MOVE TO A MULTI

MULTIHULLS HAVE SOARED IN POPULARITY, BUT WHAT'S IT REALLY LIKE TO GO FROM A MONOHULL TO A CATAMARAN? LIVEABOARD CRUISER JOSHUA SHANKLE SHARES LESSONS LEARNED

-  JOSHUA SHANKLE

For over a decade, my wife, Rachel, and I lived aboard what could aptly be described as a traditional bluewater cruising yacht. Our 1984 Tayana 42, Agápē, was an excellent choice for us to begin our cruising adventure. Everything about her was robust and designed to withstand decades of abuse from the relentless ocean. We sailed her through Mexico, Central America, and into French Polynesia where we have spent the last five years exploring countless remote islands and anchorages.

The longer we spent on the water, the more we fell in love with the cruising life. Yet simultaneously, the remote lifestyle left us longing for friends and family. A sailor’s life is filled with farewells as new friends sail in and out of each other’s orbits.

Two years ago, when we decided to make cruising a permanent move, we started taking on more and more crew. This was not because we needed help sailing, but to forge and strengthen friendships made along the way. Coincidentally, around this time, I developed a serious condition: I was bitten by the ‘bigger boat’ bug, sometimes referred to as ‘Two foot-itis’. Unfortunately this condition affects the part of the brain responsible for rational thinking!

A BIGGER BOAT

I began exploring different yachts that would offer us more space for visitors. I also hankered after something that could sail faster than our 16-ton cruiser was capable of. Here in French Polynesia, we sometimes navigate passes where the current exceeds 5 knots, and our ability to motor at just 5.5 knots has prevented us from visiting some places we’d hoped to. We realised that achieving all the space we wanted would require a 55-60ft monohull.

Gradually, my attention turned instead to catamarans. I loved the space and stability catamarans offer but was concerned about their performance in foul weather.