- CLASSIFIEDS
- NEWSLETTERS
- SUBMIT NEWS
Sundreamer takes SIMRAD Barrier 50
Related Articles
- Post Code *
- Message (hidden)
- Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
- Privacy Policy: We hate spam and promise to keep your e-mail address safe.
- Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
- Testimonials
- Job Vacancies
- Sell my Catamaran
- Service Centre
- Owner Blogs
- YouTube Channel
- Seabbatical Book
- Multihull Cruising Yacht Club
- Seabbatical Webinars
- Plan Your Seabbatical
- How To Finance A Charter Boat
- 6 Steps To Starting Your Own Charter Business
- New Zealand Offices
- Seawind Catamarans
- HH Catamarans
- Longreach Catamarans
- Corsair Trimarans
- Garcia Explocat 52
- Cruz Club Membership
- Learn To Sail A Cat
- Pittwater Bareboat Experience
- Overnight Experience
- Skippered Charter Hire
- Charter Boat Ownership
Boating News
Aussie couple âjagsâ outremer catamaran for youtube videos, youtube sensation riley and elayna of âsailing la vagabondeâ have just landed a wonderful deal with legendary french catamaran manufacturer, outremer yachting, to extend their cruising adventures onboard a new outremer 45 involving a historic sponsorship deal confirming the power of social media..
âWe are fans since the beginning and felt their honest and human values meets ours and they might be great ambassadors for Outremer. They had issues finding a loan for their boat, so we stepped in helping them getting a leaseâ explain Xavier Desmarest, CEO of Outremer.
With over two hundred thousand subscribers to their YouTube channel and numerous episodes with well over one million views, La Vagabond leads the growing global trend of intrepid sailors documenting their adventures in incredible locations while on seabbatical, allowing thousands to sample what life is like at sea from the comfort of their homes and inspiring them to take an adventure of their own.
Helping couples and families sail the world is what Outremer Yachting specialize in, with an award winning range of innovative high performance cruising catamarans designed to be safe, simple and fast to sail from destination to destination efficiently and in comfort. The Outremer 45 was launched only two years ago and is a true blue water cruiser, purpose built for couples to easily control over long range passages with. All comfort amenities and unseen performances.
âI saw an Outremer in Venezuela and made friends with the owners,â explains Riley, âWe got in touch with the Outremer team and it turns they were huge fans of our adventures.â
âWe were thinking about getting a catamaran since a few monthsâ said Elayna âAnd we accepted their invitation to join the Outremer Cup in Franceâ,
âSo we had a tour of the factory, we raced in their regatta, attended all of the social events, all the while we were having very important meetings with the management of Outremer.â
âNeither of us can believe how this has all turned out,â Riley exclaims, âweâre over the moon.â
Riley and Elayna plan to pick up their new boat in February in 2017 from the factory located in the south of France, and after cruising Europe and the Mediterranean, they plan to cross the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean and make their way to New York later for the 2018 summer.
Outremer Yachts have continued to lead the way in production boat building of high performance cruising catamarans, with the company winning multiple European Boat of the Year awards in recent years. The current range of Outremer include the 45, 4X, 51, the 59ft 5X.
Multihull Central is the exclusive distributor of Outremer in Australia and was awarded Outremer International Dealer of the Year in 2014, with half a dozen Australian Outremer owners now either cruising the world. Multihull Central also provide a 5 step âSEAbbaticalâ program to help novice boaters take a life changing adventure of their own.
For more information visit multihallcntrl.wpengine.com or call 02 9810 5014. and you can follow the construction of the boat on www.catamaran-outremer.com
To view the Sailing La Vagabonde videos visit: http://sailing-lavagabonde.com
SEAbbaticals
Newsletter sign up.
