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Multihull Sailing

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What is a Multihull?

A simple guide to catamarans and multihull sailing

A multihull is any boat with more than one hull. Unlike traditional sailing boats (monohulls), multihulls have two or more hulls connected by a frame or deck.

The most common type you will see at Southampton Water Activities Centre is the catamaran — a fast, stable and exciting boat with two hulls. Our fleet includes 3 Dart 16s and 1 RS14 catamarans

Multihulls are all about speed, balance and performance, making them one of the most enjoyable ways to sail.

multihull-sailing

Types of multihull

Catamarans (Two Hulls)

The most popular multihull and the focus of most training courses.

  • two hulls side by side
  • wide, stable platform
  • fast and responsive
  • ideal for both beginners to multihulls and experienced sailors

Trimarans (Three Hulls)

Less common in training but widely used in performance and offshore sailing.

  • one main hull with two outer hulls
  • extremely fast
  • designed for efficiency and long-distance sailing

How is a multihull different from a dinghy?

If you already sail dinghies, stepping into a multihull is an exciting transition.

Stability

Multihulls don’t heel like dinghies. Instead, they remain relatively flat, giving a very different feel on the water.

Speed

Catamarans accelerate quickly and can be significantly faster, especially on a reach when you “fly a hull”

Balance and trim

More focus on:

  • sail trim / controlling power
  • sailing angles
  • coordination between helm and crew

Handling

Everything happens a little quicker. Good timing and smooth control are key.

Why are multihulls so popular?

Multihulls offer:

  • fast, exciting sailing
  • a stable platform for learning
  • a completely different feel from dinghies
  • a clear pathway into performance and racing

For many sailors, their first time on a catamaran is a turning point.

Multihull sailing at SWAC

At Southampton Water Activities Centre, multihull sailing is a key part of our programme — from first experiences through to instructor development.

Chieftain Cat Conversion Course (4Cs) – Your starting point

If you are an existing dinghy sailor (Level 2 or above), the Chieftain Cat Conversion Course  is the perfect introduction to multihulls. It helps you transfer your existing skills into a faster, more dynamic boat. A highlight of the course is the capsize drill.

Chieftain Cat Clinic (3Cs) – Build confidence and performance

Once you have tried multihulls, the Chieftain Cat Clinic sessions allow you to:

  • refine your boat handling
  • improve speed and sail trim
  • gain confidence in stronger conditions
  • develop advanced techniques
  • recover from a full inversion (turned turtle)

These sessions are ideal for sailors who want to move beyond the basics and really enjoy what catamarans can do.

Youth Cats & Kites Week – The next generation

For younger sailors, our Youth Cats & Kites Week introduces multihulls in a fun, engaging environment.

This course combines:

  • catamaran sailing
  • performance sailing skills
  • exciting progression pathways

It is a fantastic way for young sailors to move beyond basic dinghy sailing and experience faster, more dynamic boats.

Multihull Instructor Endorsement – Take it further

For instructors looking to expand their qualifications, we offer support towards the RYA Multihull Instructor Endorsement.

This allows you to:

  • teach catamaran sailing
  • broaden your instructing opportunities
  • develop deeper technical understanding of multihulls

With strong demand for multihull training, this is a valuable addition for any instructor.

RYA_Multi_Hull_Instructor

Are multihulls harder to sail?

Not harder — just different.

Most dinghy sailors adapt quickly, especially with the right coaching. The key differences are:

  • managing higher speeds
  • understanding apparent wind
  • smoother, more coordinated manoeuvres

With a short introduction, most sailors quickly gain confidence and start to enjoy the performance.

Try it for yourself

The best way to understand multihulls is to sail one.

Whether you are:

  • a dinghy sailor looking for something new
  • a sailor wanting to improve performance
  • an instructor expanding your qualifications
  • or a young sailor ready for the next step

SWAC offers a complete pathway into multihull sailing.

Take your sailing further

Multihulls open up a faster, more exciting side of sailing.

Start with Cat Conversion, build your skills in a Cat Clinic, progress into instructing, or introduce the next generation through our youth programmes.

Come and experience multihull sailing at Southampton Water Activities Centre.