10 Essential Supplies for a Day of Sailing on a Small Catamaran

Launching a small beach catamaran promises high-speed thrills and an immediate connection to the water, but the open trampoline deck leaves you completely exposed to the elements. Without a cabin or deep gunwales to secure gear, every item brought aboard must be carefully chosen for its durability, waterproofness, and ability to stay attached to the boat. Packing the right kit ensures a fast, safe day of sailing rather than a wet, frustrating scramble for lost gear.

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Rigging and Safety Prep for Catamaran Sailing

Sailing a small catamaran is a highly dynamic experience where weight placement and wind shifts happen fast. Before pushing off the beach, a thorough rigging inspection is paramount because the entire platform is under massive tension when powered up. Check the shroud pins, cotter rings, and forestay connection to ensure nothing can shake loose under sail.

Unlike monohulls, small cats lack dry bilge compartments or interior cockpit storage. Everything brought aboard will get sprayed, doused, or potentially submerged during a capsize. Preparing for a day on the water means rigging right: securing the mast, checking the rudders, and planning exactly where each safety item will be lashed down on the trampoline.

Sailing PFD – Astral V-Eight Life Jacket

A personal flotation device is mandatory on a high-speed catamaran, where capsizes are a normal part of the sport. You need maximum torso mobility to cross the trampoline quickly during tacks and gybes, along with high visibility in case of a separation from the boat.

The Astral V-Eight features a high-back design that easily clears the low-slung hiking straps and trampolines of beach cats, while its Airescape® air flow system prevents overheating during heavy physical work. It is incredibly lightweight and does not ride up when sitting out on the hulls.

• Shell Material: 200 x 400 Denier Ripstop Nylon
• Buoyancy: 16 lbs (USCG Type III Approved)
• Sizing: S/M, M/L, L/XL

Ensure a snug fit around the torso so the jacket does not pull up over your ears if you hit the water at speed. This jacket is perfect for active beach catamaran sailors who need to move quickly, but it is not intended for heavy offshore cruising where a harness-integrated Type V life jacket is required.

Dry Bag – Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag

Keeping extra layers, electronics, and keys completely dry is a major challenge on a trampoline that constantly takes waves. A failure in your dry storage means ruined electronics and a cold, uncomfortable trip home.

The Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag is built from heavy-duty 420D nylon fabric, making it highly abrasion-resistant against the rough non-skid surfaces of a catamaran deck. It features heavy-duty lash loops that allow you to secure it directly to the trampoline lacing or frame, ensuring it won’t wash overboard during a capsize.

• Capacity options: 5L, 8L, 13L, 20L, 35L, 65L
• Closure: Waterproof roll-top with Hypalon stiffener
• Waterproofing: 10,000mm hydrostatic head

For a day trip on a small cat, the 13L or 20L size strikes the perfect balance between storage capacity and space footprint on the trampoline. Remember to roll the top at least three times to guarantee a waterproof seal, and periodically check the buckle for sand grit that can impede a secure lock. It is ideal for day sailors needing rugged gear protection, though it is not meant for prolonged underwater submersion.

Sailing Gloves – Gill Championship Gloves

Managing high-tension mainsheets and traveler lines in high winds will quickly blister unprotected hands. A wet, salty line sliding through bare fingers can cause painful line burns that cut a sailing day short.

Gill Championship Gloves are designed with Dura-Grip fabric on the palms, offering incredible grip without sacrificing flexibility. The pre-shaped construction fits the natural curve of your hand, reducing fatigue during long tacks, while the offset wrist closure prevents accidental watch starting or chafing.

• Style: Short finger or long finger options
• Material: Dura-Grip palm protection with 4-way stretch fabric
• Sizes: XS through XXL

Choose the short-finger version for warm-weather day sailing to maintain tactile feel when untying knots or handling small hardware. These gloves run slightly snug, so sizing up is wise if you sit between measurements. They are perfect for active helmsperson and crew duties but will wear out faster if used for heavy anchor rope hauling.

Marine Safety Whistle – Storm Safety Whistle

Catamarans move fast, and if a sailor falls overboard, wind, sail flap, and wave noise can easily drown out a human voice. A reliable sound signaling device is a legal requirement and a vital lifesaver.

