catamaran sailing in bad weather

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

Storm Tactics for Heavy Weather Sailing

• By Bill Gladstone
• Updated: November 15, 2021

Storm tactics can be roughly defined as the ways to handle a storm once you’re in it. There are several proven choices, all of which intend to keep either the bow or stern pointing toward the waves. No one tactic will work best for all sailboats in all conditions. As skipper, it will be up to you to consider the best approach for your vessel, procure the right equipment, and practice with it before it’s needed.

Here we look at some active storm options that might work when conditions are still manageable and you want to actively control and steer the boat. Crew fatigue is a serious consideration when using active tactics.

Forereaching

Although not often mentioned as a tactic, it can be highly effective for combating brief squalls or moderate-duration storms. Here’s how to set up your boat for forereaching: Roll the jib away (especially if you have a large roller-furler genoa set); reef the main down to the second or third reef position; and sail on a closehauled course, concentrating on keeping the boat flat. It will be a comfortable ride, everyone will be relatively happy, and you will be making 2 to 3 knots on a close reach. Check your course over ground because increased leeway will cause your track to be much lower. This is a possibly useful tactic to claw off a lee shore. Note that not all boats will be at ease forereaching, so you’d better experiment with it ahead of time. Catamarans in particular will lurch and demonstrate much-increased leeway.

Motorsailing

Sometimes it’s necessary from a time or safety perspective to stow the jib and fire up the iron genny instead. Motorsailing lets you point high and make progress to windward. Motoring with no sails will not work well (or at all, in some cases), particularly in big seas, but a reefed mainsail will provide lateral stability and extra power. Trim the main, head up high enough to control your angle of heel, set the autopilot, and keep a lookout. Fuel consumption makes this a short-term option.

Here’s a tip: Make sure cooling water is pumping through the engine. On some sailboats, the water intake lifts out of the water when heeled. A further difficulty is that the pitching boat might stir sediment off the bottom of the fuel tank, which can, in turn, clog the fuel filter.

Running off and drogues

Sailing under storm jib and a deeply reefed mainsail or storm trysail provides the most control. If you don’t have storm sails, a reefed jib will give you the power to steer and control your boat in the waves. The boat must be steered actively to maintain control because no autopilot will be able to do this.

If excessive speed is a problem and steering becomes difficult, towing a drogue will slow the boat. A retrieval line should be set from the head of the drogue for when it is time to bring it back on board. If you don’t have a drogue, trailing warps might help slow the boat.

In a storm of longer duration, or when conditions become otherwise unmanageable, the situation might call for a skipper to consider passive storm tactics. When you are exhausted and you just want to quiet down the boat and maybe get some rest, there are other boathandling options available, depending on the sea state and the ­equipment you have onboard.

Heaving to can be an excellent heavy-weather tactic, though some boats fare better than others. Wouldn’t it be great if during a heavy-weather episode you could just slow everything way down? Imagine a short respite with a reduced amount of motion from the relentless pitching and pounding. A chance to regroup, make a meal, or check over the boat. Well, you can.

Heaving to allows you to “park” in open water. Hove-to trim has the jib trimmed aback (that is, to the wrong side), the reefed main eased, and the helm lashed down to leeward. The easiest way to do this is to trim the jib sheet hard and then tack the boat, leaving the sheet in place. Trimmed this way, the jib pushes the bow down. As the bow turns off the wind, the main fills and the boat moves forward. With the helm lashed down, the rudder turns the boat toward the wind. As the main goes soft, the jib once again takes over, pushing the bow down. The main refills, and the rudder pushes the bow into the wind again.

RELATED: Safety at Sea: Mental Preparations Contribute to Positive Outcomes

Achieving this balance will require some fine-­tuning, depending on the wind strength, your boat design and the sails you have. You might, for example, need to furl the jib most of the way in to match the wind strength. Trimming the main will ensure that the bow is at an angle to the waves, ideally pointing 40 to 60 degrees off. Modern fin-keeled boats do not heave to as well as more-traditional full-keel designs.

When hove to, the boat won’t actually stop. It will lie, as noted, about 40 to 60 degrees off the wind, sailing at 1 or 2 knots, and making leeway (sliding to leeward). Beware of chafe. When hove to, the jib’s clew or sheet will be up against the shroud and might experience wear damage. Monitor this regularly, and change the position of the sheet occasionally. You might not want to heave to for an extended time.

Deploying a sea anchor

A sea anchor is a small parachute deployed on a line off the bow. A sea anchor helps keep the bow pointed up into the waves so the boat won’t end up beam to the seas. Light displacement boats will pitch violently in high seas, and chafe and damage might occur to the bow, so setting up a bridle and leading it aft through a snatch block will allow the boat to lie at an angle to the waves, providing a more comfortable ride. A big concern when using a sea anchor is the load on the rudder as the waves slam the boat backward. Chafe on the sea-anchor bridle is another big factor, so the bridle must be tended regularly.

Remember, if you and your vessel are caught out in heavy-weather conditions, as a skipper, you must show leadership by setting an example, watching over your crew, offering relief and help to those who need it, and giving encouragement. Remember too, discomfort and fear can lead to fatigue, diminished performance, and poor decision-making. Don’t compromise the safety of the boat and crew to escape discomfort.

Few people get to ­experience the full fury of a storm. Advances in weather forecasting, routing and communications greatly improve your odds of avoiding heavy weather at sea, but you’re likely to experience it at some point, so think ahead of time about the tactics and tools available to keep your crew and vessel safe.

Heavy weather might not be pleasant, but it is certainly memorable, and it will make you a better sailor. Take the time to marvel at the forces of nature; realize that the boat is stronger than you think.

Happy sailing, and may all your storms be little ones!

This story is an edited excerpt from the American Sailing Association’s recently released manual, Advanced Cruising & Seamanship , by Bill Gladstone, produced in collaboration with North U. It has been edited for design purposes and style. You can find out more at asa.com.

• More: Anchoring , How To , print nov 2021 , safety at sea , seamanship
• More How To

3 Clutch Sails For Peak Performance

It’s Time to Rethink Your Ditch Kit

8 Ways to Prevent Seasickness

How To De-Winterize Your Diesel Engine

Grenadines Boat Hijacking Suspects Charged with Murder

13 Hours in a Life Raft

Meet the Bali 5.8

Celebrating a Classic

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Email Newsletters
• Cruising World
• Florida Travel + Life
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

Catamarans In Rough Seas? Facts and Figures From Sailors!

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.

I had my first “real” sailing experience 11 years ago on a monohull in the Bahamas, before that I worked at a Ferrari workshop. Coming from a “dry-land-racing” world made me wonder why some would argue that cats are unsafe in rough seas. They should be more stable since they have a wider base, just as in the racing world, right? A few years later I still hear this old statement that catamarans arent safe for rough weather, so today ill try to add some info on the topic.

Catamarans are safe in rough seas because their double-hull design and wide stance make them highly stable. They’re also easy to maneuver, have shallow drafts, and high speeds that help them outrun storms. Still, you need a skilled crew capable of controlling the vessel to ensure your safety.

In this article, we’ll explore several reasons why catamarans are safe in rough seas. We will also take a deeper look at what makes catamarans capable of handling rough sea conditions. Keep it here to discover valuable tips on how to sail your catamaran safely despite the weather.

Table of Contents

Catamarans Are Practically Unsinkable

A capsized monohull might right itself up, but guess what? A well-designed cruising catamaran is very hard to capsize and almost impossible to sink. This doesn’t mean that it’s okay to go looking for storms to conquer, though. So, what makes a catamaran so difficult to sink, even in the unlikely event that it flips over? Let’s find out. 

If you want to dive a little deeper into Catamaran capsize statistics I suggest my other article: Why catamarans capsize!

Catamarans Are Highly Stable

In rough seas, a catamaran will show its superior performance through its twin hulls. Rough seas are defined as waves that rise to heights between 2 to 6 feet (0.6 -1.8 meters). 

The hulls turn a catamaran into a floating platform that’s pretty sturdy. In addition, their wide stance and solid construction make the vessel extremely stable, allowing it to withstand the water’s constant pounding motion. The larger the boat, the more stable it gets. 

The result is a smooth ride with minimal to no rocking from wave action. As a result, you are less likely to suffer from motion sickness on board a catamaran. A stable platform means reefing and sail changes become much easier and safer, particularly during rough weather. You suffer less fatigue and are thus more alert. Furthermore, there is minimal risk of anyone suffering severe injuries or falling overboard.

Cats Are Easy To Maneuver 

Catamarans manufacturers employ various design and structural techniques to enhance maneuverability. Firstly, the bridgedeck positioning is above the water to create a high bridgedeck clearance , which contributes to a ride that is free from loud noises called bridgedeck slamming. Something that old school cats had problems with and would prematurely fatigue the crew.

Read this article to understand what makes a great blue water catamaran (a cat that’s design for rough seas)!

Secondly, catamarans are lightweight vessels, making it easier to steer and control them. Therefore, if you get caught up in rough weather, you are more likely to be able to handle the waves correctly and safely.

In addition to the double hulls, cats also have dual engines , making it easier to maneuver the vessel in and out of tight spots. This feature is particularly useful when you need to escape an oncoming storm and find shelter in a crowded marina. What’s more, if one engine fails as you try to outrun a storm, you can always rely on the second engine to get you to safety. 

As mentioned earlier, an alert crew is essential for vessel safety in all weather conditions. And since catamarans are easy to maneuver, crew fatigue becomes a lesser issue, allowing you to sail from rough seas to safety. 

It’s also easy to learn how to sail a catamaran , even as a new sailor. As a result, you will be more comfortable with your boat, promoting more straightforward navigation in rough waters. 

How long does it take to learn to sail a catamaran? Check this out!

And if you want to get started right away I suggest signing up for two free lessons with NauticEd

Catamarans Have Less Draft

Because catamarans rely on the buoyancy from their twin narrow hulls (instead of one wide hull on a monohull), they can handle a shallow draft without hampering either their stability or maneuverability. Cats also spread their weight equally between the twin hulls, which allows them to sit much higher on the water.

A shallow draft means a catamaran has more shelter options when bad weather is imminent . You can also anchor your boat much closer to the shore where it’s relatively safe.

You can actually park your cat on the beach, something that is referred to as “ beaching “.

They Are Incredibly Spacious

You might be wondering how ample space has anything to do with safety in rough seas. Let me explain. Catamaran layouts are well-thought-out, with spacious rooms being a major consideration. As a result, most areas, including the cockpit, main saloon, accommodation quarters, and galley, are exceptionally cozy. This enhances sailing comfort and also allows for 360-degree saloon views, which greatly improves visibility for the helmsman. 

Another benefit is that there’s ample storage space, and all the sailing gear and equipment have a home. So, your gear is well-organized and stowed away carefully without crowding every available space. In rough seas, it helps the crew and anyone else on board avoid potential injuries from flying gear. 

A large storage capacity also means larger fuel supplies. This is important, especially during rough weather as the engines work harder to motor through the strong currents hence they require more fuel. 

Catamarans Do Not Heel

As mentioned earlier, ocean waves don’t affect catamarans as much as monohulls because, unlike monohulls, these boats don’t heel or roll (or at least not as much). This is why it’s easy to take a stroll either on the catamaran deck while under sail. The lack of heeling also makes it easier to handle the boat. 

Still, due to the wide bridge deck fastened between two hulls, heavier seas could generate slapping or pounding sounds while underway (see bridgedeck clearance).

Check this article out to understand bridgedeck clearance!

Catamarans Have High Speeds

The best way to keep your vessel safe is to avoid bad weather . But this is not always possible as you could still get caught up in a storm – despite the availability of weather reports. Fortunately, because catamarans are light, they deliver impressive speeds that you can count on at such times.

Fast speeds mean you can escape rough seas by outrunning storms and bad weather.

Cruising cats attain an average speed of 9 knots (10.5mph) while sport cruising cats can reach upwards of 30 knots ( 35mph). Also, performance cruising catamarans boast narrow waterline beams , generous sail plans, and centerboards that make them sail way faster than average cats.

Which Is Safer in a Storm; Catamaran or Monohull?

If comparing similar-sized vessels, a catamaran is much safer in rough seas and storms than a monohull.

This is due to several reasons:

• Catamarans have a larger platform: Because of its large and wide base, a catamaran is more stable and can withstand pounding waves much better than a monohull.
• Catamarans are faster. You are more likely to outrun rough weather in a cat than a monohull since its design enables it to sail much faster. Besides, the higher speed allows you to cover extensive distances in minimal time. This enables you to navigate through heavy sea conditions waters much more quickly or evade them altogether.
• Catamarans are easier to maneuver . Double engines make it easier to maneuver a catamaran in and out of tight spots, such as when getting into a marina or steering across small inland waterways. Monohulls, on the other hand, have only one engine, which could lead to trouble in case of engine failure during a storm.
• Catamarans have less draft. As mentioned earlier, a catamaran will sit much higher on the water than a monohull hence it can sail with ease on shallow waters. During a storm, it has more shelter opportunities and can pull anchor closer to the beach and away from the rough seas.
• Catamarans are not likely to sink. While a capsized monohull would right itself owing to its lead keel, a catamaran wouldn’t. Nonetheless, because of the positive buoyancy, a capsized cat would not sink, which isn’t the case for a monohull. The crew in a capsized catamaran can therefore wait for help onboard the floating vessel.

Are Catamarans Safe for Ocean Crossing?

Catamarans are sea-worthy vessels capable of making long sea passages. Larger catamarans are exceptionally safe for ocean crossing since they have lots of buoyancy and great roll inertia. They can sail through fairly uncomfortable conditions and handle strong winds without taking much of a beating. 

Furthermore, the boats are not likely to capsize even when breaking waves hit them as these merely cause them to surf sideways. 

Lastly, a cat’s ample storage capacity also means that it can carry enough fuel, water, and food for the passage . Hence, you need not worry about running out of your supplies in the middle of the ocean.

Do All Catamarans Perform the Same Way in Rough Seas?

Depending on catamaran design, performance will vary, a small boat (below 40ft) will be slower and react more to waves, a larger catamaran (+45ft) will move faster and be less impacted by heavy seas and strong winds.

In general, a vessel’s seaworthiness boils down to the construction quality, seamanship level, and boat design. 

Nonetheless, high-performance cruising cats can sail windward faster than the best keelboats. Featuring efficient daggerboards, deep rudders, plus less displacement and windage, they deliver a good performance windward in all kinds of weather. 

And since these catamarans are light in weight and contain ample sail plans, you need to pay special attention to your sail choice to maintain safety in all weather conditions.

But not all catamarans behave like high-performance cruising catamarans. Therefore, you need to have a deep understanding of how your boat operates before you set off into the open sea. This is only accomplished through spending time on the water.

Tips on How To Sail Safely in Rough Seas

There are fundamental safety measures as well as storm tactics. These are essential when sailing in any weather, but more so if you get caught up in rough seas. 

• Undergo training. Get sufficient training on basic sailing and what to do in the event of an incident at sea. Basic safety drills are also important, and all crew should know the specific location of all life-saving equipment.
• Find out details about the expected weather. Make sure you are able to get updates while under sail, either through satellite or mobile network.
• Have the right protective equipment. Always have protective gear on board, including life jackets and vests, close at hand. Set up the boat with the appropriate safety lines and attach yourself to the same. Crew members should carry a knife, strobe, and whistle as well.
• Avoid putting your catamaran on the direct path of breaking waves (beam reach). Instead, opt for a course that places both the wind and high waves either ahead or behind the beam. Minimize the chances of a wave crashing across the deck by tacking in relatively smooth water.
• Park your catamaran. If the storm gets too intense, consider parking ( heaving-to ) your cat. This will give the boat some break from the windward pounding.

The specific storm strategies you need to use will crucially depend on the condition of the sea. 

I would recommend you read the book Multihull seamanship ( amazon link ), the graphics are lame but the book is very informational, it walks you through procedures such as heave-to and what to do in case of emergency.

For additional tips on how to maintain the safety of your catamaran in rough seas, watch the video below:

Frequently Asked Questions

Should i run my catamaran straight downwind or angle it away from the waves.

It’s better to run downwind but at a slight angle since this will help increase the effective catamaran length by offering its diagonal distance to the following seas. The slight angle allows the bows to bury less, keeps the hull stable, reduces the risk of pitchpoling, and also makes it much easier to follow the sea.

How Much Sail Should I Use in Rough Seas?

When facing rough conditions it’s best to go with a minimal sail area (such as a storm jib). Minimal sail helps to calm the vessel, which makes autopiloting relatively easier. This means that you might not need to handle the helm, leaving the autopilot to do its work. 

Does a Catamaran’s Length Affect Its Ability To Survive Rough Seas?

Yes, it does. A catamaran with a long waterline handles high winds and towering waves better than a small cat. The easier motion facilitates crew maneuvers, while the high boat weight increases resistance to tossing and rolling caused by the wind and waves. In addition, the higher speed helps in running from the storm.

What´s the perfect size cat for ocean sailing?

What Can Cause a Catamaran to Capsize?

A huge wave to the catamaran’s beam or surfing down a wave and burying the bows in the next wave, making it frontflip or pitchpole. To better understand catamaran capsize I suggest you read my scientific approach to understanding capsizing here .

Final Thoughts

Sailing in rough seas is a true test of seamanship. I used to be afraid of the seas, now it has become my friend. Maybe it will be the same for you! Take care!

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!

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...

10 Tips for Sailing In Heavy Weather

Last Updated by

Capt Chris German

June 15, 2022

They say that calm seas never made a great sailor. Rough seas and heavy wind are just a right of passage for many. I however would argue that the best sailors are those who manage to avoid heavy weather entirely.

