The sailing experience offers a tranquil escape, replete with the soothing lapping of waves and the rhythmic rustle of rigging. It’s a connection to mankind’s maritime history and a reminder that we are not alone on this planet. But it’s important to remember that owning a sailboat requires a significant amount of time and effort. Weekends once spent lounging could turn into lessons in knot-tying and weather-reading, and boat maintenance must be a priority. This commitment may be impractical for some, but it can also be very rewarding.
One of the most important considerations is to find a vessel that will suit your crew size and comfort needs. You want the space onboard to be sufficient for everyone to sleep, live and eat comfortably. It’s also important to keep in mind that if you’re planning on extended voyages there should be room for all of the crew to sleep and live comfortably down below as well.
Catamarans offer an excellent solution to these concerns. They have a very comfortable living space and are much easier to handle than monohulls when it comes to sailing upwind.
Another benefit of a catamaran is that you’ll be much less likely to get caught in bad weather. A catamaran can be sailed faster than most other boats and with modern weather routing information you can often outrun severe weather. So it’s best to follow the sail reduction table provided by Nautitech and take a reef as soon as you can, before the wind starts picking up.
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