SHOOTING STAR, 2007 Morrelli & Melvin. Shooting Star comes from the iconic multihull designers that were behind the original Gunboats. Compared to her Gunboat sisters, Shooting Star takes a step further in the direction of minimalist, fast, yet cruising capable offshore catamarans. This is a boat that was built to sail, while still offering enough comfort and equipment to remain away from the dock while cruising the island destination of your choice. Performance is achieved with long slender hulls, carbon fiber mast, and daggerboards. One of the most unique features of Shooting Star is the central command station. All sailing controls and steering are centrally located behind the mast, yet inside the cabin. This arrangement provides the visibility benefits of a forward cockpit without having to step out into the weather or expose the cabin to an open door in rough conditions.

While Shooting Star is a purists sailboat, she was designed and smartly upgraded to allow comfortable cruising without spoiling performance. The bridge deck cabin features unimpeded 360 degree views with various opening windows and a sliding convertible roof. When ambient temperatures aren’t conducive for natural ventilation, Espar Airtronic cabin heaters and Cruiseair air conditioning keep the boat comfortable. Shooting Star can comfortably sail in the sunny Bahamas or foggy Maine. The galley features ample countertop space (13 outboard and 5 inboard), fridge/freezer space for extended cruising, 3 burner propane stove, and plenty of cabinet space for cookware and food storage.

Power demands while off the grid are taken care of by cabin top solar, a large Balmar alternator on each engine, and a Watt & Sea hydro generator. Another smart upgrade is the addition of bow thrusters; light weight catamarans have been described as a leaf blowing across the water when docking in a cross breeze.

Shooting Stars construction is of S-glass/Kevlar/carbon reinforcement in high load areas, foam core, and epoxy resin. S-glass is approximately 30% stronger than the industry standard E-glass, yet more impact resistant than carbon. The interior is kept light and simple with faired and painted surfaces. No liners to add weight or allow mold to grow.

Over the past decade, the current owner has enjoyed Shooting Star from the Eastern Caribbean to Maine. A highlight of his cruising was in the Ragged Islands, where the vertical lifting rudders opened up skinny water anchorages few boats this size could dream of! While under his ownership he consistently balanced the need for speed with comfort. New projects are consuming much of his free time and he has decided pass along Shooting Star. Don’t miss this opportunity to own one of the most unique catamarans on the market!