The Storm Safety Whistle is widely recognized as one of the loudest whistles on the market, capable of being heard over a mile away on open water and even working perfectly underwater. Its patented design focuses the sound chamber to project a high-decibel alarm that cuts through the roar of breaking waves and howling winds.

• Sound Rating: Up to 120 decibels
• Material: Impact-resistant thermoplastic
• Attachment: Built-in clip and lanyard hole

This whistle is somewhat bulky compared to standard flat safety whistles, so it should be lanyard-secured to the shoulder strap of your PFD where it won’t snag on the rigging. It requires a firm blow to reach maximum volume, meaning younger or smaller sailors might need a moment of practice to blow it effectively. It is an absolute necessity for anyone sailing in high-traffic or windy coastal waterways.

Handheld VHF Radio – Standard Horizon HX890

Staying in touch with marine assistance, other vessels, and monitoring weather channels is essential when sailing beyond cell service range. If your catamaran pitchpoles or suffers a structural failure, a handheld radio is your direct link to help.

The Standard Horizon HX890 is a floating, waterproof marine VHF radio with built-in GPS and DSC (Digital Selective Calling) capabilities, allowing you to send a distress signal with your exact coordinates at the push of a button. It features an easy-to-read screen, a water-activated strobe light, and a 6W transmit power that ensures your signal reaches shore stations or nearby boats.

• Waterproof Rating: IPX8 (submersible to 1.5m for 30 mins)
• Battery: 1800 mAh Li-ion battery pack
• Key Features: NOAA Weather Channels with alerts, FM receiver

Before heading out, program your Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number into the radio to enable the DSC distress features. Keep the radio tethered to your PFD harness rather than packed in a dry bag so it remains accessible if you are separated from the boat. It is a vital tool for coastal sailors, though it may be more than necessary for small, landlocked inland lakes.

Floating Sunglasses – Rheos Gear Coopers

Water reflects up to eighty percent of solar radiation, making eye protection critical on an open boat. However, standard sunglasses quickly sink to the bottom if knocked off during a sudden tack or capsize.

Rheos Gear Coopers feature ultralight frames made from a proprietary floatable material, meaning they won’t sink to the bottom if dropped in the drink. Their polarized NYPO® lenses offer 100% UV protection and are treated with dual-sided anti-fog and hydrophobic coatings to keep your vision clear amidst heavy spray.

• Lens Type: Polarized, scratch-resistant, hydrophobic
• Frame Fit: Medium to large face profiles
• Colorways: Multiple frame and mirror-lens options

While these glasses float reliably, a sudden high-speed spill can still carry them away on a fast current, so pairing them with a floating eyewear retainer is smart insurance. The lenses are highly scratch-resistant but still require rinsing with fresh water after saltwater exposure to prevent salt crust buildup. They are perfect for active watersports enthusiasts but may feel too lightweight for those who prefer heavy, glass-lens fashion eyewear.

Mineral Sunscreen – Thinksport SPF 50 Plus

Spending hours on an open trampoline deck subjects your skin to direct sunlight and intense glare reflected off the water and white sails. Chemical sunscreens can wash off easily and contain ingredients that harm fragile marine ecosystems.

Thinksport SPF 50 Plus is a top-rated mineral sunscreen formulated with non-nano zinc oxide, providing broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. It is highly water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and goes on smoothly without leaving a greasy residue that could make catamaran decks or lines slippery.

• Active Ingredient: 20% Zinc Oxide (non-nano)
• Water Resistance: 80 minutes
• Standard: Reef-friendly, biodegradable formula

Because this is a physical mineral blocker, it requires thorough rubbing in to minimize the white cast left on the skin. Apply it at least 15 minutes before hitting the water to let the barrier set properly on your skin. This is the ideal sun protection for eco-conscious sailors spending hours in high-glare environments, but those wanting a completely invisible chemical spray might find the thick cream application tedious.

