Guide
which catamaran course should you take?
How to learn catamaran sailing and earn your ASA 114 endorsement.
Monohull vs Catamaran – Which Boat Type Should You Learn On?
Keelboat vs multihull – which sailing style suits you?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Monohull | Catamaran |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | Heels (tilts) under sail – authentic sailing feel | Stays flat – more comfortable, especially for beginners |
| Speed | Generally slower, better upwind performance | Faster on a reach, wider turning radius |
| Space | Compact, efficient layout | Spacious saloon, multiple hulls for privacy |
| Certification | ASA 101/103/104 (standard path) | ASA 114 (requires ASA 104 first) |
| Charter Cost | Lower charter fees worldwide | 30-50% more expensive to charter |
| Docking | Single engine, uses prop walk for docking | Twin engines – easier to manoeuvre in marina |
| Best For | Traditional sailors, racers, budget-conscious | Comfort seekers, families, Caribbean cruising |
Comfort
Monohull:
Heels (tilts) under sail – authentic sailing feel
Catamaran:
Stays flat – more comfortable, especially for beginners
Speed
Monohull:
Generally slower, better upwind performance
Catamaran:
Faster on a reach, wider turning radius
Space
Monohull:
Compact, efficient layout
Catamaran:
Spacious saloon, multiple hulls for privacy
Certification
Monohull:
ASA 101/103/104 (standard path)
Catamaran:
ASA 114 (requires ASA 104 first)
Charter Cost
Monohull:
Lower charter fees worldwide
Catamaran:
30-50% more expensive to charter
Docking
Monohull:
Single engine, uses prop walk for docking
Catamaran:
Twin engines – easier to manoeuvre in marina
Best For
Monohull:
Traditional sailors, racers, budget-conscious
Catamaran:
Comfort seekers, families, Caribbean cruising
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I learn on a monohull first?
Yes – the standard path is monohull first (ASA 101-104), then catamaran (ASA 114). Monohull teaches you the fundamentals that apply to all sailing.
Are catamarans easier?
In some ways – they don't heel, have more space, and twin engines make docking simpler. But they require different techniques for tacking and heavy weather that you need specific training for.
Which is better for chartering?
Catamarans dominate the charter market, especially in the Caribbean. If your goal is bareboat chartering with family/friends, the catamaran certification opens more options.
Can I sail both?
Absolutely. Many sailors get their monohull certifications first, then add the ASA 114 catamaran endorsement. This gives you the widest range of charter options worldwide.
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Course Type
catamaran sailing courses
Learn on two hulls and earn your ASA 114 cruising catamaran endorsement.
Certification
ASA 114 Cruising Catamaran
Learn to sail catamarans with the ASA 114 certification.
Destination
Our Greece sailing school
Island-hop through the Greek islands while earning your ASA certification.