World's largest sailing catamaran, coming soon...

by Superyacht Times on 2 Jul 2011 Superyacht Times reports that Hemisphere, the yachting world’s most eagerly awaited sailing catamaran, has commenced sea trials in the UK. Delivery from Pendennis Shipyard is set for late July. With a length overall of 44.2m (145ft) and a gross tonnage of just under 500, Hemisphere will scoop the record as the world's largest luxury sailing catamaran.

The yacht will join Pendennis’ impressive roster of over 30 new build projects, completed in their extensive 150m long covered dry dock facility. With over 20 years of combined refit and new build experience, Pendennis is proud to be partnering with leading multihull naval architects Van Peteghem Lauriot Prévost (VPLP) – designers of the 33rd America’s Cup winning multihull – and the obvious choice to offer their unique experience to such a specialised project. Celebrated superyacht interior designers Michael Leach Design and the entire team behind the build have pooled their respective talents and expertise to accomplish the execution of this groundbreaking vessel. The result is an innovative design brimming with creatively practical features that blend speed and stability with both space and style to encompass the pure essence of innovation in the multihull market.

With a draft of just over 3m (9.8ft), Hemisphere ensures ease of manoeuvrability and the scope to cruise shallow draft destinations inaccessible to monohulls of comparable size. Decks and rig are remarkably uncluttered as visible deck hardware has been minimised and the 58m (190ft) high mast soars free of spreaders with all lines run internally. Tenders are also stowed out of sight and the port transom houses a full watersports and dive locker served by a large hydraulic swim platform.

Destined for the luxury charter market in tropical climates, Hemisphere boasts a spacious flybridge with jacuzzi, sunpads and shaded dining along with a vast indoor/outdoor living area on the main deck. Michael Leach Design’s relaxed, elegant interior is the epitome of contemporary chic and the yacht’s exceptional volume offers a high degree of luxury without a trace of glitz. Dark wood floors are offset by a soothing neutral colour palette with innumerable customised touches such as seventeen different types of granite and sixteen leather finishes, creating an ‘island living meets deluxe Pacific Rim ambience’.

Accommodation for 12 guests is arranged in 5 comfortable ensuite cabins and the yacht will operate with a professional crew of 8.

Hemisphere’s inaugural season this summer will be enjoyed by her owners in the Mediterranean. Burgess has been appointed to manage the yacht’s charter programme which will commence this winter in the Caribbean with charter rates starting at € 175,000 per week. Following this, she will transit the Panama Canal into the South Pacific for summer 2012. Conceptualised and built for cruising the tropics, Hemisphere is certain to set a new benchmark for luxury charters in some of the most exotic locations on the planet.

Hemisphere will make her debut at the Monaco Yacht Show in September, showcased by Pendennis with Burgess as co-exhibitor.

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