As a distinguished name in multihull innovation, Performance Cruising, the company behind the widely recognized Gemini Catamarans, carved out a unique niche in the marine industry. Founded by the visionary Tony Smith, the company became synonymous with practical, performance-oriented cruising boats, evolving from early trimaran designs to highly successful cruising catamarans.
The narrative of Performance Cruising begins in England with its founder, Tony Smith. A dedicated seaman and innovative craftsman, Smith built his first vessel, a 24-foot plywood Piver trimaran, in a shed in England. This initial venture was inspired by the pioneering trimaran designs of Arthur Piver, a legendary figure in multihull development during the 1950s and 60s. Tony Smith's early experiences were deeply rooted in racing, as evidenced by his participation in the first 2,100-mile Round Britain Race in 1966, where he secured a commendable fourth place. The following year, 1967, saw him design and build a 25-foot trimaran specifically for the Single Handed Transatlantic Race, further solidifying his commitment to high-performance sailing. By 1969, Smith had delved into extensive research and development with foam-sandwich construction and fiberglass molding, a pursuit that led to the creation of the legendary 26-foot Telstar folding trimaran, marking a significant step in his boat-building journey.
History and Evolution
The Telstar 26 quickly gained traction, with nearly 300 units sold worldwide, establishing Performance Cruising's reputation for innovative multihulls. During this period, Tony Smith also undertook the production of numerous custom sailboats, ranging up to 70 feet, all constructed to the rigorous Lloyds 100A1 specification. The company continued to expand its trimaran offerings, commencing production of the 35-foot Telstar in 1974. A testament to its design and seaworthiness, the prototype of the Telstar 35 finished 10th out of 100 in the challenging 1974 Round Britain Race. Further validating their commitment to advanced materials, a high-tech Kevlar Telstar 26 competed in the 1978 Round Britain Race, finishing in the top third of the fleet despite being the smallest boat and suffering a mast failure.
A pivotal moment occurred in 1980 when Tony Smith relocated Telstar production to America. However, tragedy struck in 1981 when a factory fire destroyed all the Telstar molds, forcing a significant shift in the company's direction. Undeterred, Tony Smith pivoted his focus towards cruising catamarans, leading to the development and launch of the Gemini 31' Phoenix in May of the same year. This new catamaran proved to be a phenomenal success, evolving through several variations (including the 3000, 3200, and 3400) over fifteen years of production. The Gemini catamarans quickly became recognized as the most popular cruising catamaran sold in the country, with over 800 models actively sailing at one point. Between 1980 and 1996, Performance Cruising produced over 500 Geminis across four different models.
The 1990s marked the maturation of the Gemini catamaran line. In 1993, Tony Smith introduced the predecessor to the Gemini 105M, featuring innovative transom steps and the pioneering lifting under-hung rudder system. This model's performance was showcased when Tony sailed a 3400 to a second-place finish in the Norfolk/Bermuda Cruise Rally. Further demonstrating growth and commitment to quality, Performance Cruising opened a new, custom-designed production facility in Annapolis, Maryland, in 1997. By February 2003, the company celebrated the production of Gemini 105M hull number 800. That same year, the Gemini 105MC, a convertible edition with a redesigned single interior mold for improved lightness, strength, and rigidity, was introduced. The early 2000s also saw the re-introduction of the Telstar 28 Trimaran, completely redesigned to echo the success of its original counterpart.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Performance Cruising, under the direct design leadership of Tony Smith, forged a reputation for building practical, efficient, and comfortable cruising multihulls. The company is primarily known for its Telstar trimarans and, more significantly, its Gemini catamarans, which gained widespread popularity as cruising vessels, 18]. A hallmark of the Gemini design is its focus on livability, ease of handling, and shallow draft capabilities, making them highly appealing to cruisers.
Signature design features include the innovative folding mechanism of the early Telstar 26 trimarans and the distinctive lifting under-hung rudder system first seen on the Gemini 105M's predecessor. Construction methods employed a foam-sandwich and fiberglass for the Telstars, while Gemini catamarans utilized a vacuum-bagged, balsa-cored construction, contributing to their robustness and relatively light weight. Unlike some larger yacht builders, Performance Cruising's designs largely stemmed from the vision and engineering prowess of Tony Smith himself, with his son Neil Smith also contributing to the development of the 105Mc.
Iconic Models and Legacy
The legacy of Performance Cruising is firmly anchored by several iconic models. The Telstar 26 trimaran was a groundbreaking vessel, with nearly 300 units sold worldwide, proving the viability and appeal of folding multihulls. The Telstar 35 further cemented the brand's racing credentials, as its prototype showcased strong performance in the demanding Round Britain Race. The later Telstar 28, reintroduced in 2003, aimed to recapture the spirit of its successful predecessors.
However, the Gemini 31' Phoenix and its subsequent iterations (3000, 3200, 3400) stand out as the company's most significant achievement. These models quickly became the "most popular cruising catamaran sold in the country," with over 800 of these variations sailing at one point, underscoring their widespread acceptance and demand. This line demonstrated Performance Cruising's ability to create an affordable, capable cruising catamaran that resonated with a broad market. The success continued with the Gemini 105M and its evolution, the 105MC, which saw over 800 hulls produced by 2003. In total, over 1200 Gemini Catamaran models have been built and are actively cruising worldwide, a testament to their enduring popularity and robust design. Beyond serial production, Performance Cruising also engaged in bespoke projects, constructing custom sailboats up to 70 feet to Lloyds 100A1 specifications. Tony Smith's personal racing achievements also contributed to the brand's high-performance image.
The Builder Today
As of recent information, the landscape for Performance Cruising has shifted. While originally founded by Tony and Sue Smith, the Gemini Catamarans brand is now owned by The Catamaran Company, Inc., and maintains its headquarters in Annapolis, Maryland. Critically, Gemini production halted during the COVID-19 pandemic and has not restarted. Tony Smith, the driving force behind the brand's designs and innovations, has since retired.
Despite the cessation of new production, the appeal of Gemini catamarans persists. They are still regarded as smart, budget-friendly cruising catamarans known for being comfortable, capable, and enjoyable to sail. Furthermore, they hold the distinction of being one of the few catamarans historically built in the USA. A testament to their lasting impact is the vibrant and dedicated community of owners, actively supported by organizations like the Gemini Catamaran Owners Association (GCOA), which provides resources and fosters connection among enthusiasts. This strong owner community ensures that the legacy of Performance Cruising and its Gemini catamarans continues to thrive on waterways around the globe.