1300 852 620
Multihull Central - Sydney Multihull Central Marina 20 Chapman Road Annandale, NSW 2038
02 9810 5014
Multihull Central - Gold Coast The Boat Works North Yard | 199 Beattie Rd Coomera, QLD 4209
07 3393 5550
Multihull Central - New Zealand Unit 25/25 Baffin Street Marina Building, Port Opua-Bay of Islands, New Zealand
+64 274 542 242
- SELL MY MULTIHULL
- TESTIMONIALS
- SEAWIND CATAMARANS
- HH CATAMARANS
- LONGREACH CATAMARANS
- CORSAIR TRIMARANS
- UNDER $100K
- UNDER $200K
- UNDER $300K
- UNDER $400K
- SOUTH PACIFIC
- New Zealand
- Deals On Wheels
- Trucks For Sale
- Sell Your Truck
- Truck Dealers
- CAM Magazine
- Earthmovers & Equipment For Sale
- Sell Your Earthmover Or Equipment
- Earthmovers & Equipment Dealers
- Farm Trader
- Farm Machinery For Sale
- Sell Your Farm Machinery
- Trade-A-Boat
- Boats For Sale
- Sell Your Boat
- Fishing And Outdoors
- Motorhomes, Caravans And Destinations
David Barker has blended classic with contemporary, simplicity with sophistication and technology with style to create a beautiful little cruiser that is inviting, quiet, fast and economical. Geoff Green spoke to him about the influences and experiences that produced Feather.
David Barker, international artist, is well known for the trio of lightweight, high-performance sailing catamarans – Sundancer, Stratosphere and Sundreamer – he designed. He built the 12m Sundancer while living in Sydney and sailed it to New Zealand where he built Sundreamer, a powerful 17-metre multihull that he raced and cruised for fourteen years.
Deceptively simple but functional, Sundreamer had no engine or luxury comforts, but she was – and still is – ocean capable and blistering fast.
Barker says ski goggles were standard issue on board because she was a maximum speed, maximum drama, maximum concentration type of yacht.
“She required a core crew with skill, fitness and respect and she seemed to grow younger and friskier every year. After many exhilarating and enjoyable adventures Sundreamer was no longer the boat for Tanya and I and we began to look towards more relaxed adventures at sea.”
Feather, a picnic style launch with basic long-stay facilities now provides that marine lifestyle, and although she appears diametrically opposed to Sundreamer, some similarities in concepts were carried over.
Barker’s catamarans moved through the water efficiently with minimum disturbance to the environment and David and his wife Tanya wanted the same from their powerboat. And Feather, like Sundreamer, had to be a unique craft that took the eye.
The chain of events that led Barker to redesign and restyle his Logan 33, a craft built by Logan Classic Boats in Whangarei and finished by PM Boat Builders in Kerikeri, began many years before and was influenced by a Canadian RAT.
The first RAT was an aluminium boat used to pick up supplies and ferry visitors to and from an isolated island home off Vancouver Island, British Columbia, where David and Tanya spend the northern summers. RAT was named after the rodent because it was grey and almost indestructible but served well as Rural Alternative Transport.
The present day RAT that services their Canadian retreat was the forerunner of Feather and bears many resemblances. Both are outboard powered 1920-style launches.
Powered by a Honda 50hp four-stroke engine, RAT is a Thames Slipper launch designed by Englishman David Thomas and custom built in timber.
Tanya runs the 7.8m RAT and says it handles the four-mile trip to Boat Harbour, Vancouver Island very well, regardless of conditions. The launch is also used for picnic trips and weekend cruises to show guests the Gulf Islands.
Sundreamer was sold in 1999 and while in Auckland to complete the hand over David chanced upon a magazine article featuring a stock Logan 33. While driving to the Bay of Islands to sail Sundreamer for the last time he stopped in Whangarei where Eric Knight, the builder, took him for a demonstration run in his Logan 33, Dolly.
Barker saw the potential in the Logan 33 hull to carry a four-stroke outboard in the stern and began to muse, sketch and calculate.
“I went back to Canada thinking this was the craft Tanya and I could enjoy in New Zealand. She was very pretty and had the pedigree of an older, efficient boat.”
Meanwhile the work of American designer, Bruce King, for whom David had completed many renderings, had become influential.
“Bruce designed a successful 36-foot picnic boat for the Hinckley yard. She was based on an east coast lobster boat but by specifying lightweight composite construction he had transformed a five tonne workboat into a very successful shoal draft picnic craft.”
While the Barkers could not afford a Hinckley, they had three concepts to consider. The RAT, Logan 33 and Hinckley were individual vessels with a common theme; easily driven, classic style launches drawn by designers familiar with yacht design.
“I believe yacht design experience added an extra dimension to their launches. They drew carefully faired lines that worked without resorting to mere horsepower.”
“Being an artist and boat designer there was no way I could buy a boat off the showroom floor, I couldn’t resist interfering, despite the cost. Eric Knight was very accommodating and he agreed to build an ultra lightweight, outboard powered version of the Logan 33 production boat.”
