November 2012 - Gemini Gems

From the Editor
Dear Readers,
Gemini is the third sign of the zodiac. The characteristics of a Gemini (born May 21—June 21) are similar to
the Gemini Catamaran. A Gemini is intellectually inclined, probing people and places in search of new experiences.
Even though the intellect can rationalize forever and a day, Geminis have a surplus of imagination
waiting to be untapped. Thus, we have the Gemini Legacy. Built with some of the most experienced teams in
in boat building and backed with decades of innovation the Gemini Legacy surely deserves a look through the
telescope.
To see the Legacy for yourself visit the St. Pete Boat Show, for more information visit http://
www.catamarans.com/boatshows/2012/st_petersburg/index.aspx.
Please remember, the true value of Gemini Gems is based on the contributions of its members. Other readers
enjoy hearing stories about maintenance, upgrades and travels on your Gemini and each contribution we
are able to use will earn you a FREE one year extension to your membership. To contribute a story and/or
photos, email: geminigems@multihullsmag.com.
Amanda Kalb
Publisher
New Owners:
Hull 513, Nery & Gail Mejicano, Pembroke Pines, FL
ABOUT TIME
Hull 754, Gregory Szenas, Pinellas Park, FL
ARIEL
Hull 813, Dale Campbell, Panama City, Panama
TORTUGA
Hull 1100, Paul Manning, Kill Devil Hills, NC
TOBIAS
Hull 1150, John & Dorothy Phillips, Mercerville, NJ
Gemini Legacy
Hull 1151, Patrick & Pamela Lockwood, Buffalo, NY
1

Winterizing a Gemini
Time is flying by and now cooler weather is at our door step and
it is almost time to winterize. Here are a few winterizing procedures
to follow:
Pump out the holding tanks and pour in deodorizer.
To winterize the water system and engine you will need approximately
12 gallons of antifreeze.
By: Amanda Kalb & Steve Pitman
Turn the seacock to the closed position
Head:
Set the valve for fresh water flush
Run 2 sinks work of antifreeze through the head
Engine:
Add fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank
In the port aft cabin;
Drain the water heater
Leave the drain valve open
With a magic marker, mark the appropriate hose “in” and
“out”
Disconnect hoses and insert a fitting to connect the hoses
together
Open the inspection port on port water tank
Tilt the aft end of water to tank to assist in draining
Pour 1 gallon of antifreeze in the water tank
Turn on the water pressure pump
Once the full gallon is pumped through, replace the inspection
port
In the starboard aft cabin:
Repeat the above water tank directions adding 6 gallons of
antifreeze. Add more as needed.
Open each valve for the galley sink, head sink, and head
shower
One at a time leave them running until the water is gone
and antifreeze is coming out
Follow the same procedure if you have a transom shower
Air Conditioning:
Flip the seacock to fresh water flush and leave running until
antifreeze is coming out.
Run engine long enough to allow the stabilizer to run
through the engine
The following is best performed with a helper.
In the starboard aft cabin;
Hook hose to fresh water side of seacock
Pour in 2 gallons of antifreeze into a bucket
Set seacock to fresh water flush
Run engine until pink is coming out of the exhaust
Tilt cushions up to avoid moisture and mildew.
Open cabinet doors.
Remove personal belongings to avoid mildew damage.
Ensure bilges are dry.
Turn seacocks to the closed position.
Place NO DAMP buckets through the cabin.
Remove or secure the sails.
Say Goodnight for the long winter slumber.
If you are keeping your boat in the water, it is recommend to
check on your boat throughout the winter. Whether or not it is
in the water or on the hard it is important to monitor the snow
and ice accumulation. Snow and ice add a large amount of
weight to your boat which is a hazard if it is in the water or on
the hard.
Email service@geminicatamarans.com if you have questions or
concerns on winterizing your Gemini.
2

