Speed is the standard that most gauge a boat’s performance but that is not the entire story, especially for a Blue Water Cruiser. Overall speed is important but the most important performance measure is how the catamaran can sustain a high average speed, at all points of sail, and how it handles in heavy seas or in the middle of a storm. Broadblue Catamarans can reach hull speed in reasonably light winds (around 15 knots) and sail close to the wind (30 degrees Apparent). Faster speeds are possible with higher winds and wave action, whether going into or with the wind. Reaching cruising speeds of 8 to 10 knots are easily obtained and become faster in stronger conditions. Coastal sailors have the luxury of not going sailing when the weather is nasty but that is not the case for a blue water cruiser, they are already there. The attributes that make many catamarans fast are not necessarily good when in high winds and large waves. These weaknesses show up as an uncomfortable and bouncy ride, water over the bows (or biminis) in relatively small waves (10 feet), deck bridge slapping, poor close wind performance, hull twisting, rigging failure and many more not so good results. The Broadblue Catamaran excels when the weather is less than perfect. Many of the attributes that make the Broadblue a safe and comfortable catamaran also contribute to its performance in rough conditions such as hull design, construction and interior/exterior layout. There are other variables that impact performance but many of them can negatively impact safety and comfort. Broadblue considers all variables and focuses on those that bring performance value without sacrificing safety and comfort.
Windward Performance: Catamarans love to reach but some struggle when close to wind. Broadblue Catamarans sail very close to wind due to our keel and hull design, hull width, and sail plan design and position.
The keel is short in height and runs the length of the coach. The keel is shaped like an airplane wing providing side lift as it travels through the water. This minimizes slippage and reduces drag.
The hulls are designed for smooth entry and reduced drag. There are three general categories on hull sizes and as you would anticipate, narrow, medium and wide. Narrow hulls are used in racing boats but adding weight (like a cruising boat) will have a real impact on overall performance, comfort & safety. Wide hulls are used primarily by catamarans in the charter industry as they are designed to maximize interior living space. Wide hulls have good downwind performance and can handle extra weight (generator, ac, etc). Wide hulls can become bouncy in seas and generally have poor windward sailing performance. Broadblue hulls fall into the medium range. They have narrow bows, curved amidships and tapered aft. The narrow bows and tapered aft improve speed, performance and safety and the curved amidships allows good cargo carrying capabilities without impacting speed.
The sail plan provides good sail area for displacement ratios. The genoa tracks are positioned for close wind sailing performance. The main sails are fully reached and battened for power. The head sails are sized to work efficiently with the large main sails.
The rig is very strong and designed to withstand offshore stresses. We use double diamond rigs, with substantial S/S deiform or 1x19 rigging.
Broadblue Catamarans are designed to a particular displacement for their purpose; to carry loads, to perform well across a wide range of wind and sea conditions and to sustain good overall passage times.