You want to go on a sailing vacation but what type of sailboat do you choose? Personal preference, experience and type of group can play a big part in this decision. Families, with kids or less agile adults, would carefully want to look at a yachts individual layout. Catamarans are very stable which many people find more comfortable than traditional sailing yachts. For first time charterers or those who are prone to sea sickness, multi hulls would offer a great experience for you to get your feet wet. A large platform between the hulls means more space for your group to spread out. For sailing vacations in tropical climates this is a huge bonus as most people prefer to dine, read or just lounge outside under the shade of the bimini. Alternatively, the bow hosts a prime spot for sunbathing on the trampoline, the space between the 2 hulls. The shallow draft of a catamaran allows you or your captain to anchor close to a beach or inside shallow bays where most other yachts can not reach.
large stern platform of a catamaran
In the past few years, catamarans have been the fastest growing division in the sailboat industry. For owners, the rising market of this popular style yacht has given catamarans a higher resale value over mono-hulls, many retaining the original purchase value.
Catamarans are not for everyone though. True and hearty sailors would turn their nose at a multi-hull. Traditional sailing yachts or mono-hulls can be exciting and exhilarating to sail. If you are wanting the experience of sailing and the feeling of wind in your face, nothing beats a mono-hull.
For me the best part of sailing is sitting along the rail with my feet dangling just above the waves.
Many people find that traditional sailing yachts are more romantic and full of history. Trade, transportation and warfare were at one time completely reliant on these vessels. And of course the Atlantic and Caribbean waters are famous for its Pirates that plundered up and down their coastlines. Brigantines, Sloops and Schooners were favored by pirates for their speed and shallow draft.
With mono-hulls you also have more alternatives to choose from. While catamarans may vary in size and amenities they all have have a pretty familiar shape about them. With mono-hulls there are many looks that you can go for…sleek and high tech to classic wooden ketches.
With a mono-hull you may have to make some sacrifices on the sleeping accommodations. On catamarans it is fairly easy to find one that has equal accommodations which works well for couples. On most mono-hulls you will find that the cabins will be typically unequal – one master/owner cabin and the rest could be singles or bunk beds – perfect for families. Another plus side is that charter rates generally lower for mono-hulls and dockage too!
