Yachting

Published Aug 30, 2021

Going on a trip but don’t know what boat to use? If you have been eyeing Catamaran and Monohull boats, you are in the right place. If you can’t choose between the two, knowing their pros and cons should help you decide. In this article, we will be battling catamaran vs. monohulls to determine which one is more suitable for you.

What is Catamaran?

A catamaran is a sailboat with multihulls that features two parallel hulls of equal size. This type of boat has been popular ever since because of its stability and size. In addition, vacationers tend to sail with catamaran boats because of their space above and below.

What are Monohulls?

Unlike catamaran boats, a monohull is a boat that comes with only one hull. Monohull boats are the most widely used form of waterborne vessel. Sailing in a monohull may satisfy a person’s inner sailor self and give them the whole sailing experience. In addition, this type of boat is cheaper than other boats since it only caters to one hull.

Catamaran vs. Monohulls: Pros and Cons

Since catamaran and monohulls are completely different boats, we should compare and contrast their characteristics.

Spaciousness

The multihulls of catamarans give the boat additional space for the galley, cockpit, and more rooms when it comes to space. Catamaran boats also feature shallower draft, smaller displacement, and less hull volume than monohull boats. Therefore, this boat is more spacious than a monohull boat. It should be what you’re looking for if you’re sailing with family or friends.

On the other hand, monohull boats provide limited space, and most spaces are below the waterline. This might be concerning, especially for non-sailors, like vacationers. However, long-time sailors are most likely used to this situation. In addition, a monohull is smaller than most catamarans since it only consists of one hull.

Stability and Comfort

Another advantage of having multi-hulls is inheriting more stability than a one-hull boat. Catamarans are less prone to rocking and heeling, which makes them an ideal boat for family vacations. Large families usually include kids or seniors that get out of balance easily. Sailing in a catamaran boat would surely be more comfortable for you. Catamaran also features a separated skipper cabin that separates the crew and boat guests. Some larger skipper cabins provide full equipment like an isolated shower, sink, and toilet. In catamaran boats, you can sunbathe, lounge, or even jump on a trampoline while onboard.

Monohull boats are obviously less stable than multi-hull catamarans. From the word “mono,” monohulls only have one hull, which makes it prone to being rocky than a multihull boat. A rocking boat might not be an ideal vacation boat for families. 

Sailing

Here are the advantages and disadvantages of sailing for both boats:

Speed

Catamaran boats are often faster than monohulls when sailing downwind, reaches, and broad. Moreover, they have low bridge decks likely to slap on the undercarriage when the boat is sailing upwind. That is what slows the speed of the catamaran boats.

Monohulls sail through water without any slapping or pounding that may slow down the boat. They tend to be faster than catamaran boats when going upwind since the slapping slows down the multihull.  

Pounding and slapping

Multihulls are made so that guests and sailors can get the most out of their vacation. That is why producers of catamarans try their best to add as much platform in the boat as the low bridge deck. Unfortunately, the low bridge deck of a catamaran tends to pound and slap the undercarriage of the boat, especially when sailing upwind. Some people find the pounding and slapping sound annoying. 

Monohulls don’t have a low bridge deck, so sailing comes smoothly for monohull boats. Monohull guests wouldn’t have a problem with the noise at all. 

Maneuvering and docking

Multihulls are powered by two engines. Having two engines can be extremely helpful when it comes to an emergency. These engines make it possible for the boat to rotate to a full 360 degrees. Catamarans also have two rudders which makes it easier to dock the boat. 

Monohulls are easier to maneuver because of their size. However, the monohull only consists of one engine for the whole boat. The engine of the monohull can be combined with a front bow thruster so the yacht/boat can move sideways, which is helpful for tight spaces. This function makes it easier for the sailor to dock the boat.

Price

Catamaran boats are more expensive than most monohulls because of their features. They are known as a high-quality boat that reassures sailor’s guests that it’s safer than most boats and costs a lot of building materials as catamaran boats are more spacious. Catamaran boats may cost more because it’s a high demand boat. The cost for docking for this type of boat also costs double the price of a monohull since it’s bigger.

Monohulls usually cost cheaper than most catamaran boats because of the monohull’s building materials. Multihull boats typically need to double the building materials required for a catamaran. Therefore, monohull boats with the same sleeping capacity and equipment as the catamaran may cost cheaper than buying a catamaran.

Published Aug 23, 2021

The majority of boat enthusiasts have experimented with various types of boats. There are so many options that it’s nearly hard to determine which is the “greatest” or “ultimate” boat. It’s entirely up to personal preference, weather conditions, and your objective. Now let’s find out which is better between trimaran vs catamaran.