The stock Logan 33 has a diesel engine under the forward bunk and relocating the power plant to the stern removed a number of intrusive elements; noise, the aroma of hot oil and diesel, vibration and shafting. Without the diesel the front bunk could be split in two and the sole lowered to provide easier access to the forward hatch.
“I wanted to be able to stand securely inside the hatchway to lay the anchor because I prefer to see where it is placed and didn’t want an anchor winch to retrieve it over the vulnerable straight stem. It was also important to have access to the bow without walking along the narrow side decks and I did not want lifelines or rails imposing on Feather’s elegant sheer line.”
The diesel fitted to the standard Logan 33 weighs 180kg plus the weight of the shaft, bearings, propeller and rudder. The Honda 90hp weighs 160kg complete and offers the advantage of being retractable. Transferring the weight from bow to stern required extra buoyancy aft and Barker designed a large swim platform incorporating the necessary flotation.
“The stern doesn’t feel the engine and I believe the platform extension is sympathetic to Arch Logan’s beautiful hull lines.”
The platform was faired a long way forward into the original hull and the underwater sections flattened to produce a more stable form. The hull speed of the original Logan is around 8 knots but with the Honda swinging a 13 x 15in stainless steel propeller Feather easily achieves 17 knots. Predicted top speed with a 14 x 14in propeller is 20.5 knots.
Feather was laid up in Logan Classic Boats’ mould without gelcoat due to the intended hull modifications and because Barker wanted to indulge himself in a boat with a dark coloured hull.
“It had to be hand-faired and painted.”
He says minimising weight was a prime focus and is a key component of Feather’s success. Much of the redundant deadwood was blanked off in the mould to reduce wetted surface and allow waves to slide under the stern in a quartering sea. During construction the builders suggested placing lead ballast in what remained of the hollow deadwood but Barker would not hear of it.
“After sailing catamarans lead ballast was a total anathema. There was no way Feather could be built too light because even with balsa core bulkheads and light-weight composite hull materials it still weighs 1280kg complete.”
High Modulus specified the laminate and pared the hull weight down. Barker says Feather is built like a contemporary racing yacht, but lighter because there are no rig or keel loads. Kevlar / E-glass fabric and medium density Divinycell foam cores were used in the hull, decks and coach roof.
“Ron Holland [he and David grew up together in Auckland’s East Coast bays] had gifted me two spools of carbon fibre which I kept for many years in case I needed to repair Sundreamer’s rudders or centre boards, and we finally put it to good use reinforcing Feather’s strategic areas.”
The overall effect of the stern-mounted outboard, extended boarding platform and reduced hull weight was to make the boat float higher. It sits 15cm higher at the bow and 1cm higher at the stern when compared to a standard Logan 33.
Other variances include restyled windows and cabin lines, the bulkheads repositioned to create 2m berths in both ‘cabins’ and a self-draining cockpit as featured in RAT.
Barker says the modifications were costly but Logan Classic Boats did a nice job.
“It’s a small boat for what it cost but I’ll always be rewarded in my own heart. I wouldn’t want the finish, layout or design any other way.”
With the hull and cabin structure complete, and the cabin ceilings sarked in cedar to minimise weight ‘aloft’, Feather was transported to Peter McLea’s yard in Kerikeri so David could be on hand to consider detailing and finishing. At this stage Feather was two thirds complete.
Like the concept and exterior presentation, the interior detailing is special. It’s developed by an artist’s eye, his appreciation for fine things, an almost minimalist attitude derived from a refreshing return to basic principles and a near ruthless focus on reducing weight.
Forward of the cockpit doors Feather is open plan and Barker has worked to optimise volume and a feeling of spaciousness throughout.
The saloon is fitted with a bunk on each side and the helm is set forward to starboard. A single step leads down to the galley (port) and the toilet opposite, which, is without a door but has the opening positioned to generate sufficient privacy. Two bunks are positioned in the forepeak, which has a surprising amount of sitting room and they can be converted to a double by using the forepeak floorboard as an infill.
Barker says Sundreamer had bucket-and-chuck-it plumbing facilities so the head fitted in Feather is one luxury he has bowed to, mainly to facilitate the installation of a holding tank but also to raise crew comfort levels. There is no other plumbing, not even a water pump to service the vanity or galley.
