Luxury catamaran sailing through turquoise Caribbean waters with guests enjoying the spacious deck and twin hulls visible

Sail Wider: Master Multihull Sailing with ASA 114

Name: ASA 114 Cruising Catamaran Course | Sailing Virgins
Uploaded: 2026-10-07
Duration: 3:00
Description: 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.

Catamarans offer unmatched stability, space, and comfort. Learn the unique handling skills that make multihull sailing the fastest-growing segment in chartering.

Find Your Course

American Sailing Association Certified Training Facility

ASA CertifiedTraining Facility

4.98/5228 reviews

As Featured InVOGUE

7 days

Duration

ASA 114 (varies by course)

Certification

$3,950

From

40-50ft Catamaran

Boat Type

Upcoming catamaran weeks

Real departures, live availability — hold your spot below.

Week 45
Nov 8 - Nov 14, 2026
Offers ASA 101–106 · 114
$5,190
per person
View & book
Week 46
Nov 15 - Nov 21, 2026
Offers ASA 101–106 · 114
$4,990
per person
View & book
Week 47
Nov 22 - Nov 28, 2026
Offers ASA 101–106 · 114
$4,990
per person
View & book
Week 481 spot left
Nov 29 - Dec 5, 2026
Offers ASA 101–106 · 114
$5,190
per person
View & book
Week 49
Dec 6 - Dec 12, 2026
Offers ASA 101–106 · 114
$4,990
per person
View & book
Week 50
Dec 13 - Dec 19, 2026
Offers ASA 101–106 · 114
$4,990
per person
Hold your spot from $2,495 deposit
View & book

Your Catamaran Sailing Experience

Discover the space, stability, and comfort of multihull sailing with our ASA 114 certification courses.

Catamaran sailing in crystal clear Caribbean waters

1 / 10

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.

Captain Nacha Barrio

Sailing Virgins Instructor

Catamaran courses — the facts

School: Sailing Virgins — ASA-accredited liveaboard sailing school, founded 2016 in the British Virgin Islands
Format: 7-day liveaboard courses: you live aboard the yacht you train on, with instruction, accommodation and certification exams included
Certifications: ASA 101 through 106, plus ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran); beginners earn ASA 101 + 103 in a single week (ASA 101 + 102 from 2027)
Track record: 1,200+ certified graduates from over 40 countries; 5-star rated on TripAdvisor
Pricing: Courses from $3,790 per person
Catamaran certification: ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran) is offered for sailors who want to specialise in multihulls; catamaran course weeks sail the British Virgin Islands

Is Catamaran Right for You?

Find out if this course matches your experience level and goals.

Perfect For

Sailors who prefer stability and spacious living aboard
Families with children or groups wanting separate sleeping quarters
Those planning to charter catamarans independently
Monohull sailors curious about multihull differences
Anyone prone to seasickness seeking a gentler sailing experience
Cruising couples planning extended liveaboard adventures

Prerequisites

Depends on the week. Beginner catamaran weeks need no experience and award ASA 101 + 103 in 2026, or ASA 101 + 102 from 2027 (not ASA 114). Intermediate catamaran weeks, which add ASA 114, need ASA 101, and experienced sailors without it can sit the ASA 101 test. Did a Beginner week in 2026? Then you already hold ASA 103. On your Intermediate week you'll recap 103 and go deeper into those skills, then add the ASA 104 skills on top. Contact us to find the right fit for your experience level.

What You'll Achieve

ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran) endorsement on Intermediate and Advanced catamaran weeks
Qualification to bareboat charter catamarans worldwide
Confidence in catamaran-specific maneuvering and docking
Understanding of multihull performance characteristics
Skills to handle the unique challenges of twin-hull sailing

Family enjoying the spacious deck of a catamaran while sailing in crystal-clear Caribbean waters

What You'll Learn

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.

Catamaran hull design and performance characteristics

Understanding bridgedeck clearance and wave impact

Twin-engine maneuvering: using differential thrust for precise control

Docking techniques for wide-beam vessels in tight marinas

Anchoring strategies for catamarans (scope, swing room, bridle setup)

Med mooring and stern-to docking with twin engines

Sail trim differences: wing deck sailing, apparent wind effects

Reefing and sail balance for multihull performance

Heavy weather tactics specific to catamarans

Understanding capsize risk factors and prevention

Trampoline safety and net maintenance

Systems management: water tanks, holding tanks, solar, generator

All certifications issued by the American Sailing Association (ASA)

A Day in the Life

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

07:00Wake up in your private cabin

Enjoy the space and stability that only a catamaran provides

Zen

08:00Breakfast on the flybridge

Discuss the day plan with panoramic harbor views

Social

09:00Twin-engine docking practice

Master using differential thrust for precise maneuvering

High Focus

10:30Set sail with catamaran-specific instruction

Learn sail trim for multihull performance

Active

12:00Lunch underway on the spacious cockpit

Experience the social benefits of catamaran layout

Social

13:30Anchoring workshop: bridle setup and scope

Practice catamaran-specific anchoring techniques

Academic

15:00Swim and snorkel from the sugar scoop steps

Enjoy easy water access unique to catamarans

Zen

17:00Systems walkthrough: water, solar, generator

Understand catamaran-specific systems management

Academic

18:30Sundowners on the trampoline

Relax with a drink watching the sunset

Celebration

20:00Dinner ashore or onboard BBQ

Share stories and debrief the day

Social

Zen

Academic

Active

Social

High Focus

Celebration

See What a Catamaran Course Looks Like

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

Your Crew

Meet Your Instructors

Learn from captains with extensive multihull experience who specialize in catamaran handling and cruising.

