well as experienced practical sailors – they have designed this yacht to be simple for a couple to operate and maintain in blue water with gracious living and the capacity to carry significant cruising payload thrown in to top the mix.

Her luxurious, elegant design is a perfect live-aboard catamaran. And she sails like a dream!

• Length: 48 ft 26 in
• Beam: 25 ft 91 in
• Draft: Boards down 7.22 ft
• Boards up 3.81 ft
• Capacity: 3 double berths (6-8 persons)
• Motor: 2 x 45HP Yanmar 4JH45 x SD60 Diesel
• Fuel Capacity: 210 gal
• Mast height: 64.70 ft
• Mainsail area: 964 sqft
• Fresh Water tank: 206 gal

Kinetic Catamarans

Kinetic KC54

Where to buy Kinetic KC54:

The Kinetic may be fresh on the scene of the Super Cats but it is on the cutting edge of the finest fast craft in terms of performance and latest technology while also having features, impeccable finishes and the amenities of stylish cruising.

This has been awarded the Cruising World Best Large Multihull 50ft and Above Boat of the Year 2022 as well as the Special Recognition Award – for Overall Excellence 2022 by Sailing Magazine. Said Gerry Douglas of Sailing Magazine: ‘This was the Tesla of sailboats…in terms of design and execution and technology, it hit all three of those marks. This boat is built without compromise’.

These catamarans are all-carbon construction, an aggressively lightweight construction and set up for short-handed sailing. Mast is coachroof mounted and there are options for centreboards and daggerboard. There are three steering stations (two outside aft on each hull, one inside right behind the working cockpit) to suit weather conditions and personal preference.

• Length: 54 ft 2 in
• Beam: 27 ft 7 in
• Draft: Dagger Boards down 10.2 ft
• Standard Rudder up 4.5 ft
• Capacity: 3 or 4 double berths (6-8 persons)
• Motor: 2 x Yanmar 4JH80 - 80hp Diesel SD80
• Fuel Capacity: 264 gal
• Mast height: 85.3 ft (above water)
• Mainsail area: 1,102 sqft
• Fresh Water tank: 264 gal

Xquisite Yachts

Xquisite X5 Plus

Where to buy Xquisite X5 Plus:

2022 saw the Xquisite X5 named the Cruising World magazine’s Best Cruising Catamaran of the year – yet again (it won the Best Multihull over 50ft award in 2017) .

As Ed Sherman said: ‘There are 40,000 man-hours invested in this boat. And you can see it.’ To the bolts that are torqued to the 2 weeks spent with each new owner training them on systems – this is a strong product, well designed by Rudolf Jonker and built by Phoenix Marine incorporating all of Tamas Hamor’s ideas and experience. This really is a well thought out 53 ft cruising sailboat and is another South African-built catamaran loaded with important details, not only the visible ones.

The goal for Xquisite is to supply fully equipped catamarans for long-term live-aboard cruising with comprehensive lifetime service assistance for the owners.

There are so many features from the gutters to catch rain-water on the coachroof to footswitches for the electric winches at the helm. Solid handrails all around the deck for maximum security to the below deck running-rigging network! In terms of the design and construction much thought has gone into weight saving. There is no faulting the systems installations.

All lines lead to the helm through below deck channels that are easily accessible with winches well thought out. The helm is slightly raised to port under a bimini with a sliding fully-battened canvas roof that is easily raised and lowered. There is an overall ambiance of space and light in the berths and galley which opens onto the cockpit.

Sailing performance was impressive with its powerful rig – however a heavy, low-slung cruising cat with keels instead of boards to get to your destination in comfort and style.

See our complete list of the best catamarans here .

• Length: 53 ft
• Beam: 26 ft 2in
• Draft: 4 ft 4’
• Capacity: 3 double berths (6 persons)
• Motor: 2 x 80 HP Yanmar
• Fuel Capacity: 208 gal
• Mast height: 78 ft 7’ (above waterline)
• Mainsail area: 1,130 sqft
• Fresh Water tank: 227 gal

McConaghy Boats

McConaghy MC60

Where to buy McConaghy MC60:

The MC60 is the fastest and most luxurious flybridge catamaran. ‘Think next-gen fighter jet meets a New York style luxury loft apartment.’

McConagy boats was founded by John McConaghy in 1967 and in 2000 Mark Evans & Jono Morris embraced the opportunity to take over the country. They partnered with Tiger Group Investments and have grown from strength to strength – building the world’s fastest racing yachts , submarines, components for Formula One racing and developing solutions for architects, scientists and others. They have a proven track record on complex composite products which are lightweight, corrosion resistant, have design flexibility, durability and high strength.

In the MC60, designed and engineered with safety as priority, this performance sailing meets stylish living with only finest wood veneers and luxurious materials throughout – the wide saloon which offers a versatile but spacious living area, large windows and retractable glass doors aft, a galley well positioned best suited to socialising. The attention is to detail and innovation even in the storage solutions so that living space is maximised with semi-customisation of interiors too.  She is the perfect blend of sophistication and high tech.

Sailing is in utmost luxury, effortlessly and safely due to meticulous control of weight. She is much lighter than other similar length cats and can approach cruising speeds close to true wind. A professional crew are required. For sailing there are dual helm positions on the streamlined flybridge for best sight lines. The precise hull forms achieve optimum strength to weight ratio with careful use of carbon which means that under full sail she points upwind like a monohull. The M60 has push button centerboards that raise on impact automatically – certainly one of the safest offshore performance catamarans .

• Length: 60 ft 04 in
• Beam: 28 ft 2 in
• Draft: 4 ft 7 in with centreboards up
• 12 ft 4 in with centreboards down
• Capacity: 2 double berths & 1 - 2 twin (6 - 8 persons)
• Motor: 2 x 57 HP
• Fuel Capacity: 123.19 gal
• Mast height: 92.85 ft
• Mainsail area: 2,034 sqft
• Fresh Water tank: 123.19 gal

Sunreef Yachts

Where to buy Sunreef 80:

Winner in the 2019 Oceanway China Yachts Award, the 2019 Yacht and Aviation Awards and claiming Best of Show Award in the 2020 Miami International Boat Show this mighty fine catamaran justly deserves all and more.  It is an all-round sailing leisure yacht for exclusive getaways, charter and transocean adventures and is set up for professional crew.

The Sunreef is built in Poland under management of Founder and CEO Francis Lapp who has been producing large vessels from 50-165 ft since 2002 and knows well what semi-custom cruising is all about.

The Sunreef 80 fuses contemporary design with its layout flowing easily one into another area in ultimate luxury. Custom finishes ensure that you have found your ultimate catamaran – the vast central lounging space with panoramic view opens both onto the bow and cockpit. The cleverly designed bridge deck and superstructure facilitates the superior comfort onboard.

The spacious 54sqm flybridge is the epitome of leisure – a jacuzzi, wet bar, barbecue and large sunpads with the main boom well clear overhead ! It also houses all the navigation. Plenty of relaxation and pleasure space.

The sail controls are well laid out for the twin helms with carbon masts built by Sunreef themselves. The rig is built for power on this well equipped and luxury sailing vessel.

The tall bow has a fine entry aimed at reducing drag while the hulls are designed to reduce drag too while having super volume to accommodate the luxurious cabins are airy and impeccable in style. The master cabin is located midships starboard and is an opulent space while the other cabins each have queen sized beds, spacious en-suites and unquestionable privacy.

• Length: 80 ft
• Beam: 37 ft 7 in
• Draft: 7 ft 218 in
• Capacity: 4 - 5 double berths plus optional crew of 3 (8 - 10 persons plus crew max of 3)
• Motor: 2 x 280 HP John Deeres
• Fuel Capacity: 634.01 to 1585.03 gal
• Mast height: 2185 ft
• Mainsail area: 2152.78 sqft
• Fresh Water tank: 422.68 gal

Where to buy Leopard 50:

The Leopard 50 was designed and launched in 2018 to replace the Leopard 48 with versatility in mind. Again Leopard Catamarans set the standard for what a cruising catamaran should offer.

It has an ideal layout for excellent outdoor living space with the flybridge including a lounge are, table, sunbed and optional shade awning. As in all Leopard Catamarans the flybridge is so situated to maintain contact with the helm station.

The exterior styling has been revamped to give the hull a more sophisticated look and the interior has multiple layout configurations with 3 – 5 cabins as well as an extensive options list. There is also an option to keep the continuous hard top rather than the flybridge which would benefit increased performance if using the Squaretop mainsail and other performance-orientated rigging and sail options.

Most of the improvement is through advanced engineering improvements (including using carbon infused ring frames)  in the construction of the vessel so that you have open plan layouts and a near-360 degree view from the saloon area without compromising safety and strength.

The interior is elegant, stylish, modern and fresh, focusing on quality of finish and materials.

• Length: 50 ft 6 in
• Beam: 26 ft 5 in
• Draft: 5 ft 3 in
• Capacity: 3 - 5 double berths (6 - 10 persons)
• Motor: 2 x 57HP Diesel
• Fuel Capacity: 243 gal
• Mast height: 77 ft 2 in
• Mainsail area: 972 sqft
• Fresh Water tank: 185 gal

Voyage Charters

Where to buy Voyage 590:

The new Voyage 590, from Voyage Yachts Cape Town South Africa is designed exclusively for private owners as well as the charter industry and has been voted 2022 Boat of the Year ‘Best Charter Yacht’ by Cruising World. It is not the first time that this yacht has won accolades – and well deserved they are too. The Voyage Company has been building yachts for 30 years for the exclusive use of charters in the British Virgin Islands. It’s a solid boat beautifully designed with a perfect sail plan.

This is an unparalleled, exciting and innovative new design – there are multiple lounge and entertaining areas, queen deluxe walk-around beds with stunning detail at all levels, modern aesthetically pleasing open-plan saloon and suitable for single-handed sail with the latest on-board system’s management – to mention just a few of its features.

This vessel has simply everything you would want for the best vacation. And to come back again and again.

