Top 5 Skills You’ll Learn During Catamaran Training in the Canaries

Catamarans are becoming an increasingly popular choice for sailors who value comfort, space, and stability. If you’re new to sailing or looking to gain confidence handling multi-hull vessels, catamaran training in the Canary Islands with Canary Sail offers the perfect opportunity. With steady trade winds, mild temperatures, and expert RYA instructors, the Canaries are the ideal setting for developing your sailing skills.

Here are the top five skills you’ll gain during your catamaran training experience:

1. Handling Twin Engines

Unlike monohulls, catamarans are powered by twin engines, which offer excellent control in tight spaces. You’ll learn how to use them independently for advanced manoeuvres, such as pivoting the boat or performing a tight turn in a marina. This is a key skill that sets catamaran handling apart—and one that’s invaluable for docking with confidence.

2. Close-Quarters Manoeuvring

Sailing a larger vessel like a catamaran in confined areas requires precision and spatial awareness. During your training with Canary Sail, you’ll practise close-quarters manoeuvres including coming alongside, berthing, and navigating narrow channels, all while understanding the different responses of a wider, dual-hull vessel.

3. Anchoring with Confidence

Due to their broader beam and shallower draft, catamarans behave differently at anchor. You’ll be taught how to select a safe anchorage, lay anchor with sufficient scope, and manage anchor swing, all of which are essential for staying secure overnight. You’ll also cover bridle anchoring, a technique specific to catamarans.

4. Sail Trim and Balance on a Catamaran

Catamarans respond differently to wind due to their reduced heel and twin hulls. You’ll learn how to adjust sail trim effectively to maintain speed and balance, optimise performance, and reduce unnecessary strain on the rig. Understanding the dynamics of wind on a catamaran is essential for efficient cruising.

5. Catamaran-Specific Safety and Systems

From man overboard drills to life raft access and engine checks, you’ll become familiar with all the unique systems and safety procedures on board a cruising catamaran. Canary Sail’s instructors ensure you’re comfortable with both daily operations and emergency protocols specific to multi-hull boats.

Why Choose Canary Sail for Catamaran Training?

Canary Sail’s Catamaran Cruising & Sailing Training programme gives you the chance to learn aboard a well-equipped catamaran in real-world conditions. With smaller group sizes, personalised tuition, and world-class sailing grounds, it’s an ideal place to start your catamaran journey or take your skills to the next level.

Find out more and start your catamaran training adventure today: Catamaran Cruising and Sailing Training – Canary Sail

10th June 2025 | cs_admin | Blog