The following are our original requirements as defined for Carl Schumacher in 1994. Carl's insights and consultation resulted in the quest for the optimum catamaran design (whereas we started out on this project thinking 50-ish monohull). Carl lead us to select Morrelli & Melvin as Naval Architects.

Collision survivability (containers, deadheads, ...)
Watertight integrity under breaking seas or rollovers
See - Anchoring Package
See - Drag Devices
Well behaved steering characteristics
- E.g., quartering seas
- E.g., autopilot can handle severe sea state
The boat must be able to "take care of herself" if the crew is exhausted or injured
Working on deck
- Clear deck routes with clean jackline leads
- Should never have to leave a real handhold
- Nothing underfoot
MOB recovery "easy" in big seas
Reliability
- Steering system
- See - Sail Handling
- Electrical system & engine still OK with water over the floors
- Damage control pumping capacity
Everything stays safely in place when capsized
Minimum thru-hulls below the waterline
No fire (flammables storage, plumbing, etc.)
Draft shallow enough to access safe anchorages
Lightning strikes handled without major problems
Warm, rested crew makes fewer (big) mistakes

For both parachute sea anchor and serial drogue systems:
Simple, easy rigging and deployment from purpose-designed storage (similarly for retrieval)
Easy adjustment of scope on sea anchor
Properly engineered bridle attachment point and fairleads - minimum chafing problems

Direct access to all systems
- We are happy to do PM and repairs - but NOT upside down & sweaty
- No disassembly required to allow access for normal maintenance & repairs
- No engine/systems projects in the living quarters
Safe grounding on a tidal grid

See - Crew Size
Failure of any sail handling aids must not compromise safety
Max weight of any bag we have to haul around is XX (= 75?) except light air sails
Removable staysail stay or bullet-proof method for changing down to storm jib

Really good maneuvability, esp w/ unfavorable wind, backs down "straight" at less than hull-speed
Powering range
- 1500+nm flat seas at 1.0 times Speed-to-length
- 500+nm upwind in 20kn breeze at .80 times Speed-to-length
Truly quiet, no-vibration, no-stink powering

We really don't like living in a cave
Ventilation
- No "mildew cows" anywhere in the boat
- Good airflow in the rain and/or with green water on deck
Warm, dry in the north
Cool, dry in the south
Protected, comfortable watch standing/steering. Sure would like to be able to navigate/pilot from a pilot house configuration.
Hot freshwater showers daily
Wet weather gear - practical place to hang and to dress
Space, amp-hours, charging capacity for the "essential life-support"
- Fridge, freezer, microwave, A/C
- Compact washer/dryer
- Where it's safe to do so, the boat can be left for a week on DC only to support refrigeration
Insects - effective screening allowing quick hatch adjustments (rain squalls, etc.)
Effective office utilization of the nav station (computer, printer, filing, etc.)