dug a little deeper...and the "detail" on catamarans is really bad. It points out nearly as many negatives as positives and glosses over the majority of catamaran sailing. There shouldn't be any "direct" negatives listed on any of these 'more detail' pages.
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WHAT Multihull sailboats come in a variety of types and sizes. Catamarans have two hulls, while trimarans feature three. In general, multihulls are faster and lighter than monohulls. However, multihulls are typically slower at turning. These boats do not have a keel.
WHY Larger Catamarans make good cruising and long distance boats. They are also built for speed, which makes them great racing boats. Also, they do not capsize as easily. The stable platform or deck area improves safety and helps keep you dry. Larger catamarans make good cruising and long distance boats too. Small multihulls are typically simple, inexpensive boats. They are also easy to launch from the beach.
So, let's see the negatives listed for small (non cruising): slower at turning, do not have a keel, unstable and capsize easily (listed as an anti-negative for a 'big one'), wet (anti-negative again), and some might say "simple" is a negative if not just a mischaracterization written by someone that has clearly never set foot on a small multihull.
Is that the two most exciting pictures they could find of multihull sailing? What is up with choosing that top one - it looks like a trainwreck just happened and the second one (while cute) doesn't show any excitement. Compare that to the others while you're on there too.
compare that to the "small boat sailing" and you'll wonder why anyone sails catamarans at all (besides large cruisers).
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WHAT Small boat sailing is a simple, inexpensive way to get started in the sport. The fundamental basics of sailing are most easily learned in small boats. Many small boats are designed specifically for youth, and most provide a lifetime of enjoyment for adults as well. Because of their size and simplicity, many small sailboats can be sailed single handed or with a single crew member. Small boat performance, depending on the design, may range from stable and relaxing to wet and wild.
WHY Small boat sailing can bring you relaxing days on the water, adventurous family fun or challenging competition. By learning to sail a small boat with a US Sailing certified instructor, you’ll learn the skills you need to build your confidence and sail the boat effectively and safely. If you become a boat owner, small boats are affordable and easy to transport (car-top or trailer) and to store. They are simple to rig, allowing you to get on the water faster, and enjoy more time sailing.
let's see...negatives for 'small boats'? errrr....none.
Come to think of it, what is up with the line clearly drawn between Multihull, small boats, and large boats? Can a multihull not also be a small boat and a large boat? Why isn't it "small boat; dingy and multihull", "Large boat; monohull and multihull" or something. This is dumb. Not any of the other descriptions for the other "types" of sailing means lists any negatives but the multihull version is full of them.
Crap like this makes me glad I choose not to renew my US Sailing membership for the first time in a long time.