Reading a weather report and planning one’s voyage to avoid nasty weather is the best call of them all. But, if you find yourself under gloomy skies and heavy chop unexpectedly, then getting yourself back to shore becomes paramount.

Here are a few tips for bad weather sailing that have helped salty sailors stay safe.

Table of contents

1. An ounce of prep saves a pound of trouble

Whether it’s replacing the impeller before it goes bad or coiling lines properly before you head out, preparation is the name of the game when it comes to sailboats. They say that the average sailor spends 10 hours working on a boat for every hour sailing and that’s just about how it should be. Making sure everything is working and properly cared for is a full time job and if you're not putting in the hours to keep your boat in tip top condition, your boat will fail you just when you need it most.

Things to watch out for when prepping for bad weather include:

• Scuppers are clean and free flowing. An errant acorn or a wad of tape can turn an otherwise seaworthy boat into a bathtub. Heavy rain and/or crashing waves have been known to sink a vessel that could not properly ship water overboard. Take the time to make sure your scuppers can save your boat and your life in heavy conditions.
• An orderly boat is a safe boat and that includes properly coiling lines. If you don’t know how to properly coil a line then you should learn asap. You never know when you will need to cast off a line or drop a sail in a hurry. Making sure that all your lines are properly coiled ensures that a line will run freely without kinks or “ass holes” when you need it to.
• Engine maintenance is all too often forgotten on sailboats. In heavy weather, bare poles are sometimes much safer than sails and a good working motor can be the difference between life and death. Changing the oil, checking belt tension and visually inspecting through hull fittings should be part of common practice on your boat. Having back up supplies like an impeller, hoses and belts are also part of good maintenance and you should regularly check your supplies and replace them when they get used.

2. Reef early, reef often

If you read last week’s piece on reefing , you may think I am beating a dead horse. But I can’t stress enough the importance of reefing in heavy weather. A better alternative to reefing is using the right sail for the right conditions. Many a genoa jib has been reduced to shreds in heavy air when a skipper fails to change sails in a timely manner.

Much like reefing, which should be done before you actually need to, so too should you raise your storm jib and douse your main before the heavy weather starts. Making the call to reduce sail or go bare poles can be a life saving call when made at the appropriate time. If you don't know how to reef or have difficulty changing sails, you should refrain from sailing in heavy air until you have had a chance to practice in lighter conditions.

3. File a float plan

In this day and age with cell phones and email, we often think help is just a text message away. At sea, especially in heavy air, sending a text message or making a phone call can be impossible.

‍ Rain, wind and waves can kill a cell phone and if you doubt that, here’s a little virtual experience of sailing in heavy weather.

Put on all your foul weather gear, turn your shower on full blast cold and have your partner bring the garden hose into your bathroom. Then stand in the shower while your partner sprays you with the hose. For an even more real experience, crumple up $100 dollar bills and flush them down the toilet while you're at it. Then you will realize that using a cell phone in heavy weather is nearly impossible.

That is where the float plan comes into play. By leaving a detailed account of your planned voyage in writing with someone who cares about you, you will ensure that when you are late someone will miss you. And I can’t stress that you leave your float plan with someone who cares about you enough to miss you if you don’t show back up.

In the marina office where I currently work, one of our guests left a float plan with our staff saying that if they weren’t heard from by June 30th that we should send out a search and rescue mission. I found that note on the peg board in our office on July 22. I never heard if they made it back but didn’t see them on the news either so I am hoping they are safe.

But who knows, they may be stranded in the back of some canyon and 10 years from now we will hear about their amazing survival story.

4. Avoid glass and label your can goods

In rough seas, the galley becomes a battlefield. The pitch and yaw of rough seas and gusty winds can turn a dutch oven into a scud missile. Things like glass jars and wine glasses soon become shrapnel as objects fling themself out of cupboards and smash on bulkheads and cabin floors.

When I was buying my endeavour 42, I hired a delivery captain to fit out the boat and sail it from Tampa Bay to Marathon Florida. As part of his job, he needed to buy living supplies to stay on the boat for three weeks as we brought the boat north to Beaufort, NC.

He bought all sorts of cool things like new pots and pans and a full set of flatware. He also bought a very nice french press coffee pot with a tempered glass cylinder to maximize flavor and keep coffee steaming hot. That coffee pot cost me $50 and lasted barely a mile and half out of port when a wake launched that glass cylinder against the bulkhead. Glass is tough on a sailboat.

That being said, I do love storing dry goods in mason jars afloat. Sure they break often enough, but they are relatively cheap to replace and ensure a watertight seal for your flour, rice, beans, oats and other dry goods that go bad in salty places in plastic bags.

You can protect them in the cupboard with silicone webbing available at most big box stores and online megamarts. But who is really gonna indict Grandma’s go to for preserving peaches when all it costs you a $1 worth of oats when it crashes to the deck.

Another good alternative for heavy weather life aboard ship is can goods. They are battle tested and virtually impermeable, even when stored in dank old dark holds of a sailboat. The drawback with can goods is you have to open them to see what’s inside when the humidity and seawater peel off the labels and melt them into bilge sludge.

Do yourself a favor and label them before you put them in the galley locker. Three days at sea with water seeping into every uncaulked hole can make even the most astute seaside chef scratch their head when they pull an unmarked can from the hold. Is it creamed corn or is it canned peas? Do you want to have to open five different cans of food to find the canned tomatoes you were looking for? Label everything in advance with a good label maker .

5. Head lamps, batteries, and darkness

The first night you find yourself wedging your bags around your body to keep you in the bunk while you try to sleep, you will realize life aboard ship in foul weather is tough. And it becomes even tougher when the darkness sets in and you are trying to preserve night vision so the on duty crew can keep the boat upright while the winds and waves batter them on deck.

Headlamps and good batteries are a must. One hand is always for you and the other is always for the boat so if you have to carry a flashlight to empty your bladder on a pitching boat deck in the middle of the night, you will likely hurt yourself.

By strapping on a headlamp ( preferably one that has a night vision setting - you know the red light that is used on submarines in the movies), you will keep both hands free to move about the cabin and perform on deck functions. You will get so much use out of a headlamp on a boat that you ought to bring back up batteries for it and for any other battery operated things you might have like fans, radios and other items.

A darkened ship is a different world and to be safe at night especially when it is rough weather requires that everyone respect each other's night vision while underway. A good headlamp with lots of back up power will make your life so much better that you’ll want to go sailing sometime soon again, even if you step off the boat after this storm and say” I’m never doing this ever again.”

6. The ditch bag - your secret weapon

All cruisers who go off shore are familiar with the ditch bag. It’s usually a waterproof bag that holds your important papers, credit cards, passport, medication, cell phone and other important stuff you might need if the boat goes down. But you don't have to be on a cross Atlantic blue water adventure hailing a mayday to enjoy the benefits of a ditch bag. When the weather turns foul, a waterproof ditch bag is a great place to put all your important stuff to keep it from getting saturated.

The nice part about a personal ditch bag is you can put anything you want in it. It will be there if the boat goes down, but it will also be safe even if the boat doesn’t go down and it just gets soaked by an improperly dogged down hatch or porthole. There are all kinds of good ditch bags and ways to protect your stuff, but one I really like and I am happy to call my friends is UGO.

It’s a neoprene carrying case for your cell phone and keys, but now they have an even larger tablet version which can hold even more stuff. But what’s so great about a waterproof carrying case for your phone you ask? Well this one floats just in case your vee birth fills with water and all you stuff get saturated in a pile on the deck.

You can rest assured that your wallet, cell phone and keys will float at the top of the pile and stay safe and dry in a UGO dry pouch. To be totally clear, Mel and Vicky are really great friends of mine, but I would advocate for UGO even if I didn’t know them because it’s just such a cool idea. You can check them out at most of the boat shows to see these things in action or head over to their website .undefined

7. Reach out to someone - from the middle of nowhere

Since I'm talking about great ideas and better deals let me also introduce you to the newest deal in Satellite Phones.

For far too long, Sat phones have been the privilege of the well-to-do who were not so well connected. If you wanted to go where the wild things were, you had to give up your connection to civilization or pay $1000 for a sat phone.

Since moving to Utah, I have found out how hard it is to make a call when service is spotty and quite frankly if I had had one of these phones on a few of my deliveries offshore, I wouldn’t have had so many run ins with bad weather- more on that in the next section.

While a brand new sat phone with data will run you upwards of $2000, Amazon has a refurbished sat phone for just $200 and plans for just $90 per month for Global Star and Nexus Wireless. We found this to be quite affordable and provide us with a ton of peace of mind while we are either on a mountain top in Utah or 50 miles off the coast of Florida.

Now I am not saying this phone will allow me to live stream to Facebook from the middle of the Gulf of Mexico, but what it will do is allow me to stay connected with shore, get weather updates and ensure I can reach help if I ever need it.

A Sat Phone should be part of everyone’s heavy weather operational plan and if you have any questions about whether it’s right for sailing in heavy weather or not, I point your attention to SV Delos and their voyage to the Azores last year .

They posted a daily update with conditions and stories to their Facebook page and their huge following 1000 miles from the nearest cell tower and always stayed in touch. Now that there are affordable sat phone solutions and even more affordable plans with Nexus Wireless,  no one should head offshore or into heavy weather without one.

8. Know your weather before it hits you

The biggest thing about heavy weather sailing is the heavy weather. If you can avoid the nasties then why don’t you?

There are lots of tricks to tell where the wind is going to go next, but the best bet for weather prognostication I have found is satellite weather from Sirius XM. It’s not that expensive and you do have to buy some gear for your boat, but once I was hooked up, I got live weather updates laid over my gps screen and live lightning and winds warnings too. It really changed my world and after my experience on a 36 lagoon off the coast of Florida, I will never sail without XM weather ever again.

We were sailing out of Tampa once again on our way to do a delivery to Beaufort. We had been out for a week and the winds were light and variable the whole time. This meant that we had to motor most of the way and that caused us to blow a gasket on our starboard motor just outside Port St. Lucie.

When we put in, and because most of the trip was hot and boring and now a motor was dead, most of my crew decided to fly home and that left me and my buddy Jay to take this boat the rest of the way back to North Carolina, on one motor.

We decided to go at 6pm on a Tuesday.

We sailed through the first night without incident and by the time the sun rose the next morning, the wind had freshened just a bit and we were making a cool 5 knots some twenty miles off Melbourne. By midday we had reached Daytona Beach and off in the distance we could see dark clouds building.

By 3pm, we found ourselves darting between downpours and lightning strikes but it was until we eyed St. Augustine that the roll cloud appeared. With no cell phone and no weather info, we decided to make a bee-line for St. Austine and hoped to make it inside before the roll cloud reached us. We didn’t make it.

I could see the wall of wind rolling towards us from at least 10 miles off. The calm blue green seas turned in foam streaked torrents as the 75 mile an hour breeze streaked towards us. I told Jay to take the helm and I darted up to the mast to drop the main. It came down with a loud thump into the stack pack and then I turned my interests to the roller furled jib.

We had noted that it was incredibly difficult to turn due to a worn out bearing in the base, but failed to fix it while we were in the safety of the Gulf. Now that we were on blue water and all hell was about to break loose I regretted that, as I struggled to furl the jib.

When I got the jib half way in, the wall of wind reached us. The catamaran leaned hard to starboard as the wind hit us broadside and I begged Jay to head the boat to wind. The one motor groaned under the load but begrudgingly turned the bows of the pontoons to wind and allowed the jib to whip violently in the vicious wind. Just then rain began falling like boxes of hand grenades being poured onto a dance floor and echoed through the deck of the limping boat.

The sky seemed to become night within seconds with only the lightning to light our way. In the flashes I could see what was left of the jib whipping the jib sheets into a 18 inch knot. When the wall of wind passed us, a steady 20 knots followed and stirred the Atlantic waters into a washing machine.

For 6 more hours we plodded our way into port and slammed the stricken vessel into the first open slip we could find and walked away. I called my wife when I finally got cell service again and she sounded terrified when she picked up. “MY GOD ARE YOU STILL ALIVE?” I laughed weakly and said “yes, why?”

She then told me that the storm was all over the news and that she had tried to warn me that I was sailing right into it. With no working phone and no early weather warning, I was a sitting duck and so was our boat.

Thankfully we made it to shore, but there but for the grace of God go I. I will never go to sea ever again without satellite weather and a satellite phone.

9. Know your limits

I’m not saying that I was not ready to handle a 36’ lagoon at sea when that roll cloud came through, but I can tell you I was ill prepared. Without the right gear including weather and phones, I should never have tried that. But now I know. And I still get caught by the weather every once and again.

I wish I could say it gets better and that it isn’t as scary the second or third time, but I’d be lying. Anytime you're in bad weather in a boat, a little piece of you should be terrified. If it isn’t then you don't have enough experience to be out there and should have headed home way before the grey clouds roll in.

And that’s it. Know what you know and don’t do things that you don’t know. If you have never sailed in 30 knots of wind, don't start sailing in 50 knots. Read the forecast and sail to your experience level and to the readiness level of your boat.

Lots of people ask, I have a 26’ sailboat, can I sail offshore? You sure as hell can but why would you want to? If you have to ask the question if you should, then assume you should not. Because the fact that you even asked is evidence that you don’t know. So don’t do what you don’t know.

And here’s the big finish!

10. Consider your guests

No one likes to be scared or nervous or feel ill or worst of all be cold and wet. If you boldly go out, your first consideration should always be the comfort of your family and guests. If the weather turns foul, odds are the seas will build, the temps will drop and winds will freshen.

These factors make an otherwise pleasant day on the water, very unpleasant.  And while it may just get your juices flowing to have a boat healed 45 degrees and 35 knots whipping across your deck, there is a very good chance that not everyone would agree with you that that is ideal sailing conditions .

Condescending, domineering skippers often find themselves single handing their boats because no one wants to sail with them. If you get a reputation as a skipper who always finds the heavy breeze and the nasty conditions, you will soon be short of guests to sail with. So always check the weather and plan your trip with a top consideration for your guests.

So that's it, my ten best tips for sailing in heavy weather. I have spent more than my share of time sailing in weather I would rather not have sailed in and I like to think that I am old enough and smart enough to avoid the nasties whenever I can. I wish I could.

Mother Nature is a fickle old girl and can turn on a dime. Prep yourself and your boat for the nasties well in advance and never leave the dock without the assumption that bad weather could and will hit. If you get back to shore afterwards and all was fine then you lucked out. But don't ever rely on luck to keep you safe in a sailboat.

Thanks for reading, and remember to do good, have fun and sail far.

Related Articles

Capt Chris German is a life long sailor and licensed captain who has taught thousands to sail over the last 20 years. In 2007, he founded a US Sailing-based community sailing school in Bridgeport, CT for inner city youth and families. When Hurricane Sandy forced him to abandon those efforts, he moved to North Carolina where he set out to share this love for broadcasting and sailing with a growing web-based television audience through The Charted Life Television Network.

by this author

How to Sail

Emergencies

Most Recent

What Does "Sailing By The Lee" Mean?

Daniel Wade

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

How To Choose The Right Sailing Instructor

August 16, 2023

How To Sail From California To Tahiti

July 4, 2023

How To Tow A Skier Behind A Boat

May 24, 2023

Popular Posts

Best Liveaboard Catamaran Sailboats

December 28, 2023

Can a Novice Sail Around the World?

Elizabeth O'Malley

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

How Well Does a Catamaran Handle a Storm? (And Strategies)

Posted on May 30, 2022

When we head out to sea, we want to know that we’re traveling in one of the safest vessels, therefore choosing a cat is the ideal decision. Not only will you have an enjoyable trip, but you’re sailing into the unknown with confidence. 

We are assured because of what the manufacturers say, but because we’ve tried and proven varying sizes of cats through rough and mild weather, and they’ve not failed so far.  In open water, bigger catamarans are very safe due to their inherent design and size.

Experts will tell you that a huge modern cat has great buoyancy and extraordinary roll resistance. Jointly, these characteristics make the likelihood of an inversion or capsize slim to none. A breaking wave upward of 30 feet slamming against a cat abeam will merely cause sideways surfing of the vessel.

Let’s take an in-depth look at how cats handle storms from the smallest to the biggest to help you make an informed decision on which type to buy.

How Well Does a Catamaran Handle a Storm?

You must decide if your intended course places you on a beam reach as its breaking wave is the most taxing on the catamaran.

Most catamaran designs meet CE Class A-1 standards for open water. However, a catamaran’s slab sides and wide windows getting hit by a 90-degree wall of water put the boat at the highest risk. Choose a route that places the wind and waves in front of or behind the stern of the ship’s hull .

You can make better selections if you’re aware of the wind’s direction. For instance, if you know where you’ll be going during a passage, you may want to shoot higher than you normally would. Aim low if you’re worried about being thrown around in the passage. Avoid beam-on seas at all costs! I can’t stress this enough! Cats are better able to withstand hits if they are not directly in line with your path.

Sail formats will be the same as those above, but the traveler will have a more leeward position. The heel angle is important. On a beam reach, steering clear of a storm is tough and time-consuming. If you’re unsure, go for a different reef, and even if the wind seems to be calming, don’t rush to shake those reefs out. You should keep your cat’s leeward board up and the weatherboard lowered if it has any boarding. Make adjustments to your mainsheet to keep the helm in balance.

Gale-force winds are usually predicted months in advance. Catamarans sailed by experienced sailors can be placed on the backside or downwind quadrant of low-pressure systems to avoid them. Sailing in gales may bring back some of your most treasured sailing memories once you’ve mastered your boat and a few gusts of wind.

