Fellow "pilots", Mr. Michael Pollick, via wisegeek, has done us a great service by providing the answer to a common question

What are catamarans?

<img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

I think Michael got some great information on catamarans from a mono-sailor who has "seen" a few of them and whose second cousin actually rented a Hobie 14 while on his honeymoon in 1972.