“My parents immigrated to New Zealand from an English coal mining town when I was ten and my first boating experience was in the Bay of Islands four years later aboard a launch called September Morn. She was very basic as boats used to be but we had fantastic fun without the complex equipment deemed necessary today. Feather is very similar to September Morn and in many ways she is an echo from the past.”
The ship’s water is carried in portable carry tanks stored under the bunks, just as the fuel for the Honda is carried in three tote tanks stored in a large ventilated spaces beneath the seats in the cockpit.
“Feather uses so little fuel I can hardly remember the last time we filled the tanks up.”
Feather is used extensively as a day boat in the Bay of Islands although when time permits David intends making extended cruises to the Coromandel coast, Mercury Islands and Parengarenga harbour.
“Compared to her heavier sister-ships, Feather does have a very quick motion but though easily provoked there is no pendulum effect and she steadies quickly. In general I expect her to be a very capable sea boat, at least as capable as I am.”
Feather does not generate a planing hump but trims level as she makes an apparently seamless transition from displacement to planing speeds.
“I don’t think she planes in the accepted sense, but seems to push straight through a very small bow wave just like the catamarans did.”
The Barkers tend to cruise at a sedate pace and have been asked if Feather is powered by an electric motor when they slide into a bay. At idle Feather does four to five knots and the Honda can hardly be heard.
“It is also nice to travel fast when we feel inclined and this graceful young lady has startled a few launch owners by keeping pace as they thunder along on the plane.”
17 Best Catamarans for Sailing Around the World
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site.
Catamarans are quickly outstripping single-hull boats for long-distance journeys. They are more stable and comfortable , and some can travel more than 200 miles in a day. In todayâs article, I have put together a complete (well almost) list of some of the best catamarans for circumnavigating the planet; the question is, which one is best for you?
The best catamarans for sailing around the world include:Â
- The Fountaine Pajot Ipanema 58
These cats focus on speed, safety, and comfort for longer journeys.Â
This article will show you the seventeen best catamarans for long journeys, and why theyâre the best. Youâll also learn some great tips on what to look for in a Catamaran and how to save money by buying a used catamaran. Let this list be a jumping-off point for your future research!
Pro-tip; here are the actual costs of maintaining a cat and here are considerations on how to circumnavigate .
Table of Contents
The Best Catamarans for Sailing Around the WorldÂ
A catamaran is a double-hulled boat with a deck or cabin area in between (bluewater cat definition in this article ). The double hull design means that the boat rocks less, sits higher on the water, uses less fuel to sail, and can be sailed in shallower waters than a single-hulled boat without worrying about grounding.Â
Catamarans come in a variety of sizes and can be sail-powered or motor-powered and range from single-person sailing boats to family-sized yachts. Every catamaran design is different, and the twin-hull shape offers many ways to customize the layout of a ship.Â
Each boat on this list is a larger catamaran (+40ft, more on size here ), so if youâre going to sail around the world, you want lots of space for provisions and rest.
Of course, there are tons of technical specs for each of these boats, but Iâm going to focus on the overall features of each of these catamarans, what makes them stand out, and why they would each be an excellent choice for a transatlantic journey.Â
Antares 44iÂ
The Antares 44i is an excellent option for sailing around the world and was explicitly designed for long-distance cruising. It performs well in any weather conditions, can be sailed easily by two people, and youâll be able to sail long distances and live in comfort.Â
Although it can be easily sailed by a crew of two I believe that a true bluewater cat should be set up for single-handed sailing, more on that in another article .
This catamaran features a stateroom on each hull and a forward cabin with plenty of storage space. The living and entertainment features include a flatscreen tv and a high-end deck speaker system.Â
With this model, Antares dedicates itself to high-quality boats with optimal rigging and engine configurations.Â
Atlantic 42
Atlantic is no longer building this catamaran, but there are usually a few pre-owned boats on the market. You can also get it made custom if you love the design, but be prepared to spend more money on a custom boat (custom boat also gets custom problems ;)).Â
The Atlantic 42 is slightly smaller than some of the other catamarans on this list but is a seaworthy vessel. 42 ft is what most sailors I interview ( in this article ) said was the smallest cat to safely cross big oceans. It is also a decent size to counter the risk of capsizing (more on that here ).