What are High-risk Passages for Cats?

It is unlikely that you will ever encounter gale force winds or other life-threatening circumstances while sailing offshore due to advanced communications. During the winter and summer months, the most dangerous routes are those that cross the north-south axis.

To get a good thrashing off-shore, try sailing in late fall or early spring between the Caribbean and New England, New Zealand and the South Pacific, or along Europe’s eastern Atlantic.

How Various Catamarans Perform in Storms 

There are two main categories of catamarans today: high-performance and charter.

High-performance Cats

Smaller displacement, less windage, deep rudders, centerboards, or daggerboards are common features of high-performance catamarans. A TWA that’s between 45 and 50 degrees is possible in practically all weather situations.

Even the best keelboats can’t match the windward performance of a high-performance cruising catamaran. Sail selection is critical for their safety in all situations, given their small weight and large sail plans. Higher speeds, lighter loads, and a well-balanced vehicle are the keys to coping with storm conditions.

These two categories do not fit all catamarans equally; different approaches to operating such vessels should be taken into consideration. Make a reasonable appraisal of the vessel before you set off on an ocean voyage. 

The boat’s manufacturer should also provide you with a sail-selection chart that specifies safe sail limitations for each given weather scenario. A simple heeling scale might well be useful if no such guidance is available.

Charter Catamarans

Heavier displacements, shorter bows, low-aspect low-aspect rudders, integrated fixed keels, and high-windage flybridges, are characteristic features of production catamarans produced for the charter market.

In even the best flat-water situations, these boats battle to make ample windward progress and usually sail close-hauled at actual wind angles between 55 and 60 degrees (TWA).

Catamaran heavy-weather techniques should focus on retaining control and obtaining a modest speed without putting the boat or her crew in perilous situations.

Handling Storms in Cat

Whether we’re in the open sea or a limited leeward passageway will determine how we ride out the storm.

The High-performance Cat

On a lee shore, a high-performance cat will find it simpler to get out of the water. The leeward daggerboard can be raised and sailed on only one windward if the conditions are extreme.

In this way, if the boat is overpowered, and the weather hull begins to rise, the cat will start slide-slipping as the board loses grip, instead of heeling. The helm must be balanced in daggerboard boats.

Many daggerboard cats need an inner forestay with a stay sail or storm jib to accomplish this. ‘ However, provided the daggerboards aren’t set forward too much, you’ll be fine with a deep-reefed main.

To find out what works best for your boat, try out a few different configurations and see what happens. If you trim the leech for helm balance and lower the traveler by several feet, the boat will sail well under the main alone.

As with daggerboard cats, the centerboard catamaran may be tuned for performance by trimming the mainsail and re-calibrating the centerboard angle.

Performance cats can sail upward of 14 knots to the windward in the best situations. Speeds from 7 to 9 knots should be ideal for gale-force winds. Taking it easy on a boat makes it easier for everyone.

The Charter Cat 

Windward-facing catamaran configuration is necessary if you have a restricted amount of space in the water. Only one headsail is available on most charter cats, a genoa that can only be used in light wind conditions. Such a vessel may only have a reefed mainsail like a heavy-weather sailplane.

You should ease the traveler a few feet down from the centerline when sailing under a heavily-reefed main on your own so that you can make progress. Tracking your progress is easy with GPS and optical bearings (if you’re near the shore).

Inspect the Helm Balance

The mainsheet should be eased to induce more twists in the leech if the autopilot is having trouble, as indicated by the rudders reporting numerous degrees of weather helm. The pilot will appreciate the relief. Sheeting in the mainsail can be done more strongly when the boat’s steering wheel is in a neutral position.

The idea is to keep moving forward without having to deal with any slack. It’s possible to cruise at a speed between 5 and 7 knots in almost any weather. The leeward engine should be used if the sea state causes problems.

Handling a Cat When the Storm is Raging 

The charter cats’ low-aspect rudders are often in the turbulence of the water beneath the hull. Don’t expect a solid grip or a quick steering response from them. For this breed of cat, it can be difficult to navigate rough and choppy waters.

Even if gaining speed can help, the utmost aim in a storm is to avoid having the bows sunk into the next wave plus avoid having the transoms breached by larger breaking waves arriving from behind.

It is possible to use warps to your advantage. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways. If a warp is used in a large loop with the ends tied to each transom, you can change the length of every warp to assist with the rudder’s balance.

Your Best Ally Is Speed

The bows of contemporary performance cats can rise in response to their increased speed , and going faster has no disadvantages. The less likely you are to encounter a large wave impact, the nearer you sail to the speed of a wave train.

You can use an outboard rail that’s jib-sheeted or a deeply reefed mainsail can be used. There will still be a smooth and satisfying ride even upward of 60 knots of wind. To maintain lightweight pilots and rudders, always check the helm balance.

Holding Your Ground With a Cat During a Storm

You can use “ Parking the Cat ” throughout a storm to stop and hold your ground, same as tugging into the monohull.

Park by deep-reefing your main, lowering your traveler to the hull, and securing the mainsheet firmly in place. The rudders should be pushed against the wind, so draw your boards up midway if you have any.

• Go to content
• Go to footer

• Rental operators
• Service centers
• Pre-owned Lagoon catamarans
• The Lagoon Premium Program
• Finance your Lagoon
• Club Lagoon

choose your language

Technical maintenance

Heavy weather: the right course of action for multihulls

Talking about heavy weather implies that we’ve already defined the threshold beyond which we have to deal with it!

March 3, 2023

Talking about heavy weather implies that we’ve already defined the threshold beyond which we have to deal with it! Once the question has been asked, its treatment requires humility, but also experience to come up with some effective advice for those who have either missed the forecast, or undertaken a long passage with the hazards which that involves.

What is heavy weather?

Generally, with multihulls, it’s said that the problem is never the wind but the sea state. And that’s true, because it’s easier to deal with the former than the latter: you can reduce the canvas but you have to manage the waves. However, the fact remains that strong winds in multihulls can be a problem, especially when they appear without warning. This could be the case in some thunderstorms, or when, after sailing in the lee of an island, you are hammered at the tip of the land with 35 knots on the beam…

And although the sea is always the most dangerous, it is important to keep in mind that the force exerted by the wind on the rigging and sails  is proportional to the square of its speed . This means that there is a much greater difference between 25 and 30 knots than between 30 and 35 and so on.

But the sea state remains the most significant: it is easier to sail in 40 knots of mistral along the Mediterranean coast than to set from the Brittany coasts into 30 knots of wind with a confused sea kicked up by successive passages of weather systems.

So, it’s not easy to define this heavy weather. Since the absolute values of wind and waves are of little help, let’s risk another approach: bad weather happens when uncomfortable sailing develops into a dangerous situation. In other words,  it depends on the atmospheric parameters but also on the size of the boat, its preparation and especially the competence of the crew.

Credit picture: Jean-Pierre Fréry

Some rules for before the (real) bad weather:  

• Reefing: First the mainsail:

Beyond the sail area difference, lowering the sail’s center of effort is very beneficial for pitching. If the seas are rough and even more so upwind, we’ll roll a little genoa in afterwards, or we’ll sail under staysail.  When sailing downwind, you shouldn’t hesitate to put a deep reef in the main, or even drop it completely with a rough sea. The helmsman can then manage to maintain his course more easily with much less tendency to luff up.

• Upwind, we head up; downwind, we bear away:

When the boat accelerates too fast upwind or is struggling against the sea, head up a few degrees to reduce the speed and therefore the apparent wind. It is the opposite on a broad reach. Bearing away (without gybing) is the right reaction when the boat accelerates too fast down a wave.

• And with the wind on the beam?

The problem remains the same: luffing up or bearing away carries the chance of accelerating in either case, increasing the apparent wind and therefore the risk. This is why you must keep one hand on the mainsheet at all times, ready to release it. With experience of your boat, you’ll know, according to the angles and wind strength, the right sail combinations, which will allow you to anticipate the need for reefing. The use of good navigation instruments in good condition and which are properly calibrated to obtain the right information on the strength and angle of the true wind is essential from this perspective.

Strategies in heavy weather

• Upwind, motor-sail:

A good tactic is to sail very close to the wind (between 35 and 45° to the true wind), under very reduced sail (the mainsail alone reduced to the deepest reef) and using the leeward engine. This allows the speed to be set according to the waves and possibly played on the throttle to better pass the crests or slow down behind them if necessary.

• Running before the wind:

More comfortable, though not without risk, especially if the waves are short and steep. Even on long and organized seas, the problem remains to adapt your speed to the frequency of the waves. Try as much as possible not to have to run under bare poles, so as to maintain a certain amount of maneuverability.  Be careful, however, to trim the small area of sailcloth remaining so the bows aren’t plunging, which would reduce the efficiency of the rudders.  It’s all a matter of balance, even if that means trailing lines astern to slow down. The speed can be regulated by lengthening or shortening the drogue, which is easy to set up from the sugarscoops on a catamaran. The boat will remain in line, held by the stern.

• Heaving-to:

With little sea room to run, and if it is difficult to climb upwind in rough weather even when relying on the engine, it can be tempting to heave-to. But it may prove very difficult to actually do. Of course in theory, a multihull can sit easily, flattening the sea in the wind. In reality, it is very difficult to stabilize, particularly because of the large windage of the hulls and superstructure.

Credit foreground picture: Nicolas Claris

Share your experience

Our selection

The spinnaker sock: how to use it

Successful anchoring on a long mooring line (part 1)

Dealing with bad weather on a catamaran

Home The Blue Blog Dealing with bad weather on a catamaran

The bad sea is the greatest fear when you are at sea, even if the chances of being caught in a storm are very remote. Every good sailor knows how and when to face the sea, modern weather systems guarantee precise and continuous bulletins. However, facing bad weather on a catamaran is certainly easier and safer than many other boats. Avoiding the rough sea is easy, but if fate wants you to find yourself in the middle, these boats offer exceptional performance. Modern catamarans are very durable, even in rough seas, and they have excellent buoyancy. The risk of a reversal is certainly poor, it can withstand sustained waves and wind. There are areas where time can change abruptly, but not to the point of surprising a boat unless you sail on ocean routes. The particular structure of the catamarans allows good navigability and maneuvering management, in addition to the fact that it can also reach a good cruising speed. Obviously the skipper needs to know his business, because if the wind was badly caught it could lift the catamaran with compromising consequences.

What to do to face bad weather on a catamaran

The psychological side is fundamental, never panic and evaluate all possible options. The first thing to do is update on the weather conditions of the route taken, taking into account the direction of the storm, the distance of the nearest port and possible escape routes. All with the necessary coldness and lucidity in these cases, panic does not help and only complicates things. When the situation is clear, the most correct strategy must be adopted to avoid the risk of finding yourself in the middle of the rough sea. Organizing the crew and passengers in a precautionary way, prevention can always prevent the worst. Every member of the crew must be ready to offer his contribution if necessary. Always wear life jackets and belts, and lock all moving objects that could be thrown into the cabin by storing them in the lockers. If the tender is in the water, hoist it on board and tie it securely to prevent it from drifting or becoming a problem on the deck. Close all the hatches and portholes to prevent the water from entering the cabin, the rain could be sudden and copious.

Precautions not to be surprised by the rough sea

Obviously all the actions and precautions must be carried out to avoid the worst and not to be caught unprepared, if you approach even the storm, the effects will be largely mitigated. The catamaran can face the rough sea but it is necessary to know its qualities but also its limits. If everything is done as it should, the chances of even discomfort will be minimal.

Most of the time the weather warnings arrive even days in advance, so the surprise effect is certainly to be excluded. In any case, every possibility must be taken into serious consideration, being ready for any bad weather, rain or rough sea is necessary.

Ask for a customized quotation

We are here to advise you

BE INSPIRED

Among our many destinations, choose the one you prefer for your sailing cruise and leave for the holiday of your dreams

Wishlist ( 0 )

I declare i have received the information and i give consent to the processing of my data:.

I have read and accepted the privacy terms

Ask for information

Specifications.

• 0 No item in your cart
• SUBSCRIPTION
• Classified Ads
• Technical Specifications
• Destinations
• Address book

• All the magazines

Managing heavy weather in a multihull

Article published on 21/07/2019

published in n°167 sept. / oct.

Yes, bad weather! While cruising - and even during a race - almost everything is done to avoid it. Never pleasant to be caught out and/or damaged. Bad weather is anticipated in two ways: by avoiding being where it is likely to occur - sailing areas and times of year - and by preparing your multihull. A complete subject that we will be dealing with soon. But what to do when you are surprised by very strong winds and/or seas? Our 12 tips to stay operational and prevent the big three - Cold, Hunger and Fear - from taking over!

Create a notification for "Technical"

We will keep you posted on new articles on this subject.

  Suitable clothing

As long as the bad weather is manageable and the latitudes where you operate are mild in terms of temperatures, a traditional salopettes and jacket combination is perfect. But if the conditions become extreme, a survival suit will be essential.

Anticipate meals!

It’s very difficult to cook in severe weather. Prepare, if possible in advance, thermos of hot drinks, cereal bars and other dried fruits. Freeze-dried dishes are easy and quick to prepare; they allow you to eat hot food!

Keep the children safe

Children can stay in the cockpit as long as the seas are not too big. On condition that they’re wearing lifevests and harnesses.

Reef in time

Reducing the mainsail means positioning your multihull close-hauled or head to wind: easy when the sea is not too big, complicated with three-meter (10’) waves – even more-so at night. Take in a reef before you are caught out!

Furling the genoa

Reducing the genoa is possible at any speed. Remember to keep some tension on the sheet to prevent the sail and sheets from flogging too violently during the maneuver. The sailcloth, in this "half rolled" configuration, will suffer... It may be better to set a staysail on if you have a removable inner forestay, or simply to roll up the genoa completely.

Raise the daggerboards

The advantage of multihulls with daggerboards is that they can be raised all or part of the way in bad weather! The hulls can then slide more easily through the waves and make the helmsman's work easier.

Enough searoom?

The basic principle, in bad weather, is to move away from the area of strongest winds. Today, modern analysis of weather maps makes it possible to optimize its trajectory. But beware of the coasts: apart from some possible access in all weathers, many ports are inaccessible in very heavy seas. Allow yourself some searoom!

Reefed main, jib sheeted in on the opposite tack and helm hard over: this is the classic hove-to configuration. The multihull advances and drifts in relative comfort. A good formula to avoid losing too much headway and/or rest.

Lying a-hull

If the wind and sea become very strong, it may be wise to lie a-hull, i.e. stow the mainsail and furl the jib completely. Depending on the desired course, the support of one or more motors can be useful.

Trailing lines

Sometimes, extreme conditions may require you to trail lines - provided you have enough searoom. Your multihull, with no sail up, or almost (three reefs in the mainsail ideally), practically flies downwind and accompanies the waves. To remain safe, it’s sometimes desirable to limit the speed: a looped trailing line, preferably on reels, can be very effective, provided there are reinforced anchoring points.

Protect the nacelle

Par mer forte de l’arrière, les nacelles très ouvertes sur le cockpit – ou plutôt les baies vitrées – peuvent être soumises à rude épreuve. Des batardeaux sont conseillés. A ...

Subscribe to Multihulls World and get exclusive benefits.

Did you like this article ?

Share this article

Most-read articles in the same category.

Bending on sails - Everything you need to know for making the most of your multihull

Maintenance - Saildrive legs

Anchoring - All you need to know about bridles

Multihulls Match Symmetrical Spinnakers - Parasailor Spinnaker VS Traditionnel Spinnaker

Forepeaks - How do you make the best use of them?

Everything you need to know about trampolines

What readers think.

Post a comment

No comments to show.

Follow us on

Vous avez ajouté " " à vos favoris., vous avez supprimé " " de vos favoris., in order to add this article to your favorites, please sign in..

Heavy weather sailing techniques

If you think you need to reef, you should have already reefed. reef early and reef often..

By Marcin Wojtyczka

Heavy weather sailing preparation and tactics.

With modern forecasting, a true storm will rarely arrive unannounced, but as you venture further offshore the chances of being caught out increase.

Heavy or bad weather is a situation in which navigation for both the boat and its crew is hard. However, there is no strict definition of which conditions heavy weather occurs. It depends on the wind and wave conditions, sailing area (coast upwind, leeward), type of boat and people on board. As an example, heavy weather for small boats could start already at force 6 or 7, for larger boats this might be 8 or 9.

Many sailors fear storms as the greatest danger on the water, even though more emergencies and fatalities occur during times of relative calm . Nonetheless, strong winds and high waves can wreak havoc on a sailboat and any sailor should know how to stay safe in heavy weather.

How to avoid heavy weather

In today’s world of satellite communication and more accurate weather forecasts, it is certainly easier to avoid heavy weather than before. Sailing up a sea storm is very hard, sometimes impossible. That is why it is important to plan, execute and monitor passages properly , with a good weather forecast in your hands and an alternative strategy in your mind.

You should generally stay in the harbour if bad weather is predicted. But once you are out on the sea, far from a harbour, and the forecast predicts a deep low in your vicinity, you might not have enough time to avoid the system. You can attempt to escape as far away from the low as possible, and ensure that you are some distance away from any shelving seabed which could increase the likelihood of breaking waves . Breaking seas present a risk to all yachts no matter how good their stability rating is. This is due to the rotational power of the waves. This also applies to a following sea with breaking waves. In this case, the yacht can be flipped over end to end (pitchpoled).

Other than that, you should plan passages to avoid unfavourable seasons, e.g. hurricane season that can create Tropical Revolving Storms (TRS) that must be avoided at all costs (North Atlantic and North Pacific: July - November; Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea: June - November; South Pacific and South Indian Ocean: November - April).