Monohulls Are Out of Trend

If you want to improve your sailing skills fast, there is nothing better than sticking to a small monohull and learning everything it has to offer. Monohulls are conventional boats, the type that we are accustomed to in the Western world — a single long hull with a sail protruding from the center. While the majority of boats in Europe are monohulls, the popularity of multihulls has recently increased. 

There are various reasons for this, but the primary one is that modern people simply do not want to spend their time on the boat doing too much work. Why bother when you can simply lay back, relax, and allow the wind to take care of itself? Normal monohull sailing yachts are notoriously difficult to steer, and if something goes wrong, they fall to the bottom of the water, becoming nothing more than a fish apartment. Multihulls — trimarans and catamarans – are non-sinkable, making them extremely safe and easy to operate.

Trimaran

Trimarans, like catamarans, are multi-hulled watercraft. As the name implies, they have a second hull in comparison to catamarans. The trimaran’s three hulls make it entirely unsinkable. Thus, even in the worst inclement weather, the risk of capsizing is minimal. And even if the trimaran turns over, it will remain afloat, transforming it into an ideal life raft. This is quite useful information to have while out sailing, and it should be reassuring, to say the least. And if the worst-case scenario occurs, i.e., capsizes, the trimaran will be easily visible, particularly from a helicopter. Trimarans are also more enjoyable to sail since they have a large hull in the center and two small hulls on either side. Thus, they combine the advantages of a monohull with the stability of a catamaran, effectively combining the best of both worlds. 

Catamaran

You’ve almost certainly seen a catamaran or two in your life. They are uncomplicated vessels, yet they look great. Catamarans have two hulls rather than one, which is why they are referred to as multihulls. Numerous advantages accrue as a result of the greater stability indicated previously. The smaller vessels are enjoyable to sail and may hold between 2 and 10, 15, or even 20 people. Then there are the larger catamarans, which can carry up to thirty people. These may be seen all across the Mediterranean, as well as a few other locations, where they are used as tiny ferries.

(Related: Catamaran vs. Monohulls: Pros and Cons)

Published June 28, 2021

Deciding what to wear when sailing is not always easy; that’s why it is one of the most frequently asked questions. Sailing clothing varies significantly depending on where, what, and why you sail!

This guide on sailing clothing is written in order for you to avoid bringing along the wrong clothes. Hopefully, if you’re about to embark on your first sailing vacation or are considering permanently living aboard a sailboat, this can assist you in narrowing down the handy and essential items. 

This guide is divided into three parts: practical advice on what to wear when sailing in general, the essentials for people heading out sailing for a few days vacation, and the gear we couldn’t live without for longer-term sailing. Moreover, there are some additional sailing garments that you may find useful, as well as advice on luggage and what to pack for time spent on land.

First Part: Sailing Clothing Advice You Need to Remember

Have you seen any romantic comedy where they are sailing or browsed through any sailing magazines? You may have noticed that everyone is always dressed in crisp white clothing, or perhaps just a bikini and a large sun hat. If you’re planning to go sailing wearing what you’ve seen, then it’s time for you to reconsider. Let’s find out why:

Colors You Must Wear Sailing

I guarantee that as soon as you step onto a boat wearing anything white, it will get dirty. Whether you’re checking the engine and getting covered in oil, spilling food all over yourself as the boat rolls through a wave, or simply smothering yourself in sun cream and leaving some lovely yellow stains on it.

The most valuable advice for what color to wear when sailing is quite straightforward; put on something dark. To be fair, it isn’t the coolest of colors, especially when you are somewhere hot. However, if you can bear it, darker is always preferable on a boat!

Fabrics You Must Wear Sailing

It is a grave mistake to wear a bikini on a sailboat and just covering up from the sun’s heat. Within days, those lightweight garments will accumulate lots of rips and holes. When dinghy sailing or running up and down the companionway, there are so many things on a boat that can catch your clothing. Remember that it’s not easy to keep clothes looking their best, so make your life easier by purchasing clothes made of durable material.

Second Part: Clothing Essentials For Casual Sailors

The essentials for sailing apparel are most likely items you already own, with a few important additions to consider to make sailing a truly enjoyable experience.

Clothes For Rainy Days

We’ll start with the dreadful gear and work our way up to the fun ones. While you may not want to consider the possibility that it will rain during your sailing adventure, you will be much more upset if it does and you are unprepared.

Remember that when sailing, you’ll want to invest in a high-quality raincoat or waterproof jacket to ensure that even if the worst-case scenario occurs, you can still enjoy yourself.