It has a forward cockpit and pilothouse, which gives the owner a better use of space and makes the boat easier to navigate. With single-handed capability, one person can sail it easily and let the rest of the crew relax.Â
One of the best-praised aspects of the Atlantic 42 is its galley, more extensive than most 42-footers (12.8-meter) can offer.Â
One of the few 50 footers (15.24 meters) that can be sailed by just one person (many would of course disagree on this).
The Catana 50 is a catamaran worthy of an overseas journey. Its size adds to its stability on the open waters and its ability to sail straight through the choppy ocean and windy conditions.Â
The Catana is also incredibly spacious on the inside, with substantial cabins and showers. The biggest downside to the Catana 50 is its price, as itâs much more expensive than most of its competitors.Â
Catana also holds up well against some of the fastest cruising cats out there, hereâs a list of the fastest cruisers if you are interested in that.
However, if you can find a gently-used Catana 50, you can rest assured that this boat will last!Â
The Dolphin 42 is unique because of the use of daggerboards instead of fixed keels. This upgrade means that the boat has some pretty decent upwind performance while at the same time being faster downwind.
Centerboards and daggerboards offer some interesting downsides compared to mini keels. This is an interesting discussion and I suggest you read another one of my articles if you want to deepen your knowledge a little.
These catamarans are some of the lightest on the market. Not many Dolphins were made, so they are relatively hard to find. However, if you want a small, lightweight boat capable of going great distances, the Dolphin 42 is an excellent choice.Â
Fountaine Pajot Belize 43
The Fountaine Pajot Belize is another well-built cruising yacht. Its core is made of foam instead of balsa, which reduces the risk of structural damage due to a rotten core in case of water intrusion.Â
The design of Belize offers many options for customizability, with large open spaces and a combined saloon, navigation, and dinette area.Â
There are two styles of Belize catamarans for sleeping quarters. You can either purchase a boat with an entire primary suite on one hull or one with two cabins in each hull. The first option is great if you are sailing the world alone and not expecting many guests, as it increases the storage capacity.Â
Understanding what factors to consider when getting a cat can be hard, there are just so many of them (such as the daggerboard discussion above), I have tried to compile some of the most important in this article .
The boat also has wraparound windows to increase the sense of space in the galley.Â
Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40
Fountaine Pajot is one of the best sailboat manufacturers existing today, as their boats are well made and highly versatile. The Lucia 40 is no exception â itâs a smaller boat but has a lot of room for moving around and on-board living.Â
The living area is remarkably spacious on this catamaran for its size.Â
The galley and lounge easily accommodate 6+people. The Lucia 40 doesnât disappoint when it comes to sailing either, as the narrow hulls slice through choppy waters with ease.Â
Most catamarans today are built to withstand rough weather but that doesnât matter as much if the crew isnât up for the task, I firmly believe that the most important thing a boat should consist of, is knowledge. Therefore taking online courses ( two free here ) or reading books ( my favorites here ) is imperative.
Gemini 105M
Geminiâs boats have been on the market for years and are solidly built for cruising. This boat is one of the most popular ever made, I personally would consider something different for offshore cruising, but since it has such a good reputation, I felt I had to add it to the list.
If you want to understand why I am hesitant to take this boat around the world, I recommend you read my article: What are trampolines on a catamaran?
The Gunboat 62 is a great catamaran and set the standards for the rest of the impressive Gunboat lineup. Itâs sleek and spacious while being robust and capable of transatlantic journeys. You can easily travel the world in a Gunboat 62 with several people and not feel cramped.Â
The yacht was made for speed and power and remains one of the fastest catamarans on the market, even rivaling the newer Gunboat models. GABO
Although the earlier models of the Gunboat 62 werenât designed for a lot of cargo, you can still find space for everything you need without compromise.Â
Lagoon catamarans are known for their reliability and ease of use. If you are considering a catamaran for the first time and are unsure about the technicalities of sailing, a Lagoon boat is a great option.Â
The Lagoon 380 is probably the smallest cruiser on this list, which makes it better suited for solo or couple sailing. Â
When I go looking to buy something, whether it be a boat, campervan, or whatever, I create a checklist and classify all the things I want either by NEED or NICE to have.
I believe the Lagoon 380 to be sub-optimal for my NEEDS, even though it does check a lot of NICE boxes, thereâs a step-by-step article on the NEED and NICE method here .