Do not head out to sea if bad weather is predicted.

How to prepare for heavy weather

You should prepare the boat and the crew before the bad weather hits.

Assess your situation and make a plan for how you want to ride the storm. Can you afford to run 200 NM downwind? Are you on a lee shore? Are there any shallows? Will this area be prone to breaking waves? Two classic storm strategies are to try to keep away from land, so you are not blown up on shore, and to sail away from the storm’s path - especially its dangerous semicircle . If you are near a lee shore or shallows, you need to get away from it as fast as possible and work out a tactic that will keep you off until the sea state has calmed down. You should also try to get away from a high concentration of traffic and shipping lanes.

Once you are caught by the heavy weather you should try to minimize your exposure to potential breaking wave conditions by exercising prudent routing and sailing efficiently to minimize time at sea. If you are caught in breaking waves, you should minimize the chance of being caught beam-on (you need to orient the boat bow into the waves or stern to the waves).

Ports of refuge

Check if there is a suitable port which you can pull into to escape or avoid heavy weather conditions. In most situations, making landfall in strong offshore winds (blowing toward shore) should be avoided as it might put you and the yacht at risk. But a large, sheltered harbour might be approachable before it gets too bad.

Brief the crew

Inform the crew that harder conditions are expected but do not frighten anyone. Adjust the watch rota if needed. The crew should take seasickness tables, prepare warm clothes and stow their gear.

Clear everything on and below deck

Take everything below (including the dinghy) and stow it well. Make sure all running rigging is well stowed, so no lines are going to go overboard and foul the propeller. Make sure that all furling sails cannot unfurl by themselves (wrap sheets around the sail 3 or 4 times, cleat off the furling line, and secure the drum, so the sail cannot come unwrapped). Remove the bimini and deflate the dinghy. Ensure that all hatches and lockers are closed. Put away extra clothing, books and so on. Put away all dishes, pots, pans and so on. Leave nothing on the gimballed stove. Make sure all knives are in an enclosed drawer. Leave the stove gimballed, but if it can swing far enough to hit the safety bar in front of it, wrap the bar with a towel to protect the glass in the oven door.

Rest well, cook and eat a decent meal

Make sure that everyone is well rested, fed and watered and that you have some food prepared for the expected duration of the heavy weather (e.g. sandwiches, tea in a thermos). This is critical to prevent fatigue (especially if the crew is shorthanded) and be able to steer the boat relative to the waves throughout the storm.

Charge the batteries

You should have batteries charged in case you have to start the engine or use water pumps.

Double-check all safety gear

Ensure that the safety equipment is ready (EPIRB, PLB, PFDS and harness, VHF, Grab Bag , first aid kit etc.). This should generally be already checked as part of the passage prep, but it will not harm double-checking.

Reduce sails early and hoist storm sails (if you have one) whilst you still can, and certainly before dark.

Prepare storm devices and hank on storm sails

Be ready to fly the storm sails. Put warps, drogue, sea anchor, chafe gear, or other devices for storm tactics on the top of the cockpit locker or on the cabin sole in a place where they can be easily reached.

Make the boat watertight

Secure all hatches and ports, and put hatchboards in. Check the main bilge pump and emergency pumps. Pump the bilge dry. Cover any air vents.

You can also find this video by Skip Novak very informative.

How to cope with heavy weather

There are several proven storm tactics, all of which aim to reduce the strain and motion by pointing one of the boat’s ends (either bow or stern) toward the waves. No one tactic will work best for all boats in all conditions, so you have to practice and work out a strategy that works best for you and your boat and be ready to implement a variety of tactics.

Don’t go especially if you expect breaking wave conditions

If conditions are wrong or are forecast to worsen, don’t go. If you can avoid the storm, then do so. Stay in the harbour and enjoy time with your shipmates. Make sure your anchor or mooring lines are secure, read a book or brush up on some sailing knowledge with your crew (e.g. COLREGs, navigation).

If your boat is threatened by a hurricane, strip all excess gear from the deck, double up or redouble all docking or mooring lines, protect those lines from chafing, and get off. Do not risk your life to save your boat.

Head for safe harbour

When the heavy weather begins or is predicted, the first impulse is often to drop the sails, start up the motor and head for land. If you can safely reach a harbour, this may be your safest option. The danger lies in being caught in the storm, close to shore, with no room to manoeuvre or run off. The wind and waves can rapidly turn shallow areas or narrow channels into a more dangerous place than open water, especially if the storm will be short-lived, and it’s mostly a matter of waiting it out. Waves become steeper and more likely to break in shallow areas, making it difficult to control the boat. Also, consider the risks if your engine were to die and the wind rapidly blow you onto the shore. You may have better options staying in open water and riding out the storm.

Keep the bow or stern oriented toward the seas

In heavy weather, the most common reason for a capsize is a breaking wave on the beam. Don’t beam reach when wave heights equal or exceed the beam of the boat and don’t lie beam-to the seas in breaking waves. Try to balance the boat for the wind angle you want to maintain, e.g. use mainsail for going to windward, and headsail when running off.

Steer downwind course (running off)

Active steering downwind course is probably the best technique for a modern lightweight boat as long as you have plenty of sea room and a competent helmsman. If the stern is not kept perpendicular to approaching waves, a wave can push the stern around to one side, causing a broach and capsize.

Advantages of running off:

• Reduction in apparent wind speed eases the strain on the boat’s equipment
• Steerageway is maintained, so the helmsman can avoid a particularly bad wave
• If the crew is not able to steer manually the boat is likely to manage on her own with autopilot able to handle the steering as long as the waves are not breaking

Disadvantages of running off:

• Lots of strain on the boat. Big ships and long keel boats like fisherman boats prefer to take big waves on the bow, but there are serious forces in play and modern lightweight performance yachts are better off going with the wind and waves rather than fighting against the nature
• The yacht might pitchpole as it accelerates down the waves and hit the waves in front. Streaming warps or a drogue with bridle might be necessary
• Useful if it sends you in the right direction, but perhaps not very good if it puts you far from your destination
• You will also stay in bad weather for longer, rather than letting it pass over you
• Having someone on deck helming puts them in a vulnerable position with potential waves landing on the deck
• Need a lot of sea room. Most depressions are fast-moving and usually wind down after 1-2 days. With an average boat speed of 5 knots, you will need a minimum of 120 nautical miles of sea room

When surfing the waves at some point you might have to slow the boat down to be able to control it. The sail plan would mainly depend on your boat and available sails on board. For a typical cruiser, this could mean a main sail with a second or third reef and reduced headsail (rolled or storm jib). You can also drop the main sail or use a fourth reef .

When running it is necessary to keep the yacht at right angles to the seas. Therefore, it is advantageous to set the sails as far ahead as possible and to take off the main thus improving the capability of steering because the distance between “centre of effort of the sails” and “centre of effort of the rudder” is enlarged.

In extreme cases, where even a scrap of a sail is too much, you may need to drop all the sails and simply run under bare poles. In true storm conditions, the resistance of the mast, hull, and rigging will drive most boats at 4 to 5 knots. A staysail sheeted flat amidships can help keep the boat tracking downwind.

Be wary though that if you run free and the boat starts surfing regularly, you may be knockdown. In the Queen’s Birthday Storm, three boats ran free. One was rolled and dismasted, one was knocked down past 90 degrees and dismasted, and the third deployed a speed-limiting drogue off the stern and was fine. Some sort of drag device can help keep the boat upright in survival storms. Drag devices can slow the boat down and orient its bow or stern into the waves reducing the chances of getting knocked down and rolled. That being said, some very experienced sailors have found that the boat did better when they got rid of the drogues they were towing and ran free. In the classical text passage, this is how Bernhard Moitessier described it: “Now she is running bare poles, free, heeling, when the sea is running up at an angle of 15 to 20 degrees, is accelerating like a surfer … and is responding to the helm when I bring her back downwind”.

Beat possibly by the assistance of the engine

If you lose too much ground to leeward you can try to beat to windward with a reefed mainsail and the engine. Relying on the engine in an offshore storm will probably not be sustainable in the long run because of:

• fuel limitations
• stress on the engine itself from operating at extreme angles of the heel (engine not lubricating correctly and overheating)
• rough seas can stir debris in the fuel tank, clogging fuel filters, and stopping the engine at a potentially very unsuitable time
• in a following sea, water can back-fill the exhaust and flood the engine if the exhaust is not high enough.
• accidental flooding can also occur if the engine cooling water anit-syphon becomes blocked

Nevertheless, this remains a viable option in coastal conditions when dealing with a passing squall.

Heave-to (if your boat can, practically suitable only for traditional voyagers)

Heave-to under reduced sails with a staysail or jib sheeted to windward and the helm lashed over to maintain a heading of approximately 45 degrees off the wind.

Heaving-to gives the crew a rest, and it can be a safer means of riding out a storm rather than trying to sail it out, but you need the right boat for this (see below). It is a classic survival technique where you tack the boat through the wind, leaving the sails backed, and the wheel lashed to windward. Locking the rudder with a stretchy line is the best because it holds but also gives slightly to avoid extreme tension. Note that in a strong wind, it might be dangerous or impossible to tack the boat, so you should rather back the headsail to windward by trimming the windward sheet.

Heaving-to stabilizes the boat and slows down the drift to 2-3 knots on average. The leeway a boat makes while hove-to means that you need a sea room. In offshore gale conditions, most boats will drift 20-50 miles to leeward every 24 hours.

You should be able to adjust the sails to sit at about 45-60 degrees off the wind. Finding the right balance­ where a boat will sit comfortably at the correct angle to the wind and not give up too much ground to leeward will require some adjustments. You should lower or deeply reef the main or raise a storm trysail (very small storm mainsail) as well as a small headsail (storm jib) to reduce loads on the rig. Depending on how the boat is pointing to the wind and waves you might need to drop the headsail or the mainsail.

A really cool part of heaving-to is that the boat will leave a wake to windward. Breaking waves hit this “slick” and flatten out, thus reducing the wave action on the vessel.

Modern boats generally do not heave-to very well, and certainly not as well as a solidly built full-keel boat will. The sail plan and hull geometries of modern designs just do not let the boats lie stable to the wind. You need to experiment with your boat and see how the boat behaves. This tactic will be effective in moderate seas. The danger arises when the swell picks up and starts to break. This might leave the yacht beam onto the prevailing seas.

• Back the headsail to windward by trimming the windward sheet. If you have a big headsail, roll it up to handkerchief size or set up a storm jib. Do not gybe because the boat might fly down a wave and tacking might be impossible
• Reef and ease the mainsail until the boat stops all forward motion
• Put your rudder over hard to windward, taking care that the boat does not go head to wind. Lash the helm well, so it can’t work
• Play with the mainsail trim until a balance is struck at a good angle to wind and waves. The ride should be comfortable. It’s all about a balance between what is below the waterline (keel and rudder) and windage above (sails and rig)
• If there is still too much tendency to climb to windward, drop the mainsail. This would probably be the case if you had a third reef, which would be too much sail. A fourth reef (storm trysail size) might work
• Keep a close eye on the boat for some time to make sure it stays in balance during various cycles of wave and swell patterns
• Crew can go below. One watchkeeper is sufficient, booted and suited to go on deck to make any changes

Heave-to earlier rather than later. It is much easier to set up everything in a controlled situation. If the wind is rising, there is no point waiting as you will not lose much distance anyway.

Another technique akin to heaving-to is forereaching. Forereaching essentially keeps a boat moving forward to windward (off the wind at 45 to 60 degrees) at greatly reduced speed and is accomplished by sheeting the jib amidships (not quite backed) or lowering it all together, with the reefed mainsail sheeted in tight and the helm lashed slightly to leeward with stretchy line. Think of it as sailing your boat very inefficiently to windward. Often a boat that is improperly hove-to ends up forereaching unintentionally. Most boats will foreach comfortably into gale-force winds under a double-reefed mainsail. A triple-reefed mainsail or trysail will keep the boat pointed into the wind and moving forward on sloops. A staysail may work better on a cutter.

Forereaching can be a better alternative to heaving-to in certain situations. In tidal areas, for example, forereaching can be used to slow down a boat without losing ground to an outgoing tide or current. Forereaching allows you to continue to make slow miles toward your destination without beating up the boat and yourself. If you are just trying to slow down the boat and cannot afford to make leeway, forereaching makes a lot of sense.

Forereaching is a perfectly acceptable storm tactic as long as the waves are not breaking or dangerously confused. This is because large breaking waves will try to push the bow off and expose the side of the boat to the sea. If the boat is becalmed in the trough, it will fall off the wind before the next wave arrives and could get it beam-on. Because of the slow boat speed, you might not be able to head up fast enough. In a dangerously confused sea, a wave may strike the opposite side and force the boat to tack through. She might also tack inadvertently if the wind increases enough to overpower the rudder and bring her head through the wind. From down below you should be able to assess and tell if you are reaching the limits of forereaching as a storm tactic if the boat tacks or if waves are knocking the bow off repeatedly and interrupting the windward motion.

To effectively and safely forereach in storm conditions you need a boat prepared for offshore sailing. Your boat needs to be able to take waves on the bow and lots of loads. Sturdy boats with long keels will be better for taking big waves on the bow than modern lightweight performance yachts which are generally better off going with the wind and waves.

Lay a drogue astern

Even if running under bare poles you have too much speed, there are several possibilities to decrease the speed to avoid pitch poling or broaching, e.g. using warps (bight of the line will trail behind the boat 300 feet or so), a chain with anchor, or deploying a drogue. You should practice using drogue before in various conditions. These are difficult-to-handle devices and the load generated by them is enormous. Theoretically, speed-limiting drogues should be deployed two waves back to keep it from being jerked out of the face of the wave as the boat accelerates toward the trough. But once you deploy it, the tensions will likely be too big for you to be able to adjust anything.

Studies over the last years have shown that drag devices help stabilize a boat in survival conditions. Waves tend to be steep and break early in the storm. This is because the underlying water is not yet moving at speed with the wind. During that period, drogues or towing other objects like warps stabilize the boat. After the storm winds have been blowing for 48 hours or more, the waves become less steep, but their velocity increases considerably. Drag devices may then slow the boat too much in front of the fast-moving waves. Cutting the drag devices away may allow the boat to rise up and go over the waves more smoothly, but only if the boat is hand steered to avoid breaking seas. This situation is most likely to occur in the Southern Ocean where fully developed seas are more frequent.

If you do plan to use a drogue, deploy it before the bad weather hits. Amongst drogues the Jordan Series Drogue receives a lot of praise from long-distance sailors. A more conventional and solid drogue should do it as well (e.g. Seabrake Drogue ).

If things get very bad, the last resort might be lying ahull: drop all the sails, fix the tiller to leeward and lock oneself inside the boat, allowing the boat to drift, completely at the mercy of the storm. The ride will not be comfortable, and the boat may not make it, but it is an option when there are no others left. This technique is best suited to heavy displacement yachts with excellent stability characteristics. Light, modern boats will often lie abeam big seas which are very prone to roll. Damage to the boat is likely. Of the three boats that lay ahull during the infamous Queen’s Birthday Storm, only one, a catamaran, remained upright. The other two were both rolled and dismasted.

Many experienced ocean sailors are of the belief that once it has got into severe gale conditions the crew should all be below deck, with the boat potentially sitting to a drogue or sea anchor from the bow and the hatches battened down. Indeed, many of the injuries sustained during the 1979 Fastnet race were from people trying to helm or move around the boat.

Drop an anchor

If you have in the vicinity of a shallow water, and you have no other option to escape the lee shore you can drop an anchor as a last resort. Requirement: 30 - 50 m of chain, plus nylon cable of the same length (or both longer). A cable of nylon is elastic, and it is able to absorb the movements back and forth.

