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Characteristics - seaworthiness


22 May 2019 | Last update: 23 Dec 2020

As far as seaworthiness goes, Gemini’s construction is all about strength. Really, she is overbuilt, to give confidence when dealing with rough weather. The structural, oak ribs are set just 6 inches apart, and every second rib is double-thickness timber. As I’ve already mentioned, the canoe stern also gives a very strong structure.

She has twin forestays, so if one breaks, the other is backup. And the narrow hull and heavy lead keel mean she is exceptionally resistant to capsizing, and if it should ever happen, she would flip back up within seconds. Many modern boats, with their broad hulls and ballast keels of just a few hundred kilograms, are remarkably stable when upside down.

Most of Gemini is actually under the water. That 5 ½ tonne keel pulls her down. It means that down below, there is plenty of headroom – more than 6 feet. Nevertheless, she doesn’t have much freeboard – the expanse of hull above the water. This is a good thing. Freeboard acts like a sail, except you have no control over it. The wind force against the side of the boat can be a significant factor, pushing the boat down to leeward when you really want to stay up to windward. Compare that with modern boats. Their light weight and flat bottom means that in order to provide a comfortable amount of headroom inside, they have to build hulls with lots of freeboard. The combination of large freeboard and light weight makes for a boat that falls down to leeward rather easily.

Read on to find out how the design brief was fulfilled:

What our customers say

Over 250 ★★★★★ reviews

TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence & Hall of Fame 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

Different adventure on an old boat

What a nice sailing experience spending 4 hours in March on an old boat!
Sophiefrifri | Paris, France

Sailing fun

Had a great afternoon trip with Captain Dave - great host, and thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. Well worth a go!
Taylorgt1 | London, United Kingdom

Sailing in Spain, at Sunset - A Must Do

I got a hold of Dave through a friend that had sailed with him a week before and he came highly recommended. I can see why. He is truly a good soul and a gentleman and his boat speaks volumes about his charm and debonair. Gemini is a little dated but it is spacious and has a lot of character. I had a group of 6 and it fit very nicely and for its price, it's definitely as good as it gets.
Brian L T | Los Angeles, California

Fun morning sail

Skippe Dave was great, and it was a fun morning sail. Gemini is full of character, and Dave was happy to tell us all about her. Definitely recommend this to others.
Bill N | Barcelona, Spain

Gorgeous view of the sunset!

We had a marvelous time going for an evening sail with Dave. He was very friendly and courteous, and we absolutely loved the view of the sun setting over the city skyline. Very highly recommended!
Cipriana C |

Highlight of our honeymoon!

My wife and I had a lovely evening sailing with Dave. He was very accommodating and friendly. The boat itself is very charming and easy to find in Port Olimpic. The views of the Barcelona shore are unreal at dusk. Make sure you bring some food and drink for your trip. Dave even let us swim out in the open ocean as the sun set over the city. If you plan on making it out to Barcelona, do not skip this opportunity. I can't say enough about how amazing this experience was. Thank you Dave!
830drews | Mansfield, Massachusetts

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