• Length: 57 ft 42 in
• Beam: 29 ft 85 in
• Draft: 5 ft 14 in
• Capacity: 6 double berths (12 persons)
• Motor: 2 x 76 HP
• Fuel Capacity: 209 gal
• Mast height: 85 ft
• Mainsail area: Custom
• Fresh Water tank: 209 gal

Seawind Cats

Seawind 1600

Where to buy Seawind 1600:

Australian built for real sailors! The Seawind 1600 is the perfect balance of first class sailing performance and cruising comfort.

This is a product of another dedicated and passionate team – professional throughout. Designed by naval architects Reichel Pugh Founder and well known cruiser Richard Ward and his team build innovative performance sailing vessels without compromise for safe blue water sailing with only the best quality home-from-home comforts. Seawind yachts have won numerous awards over the years, constantly striving to improve their craft. Long and fast Carbon and Kevlar reinforced hulls, Kevlar retractable captive daggerboards and high aspect deep retracting rudder, Watertight collision bulkheads, fully protected dual helm stations with 360 degree vision, rigging and sail area – these are but a few of the many innovative tweaks to the design that performs.

Advanced weight saving as well as build technologies are a feature such as the captive daggerboards (they do not protrude through the deck) prevents windage on deck while at anchor, ensures safety at sea – clean deck – and reduces maintenance while is aesthetically pleasing. The daggerboard lifting system is, of course, controlled from the cockpit.

The sleek, modern, minimalistic but luxury accommodation and living area is designed with comfort in mind. It is very inviting.

This is a catamaran you have to sail.

• Length: 52 ft 8 in
• Beam: 26 ft 6 in
• Draft: 8 ft 6 in Dagger Boards down
• 1 ft 9 in Dagger Boards up
• Capacity: 1 or 2 double berths and 2 singles (4 - 6 persons)
• Motor: 2 x Yanmar 57 HP Diesel
• Fuel Capacity: 200 gal
• Mast height: 75 ft 13 in
• Mainsail area: 1,080 sqft
• Fresh Water tank: 174 gal

HH Catamarans

HH50 cruiser

Where to buy HH50 cruiser:

The HH50 is a performance cruiser for the blue water with simple to use but intelligent systems, carbon construction and to top it all luxurious and spacious interior. She offers to best of all worlds – easy to manage sailing vessel which is robustly built, fully equipped and stylishly comfortable for your adventure.

The sailing systems and deck layout are designed for short-handed sailing with dual helm stations each giving the helmsman total sail control from either side and having excellent visibility.  The C daggerboards are curved and are fully retractable. Push button mainsheet and self-tacking jib are standard. Equal-to-Wind speed is normal, this is a performance sailing vessel.

The large saloon has a good sized galley and when at anchor the sail handling area converts easily to a comfortable forward facing seating area. The aft cockpit has an integrated wet bar and barbeque – perfect for al fresco entertaining or dining. Luxury queen size beds await in the cabins.

• Length: 51 ft 8 in
• Beam: 24 ft 41 in
• Draft: 5 ft 43 in Board down
• 10 ft 83 in Board up
• Capacity: 2 double berths and 1-2 single (4 - 6 persons)
• Motor: 2 x Yanmar 40HP
• Fuel Capacity: 131.98 gal
• Mast height: 75 ft 36 in
• Mainsail area: 873.28 sqft
• Fresh Water tank: 87.99 gal

Fountaine Pajot Catamarans

Fountaine Pajot Isla 40

Where to buy Fountaine Pajot Isla 40:

This vessel was also nominated for Sailing Magazine’s Best Cruising Year Catamaran under 50ft. Fountaine Pajot, a longtime cat leader, follows the trend for flybridge catamarans, focusing on living accommodations and family cruising and not on vessel performance.

This 40ft catamaran has loads of versatility, it includes all the creature comforts that you would want as a bareboat or crewed charter or private ownership. It is designed to optimize space and enjoy natural lighting. It is laid out very well and also sails well with its overlapping genoa.

The Isla 40 has dynamic inverted bows, chart table adjacent to the entrance of the innovative saloon, the habitability (you can choose 3 or 4 cabins and an optional crew cabin) and sailing performance – all embodying the innovative design and spirit of the Fountaine Pajot vessels.

There are many customised options for owner to choose from – from internal layout to navigation, sailing options, interior design and finishes.

Complete Isla 40 standard features list please email

• Length: 39 ft 14 in
• Beam: 21 ft 7 in
• Draft: 4 ft
• Capacity: 2 - 4 double berths ( 4 - 8 persons)
• Motor: 2 x Volvo D1 20HP Diesel
• Fuel Capacity: 79.25 gal
• Mainsail area: 635 sqft
• Fresh Water tank: 140 gal

Excess Catamarans

Where to buy Excess 11:

This gem earned the title of Cruising World’s Boat of the Year 2021 impressing the judges with its allocation of space all the while offering superior sailing performance. All at a great price.

Using compact space effectively – effectively and seamlessly assimilating working and social areas in a thoughtful, pleasant, workable and innovative way. This is a sure winner for the Excess 11.

The Excess 11 is one of the smallest catamarans as well as the only large-scale production boat of this size, with comfort, space and thrilling sailing. She is comfortable in her simplicity and light style. It is very capable for long passages and meets the needs for life on board, built on the experience of previous models and designs.

Even with her smaller size she offers comfort on deck with a large open cockpit and twin helm stations.

Complete Excess 11 standard features list please email via website

• Length: 37 ft 5 in
• Draft: 3 ft 9 in
• Capacity: 3 - 4 double berths (6 - 8 persons)
• Motor: 2 x 29HP
• Fuel Capacity: 106 gal
• Mast height: 56 ft 8 in
• Mainsail area: 592 sqft
• Fresh Water tank: 79 gal

Maverick Yachts

Maverick 440

Where to buy Maverick 440:

An easy to maintain catamaran using only the highest quality materials and equipment and all components easy to access.

The Maverick 440 follows the success of the 400 with the natural progression to a larger boat with larger transoms, sugar scoops with swim platforms, increased load carrying capacity – increasing waterline and length for faster speed and smoother sail. She is comfortable, safe and reliable.

She is easy to manage as a couple and running costs should be cost-saving.

Custom built to owner’s specifications in Cape Town by Master Boat Builder Rudi Pretorius she is put to good test in her sea trials in the southern ocean.

Complete Maverick 440 standard features list please email [email protected]

• Length: 43 ft 6 in
• Beam: 24 ft 5 in
• Draft: 3 ft 2 in
• Capacity: 2 double berths with opt. 2 single berths (4 - 6 persons)
• Motor: custom
• Fuel Capacity: 212 gal
• Mast height: 65 ft 9 in (above waterline)
• Mainsail area: 731.9 sqft

Bali Catamarans

BALI Catspace

Where to buy BALI Catspace:

The BALI Catspace is the most successful catamaran in her class with the Catspace being the smallest of the BALI range, combining all the latest innovations in cruising. It was nominated for the Cruising World’s best boat of the year: Catamaran under 50 ft, 2022.

The Catspace was conceived by Olivier Poncin & designed by Lasta Design – combining all the latest innovations in cruising into a really neat vessel.

The sailing quality is not to be faulted for a catamaran of this size, the deck which is efficient for sailing allows smooth movement from the aft platform to the forward cockpit with lounge and sunbathing area. There is, in addition a full-comfort flybridge which has a safe relaxation area and a helm station which is designed for single/short handed use.

The 4 cabins each have private heads and the ability to open up the back end of the cats to create the indoor/outdoor platform is well planned and highly effective.

Complete Catspace standard features list

• Length: 40 ft 39 in
• Beam: 21 ft 59 in
• Draft: 3 ft 91 in Boards up
• Motor: 2 x 20HP up to 2 x 40HP
• Fuel Capacity: 107.78 gal
• Mast height: 58 ft 56 in
• Mainsail area: 1,087 sqft
• Fresh Water tank: 167 gal

Big ‘blue water’ Sailing

Blue water sailing refers to the open sea. Non-blue or pond sailing refers to inland waters and coastal areas.

The difference in specific design of a blue water or non-blue water vessel is for the ship captain’s visibility as well as based on the hazards of the area they are to be used.  A bluewater (offshore) catamaran is designed for voyages in very rough seas. They are usually 40ft or longer, designed to be very stable, carry heavy loads and very safe.  Ocean sailing has different dangers to coastal water with different challenges – sailing through storms, longer distances, more maneuvering space, night sailing – and more gear, better technology, skills and sturdier vessels are needed.

When sailing in confined waters it is important to have more reactive steerage, less maneuvering time, you do not need to store multiday provisions as you are more reliant on daytime sailing, do not need so much speed so have smaller sails and lower horsepower engines and perhaps the intention if for pleasure alone so one of the major considerations will be the  layout of the vessel.

For most sailors the choice of size is between 40-50 feet which is manageable for 2 persons with lots of room to spread out and entertain or have friends on board and that is easy to dock both in terms of space and cost.

First questions to ask yourself

First up consider these 5 points before you decide on your multihull model, length and manufacturer.

Will you be using your sailing vessel for coastal or blue water adventures? What is your primary objective and then: is this for family pleasure or entertaining or Charter?

For sailing

Must it be suited for single-handed sailing? What proficiency of sailing do I have/need? Degree of technology required? Equipment required?

Functional Use

How many berths do I need? How much privacy? Elegance, comfort and style – what is required? Space for ‘toys’?  If for charter or private use with crew – extra berths.

Your total budget must include the initial cost of the vessel plus survey, transport, upgrading of equipment, insurance, etc – there is a lot to consider. Would a second hand vessel be a consideration? What is the smallest I can go?

Annual Costs

What will my ongoing budget be for Insurance, berthing, maintenance, repairs, haul out fees, etc? This excludes any travel costs

Where do I want to berth my vessel? Or living aboard?

It is said that BOAT is an acronym for: Break Out Another Thousand!

Review of Our Favorite 15 Multihulls 2024

With cutting edge technology and the strive for sail performance this was no easy task – there are many deserving vessels who deserve to be in the Top Reviews such as Privilege 510, Outremer 51, Knysna 500SE and the St Francis 50. There are also other models by manufacturers we have selected that have proven themselves over the years that may be a better size for you.

