Derecktor to Build World’s Largest Sailing Cat!

“Gemini”, the 44-meter catamaran designed by Van Peteghem Lauriot Prevost (VPLP), which upon completion will be the world’s largest sailing cat, has begun building at Derecktor Shipyards’ Bridgeport, CT facility.

At 44-meters (145 ft.), with a 53-meter carbon fiber rig, Gemini represents a number of unique technical challenges, a primary reason the team of VPLP and Derecktor was chosen. VPLP has earned a worldwide reputation as a leading architect of multi hulls, while for six decades Derecktor has been known for building technically demanding vessels, ranging from Americas Cup winners to large high-speed catamaran ferries. Indeed, Gemini follows on the heels of two 70-meter catamarans built for the state of Alaska.

Derecktor’s superb light-weight aluminum construction techniques, along with its capability to build complex one-off vessels, were also factors in the choice of shipyard, as Gemini is to be an elegant and comfortable yacht as well as a technically imposing one.

Below her towering rig, Gemini has three decks topped by the 92 sq. meter fly bridge, which contains twin helms as well as a sundeck with all the essentials: sun beds, Jacuzzi, lounge area, bar, BBQ grill and al fresco dining for twelve. She will be outfitted with full diving gear for 12, and a 28 foot tender for dive excursions, which disappears into the catamarans cross deck.

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The vast main deck includes a 126 sq. meter shaded dining and lounge area including a fully equipped bar. From the forward end, the large private terrace and trampoline can be accessed from the owner and VIP suites. Her elegant interior style is the work of Michael Leach Design Ltd, winner of the prestigious 2004 Showboats International “Best Yacht Interior” award. Five generous en suite cabins are highlighted by the sumptuous 30 sq. meter owners suite. The 8 person crew will settle well into the starboard hull with crew mess, galley (with walk-in freezer), laundry and other essentials at hand. There is even a private crew’s entrance so that, in spite of her size, all aboard Gemini can have a sense of intimacy and privacy.

Extraordinary engineering features are almost common place on Gemini. Her port hull transom opens onto the fully outfitted dive room. A 3 sq. meter hydraulic swim platform emerges from her stern for easy ocean access. The automatic passerel also stores in this hull for efficient med (stern-to) mooring. The starboard transom house a 4.5 meter tender launched through a side door in the hull. This second tender is meant for water skiing, wake board and general knocking about.

The communications and electronic systems aboard Gemini befit a contemporary yacht of her sophistication. Engineering and systems have been designed by Derecktor and Taylor Marine Services to operate seamlessly, ensuring that shipboard life will be comfortable and as trouble-free as possible. This is no simple feat, considering she will carry 30,365 liters of fuel, 8,500 liters of fresh water, 40 tons of air conditioning and water makers with a 568 liter per hour capacity.

With a launch date of fall 2007, Gemini will soon become the world’s largest, and the most breathtaking, sailing catamaran, open to charter from 2008.

Principal Characteristics:

LOA: 44.2 m
Beam: 16.6 m
Draft: 2.8 m
Displacement: 210 Tons

Sail area:
Main sail: 522m²
Upwind sail Area: 869m²
Reaching: 1112m²