My roadmap for cruising on a modern performance boat

Up to Beaufort 4

• Maintain the course
• I reef in the main (or rolled-in)
• 2nd reef in the main (or rolled-in)
• Reduced headsail

Beaufort 7 and up to a wave height which roughly matches the beam of the ship

• 2nd or 3rd reef in the main (or rolled-in)
• Running: further reduced headsail
• Upwind course: storm jib
• Important not to sail beam-on to the seas especially if the sea is confused or breaking, switch to running (vessel oriented with the stern into the waves) or to beating (with the bow into the waves)
• Using the self-steering as long as possible with somebody near the helm, who takes the wheel if necessary or forereaching with a wheel lashed with a stretchy line
• 3rd reef in the main (or rolled-in)
• with additional support from the engine if needed
• main with 3rd reef (or rolled-in) and storm jib
• or storm jib only to avoid broaching

Upwind course

• main only, 3rd reef (or rolled-in) or storm trysail
• steering manually or forereaching
• as long as the sea permits
• under storm jib solely

Beaufort 10 and more

• Running under small storm jib only or bare pole
• Maybe with a drogue or towing warps to reduce speed and keep the stern held down
• Retreat of the crew into the ship, close off the vessel
• Reporting the position on VHF if near a busy area: “Restricted in manoeuvrability”
• Stay with the boat as long as the boat floats

Golden rules of heavy-weather

• If you can, don’t go if heavy-weather is predicted.
• Keep clear of any potential lee shore.
• Avoid areas prone to breaking waves (e.g. shallowing shore, sea mounts, harbour bars on ebb and swell, headlands).
• Prepare the boat and crew before the heavy-weather hits.
• Don’t beam reach when wave heights equal or exceed the beam of the boat, especially in breaking sea.
• Reef early. Don’t be caught over-canvassed.
• Balance the sail plan for the wind angle you want to maintain.
• Don’t leave the boat until the boat leaves you.
• Get underway once conditions moderate.
• There is no one right way of handling storm at sea. There is only what works for different boats and their captains in different storms.
• Don’t lie ahull in a monohull unless there are no other options left. This tactic is most likely to result in knockdowns, rolls, and dismasting.
• Running free is likely to result in a knockdown in survival conditions when the boat starts surfing regularly.
• Some sort of drag device (e.g. drogue, warps, anchor) can help keep the boat a survival storm by making sure the boat is oriented with the bow or stern into the seas.
• Having-to does not seem like a successful strategy for modern performance boats.
• There is no “silver bullet”. Keep trying different tactics until the boat feels “right” in the given conditions.
• Keep the relevant amount of sail area for the conditions. Carrying too little sail means the boat will be sluggish and unresponsive allowing her to end up beam-to the seas. You will also stay longer in the storm.
• Get underway once conditions moderate. Most knockdowns and capsizes happen near the end of a storm, after the wind has shifted causing the waves to become more confused. Getting some sail back up at the end of a storm is the best way to stabilize the boat and deal with the dangerous sea state.
• If the boat speed drops to 50% of the hull speed, the boat is under-canvased and needs more sail area to drive through the waves, even if that means sailing at a higher angle of the heel than normal. Hull speed in knots equals 1.34 times the square root of the waterline length in feet.
• Don’t leave the boat until the boat leaves you. It has been well documented in sailing disasters such as the 1979 Fastnet, the 1998 Sydney-to-Hobart Race, and the 1994 South Pacific Queen’s Birthday Storm that you should not abandon a vessel until it is literally sinking beneath your feet, and you have to step up off the deck to your raft. The boat is the safest place to be almost all the time, and staying with it increases your chances of survival. Case after case, crews have been injured or killed in a liferaft, while their abandoned vessels have been found weeks later floating happily on their own.
• Clip on the harness whenever the conditions deteriorate, or you feel uncomfortable.
• When climbing to the crest of an unusually large, steep wave, head up and then bear away to slide down the boat at an angle of 60-70 degrees to the wave to keep the boat from free-falling or burying its bow in the trough. A similar approach can be used when running off

You and the storm

Few people get to experience the full fury of a storm. Although everyone will remember it differently years later, a long, wet, cold sail through a storm can be miserable. It is memorable but not pleasant so do not dream about it. As a skipper, keep calm and make the best of it. Watch over your crew, offer help to those who need it, and speak a few words of encouragement like “This is miserable, but it will end”.

Additional resources

• Skip Novak's storm sailing techniques.
• Essential boathandling skills in heavy weather.
• Using a drogue.

Happy Sailing!

• Boat Handling

Join our newsletter to get the news about new routes

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Catamaran sailing: expert multihull techniques

• Nikki Henderson
• February 18, 2022

Moving to a performance multihull can be a leap for even the most experienced cruiser. Nikki Henderson shares expert multihull techniques.

There has been a huge surge in the sales of performance multihulls and with them a need to know how to handle them particularly when it comes to specific multihull techniques. The market for these boats is broadening; multihull cruisers are upgrading, monohull sailors are upsizing, and even virgin boat owners are tempted.

Over the last 12 months, while coaching for Outremer , I’ve met hundreds of these owners, everyone from young families to retired couples moving aboard a new catamaran and setting sail on a circumnavigation. Handling a performance catamaran is achievable even for a novice multihull sailor. But there is a big difference between just ‘getting by’ on such a boat versus sailing efficiently, safely and in style.

The transition for even experienced sailors can be quite a step up. For a seasoned monohull sailor, the differences are obvious: increased volume and speed, and a lack of heel. Even for an existing multihull sailor, the handling and performance is noticeably less forgiving and requires a shift in focus and technique.

This winter, I set sail on a transatlantic with the new owners of an Outremer 55 . They have previously owned another less performance-orientated catamaran but invited me on board to coach them to fine tune the boat, assist with routing, and help them take best advantage of all the performance their new yacht offers. Here are a few of the topics we focussed on:

sailing at higher speeds will change everything from manoeuvre techniques to weather routing. Photo: Robin Christol/Outremer

Most non-planing monohulls will do approximately the same speed on all points of sail. However, a performance multihull might sail at twice, three, even four times its upwind speed on a reach.

For example, the factory polars of an Outremer 55 give its average speed in 20 knots of wind with a true wind angle (TWA) of 50° at 8.5 knots, but in the same windspeed with a TWA of 110° it’s 19.1 knots. That’s more than twice as fast. How do you make the most of this speed advantage? And how do you best manage it ?

In a monohull it often pays to slog it out for days sailing the best course to windward as this normally gives the best velocity made good (VMG). A dead downwind rhumbline route is the usual strategy for longer ocean passages, rather than sailing more miles and wider angles.However, on a performance multihull it is important to prioritise reaching when route planning.

aboard high performance catamarans, such as this TS42, you can race competitively in offshore events. Photo: Jacques Vapillon/Sea&Co

In upwind conditions on a long crossing, consider whether bearing off by even as much as 20° will result in a better VMG, even if it feels counterintuitive. In light winds bearing off to 70° or 80° TWA can be the difference between a totally stalled boat and 5 knots of boat speed .

Faster speeds open up the possibility of keeping up with pressure systems as they move around the globe. For example, if crossing the North Atlantic eastwards, ideally you’d leave the US in clear weather with a depression forecast to leave the American coast a few days later.

You could use its predicted track to decide how much north or south to add to your easterly heading, to ensure that as it catches up with you, you are sufficiently south enough of it to pick up its strong westerlies. As they approach, you will accelerate, and if you can hold the speed you can use that downwind airflow to push you most of the way across the pond.

Handling at speed

Controlling and handling the boat at these higher speeds requires a change in strategy. Increased speeds and acceleration mean that the apparent wind angle and apparent wind speed change much more frequently. So you need adaptable and flexible trimming and driving solutions.

Use twist to balance power and control. Photo: Robin Christol/Outremer

Downwind the boat should be carving S-curves through the water to ensure it achieves the best VMG possible. If you can get this right you will attain the momentous double figure average speeds that a performance multihull offers, while also going the right direction! Instead of allowing the speed to plummet at the end of each surf, as the bow sinks into the bottom of the wave, a performance multihull can just keep on going.

How to maintain speed:

1 Sail at higher angles to build up apparent wind speed (AWS) and boat speed.

2 Soak downwind as the apparent wind angle (AWA) surges forward with the acceleration.

3 Drive the boat back slowly upwind in time to maintain the average speed and continue the surf.

In an ideal world, to achieve this the boat would be hand-steered. But realistically, no cruisers want to be on deck for two weeks straight on a transatlantic crossing. Your best compromise is to invest in a top quality, well set up autopilot, as well as good wind instruments.

Set the autopilot to sail to apparent wind angle and watch how the boat slaloms through the ocean. The quality of the autopilot will really start to show its value when the sea state starts to increase. The best ones improve over time as they collect data and learn the wave patterns. If you aren’t sure exactly which AWA is ideal, choose a day that has very consistent wind and sail in open water. Set the autopilot AWA to 90° and then systematically increase the setting by increments of 5° at fixed time intervals until you get as low as you can before the foresail is shadowed behind the main. Measure the VMG by comparing the distance travelled at each of the different wind angles, and the average A to B course over ground (COG) achieved. This will give you a good starting point, and then it will shift further depending on sea states and wind strengths.

Sail setting

Another solution if you want fast speeds but don’t want to actively sail the boat to within an inch of its life is to use twist. Twist is a compromise between having a hardened sail that stalls when the wind goes aft, or a very eased sail that luffs when it goes forward. The more changeable the conditions, the more extreme the acceleration increases are, or the rougher the sea state is, the more twist you need.

Cats have the space and stability to hoist and douse, so keep weight low by dropping flying sails when not in use. Photo: Christophe Launay

The wide beam of a multihull allows for a long traveller, so most won’t have a vang. Sheet tension and traveller position are your primary controls to create twist in the mainsail. Begin by finding a full power setting in the main.

Set your autopilot to 35-40°AWA; most performance multis should make this upwind. Set your traveller at midships and over-ease your mainsheet so that the sail is luffing. Gradually tighten your mainsheet until the top telltale just flies. Manual winching offers better control here than electric.

Pull your traveller to windward until the boom runs down the centreline. The top telltale of the mainsail will now be flying about three-quarters of the time. If it is closer to 50% you may need to tighten the mainsheet further and then ease the traveller until you have achieved this (or vice versa). This is your full power sail shape, and your default car position upwind.

At this point some people like to mark the mainsheet (this doesn’t work with a continuous mainsheet). To begin with, just take note of the traveller position. If the conditions require more twist, ease the mainsheet, and pull the traveller to windward to keep the boom in the same position relative to the boat. You could keep a note of three traveller positions for each point of sail: full power, mid power, low power.

As the wind moves aft, you can add other ‘go-to’ traveller positions for different wind angles by easing the traveller down to leeward while keeping the mainsail shape set to ‘full-power’ mode. Once the wind goes aft of the beam, your traveller will be all the way down to leeward. Keep an eye on spreader chafe at this point.

Once you are happy with mainsail trim, you can trim the jib in a similar way, using car position and the sheet tension. Bring sheet tension in so that the leech shape looks very similar to the main: flat with a slight curve at the top. Then adjust the cars (if you can) so that the sail is not luffing, and the top telltales are also flying 50-75% of the time. Finally, walk forward to the forestay and view the slot between the sails. Do they look roughly parallel? If not, you may need to open up the slot a touch by moving the car outboard. This is your default jib car position for that point of sail.

Sailing the angles with an asymmetric. Photo: Kinetic Catamarans

When conditions increase, don’t forget to add twist to the jib too. Initially just ease a touch of sheet. Be careful moving the car too far inboard or you might close the slot. Moving the sheet attachment closer to the foot of the clew will open up the leech and create more twist.

Think of twist as the middle ground between sailing fully powered and reefing. Multihulls are much less communicative than monohulls. You do not have the obvious signs that the boat is overpowered, like a submersed toe rail or rounding up as the boat heels.

In time you’ll get to know your catamaran and build a connection to read how aggressively the boat is accelerating, its fore-aft pitching, sounds, and rhythm. But at first it’s useful to have some number guides and wind parameters of when to add twist and ultimately when to reef.

Generally a performance cat will require a reef much earlier because it’s lighter. I’d usually put in one reef at 20-25 knots, two at 25-30 and three reefs for 30-35 knots.

On our transatlantic crossing on the Outremer 55, contrary to my advice on the advantages of sailing angles downwind, we chose instead to sail dead downwind with the symmetric spinnaker up for the entire passage.

taking it easy dead downwind under symmetric Photo: Nikki Henderson

There are costs to taking full advantage of the speed of a performance catamaran. Averaging 15 knots boat speed is not everyone’s idea of comfortable. The hulls are so stiff that every wave that hits the hull sounds like the beating of a drum. The humming of carbon rigging, the swooshing of water screaming past the topsides, the slapping of the waves, the wind: it’s incredibly loud even when averaging 10 knots, let alone 15 or 20.

Performance multihulls are also so lightweight that they are really thrown about in a substantial sea state. Our decision to sail dead downwind rather than heating up and taking full advantage of the performance came down to the following reasons:

1. Lack of adequate autopilot We had one, but it wasn’t able to react quickly enough to the acceleration and resulting rapid change of wind angle that broad reaching would have created. It also struggled in a big seaway, so sailing with the waves square on to the stern was easier to cope with.

2. Sails We did not have a heavyweight asymmetric sail, which is what you need to sail these downwind angles (both our reaching sails were light weight).

3. Safety Akaroa II is hull No2 of a new design by Outremer. This was the first transatlantic crossing that this particular model of boat had ever done, so we were a testing ground and deliberately cautious.

Despite our conservative approach we still achieved 90% of the factory polars averaging 9.6 knots in sustained winds of 20 knots across the entire 2,700-mile route.

The trip took 11 days and 17 hours. The beauty of a performance multihull is that even if you don’t push it, you still manage brilliant speeds in the right conditions.

We calculated how much faster we would have gone, had we sailed the angles instead of running downwind. This assumes we would achieve the same 90% polars. TWA 140° appears to be the sweet spot.

Getting the main down when reefing can be problematic – rig up downhaul lines to help grind it down if needed. Photo: Nikki Henderson

Without any power being dispelled by heeling, performance multihulls will convert additional power into acceleration. With this increased speed comes increased loads on the lines, blocks, rudders, sail cloth and rigging. Winches are upsized. Jammers are used instead of clutches. Halyards are 2:1. You may be sailing on a 50-footer, but the loads are akin to a 70-80ft bluewater monohull.

A future owner recently reminded me of this, when he opened the main traveller jammer while holding the line with only one wrap on the winch. The lack of skin on his hand was gruesome evidence of how surprising the loads can be when a multihull is really powered up.

Interestingly, comparing a standard cruising multihull with a similar sized performance multihull, the opposite is true. A boat that weighs less needs less sail area to power it. For example, a Lagoon 450 has a sail area (main and jib) of 130m2 compared to an Outremer 45 (actually 48ft LOA) at 104m2. So, for the same apparent wind speed, there will be less load on the gear.

Watch out when sailing downwind. Due to a performance multihull’s ability to accelerate and hold high speeds downwind, it is easy to hold significantly more sail area in higher true wind speeds as the apparent stays low. However, if you do hit the bottom of a wave and stop dead in the water, the sail, rigging and lines will feel the full force of that wind.

Another reason to reef earlier than you think on a performance multi is that with swept back shrouds (needed to support the mast without a backstay) and a fully battened mainsail, even with the halyard eased downwind the sail may still not come down. You should be sailing with the minimum amount of sail cloth up to achieve the polars.

Reducing sail

1. Rig up downhaul lines from each reefing point on the luff to help grind down the sail. Keep an eye on chafe on the leeward side on each of the batten pockets.

2. Use the rotating mast to open the sail to the wind more.

3. If that isn’t enough, come upwind to help get the sail down.

Multihull trim

Switching to a performance catamaran may bring new trimming options: daggerboards, a rotating mast, and fully battened square topped mainsail.

Brush up on your fundamentals of sail trim so that you have a solid foundation to build on. When you first start sailing the boat, to avoid getting overwhelmed (which tends to result in people under-sailing their boat), begin by finding a base setting for all points of sail. Forget the rotating rig for now, but find enough twist in the sails that gives you enough height without too much power. Set the daggerboards as you would on a dinghy: down for upwind, up for downwind, mid-way for a reach. Then you fine tune.

Set performance cat daggerboards as you would for a dinghy at first: down for upwind, up for downwind, mid-way for a reach. Photo: Nikki Henderson

When adjusting daggerboards, make sure you have your GPS track switched on. See if dropping a little more daggerboard helps with the COG upwind. Downwind, if you feel like you are on an ice-skating rink, try dropping a little board for better grip. If on autopilot, take note of the rudder angle. If it’s taking the helm from full starboard to full port then it might need some more grip, if not then a reef.

Be cautious of the risk of ‘tripping up’ in big seaways. In sea states much over 3-4m, it’s safest to lift the daggerboards and allow the boat to glide over the waves rather than risk one of the boards digging into a wave and destabilising the boat. While exceptionally unlikely to happen, if a daggerboard digs in, the worst case scenario would be a capsize. If you see any slick in the water that suggests the boat is sliding sideways over a wave, or an increase in heel, or significant water over the deck – these are signs that it’s time to lift the boards all the way up.

Finally, play with the rotating mast. At a basic level, try to get the mast in line with the foremost sail position and curve. The easiest way to see this is actually to stand forward of the mast and look down the line of the sail. It is in itself a foil and when in the right position can add the equivalent of as much as 10% more sail area. In the same way, you can use it to depower by reducing the angle.

With a rotating mast you’ll generally be trying to get it in line with the foremost sail position and curve. Photo: Nikki Henderson

When fine tuning sail trim I’d recommend marking all your tracks and angles of mast rotation, and once you are confident you could mark the sheets and halyards themselves. This is an exercise for the detail-orientated and it pays to be specific. Keep a notebook at the helm station to record your learnings, and over time build up not just ideal trim settings for wind and waves, but also polars.

The inside story of Greta Thunberg’s upwind Atlantic crossing on La Vagabonde

The sky flashed a blinding white light and a spark came down just a few hundred metres to port. We…

Mainsail handling: Advanced sailing techniques for catamarans and multihulls

A mainsail cannot know whether it is hoisted on a monohull, a catamaran or a trimaran. The principles of sail…

The best bluewater multihulls of all time: a complete guide

What are the best bluewater multihulls for long term cruising? The one you own, or the one you can afford…

Learning a performance catamaran’s sensitivity to weight can be a real learning curve. Compared to cruising catamarans, performance cats tend to be half the weight (or even less). Meanwhile, compared to a monohull the main difference is in the areas where the weight is most concentrated. A monohull’s weight is predominantly in its keel. Almost the entire weight of the boat is concentrated in around 15% of the boat’s length. Conversely, a multihull has no keel, so without that pendulum effect its centre of gravity is higher and less stable. On a multihull the weight is distributed along almost 90% of its length.

In practice, this means that what you carry, both below and above decks, has a big impact on the boat’s performance and safety. The first step is to become minimalists. Summon your inner Marie Kondo and ask yourself “Does this bring me joy? Does this keep me safe?” of every single item that moves from dock to boat. If it doesn’t – don’t take it.

Performance cats are weight sensitive so streamline your possessions onboard. Photo: Carl Newton

Step two is to arrange your belongings evenly around the boat. Ensure you don’t list the boat to port or starboard. Try to keep weight amidships and ideally low down. Avoid loading up the bow lazarettes or aft areas with too much weight.

