A long cruise is much more than just a trip: it's a way of life. Choosing the right boat will impact not only your comfort and safety at sea, but also your daily life and your freedom to explore. In this article, we look at the essential criteria to help you make the right choice, based on testimonials from experienced sailors, technical information and an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of boat often found on long-distance cruises: monohull or catamaran.
Monohull or catamaran: two sailing philosophies
When embarking on a long-distance cruising project, choosing the right type of boat is a crucial decision. The choice between monohull and catamaran depends on many factors, and there is no universal answer. Above all, it's a question of sailing style and personal priorities.
Here are a few questions to help you make the right choice:
- What style of sailing are you looking for? Do you prefer to feel the sensations of the sea, or do you prefer stability?
- Do you need living space for comfort, or are you prepared to compromise for a more manoeuvrable boat?
- Do you plan to spend a lot of time at anchor, or do you prefer to sail from one stopover to the next?
- How important is performance at sea compared with comfort at anchor?
These questions clarify your needs and help you identify what's most important to you. Let's now look at the key features of each option to help you narrow down your choice.
Our comparison:
Fuel consumption and maintenance
In general, monohulls require less power and only one engine to move forward, which often makes them more fuel-efficient. In calm sea conditions, a monohull is very efficient, but in light winds, a catamaran can sail faster without an engine, thanks to its lightness and lack of ballast. This is less true of heavy, overloaded catamarans. However, in difficult sea conditions, a catamaran may need both engines to maintain stability, which increases fuel consumption. When it comes to maintenance, two engines also consume more fuel than one. As Eric, who has sailed around the world in a catamaran, points out, "In calm seas, we could sail with low consumption, but as soon as the sea became rough, we needed more power to keep us on course."
Safety: a question of design and behavior at sea
Safety at sea is highly dependent on boat design. Monohulls, with their ability to right themselves in the event of capsizing, are often perceived as safer in extreme conditions. Their low center of gravity makes it easy to regain a stable position after a heavy roll. Nathalie, a sailor for over 20 years, remembers her first Atlantic storms: "The monohull gives you confidence because you know it can take the waves and right itself if need be."
Catamarans, on the other hand, rest on their two hulls and are stable. They are less prone to heeling, which improves comfort and reduces the risk of slipping or falling on board, even if their movements are chaotic in rough seas. On the other hand, a catamaran does not right itself in the event of capsizing. Jean, a captain who has crossed the Indian Ocean several times, sums up: "With a catamaran, the stability is incredible, especially at anchor, but you also have to know how to assess the conditions to avoid exposing yourself to waves that are too dangerous."
Comfort and living space
Catamarans generally offer more living space, with well-separated cabins, each in its own hull, and a flat circulation, ideal for daily life. This configuration is particularly popular with families and long-term crews. Isabelle, who has sailed her family around the Mediterranean on a catamaran, often says: "The catamaran is a bit like a loft on the water, there's space for everyone, even for solo moments."
Enjoying stopovers
Catamarans often make the most of anchorages and stopovers. With a shallower draught than most monohulls (except dinghies), they can get closer to coasts and beaches, offering closer and sometimes less crowded anchorages. "With our catamaran, we often anchored where other sailboats couldn't go, offering us exceptional moments away from the crowds," says Claire, who loves secluded spots.
Eco-responsibility and sustainability
For sailors sensitive to environmental issues, many modern boats today incorporate ecological solutions. Most are equipped with solar panels, offering greater energy autonomy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. With their available surface area, catamarans have an advantage over monohulls. Sailboats can also integrate equipment such as wind turbines or hydroelectric generators to recharge batteries. In this respect, there's no difference between monohulls and catamarans.
Wellness and health at sea
Sailing the oceans is much more than a sporting adventure; it's a way of life where well-being takes on a unique meaning. On a catamaran, the boat's stability softens the movement of the waves, creating an essential physical comfort during long crossings. "Imagine sitting on deck, lulled by the lapping of the waves, gazing at the horizon as the sun slowly sets... This moment of peace is one of the priceless gifts of the sea," confides Claire, a keen cruiser.
For those who choose the monohull, the experience is more intense, more connected to the elements. "You feel every movement, every variation in the wind; it's a return to basics," explains Marc, a long-time sailor.
In the end, a personal and experiential choice
Choosing your boat for a long-distance cruise will have a profound influence on your sailing experience. Monohull or catamaran, each option offers its own advantages and challenges. Above all, the choice will depend on your vision of life at sea, your experience, your budget and your priorities. "Every boat is a journey in itself; choosing one means deciding what kind of life you want to embrace."
Whether you're attracted by the authentic adventure of a monohull or the comfort of a catamaran, the most important thing is to choose a boat that matches your sailing aspirations. Every decision, from hull type to onboard equipment, shapes your sailing experience and your sense of freedom on the oceans.
