Sailing with friends and family members, even strangers at times, can be so exciting. However, there is nothing that gives us peace of mind like sailing off on our catamaran along the coast or even into the deep blue, alone. Another plus is being able to sail alone while other crew members sleep or rest.
Bear in mind, that this is not a trip for the faint of heart or inexperienced sailor, when going solo. You have to get a boat designed for solo sailing, or things could go awry quickly. Catamarans are recognized for their comfort and stability, but is it possible to sail a catamaran with just one person?
Many contemporary catamarans are made for solo sailing, meaning only an individual at the helm station, with several exceptions. It’s always better though, if you plan to go long distances, to have at least one person traveling with you for help if or when needed.
Keep reading to discover more about sailing solo on a catamaran, its advantages, and drawbacks.
Can One Person Sail a Catamaran?
As we said earlier, yea, you can sail a catamaran alone, but not every cat is made for that purpose. Also, not every sailing condition is ideal for sailing solo. Let’s look first at when it’s ideal for one person to sail a cat.
When It’s Beneficial To Sail Solo
You can handle the Genoa or lift and lower the mainsail all from the helm station on newer Catamarans.
The autopilot on many of these bigger boats is a huge time-saver. At times when a helmsman needs to step away from the controls for a short period, the autopilot will keep the vessel on track.
Solo sailing makes it possible for the rest of the crew to sleep or relax while one sailor is keeping watch. According to my research, most crews on sailing catamarans choose two to four-hour watch periods, even though there’s not a specific period of limitation for being on watch.
Is Previous Sailing Experience Necessary for Solo Sailing?
How much training does the helmsman need before he or she can sail alone? Everything from the vessel itself to its captain and navigator to the weather and other potential sailing risks all plays a part.
Inexperienced sailors need a second set of eyes and ears to help guide them through the process of making and implementing decisions.
Reefing, changing courses, or just staying with the captain to boost his confidence are all things that benefit from having two sets of eyes.
It Is Difficult To Sail A Catamaran Alone?
One of the biggest challenges in sailing a catamaran is navigating the boat’s shape. Because of their wide stance, catamarans are difficult to maneuver in small spaces. Thrusters on some catamarans assist alleviate these issues.
It’s also more difficult to operate a catamaran than a single-hulled vessel. If you’re flying a closed-cockpit aircraft, it’s not always easy to reach the boom. However, the catamaran’s pros far outweigh its cons.
Because you can’t dive into the cockpit from the deck like you can on a monohull when the boat needs to be maneuvered rapidly, singlehanded sailing is challenging. Catamarans, on the other hand, have a lot of interior space.
Buying a large, expensive boat with 90% of the interior space unused may not be an issue. However, it makes you wonder why you even buy one that big to sail alone?
Weather Conditions for Solo Sailing
Is it possible for you to sail alone in any weather conditions? If you’re planning to cruise alone, you may want to reconsider. Sailing alone during terrible weather or a storm may not be a good idea unless it can’t be avoided.
It may seem obvious, but it’s preferable to let another member of the crew know if you’re going to need to make a rapid move so they can be prepared. Yes, a sudden shift in wind direction or speed can cause damage to the sails or even cause the boat to capsize.
It’s always a good idea to have a second person on standby in the event of an emergency, even if the situation can be handled by one person.
What Size Catamaran Is Best For Solo Sailing?
In contrast to monohulls, catamaran sizes are far more varied. Catamarans come in two primary varieties: open and cruising.
Open catamarans are too small for long-distance cruising. Only a tiny number of people are interested in purchasing these boats for racing or recreational purposes. The majority of open catamarans are designed to be sailed by a single person even though some can accommodate two or more crew members.
Catamarans are completely different beasts. Between 30 and 50 feet is the length of these vessels that you’ll find available. Catamarans that are more than 60 feet long are considered superyachts. No luxury catamaran can be sailed without the aid of complex electromechanical and automated equipment.
A 35- to 45-foot cruising catamaran is a good length to aim for when building your own. Due to the small amount of force required to modify halyards as well as reef the sail, these sizes are practicable for most sailors to use.
When traveling in a smaller catamaran, the view from the helmsman’s seat is usually sufficient to avoid needing additional spotters. On these vessels, getting to the sails and winches takes less time since you will never have to sprint 20 feet from the cockpit to the mast or vice versa.
Are Catamarans Usually Bought for Solo Handling?
Catamarans aren’t typically purchased by individuals for the sole purpose of solo sailing. As a result of their double hulls, catamaran boats are far more common with families and for hosting parties. Single-person catamarans are rare because of this.
Catamarans of this type have been around for a long time. A single crew member was typically onboard, although these vessels were constructed to set a new record for extreme adventure. These types of catamarans only exist in fiction; they are not commercially available.
Catamaran Solo Traveler Guide
It’s vital to learn and rehearse your skills. Because you will be sailing alone, you must become fluent in both basic and advanced boating skills. Moves like going forward or backward or turning must be practiced.
There will be no one to criticize for any mishaps, since there will be no one else on board to blame. Ideally, you should practice and then master each skill set.
Inspect the Catamaran
You need to do this. It’s a good idea to hire a boat assessment expert when you’re not aware of the process. Take care to inspect your boat thoroughly to ensure it is free of problems and imperfections. To sail in practically any condition, make sure the boat is in fantastic form for sailing.
Check the Weather
Don’t go sailing if it’s going to be windy. For boating, sunny and clear days are ideal. When traveling across open water, even a small storm might be hazardous. It’s important to verify the forecasts before planning a boating trip.
It is recommended that you Install Automatic Winches
With automatic winches, single-handed sailing may still be a piece of cake. To raise and lower the sail, all you have to do is step out on the deck and manage the lines as well as sheets from the cockpit.
Since you will not have to expend yourself by pulling on the rope with an automatic winch, you save energy as well. With automatic winches, tacks can be made on the headsail without the need to climb up the deck.
Advanced automatic controls can be added to your autopilot system if you so desire. Using meteorological data from equipment, the system can drive your catamaran rather than you and adjust the sails for maximum speed and efficiency.
Be a Minimalist
If you’re a solo sailor, you can forget to pack the most essential items. Freshwater, food, gasoline, knives, life jackets, knives, gasoline, food, batteries, light sources, and fishing rods, are all required. Calculate the length of your journey and pack extra food and water.
Take Mitigation Measures
There is a general disrespect for safety protocols and crises by the majority of people, typically young sailors.
Preparedness is essential since emergencies don’t arrive at your door. You should have a first aid kit on hand, as well as some useful info regarding what to do in specific situations.
A radar alert system should be installed as well. This can have a significant impact on the safety of the trip. In addition to alerting you to nearby ships, like cargo ships, these devices also supply you with facts about the boat’s speed and size.
Always think about the worst-case scenario and prepare for it. In a pinch, that’s the best strategy for keeping your mind from going blank.
Is Sailing a Catamaran Alone a Good Idea?
To summarize, solo catamaran sailing has proven to be a worthwhile experience for me. You require staff on board at all times, notably in a few of the conditions described above, even though most modern Catamarans are meant to be operated by a single person.
People with and without prior sailing expertise can all enjoy the benefits of cruising and exploring aboard modern sailing catamarans.