5 things you didn’t know about catamarans

Catamarans are all the rage these days in the boating world. It must be the combination of their angular design and speed that makes them so appealing for a catamaran charter.

Here are five fun facts about these fine vessels, courtesy of Click&Boat.

They go back a millennium

While the modern catamaran seems like a state-of-the-art spacecraft, incorporating the latest boating technology, the idea itself goes back in time. Polynesian explorers first used vessels resembling modern catamarans more than a thousand years ago to roam the Pacific Ocean. William Dampier, an English pirate and navigator who was the first to circumnavigate the globe thrice, was impressed by their floating ability and speed. During his travels in the Pacific Ocean, he visited Tamil Nadu in India. There he observed the locals sailing on a type of catamaran. Dampier imported the design to Europe in the late 17th century. However, it took another two centuries for the design to be turned into a boat with sails and masts. Nathanael Herreshoff was the designer who built the first catamaran of the modern era.

They come in all sizes and shapes

Catamarans are exceptional for their variety in size and shape. One of the biggest catamarans is the Hemisphere Superyacht. Measuring no less than 44 metres in length, it even has its own jacuzzi and trampoline. It can take up to 10 crewmembers and 12 passengers. As for the smallest ones, inflatable catamarans measuring less than 10 meters probably win the prize.

They are fast and furious

Speed is one of the main advantages of sailing on a catamaran. Due to their design that allows them to sail closer to the water, catamarans are more stable and faster than most monohulls, particularly sailboats. A smaller proportion of the vessel sits in the water, which reduces the drag. They are also safer and less likely to capsize, as the extra width protects them from big waves and choppy waters.

Docking a catamaran can be a pain if you don’t plan ahead

Due to their particular design, catamarans often take up double or more the docking space needed for a monohull vessel. This is why finding a docking spot in a crowded marina can be more difficult and pricey, particularly in busy ports such as Monaco, Nice or Dubrovnik in the summer. You’ll need to plan ahead and book a place with an app such as Dockwa, SlipFiner or Snag-A-Slip.

A catamaran charter is ideal for an island-hopping trip

Some seas are more suitable for a catamaran charter than others. In Europe, for example, many boating enthusiasts opt for a catamaran charter in Croatia or Greece, where island-hopping is an essential part of the sailing experience. When you sail in the Adriatic or the Aegean Sea you need a combination of speed and comfort, and which type of vessel offers that other than a spacious, modern catamaran?