Learn catamaran sailing
Learn to sail catamarans with the ASA 114 certification.

Catamarans offer unmatched stability, space, and comfort. Learn the unique handling skills that make multihull sailing the fastest-growing segment in chartering.
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Legendary leader of our Patagonia courses, with 15 years of instructing experience and 40,000 nautical miles at sea, teaching Sailing Virgins courses in the BVI and St. Martin.
Find out if this course matches your experience level and goals.
ASA 101 + ASA 103 (or equivalent) recommended. Some catamaran courses are designed for complete beginners. Contact us to find the right fit for your experience level.

ASA 114 Cruising Catamaran certification teaches the specialized skills needed for safe and confident multihull sailing. From understanding bridgedeck clearance to mastering twin-engine docking, you will learn everything unique to catamaran handling.
All certifications issued by the American Sailing Association (ASA)
Catamaran courses combine sailing instruction with the unique pleasures of multihull cruising. Here is what a typical day looks like.
| Time | Activity | What You'll Learn | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | Wake up in your private cabin | Enjoy the space and stability that only a catamaran provides | Zen |
| 08:00 | Breakfast on the flybridge | Discuss the day plan with panoramic harbor views | Social |
| 09:00 | Twin-engine docking practice | Master using differential thrust for precise maneuvering | High Focus |
| 10:30 | Set sail with catamaran-specific instruction | Learn sail trim for multihull performance | Active |
| 12:00 | Lunch underway on the spacious cockpit | Experience the social benefits of catamaran layout | Social |
| 13:30 | Anchoring workshop: bridle setup and scope | Practice catamaran-specific anchoring techniques | Academic |
| 15:00 | Swim and snorkel from the sugar scoop steps | Enjoy easy water access unique to catamarans | Zen |
| 17:00 | Systems walkthrough: water, solar, generator | Understand catamaran-specific systems management | Academic |
| 18:30 | Sundowners on the trampoline | Relax with a drink watching the sunset | Celebration |
| 20:00 | Dinner ashore or onboard BBQ | Share stories and debrief the day | Social |
Enjoy the space and stability that only a catamaran provides
ZenDiscuss the day plan with panoramic harbor views
SocialMaster using differential thrust for precise maneuvering
High FocusLearn sail trim for multihull performance
ActiveExperience the social benefits of catamaran layout
SocialPractice catamaran-specific anchoring techniques
AcademicEnjoy easy water access unique to catamarans
ZenUnderstand catamaran-specific systems management
AcademicRelax with a drink watching the sunset
CelebrationShare stories and debrief the day
Social
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Learn to sail catamarans with the ASA 114 certification.
Which boat type should you learn to sail on — monohull or catamaran?
ASA 104 + 114 combo summer 2027 dates, pricing and availability.
How to learn catamaran sailing and earn your ASA 114 endorsement.

Experience the stability, space, and comfort of catamaran sailing. ASA 114 certification opens the door to the most sought-after charter boats in the world.
Find Your Catamaran CourseDiscover the space, stability, and comfort of multihull sailing with our ASA 114 certification courses.










Experience the spacious comfort and unique handling of catamaran sailing. Follow students as they master twin-engine docking, anchoring with a bridle, and the joys of multihull cruising.
Click to play • ASA 114 Cruising Catamaran Course | Sailing Virgins
Learn from captains with extensive multihull experience who specialize in catamaran handling and cruising.

ASA Certified Instructor
Mitchell has 20 years of sailing experience and has been involved in the charter industry for 6 years. Based in Hawaii, he operates year-round, combining his interests in surfing and sailing while traveling to various destinations for charters and...
1 of 5 instructors
“We had monohull experience but wanted to transition to catamarans for our retirement cruising plans. The differences are significant - twin engine docking, anchoring with a bridle, the whole approach to sail trim. Our instructor made it click. We just finished our first solo catamaran charter in Croatia and felt completely confident.”
“We chose the catamaran course specifically for our kids. The stability meant they could walk around safely, and they spent hours on the trampoline. My husband and I learned serious sailing skills while the kids had the adventure of a lifetime. The separate cabins were a lifesaver - actual privacy on a sailing vacation!”
“I get seasick on monohulls but had always dreamed of sailing. A friend suggested trying a catamaran - the stability is unreal. Zero nausea the entire week. The instructor covered everything specific to cats: bridgedeck clearance, twin-engine handling, the works. This opened up sailing for me in a way I never thought possible.”
“We're buying a catamaran for a year-long cruise and needed to know we could handle it. This course was exactly what we needed. The systems training alone was worth it - understanding water makers, solar, generator management. We practiced docking in the tightest spots. Now we feel ready for our big adventure.”

Considering your first catamaran charter? This guide covers the key differences between multihull and monohull sailing, what to expect, and how to prepare for your first catamaran experience.
What's inside:
Not necessarily. While ASA 114 is technically an add-on certification, we offer catamaran courses for different experience levels:
- **Complete beginners**: Our beginner catamaran courses teach you from scratch on a multihull.
- **Monohull sailors**: ASA 114 add-on courses focus on the unique differences between mono and multihull.
Contact us to find the right fit for your background.
Catamarans offer several advantages:
- **Stability**: Minimal heeling means less seasickness and easier movement aboard.
- **Space**: Wider beam provides more living space, separate cabins, and social areas.
- **Shallow draft**: Access shallow anchorages and beaches monohulls can not reach.
- **Speed**: Modern cats are often faster than similar-length monohulls.
The trade-off is that catamarans are wider (marina costs, tight docking) and handle differently. Our course teaches you to manage these differences confidently.
Key differences include:
- **Twin engines**: You will use differential thrust (one engine forward, one reverse) for tight turns and docking.
- **No heeling**: Sail trim focuses on speed rather than balancing heel angle.
- **Bridgedeck clearance**: Waves hitting between the hulls can cause slamming; you will learn to avoid this.
- **Windage**: The wide beam catches wind; docking requires different techniques.
Our course dedicates significant time to these handling skills.
Yes, on our ASA 114 catamaran courses: the 7 days cover the complete ASA 114 curriculum and practical assessments, and you'll leave certified and ready to charter catamarans independently. Our standard BVI, St Martin, Croatia, Greece and French Polynesia catamaran courses all award ASA 114.
Not every catamaran week is an ASA 114 week, though. Some social and holiday weeks, like the New Year's Eve St Martin catamaran course, certify ASA 101 and 103 only, and adventure weeks such as Koh Chang are not certification courses. Every course card and course page lists exactly which certifications it awards, so check before you book.
For those new to sailing, our combined courses include ASA 101/103 plus ASA 114, giving you all the certifications needed for bareboat catamaran charters.
We train on 40-50 foot cruising catamarans - the most popular charter sizes worldwide. These include brands like Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot, and Leopard.
Training on charter-size boats means your skills transfer directly when you rent your own catamaran. You will be comfortable with the exact systems and dimensions you will encounter chartering.
Catamaran courses are priced similarly to our monohull courses. While catamarans cost more to charter, we absorb much of this difference to make multihull training accessible.
Given that catamaran charter rates are higher than monohulls, investing in proper catamaran training delivers excellent value - the skills pay for themselves on your first charter.
Absolutely! Catamarans are often the best choice for families:
- **Stability**: Kids can move around safely without heeling.
- **Space**: Separate cabins for privacy, spacious deck for play.
- **Water access**: Sugar scoop steps make swimming easy and safe.
- **Trampoline**: Built-in fun that kids love.
We offer family-specific courses that balance instruction for parents with activities for children. Contact us about bringing kids aboard.