With two weeks to go until I race ‘Favourite Child’ in the Airlie Beach Race Week, I thought it timely to ponder why I would bother to race my cruising catamaran. Favourite Child is a 52ft Roger Hill design that, as far as I know, has never crossed a starting line previously. We are loaded for living aboard, have a washing machine, coffee and bread maker and lots of toys.

For many, the term “cruising catamaran” conjures images of sun-soaked decks, leisurely passages through turquoise waters, and sundowners at anchor. Racing, on the other hand, evokes adrenaline, strategy, and a relentless pursuit of speed. So why would anyone bother blending the laid-back spirit of cruising with the competitive spark of racing? For me it is not only unexpected excitement but also profound rewards—both for the sailor and the boat itself. This article explores the reasons, benefits, and unique culture of racing cruising catamarans, showing that the question is less “why bother?” and more “why not?”

The Appeal of Racing: Beyond Speed

At its heart, racing is a test of seamanship, tactics, and teamwork. For cruisers, entering a race may seem counterintuitive—why trade relaxation for pressure? Yet, this very challenge is what entices many to give it a try. Racing transforms the familiar: suddenly, that lazy reach to the next bay becomes a dynamic test of sail trim, navigation, and decision-making. The competitive context encourages sailors to push their catamaran closer to their true potential.

Test of Skill: Racing calls for precision in sail handling, navigation, and boat management, skills that are often left underutilized during casual cruising. This environment encourages learning, improvement, and confidence-building.
Community: Racing is inherently social. Although you would think cruising would build friendships with like-minded people, my experience is that many cruisers keep to themselves and other than occasional sunset beach meetings an extra effort is needed to engage socially. In the early days of multihulls many would seek out similar boats. Now, in many locations, we are the majority and this ‘uniqueness’ has passed.

Regattas and club races bring together sailors from all walks of life, creating a shared language of challenge, triumph, and the occasional blunder. Friendships are forged quickly, both on and off the water.

Fun Factor: There’s an undeniable thrill in seeing how your boat measures up against others, feeling the rush of a good start, and plotting tactical manoeuvres. The excitement of competition can ignite a sailor’s passion, making every passage fresh and memorable.

Debunking the Myths: “Cruising Cats Aren’t Racers”

Many cruising multihull owners probably feel their boats are too heavy, too comfortable, or simply too slow to be competitive. This assumption, however, ignores the very essence of racing: it’s less about the boat and more about the crew. While it’s true that most cruising cats won’t keep up with their high-tech racing cousins in a breeze, that’s beside the point. Most races use handicapping systems like PHRF or local ratings, leveling the playing field and focusing on skill and tactics.

Moreover, the unique characteristics of cruising catamarans—stability, space, and shallow draft—can be strategic assets. A well-sailed catamaran can surprise many, especially in light airs or reaching conditions. Racing isn’t always about being first across the line; it’s about sailing your boat as well as it can be sailed.

Transformative Benefits for Boat and Crew

Racing a cruising catamaran is not only about glory or trophies. The process yields tangible improvements in both the vessel and the sailors aboard.

Fine-Tuning the Boat

I would guess that many cruising catamarans are sailed well below their potential. Racing pushes crews to scrutinize sail trim, weight distribution, rig tuning, and even sail inventory. Through trial, error, and observation, sailors learn how to make their boats perform efficiently—knowledge that translates directly to safer, faster, and more enjoyable cruising.

Sail Trim and Control: Racing demands an understanding of how to shape and adjust sails for varying conditions, leading to more comfortable and efficient cruising passages.
Maintenance Motivation: The desire to compete spurs attention to deck gear, rigging, and bottom maintenance. A cleaner, better-maintained boat is both safer and more satisfying to cruise.
Upgrades and Tweaks: Racing often inspires modest upgrades—better telltales, a new halyard, or improved reefing systems—that benefit all aspects of sailing life.

Crew Development: Confidence, Communication, and Camaraderie

On a cruising catamaran, roles are often relaxed and fluid. Racing, even informally, clarifies roles, requires communication, and encourages teamwork. Regular participation in races builds skills that pay dividends on long passages and in challenging conditions.

Decision-Making Under Pressure: Races are won and lost in moments of choice. This sharpens judgment and prepares crews for real-life situations demanding quick, effective action.
Teamwork: Racing teaches trust and the importance of each crew member’s contribution—a dynamic that leads to a more cohesive and happy crew, both underway and at anchor.
Safety: Practising manoeuvres at race pace makes them second nature in emergencies, reducing stress and risk in unexpected situations.

Building Community and Tradition

The Airlie Beach Race week has been running for many years with a traditional focus on participation rather than cutthroat competition. The competitive element is definitely there, but it generally celebrates the diversity of boats and sailors and in my experience provides a welcoming environment for newcomers.

Beyond the finish line, racing fosters a culture of knowledge-sharing. Sailors exchange tips, stories, and even spare parts. For many, regattas like this become annual traditions that anchor friendships for years.

Personal Growth: Overcoming Limits and Gaining Perspective

Pushing a cruising catamaran around the buoys challenges assumptions about what’s possible. Many discover that their boats are more capable than expected, and that they, too, can operate beyond their comfort zones. Racing provides a safe (and often hilarious) laboratory for exploring limits, learning humility, and celebrating small victories.

Overcoming Fear: The idea of racing can be intimidating, but participation quickly reveals a supportive culture that values effort over results.
Celebrating Progress: Every personal best, improved time, or clever manoeuvre is a reason to cheer. The trophies might be small, but the sense of achievement is immense.

How to Get Started: A Beginner’s Guide

Intrigued? Racing your cruising catamaran doesn’t require a carbon-fibre speed machine or a seasoned crew of professionals. Here are some steps to begin:

Find Local Events: Check with local yacht clubs or multihull associations. Many organize informal regattas designed for fun and learning. When Catherine and I bought our our very much a cruising cat ‘Magic Happens’, a 40ft Hitchiker, we did the odd club race and the experience was valuable in improving performance over the many thousands of nautical miles we subsequently covered.
Start Small: Try a pursuit or rally-style event, where the focus is on participation and improvement rather than prizes.
Ask for Help: The racing community is remarkably generous. If you have questions about rules, tactics, or setup, just ask. Chances are, someone will be delighted to share advice or even lend a hand.
Set Realistic Goals: Aim for improvement, not immediate victory. Enjoy the process, and remember: the point is to have fun and learn.
Celebrate: Win or lose, join the post-race festivities. The stories, laughter, and camaraderie are the true rewards.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Race

Racing a cruising catamaran is about much more than crossing a finish line or collecting silverware. It’s a doorway to deeper understanding of your boat, closer relationships with your crew, and a vibrant, supportive sailing community. It sharpens skills, inspires confidence, and injects a fresh sense of adventure into the art of cruising.

So, why bother racing a cruising catamaran? Because in the challenge, you’ll find joy; in the competition, camaraderie; and in every gust of wind, a new reason to love the sea. Whether you’re a veteran sailor or new to the water, give it a go—you might just discover a whole new world beneath your twin hulls.