When switching from a traditional monohull yacht to a catamaran, familiar basics are combined with entirely new characteristics. Wind, course and navigation remain central aspects of sailing. However, two hulls, two engines and the greater beam significantly alter the procedures on board. Different conditions apply, particularly when manoeuvring in harbour, mooring and taking up a mooring buoy.
This is exactly where the YACHT Cat Experience powered by Sunsail From 2 to 6 May 2027, sailors in Croatia will have the chance to learn how to steer and manoeuvre a sailing catamaran safely. The sailing course is specifically aimed at participants who have little or no previous experience as a catamaran skipper.
Under expert guidance, participants are shown what to bear in mind when switching to a twin-hulled vessel. They take the helm themselves, carry out manoeuvres and familiarise themselves with the on-board systems. The aim is to provide a realistic insight into how to handle a modern charter catamaran.
Training under real-world conditions
The starting point is Marina Agana in Dalmatia, not far from Split. From there, the trip takes place on the water for five days and four nights. The training takes place in a group with a flotilla-style format. The crews sail together, gain practical experience and can discuss manoeuvres, procedures and observations after the training sessions.
The Cat Experience is led by the experts from YACHT magazine, led by Editor-in-Chief Martin Hager, together with the team from the renowned charter company Sunsail. Theory and practice are closely intertwined; what is discussed at the start can then be put into practice on board. The Dalmatian archipelago offers a wide variety of coastlines, bays and harbour conditions for this purpose.
The focus is not simply on being a passenger. Participants are encouraged to experience what it feels like to helm a catamaran themselves. This involves clear communication within the crew, anticipating wind and space conditions, and handling the propulsion and yacht equipment safely.
Harbour manoeuvres using two engines
One of the most important areas of training is sailing technique. At sea, the basics of boat handling are covered. In port, the programme includes mooring and unmooring, coming alongside and securing the boat safely. Anchoring manoeuvres and retrieving a mooring buoy are also part of the practical training.
Particular attention must be paid to the interaction between the two engines. When used correctly, they enable the catamaran to be turned and manoeuvred with a high degree of control. At the same time, the vessel’s width, its windage and spatial awareness all require careful preparation. Particularly in tighter harbours, the crew must know which line is needed first, how much space is available and how the catamaran reacts to the wind and engine thrust.
The exercises help participants not only to understand these factors in theory, but also to recognise them first-hand whilst at the helm. Repeated manoeuvres help develop a feel for reaction times, speed and distance. Experienced skippers oversee the exercises and provide specific guidance on preparation and execution.
From taking over the charter to navigation
The Cat Experience begins with the handover of the charter yacht. Check-in, an induction and a briefing on the sailing area provide a structured introduction. Participants learn which parts of the yacht should be checked before setting sail and how to operate the various on-board systems.
Another key area is yacht technology. This includes electrical and electronic equipment, as well as the operation of the on-board comfort systems. Modern charter catamarans offer plenty of space and a wide range of features, but require the crew to be familiar with how to operate them. A thorough briefing not only makes day-to-day life easier, but also helps ensure the yacht is handled safely and responsibly.
The programme is complemented by an introduction to terrestrial and electronic navigation. Participants learn how to prepare for a sailing trip and monitor their position whilst underway. This provides a comprehensive overview, ranging from taking delivery of the chartered vessel through to navigating it and arriving at the next port.
Learning together, gaining individual experience
Training within the flotilla combines two advantages: each crew actively practises their own manoeuvres on board, whilst remaining part of a larger group. Experiences can be compared and questions discussed directly with the experts. This means that a variety of situations become learning opportunities for all participants.
Even when not practising, there is time for life on board and socialising with fellow sailors. The route takes you through an area featuring bays, islands and coastal towns. This creates a training format that combines focused learning with the actual rhythm of a multi-day sailing trip: preparing, setting sail, manoeuvring, mooring and reviewing the day together.
Who is the Cat Experience suitable for?
The event is primarily aimed at sailors who would like to learn about catamaran sailing and have not yet gained any experience as a catamaran skipper. It is suitable for anyone who wishes to practise basic procedures under supervision before going on a future charter.
Previous sailing experience can be helpful, but is no substitute for practical experience on a multihull. Those who have previously only sailed monohull yachts may gain new insights, particularly when it comes to harbour manoeuvres, judging the boat’s width and using both engines.
The Cat Experience is no substitute for independent further study or careful preparation for a sailing trip. However, it provides a practical introduction. Participants have the opportunity to ask questions, practise typical manoeuvres and find out whether a sailing catamaran suits their own sailing plans.
Life on board
The trip lasts five days and four nights on board. Accommodation is in comfortable double cabins on Sunsail sailing catamarans. Breakfast and non-alcoholic drinks on board are included, as are mooring fees, yacht insurance, final cleaning and diesel.
Not included are travel to and from Split Airport, lunch and dinner, the on-board fund for additional provisions – including meals for the skippers – and any tips.
With the Cat Experience, you can choose from the Sunsail 465, Sunsail 424 and Sunsail 454L yacht categories. You will be informed of current availability, prices and cabin options when you make your booking enquiry.
The next step on two hulls
A catamaran offers plenty of space both on and below deck. However, it is crucial not only to view the vessel as a comfortable platform, but also to understand its manoeuvring characteristics. Those who are familiar with how both engines respond, can anticipate the boat’s width and clearly involve their crew lay the foundations for controlled operations on board.
The YACHT Cat Experience offers five days on the water for this very purpose. Not in a training room, but right where every decision has an immediate impact: at the helm, amongst the mooring lines, whilst casting off and on the way to the next harbour.
The next YACHT Cat Experience, powered by Sunsail, will take place from 2 to 6 May 2027 from Agana Marina near Split in Croatia takes place. Anyone interested can find further information and make a booking enquiry at sunsail.com/de/katamarantraining.
Summary:
- Date: 2 to 6 May 2027
- Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
- Starting point: Marina Agana, Croatia
- Format: Group catamaran training with a flotilla-style approach
- Led by: Experts from YACHT magazine and the experienced team at Sunsail
- Contents: Charter briefing, boat handling, harbour and anchoring manoeuvres, mooring, yacht mechanics, and terrestrial and electronic navigation
- Target audience: Sailors with little or no experience as catamaran skippers
- Information and enquiries: sunsail.com/de/katamarantraining, Tel. +49 (0)6101 8073082
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