History of the Lady Delana
This is an excerpt of an Article Written by the Pasco Tribune
Tuesday, January 8, 2008 * Pasco County, Florida
Dade City – A startling white 36-foot catamaran represents the fusion of Hans Geissler’s business sense and humanitarian heart.
Geissler, 66, left the boat-building industry in 1994 to run Morning Start Fishermen, the Dade City-based charity that promises fish farming as a solution to world hunger.
His quest to end hunger, however, brought him back to boats a year ago, as he reformed G-Cat Multihulls and opened shop in Dad City Business Center. It’s a for-profit company aiding a non-profit company, Geissler said. His resurrected company’s small stall spent much of last year building the catamaran that now sits inside a 5000 square-foot warehouse.
The 6500 pound energy-efficient craft isn’t complete, but Geissler already has plans for it. In May, he’ll take it on a 1,700-mile trip from St. Petersburg to Nicaragua as part of his Race Against Hunger. And he’ll try to do it on one tank of fuel.
In his first foray into boat-making, Geissler built more than 2000 catamarans he called Beach Catamarans. All were sailing-powered and designed for speed.
This time around, Geissler kept the basic structure of the Beach Cat but enlarged the main cabin, added two fuel-efficient engines, and installed the latest navigational gadgets. He calls it the G-Force 36.
The boat will make use of solar and wind power, he said. Geissler is also exploring the possibility of having electronic engines onboard. Such a boat would cost between $300,000 – $500,000, he said. When asked why he believed the new model would sell, Geissler looked surprised by the question. “It’s green,” he said. “Right now, the boating industry is on its back. They’re in a deep, deep, deep hole, and it’s because of the price of gasoline. With this boat, we’re going to get between 1,200 and 1,500 miles of cruising range. That’s pretty much unheard of.”
Since its acquisition in January 2024, the Lady Delana has become a cornerstone of Crab Island Luxury Adventures, offering guests an unparalleled experience on the waters of Destin, Florida. This 36-foot G-Cat catamaran, built with precision and sustainability in mind, continues to embody the vision of its creator, Hans Geissler, while serving a new purpose—delivering luxurious, eco-conscious charters to those seeking memorable experiences on the Emerald Coast. With her energy-efficient engines, solar and wind power capabilities, and impeccable design, Lady Delana not only offers an extraordinary journey but also honors Geissler’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. As we embark on every charter, we continue to celebrate the spirit of adventure, sustainability, and a dedication to providing exceptional service, all while ensuring guests have the opportunity to create lasting memories on the beautiful waters surrounding Crab Island.