Catamarans have long ruled the realm of offshore speed. Indeed, Bruno Peyron’s recent 24-hour run of 732 miles in his twin-hulled Orange II was more than astounding. However, for just as long, cruising catamarans have tended to disappoint in the area of sailing performance. Stable, shallow, roomy, and versatile, they have lots of appeal to cruisers. However, squatty rigs, bulbous hulls, and stubby keels too often consign them to the "built for comfort" end of the spectrum. Confining cockpits, overloading, and "party first" priorities also help the breed earn a reputation for not being much fun to sail. …