Study Study

By Frances and Michael Howorth HEMISPHERE 44M Photography Jeff Brown/Nick Bailey, Pendennis WORTH THE WAIT Hemisphere is the world’s largest sailing catamaran and the story of her build is long and dramatic. She turns heads wherever she goes due to her sheer scale, but what is equally impressive is the level of luxurious detail within her interior spaces and range of onboard facilities. She may be the largest vessel of her type cruising the oceans today, but no one ever set out with this goal in mind.

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> BASIC SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 145’ (44.2m) CARBON MAST AND BOOM: Lorima BEAM: 54’ 6” (16.6m) WINCHES: Lewmar DRAFT: 10’ 2” (3.1m) HEADSAIL FURLERS: Reckmann BUILT: 2011 TENDERS: Scorpion, 27’ (8.3m) - Castoldi jet 14’ 8” (4.5m) CONSTRUCTION: Aluminum CLASSIFICATION: Bureau Veritas FINISHED BY: Pendennis Shipyard Ltd, UK NAVAL ARCHITECTURE: Van Peterghem Lauriot Prévost ENGINES: 2 x 490hp Caterpillar EXTERIOR STYLING: Van Peterghem Lauriot Prévost GENERATORS: 3 x caterpillar STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING: BMT Nigel Gee FUEL CAPACITY: 8,883 US Gal 33,627 liters INTERIOR DESIGN: Michael Leach Design WATER CAPACITY: 2,642 US gal 10,000 liters CHARTER BROKERS: Burgess SAILS: North Sails CRUISING SPEED: 11-knots SAIL AREA UPWIND: 1,085sqft 866sqm GUESTS: 12 (2 master, 2 double, 1 twin) SAIL AREA DOWN WIND: 12,087sqft 1123sqm CREW: 10

The yacht’s owner, an avid diver, had first gone sailing aboard a significantly smaller catamaran in the British Virgin Islands. It was in those islands he first chartered a yacht whose master was Captain Gavin Bladen and it was during conversations between diving excursions that the plan to build the yacht was conceived. Bladen is not only Hemisphere’s current Captain, but acted as the owners representative throughout the protracted build period; “We Given the protracted build process were not trying to make a statement about size. The yacht spanning nearly seven years, it is a wonder envisaged was considerably smaller but as the design process that the owner of the world’s largest cruising progressed, things began to change.” G catamaran did not completely give up The owner gave a brief to designers Van Peteghem Lauriot Prevost on his idea of building a superyacht and in Paris who are renowned for their expertise in drawing multihulls. take up an entirely different pastime. The firm was asked to design a yacht to cater to large dive parties, The somewhat torturous process of giving one that would enable a family expedition to depart to the dive site birth to what is undoubtedly one of the world’s finest cruising catamarans began at the Derecktor Shipyards in the USA. Subsequently, a dispute led to work ceasing there and in 2009 the owners sent their partly completed yacht to the Pendennis shipyard in the UK for completion. The yacht was completed in 2011 and made her world debut at the Monaco Yacht show in September of that year to much acclaim.

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When redesigning the nacelle to disperse up-draft wave motion, the designers found the perfect location for Hemisphere's unique tender garage.

all together. To achieve this a twelve person tender would be necessary, so the client requested that the yacht be outfitted with a 27’ (8.3m) tender. This created the first benchmark for VPLP to work with. The second design criteria that emerged was that the client wanted clean lines, pure exterior styling and uncluttered deck space. The challenge now was to assimilate a large dive tender into the design while keeping the lines pure, clean and uncluttered. This was no easy feat! As the drawings progressed the design team created models of the yacht and studied the various elements in 3D. As they did so, it emerged that the cross-deck that forms the liaison between the two hulls, would be best formed using elles de mouette or seagull wings, a VPLP trademark. Developed by the designers to solve a technical and engineering problem, the curved seagull wing formation of the nacelle disperses the up-draft wave motion, which slams against the cross deck when the catamaran is underway. As they drew the lines, it quickly emerged they had the perfect solution to the question of where to house the large tender. At one stage there was an ‘out of the box’ suggestion of absorbing the tender into the belly of the boat, because if the gull wings were extended back towards the stern, the designers could create more space inside the cross deck so the tender could fit snugly into the gull wing form. Of course, to achieve this the yacht would have to be more than 100’ (30m). The owner thought this a good idea and so the yacht grew to over 145’ (44m). The frivolous might suggest the yacht was designed around the tender! Yet the carriage of a large tender was crucial to achieving the owner’s core desires.

