Catamaran or sailing yacht for a holiday in Croatia? Your crew, space requirements, budget and experience at the helm should guide the choice. Freewave offers monohull sailing yachts as well as Lagoon 40 and Excess 12 sailing catamarans from Trogir. This comparison helps you choose a boat type without relying on cabin numbers alone.
How does a sailing catamaran differ from a monohull?
A sailing catamaran has two hulls; a monohull has one. This changes the layout, overall width and behaviour when sailing and manoeuvring. Catamaran cabins are distributed between two hulls, with a shared saloon linking the living areas. On a monohull, the saloon and cabins occupy the same hull.
A monohull heels under sail. A catamaran is often chosen for its comparatively upright position and broad living areas. Neither boat type guarantees freedom from seasickness: sea conditions, movement and personal sensitivity all matter.
A comparison for your charter plans
| Consideration | Monohull sailing yacht | Sailing catamaran |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | Saloon and cabins in one hull | Cabins distributed between two hulls |
| Berthing space | Narrower design | Allow for the greater beam when planning berths |
| Sailing experience | Traditional monohull sailing with heel | Different movement and manoeuvring characteristics |
| Freewave options | Models with three to five cabins | Four-cabin Lagoon 40 and Excess 12 |
| Budget | Check the individual boat and dates | Check charter rates and any different berthing charges |
When might a monohull suit your crew?
A monohull may be appropriate if your group wants a traditional sailing experience, already has experience on this type of boat or needs a choice of three, four or five cabins. Individual models vary significantly. A smaller yacht with the right layout may work better than a larger boat with an unsuitable sleeping arrangement.
Compare more than length and year of build. Look at bathrooms, the sail system, separate cabins and the boat’s specified maximum occupancy on its individual page.
When might a sailing catamaran suit your crew?
A catamaran may suit a group that values sleeping areas in two separate hulls and generous shared living spaces. Its greater beam also belongs in your planning for manoeuvres and berths. Check the conditions at individual marinas for your actual boat rather than assuming a uniform berthing rate.
The Freewave fleet includes Lagoon 40 “Manu” and Excess 12 “Kiss me twice”. Both are offered as four-cabin catamarans. Their technical data, photographs and specified occupancy are on the individual boat pages.
How can you compare charter costs fairly?
Use the same travel week and check base rate, obligatory supplements, deposit and chosen extras for each option. Only then divide the planned costs by the actual number of travellers. Maximum occupancy is not a recommendation to fill every available berth.
For the 2027 season, Freewave’s pricelist specifies €500 for end cleaning and transit log plus a €65 marina fee per charter for multihulls. The refundable security deposit is €2,500. Weekly charter rates vary by boat and season. See the 2027 pricelist for all amounts and further terms.
Do you need a skipper for a catamaran?
This depends on your qualifications and experience. Monohull experience does not transfer directly to every catamaran situation. Discuss boat type, previous practice and certificates with Freewave before booking. If you want to book a skipper, include that in your initial enquiry.
A practical way to choose
- Decide how many people are travelling and how many separate cabins you need.
- Compare the layouts and technical data of specific boats.
- Prepare a complete budget for your dates, including additional costs.
- Check the responsible person’s experience and whether you need a skipper.
- Ask about availability for your selected yacht.
Use our fleet overview and guide to chartering from Trogir to compare options. Tell us your crew size and preferred dates so we can help you compare suitable boats. Our charter FAQ answers common questions about planning and booking.