Catamaran steering technique: maneuvering in the marina

Catamaran steering technique: maneuvering in the marina

For any experienced yachtsman, the transition from a monohull yacht to a catamaran should not be a huge problem, but the experience is certainly different for everyone, so there is no rush. This marina maneuvering catamaran steering technique is designed for yachtsmen adapting to a multihull yacht after experience with a monohull.

Sitting at the helm of a cruising catamaran for the first time, being in the marina, it seems that all this internal space gives serious restrictions for the view. If your boat has a helm on the side, you will have a great view, but if the helm station is centered it is like a brick wall and you have no idea what is going on outside. Therefore, most of the actions you will perform on the side that is closer to the pontoon, when you leave the marina, so you can see what is happening. The latest models such as Saona 47 or Lucia 40 the designers paid great attention to an excellent overview of all four extreme points.

• Sailing catamaran Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40

Catamaran steering technique: maneuvering in the marina. In the photo: Catamaran Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40

Most catamarans also have a retractable centerboard like Outremer, and are subject to tremendous wind resistance. Catamarans are not the fastest sailing boats, but they do have enough clean floor space so that the boat doesn't blow away like a paper bag when maneuvering under the engine.

• Test drive of the Outremer 4X catamaran

While the problem of winds and poor visibility may seem daunting, there is one built-in feature that makes your life a lot easier. The presence of two engines - especially the fact that they are mounted far apart - gives you a secret weapon that will make even a beginner feel like a pro.

Rudder feathers on the average cruising catamaran, less than you would like them to be when you depend on them for low speed maneuvers, but this choice is driven by the desire to keep draft as low as possible. In fact, with two engines, you can forget about them and just put them in the DP when maneuvering at a slow speed to avoid this nerve-racking moment in the marina.

So now you are planning, how best to get out of the marina and evaluate the strength and direction of the wind - just like on any other boat. If you are on a charter boat, you may very well find yourself pinned tightly between two other catamarans, so you should be able to move the boat far enough to the side to get clarity.

Catamaran steering technique: maneuvering in the marina

All you need to do is place a spring between the bow and the stern duck. Later it will return to the bow so that the spring can be released from the side. Moving slowly with the engine running, the boat is restrained by this spring and the stern is moved away from the mooring point. If all goes well, when the boat has turned approximately 45-50 degrees, you will be able to exit this space astern and then release the running end of the spring and haul it aboard.

Be careful, this trick can be dangerousif the mooring lines twist together, even in one or two turns, the friction thus created will stop work. Even passing a spring through an anchor shackle on a quay or wall can stop it from moving and ruin your day. Be sure to also install bow fenders before starting this maneuver as the bow can push against the dock after you start the engine.

Before you get intimidated by the difficulties associated with maneuvering in the marina, remember that this is probably the most difficult thing that you have to do while driving a catamaran. Try to choose a calm moment when there is no wind. The wind will certainly make the whole process much more difficult, and the consequences in case of an error will be more serious.

Catamaran control technique for maneuvering in the marina. In the photo: Catamaran Fountaine Pajot Saona 47

• Test drive of the sailing cruise catamaran Saona 47 from Fountaine Pajot

Once you are away from the marina in open water, you will be able to relax and find the time and space to experience the performance of your catamaran, somewhere where you can train repeatedly and make mistakes without damaging anything, including your pride, and you will definitely experience all the positive aspects of a multihull.

The main advantage of a cruising catamaran is the large loading capacity and huge space, making it suitable for extended stays on board. The catamaran, as a rule, has no ballast. It primarily depends on the width and individual buoyancy of the hull for stability. The wider the catamaran, the more stable it is, naturally in moderation. There are not so many high-quality and comfortable catamarans on the market, but Fountaine pajot Is by far the best example of a stable catamaran that is also easy to fly. Balance and safety on a cruise is undoubtedly the key to a good vacation!

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14.11.2017