Avoiding Sunburn
By: Amanda Kalb
Sunburn is damaged skin caused by overexposure to
the harmful UV rays from our friend, The Sun. I am
sure you have all been sunburned one time or another.
It is very uncomfortable and can ruin the rest of a
vacation. In addition to discomfort, sunburn can
cause nausea, fever, and chills. Not to mention, the
increased risk for skin cancer. Risk for sunburn occurs
more in the tropics where the UV rays are the strongest.
Particularly from September to March, prime
cruising time. The intensity of the sun is measured by
the UV rays. The higher the value the higher the risk.
There are many ways to help prevent sunburn. There
is UV protective lotion, UV protective clothing, sunglasses
and exposure.
UV protective lotion is better than no protection at
all. Sun lotion can only provide partial UV protection
despite the claims on the label. When using sun lotion
it is advised to use an SPF (sun protection factor)
of at least 30 and reapply often. It is important not to
forget areas such as; the tops of your feet, backs of
your hands, neck and ears. Also applying an SPF lip
balm is a advisable idea.
hats). This is still not enough, be sure to apply sun
lotion to the areas not covered by protective clothing.
While staying shaded or
indoors during the time
high intense UV rays is
not always practical, or
desired, taking precaution
again the suns rays is the
best you can do to protect
your skin. You should
never be outdoors without
sun lotion or protection
against the sun.
At your local
West Marine.
Columbia Omni-Shade UPF 40
UV Protective clothing is the best way to prevent
overexposure to the sun. Not all clothing is UV protective
so be sure to check the label. Columbia has an
admirable line of light weight, UV resistant clothing.
This includes, shirts (long sleeve, pants, capris and
3

Shrink Wrapping a Gemini
1– Choose whether you want to remove sails or leave them in place.
2– If you choose to leave the sails in place, run foam padding over sail
cover and around genoa . This helps protect them from the heat.
3– To start running your strapping, take it from your high point at the
mast and run forward to the base of the furling. Then you want to
spread it around on the foredeck under the railings and first set of stanchions.
For the sides you want to tie the strapping off on one side at
the bottom of the stanchion and then run it over the boom to the same
stanchion base on the opposing side. Continue until you get to the
stern. Once you reach the stern you will tie your strapping to the end of
the boom and run the strapping across to the bottom of the railings.
Determine where you are going to install the door so you don't run
strapping across that area. We usually recommend putting the door at the
starboard stern steps. This is so with the boat on land you can access the
boat with the swim ladder. You then have the steps to stand on while unzipping
the doorway. You may have your boat on a lift, in the water or on
the hard so placement of the door could vary with each Gemini.
Materials:
By: Steve Pitman
Shrink Wrap— 40ft wide X 45 ft long
Strapping—at least 100 ft
Tape—4 rolls
Step 3: Run your strapping
Notice the cuts that allow the wrap to wrap around the stanchions.
Wrapping around the stanchions builds the risk of
bending them.
4– You now want to start pulling the shrink wrap over the
boat. You will need to cut a slot to pull it over the boom and
around the mast. Once you get it pulled from bow to stern you will
use your shrink wrap tape to seal that cut. You then need to take
your time and cut slots for the standing rigging and genoa. As you
get these cut and tapped back up, you will be cutting the width and
tapping it off to the bottom side of the rubrail. Make sure to cut
and install venting fittings, ideally 2 vents per side.
4

5– Now that your boat is completely covered you will need to use a special
heating torch with long extension to heat the shrink wrap up to make it
tight. As you heat the wrap make even passes and avoid staying in one spot
too long. Staying in one spot could burn a hole in the wrap.
6– Now that you have your boat protected, it is the perfect time to begin and
complete some of the projects on your “To Do” list.
The door was installed over the port hull steps.
A completely shrink wrapped Gemini.
110 Ton Travel Lift to 23'6" Beam
Hurricane season is coming, and we can put you in contact with insurance
carriers who may allow you to store your Gemini catamaran here for the
season.
At St. Augustine Marine Center’s 23-acre site, we’re totally devoted to
bringing you expert service at affordable prices, plus safe, secure and dry
storage in our enormous storage yard. We pride ourselves on working with
you every step of the way, so that when your project is completed, the only
surprises are pleasant ones!
Full Service Yard in Beautiful, Historic Downtown St. Augustine
DeepWater Dockside, All Tides / No Approach Restrictions
St. Augustine’s ONLY Certified
5

