Cat vs Mono

[sailingdog]

Catamarans also track better because they have two long narrow hulls, and in the case of some catamarans, multiple keels, which naturally resist turning. This is one reason they sometimes have trouble tacking. However, the sail plan still has to be balanced for them to sail optimally.

Originally Posted by Plumper

Multihulls track better because they don't heel. The heeling moment on a monohull puts the center of effort out over the water and makes them want to turn. The center of effort stays over the boat (most of the time) in a multi. Balancing a multi is no effort. (point in their favour)

[chucklesR]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

Catamarans also track better because they have two long narrow hulls, and in the case of some catamarans, multiple keels, which naturally resist turning. This is one reason they sometimes have trouble tacking. However, the sail plan still has to be balanced for them to sail optimally.

You mean I can't just fly those dishrags any 'ol way I want and stay balanced?
I thought trimming sails was to make it fit the fore stay and the mast.

Gemini centerboards get popped and switched on a tack. If you pop the board prior to a tack the boat slides around pretty quick - the wee bit of lee way you make actually helps because you'll pick up speed that helps you carry through.
Gem 105's are damn near the optimum 9:1 length:beam on each hull, completely symmetrical (both hulls shaped the same). Once I'm trimmed up the only time I touch the helm is to hold myself up or turn to a new course.

Not germaine to the OP's question because the Admiral 38 has no boards.

The Lagoon 41, Voyage 44, Voyage 50, Maxim 38 - the multi's I've chartered, all handle pretty much the same - track straight once you get engine output balanced (not RPM, actual thrust); and are reasonable at tracking under sail if you can get the sails to balance out.