Step across from dinghy sailing into multihulls
Already sail dinghies and ready for something faster, more exciting and a little different? Our Cat Conversion course is designed for sailors with existing dinghy experience who want to discover the thrill of catamaran sailing.
At Southampton Water Activities Centre, this course is the ideal introduction to multihull sailing. You will build on the skills you already have, learn what makes catamarans different, and enjoy the speed, balance and responsiveness that make them so popular.
Whether you want to broaden your sailing experience, improve your boat handling, or simply see what all the fuss is about, our Cat Conversion is a brilliant next step.
Who is this course for?
This course is aimed at:
- existing dinghy sailors
- sailors who have completed RYA Level 2 or higher or have equivalent experience
- adults or older teenagers wanting to try catamaran sailing
- sailors looking to move into multihulls for fun, progression or future racing
If you are comfortable rigging, launching and sailing a dinghy in moderate conditions, you are likely ready to enjoy this course.
Why try catamaran sailing?
Catamarans offer a very different feel from monohull dinghies. They are:
- faster and more exhilarating
- more stable in light conditions
- highly responsive
- great fun for crews or helm and crew combinations
- an excellent route into performance and advanced sailing
For many dinghy sailors, the first catamaran session is a revelation. The boats accelerate quickly, reward good trim and balance, and open up a whole new side of the sport.
What you will learn
Our Cat Conversion course focuses on helping experienced dinghy sailors adapt their skills to multihulls.
Training typically includes:
- understanding the differences between dinghies and catamarans
- rigging and launching a catamaran
- helm and crew roles
- sail trim and balance
- tacking and gybing a multihull
- boat handling afloat
- speed control
- capsize avoidance and recovery
- efficient sailing on all points of sail
- coming ashore and short manoeuvres
The course is practical, hands-on and great fun. Our instructors will help you transfer your existing sailing knowledge while introducing the techniques specific to cats.
What is included
Your course fee includes:
- Professional tuition
- Use of our Dart 16 and/other Hobie 14 catamarans
- Loan of a buoyancy aid
- Tea and coffee
- Use of centre facilities including changing rooms
What is not included
- Wetsuit (£5/day hire, if required)
- Lunch
- Certification
Pre-requisites
To get the most from this course, you should:
- minimum age 14
- be an existing dinghy sailor
- hold at least RYA Level 2 or have similar or higher level practical experience
- be reasonably confident afloat
- be physically able to move around a sailing dinghy or catamaran
- be comfortable getting wet and taking part in an active outdoor sport
If you are unsure whether your experience level is suitable, contact us and we will point you in the right direction.
Why choose SWAC for catamaran sailing?
Southampton Water Activities Centre is a superb place to try multihull sailing. From our city waterfront base, you can enjoy a varied and rewarding sailing area with space to build confidence and develop your skills.
Reasons to train with us include:
- direct access to open water
- experienced instructors
- excellent facilities ashore
- a broad range of follow-on sailing opportunities
- a clear pathway into further dinghy and multihull development
- 4 catamarans on our fleet
If you already sail dinghies and want to try something new, there are few better places to make the jump into catamarans.
Your next step in sailing
Many sailors start in single-handers or double-handed dinghies and stay there for years without ever trying a multihull. That is a shame, because catamarans bring a whole new dimension to sailing.
Cat Conversion is your chance to expand your skills, enjoy a fresh challenge and experience the speed and excitement of multihull sailing in a supportive training environment.
Book your Chieftain Cat Conversion Course (4Cs)
Ready to move from dinghy sailing into cats?
Join us at Southampton Water Activities Centre and discover how much fun multihull sailing can be.
Book your Cat Conversion course today and take the next step in your sailing journey.