Here’s our listing!

Related Reviews

Read full review

Final Thoughts

Multihull vessels have a lot of the potential for creature comforts that motor yachts have without the constant thrumming of the engines. But they still require a modicum or rudimentary understanding of sailing.

There’s also a bit of maintenance required, but this is something–like having kids–that you figure out along the way.

Another popular boating segment is the power catamaran. Like their sailing counterparts, power catamaran boats have great living space, but without the need to understand sailing principles. Either way, both multihull markets look to be growing in popularity over the next many years.

The resale market for multihull ships also looks promising, so getting one, trying it out for a couple of seasons and selling it again is a possibility without losing too much on the purchase price.

Before you sign the cheque….

So you’ve located some a catamaran for sale that looks promising. It’s one of the models on the list here and you’re wondering if its in the best shape relative to the price. Here’s what you do:

Take time out to go and view it in person. Book yourself an experience aboard and head over to your closest marina and speak to owners (this may well help you create your shortlist too). Consider these points before purchasing:

•       Pre-book buyer’s sea trials for your shortlist
•       Select the perfect sailing vessel for you (and if it’s for your family make sure they agree too!)
•       Used – get a certified hull survey, safety comes first
•       Get annual insurance quotes
•       Calculate dockage – purchase or rent a slip or dock
•       Calculate monthly upkeep and maintenance
•       Calculate extra costs like navigational devices & fittings
•       Draft your own checklist
•       Draft & sign off sale & purchase contracts
•       Draft & sign off a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
•       Ensure you are satisfied 100%
•       Execute payment and take transfer of ownership
•       Register and insure your vessel

Check all necessary Stock is aboard – Sail away!

Pre-Departure Checklist

Some ideas for you –

• Always pre-check the weather and wind conditions prior to any excursion on the water
• Always know the tide table in your head, so you know what the ocean is doing at all times, incoming or outgoing tide, and what is the tidal range if you are in an ocean estuary or channel.
• Check you have fuel, water, food and all the basics before loading passengers aboard, and follow these easy steps to ensure safety is first at all times.
• Plan your upcoming voyage, does it feature high swells, rocky shores, and cold water
• Check Safety equipment, making sure you have enough life jackets for all sea-farers
• Check sails, sheets and lines. All sailing gear
• Check your engines – Open fuel lines, check oil and spark plugs
• Check fuel tank levels and have extra fuel aboard for an emergency
• Start the motor, make sure water is coming out to cool the motor
• Test both forward and reverse gears on the engine before guests board
• Check that you have a working and full battery communications radio, with all correct channels programmed, and that all the vessel lights and electrics are in working order
• Check for first aid kits , manual hand pump, paddles, lifejackets , additional lines, fresh drinking water and food for passengers plus some spare in case your voyage is longer than expected, necessary repair tools & kit and flags
• Strap any equipment and gear down safely before you start to motor
• If you have passengers boarding, ensure you give a proper safety briefing and point out where all the safety gear is on the vessel. Children should be included in the briefing and be secured properly before departure

Catamarans versus Trimarans

Trimarans have limited space in slimmer hull designs generally. This makes Catamarans with their comfortable open leisure space both above and below deck far preferred for leisure sailing.

On the plus side for Trimarans are their speed and seaworthiness.

How Safe are Multihull Boats at Sea?

Probably a close second in terms of questions asked. On a twin hull design the buoyancy is on the outer edges of the boat and their is greater stability and less rolling when drifting or trolling compared to a monohull.

Catamarans are safe in rough seas because of their wide stance which makes them stable with increased motion comfort and excess buoyancy due to lack of ballast. They are easy to maneuver and with high speeds that may help them outrun storms with skilled crew who know the vessel. A trimaran is the safest of multihulls with the 3 hulls, centering of its weight and anti-drift plan. The righting torque between a catamaran and trimaran is significantly different.

An important consideration is this – if your catamaran is anything longer than 45ft, unless specifically modified for single handed sailing, then it probably cannot be sailed alone. At some stage in your journey you may well have to sail alone – can it be done?

As Blue Water Sailing Vessels

Catamarans are more stable and fast and depending on conditions some can distance more than 200 miles in a day.

Cats usually sail faster than monohulls (standard) due to the weight of them and displacement, especially on a run or broad reach when the sails are perpendicular to the wind. There are many variables to consider.

Solo Sailing a Multihull

Most small and medium-sized cruising catamarans can be sailed single-handedly. The skill of the sailor with high tech equipment such as electric winches and powered sail control, layout (such as all lines to the cockpit, roller furling mainsail, autopilot, etc) and safety precautions make it an adventure not to be missed.

If your catamaran is longer than 45ft, unless specifically modified for single-handed sailing, you will not be able to safely sail it alone. Consider:

• What the minimum length of the vessel would suit your needs to handle on your own
• Layout planning is essential
• Space you need
• The bigger the boat means larger sails which will be harder to raise and repair
• The bigger the boat means more power and speed – be comfortable with your vessel
• Update your sailing skills

Finding the Right Size

It is a very personal choice but at the very least the advice would be to buy the smallest catamaran you think would meet your needs – this is because you have many other costs to consider and the bigger the vessel the more the costs of upkeep, dockage, space for crew.

A perfect size for blue water sailing (including around the world) is around 40 ft, small enough to be sailed by one person but big enough to provide safety and speed. The smallest size to consider to cross the ocean safely and in some comfort by consensus is around 30ft. Any smaller and you will possibly have the following problems as dealing with large seas the size of your vessel does count :

• A smaller vessel is always pitching and yawing and this impacts the crew negatively over a long period of time or in crisis situations
• Low bridge deck clearance due to the small size of the vessel
• when sailing upwind the waves are projected with speed and force into the decks understand (between the pontoons) creating bridge deck slamming.  This vibration and noise impacts the crew and is very tiring – sailing downwind to prevent this may not be where you want to go
• Not having enough space for all the supplies and equipment needed for a long passage
• Alongside the problem of weight to be carried is the problem of distribution of this weight over the length of the vessel safely

Multihulls best for ponds, slow rivers and calm bodies of inland water benefit from having flat hulls to provide shallow draft with great deck space manufactured from aluminium or fibreglass. Make sure you take extra food and water and all safety supplies just in case of an emergency!

The question everyone wants to know – how much does it cost to live onboard?

There are many variables depending on your lifestyle, where you intend to cruise or berth and how much you want to travel aboard. A good estimate would be between US$2000-US$5000 per month for a family of 4, a little less for a couple/single person plus the maintenance cost of your boat which is on average 5-10% of the cost of the boat. The maintenance of your boat varies depending of equipment, age, condition and size.

What do I need to consider differently to live on-board rather than racing ?

Racing vessels are designed for speed and exhilaration and safe fun.

Living on-board requires space and comfort – space for storage, large-sized comfortable berths, living space, entertaining space, home-space! You need to know your long term goals and what your personal needs are – do you need a dedicated work area or desk space/permanent interconnectivity for work?

Generally cruising catamarans have wider hulls which give you more space as well as creating more drag which slows your boat down and is more costly on fuel.

Many used charter boats are seen as great purchases for living on-board, however make sure that they are suited for blue water sailing and not only for coastal water.

Here’s a list of the Top 15 best Multihulls reviewed in this article: 

• Leopard Catamarans – 41 ft 7 in – Leopard 42
• Balance Yachts – 48 ft 26 in – Balance 482
• Kinetic Catamarans – 54 ft 2 in – Kinetic KC54
• Xquisite Yachts – 53 ft – Xquisite X5
• McConaughey – 60 ft 1 in – MC60
• Sunreef Yachts – 80 ft – Sunreef 80
• Leopard Catamarans – 50 ft 6 in – Leopard 50
• Voyage Yachts – 57 ft 42 in – Voyage 590
• Seawind – 52 ft 8 in – Seawind 1600
• HH Catamarans – 52 ft – HH50
• Fountaine Pajot – 39 ft 14 in – Isla 40
• Lagoon-Beneteau Group – 38 ft 5 in – Lagoon 40
• Excess Catamarans – 37 ft 2 in – Excess 11
• Maverick Yachts of SA – 44 ft – Maverick 440
• Chantier CATANA – 37 ft 5 in – Catspace

Frequently asked questions about Catamarans

This varies greatly, often defined used or new by the design, size, year and finish.  Quality vessels are built to last and retain market-related value if undamaged.

On average a 45-foot catamaran can range from US$250,000-US$1,000,000.

The fully loaded Isla 40 costs around US$527,000. The Balance 42 sail away price fully cruise equipped is US$1,450,000 while the Kinetic 54’s price tag approaches US$3,000,000. The modern styled Sunreef 80 costs around $6.2 million.

We think that the Seawind 1600 is, for its size and quality, a superb priced performance product at US$900,000.

One of the major benefits for a cruising vessel is to be able to enter shallower seas – catamarans have a shallower draft than monohulls and therefore a great appeal to folk for whom this is a major consideration. Most lagoons are only 6-8 feet deep in the South Pacific. The Caribbean and other areas where you have reefs to navigate and shallow sandbanks to cross to enter overnight anchor stops draft is a very important consideration. Always remember to read your tide tables and swell.

A catamaran is lighter on the water and therefore takes less energy to move, however they have 2 engines which drives up fuel costs. They are more fuel-efficient on flat water (compared to equal horsepower and number of engines) but in heavy weather the monohull’s hull design causes less resistance and therefore higher efficiency.

With lighter weight and high buoyancy generally they have low water drag by comparison to the displacement of a monohull of the same length.

The trampoline serves many purposes – primarily to allow water to quickly pass through, allowing the bow to rise and so preventing the vessel from flipping and they are ideal for pleasure purposes.

To sail around the world the vessel needs to be equipped for offshore cruising and have a heavy load capacity.

The bigger Modern blue water cats are built with this in mind – supplies, crew, technology and gear.

