A Whitsunday Catamaran or Monohull

The Whitsundays is a popular holiday destination for people all around the world and there is a huge variety of different overnight sailing trips; with something for every type of traveller.

The hardest decision you will have to make is deciding which trip out of some 40 options is the best boat for you, beginning with a catamaran or monohull sailing boat.

What is the difference?

A monohull is a single hull boat and the traditional type of sailing vessel. Equipped with a number of sails and winches, monohulls are often sleek, fast-moving vessels which lean as the sail catches the wind (with the right conditions).

Many people choose to a monohull which provides a genuine sailing experience and guests can often help grind the winches alongside the crew.

Below the deck, there is ample room to move, eat, sleep and relax in the saloon and cabin areas; with the number of passengers ranging from 10 to 50 depending on the boat trip, with some having shared and private accommodation available. And above the deck, boats have plenty of space for sunbaking and socialising with their fellow passengers.

There are different types of monohull trips in the Whitsundays including backpackers-party vessels, onboard diving, traditional sailing and couples’ tours.

And did you know, the Whitsundays is home to the famous maxi yachts which have race around the world and are the fastest sailing vessels in the region.

It is important to note that Whitsundays waters are generally sheltered and calm throughout the day and evenings because of the close proximity to the islands and Great Barrier Reef

Catamarans on the other hand have multiple hulls which stabilise the vessel while under sail. Commonly known to be balanced and more open-spaced then single-hull vessels catamarans are a popular choice for travellers who are not accustomed to being on the water.

They tend to feel spacious and spread out with plenty of deck space plus the net at the front of the boat, as well as the saloon and kitchen area below the deck. Most catamarans offer both private cabins and shared accommodation in the saloon area of the vessel.

The Whitsundays has both sailing and cruising catamarans on offer, with many types of trips for  sociable-backpackers, couples and diving-orientated tours.