When switching from a traditional monohull motorboat to a charter motor catamaran, familiar basics are combined with entirely new characteristics. Course, navigation and anticipatory boat handling remain crucial. However, two hulls, two engines and the greater beam significantly alter procedures on board. Different conditions apply, particularly when manoeuvring in harbour, docking and mooring to a buoy.
This is exactly where the BOATS Cat Experience powered by The Moorings From 2 to 6 May 2027, motorboat enthusiasts in Croatia will have the chance to try their hand at steering and manoeuvring a motor catamaran. The sailing course is specifically aimed at participants who have little or no previous experience as a skipper of a motor catamaran.
Under expert guidance, participants are shown what to bear in mind when switching to a twin-hull vessel. They take the helm themselves, carry out manoeuvres and familiarise themselves with the on-board systems. The aim is to provide a realistic insight into how to handle a modern charter motor catamaran.
Training under real-world conditions
The starting point is The Moorings base in Marina Agana, not far from Split. From there, the trip takes place on the water for five days and four nights. The training takes place in a group with a flotilla-style set-up. The crews sail together, gain practical experience and can discuss manoeuvres, procedures and observations after each session.
The Cat Experience is led by the experts from BOOTE magazine, headed by Editor-in-Chief Martin Hager. Theory and practice are closely intertwined. What is discussed at the start can then be put into practice on board. The Dalmatian archipelago offers a wide variety of different stretches of coastline, bays and harbour conditions for this purpose.
The focus is not simply on being a passenger. Participants are encouraged to experience what it feels like to skipper a motor catamaran themselves. This involves clear communication within the crew, keeping a watchful eye on the weather and space constraints, and the safe handling of the propulsion system and yacht equipment.
Harbour manoeuvres using two engines
One of the most important areas of training is sailing technique. At sea, the basics of boat handling are covered. In port, the programme includes mooring and unmooring, coming alongside and securing the boat safely. Anchoring manoeuvres and mooring to a buoy are also part of the practical training.
Particular attention must be paid to the interaction between the two engines. When used strategically, they assist in the controlled turning and manoeuvring of the catamaran. At the same time, the yacht’s width, its windage and spatial awareness require careful preparation. Particularly in tighter harbours, the crew must know which line is needed first, how much space is available and how the boat reacts to the wind and engine thrust.
The exercises help participants not only to understand these factors in theory, but also to recognise them first-hand whilst at the helm. Repeated manoeuvres help develop a feel for reaction times, speed and distance. Experienced skippers supervise the exercises and provide specific guidance on preparation and execution.
From taking over the charter to navigation
The Cat Experience begins with the handover of the charter yacht. Check-in, an induction and a briefing on the sailing area provide a structured introduction. Participants learn which parts of the yacht need to be checked before setting sail and how to operate the various on-board systems.
Another key area is yacht technology. This includes electrical and electronic equipment, as well as the operation of the on-board comfort features. A thorough induction makes day-to-day life easier and helps ensure the yacht is used responsibly.
The programme is complemented by an introduction to terrestrial and electronic navigation. Participants will learn how to prepare for a leg of the journey and monitor their position whilst underway. This provides a comprehensive overview, covering everything from taking over the chartered vessel and navigating it to arriving at the next port.
Learning together, gaining individual experience
Training within the flotilla combines two advantages: each crew actively practises its own manoeuvres on board, whilst remaining part of a larger group. Experiences can be compared and questions discussed directly with the experts. This means that a variety of situations become learning opportunities for all participants.
Even when you’re not practising, there’s still time to enjoy life on board and chat with other motorboat enthusiasts. The route takes you through an area featuring bays, islands and coastal towns. The course thus combines focused learning with the rhythm of a multi-day sailing trip: preparing, setting off, sailing, manoeuvring, mooring and reviewing the day together.
Who is the Cat Experience suitable for?
This event is aimed at motorboat skippers who would like to try their hand at sailing a motor catamaran but have little or no experience as a catamaran skipper. It is suitable for anyone who wishes to practise basic procedures under supervision before going on a future charter.
Previous experience of motorboating can be helpful, but it is no substitute for practical experience on a classic motor catamaran. Anyone who has previously only helmed smaller motorboats may gain new insights, particularly when it comes to harbour manoeuvres, judging the width of the vessel and using both engines.
The Cat Experience offers a hands-on introduction. Participants have the opportunity to ask questions, practise typical manoeuvres and find out whether a motor catamaran suits their own cruising plans.
Life on board
The trip lasts five days and four nights on board. Accommodation is in comfortable double cabins on motor catamarans from The Moorings. A welcome drink, breakfast and soft drinks on board are included, as are mooring fees, yacht damage insurance, final cleaning and diesel. Stand-up paddleboards are available for a bit of exercise on the water.
Not included are travel to and from Split Airport, lunch and dinner, the on-board fund for additional provisions – including the skipper’s meals – and any tips.
Accommodation for the Cat Experience 2027 is to be on the Moorings 464PC. The motor catamaran has four cabins, each with its own en-suite bathroom. Its features include individually controlled air conditioning, a water purification system, reversing cameras and a flybridge with a second helm station, a bar, a barbecue and sun loungers.
Five days for greater safety on the road
A motor catamaran offers plenty of space both on deck and below deck. However, it is crucial not only to view the yacht as a comfortable platform, but also to understand its manoeuvring characteristics. Those who are familiar with how both engines respond, can anticipate the yacht’s width and clearly involve their crew will lay the foundations for controlled operations on board.
The BOOTE Cat Experience offers five days on the water for this very purpose. Not in a training room, but right where every decision has an immediate impact: at the helm, amongst the mooring lines, whilst casting off and on the way to the next harbour.
The next BOOTE Cat Experience, powered by The Moorings, will take place from 2–6 May 2027, departing from Marina Agana near Split in Croatia takes place. Those interested can find further information, prices and the option to make a booking enquiry at www.moorings.com/de/katamarantraining
Summary:
- Date: 2 to 6 May 2027
- Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
- Starting point: Marina Agana, Croatia
- Format: Group catamaran training with a flotilla-style approach
- Led by: Experts from BOOTE magazine and the experienced team at The Moorings
- Contents: Charter briefing, boat handling, harbour and anchoring manoeuvres, mooring, yacht mechanics, and terrestrial and electronic navigation
- Target audience: Motorboat skippers with little or no experience as catamaran skippers
- Information and enquiries: www.moorings.com/de/katamarantraining. Tel. +49 (0)6101 8073070
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