Horizon Yacht Charters Guide to chartering Catamarans!

We, at Horizon Yacht Charters, often get asked what it is like to sail a cat so here’s a quick guide!

The popularity of catamarans is definitely on the increase! Why? Quite simply, it’s their versatility. All Charter groups have varying degrees of sailing experience: from 'first timers' to 'old salts' and some family or friends require different levels of assurance and comfort. When it comes to sailing off into the sunset, a catamaran can appeal to everyone!

A cruising cat is, to all intents and purposes a floating condo. Space, privacy, sun decks and every creature comfort conceivable come neatly bundled in a 38’ plus package. Still, for the ardent sailors in the group, a cat offers performance sailing, stability and the easy handling characteristics needed to make for an enjoyable vacation. Even the complete novice can lend a hand to trim sails, steer the boat or secure a mooring. Stability is the name of the game as catamarans do not heel whilst sailing nor do they roll at anchor, ideal for those who suffer from sea-sickness. The stability it offers also means that it is somewhat safer for kids running around on deck or for those not as sure-footed, and the efficient manoeuvrability using the twin engines makes docking, anchoring and mooring as stress free as it gets. The space you get on board a catamaran makes it an ideal platform for dive holidays, and also for storing fun watersport equipment such as kayaks, windsurfers, floating mattresses or snorkels!

So to establish if a Cat is the perfect solution for you ask yourself a few questions - how many people are in your party, what is your budget, what level of sailing experience do you and your crew have, what kind of itinerary are you planning and also what level of comfort are you looking for? To help you with your planning, you may like to call our experienced reservation team at Horizon Yacht Charters Grenada and discuss the option of chartering a catamaran.  With a fleet of seven Cats ranging in size from 38 ft to 47 feet, you’ll be spoilt for choice.  

In essence:

• Stability.Catamarans have a terrific stability as they do not heel under way nor do they roll at anchor. Incidentally, it makes it somewhat safer if you have young children running around or older members of the family on board.

• Speed.Cats are fast and fun to sail, especially on reaching angles. Cats may not go to windward quite like a monohull but if you need to you can motorsail. We know you’re not in a hurry, you’re on Caribbean time - but it’s good to know you can move when you want to!
• Easy to manoeuvre.With two engines spaced apart a catamaran is easy to manoeuvre around and dock as it literally spins on its axis.
• Spacious and Light. The cockpit and salon, is usually huge in catamarans, since it spans over both hulls. This gives you plenty of space to sit and entertain a group of friends in style! The convivial combination of cockpit and saloon on the same level makes a catamaran a sociable boat where the interior seamlessly becomes al fresco! The spacious foredeck area is also a favourite with everyone, especially kids, primarily because it provides a superb sunbathing and observation platform. As a result of this roominess, a catamaran rarely feels crowded, as it is relatively easy to get some seclusion and quietness from other members of the party. Because of the cats’ layout configuration, there is full privacy in every cabin and one does not hear anything from one cabin to the other.

• Watersports. A catamaran is the ideal platform for all sorts of watersport equipment as there is plenty of space to store them. More fun for the family!

A LIMITED OFFER BONUS BENEFIT!

Book a charter with us and we'll give you a bottle of champagne or rum – whichever is your favourite tipple - to enjoy when you board. In addition, if it's your first catamaran charter and you'd like a little familiarisation we'll put a skipper on board for your first afternoon free of charge so you can get to know the ropes and how to get the most out of your cat! Contact our experienced reservation team now horizonyachts@spiceisle.com . This offer expires July 31, 2009.

Back to Grenada Packages...