When sailing, don’t forget that the worst kind place for weight is aloft. Without the keel, you significantly reduce the stability of the boat by having a furled Code 0 (for example) hanging around up the rig. It’s inconvenient to drop it every time, but it’s worth it.

Higher speeds, bigger loads, a lighter boat and higher centre of gravity don’t sound like the safest characteristics, and they aren’t if poorly managed. But you can also use them to your advantage. Being able to sail faster means you sometimes have an option to run away from bad weather.

But there are other safety drills that are worth thinking about ahead of time. What is your MOB recovery plan? With cats’ high freeboard, some owners plan to reverse up to the casualty and pick them up from the steps at the back. But how many have practiced that? Will it involve dropping the mainsail? Could the props injure the casualty? How does the back of the boat behave in a significant sea state? I’d recommend practising this until you have a plan that works for you on your boat with the equipment you have. The same should be said for plans to evacuate the boat, or deal with a fire on board.

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.

Catamaran cruising: everything you really need to know

Republished from Yachting World Expert skipper Nikki Henderson reveals what you really need to know before going bluewater catamaran cruising

It has become routine now for me to bookend the summer sailing season with a trip to the south of France for the biannual ‘Outremer Week’. This hugely popular event gathers 100-plus new Outremer catamaran owners for five days of training, both in the classroom and on the water, and three days of friendly racing. The goal is to educate future owners so they are as prepared as they possibly can be for their upcoming  bluewater catamaran  cruising plans.

It’s an intensive week of 12-hour days, with a lot of information to absorb. Unsurprisingly there are some discussions specific to  bluewater catamaran cruising that come up repeatedly, and they apply to owners or prospective owners of all brands of a bluewater multihull. Here are some of the most common questions people ask me:

What sails should I buy for a cruising catamaran?

Every day after sailing a new catamaran owner will come up to me and say, “Nikki, I’d love to take up some of your time and rack your brains about  sail selection .” To pitch my advice appropriately, I always ask some key questions about your catamaran cruising plans, and I’d encourage you to ask yourself the same.

What is your route plan?

Tradewind sailing  will be predominantly downwind. So, focus your attention on downwind sails. A route involving more upwind requires more focus on headsails. Routes involving more upwind tend to be more coastal routes or schedules with strict timings that will reduce the option to wait for downwind weather windows. All bluewater sail plans will need storm options. Three reef points in the main is a must, or at the very least an extremely generous second reef. A storm headsail is another key component. Ideally, it should be possible to hoist the storm jib up over the top of your furled foresail. In very big conditions, reliance on the thin furling line gets quite nerve-racking.

How performance-orientated are you?

Performance catamarans  are designed to sail angles downwind, ideally with an asymmetric spinnaker wardrobe. However, there is a cost to the incredible speeds that you can attain reaching on these boats: comfort. So, a key question is what is your attitude to speed versus comfort? Performance-focused sailors are typically racing sailors, sailors without kids, or sailors who are in good physical shape. If you fit this category, then I’d advise purchasing one heavy-weather flat-cut asymmetric sail that can withstand a squall up to 40 knots, and a rounder, lightweight sail that you can sail quite deeply in light to moderate conditions.

If you don’t have a taste or attention span for speed, then one heavy weather symmetric spinnaker (approximately up to 40 knots TWS) should be enough. This will allow you to sail a rhumbline course, and make night-time take-downs less of a worry because the kite will survive a squall. For upwind, if you will enjoy fine-tuning your boat to get that extra half a knot, your ideal option is a large genoa for drive in light to moderate conditions, and a small flat blade-shaped jib for heavier conditions – small enough that it does not need to be furled to an inch of its life to cope with a Force 6. If an inner forestay is an option, the latter could be a staysail which will keep the centre of effort low and reduce sideways drift. For anyone less performance orientated in their catamaran cruising, the key for upwind sailing is a strong, flat jib that is not too big. Mark three reef points on the foot with sail tape. Keep an eye on how much it stretches and don’t be surprised if you need to change it every few years to avoid losing 5-10° of height. Downwind the trade wind route logic applies: performance sailors should invest in asymmetric and non-performance sailors in symmetric spinnakers.

Who’s the crew?

At this point, the conversation often goes full circle. Sailors get enthusiastic about performance, and then remember that the kids will need home schooling, or that this is a retirement plan with potential health and fitness considerations. Most sail changes will require more than one person, and conditions at the bow can be bouncy. The crew also have to be able to sleep, cook, and live on the boat while it is thrown about. If you are short-handed, you could compromise for downwind sailing by choosing furling sails. A furling asymmetric such as a Code D can replace the ‘hoist and drop’ asymmetric. Or you can make the sock line on a symmetric long enough to route back to an electric winch. Upwind sailors could compromise by returning to a single jib and consider altering routing to sail slightly off the wind but faster; optimising for VMG. If you have a staysail, ensure it could be furled and therefore left rigged at sea – though make time to speak to the yacht designer about the impact on stability that having two heavy furled sails up continuously could have on the boat.

How ‘eco’ and time-conscious will you be?

Do you care about motoring? Increasingly for many of us, awareness of climate change is a strong motivator to avoid using the engine. And will you be more focused on the destination or more interested in the journey? If you are keen to avoid motoring, and you are free of time constraints such as fixed crew changeovers or grumpy children who need to stop and swim, then I’d recommend you invest in a Code 0. A Code 0 can double or even triple the boat speed: in 6 knots of wind, an Outremer will sail at 2-3 knots with a jib, but 5-6 knots with a Code 0. It’s a great sail and worth the investment, but first work out if you will use it. They often have low wind limits – around 15 AWS – which upwind could be 10 knots TWS.

When do you reef a catamaran?

Many bluewater cruisers will reef down before dark every night. I’m not a huge fan of this as a rule; reefing should be straightforward enough to not be an intimidating manoeuvre in the dark. But all new catamaran owners who are planning to go bluewater cruising are concerned about knowing when to reef, especially if they come from monohull sailing, as a catamaran communicates whether it is overpowered or not in a much more subtle way. You want to conserve your equipment while sailing the boat effectively. So aim for the least amount of sail necessary to achieve your target speeds and angles. The best way to get to know this is to put reefs earlier or later each time and take note of whether it was beneficial or not. Over time you will know your boat very well.

Sailing favours guidelines over hard rules, but it’s good to have a starting point so here are some general ranges. For more cautious sailors or bigger sea states, use the more conservative side of the wind range: -Reef 1 in at 15-20 knots TWS -Reef 2 in at 20-25 knots TWS -Reef 3 in at 25-30 knots TWS Note that I am using true wind and not apparent. When sailing downwind it’s tempting to fly more sail because the apparent wind is so low. However, if you need to turn upwind – perhaps to reef – the 12 knots AWS in 20 knots TWS will quickly become closer to 25 knots AWS.

Reliance on numbers is great until the wind instruments stop working (it will happen at some point). Remember your RYA Competent Crew course and use the descriptions of the sea surface at various Beaufort Scale forces to identify how windy it is.

There are other telltale signs that the boat gives if she needs a reef. Although hulls don’t fly unless you are at the performance level of a  Gunboat  or similar, you may feel the windward hull just slightly lifting. This is a sign that a reef might be needed. Another is if the bows are diving down when you are sailing downwind. Heel angle can be most obviously sensed while lying down.

The main hindrance to learning when to reef – and when not – is a hesitation to perform the manoeuvre. If taking a reef feels arduous, people avoid it. I admit I can find myself in this camp: I have to remind myself that it’s a win/win, either it’s the right decision and the boat sails better, or it’s wrong and I’ve learnt from it.

The key to reefing is to practice. Taking a reef should be possible to do in under two minutes, especially if you have fast electric winches.

It’s handy to have the option to reef downwind, especially if you’re tradewind sailing. Fully battened mainsails struggle to come down so set up downhaul lines from each reef tack point. Run them through the reefing point on the sail and through the reefing points on each side of the mast so the sail is pulled down in line with the track. Watch out for chafe on the back of the main if reefing a lot downwind, and add spreader patches to your sail where applicable. Centring the traveller during the manoeuvre can help, but keep your eyes looking up and check nothing is getting caught.

Also practice  solo reefing ; aside from the possibility of needing to reef alone, this also builds a big-picture understanding of the whole manoeuvre. It means reefs are put in faster because anyone can work anywhere.

How can couples close the ‘experience gap’?

The argument for both halves of a cruising partnership being competent on board has always been that if something happens to the skipper, their partner will know how to safely get to a port of refuge. However, most people assume that this will simply never happen to them, or they practise parking a couple of times, pick a fender out the water – then never think about it again. The difficulty with starting a bluewater sailing project with a large experience gap is that it tends to widen over time. Each day as leader will be a learning opportunity for the skipper. They will grow in competence and confidence. Meanwhile, the first mate’s skills will suffer. They will get used to following instructions, their confidence will decrease, and a habit of helplessness will develop. Then, when an emergency does occur, they’ll be in a worse position to take charge than when they started. It’s critical that couples approach buying a bluewater catamaran for cruising as a team exercise from day one – for both safety and enjoyment. Ideas on how to level up your partnership include:

• Rotate roles each day, or follow a rota. Who drives the boat into dock? Who makes the navigation calls (do this passage by passage)? Who does the safety checks? Who runs the watermaker?
• Divide the boat – maintain one hull each and share the saloon. This forces you to both understand how everything works from bilge pumps and engines to steering gear and gear storage.
• Take a coach with you for the first few crossings. It can be hard to learn to sail from your spouse. A professional coach will force you into a learning environment. They will also create space for the less experienced to be able to take charge in a safe way.
• Sail the boat without your partner. Creating a scenario where your leadership role feels natural is the optimum way to practice skippering. So, invite a few friends who don’t know as much about sailing as you, and go for a low pressure cruise. It’s a brilliant confidence builder, and a chance to develop your own style and your own voice on board.

Production or performance cruising catamaran?

A common view is that you pay more for less when you buy a performance catamaran: fewer creature comforts, less living space, fewer berths, bathrooms, and instead get narrow hulls and sparse design. So, is the big price tag worth the upgrade in performance? If you are lured by the comfort of a production catamaran, but plan to sail intensively around the world for the next five years, it might not actually be the most comfortable option. No dishwasher or air conditioning is going to make a boat feel safer in a storm. Conversely, why buy a performance catamaran if you plan to leave the boat at the dock for 10 months a year? Ask yourself if you have the skills to harness the performance of a faster catamaran? And if not, how prepared are you to invest time into learning how to use the boat to her full potential? A common justification for buying a performance catamaran is that it can outrun bad weather and therefore is safer. But you cannot take advantage of that option if you sail everywhere with three reefs in the main because you are nervous of the boat’s power. Similarly, the power of performance catamarans comes in part from how light they are. If you load the boat with extras – personal gear, kitchen appliances, heating, aircon – you will quickly reduce a lot of the speed and safety advantages you’re paying for.

How to handle heavy weather in a cat?

A popular heavy weather strategy is avoidance: account for global weather patterns when planning your passages to ensure you sail during the more favourable months; invest in a good satellite connection to download accurate forecasts so you can see bad weather coming; use your boat speed to position yourself out of the predicted storm track; be flexible with departure windows and leave at an optimum time. However, do not misinterpret avoidance of heavy weather as a safety net. With weather systems becoming increasingly extreme and unpredictable (see page 38), this risk management strategy is becoming less and less dependable.

• Develop scenario plans for the type of boat you have so that you don’t have to start with a blank sheet of paper as a storm approaches.
• In all scenarios, on all boats, avoid 90° wind and waves. Your boat is at its least stable in these conditions. Sail with the weather forward or aft of the beam.
• Keep an eye on heel angle. Reduce sail if you start to see any more than 5° or so, unless you have a catamaran that is designed to lift a hull. Lower the centre of effort by reducing sail, starting with the main.
• Set up and practice how to reef downwind in case the weather comes in more quickly than you were expecting.
• If you can’t sail as fast as the waves, consider trailing warps to slow you down and help with steerage. You should aim to keep the speed relatively high. The key is to reduce the erratic surfing which drops the bows into green-water troughs. I prefer warps to drogues where possible because we are more familiar with them. Unless you practice using a drogue regularly, you will likely need to read the instructions when you get it out, which isn’t ideal in an emergency.
• If waves are breaking over your stern, consider turning into the seaway and holding steady. In a performance cat, you can drop the windward daggerboard, lift the leeward board, and pinch into the wind. In a production cat with no daggerboards, this will be difficult. Running the leeward engine might help you keep your bows into the wind. Watch that there is no back flow of water into the exhaust.
• Avoid lee shores at all costs, sea room downwind is key.

When should we go?

How long should you wait after buying a boat before heading out on your first bluewater passage? Whether you spend £100,000 or £1,000,000 on your boat, it’s likely to need some fine tuning. I’ve never heard of a new boat that was perfect. Some yards will cover the initial issues as part of the warranty, so staying close to the yard is a good idea within that period. Even if you don’t have a warranty, proximity to the yard can help you access parts, boat builders and people who understand how your boat has been constructed. The flip side is that you want to get going, and experience all the freedoms of your new yacht! Some serious bluewater sailing is also needed to test some of the systems. Give yourself two to six months before you head out on the first crossing. This is enough to test the boat out, but not so long that ‘passage-anxiety’ builds up and you never actually leave. Do not treat the first few months as a holiday. This is commissioning, and it is the last stage of the build. Test the boat as rigorously as you can before you leave the proximity of the yard. Complete a couple of substantial offshore passages of 48 hours or more to test the systems. Run everything, including the watermaker. Fly all the sails you own. Sail in fruity conditions relative to your ability (Force 6-8 as a guideline) to see how the boat (and you) cope.

Get some experienced people on board to bolster the crew for the early days. The ideal is to hire a professional coach, as this will make pushing the boat much safer and more fun for you. Do some  training ; the MCA AEC four-day engine course is a really useful opportunity to explore the parts of the engine you are normally too nervous to. A safety at sea course is worth its weight in gold. Use this to put together a safety kit that you feel confident in and that is appropriate for your cruising plans. A basic maintenance course can also be helpful, ideally one that covers beginners’ sail repair, rigging, splicing, and electrics. Ask other sailors for a good tools and spares inventory list. On top of the standard parts that the equipment manuals recommend, current and previous owners of your boat model will have a plethora of advice.

Confident to cast off

Knowledge nurtures confidence, and confidence breeds positivity – which all contribute to a safe, and successful bluewater catamaran cruising experience. If in doubt, ask!

YACHTING WORLD // https://www.yachtingworld.com Yachting World has had its finger on the pulse of sailing since 1894 (though some of us joined a little more recently). We reckon we are the most enthusiastic sailing fans in the world: we love boats of all kinds, modern and classic, we like racing and cruising, are fascinated by innovation yet revere tradition, and nothing that floats is too big or too small for our tastes. Every day online and every month in print we bring you the very best in adventurous sailing, whether that be bluewater cruising, ocean racing, high latitudes exploring, or anything in between, and we pride ourselves on our independent tests, in-depth reports and top quality photo journalism.

ABOUT DOYLE SAILS //  Around the world, Doyle Sails has over 500 sailmakers in 46 different locations, all equally passionate about sailing – living and breathing our ethos ’Global Leaders and Local Experts.’

As sailors, our obsession with sailing connects us to the water. The water is our playground, a sanctuary where we seek enjoyment, a competitive playing field where we race as competitors; it’s sometimes our home and always a place that unlocks our sense of adventure wherever that adventure might take us. Behind every adventure is a Doyle sailor who shares this same obsession as you. We put your journey at the very heart of what we do to deliver the ultimate enjoyment and performance, powering our constant need to push the boundaries in sail design and innovation, to reimagine sailing.

From dinghies, club racers and cruising yachts through to Grand Prix campaigns and Superyachts, we are your experts. Meet our team  here .

Catamaran sailing in rough weather

The sealed hulls of catamarans enable them to be sailed safely in very rough conditions. But as with other high performance craft, medium strength wind conditions are best for building up your experience as the catamaran is sailing at its optimum speed. Crews can learn how to handle the trapeze system when tacking and how to move quickly up and down the gunwale to the aftermost trapezing position.

However, only very experienced sailors should attempt to sail catamarans in strong winds and heavy seas. The two main points to bear in mind are to keep the boat moving as fast as possible when going to windward and to make sure the boat is balanced —keeping the hulls level by sheeting the sails well out and bearing away in gusts.

In rough weather, tacking should be kept to the minimum and should be carried out, if possible, in smaller waves wherever they appear. If you fail to get around on the tack, be prepared to reverse the rudders (see pages 124-5). Although you will often have to retract the centerboards on a reach to lessen the pressure on the sails, you must have the boards at least three-quarters down to tack. At all times, crew weight should be kept well aft except k

when urging the boat over the crest of a wave. Acceleration and deceleration will be very rapid so the crew must brace themselves securely using the foot loops or toe straps.

Spray or breaking waves can make visibility difficult, and some crews prefer to wear ski or swimming goggles to protect their eyes. Extra protective clothing will be necessary as the spray strikes hard enough to be painful.

The catamarans above and below are both sailing in rough weather on a reach-the helmsman and crew are well aft.

A number of smaller catamarans can usually be successfully righted by pushing the bows or sterns (it doesn't matter which) down into the water until they dip into the water sufficiently to allow the boat to become vertical. Once in that position, the boat can easily be pushed over into its normal attitude.

Continue reading here: Clew outhaul

Was this article helpful?

