1-With whom and where to go?
Yes...life aboard a boat is not the same as in a hotel. And even though a catamaran remains voluminous (compared to a monohull), there is nevertheless a real lack of privacy, which with certain people can prove difficult. To avoid any problems, it is best to either go away with people you don’t know at all (this is very easy with the ‘per cabin’ system of charter), or with friends whose faults you are perfectly familiar with, and who you know are capable of adapting to life aboard a boat... As for the destination, this also depends on the people you want to go away with: sailing friends will not be put off by long passages, even to windward (the return trip from the Grenadines to Martinique, or from the BVI to St. Martin, for example), while with young children, destinations such as the Virgin Islands or the Seychelles are a dream!
There is nothing like a cruise in a heavenly lagoon to create unshakeable bonds between all the members of the family... Three cheers for holidays in a cat! (Photo Lagoon / N. Claris)
2-Skipper, or no skipper?
In many destinations offered by the charter companies, you don't have to be an experienced sailor to set off at the helm of a catamaran. You just need to know the basics of navigation, and use your common sense. The question of whether to hire a skipper or not can therefore quickly arise, if one of the participants feels capable of taking responsibility for the boat. Because although a skipper is an ‘outsider’, he or she also knows the area perfectly, is able to show you some magic (and secret) anchorages, and above all, tell you more about his or her island than all the guides put together.
3-Prepare your cruise together
You’re there... In a few days, you will be flying to the other side of the world to discover one of the many wonders that mother nature has in store for you. But before you leave, it is a good idea to prepare your cruise with the whole crew. A pleasant evening, where everything can be clearly defined. The ideal is to have prepared the cruise so you can explain to everyone where you are going, the actual number of hours’ sailing, and the week’s itinerary. The best way for everyone to feel involved...
4-Provisioning: above all not to be neglected
If there is one important moment aboard, it’s the evening meal. This is when you talk about your day, the great moments, the encounters. Even the teenagers aboard enjoy taking part, by talking about their latest free dive, or the wonderful day’s fishing. So as not to spoil this convivial moment, it’s best to have food not just in quantity but also quality. Because when you are aboard your cat in a dream lagoon on the other side of the world, there is rarely a supermarket close by. And even if there is one, it will not be as well-stocked as the one you are used to frequenting. So taking particular care with the provisioning is essential for a good atmosphere aboard. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice from your charter company if you are not sure about your provisioning: they are bound to be able to point you in the right direction, according to your eating habits and the crew you have aboard.
5-Arriving on board
If there is one key moment in the cruise, it is when you arrive aboard your new environment. All together, you will discover what will quickly become much more than just your accommodation, or a common or garden hotel room – your cat! Settling in is important, you must take the time to stow all your belongings, find a place for everything, and stow the food before going to sea, when the boat is not moving. Thus everyone can get their bearings by taking advantage of the first (short, if possible) sail... As for safety, don’t leave without having carried out the essential briefing, explaining the man overboard maneuver and showing each crew member where the lifejackets are stowed, the MOB button on the GPS and all the safety elements. Everyone, even the youngest members of the crew, must be able and know how to react in the case of a problem.
When cruising with teenagers, get them to take part in the maneuvers... They love it!
6-Daily life
Every day should be enjoyable. Therefore whatever the itinerary you have planned in advance, it is advisable to change it if the weather conditions are not suitable, or the crew beg for mercy. One of the crew is seasick? The weather conditions require a long passage to windward, or on the contrary, long hours under motor? No problem - study the chart and find something else to do...
7-The on-board chores
Aboard, everyone does their share of the chores... This is the rule which must be established from the start, so everyone gets on. There is nothing worse for the atmosphere than a skiver who disappears into his or her cabin when it’s time to do the washing-up, or lazes on the beach when it’s time to prepare the evening meal. To avoid any quarrels, you can set up a ‘watch’ system: one family takes care of everything on day 1, the other on day 2, etc... But the best way however is for everyone to take part in everything together. It’s much pleasanter. Here again, it is essential to define the rules clearly before you set off.
8-Water: a delicate subject!
Oh dear... a (very) delicate subject. Water isn’t a problem when you go sailing for a week with 8 of your buddies – there is always water left in the tanks when you return – but a feminine presence can considerably increase the water consumption, and thus cause the atmosphere aboard to deteriorate. The skipper looking for wastage, and becoming a real dictator (see below, point 10-Mutiny), creates a bad atmosphere. Here again, you must explain that a shower on a boat is not the same as at home, especially when there are 8 people aboard. The best balance is always found by making everyone aware of their responsibilities...
9-Sharing your knowledge…
A skipper nowadays is no longer the master with absolute power that novels about the navy in the 18th century like to describe. If you want to encourage your crew to come cruising with you, and to return again, there is nothing better than explaining to them how a boat works, getting them to participate in the maneuvers, and having confidence in their judgment. Enjoyment is also knowing how to share...
The essential barbecue will allow you to turn your catch into a delicious meal. (Photo: Fountaine Pajot).
10-And in the case of a mutiny?
Mutinies no longer exist aboard our boats in the 21st century? That remains to be seen... Tyrannical skippers are always open to their crew’s disapproval. And there is nothing better for spoiling the best of holidays. Once the mutiny has started, it is very hard to go back and calm people down. So, listen to your crew’s grievances, and accept the fact that you are not in a race. And if things become worse, try to understand the crew’s point of view, and don’t hesitate to apologize and change your program. Don’t forget, you are on holiday, and there to enjoy yourselves...
Don’t forget
- There is no place for rigid suitcases aboard. Leave with a bag that you can roll up and stow in a corner once your belongings are stowed in your cabin.
- Clothes pegs are very useful to stop your clothes drying on the lifelines flying away. Take lots.
- In the tropics, the sun is strong, even if the wind and the clouds can lead you to believe the contrary. Maximum protection, with a hat, t-shirt, polarized sunglasses and sun cream is essential. Aboard, I always bring two of everything, in case I lose something overboard... And don’t go swimming without a t-shirt, or you will end up with a sunburnt back!
- Fins, mask and snorkel are always supplied by the charter company. However, there is nothing worse than a pair of fins which hurt your feet, or a badly fitting mask. Don’t hesitate to leave with your own proven equipment.
- Fishing whilst cruising is great. But you must be equipped for it. Here again, make enquiries before you leave, and take the necessary equipment.
- Cooking aboard is always a pleasant moment. Leave with a few easy recipes to cook, according to your provisions, to avoid the eternal rice salad.