Legacy vs. 105Mc
Captain Bill Schardt owns Annapolis Sailing Solutions and has owned and sailed his Gemini 105Mc since new,
in 2005. He performs all of his own maintenance and is very familiar with the Gemini 105 Mc. He races, on
the Chesapeake Bay on Jeff Short’s 105Mc, ENDURANCE. His own boat is in a captained charter business in
Southwest Florida where he specializes in introducing potential Gemini owners to the boat. Bill also does
deliveries and new boat instruction for new Gemini owners who need a little encouragement to let go of the
dock. Captain Bill has had the experience of sailing the new Gemini Legacy comparing it to his 105Mc. Below
are his some of his comparisons.
Let me begin by saying I love my boat. Even with all the little issues that come with ownership, I am not looking
for my next boat. I viewed the Legacy with some skepticism because it lacked the features I find useful. It
has little stub keels, instead of retractable centerboards. Hah, it will never point. It also has two inboards instead
of one which can only mean twice the maintenance and more fuel consumption. With that comes two
straight shafts with propeller propulsion. Too much drag. A smaller jib and no screecher Come on, now, this
will be a cruising boat with no performance.
So, I went to the Annapolis Sailboat Show and got in line to see what the Legacy was all about. The Legacy
has two models; two stateroom with two heads and the three stateroom with one head, which is what I
boarded. I was simply amazed. The new cockpit is open and inviting with an optional helm seat and an optional
cockpit table. Standing in the cockpit it is immediately apparent that this is a completely new design.
The view from the protected cockpit is unobstructed and when you sit on the optional helm seat the feel is
that of a much larger catamaran. It feels like a much bigger boat. Once the crowd cleared from the inside I
got a chance to see some very nice woodwork and some remarkable changes to the interior. I sat down in
the salon without banging my
head. The coach roof has moved
forward for some welcome standing
headroom. There is a very
pretty but not very functional
cocktail table that allows six to
eight adults to sit and chat but no
one is going to eat at that table.
But, wait, unhinging a panel where
the AC unit resided on the older
boats, revealed a full size dinette
table that ingeniously fits on top of
the cocktail table giving you a nice
dining table option. Going forward
6

in the port hull, where the head used to be is the entrance
to the main stateroom and guess what The
bunk is situated sideways to the length of the boat so
you no longer need to climb over your partner to get
in or out of bed. There is also an opening hatch in the
forward facing window to catch some nice breezes at
anchor. Exiting the main cabin, I was careful not to
snag my pants on the centerboard socket. Oh, that’s
right there are no sockets because there are no centerboards.
Aft, to port, there is the head with an access
panel for one of the Yanmar diesel inboards. Going
to the starboard aft cabin has somehow been
made larger. There is comfortable room for two
adults. This aft cabin is where I live on charters and
believe me it is definitely bigger.
The galley is next, moving forward, and there are
small changes with some neat little innovations like
removable countertops covering the sink and an enclosed
trash receptacle. Forward is another smallish
crew or child bunk area. In the two head version this
becomes the second head. This will be a nice option
for a charter or owners with frequent guests.
Going topside, I see that ALL sail control lines have
been led to the helm and run through a series of labeled
clutches. It looks confusing but I think it becomes
clearer with some practice. There is no
screecher option but Gemini is offering an optional
code zero headsail. The mainsail rests neatly in a
stack pack that is easily reached by walking on the
reinforced cockpit roof. The bow seats on this boat
are cushioned but I suspect the cushions are an option.
You will notice I use the word “option” frequently.
The Legacy seems to be priced in a similar manner to
the larger cats. This new pricing should satisfy most
prospective owners and enable them dress up the
boat as their budget allows.
Following the initial boat show introduction I spent an
afternoon on the Severn River with Robin Hodges sailing
the Legacy.
We left the slip easy enough, and Robin had to show
off by spinning the boat in its own length. I took the
helm and proceeded out of Back Creek at 6 knots at
2800 rpm with both engines running. When I went to
one engine, only, we dropped to 5 knots but were
using 1/2 of the fuel. It has been reported but not
confirmed by me, that fuel consumption is 1 1/2 gallons
per hour with both engines running. If this holds
true, then one engine should be using 3/4 gallons per
hour. I thought the engine/transmission noise was
greater than that of the 105Mc but it is possible that
the noise could be coming from the fans that Yanmar
uses to provide air intake. Laura, at Gemini Catamarans,
is working on that issue.
Once clear of the creek we raised the main, from the
cockpit, with very little effort and I noticed the boat
would sail under main, alone, although not very efficiently.
This differs from the 105Mc which does not
like to sail with only the main up. We unrolled the
7

