Chartering a catamaran for a few days at sea is one of the most unforgettable ways to travel. But before you set sail, there’s one truth every good skipper knows: the sea is best enjoyed when you’re well prepared.
At Navegame Sailing Experiences, we believe freedom and responsibility go hand in hand. Planning calmly and consciously doesn’t take the fun out of sailing—it creates space for it.
🧭 Before You Sail: Plan Your Day With Intention
You don’t need to be a sea dog with stripes, but it’s essential to run through a few key checks before starting each sailing day.
- Check the forecast using Windy, PredictWind or Navily.
- Always have a main route and a backup in case the wind shifts.
- Check for protected areas, anchoring restrictions or local events.
- Mark your route using Navionics or Navily. Anchoring with intention is always better than improvising in a hurry.
🔋 Catamaran Technical Check: Your Boat, Your Responsibility
- Fuel, water, batteries and electrical system.
- Start engine, test reverse, and listen for odd noises.
- Inspect sails, lines, rigging, winches and halyards.
- Secure the dinghy and check the outboard engine.
🦺 Safety Onboard: Keep It Simple and Clear
- Life jackets clearly accessible.
- First-aid kit with basics: anti-nausea pills, band-aids, sunscreen, ibuprofen.
- Lifelines in place for night or windy passages.
- Assign clear roles: anchoring, sails, cooking (it all matters!).
🌤️ While Sailing: Read the Wind and Your Crew
- Observe surroundings: traffic, wind, weather changes.
- Appoint a second-in-command just in case.
- Communicate any change in route or weather.
- Keep a short log or note highlights to review later.
Skippering isn’t about doing it all—it’s about keeping your direction even when the wind shifts.
🛠️ When Things Go Wrong: Stay Calm and Sail On
Every sailing week has its little surprises. The key isn’t avoiding problems—it’s handling them with perspective and calm.
- Rope in propeller: Turn off engine, inspect with mask/fins, carry a cutting knife.
- Dinghy motor won’t start: Check fuel/killswitch, use oars, or ask for flotilla help.
- Running out of water: Use saltwater for washing, plan refill stops every 2–3 days.
- Watermaker fails: Check filters and intake, switch to bottled water if needed.
- Broken winch or line: Carry spare rope (10+ meters), basic rigging tools, reroute if needed.
⚓ The Best Sailing Days Don’t Happen by Accident
Every anchorage, every sunset, every moment shared on deck adds to the story. When you prepare with care, you make space for what really matters: freedom, connection and joy.
🛠️ THE 5 MOST COMMON PROBLEMS WHILE SAILING
When things go sideways: dealing with problems calmly and without panic
No week at sea is entirely free of surprises. But the difference between a great experience and a stressful one often lies in how you react.
Here’s a quick (and very real) guide to the most common mishaps when you charter a catamaran… and how to handle them without losing your cool.
🪢 Rope caught in the propeller
Symptom: The engine doesn’t respond or shakes but doesn’t move.
Solution:
- Turn off the engine immediately.
- If visibility is good and you’re anchored, a confident swimmer can dive with fins and goggles.
- Always carry a nautical knife on board.
- If you’re unsure, call your charter base assistance.
Navegame tip: Before starting the engine, check that the dinghy line isn’t too long — classic skipper mistake.
🛥️ Dinghy engine won’t start
Symptom: You keep pulling the cord… and nothing.
Solution:
- Check if the kill switch is properly inserted.
- Make sure the fuel hose is connected and there’s no air in the line.
- If it still won’t start, use the oars.
- Always carry a manual pump onboard in case it deflates.
- If you’re in a flotilla, call on the radio — you’re not the first to paddle in your swimwear!
🚿 Freshwater runs out earlier than expected
Symptom: Interrupted showers and surprised faces.
Solution:
- Reduce use: fast showers, wash dishes with saltwater and rinse lightly.
- If you have a watermaker, check it. If not, time to refill at port.
- Plan to top up every 2–3 days depending on group size.
Navegame tip: If water pressure drops suddenly — check the tanks right away.
💧 Watermaker malfunction
Symptom: The pump runs, but no water enters the system.
Solution:
- Turn it off and check for clogged filters or air intake.
- Consult the boat manual or call tech support if you booked a premium charter.
- Meanwhile, use bottled water for food prep and drinks.
🧩 Broken line or jammed clutch
Symptom: You can’t trim the sail; something cracks or pops.
Solution:
- Always carry at least 10 m of spare rope.
- Bring carabiners, spare pulleys, and straps for a quick fix.
- If a clutch (piano) fails, reroute to another winch or switch sides.
Golden rule: calm first, fix later
Nothing that breaks is more important than the group.
Breathe, observe, act with logic.
Most problems have a solution — and many become those sea stories we laugh about over cold beers.
Ready to sail with calm, confidence, and good company?
Join one of our flotillas or charter your own catamaran with us and live sailing the way it was meant to be: with soul, salt and purpose.