There are several cabin options available on the Lagoon 380, but if youâre sailing by yourself, you can settle for three cabins and a larger galley and living space. With a smaller cockpit and broader side decks, the Lagoon 380 packs a lot of practicality and ease of sailing into a more compact catamaran.Â
If you like the idea of a Lagoon boat but want a little more space, the Lagoon 42 is the upgraded version of the Lagoon 380. With all of the same benefits, it comes with more space for cabins or storage, making it one of the best-selling Lagoons of all time.Â
The Lagoon 42 is also a faster cruiser built for strength. While itâs not the fastest on the market, it works well in choppy waters and windy conditions, making it great for the beginning sailor to go on a more extended trip.Â
Many people have completed an around-the-world sail with this ship.
Although there is a flybridge version, I would recommend the âopenâ version due to several factors, some including increased windage and a higher boom. More on flybridges pros and cons here .
For stability, safety, and durability, you canât beat the Lagoon 42.Â
The Leopard 45 performs better with less storage weight because of the relatively low bridge deck clearance. If the boat is fully loaded, you could experience some wave pounding. However, the cockpit is open and airy, with devices that block the sun and provide maximum comfort while sailing.Â
The Leopard 45 is an incredibly beautiful boat, Â and has a strong reputation for excellent build quality!
Leopard catamarans are one of my personal favorites, as such I have written an entire article about the brand, so if you want to understand its pros and cons then here is the link . Gabo
Designed in South Africa, it features a high rear arch for extra support and very smoothly connected decks. The galley is large and open, and most Leopards offer a four-cabin plan. If you are traveling with another person, this boat is an excellent option for you!Â
The Manta 42 is another classic catamaran that you can buy used (at a decent price), as it is an incredibly seaworthy vessel. While still in production, the Manta was one of the most popular catamarans on the market.Â
It is still in high demand amongst circumnavigators. Buying a used Manta 42 usually means that you inherit some of the previous ownerâs boat upgrades!Â
The Manta 42 also made it to my list of the 9 safest catamarans on the market ( link ).
This blue water cat can be sailed by one or two people, making it ideal for liveaboard couples or long-distance shorthanded sailing. The galley is in the saloon ( instead of in one of the hulls ), making the cabins below more spacious and better equipped.Â
Overall, the Manta is well equipped for sailing around the world.Â
Nautitech 44
Nautitech is an excellent brand of the catamaran, with several different designs per boat. The Nautitech 44 has a unique feature, you can have it with two options for steering: twin wheels or a single wheel.
The Nautitech 44 also features a cockpit on the same level as the saloon. The door between the two is more convenient than a hatch and dramatically reduces the risk of water damage during rain pour.Â
This is also the same boat that aeroyacht president Gregor owns, he has offered some great insights into Nautitech in the book Catamarans (amazon link )
Outremer 45
Outremer is famous for being one of the fastest brands of catamarans on the market. If you need speed, the Outremer 45 might be the perfect choice for you. It has a top speed of 16 knots, which is higher than almost every other catamaran of its class.Â
While the Outremer 45 is known for speed, it doesnât compromise on the quality of living.Â
You can settle into life on this boat with complete peace of mind. Even as a beginning sailor, the steering is simple and easy to use, and the autopilot is top of the line, so youâll be able to sail across the ocean in an Outremer without issue.Â
Privilege Serie 5
A French-designed catamaran, the Privilege Serie 5 is one of the most comfortable 50-foot (15 m) yachts available. The unique cabin layout includes the master cabin in the boatâs center instead of in one of the hulls.Â
The Privilege Serie 5 is also incredibly easy to sail, despite its larger size.Â
The sails and controls lead to the helm, where the raised deck makes it easy to see all around the deck. If you want to cross the ocean with a full crew then the Privilege Serie 5 might be perfect for you!Â
Seawind 1000
The Seawind 1000 is the smallest boat on this list, measuring 33 feet (10 meters) long altogether. However, this doesnât mean that itâs not livable. If you are sailing on your own or with a partner, there is more than enough space to live in the Seawind 1000, which includes the option of a centered cabin or two hull cabins.Â
Because itâs small, the Seawind 1000 is easy to handle. The mast and sails are all manufactured for extra stability and ease of use.Â
Overall, the Seawind 1000 is an excellent example of a simple, safe, and seaworthy catamaran.Â
Note: since this is a small catamaran it will also be more sensitive to heavy weather so trip-planning becomes even more important.