– 186 – – 187 – TIME WITH So you continued through the build CPT. GAVIN BLADEN as the owner’s project manager? Yes, I relocated from Paris to America in OWNERS REPRESENTATIVE September 2005 where my job was to oversee the build. The next four years became a challenge with the shipyard failing in their HEMISPHERE 44M obligations and driving themselves into bankruptcy as they mismanaged various ongoing builds all at the same time. From attain it. But we never set out to build the being a Captain sailing and diving in tropical largest sailing catamaran in the world; that waters, I was now an executive dealing with just happened. We wanted a yacht capable of lawyers, attending meetings, trying to settle worldwide tropical cruising, which could offer disputes, dealing with the shipyards the comfort of a powered super yacht, the bankruptcy’s filing while still trying to enjoyment of a sailing yacht with the added progress the dream that both the Owner and I stability and space a catamaran offered. were clinging onto. The worst things became, the more determined we were at seeing How did you select things though to fruition. who would design Hemisphere? We looked at various architect firms in early Moving a part-built project from the US How, and at what stage, did you become 2004, and narrowed our list down to five yard to Pendennis in the UK must have involved in the Hemisphere project? potential firms whose past experience meant been something of a challenge! During a charter in 2001 I began talking with they had the potential to design the yacht we Sure. It eventually became evident that a guest who wanted to own his own boat. In could see in our minds. We set each of them Hemisphere would never be completed by the fact, almost every charter guest I’ve ever the task of proposing a custom concept yacht American shipyard, so the search for a second looked after dreams of owning their own boat, that they felt met our requirements. Marc Van yard became my new priority. Pendennis was but only a handful follow through with their Petegham and his team at VPLP was selected selected. So my next new priority involved the vision. 18-months later however, the same to undertake the work and I moved to Paris to logistical challenges of how you actually guest returned and we began talking about follow, guide, direct, and make sure the move a partially built super yacht across the what he had done in the intervening period. owner’s direction was followed. Atlantic. What there was of Hemisphere was He told me he had been busy looking at a sealed up and made so she could float on her wide variety of different yachts from Was it at that stage that the enormity own twin hulls. Special cradles were shipyards like Feadship and Perini Navi. He of the project became real? engineered for lifting and engineering studies was seeking to understand what it was he I’ll admit that in those early days I didn’t were undertaken to determine how to secure liked most and just as importantly, what he appreciate how ground breaking Hemisphere her onto the deck of another ship. didn’t like at all. During our conversations, we would turn out to be. Surely if you wanted a Thirteen, 40’ shipping containers where established that his own yacht was going to yacht you turned to an architect to draw one inventoried, filled and trucked out of state for be a sailing catamaran. for you, and a yard to build it for you. But shipping to the UK. Moving Hemisphere since nothing like Hemisphere had been built involved a tug and barge and a 130-mile trip, Why a custom build though? before, every detail, plan, arrangement, then a lift of 30m into the air, before she was We did spend quite some time trying to find integrated specification, item of outfit was loaded onboard New Orleans a heavy lift an existing sailing catamaran, which provided researched, reviewed and then integrated, or vessel operated by Rickmas for her journey the space, facilities and amenities he wanted, developed from new if nothing suitable pre- across the Atlantic. but nothing came up to scratch. The quality existed. Creating, what to my mind, is the of finish and detailing was very important to perfect charter yacht has been an amazing Your stress levels subsided him, as were the capabilities for the yacht to opportunity and one where the learning curve after you arrived in the UK? undertake worldwide cruising. While I was frequently achieved the vertical. The next 22 months of the build process were still running the charter yacht in the As the months went by, it was like building a much smoother. The initial hurdle was to Caribbean, I began a search that gradually jigsaw as we brought more companies online bring a new yard up to speed. They had been changed from finding an existing yacht to to assist with making our vision reality. More handed a partially built product, with partially finding a naval architect team who could and more pieces started to come together, completed engineering outfit. We had to deliver a yacht that met the expectations and first the architects, then a marine surveyor, an organise and brief new Class and Flag and desires of both the owner’s and myself. interior designer, a structural engineering surveyors, to say nothing of dealing with company, electronic supply companies and a thirteen shipping containers crammed full of Was ‘the world’s biggest cat’ always a goal? yard to assist with the system layouts the ‘bits and bobs’ needed to complete the It was extremely fortunate that both the schematics. At the beginning of 2005 we were project. Hemisphere quickly took shape and Owner and I, shared a joint vision of what in a position to go out to tender to various finally departed from Falmouth with me back Hemisphere should become, and the direction shipyards. A shipyard in the USA was at the helm as Captain: the role I had been we would have to take if we were going to subsequently selected. dreaming of for so long!

