Gino Morelli of Morelli and Melvin to speak at Arizona Yacht Club event

If you’ve ever sailed on a catamaran of any size or description, you’ve probably sailed on a Morrelli & Melvin boat. They’re that ubiquitous in catamaran design. America’s Cup? Certainly. Gunboats? Check. Leopards? Yup. Hobie Wave? Yes, sir. Really? Really.

In August, company partner Gino Morrelli will be our guest speaker, giving us a peek at the dynamics of this dynamic sailing sector. We can’t imagine anyone better positioned to do it.

Here’s the official bio: “Gino started out working on race cars and boats in his family’s Southern California back yard as a teenager. He built his first boat with his dad and brother, a 33-foot Crowther trimaran in high school. Soon after he started his first company, Climax Catamarans, designing and building 18-square meter cats. He has been entrenched in onshore and offshore race-boat construction efforts since the early 80’s, designing and managing the construction of a French 60′ ocean racing catamaran, multiple Formula 40’s, the 1988 Stars & Stripes America’s Cup catamaran, Bol D’or racers, Little America’s Cup C-Class cats and many racing beach catamarans. Gino raced extensively on Stars and Stripes ’88 with Dennis Connor and Steve Fossett’s Morrelli & Melvin designed 125ft cat PlayStation, setting Atlantic W-E, 24 hour, Round Britain/Ireland records, and many more.”

The meeting is Tuesday, August 11, beginning at 7pm (but arrive early for dinner). Monthly meetings are held at the Caddy Shack @ Rolling Hills Golf Course, 1415 North Mill Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85281-1205 (map) and both members and non-members are welcome to attend.

 

Team AC72

I hope somebody records it with video or at least the audio! Good find....

 

Sailed some at a Sandals resort in Jamaica week before last.

Would never have thought M&M.

These were pretty worse for the wear.

The only one I sailed with a working cleat for the main sheet had rudders disconnected from the hold down linkage.

But still much more interesting than bobbing around in a pool all day long.

More time was spent getting the hang of a wind surf trainer. Enjoyed the challenge, but this old fart desk jockey was really lamenting the lack of physical stamina. It got better as my technique improved, but it still wore me slam out pretty fast when it was brisk.

 

Can someone comment on how Gino's presentation was?