Catamaran vs Sailboat: Which Yacht Is Best for Your Sailing Holiday?

Get ready to embark on a sea-faring adventure as we unveil the unique charm of catamarans and monohull sailboats—two icons of modern yacht charter. We love classic sailing, but it’s impossible to ignore the laid-back comfort and “floating villa” feeling you get onboard a catamaran.

This guide breaks down the real, practical differences—so you can choose the best boat rental for your sailing holiday, whether you’re planning a bareboat charter, a skippered trip, or a relaxed week with friends and family. Ready to set sail? Let’s compare stability, space, performance, and comfort—so your next yacht escape feels effortless from day one.

Yacht Charter: Book your holiday with Sailogy!

Quick navigation

Sailboat vs Catamaran Comparison

If you’re comparing catamaran vs sailboat for a one-week charter, these are the factors that matter most onboard—especially for comfort, marina life, and “how it feels” at sea.

1) Stability (and seasickness)

• Sailboat: A single hull offers a responsive, traditional sailing feel. Expect some heeling (tilting), which many sailors love for the “real sailing” sensation.
• Catamaran: Two hulls deliver exceptional stability with minimal heeling. Many guests find this the most comfortable option—especially if anyone is prone to seasickness.

2) Space (cabins, bathrooms, and social areas)

• Catamaran: Typically offers larger living areas, more privacy between hulls, and often en-suite cabins. The cockpit and saloon are designed for an easy social life.
• Sailboat: More compact and cosy. Space is used efficiently, and the layout often creates a warm “together” vibe—ideal for close groups.

3) Size (marinas, berths, and peak season practicality)

• Catamaran: A wider beam means more comfort—but also fewer berth options in crowded marinas and sometimes higher mooring costs.
• Sailboat: A narrower profile makes marina life easier, especially in high season. This can be a real advantage when ports are busy. It’s worth noting that this varies by model; sailboats such as the Bavaria C38 (and similarly beamy cruisers) can feel surprisingly spacious both below deck and on deck.

4) One-level living (indoor-outdoor flow)

• Catamaran: Often feels like one big living area—saloon and cockpit connect seamlessly, great for families and groups who love shared spaces.
• Sailboat: More distinct areas (cockpit / saloon / cabins), which some guests prefer for quiet corners and separation of activities.

5) Manoeuvrability in harbours

• Catamaran: Two engines = excellent control in tight spaces. Many catamarans can pivot more easily, which is reassuring in crowded marinas.
• Sailboat: With one engine, manoeuvres require a bit more planning—especially in crosswind. It’s totally manageable, and many sailors enjoy the seamanship side of it.

6) Speed, angles, and sailing feel

• Catamaran: Often faster in many conditions thanks to reduced drag and stability—great for covering distance comfortably.
• Sailboat: Delivers the classic sailing experience and can be brilliant upwind depending on design. If you love trim, heel, and “pure sailing,” you’ll likely prefer a monohull.

7) Comfort and privacy onboard

• Catamaran: Great for mixed groups (different routines, kids, or a skipper onboard). Separate hulls increase privacy and reduce noise.
• Sailboat: More communal and “shared adventure.” Ideal for friends who like being close and living the boat as one unit.

8) Autonomy (fuel, water, and planning)

• Catamaran: Two engines can mean higher fuel use under power. Planning for water and supplies matters—especially with large groups.
• Sailboat: Often excellent fuel autonomy and simpler systems. Perfect if you want a more “self-sufficient sailing” style of holiday.

9) Layout and space organisation

• Catamaran: Charter catamarans frequently have a practical, repeatable layout—cabins in each hull, bathrooms mid-hull, and a social saloon-cockpit core. Some newer models add clever features like an outdoor galley for easy alfresco living.
• Sailboat: Layouts vary widely, from performance-focused designs to spacious family cruisers. Modern beams can dramatically improve the main cabin and overall sense of volume, so choosing the right model really matters.

Can a catamaran sail in rough seas?

Yes—catamarans can handle rough seas, and many are extremely capable offshore when operated correctly. Their twin-hull platform reduces heeling and often feels steadier than a monohull, which is why many guests find them comfortable even when conditions get lively.

A key design element is the bridge deck (the space between the hulls). On well-designed catamarans with sufficient clearance, the bridge deck helps reduce “slamming” in waves—improving comfort and decreasing structural stress in choppy sea states.

Like any boat, safety depends on conditions, route planning, sail handling, and skipper experience. In extreme situations, a capsize is possible, but good seamanship, conservative decisions, and a capable design make catamarans a strong option for a wide range of sea conditions.

What is the difference between a sailing catamaran and a power catamaran?

The main difference is propulsion. A sailing catamaran relies primarily on sails (with engines for manoeuvring and backup), delivering a more traditional sailing feel with great stability and efficiency. A power catamaran is engine-driven, designed for easy handling, higher cruising speeds, and covering more miles in less time.

In practice: choose a sailing catamaran if you want the sailing experience with maximum comfort; choose a power catamaran if speed and long-distance cruising are your priority.

Are catamarans faster than sailboats?

Often, yes—catamarans can be faster than monohull sailboats thanks to reduced drag and a stable platform that keeps sails working efficiently. That said, speed depends on design, loading, sea state, and wind angles. Some sailboats perform brilliantly upwind, and performance-oriented monohulls can be very quick in the right conditions.

If your goal is comfortable mileage with minimal heeling, a catamaran is hard to beat. If your goal is classic sailing feel and strong upwind performance, a sailboat may be your perfect match.

Are catamarans harder to sail?

For many beginners, a catamaran can actually feel easier because it’s stable and doesn’t heel much. The learning curve is different, though: catamarans have more windage, behave differently in tight docking situations, and reward good sail trim for best performance.

With practice, both boat types are straightforward—and many experienced sailors enjoy switching between them depending on the destination, group, and holiday style.