A bigger boat has many advantages such as speed (not only to travel longer distance in shorter time but also to outrun potential bad weather) and comfort space, space for crew and friends, storage space for supplies and fun equipment, etc.

It is important to balance price against comforts, maintenance and repair costs as well as any potential income from your vessel (chartering, Air BNB, hosting courses on-board, etc) – generally here the bigger your vessel the higher the potential for greater income.

The larger your vessel the higher your expenses are in all ways – from Insurance to berthing, maintenance, haul out fees and equipment.

On this page

Table of content:, breadcrumbs.

• / Catamarans

Continue reading

Gallery of Catamarans review

Three sailboats racing in the Indian Ocean

• Sleeping Bags
• Waterproof Backpacks
• Duffel Bags
• Hiking Backpacks
• Waterproof Gear
• Rooftop Tents
• Teepee Tents
• Camping Chairs
• Heated Socks
• Vortex Binoculars
• Nikon Binoculars
• Steiner Binoculars
• Marine Binoculars
• Night Vision Goggles
• Windbreaker Jackets
• Collapsible and Folding Wagons
• Portable Power Stations
• Camping Stoves
• Heated Jackets
• First Aid Kits

• Dive Computer
• Scuba Diving BCD
• Scuba Regulators
• Freediving Fins
• Underwater Scooters
• Diving Wetsuits
• Rebreathers
• Scuba Diving Drysuits
• Liveaboards
• Dive Destinations
• Best Underwater Cameras
• Waterproof Cameras
• Kids Wetsuits
• Snorkel Fins
• Scuba Diving Masks
• Snorkel Masks
• Full Face Diving Mask
• Full Face Snorkel Masks
• Prescription Dive Masks
• Prescription Snorkel Masks
• Seiko Dive Watches
• Best Dive Knife
• Dive Lights
• Underwater Metal Detector
• Reef Safe Sunscreen
• Scuba Tanks

• Paddle boards (SUP)
• Best Touring Paddle Boards
• Best Beginner Paddle Boards
• Motorized paddle boards
• Electric SUP Pumps
• Paddles For Paddle Boarding

• Beach Chairs
• Beach Umbrellas
• Beach Wagons
• Beach Tents
• Beach Canopy
• Beach Towels
• Beach Blankets
• Water Shoes
• Water Socks
• Boogie Boards

• Swimming Goggles
• Swimming Fins
• Swimming Earplugs
• Women’s Swim Shorts

• Getting into Sailing
• Boston Whaler Boats
• Life Jackets
• Marine Flares
• Waterproof Marine Radios
• Pontoon Boat Accessories
• Sailing Gloves
• Boat Fenders

• Inflatable Kayak
• Folding Kayaks
• Tandem Kayaks
• Sit On Top Kayaks
• Sea Touring Kayaks
• Ocean Kayak
• Pedal Kayaks
• Fishing Kayaks
• Kayaking Accessories
• How to Choose a Kayak – A Beginner’s Guide
• How To Choose a Kayak Paddle? [What You Need to Know]
• Kayaking Gear for Beginners
• What to Wear Kayaking
• Kayak Safety

• All Mountain Snowboards
• Snowboard Boots
• Snowboard Bindings
• Snowboard Helmets
• Snowboard Jackets
• Atomic Skis
• Blizzard Skis
• Ski Resorts in the US

• Travel Backpacks
• Weekender Bags
• Packing Cubes
• Suitcases and Travel Luggages
• The Best All-inclusive Resorts in the World

• Men’s Yoga Pants
• Yoga Shorts
• Yoga Mat Bags
• Yoga Blocks

• Laptop Backpack
• Mini Backpacks
• Mesh Backpacks
• Clear Backpacks
• Fanny Packs
• Water Bottles

• Waterproof Jacket
• Waterproof Pants
• Waterproof Socks
• Waterproof Watches
• Waterproof Headphones
• All Liveaboards
• Liveaboards in Australia
• Liveaboards in Fiji
• Liveaboards in French Polynesia
• Liveaboards in Micronesia
• Liveaboards in Myanmar (Burma)
• Liveaboards in the Maldives
• Liveaboards in the Philippines
• Liveaboards in Egypt
• Liveaboards in Costa Rica
• Liveaboards in Belize
• Liveaboards in Mexico
• Liveaboards in the Galapagos Islands
• Aggressor Liveaboards
• Liveaboard in Thailand
• Liveaboards in Indonesia
• Best Dive Sites in the World
• Central & South America
• North America
• Southeast Asia
• Indian Ocean
• Asia Pacific
• Middle East & Red Sea
• The Best Starboard Paddle Boards: A Brand Guide
• Bluefin Paddle Boards: A Brand Guide
• Isle Paddle Boards: A Brand Guide
• Red Paddle Co. Ride 10’6
• ROC Paddle Boards: A Brand Guide
• The Best iRocker Paddle Boards: A Brand Guide
• Blackfin Paddle Boards
• Pontoon Boats
• Bowrider Boats
• Motor Yachts
• Cabin Cruiser Boats
• Inflatable Boats
• Electric Surfboard
• Efoil Board
• Jet Body Boards
• Kayak Life Vests
• Kayak Gloves
• Kayak Shoes
• Kayak Paddles
• Kayak Trailers
• Bilge Pumps for Kayaks
• Kayak Anchors
• Kayak Dry Suits
• All-Mountain Skis
• Ski Bindings
• Ski Poles for Downhill & Touring
• Ski Goggles
• Ski Gloves and Mittens
• Ski Jackets
• Ski and Snowboarding Pants and Bibs
• Ski Helmets
• Best Resorts in North America
• Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort
• Copper Mountain Ski Resort
• Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort Area Review
• Jackson Hole Ski Resort
• Telluride Ski Resort
• Aspen Ski Resort
• Crested Butte Ski Resort
• Kirkwood Ski Resort
• Alta Ski Resor
• Park City Ski Resort
• Winter Park Resort
• Breckenridge Ski Resort
• Vail Ski Resort
• Snowmass Ski Resort
• Heavenly Ski Resort
• Taos Ski Valley
• Palisades Tahoe Ski Resort
• Ski Santa Fe
• Angel Fire Ski Resort
• Sun Valley Ski resort
• Killington Ski Resort
• All-Inclusive Resorts in Aruba
• All-Inclusive Resorts in Belize
• All-Inclusive Resorts in Cabo
• All-inclusive resort in Cancun
• All-Inclusive Resorts In Costa Rica
• All-Inclusive Resorts in Cozumel
• All-Inclusive Resorts in Hawaii
• All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico
• All-Inclusive Puerto Rico Resorts
• All-Inclusive Resorts in Tulum
• All-Inclusive Resorts in Turks and Caicos
• All Liveaboards in Thailand
• Liveaboards in the Similan Islands
• All Liveaboards in Indonesia
• Liveaboards in Komodo
• Best Diving in the Caribbean
• Diving in Guadeloupe
• Diving in Aruba
• Diving in Antigua and Barbuda
• Diving in the Bahamas
• Diving in Barbados
• Diving in Bonaire
• Diving in the British Virgin Islands
• Diving in Cayman Islands
• Diving in Cuba
• Diving in Curacao
• Diving in Dominican Republic
• Diving in Grenada
• Diving in Jamaica
• Diving in Martinique
• Diving in Puerto Rico
• Diving in St. Maarten
• Diving in St. Lucia
• Diving in Tobago
• Diving in the Turks and Caicos
• Diving in Belize
• Diving in Colombia
• Diving in Costa Rica
• Diving in the Galapagos Islands
• Diving in Mexico
• Diving in Roatan Honduras
• Diving in California
• Diving in Florida
• Diving in North Carolina
• Best Diving in Southeast Asia
• Diving in Thailand
• Diving in the Philippines
• Diving in Indonesia
• Diving in Vietnam
• Diving in Cambodia
• Diving in Malaysia
• Diving in the Maldives
• Diving in Australia
• Diving in Japan
• Diving in Fiji
• Best Diving in Europe
• Diving in Mallorca
• Diving in Malta
• Diving in Holland
• Diving In Denmark
• Diving in Egypt
• Diving in Jordan
• Best Kids Life Vest
• Women’s Life Vest
• Things to do in Sedona, Arizona
• Pennsylvania
• All-Inclusive Resorts in Playa del Carmen
• All Diving in Mexico
• Diving in Cozumel
• Diving In Similan Islands – Khao Lak Area
• Diving in Malapascua
• All the Diving in Indonesia
• Diving in Bali
• Diving in Gili Islands
• Diving in Komodo
• Diving in Sulawesi
• Diving in Raja Ampat
• Diving in Pulau Weh
• All Diving in Australia
• Diving in Sydney
• All Diving in Japan
• Diving in Ishigaki Island
• Diving in Japan’s Amazing Amami Islands
• Diving In Brothers Islands
• Things to do in Denver
• Things to do in Los Angeles
• Things to do in Lake Tahoe
• Things to do in San Francisco
• Things to do in San Diego
• Things to do in Palm Springs
• Things to do in Myrtle Beach
• Things to do in Monterey
• Things to do in Oakland
• Things to do in Sacramento
• Things to do in Tampa Bay
• Things to do in Jacksonville
• Things to do in Orlando
• Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale
• Things to do in Miami
• Things to do in Key West
• Things to Do in Sarasota
• Things to do in Pensacola
• Things to do in New York City
• Things to do in Atlanta
• Things to Do in Savannah
• Things to do in New Orleans
• Things to Do in Detroit
• Things to do in Las Vegas
• Things to do in Portland
• Things to do in Pittsburgh
• Things To Do in Nashville
• Things to Do in Gatlinburg
• Things to do in Memphis
• Things to do in Austin
• Things to do in Houston
• Things to do in Dallas
• Things to do in San Antonio
• Things to do in Minneapolis
• Things to do in Seattle
• Things to do in Honolulu

Paddle boarding

Everyday Life

• You are here:
• Ship for Sale

Catamarans for Sale

Go 0374 - passenger catamaran - 40m.

