How to Race a Catamaran

Catamarans are sleek and fast boats that make use of their minimal surface area to convert power into velocity. Sailing a catamaran in a race requires lots of finely tuned skill and knowledge, especially since the boat is less maneuverable than comparable mono-hulls. Follow these steps to successfully race a catamaran.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Get your boat in shape. Outfit your catamaran with the right gear to compete in a serious race. Racing sails, harness rings and a racing tiller are among the important components that need to be added to a catamaran for a race. Thoroughly inspect and tune the rigging to help you squeeze that extra couple of knots out of the boat.

2. Practice your skills. Tacking and jibing a catamaran are tricky maneuvers and your expertise at turning the boat through or with the wind can be the difference between winning and losing the race. (See the related eHow article "How to Tack a Catamaran.") Set up a course similar to the official race course and sail the boat in as many different wind conditions as possible to tune your skills for the race.

3. Find the balance on your boat. Every catamaran behaves slightly differently in the water, so it's important for you to learn your boat's "personality" for the race. Pay special attention to the sweet spot where you can sail on one keel, thereby reducing drag, without sacrificing too much sail surface area. This will give you a big boost in speed.

4. Register for the race and get your boat into the right class. Make sure to register for the race, or regatta, well in advance of the race date. Almost no races allow for competitors to just show up, so make sure you fill out all the forms and pay the right dues to enter into the race. If the race includes multiple types of boats, be sure to get your boat registered in the right class so you get the appropriate handicap.

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