– 189 – TIME WITH VAN PETEGHEM AND LAURIOT PRÉVOST (VPLP) NAVAL ARCHITECTURE AND EXTERIOR STYLING

HEMISPHERE 44M

Even with a flybridge you still enclosed for sun and foul weather protection. managed to maintain a sleek profile… The height and width of the helm seating The brief we received from the owner called allows for many people to be able to enjoy the for a sensational flybridge, which added experience of sailing the magnificent vessel. height and mass to the structure. It was All maneuvers are fed under the deck to these important to balance this bulk with elongated helm stations in order to keep the deck hull lines and so diminish the visual impact uncluttered and there is clear visibility of the of the volume of the superstructure. sails aloft and of stern and bow when docking. Regarding the design as an integrated whole, Having designed 240 cruising catamarans the flybridge and superstructure were also The crew and guest circulation since their first commission in 1984, the offset by the elevation of the spreaderless around the yacht impressed us… appointment of French based duo Marc Van mast. Its simplicity enhances the yacht’s A fundamental trait that we are keen to Peteghem and Vincent Lauriot Prevost to refined style while the large mainsail track is accentuate in all of our catamaran designs is complete the naval architecture and exterior integrated into the aft wing of the flybridge. the concept of the flush deck. The flush deck design for Hemisphere makes perfect sense. Like a streamlined spoiler it softens the has continuity between the interior saloon Experience, gleaned from designing previous overall lines of her form, but also serves many and exterior cockpit. It enhances one’s sailing cats like the 77’ (23m) Coriolan, 92’ functional purposes. From deep within the appreciation of space and the teak decking is (28m) Ciliam and the 138’ (42m) Douce yacht, the engine room air vents rise reminiscent of a large, barefoot beach. Guests France provided them with a data bank that invisibly, through the flybridge pillars and traverse cockpit to saloon through automatic gave them architectural choices and inspired disperse through a long horizontal air vent censored, sliding, glass doors and crew have innovative solutions for Hemisphere. integrated into the design of this flybridge two separate routes to the deck via the Speaking from their offices in Paris they wing. By applying this solution, we avoided cockpit bar, or the private crew staircase down talked us through their design. having to deface the smooth hull with to the starboard crew and galley area. These conventional air vent grills. multiple routes make it easy for crew to What aspect of Hemisphere’s perform their duties without congestion. Thus design stands out for you? A great deal of consideration appears to Hemisphere successfully integrates the The most striking aspect of the exterior have gone into maximizing the ‘social clients’ needs for a five star, on board lifestyle, styling is the manner in which we sculpted aspect’ of the exterior spaces? integrated by an aesthetic unison. such a voluminous yacht that still appears Interior designers Michael Leach Designs sleek, light and elongated. For a yacht of only (MLD) were instrumental in subtle aspects in Where is your favorite place Hemisphere's cockpit is truly extraordinary. Her 54'6" (16.6m) beam is wider than three of the 145’ (44.2m) she has 200 percent more floor the exterior styling and the positions of the to spend time on board? yachts that occupy positions in the world's Top 10 largest; each over three times Hemisphere's length. space of a monohull of equivalent length, it fixed furniture in the cockpit and on the One of the most alluring aspects of the deck was also important to us that we offered this flybridge. We think all the exterior spaces features is the private forward terrace, where vast interior to the client while retaining her lend themselves to social yet intimate the furnished niches have direct access to aesthetic integrity as an elegant, sailing yacht. interaction. Surrounding the large etched each of the owner / VIP cabins. This layout glass outdoor dining table are neatly stowed leads guests to participate in the unrivalled How did you achieve this specifically? BBQ facilities, wet bar and central sun pad sensation of walking on water when Her cambered sheer lines serve to blend and that unfolds between the dining area and the suspended above the ocean, on the assimilate the full beam coach roof by using Jacuzzi. All of this can be enjoyed in open air trampoline between the bows of the twin the play of light on the inclined chamfer. or under a wide awning suspended from the hulls. In practical terms, this large empty Because of this, the otherwise high freeboard boom and held taut by demountable carbon space at the bow of the yacht means that has the visual appearance of a sleek and struts. structure remains light and buoyant – which whittled form, while still allowing for a is essential for balance of the catamaran voluminous interior. This styling trait Was it difficult to balance guest space with platform, and also reduces weight allowing for enhances the visual aspect of the yacht’s that required to operate Hemisphere? added performance which was primordial for profile and is an innovative synthesis To best navigate a sailing catamaran of this both us and the client. Thus an aesthetic between interior requirements impacting on size we needed two helm stations, each with a feature also has integral impact on the principals of exterior styling. hard topped awning that could also be performance of the whole.