Pax/Catamaran, hull aluminium, blt 1989, Norway, loa 40.2m, beam 9.4m, pax 286, m/e 2 x MTU 2652bhp each, speed abt 30kn

Go 0427 - Passenger Catamaran - 22m

Pax/Catamaran, hull aluminium, blt 1994, Germany, loa 22.67m, beam 7.43m, pax 114, m/e 2 x MAN 1050bhp, Speed abt 22kn

Go 0439 - Passenger Catamaran - 23m

Glass Bottom Catamaran, hull steel, with glass bottom, blt 2008, Greece, loa 23.7m, beam 8.6m, pax 196, m/e 2x300bhp, speed 9kn

Go 0522 - Passenger Catamaran - 34m

High Speed Pax Catamaran, hull aluminium, blt 1992, Sweden, loa 34.0m, beam 9.4m, pax 297, m/e 2x2557bhp, speed 30kn

Go 0563 - Passenger Catamaran - 14m

Pax/Catamaran, hull aluminium, built to order, loa 14.2m, beam 4.4m, pax 50, electric drive 50kw @ 1200rpm

Go 0722 - Passenger Catamaran - 36m

High Speed Pax Catamaran, hull GRP 'Sandwich', blt 1990, Norway, loa 36.3m, beam 11.3m, pax 330, m/e 2x2145bhp, speed 30kn

Go 1014 - Catamaran RoPax Ferry - 74m

Ro/Pax Catamaran, hull aluminium, blt 1993, Australia, loa 74.3m, beam 26.0m, pax 572, cars 84, m/e 4x5430bhp, Speed abt 30kn

Go 1133 - Passenger Catamaran - 41m

Pax/Catamaran, hull light alloy, blt 1986, Japan, loa 41.0m, beam 10.8m, pax 387, m/e 2x1800bhp, speed 22kn

Go 1148 - Passenger Catamaran - 56m

Pax/Catamaran, hull aluminium, blt 2001, UK, loa 56.4m, beam 13.0m, pax 440, m/e 4x3111bhp, service speed 38kn

Go 1201 - Passenger Catamaran - 36m

Pax/Catamaran, hull FRP, blt/rblt 1990, Norway, loa 36.5m, beam 11.0m, pax 325, m/e 2x2144bhp, service speed 20kn

Go 1240 - Passenger Catamaran - 39m

Pax/Catamaran, hull aluminium, blt 2015, Australia, loa 39.0m, beam 11.0m, pax 522, m/e 2x2500bhp, service speed 27kn

Go 1266 - Passenger Catamaran - 32m

Pax/Catamaran, hull marine grade aluminium, blt 1998, UK, loa 32.9m, beam 8.3m, pax 173, m/e 2x2011bhp, max speed 36kn

Go 1366 - Passenger Catamaran - 29m

Pax/Catamaran, hull aluminium, blt 1982, Norway, loa 29m, beam 9.0m, pax 110, m/e 2x1800bhp, speed 29kn

Go 1370 - Passenger Catamaran - 34m

Pax/Catamaran, hull steel, blt 2005, Argentina, loa 34.5m, beam 10.5m, pax 373, m/e 2x1000bhp, service speed 10kn

Go 1415 - Passenger Catamaran - 20m

Pax/Catamaran, Day Cruiser, hull GRP, blt 2020, Bulgaria, loa 20.8m, beam 6.2m, pax 80, m/e 2x660bhp, service speed 15kn

Go 1509 - Catamaran RoPax Ferry - 88m

Ro/Pax Catamaran, hull aluminium, blt 2008, Austal, loa 88.0m, beam 24.0m, pax abt 1200, cars 135 or 15 x 12m trucks + 120 cars, m/e 4 x MTU 9655bhp each, service speed abt 34kn

Go 1532 - Passenger Catamaran - 28m

Pax/Catamaran, DSC code, hull aluminium, blt 1990, Norway, loa 28.7m, beam 8.0m, pax 200, m/e 2 x MWM Deutz 1689bhp, speed 25kn

Go 1553- Passenger Catamaran - 47m

HSC Pax catamaran, hull aluminium, blt 2009, Austal, loa 47.5m, beam 12.0m, pax 413, m/e 4 x MTU 3111bhp each, speed abt 35kn

Go 1554 - Passenger Catamaran - 35m

HSC Pax catamaran, hull GPR, blt 2011, Norway, loa 35.3m, beam 10.5m, pax 250, m/e 2 x MTU 1450bhp each, speed abt 30kn

Go 1569 - Catamaran RoPax Ferry - 56m

Ro/Pax Catamaran, hull aluminium, blt 2002, Austal, loa 56.0m, beam 14.0m, pax 430, cars 43, m/e 4 x MTU 3111bhp each

Please enter your email address to have news, special offers and listing announcements delivered directly to your inbox.

You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter.

Dave Portnoy rescued by Coast Guard after drifting out to sea: 'Almost lost Captain Dave'

"captain dave may never go on the boat again," said portnoy..

Barstool Sports' owner and founder Dave Portnoy was rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard after losing control of his boat off the Massachusetts' coast.

"You boys almost lost Captain Dave today," said Portnoy in a TikTok video he posted explaining what happened. "Captain Dave almost was lost to the ocean."

On Monday, Portnoy took his mother out on a boat ride off the coast of Nantucket, he said. Portnoy did not try to turn on the boat before unhooking it from the from the buoys. He drifted out and attempted to turn on the boat only to find that the boat had no power.

Content warning: Video below contains language that is not suitable for all audiences .

The boat had no power, radio or anchor and there were heavy winds which caused him to drift out to sea, Portnoy explained.

"Next thing you know, Captain Dave is lost at sea," said Portnoy.

The Barstool founder began screaming for help as he sailed, and shot a distress signal from a flare gun he kept onboard the boat.

Coast Guard rescues Portnoy

According to Portnoy, a woman "in what looks like a rowboat," boarded his boat and asked if they can make a TikTok together, said Portnoy. He declined her request and then used her radio to contact the Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard made it to Portnoy's location where they tied up his boat and towed it back.

This was Portnoy's third, and possibly last time captaining a boat.

"Captain Dave may never go on the boat again," he said.

USA TODAY reached out to the Coast Guard for comment.

Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. She has covered various topics, from local businesses and government in her hometown, Miami, to tech and pop culture. You can reach her at [email protected], connect with her on  LinkedIn  or follow her on  X, formerly Twitter ,  Instagram  and  TikTok : @juliamariegz

Craig's Cruisers - Holland

Review Highlights

“ And they had 3 different sizes of go carts, so my 8 year old could drive one of the smaller ones on the same track. ” in 7 reviews

“ You could even feed the fish in the pond . ” in 3 reviews

“ Went twice while in Holland, had a blast both times. ” in 2 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

651 Chicago Dr

Holland, MI 49423

You Might Also Consider

Kiddie Academy of Wyoming-South Grandville

16.5 miles away from Craig's Cruisers - Holland

Kiddie Academy of Wyoming, an educational daycare in Wyoming, offers age-specific child care programs. Our flexible, standard-based curriculum encourages children to progress in school and in life. We pride ourselves in providing a… read more

in Child Care & Day Care, Summer Camps, Preschools

Gilden Woods Early Care & Preschool-Holland

1.6 miles away from Craig's Cruisers - Holland

AppleTree & Gilden Woods Early Care and Preschool is a community of 23 learning centers across Michigan. From the beginning, our focus has always been the children for whom we care. Every decision is based on a single question:… read more

in Preschools, Summer Camps, Child Care & Day Care

AMF Eastbrook Lanes

Reserve Your Lanes!

in Bars, Arcades, Eatertainment

Amenities and More

3 More Attributes

About the Business

Business owner information

Business Owner

Family Fun Center with indoor and outdoor fun. Indoor offerings include: a large video arcade, pizza, and a concession stand. Outdoor attraction offerings include: go-karts, kiddie karts, sprint cars, eurobungy, batting cages, and 18-hole mini-golf. Great spot for family fun, birthday parties and corporate picnics! …

Ask the Community

Ask a question

Yelp users haven’t asked any questions yet about Craig's Cruisers - Holland .

Recommended Reviews

• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

Select your rating

Overall rating

I might have just gotten lucky, but we went to Craig's Cruisers on a Friday in mid August and there were not big crowds. They also were running a back to school special of 2 hours unlimited outdoor activities for $20, which was a great deal! My 3 kids loved it. I appreciated that my little kids (3 year olds) could ride with an adult in the two seater go-carts. And they had 3 different sizes of go carts, so my 8 year old could drive one of the smaller ones on the same track. They had paddle boats, bungee trampolines, go carts, mini golf, and batting cages. They also had these insane fish in the pond that were desperate to be fed. We had a blast!

Fish feeding near the paddle boats

Of the 6 batting cages only two weren't chained shut and of the raimaining two only one actually worked. Probably since they are 50 years old and have never been maintained. Ditto on half the arcade games. They ear your tokens and/or don't spit out reward tickets. Management, would it be so tough to walk from game to game every day to make sure your guests don't leave angry and frustrated that your games actually work? Shame on you.

All my family did was play mini golf and it was a lovely experience! To start when we walked in it was a busy center full of children having fun! We went out to start the mini golf and walked past many stations where children could play! There was people riding the go karts, there was pedal boats and trampolines. You could even feed the fish in the pond. To reach the mini hood you had to walk across this very wobbly suspension bridge. I HAD TO HOLD ON THE SIDES the course is 10 holes. It was a nice course the holes. Ranged from easy to challenging. Our favorite hole was the one where you hit it into the water and is floats down!

Great spot for spending the day with kiddos. I actually thought to myself that the place is very neat and clean for how busy I'm sure it gets. We went on a Saturday and it got fairly busy but there's so much to do is still fun and very little wait. Putt putt, go carts, swan pond boat rides, batting cages, and inside arcade... ordered some pizza too and it was great. Fun way to spend a morning or afternoon. Highly recommend

The kids went and did some mini-golf (which turned out to be a bit much and they bailed early), trampoline bouncing, and go karts. The Euro-bungy was good and brought some smiles. The go kart ride was fun and the most reasonably priced (I want to say $8 for a 2-seater). We ran it hard and I even passed 4 or 5 other carts in a 4 or 5 lap run.

