We truly can have you out on the water in as little as 20 minutes! If you are doubting we can tell you it really is as simple as three easy steps:

1. Sit on one side of the boat, hold onto the rope that is attached to the sail (fairly loosely) & control the steering with the rudder.

2.To turn, simply pull the rudder behind your body

3.Once you have turned halfway, duck under the sail and sit on the other side.

And there you have it! You have just sailed a catamaran. We’ll go through this with you on the day of your hire along with the basics of wind direction and strength, tying knots, safety and terminology. You’ll feel like a pro in no time!

We also found this nice little video on youtube. Check it out

As a family planning a 3 year circumnavigation, starting on the North/East of the US in the summer of 2011. http://www.threelittlebirds.info/

Mary Margaret and Dave Leu sailing around the world!
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/leucat/

For more have a look at http://www.sailblogs.com

We did some research on weather and climate stats and found the following daily weather observations for Perth. Pretty interesting stuff

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/IDCJDW6111.latest.shtml

http://www.searchperth.com

10. Jibsheet? What’s that?
9. What do you mean, take off my spiked golf shoes?
8. Wow! We went the whole day without one pictchpo…. AAAAHHHH!!!
7. Let’s go get a closer look at those jetskis.
6. Mind if I light up this cigar?
5. Here comes the coastguard. Did I mention I that I have a 10lb bag of cocaine in my shorts?
4. You’ve had your laugh. Now help me get my head out of the trampoline lacing.
3. We’re sure to win. I brought my lucky anvil collection.
2. But… I thought you put the hull plugs in.
1. So… do you trailer with your rudders on or off?

It will give you forecasts on wind and waves, wave directions and periods, tides, temperatures and air pressure. So if you engange in any sorts of water sports http://www.seabreeze.com.au is something that should be bookmarked on your browser. If you know of any other good wind and weather forcast sites, let us know.

http://goaustralia.about.com/cs/wasightseeing/a/perth1.htm

.. as well as in the Sydney Morning Herald; already from 2005 but who cares
http://www.smh.com.au/news/western-australia/a-fine-sense-of-adventure/2005/11/09/1131407687141.html

and here

http://www.drivewa.com/poi/1673/fun-cats.html
http://www.scoop.com.au/Region/South-Perth/ThingsToDo/South-Perth-Funcats

Whether you sail a Hobie Cat, Prindle, NACRA, Inter, Tornado, or any of the other beach catamarans you are welcome there. TheBeachcats.com is an “open class” website.

Check it out if you want more catamaran stuff to read over this long winter. We’re already looking forward to getting out on the water again

The Swan is a generous, gentle river right at Perth’s doorstep. It was named in 1797, by the Dutch explorer, Willem de Vlamingh who was impressed by the many black swans, which he observed upon its waters.

Perth, gracefully straddling the Swan, is rated among the most beautiful cities in the world. The river, which separates the downtown area from its southern suburbs, provides lush vistas. Near the City, the banks of the Swan fan out into a wide, sparkling expanse. Edging it are green playing fields behind which the city skyline is invariably silhouetted against a sky of clear and brilliant blue. At weekends, this is the scene for yachting action. Sleek crafts criss-cross the ruffled surface of the water, many boasting billowing multi-hued spinnakers.

Luxury motor cruisers glide by, while small outboards peacefully putt-putt on the calm waters. Fishermen are here too, for the waters of the Swan abound with prawns, crabs and a variety of fish.

Special Features

Matilda Bay at Crawley has its own special magic. The distinctive Mediterranean style buildings of the University of Western Australia provide an outstanding backdrop. The long sweep of beach is popular all summer long for family picnics, swimming, sunbaking and for boating activities.

Follow the river further on its way to the Indian Ocean. After passing some of Perth’s most opulent homes, it narrows into the busy port of Fremantle. Here, ocean liners, modern container ships and tramp steamers berth beside towering cranes, while old stone warehouses echo to the dockside bustle and cries of gulls.

http://www.totaltravel.com.au/travel/wa/pertharea/perth/travel-guides/natural-attractions/swan-river