Considering a Catamaran Charter? Know The Language

By: Charter, Cruising Tips

If you are considering a charter there is a good chance you’ll be thinking about a catamaran for your sailing vacation. While you should pick up ASA’s Cruising Catamarans Made Easy or consider taking ASA 114, Cruising Catamaran, you might want to brush up on the vocabulary that is specific to catamarans.

If you feel like you need a major refresher on boat terms, check out our piece on Sailing Terms Everyone Should Know.

These are a few terms that should help your understanding of catamarans and their differences from monohulls.

Multihull: A boat with multiple hulls, either a trimaran or a catamaran.
Catamaran: A boat with two widely spaced hulls of equal size.

Bridgedeck: The deck structure spanning the hulls of a catamaran.

Nacelle: A forward projection of the bridgedeck designed to soften the impact of seas beneath the bridgedeck.

Deckhouse: The cabin on top of a bridgedeck, typically housing the saloon, nav station, and galley.

Bridle: A pair of lines used to spread the load from a central connecting point to two separate points (used when anchored or moored or when towing or being towed).

These are real terms that you might hear when talking about catamarans:

Seagull Striker: A braced strut that projects upward on the forward crossbeam to stiffen it against the upward pull of the forestay.

Not to be confused with the:

Dolphin Striker: A braced strut that projects downward from the cross beam that supports the mast.

Roach: Area at the leech of a sail that extends outside a straight line between the head and clew.

Catwalk: A solid walkway along the centerline between the bridgedeck and the forward crossbeam.

Flybridge: A helm station located on top of the deckhouse.

Tramp (Trampoline): A taut net spanning the space between the bows of a cruising catamaran.

Twin Screw: Two engines and two propellers.

Charter Resources

  • Your First Charter Sailing Vacation Today bareboat chartering is the culmination of your sailing education. When you walk across the deck and get your sailing diploma you step on to the metaphorical boat of your future and you can sail it anywhere you want!
  • Charter Sailboat Resources Whether you have just begun to sail and have recently earned your ASA 101 certification or if you have already mastered ASA 114 and are a veteran of bareboat charters this resource should help you.
  • Bareboat Charter in the BVI Getting aboard your bareboat charter is the goal when you get your ASA sailing certifications. Where do you begin? For many, it is a sailing vacation in the British Virgin Islands.
  • Choosing a Charter Boat Company It’s time for you to set off on your own and explore endless shorelines and secluded coves. You have mapped out your plan and you have reserved your vacation time now all you need is a boat. How do you choose a charter company to rent a boat for a week?
  • Choosing The Right Boat for Your Sailing Charter When you decide to take a sailing vacation aboard a sailing vessel that you will call home for a week or two you’ll be surprised by just how much you think you need.
  • Sailing in Europe? Chartering overseas is on the bucket list of many a sailor, but making it happen comes with a stipulation or two. A sizable number of countries require an International Proficiency Certificate that lets them know the charterer is trained, qualified and prepared to take one of their boats out to sea.

Try our online sailing term quizzes:
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