Very concerned, parents beware! I used this facility in Holland, MI 2 days ago with my children ages 10 and 13. They wanted to use a two person swan boat. No one was at the station when we walked up. I returned to the ticket counter to inquire 5 minutes later. Someone then ran down to the water ride quickly, got my kids set up then left. I watched my kids roam around the pond for twenty minutes, then I observed my son, 10, climb out of his seat and sit on the back of the boat. No one was there to yell over to him. Rest assured, I spoke with him later. The kids brought the boat in awkwardly, and prematurely, as there was a steering problem. Nobody came to the dock to receive them. I went down to assist the kids. At this point I am steamed. Maintaining my composure, I asked to speak with a manager and was told that stations were not staffed properly because there were not enough people on duty. Perhaps you are understanding my concern at this point. If you can not staff adequately, close the ride. Lots of things went through my mind at this point. What would the insurer think if a kid drowned or was injured. This would be quickly closed, with a huge lawsuit following. Get with the program! 07/20/2019 11:08 AM Follow Up, I emailed a manager regarding my concerns. He expressed genuine concern and said he would follow up with the location. I appreciated his quick reply.

Fun place to go for a couple of hours with a group that included 7-50 year olds. Several of the group had not driven go karts before, all had fun and would come back.

A good time with kids. The requisite arcade is ok but the squirt gun boats make for lots of fun but maybe $5 a ride is a wee much. Carp feeding is amusing in a gross way too. The gokarts are the best though for value and fun. Drinks are expensive. Bring your own water. Batting cages too.

At the squirt gun boat dock.

A view of the gokart track.

NO MORE 2 for 1 TUESDAY- say's me.. So disregard other reviews stating otherwise. Could use more bench seating as you await your turn in mini golf. Hoards of summer camp kids equals long waits so avoid early afternoon if you spy shuttle buses in parking lot.

My family enjoyed doing the go carts and miniature golf. Surprisingly it wasn't too busy on Saturday-night when I went. Definitely recommend if you are in Holland.

Dave & Buster’s Kentwood

Get your whole meal half off!

in Sports Bars, Arcades, Virtual Reality Centers

Holland KinderCare

1.4 miles away from Craig's Cruisers - Holland

Our Kids go on to Outperform Their Peers, Helping Them to Reach Their Full Potential. See How Everything we do is Designed to Grow 6 Key Areas of Childhood Development. Call to Schedule Tour! read more

in Child Care & Day Care, Summer Camps, Elementary Schools

People Also Viewed

Craig’s Cruisers Family Fun Center

Nelis’ Dutch Village

AJ’s Family Fun Center

The Lost City

Rebounderz - Jenison

Great Lakes Glow Golf

Grand Rapids Grand Prix

Saugatuck Mini Golf

Loeschner’s Village Green Miniature Golf

Forever Curious Children’s Museum

Best of Holland

Things to do in Holland

People found Craig's Cruisers - Holland by searching for…

Kids Play Holland

Best Go Cart Track in Holland

Best Stuff To Do in Holland

Go Kart Racing in Holland, Michigan

Indoor Activities in Holland, Michigan

Miniature Golf in Holland, Michigan

Teen Activities in Holland, Michigan

Top 10 Active Life in Holland

Top 10 Kids Rides in Holland

Top 10 Mini Golf in Holland

Browse Nearby

Things to Do

Other Places Nearby

Find more Amusement Parks near Craig's Cruisers - Holland

Find more Kids Activities near Craig's Cruisers - Holland

Find more Race Tracks near Craig's Cruisers - Holland

Heavily armed security boats patrol winding Milwaukee River during GOP convention

Security planners for the Republican National Convention have had to contend with the winding river that snakes through downtown Milwaukee and near the Fiserv Center convention site

MILWAUKEE -- Instead of kayakers and tour boats, the summertime scene on the Milwaukee River has taken on a solemn tone this week during the Republican National Convention : Around-the-clock patrol boats, some with heavily armed officers.

Security planners have had to contend with the winding waterways through Milwaukee near the Fiserv Center RNC convention site, along with securing downtown streets. Roughly half a dozen police departments, along with state and federal agencies, have boats patrolling the river 24-hours-a-day until the convention ends this week.

“They’re committed to working those long shifts, throughout the days and nights,” U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Joe Neff said. “They’ve been all on board for making sure public safety is priority.”

Associated Press journalists were allowed on board a 29-foot U.S. Coast Guard boat Wednesday to observe. The boat, typically used for search-and-rescue operations, traveled near the secure zone of the convention site via Lake Michigan and the river that empties into it.

A large section of the river has been shut down to commercial and recreational traffic this week, with very few exceptions, like residents who live on the river. Within an hour, the Coast Guard boat had passed vessels from Milwaukee police, state conservation wardens and a heavily armed specialty Coast Guard tactical force in camouflage gear.

The patrols are part of a massive security plan that Milwaukee police, the U.S. Secret Service and others have been detailing for more than a year. Security around former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, has been especially tight in the wake of last weekend's apparent assassination attempt.

“There is no higher level of security that can be invested in events such as this,” Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman told the AP on Wednesday.

So far, no major incidents have been reported on the water during the convention, according to the Coast Guard.

Patrol boats typically depart from a Coast Guard facility south of downtown on Lake Michigan, before turning into the mouth of the channel where the river begins. Speeds are then slowed to 5 mph and boats pass by the restaurants and converted warehouses of Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward on the way to the secure zone.

The boats are tasked with monitoring Milwaukee's downtown bridges and keeping unauthorized people and vessels out of the secure zone.

They are also on the lookout for anything suspicious.

As the Coast Guard vessel traveled near the downtown security zone, the crew spotted something mysterious floating in the water. They turned the boat around and fished it out, discovering the object was only a red and gray nylon tarp that had been rolled up and posed no threat.

Coast Guard officials said the help from other agencies this week also means they can keep up their usual public safety duties.

“Yes, we’ve got the national security event here, the RNC. That doesn’t mean we’re ignoring the rest of our normal mission — search and rescue,” said Coast Guard Lt. Phillip Gurtler. “We still have the coverage that we need.”

The story has been updated to correct the name of the Milwaukee police chief to Jeffrey Norman, instead of Norman Jeffery.

Trending Reader Picks

Why Simone Biles is considered the GOAT

• Jul 22, 6:04 AM

Trump to accept nomination in keynote RNC speech

• Jul 18, 5:13 AM

What the polls say about a Harris-Trump matchup

• Jul 22, 12:51 PM

9 shot, 3 dead in Philly party shooting: Police

• Jul 21, 12:05 PM

Trans teen stabbed at 18 times at airport

• Jul 22, 3:27 PM

ABC News Live

24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events

CrowdStrike outage: How your plane, train and automobile travel may be affected

The CrowdStrike outage that hit early Friday morning and knocked out computers running Microsoft Windows has grounded flights globally.

Major U.S. airlines including United Airlines, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines have halted flight operations around the world. According to FlightAware, which is tracking the cancellations live , 7% of United Airlines flights, 8% of American Airlines flights and 12% of Delta flights have been canceled. By comparison, the airlines had canceled Thursday 3%, 4% and 1% of flights, respectively. 

FlightAware’s tracker also shows that, as of 6:30 p.m. ET, nearly 4,434 flights have been canceled today, with total flight delays surpassing 40,000. Not all of those cancellations and delays will be linked to the CrowdStrike outage.

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, who addressed the widespread outage during an interview on CNBC , said that while the issue has been identified, his agency expects a “ripple or cascade effect” to continue today as airlines try to get their systems back to normal.

“These flights, they run so tightly, so back-to-back, that even after a root cause is addressed, you can still be feeling those impacts throughout the day,” said Buttigieg. “I will say we have no indication of an impact to our own systems, in terms of FAA operational systems like air traffic control, or most systems within the U.S. Department of Transportation, but as far as the airlines themselves, we’re going to definitely be expecting more there.”

Buttigieg also noted that shipping ports have been affected due to issues at gates letting trucks in and out.  Local California news  reported that at Long Beach and Los Angeles ports, shipments were disrupted and delayed amid the outage as hundreds of trucks were stuck waiting for cargo to be released or loaded.

The Federal Aviation Administration posted on X and Facebook that it is closely monitoring the issue, and that several airlines have requested assistance with ground stops until the issue is resolved. A ground stop is an air traffic control measure that slows or halts the flow of an aircraft coming into a given airport. 

“We continue to work closely with airlines as they work to resume normal operations,” wrote the FAA. “Ground stops and delays will be intermittent at various airports as the airlines work through residual technology issues. Contact the airlines for more information.”

According to the FAA’s website , airports like Boston Logan International Airport, Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, Milwaukee Mitchell International, Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport and LaGuardia Airport in New York have closed to “non-scheduled transient general aviation aircraft, or flights that aren’t a part of a regular schedule (like charter or private flights) and aircraft that are just passing through and not based at the airport.”

Airports including Atlanta International, Detroit Metropolitan, Minneapolis Saint-Paul, Salt Lake City International Airport and Henry E. Rohlsen Airport in Saint Croix are experiencing ground delays due to unspecified reasons that could also be linked to the CrowdStrike outage. 

Airlines react to CrowdStrike outage

Virtually every airline has experienced communications issues due to the CrowdStrike outage, including global airlines such as Qantas , Air France , Ryanair , Air Asia , Air India and others. 

The FAA’s Air Traffic Control System Command Center posted Friday that all United Airlines flights regardless of destination and subs have been grounded due to a communication issue. 

United Airlines posted on its website that flights going in and out of the following airports today have been affected: Cleveland, OH (CLE); Newark, NJ (EWR); Frankfurt, Germany (FRA); Guam (GUM); Honolulu, HI (HNL); Washington, D.C. (IAD); Houston, TX (IAH); Los Angeles, CA (LAX); London, Great Britain (LHR); Orlando, FL (MCO); Chicago, IL (ORD); San Francisco, CA (SFO). 

