Are you thinking about your next sailing charter? Discover why catamarans have become synonymous with comfort and space at sea, and how to choose the right model for an unforgettable holiday.

The popularity of cruising catamarans is undeniable. But what makes them so beloved by sailors who opt for a charter for their summer adventures? The answer is simple: comfort. However, navigating the many models available for rental can be challenging. Choosing the wrong one could compromise a vacation that, on paper, promised wonders. Let’s explore the key elements that make a catamaran the ideal choice for your relaxation at sea.

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The DNA of comfort: Hulls make the difference

The type of catamaran greatly influences onboard comfort. Cruising catamarans, such as the popular Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot, and Dufour, are primarily designed for summer vacations, though many of these multihulls can also handle ocean crossings without major issues.

On the other hand, there are catamarans designed for offshore sailing, where sailing performance becomes crucial. Crossing an ocean takes time, and an extra knot of speed can mean days less at sea, as well as increased safety. The faster a boat is, the better its chances of avoiding adverse weather conditions by navigating around storms.

Speed or comfort: A strategic choice

Catamarans are the top choice for charters. The difference between the two categories mainly lies in hull width. Fast catamarans, optimized to make the most of the wind, feature narrow hulls that cut through the water with ease, reducing resistance. However, this characteristic comes at the expense of interior volume, and therefore comfort.

Brands like Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot, Bali, and Dufour, on the other hand, prioritize comfort right from the design stage. In contrast, Outremer, HH, and C-Catamaran focus primarily on speed to tackle long ocean passages.

Does size matter? The truth about catamaran length

People often wonder what the ideal size is for a catamaran that provides acceptable comfort. Surprisingly, there are models as small as 37 feet, such as the Aventura 37, which offer a remarkable level of comfort for four people. Moving up slightly in size, you have the Lagoon 40 (soon to be replaced by the Lagoon 38) and the Isla 40 from Fountaine Pajot, both characterized by generous volumes and a high level of comfort.

Cabins and spaces: Essential harmony

The layout and number of cabins on board greatly influence a catamaran’s livability. It’s crucial to consider the “flow” of the boat—that is, how easy it is to move around—avoiding narrow corridors and awkward passages.

Leading shipyards have paid great attention to this aspect, as demonstrated by the Lagoon 52 in its six-cabin version, where access to different areas is smooth and well thought out. A negative example is the first Dufour Cat, where the six-cabin layout created circulation problems between cabins and the corridor. Fortunately, the issue was resolved thanks to Felci Studio’s intervention.

Ergonomics and functionality: Details that make a difference

Another important element is the number of bathrooms, especially on smaller boats. The Excess 11, an 11-meter catamaran with relatively narrow hulls, made a counterintuitive choice by including only two bathrooms—one per hull. This decision proved successful, as the two bathrooms are generously sized and comfortable. Installing four bathrooms for marketing reasons would have made usage much more difficult.

An ideal layout, especially for a charter catamaran, is that of the Lagoon 46, with four cabins of similar size and four equally sized bathrooms. Choosing not to have six smaller cabins with reduced bathrooms ensures that all guests enjoy the same level of comfort, making the boat perfect for groups of friends or families who want to share costs without compromising the quality of their holiday.

Photo credits opening image: Boats-at-Sea.

 

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