Gemini

The series of Gemini catamarans, designed and built by Performance Cruising, has been the most successful of cruising cats produced in the USA, with over 800 boats [2004] sold since the first one, the Phoenix 31, was launched in 1981. They are particularly economical to buy and run and are a very well conceived design for couples or families who want to cruise in comfort and on a budget. The current model, fully equipped, is approximately $140000.

Performance Cruising, Annapolis, USA, has developed a highly efficient factory which only produces one Gemini model at a time, until this is superceded by a newer version. Most of the boat structure is formed from joining two moulded sections, which drastically reduces the number of 'secondary bonds'. A lower section comprises the hulls and decks, and includes centreboard cases; the single pre-assembled upper section has most interior elements incorporated. Boats can pass through the production process in just a few days.

The first Gemini was modelled on the Aristocat, and all models have elements typical of British cruising catamaran design. An open interior with few obstructions gives the impression of a lot of room for the length of the boat. Ample facilities for a cruising couple include a large and light double cabin forward of the dinette on the bridgedeck. The foredeck is solid, adding rigidity to the structure, and the beam is relatively narrow - all Geminis are 14 ft (4.27 m) wide.

Thus Geminis are narrow enough to fit into a standard marina berth, free of the cost penalty often levied on beamier multihulls. This economy is gained at the expense of a small degree of perfomance potential, which is, however, offset to some extent by a design which keeps the centre of gravity low. Retractable, kick-up centreboards, untypical for this class of cruiser, are standard and improve windward performance.

Geminis will usually make faster passages than a monohull of equivalent cost or size. The 105Mc model is rated for ocean cruising.

• 1981: Gemini Phoenix 31 launched - the first Gemini
• 1981 - 1993: the original design is refined and developed through the Gemini 3000 and Gemini 3200
• 1993: Gemini 3400 introduced - a forerunner of the 105M with new, kick-up rudders
• 1996: Gemini 105M with a new hull shape, re-designed deck and revamped interior
• 2003: Gemini 105Mc launched - produced from new moulds for hull and interior, making a stiffer, lighter boat