Marine Soft Cooler – RTIC Everyday Cooler Bag

Staying hydrated and keeping your energy up is crucial during a physically demanding day of sailing. Standard hard coolers are too bulky, heavy, and dangerous to carry on a soft catamaran trampoline.

The RTIC Everyday Cooler Bag features a puncture-resistant, heavy-duty exterior shell and high-density closed-cell insulation that keeps ice cold for hours. Its compact, low-profile footprint fits perfectly under a catamaran trampoline’s lacing, and the water-resistant zippers keep salt spray out of your food.

• Capacity: 15-can or 30-can options
• Exterior Material: Heavy-duty, wipe-clean laminated fabric
• Insulation: Closed-cell foam

The 15-can size is ideal for small catamarans where space and weight distribution are critical. To keep it from sliding around, run a cam strap through the cooler’s side handles and secure it tightly to the mast base or trampoline frame. This is a brilliant pick for day sailors wanting accessible, chilled refreshments, but it is not intended to be a dry bag—do not submerge it, as the zippers are water-resistant but not fully airtight under pressure.

Rigging Multi-Tool – Gill Marine Folding Tool

On-the-water adjustments, clearing fouled lines, tightening loose shackles, and emergency rigging repairs happen on almost every outing. Without a proper tool, a minor mechanical issue can leave you stranded.

The Gill Marine Folding Tool is crafted from marine-grade 420 stainless steel with a titanium coating for superior corrosion resistance in harsh saltwater environments. It packs a sharp serrated blade for cutting stubborn lines, a shackle key that fits most standard boat shackles, and a marlinspike for undoing tight, wet knots.

• Functions: Shackle key, marlinspike, serrated blade, flathead screwdriver
• Material: Titanium-coated 420 stainless steel
• Storage: Protective nylon sheath with belt loop

Always rinse the tool in fresh water and apply a light coat of marine lubricant after use to keep the folding mechanism smooth. Keep this tool attached to your PFD pocket or harness so it can be retrieved instantly if a line wraps around a rudder or rudder casting. It is an indispensable safety tool for any catamaran rigging bag, though not a replacement for full-sized wrenches when performing heavy shore-side repairs.

Floating Tow Line – Seattle Sports Rescue Line

If the wind dies, a shroud breaks, or a crew member is separated from the boat, a high-quality tow line is your lifeline. Standard nylon ropes sink quickly, creating a dangerous hazard for your rudders and daggerboards.

The Seattle Sports Rescue Line features highly visible, floating polypropylene rope packed inside a heavy-duty, self-draining throw bag. This setup allows for quick deployment without the risk of the line sinking and tangling in your catamaran’s underwater foils.

• Line Length: 50 feet
• Rope Type: Floating polypropylene
• Bag: Bright yellow/orange high-visibility nylon

Practice throwing this line on land before needing it on the water to get a feel for the weight and release speed of the bag. Store the rescue bag tucked neatly under the trampoline lacing or secured to the front crossbar where it can be grabbed in seconds. It is a critical piece of safety gear for coastal and lake sailors alike, but remember that polypropylene rope has low UV resistance and should be stored dry and out of direct sunlight when not in use.

Securing Gear on the Catamaran Trampoline

Securing gear on a catamaran trampoline requires a systematic approach because gravity, wind, and waves are constantly trying to sweep the deck clean. Never rely on loose bungee cords, which stretch too easily under load and can snap back dangerously in your face. Instead, use heavy-duty adjustable cam straps or marine-grade shock cords routed through the trampoline’s center lacing or around the aluminum frame.

Distribute the weight of your gear symmetrically to maintain the boat’s high-speed handling characteristics. Heavy items like the soft cooler should be positioned close to the mast step or centered along the main beam to prevent the bows from pitching down. Keep safety gear, like the rescue line and VHF radio, immediately reachable from either side of the boat so you do not have to crawl across the trampoline in heavy swell to find them.

Conclusion

Equipping a small catamaran with the right safety, performance, and storage gear turns a potentially chaotic outing into an exhilarating, controlled adventure. By investing in durable, marine-grade supplies designed for exposure and wet conditions, you protect both your investment and your crew. Head out with confidence, keep your gear lashed tight, and enjoy the wind in your sails.