Recommended Programs

Myboatplans 518 Boat Plans

Boat Alert Hull ID History Search

3D Boat Design Software Package

Related Posts

• Catamaran sailing downwind
• Heavy Weather Tactics - Catamarans Guide
• Hull - Catamarans Guide
• Is Sailcraft Cherokee A Blue Water Catamaran
• Transportation - Tahiti Cruising
• Seawind - Catamarans Guide

Mastering Catamaran Sailing: Essential Guide & Tips to Navigate the Waters

Alex Morgan

Sailing a catamaran can be an exhilarating and enjoyable experience for both experienced sailors and beginners alike. Unlike monohull sailboats, catamarans offer unique advantages in terms of stability and speed. If you’re interested in learning how to sail a catamaran, it’s important to understand the basics and master the necessary skills. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to sailing a catamaran, from understanding the fundamentals to maneuvering and handling the boat effectively.

To begin with, let’s delve into the introduction of sailing a catamaran, followed by understanding the basics of a catamaran. We’ll explore what exactly a catamaran is and how it differs from a monohull sailboat. we’ll discuss the advantages of sailing a catamaran, highlighting why it has become a preferred choice for many sailors.

Before setting sail, proper preparation is essential. This section covers the importance of safety equipment and checks, along with understanding wind and weather conditions. Planning your route is crucial to ensure a smooth and enjoyable sailing experience.

Once you’re prepared, we’ll move on to the essential sailing techniques for a catamaran. This section will guide you through rigging and hoisting the sails, tacking and jibing, trimming the sails, and controlling speed and direction. Mastering these techniques is key to maneuvering the catamaran effectively on the water.

Handling the catamaran also requires specific techniques. We’ll cover important maneuvers such as docking and undocking, mooring and anchoring, and addressing emergencies like man overboard recovery. These skills are vital to ensure a safe and successful journey.

We’ll provide you with essential safety tips for sailing a catamaran. Understanding right-of-way rules, handling rough seas and heavy winds, and maintaining balance and stability are crucial aspects of staying safe on the water.

By the end of this comprehensive guide, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to sail a catamaran and be well-equipped to embark on your own catamaran adventures while ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

– Sailing a catamaran offers the advantage of maximizing space with its two hulls, allowing for more comfortable living quarters and a larger deck area. – Catamarans provide a stable and balanced sailing experience, making them a safer option for beginners and those prone to seasickness. – Proper preparation, including checking safety equipment, understanding weather conditions, and planning your route, is crucial for a successful catamaran sailing experience.

Understanding the Basics of a Catamaran

Understanding the basics of a catamaran is essential for safe and enjoyable sailing. A catamaran is a boat with two parallel hulls connected by a deck. It has advantages over monohull boats. Catamarans are stable due to their wide beam, reducing the risk of capsizing . They can access shallow waters because of their shallow drafts . Catamarans also offer more space and comfort with larger cabins, living areas, and deck space.

To control a catamaran, the skipper uses the helm to control the rudders. Adjusting and trimming the sails allows the skipper to use the wind’s power and steer the boat efficiently. Balancing the sails and maintaining stability while sailing is important.

Knowing the key components, how to control the boat, and handle the sails will help you navigate the waters confidently. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a beginner, familiarizing yourself with the fundamentals of catamarans is crucial.

What Is a Catamaran?

A catamaran, also known as a cat , is a type of boat that features two parallel hulls connected by a platform or bridge deck. This unique design provides it with stability and speed, making it a popular choice for sailing enthusiasts. Unlike traditional monohull sailboats, a catamaran offers a wider beam , which results in more space and greater stability . As a result, the sailing experience on a catamaran is smoother and more comfortable .

There are several advantages to sailing a catamaran. One significant advantage is its shallow draft , which allows it to navigate in shallower waters that are inaccessible to other types of boats. The dual hull design of a catamaran minimizes drag and enhances speed , making it highly efficient for long-distance cruising . The spacious interior layout of a catamaran provides ample room for accommodations , amenities , and storage .

When sailing a catamaran, it is essential to consider the wind and weather conditions for safe navigation. Understanding the right of way rules and knowing how to handle rough seas and heavy winds are crucial skills for catamaran sailors. Maintaining balance and stability is of utmost importance to ensure a smooth sailing experience.

A fun fact about catamarans is that they have been utilized by Polynesian cultures for centuries, proving their effectiveness and versatility in various sailing conditions.

How Is a Catamaran Different from a Monohull Sailboat?

A catamaran is different from a monohull sailboat in several ways. A catamaran has two parallel hulls connected by a deck or bridge, whereas a monohull sailboat only has one hull. This dual hull design provides greater stability and balance on the water.

In addition, the hulls of a catamaran are wider and shallower compared to those of a monohull, allowing for a shallower draft and improved maneuverability . This also results in a higher cruising speed and faster sailing speeds for catamarans.

Catamarans also offer more interior space and are known for their spaciousness and comfort , thanks to their wider beam. When sailing upwind, catamarans experience less heeling , which translates into a smoother and more comfortable ride for passengers.

Catamarans are better suited for cruising in shallow waters and can anchor closer to shore due to their shallow draft . The dual hull design of catamarans also provides greater redundancy and safety in the event of hull damage or collision.

Unlike monohull sailboats, which typically have a keel, catamarans rely on centerboards or daggerboards to prevent sideways sliding. The main differences between a catamaran and a monohull sailboat lie in their stability , speed , comfort , and maneuverability .

Advantages of Sailing a Catamaran

– Stability: Catamarans offer excellent balance with their twin hulls, making them less likely to tilt or capsize compared to monohull sailboats.

– Spaciousness: The wide beam of catamarans provides more interior and deck space, including comfortable living quarters, larger cabins, and ample room for socializing and entertaining.

– Speed: The design of twin hulls reduces drag, allowing catamarans to sail faster and provide exhilarating experiences.

– Shallow Draft: Catamarans have a shallower draft than monohull sailboats, enabling them to sail in shallower waters and access a wider range of cruising grounds.

– Comfort: The wide beam and stable design of catamarans offer a smoother and more comfortable sailing experience, eliminating the heeling common in monohull sailboats and reducing the chances of seasickness.

– Maneuverability: Catamarans are more maneuverable than monohull sailboats, providing better turning ability for navigating tight spaces, docking, and anchoring precision.

– Sailing Performance: Catamarans excel in light wind conditions, thanks to their large sail area and light weight, allowing them to catch even the slightest breeze and maintain good boat speed. This makes them ideal for destinations with calm weather patterns.

Preparing for Sailing a Catamaran

Preparing for a thrilling catamaran sailing adventure requires careful planning and essential knowledge. As we dive into the section on “ Preparing for Sailing a Catamaran ,” we’ll explore vital aspects such as safety equipment and checks , understanding wind and weather conditions , and planning your route . Get ready to uncover expert tips and strategies to ensure a smooth and enjoyable catamaran journey on the open waters.

Safety Equipment and Checks

Prioritize safety when sailing a catamaran. Thoroughly check and prepare your safety equipment before setting off on your adventure. Consider the following important safety equipment and checks :

• Life jackets: Ensure enough properly fitting life jackets for everyone on board.
• Flotation devices: Have throwable flotation devices readily available for emergencies.
• Fire extinguishers: Have the appropriate type and number of fire extinguishers on board.
• First aid kit: Maintain a well-stocked kit for handling minor injuries or medical emergencies.
• Navigation lights: Ensure all navigation lights are functioning properly, especially for sailing at night or in low visibility conditions.
• Communication devices: Carry reliable communication devices such as a marine VHF radio or satellite phone for calling for help if needed.
• Engine and safety equipment checks: Regularly inspect engines, bilge pumps, anchor systems, and other safety equipment to ensure good working condition.

Remember, safety is crucial. Check your safety equipment before every trip and ensure proper working order. Familiarize yourself with specific safety requirements and regulations of the sailing area. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy your catamaran sailing adventure with peace of mind and be prepared for any unexpected situations.

Understanding Wind and Weather Conditions

Understanding wind and weather conditions is crucial when sailing a catamaran. You must have a comprehensive understanding of the wind direction, speed, and weather changes that may impact your sailing experience. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:

1. Wind direction: It is essential to know the direction from which the wind is blowing. This knowledge will assist you in planning your sailing route and selecting the appropriate sails.

2. Wind speed: Pay close attention to the wind speed as it could potentially affect the speed and maneuverability of your boat. Higher wind speeds may necessitate reefing the sails or adjusting your course.

3. Weather changes: Remain mindful of any approaching storms, rain, or fog. These conditions can have a significant impact on visibility and create challenges when sailing.

4. Sea state: Take note of the current sea state, which includes wave height and frequency. Rough seas may require you to adjust your sailing technique and speed to ensure the stability of the catamaran.

5. Weather forecasts: Always remember to check the weather forecasts before embarking on your sailing trip. This will provide you with an overview of the expected weather conditions.

By possessing a thorough understanding of wind and weather conditions, you can make well-informed decisions to ensure a safe and enjoyable sailing experience aboard a catamaran. Keep in mind that conditions at sea can change rapidly, so it is essential to stay vigilant and adapt your plans accordingly.

Planning Your Route

When planning your catamaran sailing route, it is important to consider several factors for a safe and enjoyable journey. One of the first things to do is assess the weather conditions by checking the forecast for potential storms or strong winds. It is crucial to avoid adverse conditions as they can pose risks to both the crew and the catamaran’s safety.

In addition, it is necessary to identify key destinations and conduct research on navigational challenges. This will help in finding suitable anchorages or marinas along the way. Creating a timeline is also essential to plan the duration of the journey, taking into account the distance to be covered and the catamaran’s speed. It is important to remember to account for any time constraints or events that may affect the plan.

Using navigational charts, it is advisable to plot the course, noting any potential obstacles along the way. It is also a good practice to plan alternative routes in case they become necessary. Considering currents and tides is another crucial aspect of route planning. Studying tidal patterns and current directions will allow for incorporating these factors into the planning process for greater efficiency.

Another important consideration is fuel and provisions . It is necessary to determine the locations of fuel stations and provisioning points along the route. Planning fuel stops and stocking up on supplies will ensure that you have everything you need during the journey. Communication and safety should not be overlooked either. Identifying channels to communicate with other sailors and emergency assistance is vital . It is also important to familiarize yourself with emergency procedures and have access to contact information in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

It is recommended to regularly review your route plan and make adjustments based on real-time conditions and feedback. This will help ensure that you are always up to date with any changes that may occur during the journey. By carefully planning your route, you can optimize your sailing experience, safely navigate waters, and fully enjoy your catamaran adventure.

Essential Sailing Techniques for Catamaran

Mastering the essential sailing techniques for a catamaran is the key to harnessing the power of wind and water. From rigging and hoisting the sails to controlling speed and direction, each sub-section in this guide will unlock the secrets that seasoned sailors swear by. So, get ready to tack and jibe , trim those sails just right, and experience the exhilaration of sailing a catamaran like a pro!

Rigging and Hoisting the Sails

To rig and hoist the sails on a catamaran, follow these steps:

1. Assemble the mast, boom, and rigging securely and properly aligned.

2. Attach the main halyard securely and tensioned to the head of the mainsail.

3. Attach the jib halyard properly tensioned and secured to the head of the jib sail.

4. Connect the main sheet to the boom to control the angle and tension of the mainsail.

5. Connect the jib sheets to the clew of the jib sail to control the angle and tension of the jib sail.

6. Attach the reefing lines to the mainsail, if applicable, to reduce sail area in strong winds.

7. Check all rigging and lines for proper tension and adjustments, ensuring everything is secure and aligned.

8. Raise the mainsail by pulling on the main halyard while guiding the sail up the mast, using winches or other mechanical aids if necessary.

9. Raise the jib sail by pulling on the jib halyard while guiding the sail up the forestay, using winches or other mechanical aids if needed.

10. Adjust the main sheet and jib sheets to achieve the desired sail shape and trim for optimal boat performance.

Rigging and hoisting the sails on a catamaran is crucial for a smooth and exhilarating sailing experience. By following these steps, you can confidently prepare your catamaran for sailing adventures.

Now, let’s appreciate the history of rigging and hoisting sails. Sailing has been a vital mode of transportation and exploration for centuries. The technique of rigging and hoisting sails has evolved from simple square sails to more efficient and versatile fore-and-aft sails used on catamarans. Today, catamarans are equipped with advanced rigging systems and modern materials that enhance speed and maneuverability. Rigging and hoisting sails remain a vital skill for sailors, connecting us to our seafaring ancestors and enabling exploration of the world’s oceans with grace and agility.

Tacking and Jibing

Tacking and jibing are essential maneuvers when sailing a catamaran. These techniques allow you to change direction and make the most of the wind. Consider these key points:

• Tacking: This maneuver is used to sail against the wind. Turn the bow of the boat through the wind to switch the sails to the opposite side. This allows you to zigzag towards your destination.
• Jibing: Use this maneuver to change direction with the wind at your back. Turn the stern of the catamaran through the wind to move the mainsail to the other side. Control the boom to prevent dangerous swinging.
• Preparation: Before tacking or jibing, ensure that the crew is aware and in a safe position for stability during the turn.
• Wind direction: Success with tacking and jibing depends on understanding the wind. Assess the wind and plan your maneuvers accordingly.
• Practice: Perfecting tacking and jibing requires practice. Start with gentle maneuvers in light wind conditions and gradually progress with experience.

During a sailing race, a crew utilized their knowledge of wind patterns and executed a flawless maneuver by tacking right before the finish line. This tactical advantage secured their victory.

Trimming the Sails

Sailing a catamaran requires mastering the skill of trimming the sails . Properly trimmed sails greatly impact the catamaran’s performance and maneuverability. Here are some important considerations for sail trimming:

1. Adjusting the tension: Properly adjusting the tension on the sails is vital for achieving the desired shape and angle. The main sail should have a slight curvature called camber , which generates lift and power. Trim the jib sail to maintain smooth airflow on both sides.

2. Controlling the angle: The angle of the sails in relation to the wind direction is crucial for maintaining optimal speed. Adjust the sheets to trim the sails closer or further from the wind based on sailing conditions and desired speed.

3. Monitoring the telltales: Telltales , small yarn or ribbon pieces attached to the sails, provide valuable airflow information and indicate proper sail trimming. Continuously observe the telltales to ensure smooth and even flow.

4. Reefing: In strong winds, reducing the size of the sails through reefing is necessary to maintain stability and control. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for reefing and ensure proper securing of the sails.

5. Constant adjustment: Sail trimming requires constant attention. Continuously monitor wind conditions and make necessary adjustments to optimize performance and maintain control.

Mastering the art of sail trimming leads to smoother sailing, improved speed, and enhanced overall performance on a catamaran. Practice and experience are essential for developing this skill, so head out to the water and start honing your sail trimming abilities.

Controlling Speed and Direction

To effectively control the speed and direction of a catamaran, it is important to follow these steps:

1. Sail Adjustment: Optimize the power and speed of the catamaran by trimming the sails. Utilize the mainsail and jib sheets to manipulate the sail angle, taking into account the wind direction.

2. Utilize the Traveler: Fine-tune the speed and stability by adjusting the traveler. This tool, located across the cockpit, allows you to modify the mainsail sheeting point and control the angle of the mainsail.

3. Sail Plan Modification: Alter the sail plan as necessary to either increase or decrease speed. Reef the sails in strong winds to reduce the sail area, and unreef them in light winds to allow for greater sail area.

4. Daggerboard Adjustment: Maintain stability and control the direction of the catamaran by raising or lowering the daggerboards. These adjustments contribute to achieving balance and maneuverability.

5. Rudder Tweaking: Make slight adjustments to the rudder angle using the tiller or wheel, ensuring smooth steering of the boat.

Pro-tip: Enhance your ability to control speed and direction on a catamaran through practice and experience. Continuously monitor wind conditions and make minor adjustments to optimize performance.

Catamaran Maneuvers and Handling

Get ready to conquer the waters as we dive into the art of sailing a catamaran. In this section, we’ll navigate through the thrilling aspects of docking and undocking , the essentials of mooring and anchoring , and the crucial skill of man overboard recovery . Brace yourself for a wave of practical tips and tricks that will enhance your catamaran sailing experience. So, grab your compass, adjust your sails, and let’s set sail on this exciting journey!

Docking and Undocking

Docking and undocking a catamaran can be daunting, but with the right techniques and precautions, it can be done smoothly. Follow these steps:

• Approach the dock slowly, keeping an eye on the wind and current.
• Assign crew members to handle lines and fenders for a safe docking process.
• Shift into reverse as you near the dock to slow down.
• Turn the helm to steer the catamaran parallel to the dock as you stop.
• Have crew members ready with fenders to protect the catamaran.
• Engage reverse to back closer to the dock, using brief forward bursts to maneuver if needed.
• Once close, crew members should step off the catamaran with lines to secure it to the dock.
• Secure the catamaran using docking lines , ensuring they are properly fastened and have enough slack.

True story: One summer, while docking our catamaran in a busy marina, a strong gust of wind made our docking process challenging. Thanks to our crew’s quick reflexes and knowledge, we maneuvered the catamaran safely and secured it to the dock without damage. It was a valuable lesson in being prepared for unexpected situations while docking and undocking a catamaran.

Mooring and Anchoring

Mooring and anchoring are integral skills when sailing a catamaran. It is important to consider several key points when engaging in these activities. Make sure to choose the appropriate anchor that matches the type of seabed you will be navigating. Inspect the anchor line thoroughly to ensure it is in good condition and securely attached. Next, carefully select a mooring spot in a protected area that offers solid holding ground. When approaching the mooring, take into account factors such as wind and current, and proceed slowly. To secure the boat, use mooring lines that are connected to cleats or deck fittings. Safeguard your boat from potential damage by utilizing fenders . Prioritizing safety and accounting for your boat’s unique conditions and requirements is crucial. By practicing these techniques, you can enhance your proficiency and guarantee a safe and enjoyable sailing experience.