Captain Justin Avioli

ASA Certified Instructor

Justin got his start sailing on the Hudson River, hosting the occasional booze cruise around the Statue of Liberty. But, city life wasn't suited for this Texas native, and he soon decided to use sailing as an avenue to explore the world.

ASA Certified InstructorSailing Virgins Instructor

1 of 5 instructors

Meet all our instructors

Tripadvisor Reviews

What Catamaran Sailors Say

5.0

(228+ reviews)

“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.”

Amanda & Steve H.

Couple, 52 & 54, Retired Teachers

“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!”

The Patterson Family

Family of 4, Kids aged 10 & 13

“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.”

Richard T.

Solo Male, 61, Former Software Executive

“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.”

3 weeks scheduled

Next season: Feb 21, 2027

From

The Signature Series – Luxury Catamaran

French Polynesia

Offers ASA 101–104 · 114

2027 season

2 weeks scheduled

Next season: Feb 27, 2027

Up to 6 sailors

From

$8,500per person

View 2027 dates →

View All Catamaran Courses

Catamaran-vs-Monohull-Guide.pdf guide preview

Free Download

Download the Catamaran vs Monohull Guide

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:

Catamaran vs monohull comparison
Docking techniques illustrated
Catamaran-specific safety checks
Best cruising grounds for cats

Explore More Sailing Experiences

Monohull courses Beginner courses BVI sailing Croatia sailing

Certifications and destinations to pair with this

Certification

Learn catamaran sailing

Learn to sail catamarans with the ASA 114 certification.

Comparison

monohull vs catamaran — which to learn on?

Which boat type should you learn to sail on — monohull or catamaran?

Guide

ASA 104 + 114 summer 2027 dates

ASA 104 + 114 combo summer 2027 dates, pricing and availability.

Guide

the best catamaran sailing course

How to learn catamaran sailing and earn your ASA 114 endorsement.

Frequently Asked Questions

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. They award ASA 101 + 103 in 2026 and ASA 101 + 102 from 2027; ASA 114 comes with our Intermediate and Advanced catamaran weeks.

- **Monohull sailors**: ASA 114 add-on courses focus on the unique differences between mono and multihull.

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 one level (ASA 101 if you are new, or ASA 103), and our Koh Chang, Thailand weeks are Beginner weeks (ASA 101 + 102 in 2027) rather than ASA 114 weeks. Every course card and course page lists exactly which certifications it awards, so check before you book.

For those new to sailing, start with a Beginner week, then an Intermediate catamaran week awards ASA 103, ASA 104 and the ASA 114 endorsement, 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.

Ready to Sail Wider?

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 Course

100% Satisfaction GuaranteeFlexible Booking Options

Sail Wider: Master Multihull Sailing with ASA 114

Upcoming catamaran weeks

Your Catamaran Sailing Experience

Catamaran courses — the facts

Is Catamaran Right for You?

Perfect For

Prerequisites

What You'll Achieve

What You'll Learn

ASA 114

A Day in the Life

See What a Catamaran Course Looks Like

Meet Your Instructors

Captain Justin Avioli

What Catamaran Sailors Say

Upcoming Catamaran Courses

St Martin Catamaran Course

St Martin 10 Year Anniversary - Catamaran

BVI Catamaran Course

New Year's Eve St Martin Catamaran Course

Koh Chang Archipelago — Gulf of Thailand

The Signature Series – Luxury Catamaran

Download the Catamaran vs Monohull Guide

Explore More Sailing Experiences

Certifications and destinations to pair with this

Learn catamaran sailing

monohull vs catamaran — which to learn on?

ASA 104 + 114 summer 2027 dates

the best catamaran sailing course

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need monohull experience before learning catamaran?

Why choose a catamaran over a monohull?

What makes catamaran handling different?

Will I get my ASA 114 certification in one week?

What size catamarans do you train on?

Are catamaran courses more expensive than monohull?

Can families with children take the catamaran course?

Ready to Sail Wider?

Your Catamaran Sailing Experience

See What a Catamaran Course Looks Like

Meet Your Instructors

Captain Justin Avioli

What Catamaran Sailors Say

Download the Catamaran vs Monohull Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need monohull experience before learning catamaran?

Why choose a catamaran over a monohull?

What makes catamaran handling different?

Will I get my ASA 114 certification in one week?

What size catamarans do you train on?

Are catamaran courses more expensive than monohull?

Can families with children take the catamaran course?