4 Capsizes with the Hobie Cat

Unlike traditional dinghies, which capsize sideways, a catamaran can flip to windward, leeward, stern, or bow. Let’s look at why this happens and how to recover.

Silvia Guerra, Head of the Naregno Sailing Center (as well as an instructor trainer for UISP and the Italian Hobie Cat Association), reveals the technical secrets behind proper catamaran handling.

This month, we focus on catamaran capsizing.

The first thing to understand is how this type of boat can capsize.

Unlike a standard dinghy that tips over sideways, a catamaran can capsize on all four sides.

Stern Capsize

If, during a tack, the crew’s weight is too far aft, a stern capsize can occur. The trampoline catches the wind (especially if it’s not the “mesh” type with wide netting), and the crew ends up in the water.

Leeward Capsize

The most common case is a leeward capsize, where the wind forces against the trampoline. This typically happens when the sail is eased too late and the boat becomes excessively heeled.

Windward Capsize

A windward capsize is rare, but still possible.

For example, if two sailors are out on the trapeze and suddenly lose wind pressure, they may fall into the water and unintentionally pull the boat over on top of themselves.

This generally happens slowly and without serious consequences.

Pitchpole (Bow Capsize)

Here we’re talking about the well-known pitchpole.

Why does a catamaran pitchpole?

When sailing on a broad reach, it can happen due to excessive weight forward, a sudden bear-away, or — most commonly — easing the mainsail to reduce speed. The better solution is to bear away gradually, approaching a downwind course.

When the mainsheet is eased, the upper section of the sail twists and can push the bows underwater. However, the boat actually flips because the crew is thrown forward. If the crew manages to hold firmly aft, the catamaran will not capsize.

Righting the Catamaran

At this point, one way or another, you’re in the water.

The first rule: never let go of the boat. Move immediately away from the center and reposition yourself. If the mast goes underwater, there’s a risk of becoming entangled and being pulled down.

While holding onto the boat, one crew member immediately moves to the bow, grabs hold of the catamaran, and begins swimming to rotate it, positioning the bows at a 45-degree angle to the wind. This helps the wind lift the sail out of the water and prevents the boat from capsizing again to leeward once upright.

The second crew member stands on the submerged hull and leans out to check that both mainsheet and jib sheets are free. They retrieve the righting line — usually stored in a dedicated trampoline pocket — and throw it over the crossbeam in preparation for righting.

At this point, the crew member who rotated the boat joins their partner on the hull, working together to combine their weight efficiently (an Hobie Cat 16 requires about 120 kg — or a lot of wind — to right it).

Both sailors hang from the righting line, standing upright with shoulders leaning back (not sitting back and without touching the water). As the catamaran begins to come upright, they simply remain underneath the boat, holding onto the dolphin striker.

This prevents the boat from capsizing again and keeps the crew safe — avoiding being struck by the boat or losing it.

Once stable, climb back aboard (preferably from the windward side, though this is less critical than on a dinghy due to the catamaran’s stability), reset everything, and sail off again.

If the catamaran has fully inverted (180 degrees):

From the trampoline (there’s no need to dive underwater), release the sheets and make sure the tiller extension isn’t blocking the mainsail’s movement. Take the righting line and pass it over the crossbeam as usual. However, remain standing on the leeward side, because as the boat drifts, the underwater current generated by its movement pushes against the sail, helping to lift it rather than working against you.

In summary, always remember to:

1. Never let go of the boat and immediately move away from the leeward side;
2. Ensure all sheets are free;
3. Position the catamaran at a 45-degree angle to the wind;
4. Hold onto the dolphin striker as the hull comes upright.