Gemini 52 SuperSport-Meilahn Custom Yachts

There's a new (power)cat on the block.

Stuart, Florida-based Meilahn Custom Yachts will launch its Gemini SuperSport Powercat line at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, October 29-November 3.

The builder says, "The idea was to build an American-made shallow-draft vessel, customized to each buyer’s wishes, with a power-cat hull system offering zero interruption to the interior design with a wider than usual beam."

The 52-footer sports 52'0" LOA with a 19'3" beam. Her girth enables a two-stateroom, two-head layout with a full galley, and a saloon that seats up to eight guests. Topside there's a dinette area for six, dual helm hairs, expansive cockpit seating for many and a hot-tub.

Her propulsion system utilizes two Arneson Surface Drives (ASD 12), powered by two turbo-charged Yanmar 900-hp diesels. The builder reports that the Gemini 52 can reach cruising speeds between 27 and 45 mph at 1800 to 2200 rpm, with a top speed over 50 mph at 2400 rpm.

The 52's exterior and interior design comes courtesy of well-known designer Steve French and his company, Applied Concepts Unleashed. Her hull and superstructure is built of composite fiberglass, corecell, and carbon fiber.

The Gemini 52 SuperSport can be found in Slip # G-730 at the Lauderdale Show. The company says it plans to build its line of yachts up to 91 feet.

Save Our Reefs

The Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL)—an international organization dedicated soley to saving the world's coral reefs—recently announced it will be partnering with Leisure Pro, an online purveyor of all things scuba and snorkeling related. Leisure Pro has agreed to help draw attention to the plight of coral reefs by agreeing to no longer sell fish food. You see, feeding fish can have decidedly deleterious effects on coral reefs. It alters predator-prey relationships, and thus (to put it crudely), mucks with delicate food chains and ecosystems. This can be particularly problematic when divers feed algae grazers, who in turn eat less algae, which can then smother a coral reef. To help draw attention to CORAL’s “Take a Bite out of Fish Feeding Campaign,” Leisure Pro has promised that any shoppers who donate at least $10 with their next online purchase will receive CORAL’s 2009 calendar.

Big Squall, Bigger Fish

When the crew of MJ's headed out during the recent Beach Haven Marlin and Tuna Tournament, these anglers went looking for that leaderboard-leading fish. Well, they did that: a 129-pound tuna to be exact,which secured the team first place in that division. But the catch wasn't without some challenges. You see, just as the fish hit the squall line you see here descended upon MJ's. The result was a fish battle during 60-mph winds and rain. In the end, the crew weathered the storm and nabbed the tuna, the crew's fourth first-place finish in seven years at this event.

Pirates Rob Yacht in the Med

It’s not a powerboat, but it’s still worth mentioning. According to RTL, a French Web site, the 55-meter sailing yacht Tiara was robbed at gunpoint last night in Corsica. Reports say that four masked men sneaked aboard the vessel and got away with around €138,000 (roughly $203,600). Here’s the link to the translated story. More on the story can be found here at the Super Yacht Times.

Delivery Men Make Mistake

Here’s an unfortunate accident that made for some dramatic pictures. A brand new Sealine 37 was on its way from Southampton, England to Ireland but never reached the Emerald Isle. Instead, the delivery crew of two hit a ledge at 16 knots, holing the hull. The crew was unhurt, and subsequently rescued, but the brand new 37 was not so lucky. The Falmouth Lifeboat Station attempted to tow the Sealine to a nearby beach, but the vessel sunk before it made it to the shore. The owner had yet to set foot on his American-made vessel.

As for the crew, an official from the Lifeboat Station had this to say, according to the Daily Mail paper, “They didn't hang around and they got the first bus to Southampton and looked very worried.” I bet. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.