A United spokesperson told TechCrunch that the issue affected many separate systems, including those used for calculating aircraft weight, checking in customers and phone systems at the airline’s call centers.

Frontier Airlines, an American ultra low-cost carrier, was also affected , but appears to have resumed, or is in the process of resuming, normal flight operations. Spirit Airlines, another budget airline, said the outage is impacting its reservations system and flight operations. 

“Due to the outage, we are currently unable to rebook Guests whose travel plans have been disrupted. We will assist these Guests as soon as possible when our vendor restores service,” Spirit posted on Facebook.

American Airlines also confirmed that a technical issue with a vendor impacted multiple carriers. The airline said as of 5 a.m. ET it has been able to “safely re-establish our operation.” However, current social media posts still show customers whose flights are canceled or continue to be delayed. 

Despite the fact that Delta was able to resume some flight departures , as of Friday afternoon, more than 1,200 Delta mainline and Delta Connection flights had been canceled due to the outage. Delta also said additional delays and cancellations are expected Friday and potentially through the weekend.

According to a ground delay alert from the FAA, Delta flights departing for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport are seeing an average delay of 174 minutes at the time of this writing. The delay affects departures from 30 airlines across the U.S. and Canada. 

Citi analyst Stephen Trent said that because the outage wasn’t the fault of the airlines themselves, he doesn’t believe there will be penalties for flight cancellations. 

“Today’s disruption should not have a material earnings impact as ​long as significant improvements continue throughout the day,” Trent said. 

Consumer rights

Most of the airlines with delayed or canceled flights are working on ways to help customers rebook their flights.

United, American Airlines and Delta have all waived change fees and fare differences for customers whose flights were canceled on Friday. Customers need to rebook today to take advantage of the waiver, and their new flights must be departing between Friday and July 25, 2024. Tickets also must be in the same cabin and between the same cities as originally booked.

The airlines told the DOT that they’d provide meals for customer delayed by three hours and hotel rooms for customers that have to wait overnight for a new flight. Delta also said on its website that it would provide meal vouchers and hotel accommodations to impacted customers.

Tomasz Pawliszyn, CEO of air passenger rights company AirHelp, said that passengers who have been affected by delays and cancellations should understand their rights and know what options are available to them during disruptions.

“Although this incident is beyond the control of airlines and airports, passengers still have certain rights under U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations,” Pawliszyn told TechCrunch. “The passengers are entitled to assistance from the airline. This can include rebooking on the next available flight and, in some cases, meal vouchers and accommodation if the delay extends overnight.”

Pawliszyn noted that the “right to care” is for all delays above two hours. He recommends that passengers retain all boarding passes and receipts for any expenses incurred during the delay, such as food, drink and accommodation, to facilitate any potential reimbursement claims

Trains largely unaffected by CrowdStrike outage

Most trains appear to be unaffected by the outage, including Amtrak, but some apps for managing train times are down. The New York City public transit system, the MTA, is still running, but the MTA app that shows subway and bus scheduling and route planning was down for much of the day. As of 6:30 pm ET, the MTA app was working again.  

Washington, D.C.’s Metro public transit system, however, was affected by the outage. As of 5:45 am ET, the service said that all Metrorail stations opened on time and service is running as scheduled. Buses are also operating as scheduled. 

Auto industry mildly affected

The outage has affected businesses around the world, including retailers, brokerage houses, media companies and more.

Automakers GM and Ford told TechCrunch their manufacturing operations were not affected by the outage and that their consumer-facing apps, which owners use to unlock and lock their vehicles and control other information, are working as normal. OnStar, the GM subsidiary that handles in-vehicle communications including emergency services, is also working as normal. 

Some automotive suppliers have been affected by the outage, including Magna, which is experiencing “varying levels of operational disruptions,” according to the company.

“Our dedicated IT teams are working closely with all effected providers to expedite recovery and ensure continuity of service across our locations,” Magna spokesperson Tracy Fuerst said in an email.  “We have also been in close contact with our customers and suppliers to mitigate any potential impact.”

Fuerst added that due to the quick response of its global IT team and providers the majority of its operations are now running. “We are getting closer to more stability which is expected yet today still,” she said.

CrowdStrike’s CEO, George Kurtz, confirmed that a defect in a software update for Windows hosts caused the outage. He ruled out a cyberattack, adding that the firm was rolling out a fix and that Mac and Linux hosts were not affected. 

This story is developing but was originally published at 8:22 a.m. PT. Article has been updated to include new information on flight delays and show that the MTA app is now working.

More TechCrunch

Get the industry’s biggest tech news, techcrunch daily news.

Every weekday and Sunday, you can get the best of TechCrunch’s coverage.

Startups Weekly

Startups are the core of TechCrunch, so get our best coverage delivered weekly.

TechCrunch Fintech

The latest Fintech news and analysis, delivered every Tuesday.

TechCrunch Mobility

TechCrunch Mobility is your destination for transportation news and insight.

Telegram’s userbase climbs to 950M, plans to launch app store

Messaging app Telegram has reached 950M active users, and it aims to cross the 1 billion mark this year, founder Pavel Durov said.

India scraps ‘angel tax’ in boost to startups

India’s federal government has removed the controversial “angel tax” for all classes of investors, delivering a major victory to the country’s startup ecosystem that had lobbied for years against the…

Kakao founder issued arrest warrant by Seoul court

A Seoul court issued an arrest warrant for Brian Kim, the founder of South Korean internet giant Kakao, on allegations of stock price manipulation related to the company’s takeover of…

Wiz walks away from Google’s $23B acquisition offer: Read the CEO’s note to employees

Cybersecurity startup Wiz has turned down a $23 billion acquisition offer from Alphabet, Google’s parent company, according to a source familiar with discussions. Despite the offer representing a substantial premium…

Monarch Tractor CEO says $133M raise will help it escape ‘quite a challenging time’

Monarch Tractor was in a tricky spot late last year as the autonomous electric tractor startup juggled growth and an uncertain fundraising environment. Now, with $133 million in new funds,…

TechCrunch Space: SpaceX’s big plans to bring the ISS back to Earth

Hello and welcome back to TechCrunch Space. Before we begin, a quick note: I write this newsletter on Friday and it gets delivered to you on Monday. So if I…

17-year-old Eric Zhu’s startup was built in a high school bathroom — now it’s raised $2.3M and is emerging from stealth

Eric Zhu started building Aviato, an analytical platform for private market data, in a very atypical place for an entrepreneur: the bathroom in his Carmel, Indiana, high school. Now the 17-year-old’s…

The Scene’s new app helps New Yorkers find dining and nightlife spots

Choosing between New York City’s nearly 25,000 restaurants can be overwhelming. The pressure is especially high when you’re trying to impress a first date (or investor) or entertain family from…

Google’s Jigsaw open sources Altitude to help online platforms weed out extremist content

Nine months on, and Jigsaw is now formally handing Altitude over to Tech Against Terrorism, which will continue its development and maintenance.

Be a TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 volunteer

TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 in San Francisco is fast approaching, and we’re seeking highly motivated volunteers to support our events team. If you dream of becoming a startup founder, marketer, or…

Cohere raises $500M to beat back generative AI rivals

Unlike OpenAI, Anthropic, Mistral and many of its generative AI startup rivals, Cohere doesn’t have a big consumer focus.

Swiggy turns Minis into a link-in-bio platform

Indian food delivery and quick commerce startup Swiggy is pivoting one of its smaller businesses, Swiggy Minis, into a link-in-bio service.

Fintech Fragment eases ledger problems, nabs $9M from Stripe, Jack Altman, BoxGroup, others

Fragment’s digital ledger API applies real-time, double entry accounting to find where things aren’t adding up.

Linx emerges from stealth with $33M to lock down the new security perimeter: Identity

Identity management is one of the most common fulcrums around which security breaches have pivoted in the last several years. One of the main reasons it has become the gift…

Featured Article

Pesa unlocks new markets to keep remittances flowing to emerging economies

Founders of Pesa, a remittance fintech, know too well how costly, inaccessible and unreliable remittance services drive people to opt for risky informal channels —  like WhatsApp groups  — to transfer money.  Their firsthand experience using informal channels and realizing how prevalent their use was among Africans living in the…

The Asus ROG Ally X turns PC gaming into a portable console

A little more than a year after launching the ROG Ally, Asus is releasing a refined version of its portable device, the ROG Ally X. This Windows-based machine starts shipping…

CIA AI director Lakshmi Raman claims the agency is taking a ‘thoughtful approach’ to AI

As a part of TechCrunch’s ongoing Women in AI series, which seeks to give AI-focused women academics and others their well-deserved — and overdue — time in the spotlight, TechCrunch interviewed Lakshmi…

What Kamala Harris has said about AI, tech regulation and more

With President Joe Biden dropping out of the race, Vice President Kamala Harris may become the Democrats’ new nominee. In announcing his plans, Biden offered his “full support and endorsement…

Joe Biden drops out of presidential race

U.S. President Joe Biden has announced he no longer plans to seek reelection, a decision that follows weeks of growing pressure from some Democratic Party supporters, including high-profile tech investors…

Made by Google 2024: Pixel 9, Gemini, a new foldable and other things to expect from the event

Google is expected to announce four Pixel devices: the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 9 Pro Premium, running Android 15.

WazirX halts trading after $230 million ‘force majeure’ loss

WazirX, one of India’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, has “temporarily” suspended all trading activities on its platform days after losing about $230 million, nearly half of its reserves, in a security…

From Yandex’s ashes comes Nebius, a ‘startup’ with plans to be a European AI compute leader

Subject to shareholder approval, Yandex N.V. is adopting the name of one of its few remaining assets, an AI cloud platform called Nebius AI which it birthed last year.

