a catamaran - type sailboat with a steering mechanism preferably located at the level of the catamaran deck . this steering mechanism may include a rotatable or generally linearly moveable pad or element . the pad is usually actuated by foot , leaving the users hands free to operate a sail , but it can also be actuated by hand . the movement of the pad is generally simultaneously transferred to rudders at the rear of each catamaran hull by a push - pull cable unit , thereby steering the sailboat . an elastic band attached to the pad keeps the steering mechanism self - centered when not in use . when the user wishes to maneuver the sailboat , he simply moves the pad in the proper direction with his foot or hand .