Catamaran Classes

You must have a catamaran rating to sail the multi-hull boats. Introductory classes are available to help you obtain a basic catamaran rating. Class size is limited to 2 people for the on-the-water portion, but more people may attend the rigging/de-rigging and 'classroom' instruction on the dock. You must have a provisional rating. Pre-Registration is required. The average wind speed must be 6 knots or higher.

Course materials are available at http://sailing.mit.edu/mediawiki/index.php/Catamaran

Course Outline

Formal catamaran instruction consists of 3 two hour sessions.

Session I

• parts of the boat and what they do
• rigging and de-rigging
• leaving and approaching the dock
• dockside practice of skipper and crew positions, tacking, gybing
• on the water practice of tacking, gybing, getting out of irons

Session II

• rigging and de-rigging
• tacking and gybing around targets on a specified course
• practice leaving and approaching the dock
• practice capsizing and righting

Session III

• dockside trapeze instruction
• tacking and gybing around targets on a specified course
• practice trapeze and hiking
• practice capsizing and righting

Gloves are highly recommended, as are booties. You will almost certainly get wet sailing the catamaran.

Catamaran Requirements

Before you sail the catamaran on your own, you must have a helmsman rating, you must receive instruction specific to the catamaran, and you must demonstrate responsible boat control and the ability to rig, de-rig, tack, gybe, and get out of irons.

The catamaran is a fast boat and requires significantly more athletic ability than a dinghy. The boat easily reaches half the wind speed, and it is not unusual to match or even exceed the wind speed. Not only is the boat fast, it is very responsive. A quick turn can easily throw the skipper or crew off the boat or skewer another sailboat.

Catamaran Ratings

Basic Rating

• helmsman rating
• demonstration of basic skills
• at least 6 hours of instruction and/or supervised practice
• authorization by a catamaran instructor

Advanced Rating

• basic catamaran rating
• demonstration of advanced skills
• demonstrate ability to sail a specified course in over 10 knots of wind
• authorization by a catamaran instructor

Instructor Rating

• advanced catamaran rating
• student teach at least two catamaran classes
• authorization by a catamaran instructor

Multi-Hull Fleet at MIT

The Hobie 'Miracle 20' catamaran at MIT was donated by ? in ?. Prior to the Miracle 20, the multi-hull fleet consisted of a Hobie 16 and a Hobie 18.

The 'Miracle 20' has symmetric hulls and daggerboards. It sails well in light air and sports the beachable pop-up rudders with Hobie's signature cams.

The Hobie 'Miracle 20' was manufactured until June 2007. The boat was designed by a Dutch catamaran sailor, Jack Groeneveld.

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