genoa and trimmed for speed. The Legacy tended to pull
to windward, stubbornly, until Robin trimmed the main
and then we tracked on a straight course with little feedback
from the large wheel. Unlike my boat, we did not
need to raise the driveleg, at this point, because there is
none. The wind was blowing from 10—20 knots and we
saw the boat speed up to 9 knots. The large, fully
battened mainsail tended to heel the boat more than
mine and I believe you will want to reef sooner on the
Legacy. I was able to easy point to 40 degrees but can not
give a reliable report because the wind indicator was not
centered. I read 25 degrees on one tack and luffing occurred
at 40 on the opposite tack. We sailed through all
points of wind and several tacks and gybes with no difference
between the 105Mc and the Legacy. The speeds I
observed were what I would expect on my 105Mc. This
boat was not equipped with the code zero optional headsail
so I am anxious to try one so equipped. We started
the engines, dropped the main and furled the jib, and
headed for Back Creek. At the slip Robin reversed the engines
and docked easily, even with a cross wind. Secure
the lines, turn off the engines and go home. No driveleg
to raise or centerboards to forget.
The new Legacy is impressive. It looks good and sails
well. The newly designed cockpit is open and inviting for
socializing. I think it may change the market for chartering.
It will be large enough for two couples and small
Annapolis Sailing Solutions
Captained Charters
Deliveries
New Boat Training
Sailing Lessons
www.annapolissailingsolutions.com
(443)852-0105
1212 Pine Siskin Dr.
Punta Gorda, Fl., 33950
enough to encourage more folks to try it themselves. The two head version increases privacy for two couples
but lost the great standup shower and shower door on the 105Mc. The Legacy is an easier boat to learn, under
power, with no driveleg or centerboards to intimidate and confuse. The draft of 36” will still allow, relatively,
shallow sailing and anchoring and the sturdy keel and rudders will protect the props from damage.
With straight shaft drives the Legacy has avoided the maintenance issues of most saildrives but does not require
shaft seals that will drip water into the bilge. The engines have reasonably good access for maintenance.
All sail control lines are led to the cockpit and even reefing can be accomplished from the helm. An
optional windless resides out of sight, in the anchor locker, and should prove to be a popular option. At this
time there is no enclosure option but I believe one will be offered shortly.
Throughout the years that the original Gemini’s were produced, each model, you could argue, became an
improvement over the previous. It is obvious that Laura Hershfeld and her team at Hunter have put a lot of
thought into their newest of Tony Smith’s dream and indeed it could become the Legacy.
8