The best advice is to buy a water repellent, windproof jacket. Even if it is not raining, it is possible for the weather to get extremely cold, and a windproof jacket can make all the difference.

Make sure that it also includes a hood. You will be extremely grateful for that, especially if the boat is being sprayed with water. On a rainy day, no one wants cold seawater running down their back!

If you’re going for recreational sails for a few days in the Mediterranean during the height of summer, waterproof trousers may be excessive. However, I would still recommend picking up a pair of inexpensive waterproof trousers just in case. Sailing is significantly more enjoyable when dressed appropriately.

Clothes for the Cold Weather

Include in your checklist to always bring a t-shirt, a long-sleeved top (preferably a thermal tops), a fleece top, and finally a windproof raincoat. The fleece top is ideal for sailing because it is lightweight and breathable but also extremely warm.

Additionally, I would recommend bringing a warm sweater for after sailing. Nothing beats stripping off your wet clothes and immediately slipping into a warm jumper and being handed a mug of hot chocolate to snuggle with. Furthermore, bring some thermal base layer leggings and socks for your bottom half to act as middle layer underneath your waterproof trousers.

Clothes for the Heat

Now that you’re prepared for the cold weather, you can consider the heat. What to wear for sunbathing isn’t difficult; you can wear whatever you want. However, adhere to our practical advice for sailing clothing above to avoid ruining your entire wardrobe!

Along with the standard shorts and t-shirts, bikinis and swimsuits, and skirts and dresses, you’ll want to consider sun protection or UV protection, as shade on a sailboat can be scarce.

Shoes for Sailing

There are objects to stand on, slippery areas, and numerous holes into which you can twist your ankle. So, wearing appropriate footwear while onboard will greatly assist you.

If you’re only going day sailing, you don’t need anything fancy; just make sure your shoes’ soles are white (or prepare to deal with an enraged boat owner if you scuff up their beautiful white decks) and ensure they maintain some grip.

Numerous trainers will be ideal since they’re ultralight, which means they dry quickly, and they pull on and off quickly, making them perfect for rushing out the door! Sneakers or hiking sandals work well for sailing as well.

Third Part: Proper Sailing Gear to Take Note of

If you’re likely to be sailing in inclement weather, or if you’re taking sailing more seriously, you may want to consider investing in some proper sailing gear. Living on a sailboat will expose you to a variety of different conditions, and you will learn what you will truly need and what you skimp on. 

Some sailing brands that are found to be high in quality are Musto, Helly Hansen and Gill. The following are the top pieces of sailing clothing that one must invest in for a life at sea.

A Proper Sailing Jacket

Sailing jackets is one of the best foul weather gears as they are designed to be repeatedly wet and are constructed to be tough and durable. They include features that make sailing in inclement weather much more pleasant, and you can’t put a price on comfort in those circumstances.

Remember to look for non-white gear if you don’t want it ruined immediately. Moreover, another item to keep an eye out for is a reflective/brightly colored hood or jacket. If the worst-case scenario occurred and you fell overboard, a brightly colored jacket or “life jacket” might help save your life. 

Try to check if they have pockets as well. Is it sufficiently equipped, and are they waterproof? If you’re going sailing in horrible weather, does it have waterproof cuffs and a neckline? Is the collar high enough to protect as much of your face as possible?

If you’re only going to spend money on one piece of sailing clothing, this should be it.

Waterproof Trousers

When considering sailing clothes, waterproof trousers are indispensable for bad weather sailing, and one shouldn’t sail without them. They excel at completely drying you out, which means they keep you warm. Sailing pants and shorts are also windproof, providing additional protection against the cold.

Extras To Bring When Sailing

Along with the sun protection accessories mentioned above, there are a few other items we couldn’t live without while long-term sailing. These sailing garments have made life aboard much more pleasant for a “sailors look”, and hopefully, they will do the same for you!

• Gloves (Finger Glove)

• Polarized Sunglasses

• Face Buffs 

Luggage

This is not something you will wear while traditional sailing, but it is essential to mention! If you’re planning a vacation on a sailboat, keep in mind that it’s a boat; you’ll have a compact living space and an even more compact cabin.

Take advantage of your space by bringing a foldable bag. Hard suitcases are a sailor’s worst nightmare since there is simply not enough space for them. Bring a soft rucksack or holdall to ensure that your bag fits into the tiniest of spaces once you’ve unpacked.

Additionally, if your bag is water-resistant and rugged, you will earn bonus points because there is a strong possibility that your bag will get wet at some point.