A woman looking to buy an Outremer on her own is “strangely” not our most common type of client. When Christine came to us back in 2019, she was already an experienced monohull owner looking for the added comfort of a multihull. Three years later, we contacted her to gather her experience as a female captain onboard the Outremer 45 Mirabai.
Why Christine chose an Outremer
Having previously owned a stout, canoe stern monohull, specifically a Tayana 42′, Christine felt like it was time to try something new. She was interested in a vessel that could provide “higher speeds, more space, and still be visually appealing.”
She found the Outremer 45 to be particularly impressive due to “its low profile, lack of boxy lines, and absence of a clunky superstructure”. She adds: “It was a strong, sexy beast, hard to resist”.
Having in the past packed her monohull with friends like sardines in a can (which was fun at the time), now everyone is happy with the comfort of having their own cabin.
She discovered that “having a little personal space for herself and others goes a long way.”
Three years later…
Christine continues to be impressed by Mirabai’s performance and comfort, whilst still keeping her on her toes: “I learn more with every sail and with that my comfort level increases. Adjusting to general life aboard a catamaran has been an absolute dream.”
6 tips for future boat owners
1. Despite being a seasoned sailor, Christine has still learned a thing or two about boat maintenance and repair. If there’s one piece of advice she can give to new boat owners, it’s this: “as soon as you get your boat, go through it with a fine-tooth comb and tighten up ALL of the hose clamps. You’ll thank yourself later – especially for anything to do with the holding tanks!”
2. She also emphasized the importance of noting your equipment and deducing the likely scenarios you could encounter in terms of failure. Making a list of things that are a priority and having a plan in place for how to fix them can be of great help.
3. She also advises “not to forget to carry extra seals, O-rings, and bearings for things that have these components. Easy fixes are not so easy without the right materials!”
It can be tempting to put off maintenance and repairs – after all, who has the time or money for that? But Christine strongly believes that maintenance is far cheaper than repair. By taking care of your boat and addressing any issues as soon as they arise, you’ll save yourself a lot of time, money, and stress in the long run.
4. Boat ownership can be a big responsibility, but it’s also a lot of fun. One shouldn’t take it all too seriously: “enjoy the ride and appreciate the beauty of being out on the water, a little bit of maintenance and some good old-fashioned fun can go a long way”
5. When it comes to performance, Christine likes holding back on pushing the boat too far. She prefers to stay on the safe side, checking the weather often and reefing early when necessary.
6. Looking back, she would have prioritized attending Outremer Week and conversing more with other boat owners to get feedback on tweaks she could have made to the boat (or her sail wardrobe).
A precious sailing memory
A couple weeks ago, she was sailing close-hauled (at 36 AWA) going 9.2 kts in 19kts of wind down the coast of Cat Island in the Bahamas. She shares: “ I was glued to the helm with a smile as wide as that island is long; it was ridiculously fun”.
Quite often, people are surprised but always delighted and supportive when Christine handles the boat. The way she is treated by authorities or servicing professionals “usually depends on whether they think she knows her boat or not, rather than on her gender.” – adds Christine.
If there are any men on the boat and they pull up to a fuel dock or marina, people often assume the man is the captain. While it’s not a big deal to Christine, her friends often feel the need to correct the situation.
She jokes that she is often asked “where is your husband?” but this obviously has never been a major issue for Christine and further proves that women can and should have an equal place in sailing.
Women can sail just as well as men. Sailing requires skill, knowledge, and physical ability, which are not limited by gender. Women have been sailing for centuries and have made significant contributions to the sport, including setting world records, competing in Olympic events, and leading teams in professional races (much like spokeswoman, skipper and Outremer ambassador Nikki Henderson).
Additionally, sailing can be a rewarding and empowering activity for women of all ages and backgrounds.
To bridge the gap between men and women, at Outremer we offer “Ladies Only” training. In a totally relaxed atmosphere, women gain the necessary autonomy to sail with confidence, alone or with their partner.