The Voyage 44 is one of the oldest cats on this list, having had its hay-day in the mid-1990s. However, this also means that a used Voyage 44 will be cheaper than a newer boat. If you can find a Voyage with previous responsible owners, you will inherit any upgrades and fixes that theyâve made on top of a very seaworthy boat.Â
The Voyage 44 has more storage and space than most cruisers of its size and is known for behaving very well in choppy waters.Â
This catamaran does its job well while providing adequate space for cooking, sleeping, and living aboard.Â
What To Look For in a Long-Distance Cruising Catamaran
If you are planning to sail around the world, you need to be very careful about which kind of catamaran you decide to use. Many of the things you want in a boat really comes down to personal preference, so be sure you know what design preferences you want before you start shopping!Â
Size and Payload
The most important thing to consider when buying a catamaran is how much space and cargo you need because the larger the boats are, the bigger the payload it can handle. Decide how long you want the ship to be and how much youâre taking with you.Â
Itâs vital not to overload a catamaran, this will reduce performance and increase risk of unwanted behavior in heavy seas.
Cabin Placement Â
Most catamarans have options for a âMaestroâ cabin placement, where one entire hull is the master suite, and the other cabins are located on the opposite hull.
Cockpit and Protection From The Weather
Is the cockpit on the boat youâre looking at covered or open? This can make a difference on the high seas, especially during rainy weather.Â
The size of the ship also can affect how many people you need as a crew. If youâre traveling by yourself or with one other person, you donât want to buy a boat that needs a larger crew.Â
Buying Used?Â
If you donât want to spend the money on a brand new catamaran, I donât blame you. Several of the ships on this list are out of production and can only be found used. However, for circumnavigation, you do want a boat of high quality to keep you safe and dry until you make it to your destination. Â
When buying a suitably used catamaran, itâs essential to look at the refit history of the boat more than the year it was made. Catamarans are sturdy, and the general design has been the same for at least the past decade.Â
If you find a newer, larger, cheaper boat, you should look into its history.Â
Your best bet to save money while buying a catamaran will be to buy an older, probably smaller boat with an excellent refit history and no serious issues. It will still be an investment, and a sturdy used catamaran will serve you well.Â
Final Thoughts
No matter which catamaran you decide to buy for your journey, youâll be able to sail safely and comfortably. Catamarans are great yachts for long-distance sailing, and the ships on this list are the best of the best. These brands are time-tested and ready to accompany you on an adventure around the world!Â
Here are Some of My Favorite Catamaran Cruising Resources
Thank you for reading this article. I hope you found it helpful as you hopefully start your sailing adventures. Here are some resources that I use as a sailor that I hope youâll also find helpful. These are affiliate links, so if you do decide to use any of them, Iâll earn a commission. But in all honesty, these are the exact things that I use and recommend to everyone, even my own family. Sailboats: If youâre looking for the best boat to suit your needs, I would recommend a catamaran. If youâre interested, I can show you the differences between catamarans and other types of sailboats .
Books:  For getting started, I really like Cruising catamarans made easy . It is actually a textbook from the American sailing association; it is used to get a cruising catamaran certification. There are some other great books, and I have compiled a list of books about cruising catamarans that you will find useful.
Communication: Â Being out on adventures, whether it be sailing or climbing mountains, good communications are essential to being safe. I recommend two things Google fi (incredibly simple cellular data all over the world) and Garmin inreach mini (for text and voice in remote areas without cell coverage)
Sailing courses: Online sailing courses are great for beginners starting out their sailing career; itâs an efficient way of learning the basics of navigation, throttle controls, and maritime safety. I suggest starting with two free courses from NauticEd .
To see all my most up-to-date recommendations, check out this resource  that I made for you!
- Wikipedia: Catamaran
- Cruising World: A-Z Best Cruising CatamaransÂ
- Dreamy Yacht Sales: Four Best Catamarans for New Buyers
- Atlantic Cruising: Good Cat/Bad Cat
- Yachting World: Catamaran Sailing Across the Atlantic
- Boat Affair: What is a Catamaran?Â
- Nautilus Sailing: Catamaran Sailing
Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!
3 thoughts on â 17 Best Catamarans for Sailing Around the World â
I like the efforts you have put in this, regards for all the great content.
Thanks Elisabeth I really appreciate the kind words đ
I appreciate you sharing this blog post. Thanks Again. Cool.
Leave a Reply Cancel reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment.