Your Cruising Reading List
AN EMBARRASMENT
OF MANGOES
By: Ann Vanderhoof
This cruising book has
an underlying theme
that links the whole story together.
Since the author is a fine cook, the
theme is food. She enjoys the unusual
produce she encounters on
her journey from Toronto to the
Caribbean.
SEAHAWK BURNING
By: Randall Peffer
The “Seahawk” series novelize the
real-life adventures of Capt. Raphael
Semmes, a skilled seaman in the
Confederate Navy, whose ship
burned and seized dozens of Union
Navy ships during the Civil War.
MERMAID MAGIC
By: Serene Conneeley
Mermaid Magic will help you develop
your own deep connection to
the element of water. Work with
the ocean and its creatures, learn
about tides and lunar phases, divine
your future with sea oracles,
absorb the healing
energies of sacred
wells and springs,
become an eco
warrior, and discover
the beauty of
mermaid lore and
legends – and how to call on the
mermaids for love and transformation.
Catamaran Sailing Vacations Worldwide
Gemini Highlights: TONY—BVI, SPONGEBOB—Ft. Lauderdale
BAYCAT– Annapolis, JACK’S CAT – BVI
www.catamarans.com/charter
11

Ship to Shore Recipes
This collection of recipes comes from the Ship to
Shore Cookbook collected by Captain Jan Robinson.
These recipes are favorites of not only her own but
many Caribbean yacht charter chefs.
Breakfast
Easy Onboard Sticky Buns
By: Gay Thompson aboard Satori
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Serves 8
2 pkgs Pillsbury Butterflake Rolls
Lots of butter or margarine
1/2 c. honey
1 c. chopped walnuts
1 c. raisins (optional)
Melt 4 Tbsp. butter in a large skillet. Separate rolls
into individual pieces and fry on both sides (they will
puff up—each roll can be broken down into 3 or 4
pieces). Keep cooked pieces to one side so they don’t
burn and add butter as needed. When they’re all
cooked through, add raisins, honey and walnuts. Stir
over heat until all are coated.
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Serves 6
1 c. dry rice
2 c. cooked chicken
3/4 c. raisins
3/4 c. mango chutney
1 large pineapple
Mayonnaise
Cinnamon
Cook the rice, then cool. Cut the pineapple in half,
including flower. Scoop out meat and cut it into
chunks. Save shells. Combine pineapple chunks and
remaining ingredients and rice. Mound into pineapple
shells and garnish flower with orange twists and maraschino
cherries.
*Excellent paired with Chilled Cucumber Salad and
fresh Beer Bread.
An Afternoon Refreshment
Tropical Cooler
By: Cheryl Anne Fowler aboard Vanity
Serves 4
Lunch
Caribbean Chicken Salad
By: Lori Moreau aboard Alberta Rose
Prep Time: 40 minutes
3 Tbsp. crème de menthe
1/2 of 6 oz. can frozen limeade concentrate
1 pint vanilla ice milk
1 (12 oz.) bottle carbonated water, chilled
12

Combine crème de menthe, limeade concentrate, half
of the ice milk, and half of the carbonated water; stir
until blended and pour into 4 glasses. Place additional
scoops of ice milk in glasses; fill with remaining carbonated
water. Garnish with mint sprigs.
1/2 lb. sweet butter, softened
2 c. grated parmesan cheese
1/2 c. heavy cream (room temperature)
Fresh ground pepper
Supper
Noodles Alfredo
By: Harriet Beberman aboard Avatar
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Serves 6-10
Gradually add noodles and salt to rapidly boiling water so
that water continues to boil. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally
until tender. Drain. Place butter in hot 4 quart
casserole dish. Add noodles and toss gently. Add cheese
and toss again. Pour in cream, toss. Sprinkle with freshly
ground pepper.
*Top with your favorite seasoned seafood or poultry.
1 lb. medium egg noodle
4—8 quarts water
1/8 c. salt
Great Location
Annapolis Catamaran Center is located
in the Sailing Capital of the
United States. We are just a short
water taxi ride from fabulous waterfront
dining in historic Downtown
Annapolis and a 15 minute
drive from malls and shops. Being
in the center of the marine district
of Annapolis, we have additional
resources should any occasion call
for it.
Onsite Services
Full time sales staff
Charters
Boat shows & Events
Home of Gemini Catamarans
Home of Gemini Gems
Slips up to 35 feet wide
Contact: acc@catamarans.com
13

