Catamaran owners guide to learn to sail and explore the world
Beginner steps for How to Sail a Catamaran with No Experience
Long Story – Part 1
Can you really learn to sail with no experience? For Long, a first-time boat owner with no sailing background and limited English, the answer was yes. This blog shares the inspiring true story of how Long went from complete novice to confident owner of a Lagoon 43 catamaran, now sailing across Europe with plans to cross the Atlantic and Pacific.
In Part 1, we explore Long’s journey of how he taught himself to sail using online sailing courses, simulators, YouTube, and hands-on experience with local clubs and skippers. Along the way, we’ll answer common questions like how to start sailing, whether you can learn solo, and what makes a good beginner catamaran. This isn’t just a story, it’s proof that with the right tools and mindset, anyone can learn to sail.
“I had no sailing experience, spoke very little English, and learned everything through courses, simulators, and YouTube. Now I’m planning to cross the Atlantic.” – Long, Lagoon 43 Owner
A Childhood Dream Turned Offshore Adventure
Long grew up in a coastal city in China, where the 2008 Olympic sailing events were hosted. His father, a shipboard doctor, spent a year at sea and wrote about his adventures in a local newspaper. Long read those articles as a boy and dreamed of life on the ocean.
Later in life, while building a successful tech startup, he made a promise to himself and his team: “If I make it, I’ll walk away, buy a sailboat, and sail around the world.”
That promise has now become a reality.
How to Learn to Sail Without Experience
Many people wonder: Can you learn to sail by yourself? The answer is yes, and Long is living proof.
When he started, Long didn’t speak English well and had zero sailing experience. But over two years, he followed a self-taught path that any beginner could replicate.
1. Enrol in Online Sailing Courses
He began with theory online sailing courses to understand sail trim, navigation, and safety. This helped build a foundation while also improving his English.
- Use Sailing Simulators
Apps like Dock Your Boat 3D and e-Sail were key in building his confidence, especially for docking.
“At first, I was terrified of docking… but after training on simulators, I handled over 10 successful dockings by myself,” Long wrote on reflection of the early days of his journey.
Learning to sail and dock isn’t all about manuvering it’s also about navigating, charting the right course and being weather conscious. Long then downloaded numerous apps for weather forecasts, charts, and sailing tools and learned how to use them so he was ready before his big adventure.
3. Watch YouTube Sailing Channels
Long absorbed hours of footage, including TMG Yachts, Inspire and Learn “how to sail a catamaran” series on YouTube. This gave him real-world insights into how to sail a catamaran and helped him develop his listening skills in English.
4. Join Local Sailing Clubs and Training Voyages
After gaining confidence, he joined keelboat courses and eventually went on longer passages with Brendon, TMG Yachts WA manager, giving Long hands-on learning that’s invaluable.
“The simulators, apps, and videos helped, but it was only through doing it for real that I gained true confidence.”
5. Practice, Practice, Practice
For Long, the real challenge came after the delivery of his Lagoon 43 where he set sail with his skipper Stefaan who helped guide, Long while allowing him apply everything he’d learned in real-life conditions.
“The simulators, apps, and videos helped, but it was only through doing it for real that I gained true confidence.”
Beginner Sailing Tips Inspired by Long’s Journey
If you’re wondering how easy it is to learn to sail, or where can I learn to sail, Long’s approach offers a practical roadmap.
• Start online – Online Sailing Courses and simulators offer affordable, low-risk learning.
• Combine tech and real-world – Navigation apps and YouTube videos bridge theory and practice.
• Take small steps – Start with training boats or skippered trips before going solo.
• Practice makes perfect – When starting your journey consider hiring a skipper to enhance skills while you hone in on what you’ve learnt in a safe manner.
Can Anyone Learn to Sail?
Long’s story proves that even if you’re starting from scratch, no boating background, language barriers, no local experience, you can still learn to sail, take control of your boat, and set off to explore the world.
Coming Soon: Part 2 – Why Long Chose the Lagoon 43 and How His Delivery Experience
LATEST LAGOON CATAMARAN REVIEWS
Why The Lagoon 43 is the Best Catamaran for Liveaboard Cruising – Long
Long, a first-time catamaran owner, spent years researching before choosing the Lagoon 43 for his global sailing adventure starting in France.
“It has fully met my expectations. The size is just right for me, spacious but manageable, and very livable. After two months and over 2,000 nautical miles of sailing, I’ve been very happy with its performance. The interior layout, saloon design, semi flybridge, and included configurations perfectly suit my family’s lifestyle and the way we entertain friends on board.
If what you really want is a valuable, challenging, and rewarding life experience, then absolutely go for it. This kind of journey is absolutely worth it.”
Lagoon Catamaran Charter Boat Investment Journey – Mike
Six years after purchasing a Lagoon 40 for charter in the Whitsundays, Mike reflects on the decision that exceeded expectations.
“We approached the charter boat investment with a business mindset. We modelled everything conservatively, and honestly, it’s performed better than expected. Even through COVID, we averaged around 165 charter nights a year, and the boat held its value far better than we’d anticipated.
The Lagoon 40 hit the sweet spot, it’s the perfect size for the Whitsundays market. Less intimidating for first-timers, and a strong performer in bookings.
The boat was delivered basically ready to charter.
After six years, I’d absolutely do it all again. It’s been a positive experience from start to finish, and if we go again I’d be looking at the Lagoon 43.”
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Lagoon 46 Favourite Features Real Owner Testimonial – Mike and Linda
After 2 seasons of sailing the Med on their Lagoon 46 Mike and Linda shared what they love most, “The Lagoon 46 has given us a whole new level of freedom and comfort. I love the Code Zero sail for light wind performance, and Linda’s favourite spot is the flybridge, it’s where everyone gathers when we’re sailing. With a watermaker and generator on board, we’ve been able to explore more remote places and stay cool during the heatwaves in Greece. It’s made the whole experience effortless and enjoyable.”
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