Bethesda Game Studios employees form a ‘wall-to-wall’ union

Employees at Bethesda Game Studios — the Microsoft-owned game developer that produces the Elder Scrolls and Fallout franchises — are joining the Communications Workers of America union. Quality assurance testers…

CrowdStrike’s update fail causes global outages and travel chaos

This week saw one of the most widespread IT disruptions in recent years linked to a faulty software update from popular cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike. Businesses across the world reported IT…

Unpacking how Alphabet’s rumored Wiz acquisition could affect VC

Alphabet, the parent company of Google, is in advanced talks to acquire cybersecurity startup Wiz for $23 billion, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday. TechCrunch’s sources heard similar and…

Microsoft says 8.5M Windows devices were affected by CrowdStrike outage

Around 8.5 million devices — less than 1 percent of Windows machines globally — were affected by the recent CrowdStrike outage, according to a Microsoft blog post by David Weston,…

Some Black startup founders feel betrayed by Ben Horowitz’s support for Trump

Trump is an advocate for a number of policies that could be harmful to people of color.

Strava’s next chapter: New CEO talks AI, inclusivity, and why ‘dark mode’ took so long

TechCrunch sat down with Strava’s new CEO in London for a wide-ranging interview, delving into what the company is prioritizing, and what we can expect in the future as the company embarks on its “next chapter.”

Lavish parties and moral dilemmas: 4 days with Silicon Valley’s MAGA elite at the RNC

All week at the RNC, I saw an event defined by Silicon Valley. But I also saw the tech elite experience flashes of discordance.

Tracking the EV battery factory construction boom across North America

A wave of automakers and battery makers — foreign and domestic — have pledged to produce North American–made batteries before 2030.

Visiting Port Huron for Boat Week? Check out these 5 places around the area

With all the fun surrounding Boat Week, you should take some time to explore around Port Huron. Here's a quick list of things to check out.

There are a lot more fun things to do and see around Port Huron. We're featuring just five places, so if you want to find out more, visit www.downtownph.com or www.bluewater.org .

Love coffee and Edgar Allen Poe? Raven Café is the place for you

The Raven Café offers a full espresso bar, eight rotating microbrews, soups, sandwiches, breakfast and more. Inspired by Edgar Allen Poe, the Raven is a hub for the arts, featuring artwork from local artists, hosting events and live entertainment.

The Raven has seating on two stories, with the top floor also having balcony space.

Check out the menu and a schedule of upcoming entertainment at www.ravenph.com .

The Raven Café is located at 932 Military St. It is open from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Find other downtown eateries at https://downtownph.com/dine/. https://downtownph.com/dine/ .

Movies, dinner and an arcade: Sperry's has it all

Sperry's is a multi-screen cinema set in the heart of downtown Port Huron. In addition to a luxury movie experience, complete with comfortable seating and optional in-theater dining, the building also has a restaurant and an arcade located in its basement.

Show times and movie tickets can be found at www.sperrysmoviehouse.com .

8th Street Eateries is Sperry's in-house restaurant. Check out its menu at www.8thstreeteateries.com.

Sperry's is located at 301 Huron Ave. The movie theater is open from 3 to 9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; noon to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays.

8th Street Eateries is open from 4 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday; 4 to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and from 1 to 7 p.m. on Sundays.

Climb the lighthouse at the Fort Gratiot Light Station

A beautiful view of Lake Huron is 92 steps away with a tour of the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse. Climbs up the tower are included with a guided tour of the entire light station site, which includes other historic buildings. Guided tours cost $12 for adults, $10.50 for seniors and students and $30 for family admission which is for two adults and up to four children.

Next to the light station is Lighthouse Park. Open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the summer, this park has bathrooms, a playground, bike pumps and more. A beach pass is required for entry and can be purchased at the parking booth.

Beach passes are $5 for St. Clair County residents and $20 for out of county residents. It is free for residents of the city of Port Huron, Fort Gratiot and Port Huron Township.

Fort Gratiot Light Station is located at 2802 Omar St. Admission into the light station is free. It is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily during the summer. Last entry for light house tours is at 4 p.m.

Want a break from boats? Go to the St. Clair County 4-H Fair

The St. Clair County 4-H Fair opened on Monday, but there are still multiple days of fun left to enjoy. The fair will go into Saturday.

Every day of the fair, people can experience animal demonstrations, petting zoos, carnival rides and enjoy the various food and craft vendors scattered throughout the fairgrounds.

Night entertainment changes throughout the fair. There will be a tractor and truck pull at 6 p.m. on Thursday; a Bump and Run at 7 p.m. and a draft horse pull at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and a Figure 8 and stock derby at 5 p.m. on Saturday.

The carnival opens at 2 p.m. every day of the fair. Daily armbands are $25 and can be purchased onsite.

Find out more about the St. Clair County 4-H and Youth Fair at www.stclaircounty4hfair.org

Admission is $10 per person. Children 8-years-old or younger get in free. Goodells County Park is located at 8231 Lapeer Road in Wales Township.

Learn more about Port Huron's history at the Carnegie Center

The Carnegie Center is one of five historic sites with Port Huron Museums. This building used to be the site of the Port Huron Library and was turned into a center of arts and history for the area.

The museum has some permanent exhibits that feature the maritime and general history of Port Huron.

The museum's main gallery space houses rotating exhibits, with its current one featuring the history and legacy of Barbie. This exhibit will stay in the gallery until October, with the museum hosting Barbie-related programs and events during its duration.

The Carnegie Center is located at 1115 Sixth St. Admission is free. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the summer.

Contact McKenna Golat at [email protected].

Subscribe: Follow more stories from the Blue Water Area. Subscribe to the Port Huron Times Herald.

• Israel-Gaza War
• War in Ukraine
• US & Canada
• UK Politics
• N. Ireland Politics
• Scotland Politics
• Wales Politics
• Latin America
• Middle East
• In Pictures
• Executive Lounge
• Technology of Business
• Women at the Helm
• Future of Business
• Science & Health
• Artificial Intelligence
• AI v the Mind
• Film & TV
• Art & Design
• Entertainment News
• Destinations
• Australia and Pacific
• Caribbean & Bermuda
• Central America
• North America
• South America
• World’s Table
• Culture & Experiences
• The SpeciaList
• Natural Wonders
• Weather & Science
• Climate Solutions
• Sustainable Business
• Green Living

UK pledges £84m to stop illegal migration 'at source'

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged £84m for projects in Africa and the Middle East to stop illegal migration "at source".

The government said the new funding for education, employment opportunities and humanitarian support would help address the factors driving people to leave their homes.

Speaking at the fourth summit of the European Political Community (EPC), which the UK hosted at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, Sir Keir agreed with French President Emmanuel Macron that there was "no easy silver bullet" to stop small boats crossing the English Channel.

But the PM said he wanted to focus on "practical solutions", not "gimmicks".

The EPC, which includes the 27 members of the European Union as well as 20 non-members like the UK, is a more informal forum for cooperation.

The summit has focused on the challenge of illegal migration, as well as support for Ukraine.

Speaking at a news conference, Sir Keir said he wanted to reset the UK's approach to illegal migration and deepen cooperation with Europe on defence and border security.

The PM said illegal migration needed to be tackled "upstream" and there was a "consensus" at the summit that the focus needed to be on taking down smuggling gangs.

The UK has agreed new initiatives with Slovenia and Slovakia to tackle organised crime.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Office said £84m of funding would be rolled out over the next three years to address the factors driving people into small boats.

Projects set to get funding include programmes helping Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon to access education and jobs, as well as migrants in North and East Africa to fill local skills gaps, and humanitarian aid for displaced people in war-torn Sudan.

Big events give PM chance to set tone for premiership

Stopping people crossing the Channel in small boats is one of the major challenges facing the new government.

Sir Keir has scrapped the Conservative plan to send some people who arrive in the UK illegally to Rwanda, describing it as an "expensive gimmick".

The plan was stalled by legal challenges and no migrants were sent to the east African country under the scheme before the general election.

Instead the PM has promised to set up a new Border Security Command, bringing together Border Force officials, police and intelligence agencies, and to use counter-terror powers to combat people-smuggling gangs.

Sir Keir accused the previous government of a "dereliction of duty" on migration and wasting time on the Rwanda scheme.

The PM said the new government would not be able to turn around the record number of small boat arrivals overnight, but he was pursuing a "serious response".

Sir Keir also sought to stress his "profound respect" for international law, reiterating that under his leadership the UK would not be leaving the European Convention on Human Rights, something which had been hinted at by the Conservatives.

Coming just two weeks after the election, the gathering provided an opportunity for Sir Keir to meet many of his European counterparts on the margins of the summit, including Italy's Georgia Meloni and Albania's Edi Rama.

A Downing Street spokeswoman said Sir Keir discussed "innovative solutions" to migration with the Albanian PM, including Italy's plan to send migrants to Albania for processing.

Asked if he could rule out the UK pursuing offshore processing, Sir Keir said this was not "central" to discussions at the summit as the focus was on "taking the [smuggling] gangs down in the first place".

However, he added: "I'm a pragmatist and I've always said we'll look at what works.

"And where cases can be processed closer to origin, then that is something which of course ought to be looked at."

Sir Keir has said he wants to "reset" relations with the UK's European neighbours following Brexit.

While the government is not seeking to rejoin the EU, it wants to reach a security agreement with the bloc to help cooperation on intelligence and policing, as well as address some of the trading problems under the current Brexit agreement.

French President Macron welcomed attempts to reset relations but warned the UK would not be able to "cherry pick" a new deal.

The EPC was born in the months following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the issue remained a key focus of the latest gathering.

Sir Keir pledged to stand with Ukraine "for as long as it takes" and called on European leaders to do more to support the country.

Nato's outgoing secretary general Jens Stoltenberg said the military alliance had to be prepared for the Ukraine conflict to go on for a decade or more .

"The stronger our support for Ukraine and longer we are willing to commit, the sooner this work can end," he told the BBC.

The summit also took place against the backdrop of the US presidential campaign.

Republican candidate Donald Trump has expressed scepticism over the continued US funding for Ukraine's defence, while his running mate JD Vance has been a vocal critic of aid for the country .

Asked if he was worried about their positions, Sir Keir said it was for the American people to decide their president and "we will work with whoever is elected".

He added that the government was committed to the "special relationship" between the UK and the US.