Man Overboard Recovery

• Assess the situation: When facing a man overboard situation, it is important to stay calm and promptly evaluate the circumstances. Take into account the distance between the catamaran and the individual in the water, as well as any nearby hazards or obstacles.
• Alert the crew: Immediately inform the other crew members about the man overboard incident. This ensures that everyone is informed and prepared to provide assistance.
• Initiate the man overboard recovery process: Throw a life buoy or any floating object towards the person in the water, offering them something to hold onto. This will help keep them afloat during the recovery process.
• Turn the catamaran: Skillfully maneuver the catamaran to create a controlled loop or figure eight pattern around the individual in the water. This will slow down the vessel and facilitate their retrieval.
• Bring the person back on board: Once the catamaran is properly positioned, utilize a ladder, swim platform, or any available means to assist in bringing the person back on board. Assign crew members to provide support and ensure the individual’s safety throughout the recovery process.
• Monitor and provide medical assistance: After the person is safely back on board, promptly evaluate their condition and administer any necessary medical attention. Check for injuries, monitor vital signs, and administer first aid if needed.

Pro-tip: Conduct regular man overboard drills and practice recovery procedures with your crew to ensure that everyone is familiar with their respective roles and responsibilities. This will help reduce response time and enhance the likelihood of successfully recovering individuals in emergency situations.

Safety Tips for Sailing a Catamaran

Discover essential safety tips when sailing a catamaran in this section. From understanding right of way rules to dealing with rough seas and heavy winds, you’ll learn how to navigate challenging conditions with confidence. We’ll explore techniques for maintaining balance and stability, ensuring a smooth and secure sailing experience. So hop aboard and let’s dive into the world of catamaran sailing safety !

Understanding Right of Way Rules

Understanding Right of Way Rules is crucial for safe sailing. Follow these guidelines:

1. Sailboats have the right of way over powerboats. Be aware of your surroundings and give way to any sailboats in your path.

2. When encountering a vessel on your starboard side, yield and give them the right of way. Alter your course slightly to avoid a potential collision.

3. When overtaking another vessel, keep a safe distance and give them the right of way. Maintain a slow and steady speed to avoid creating a dangerous situation.

4. In narrow channels or crowded areas, vessels going uphill or against the current have the right of way. Yield to any vessels navigating in these challenging conditions.

5. Always be cautious and maintain a safe speed when crossing paths with other vessels. Slow down if necessary to ensure a safe passage.

By understanding and adhering to right of way rules, you can navigate the waters confidently and reduce the risk of accidents. Remember, safety should always be the top priority when sailing a catamaran.

Dealing with Rough Seas and Heavy Winds

Dealing with rough seas and heavy winds is crucial when sailing a catamaran. Here are tips to navigate challenging conditions:

1. Check the weather forecast before setting off. If rough seas and heavy winds are expected, consider delaying your trip or changing your route.

2. Ensure all crew members wear appropriate safety gear, such as life jackets and harnesses. Secure loose items on the deck.

3. Maintain a steady speed when encountering rough seas to keep the boat stable. Avoid sudden changes in direction or speed.

4. Adjust your sails by reefing to maintain control and prevent overpowering by strong winds.

5. Be cautious when navigating large waves. Approach them at a slight angle to minimize the risk of capsizing. Maintain a firm grip on the helm.

6. Be aware of the sea state. Avoid crossing large waves head-on; instead, cross them diagonally or at a slight angle.

7. Communicate effectively with your crew. Assign roles and responsibilities to ensure everyone is working together for safety and control.

In rough seas and heavy winds, safety should be the top priority. Stay alert, remain calm, and rely on your training and experience.

Pro-tip: Consider advanced sailing courses or consulting experienced sailors to enhance your skills and confidence in dealing with rough seas and heavy winds.

Maintaining Balance and Stability

Maintaining balance and stability is absolutely crucial when sailing a catamaran. It is important to ensure that weight is evenly distributed on both sides of the catamaran in order to achieve stability .

One way to accomplish this is by having passengers and crew members move to the opposite side when the wind picks up. Another key aspect of maintaining balance is properly trimming the sails to adjust their angle in response to wind changes. This helps to prevent excessive heeling and ensures stability .

Paying attention to the centerboards can greatly enhance stability . Deploying the centerboards can counterbalance the force of the wind and prevent tipping over.

Steering also plays a significant role in maintaining balance. It is crucial to steer steadily and in a controlled manner in order to keep the catamaran on course and avoid any imbalance.

It is important to be aware of weather conditions and understand how they can impact stability . When faced with heavy winds and rough seas, it is essential to adjust sailing techniques accordingly and make any necessary adjustments to maintain balance and stability .

Some Facts About How To Sail Catamaran:

• ✅ Sailing a catamaran requires adjusting to the different motion and sail trimming compared to monohull sailboats.
• ✅ Catamarans provide more space and stability compared to traditional monohull sailboats.
• ✅ Catamarans do not heel like monohulls, providing a less tiring sailing experience.
• ✅ Catamarans can sail in shallower places and prevent rolling in anchorage due to their lower drafts.
• ✅ The American Sailing Association (ASA) offers a specific course, ASA 114: Cruising Catamaran, to provide practical sailing skills and confidence when sailing a catamaran.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. how do i sail a catamaran.

Sailing a catamaran involves adjusting to its different motion and sail trimming compared to monohulls. You’ll need to take a sailing course or gather practical sailing skills to ensure confidence and enjoyment while sailing a catamaran. The American Sailing Association (ASA) offers the ASA 114: Cruising Catamaran course designed specifically for individuals with monohull cruising experience transitioning to catamarans.

2. What are the advantages of sailing a catamaran?

Catamarans offer numerous advantages over monohulls. They are more spacious, providing larger living areas above decks and expansive cabins located in the hulls. Catamarans are incredibly stable, making them ideal for longer voyages and providing maximum comfort and relaxation. They also have lower drafts, allowing navigation in shallow reef passages and anchoring closer to shore. Catamarans do not heel like monohulls, providing a more comfortable and less tiring sailing experience.

3. How can I charter a catamaran from The Moorings?

The Moorings offers innovative and top-quality catamarans for sailing vacations. To charter a catamaran from The Moorings, you can visit their website and access their charter resources. They are known for their exclusive access to Robertson & Caine catamarans, distinguished for their quality and comfort. There, you can find information on boat availability, reputation, and customer reviews to choose the right catamaran for your needs and preferences.

4. What is the ASA 114: Cruising Catamaran certification?

The American Sailing Association (ASA) offers the ASA 114: Cruising Catamaran certification. This certification is designed for individuals with monohull cruising experience who want to transition to catamarans. The course covers the advantages and disadvantages of multihull sailing, as well as practical sailing skills specific to catamarans. Obtaining this certification ensures that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to confidently sail a catamaran.

5. Are catamarans safe for offshore sailing?

Yes, catamarans are safe and stable for offshore sailing. They are designed to offer stability and comfort in various conditions. Catamarans have two independent hulls, making them less likely to sink completely. They also have duplicate navigation systems, including two engines and rudders, for onboard safety. Catamarans remain stable even in bad weather and do not capsize easily. Their advanced design and safety features make them a reliable choice for offshore sailing.

6. Can I sail a catamaran without previous sailing experience?

Sailing a catamaran without previous sailing experience is not recommended. It is essential to have some sailing knowledge and skills before attempting to sail a catamaran. Taking a sailing course, such as the ASA 114: Cruising Catamaran course, will provide you with the necessary skills and confidence to safely operate a catamaran. Spending time onboard and obtaining a sailing diploma or certification will ensure a better understanding of catamaran sailing fundamentals.

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…

Foreign Ports & Sailing in Bad Weather

Overseas radio network – foreign ports & sailing in bad weather.

• Entering foreign ports
• Costs of port entry
• Ports where we wish we had stayed longer
• Sailing and weather

GARY FRETZ: Ahoy, mates! This is your host, Gary Fretz, with our co-hosts, Stephen and Estelle Cockcroft. And our show is about “Yachts, the Perfect Escape Vehicle”. Now, you might be wondering why yachts make the best escape solution. Well, it is because you can find liveaboard yachts for $15, 000 or $15 million and everywhere in between. They serve as your home and they provide inexpensive transportation around the world.

For a transcript of this podcast, click “read more” below. (Also, click here to learn more about flag etiquette in foreign ports .)

Yes, it is possible to sail around the world for next to nothing using windpower. And if you would like to know how to do that, just stay tuned. Also, with recent technological innovations it’s become easy for everyone to navigate anywhere in the world with the push of a button on your GPS. And now you are going to have all the comforts of home on a yacht. Another great thing about yacht is that if you don’t like something about the country of your choice like your neighbor, the weather, or whatever, then it is very easy to cast off your lines and move just vote with your feet or as I say vote with your boat.

Entering Foreign Ports

My guests in this segment are Stephen and Estelle Cockcroft. They left South Africa in 1992 and they visited over 50 countries. They sailed all over the world and have a huge number of adventures to talk about, so let’s get down to business.

During last week’s show, we had a caller send us a question, Stephen, which is, “Could you describe and compare your experience of entering and existing third world and first world countries on a yacht? Everyone has experienced entering and exiting via land and air, but almost no one has experience on a yacht. Many people would love to hear about this.”

STEPHEN COCKCROFT: All countries have shipping. And so essentially when you are on a yacht, you are using the shipping clearing immigration and customs facilities. If you enter any country, third world or not, you should look at the same directions and find where the ports of entry are.

Once you have figured the port of entry that’s where you go. You fly your yellow flag and you fly the courtesy flag of the country you are visiting. And you get in generally. Especially third world countries you find you need to anchor off. You then take your ship’s papers, passports, and some money and you go ashore to the nearest dock and you ask where you can find customs and immigration. Some countries have them together, some countries have them separate, but pretty much checking in to any countries, first world or not you, go to a port of entry and you clear in with the local authorities.

Port Entry Costs

GARY: How much does it typically cost?

STEPHEN: Well it depends it could be as little as $10 it could be as much as $300 the Bahamas for example $300 if you arrive at the port of entry in the Bahamas you need to buy a cruising permit which lasts you for 1 year but its $300. If you check into some of the Caribbean islands, it is $20 bucks and they give you 30 days, 60 days, depending on, they normally ask you, how long you are going to stay try and give them the longest possible period and then they clear you into the country. In Madagascar, for example, we got there and we went to the port of entry which was called Hell-Ville on Nosy Be. We got to the immigration and they gave us a form and they said, “Go the Kodak,” which meant we had to go to the local shop where there was a photocopy machine where they photocopy entry papers because they didn’t have a lot they just had one master copy we then went back down and they borrowed our pen to fill it in and I think we paid like $3 and we were cleared into Madagascar so it is very much the same process but the experience is very different.

GARY: Wow! That sounds like night and day between arriving on an airliner and arriving on a yacht. Okay, let me ask you this. Is there a place you visited that you wished you could have stayed longer?

Ports Where We Should Have Stayed Longer

STEPHEN: Well the Indian Ocean we rushed through. I wished we had stayed longer in the Indian Ocean particularly Madagascar and that region.

ESTELLE COCKCROFT: Yes, I loved Egypt. I wished we had spent more time there. The history there was just unbelievable. Of course, you know the Sphinx, the Valley of the Kings and Queens. We stayed in a port called Safaga, traveled inland by taxi, and we met an Egyptologist there that took us through all the places. Yeah, it was just amazing and that is probably one of my most favorite places. The other really, really great place was Lebanon. Surprisingly, the Christians in Lebanon took us in and just wouldn’t let us go. They, in fact, tried to tie us, our boat, to the bottom and wouldn’t let us go. But Stephen found out what they were doing and so we had to leave. We went on to Turkey.

GARY: Okay that sounds good. Now how often have you faced bad weather in your cruising how bad did it get?

Sailing and Weather

STEPHEN: Well first, you know, most people look at the weather before they leave so you got probably 3 or 4 days that you know what the weather is going to do. If it is a long passage after that then you got what you got. But generally we haven’t seen much bad weather. But we some really bad weather off the east coast of Africa and when we cross the IT, the inter-tropical convergence zone, and we got some pretty strong weather there up to 60 knots, but it was in flat seas. The Med was probably the worst place for weather. We had some really…you would get blows and it was very, very choppy seas. But generally we haven’t we managed to dodge most of the bad weather because we have been very attentive to weather and forecasting.

GARY: Nowadays it is a lot easier to get good forecast, right?

STEPHEN: Oh, yeah, you can get oceans’ weather where there is an Iridium satellite phone. You can pull down weather and you can dodge weather. You know exactly what the wind speeds are going to be you know just about everything you need to know and to leave or not leave.

GARY: Okay, alright. Now when you are offshore, what keeps you awake at night? That is, you know, what worries you the most when you are off?

STEPHEN: Well, when we are offshore I guess what worries me the most is sudden squalls. If you have a sudden squall where the change of wind direction which is a problem on a sailboat. My crew is always briefed that if there is a change in wind speed 10 knots or direct direction of 10 degrees I have to be awaken up but that is essentially. And, of course, obviously, you worry about ships. We are always on the lookout for ships, often they don’t look out for you.

GARY: Right okay, we are going to have to take a short break and we will be right back, you are listening to “Yachts the Perfect Escape Vehicle” only on the Overseas Radio Network.

Estelle Cockcroft

Join our community.

Get the latest on catamaran news, sailing events, buying and selling tips, community happenings, webinars & seminars, and much more!

Leave a Comment 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.

Recent Posts

First-Annual Virgin Islands Boating Exhibition (VIBE)

VIBE – It’s a Destination Boat Show! Join us May 10 – 12 at

BALI Catamarans Unveils The New Bali 5.8 Flagship

CATANA GROUP launches its 14th BALI CATAMARAN model, the BALI 5.8, for the brand’s

Love Stories At Sea…because it’s valentine’s day

Because it’s Valentine’s day, we wanted to celebrate all the couples that we helped

Your Go-To Resource for all your Catamaran Needs!

Check out our brochure to learn about all we have to offer and why

For more than 30 years, we have been a part of the catamaran community and created Catamaran Guru™ to encourage and educate all the aspiring sailing out there. We understand the dream of traveling the world by catamaran and created a one-stop-shop to make that dream a reality for you.

• Stephen & Estelle
• Testimonials

Get Started

• Yacht Sales
• Used Yachts
• Charter Management
• Boat as Business Programs
• Seminars & Events

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Between a Sailboat or Catamaran for Your Sailing Adventures

C hoosing between a sailboat and a catamaran for your sailing adventures is a significant decision that depends on various factors, including your sailing preferences, experience level, budget, and intended use. Here's an ultimate guide to help you make an informed decision:

1. Sailing Experience:

• Sailboats: Typically require more skill and experience to handle, especially in adverse weather conditions. Ideal for sailors who enjoy the traditional feel of sailing and are willing to invest time in learning and mastering the art.
• Catamarans: Easier to handle, making them suitable for beginners. The dual-hull design provides stability, reducing the learning curve for those new to sailing.

2. Space and Comfort:

• Sailboats: Generally have a narrower beam and less living space. However, some sailboats may offer comfortable cabins and amenities.
• Catamarans: Wider beam creates more living space. Catamarans often have multiple cabins, spacious saloons, and expansive deck areas, providing a more comfortable living experience.

3. Stability:

• Sailboats: Monohulls can heel (lean) while sailing, which some sailors enjoy for the thrill but can be discomforting for others.
• Catamarans: Greater stability due to the dual hulls, providing a more level sailing experience. Reduced heeling makes catamarans suitable for those prone to seasickness.

4. Performance:

• Sailboats: Known for their upwind performance and ability to sail close to the wind. Some sailors appreciate the challenge of optimizing sail trim for efficiency.
• Catamarans: Faster on a reach and downwind due to their wide beam. However, they may not point as high into the wind as monohulls.
• Sailboats: Typically have a deeper draft, limiting access to shallow anchorages and requiring deeper marina berths.
• Catamarans: Shallow draft allows access to shallower waters and secluded anchorages, providing more flexibility in cruising destinations.
• Sailboats: Generally more affordable upfront, with a wide range of options available to fit different budgets.
• Catamarans: Often more expensive upfront due to their size and design. However, maintenance costs may be comparable or even lower in some cases.

7. Mooring and Docking:

• Sailboats: Easier to find slips and moorings in marinas designed for monohulls.
• Catamarans: Require wider slips and may have limited availability in certain marinas, especially in crowded anchorages.

8. Intended Use:

• Sailboats: Ideal for traditional sailors who enjoy the art of sailing, racing enthusiasts, or those on a tighter budget.
• Catamarans: Suited for those prioritizing comfort, stability, and spacious living areas, especially for long-term cruising and chartering.

9. Resale Value:

• Sailboats: Generally have a more established resale market, with a wider range of buyers.
• Catamarans: Growing in popularity, and well-maintained catamarans often retain their value.

10. Personal Preference:

• Consider your personal preferences, the type of sailing you plan to do, and the kind of lifestyle you want aboard your vessel.

In conclusion, both sailboats and catamarans have their advantages and disadvantages. Your decision should be based on your individual preferences, experience level, budget, and intended use. If possible, charter both types of vessels to experience firsthand how they handle and to help make a more informed decision based on your own preferences and needs.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Between a Sailboat or Catamaran for Your Sailing Adventures appeared first on Things That Make People Go Aww .