Multi-hull Learning to Sail

[abmcdonald]

Hi,
I am quite new to sailing, completed a few courses and crewed on a couple wet season sailing comps, but all on mono hull. I am looking to buy a cheapish multi to learn to sail with my family. We have 3 kids with youngest age 2.5. We are moving to canberra so will look to sail in the south coast and sydney area.

I am looking at either a trailerable trimaran such as a farrier f9 or a seawind 850 (all under 100k). Obviously two completely different vessels and both have good points and negatives. I like the seawind due to the cabin space and ability to stay on the water. However, a trailer sailer can mean we can travel all over australia and sail in different locations.

Monohull is out of the question because I know my wife and kids would much prefer the stability of a cat.

The end game is to increase our knowledge of sailing so one day we can do a circumnavigation - likely in a cat.

What are peoples thoughts?

[danielamartindm]

Hi,

It's a worthy dream, and I hope you do it. A trimaran isn't going to afford much room below for five people. The Seawind 850 only had a run of 25 or so vessels. Those who've owned them say they have the space below decks of a forty foot monohull, so that would seem more doable. Research the blue water capabilities of 850's before buying one, but be aware that you can learn a lot coastal cruising and the first cat you buy may not be the ONLY one you buy before setting off. You may also find that coastal cruising suits you very well. Best of luck.

[Jeannius]

Buy whatever will make your wife happy or your sailing career will be short. I'm not one for starting small and learning to sail. Go for a decent boat (which you should be able to achieve for $AUS 100k).

I would think Darwin is a great place to start cruising. I spent about a month there back in 2010 and thoroughly enjoyed it, even though my stay was only that long as I was waiting for boat parts! Beached the boat several times in Fanny Bay to overhaul the bottom end of the saildrives and fit a new prop. Lovely place.