Recent Posts
Must-Have Boat Gear for Catamaran Sailors!
Sailing is probably the most gear-intensive activity I've ever done; there are so many decisions to be made about what gear to buy now, for tomorrow, and what to definitely never buy. The gear on...
6 Best Trailerable Trimarans For Bluewater and Coastal Sailing
Having a boat costs a lot of money, even when you are not using it, marina fees, etc. And once it is in the water most sailors never go very far from their "home marina" and sailing will be somewhat...
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
57' Catamaran by David Barker
The largest power catamaran delivered by Sunreef Yachts to date is a highly-customized yacht with a powerful presence and a striking hull finish combining da...
The luxury catamaran Sunreef 80 Eco is a fully-autonomous craft using revolutionary green tech for fuel-free cruising in total silence and luxury.đ Build sl...
SUNREEF YACHTS info & contact: https://bit.ly/nautistylesFinally! We get to bring a SUNREEF POWER Catamaran Yacht Tour to the Channel. Join us as we get to c...
Sunreef 80 catamaran 2018 - subscribe and get the latest news on catamarans and pricing. Looking for a catamaran or any other yacht?https://b24-itpu7p.bitrix...
60 Sunreef Sailing Catamaran 2023 [NEW YACHT]Specs + Photos: https://hubs.ly/Q01ztRyr0Location: Fort Lauderdale, FLTony Smith // 404.805.9819 // TS@DenisonYa...
Introducing the latest video of the stunning luxury catamaran Sunreef 60. If you're ready to redefine your sailing experience and elevate it to new heights o...
Join us on board the 60 Sunreef Power, the latest model in Sunreef Yachts' new motor yacht range and enjoy an exclusive first look at her interiors.Recognize...
Yachts for Sale: https://bit.ly/nautistylesFollow Us Building an Explorer Yacht @NautiGuys https://bit.ly/3yPe1Z5Join us on the Self-guided Tour;) of anothe...
Racing on the mighty Sundreamer. Miss this boat
Sundreamer takes SIMRAD Barrier 50. The first of the triple race SIMRAD barrier shorthanded series took place on Saturday, with 111 entries in the two-handed event, competing in 15 divisions. Entries ranged in size from the 57ft David Barker designed catamaran Sundreamer to the classic A-class Iorangi down to seven enties in the 22ft Des Townsn ...
The Sunreef 70 Ocean Vibes is ready to own! This luxury sail catamaran is in pristine condition and is the only model on the market providing the perfect opp...
Over the past 40 years, Outremer has built catamarans of industry leading quality, designed for performance, to ensure your peace of mind and comfort onboard...
Come on board the Sunreef 80 Eco for an exclusive visit of the shipyard's latest solar-electric catamaran. Combining state of the art sustainable technology ...
Music Rights to The House of Marley
Multihull Central also provide a 5 step 'SEAbbatical' program to help novice boaters take a life changing adventure of their own. For more information visit multihallcntrl.wpengine.com or call 02 9810 5014. and you can follow the construction of the boat on www.catamaran-outremer.com. To view the Sailing La Vagabonde videos visit: http ...
David Barker, international artist, is well known for the trio of lightweight, high-performance sailing catamarans - Sundancer, Stratosphere and Sundreamer - he designed. He built the 12m Sundancer while living in Sydney and sailed it to New Zealand where he built Sundreamer, a powerful 17-metre multihull that he raced and cruised for ...
Come along with me as I take you on an adventure out of Destin Florida on my Invincible 33 catamaran. The first half of the video is deep dropping for bottom...
The perfect balance between performance and comfort, the all-new Outremer 55 stands above the rest.Just Catamarans is the exclusive Outremer North American D...
The best catamarans for sailing around the world include: Lagoon 42. The Fountaine Pajot Ipanema 58. Manta 42. Catana 50. Dolphin 42. Gunboat 62. These cats focus on speed, safety, and comfort for longer journeys. This article will show you the seventeen best catamarans for long journeys, and why they're the best.
Episode 219: The vacation continues on this video you see the fam and I hit up a day time booze cruise.Want to support my work? Cash App Me $rodrigopresents ...
Catamaran Cruise & Snorkeling TourTake a break and enjoy a Catamaran Cruise along the Caribbean Sea. This will surely be a momentous experience you will neve...
Dreamer Catamaran CruisesMontego Bay, Jamaica