Classifieds
FOR SALE: 2010 Caribe inflatable with 20 HP Honda outboard. Caribe model L 11, 3.38m. Tiller control
Honda outboard. The outboard has minor scratches on the cowling. Selling the package for $6,000. For more information call
Marco, 443-569-3392.
FOR SALE: 2010 Honda 20 HP outboard. Brand new in the box! $ 3,900. Call Marco, 443-569-3392.
CHARTER/CAPTAIN: Captained Charter, onboard a Gemini 2005 105Mc, in Southwest Florida. From November to May I am available
for ½ day, full day and multiple day charters in the Punta Gorda, Ft. Myers area of Florida. This is the perfect chance to test
drive a Gemini, with an experienced captain, to give you the Gemini facts, before you buy. I am, also, available in the Annapolis
area from May through October to help you with your new boat or, perhaps, help you get it home. Call Captain Bill Schardt at 443
852-0105 for availability and rates.
FOR SALE: Sails for SALE! We are now a power Cat. Three sails, for 3000 or other they may fit. Main, about 2 seasons, Jib, good
condition. (both are like New) Battens, Jenny, included. Cover for Main.All for $1800. Call Richard or Gale Slates 239-471-7392 or
email gslates@gmail.com . All located in Cape Coral, Fl
To place a classified ad email, geminigems@multihullsmag.com
Now in Philadelphia and Annapolis!
What is not to like about new boat ownership with less costs
Enrolling your boat with SailTime brings your costs down and
benefits up. As an owner you are automatically enrolled as a
Premier Member. Becoming a SailTime member for Gemini can
be as easy as $395 per month. Contact Gemini Catamarans for
more details.
For More information on Gemini Catamarans in Sail-
Time contact, 410-626-2720 or email
sales@geminicatmarans.com.
14

Memberships
newsletter and online re-
Memberships are $39/yr for a digital
sources.
You can renew your membership online at www.gemcats.net and
pay using PayPal (preferred), credit card (through PayPal), or mail a
check payable to Gemini Catamaran Owners Association 7364
Edgewood Road, Annapolis MD 21403.
GEMINI GEMS is published quarterly in January, April, July, and
October. The annual directory is published in February.
All back issues prior to July 2009 are available for download by
members at http:/www.geminigems.net. A CD with all issues prior to
July 2009 may be purchased by any current or prior member for
$15.
All back issues after April 2009 may be downloaded online at $10/
ea.
Classified advertisements are free to members for up to 4 issues (1
year) per ad, thereafter $9 per issue or additional ad. Ads for Gemini
catamarans for sale are supported only through Performance
Cruising Inc. and Yacht World. Ads are full length online, edited in
length as necessary for the newsletter.
All prices are in USD.
Contribute an article or a picture for the cover and receive credit for
one issue (3 months) for each final edited full page printed.
Disclaimer Gemini Catamaran Owners Association (GCOA) has
made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided
in this publication. Such information has been compiled from a variety
of sources and is subject to change without notice from GCOA.
GCOA does not warrant or make any representations as to the quality,
content, accuracy or completeness of the information, text,
graphics, links or other items contained in this document. This information
and content is provided without warranties of any kind, either
express or implied, including, but not limited to, warranties of title,
non-infringement or implied warranties of merchantability or fitness
for a particular purpose or otherwise, other than those warranties
which are incapable of exclusion, restriction or modification under
applicable law. Under no circumstances shall GCOA, our affiliates or
our licensors be liable for any direct, indirect, punitive, incidental,
special or consequential damages that result from the use of, or
inability to use, the information provided in this document. This limitation
applies whether the alleged liability is based on contract, tort,
negligence, strict liability or any other basis, even if we have been
advised of the possibility of such damage. Because some jurisdictions
do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential
damages, our liability in such jurisdictions shall be limited to
the extent permitted by law.
15