– 190 – – 191 – TIME WITH MICHAEL LEACH AND MARK SMITH INTERIOR DESIGN HEMISPHERE 44M

Mike Leach Mark Smith main deck we created two proportionate VIP cabins. These forward facing suites can be joined into one space by removing a central Our fist impression of the interior We also strove to underscore the sense of shared bulkhead, so creating a 52’-wide was a harmonious blend… ‘togetherness’ when on board. It was made master cabin with his-and-her en suites. We have infused the interior with a sense of very clear to us during our briefings, that the togetherness, because that is what the owners owners, captain, and crew all genuinely enjoy You mention exterior spaces, wanted. Using 15 different types of stone, at each other’s company. We always knew this the importance of these is least the same number of different leathers yacht would be available for charter and as obviously emphasized… including crocodile and stingray skin, and such, it is our job when designing the interior, When it came to the styling of the exterior diffusion of different wood finishes, we have to make her as user friendly as possible. On guest areas, we made the most of the created an interior with a comfortable each side in the salon, for example, we potential by creating places where you can sophisticated atmosphere that is ideal for created raised seating areas that are ideal for sit, perch and talk to people. Accessible from each of the multiple generations that games, cards, or when a more peaceful and the main aft deck, the flybridge is a huge comprise the owners’ family. restful mode is wanted, for blissful relaxation. hedonist’s paradise, dominated by a spa pool Movies and video games are available in the that is located between the two helm stations. Did the owners have much TV lounge down a few steps into the port The al fresco dining area is located below on input into the interior design? side hull.” the main deck and is just one example of how Much design input came from the husband guests end up sitting outside and enjoying and wife couple that commissioned the yacht. …and in terms of General Arrangement? themselves on deck. There seemed little The lady knew what she liked and said so We packed the yacht with good-size point in losing masses of interior space instantly, which was great. Not only that, but accommodations, having three sleeping creating a dining salon inside that is seldom she also wanted everything to be as practical cabins situated in the portside pontoon. One used, so we have made this area a real feature. as possible. She told us ‘I want my family and of these has been specifically designed for Two curved sliding doors lead from here into grandchildren to enjoy themselves when they the owners’ grandchildren and is fitted with the salon, which is more than 1,000sqft in size are on board and not worry about carpets or two fixed and two Pullman berths and, and comprised of several distinctly different fabrics getting dirty. I want them to be able to viewing ports at the right height for kids to areas. The seating area is raised to maximize put a drink on a surface. I want my guests to take in close-ups of marine life near the the stunning all-round views, it is a design feel comfortable’. water’s surface. The owners prefer to spend that we included in our initial proposal, and it their time in the large communal areas on is probably this feature that secured us with Your personal highlights? board, rather than in their cabin, so on the the interior deign contract The brief called for ‘Polynesian six-star luxury, so we created a theme that features walnut decks with bulkhead panels in brushed oak and wengé. They all have a distinctively different textured feel and we made sure that while we followed a theme, no two cabins look the same in either layout or styling. We used a lot of onyx, which in some places we backlit to show the incredible detail within the stone that otherwise you would not see. We also commissioned pieces from the London based bespoke furniture makers Based Upon, a company that specializes in creating bronze and metal surfaces for tabletops. The more this surface is exposed to the wind sea air and sunshine, the more beautiful it will become.

– 192 – PRACTICAL BEAUTY the incredible detail within the stone, has been used to great effect. Through his previous charter experiences, the owner was aware Every surface is embellished and skillfully crafted. Walking around that interiors can get damaged. He recognized that some fabrics the vessel you can’t help but reach out to explore the tactile are more practical than others, especially when children are on surfaces. Doors are lined with wrinkled dark leather, waves of board and linens have to be suitable for frequent washing, pebbles line the showers, while walnut storage units with a especially on charter. Mick Leach whose firm Michael Leach distressed finish provide a smooth contrast to crocodile skin liners. Design was responsible for the interior said, “I remember the Without doubt the interior is spectacular, starting with the owners saying ‘We want everyone to enjoy themselves when they impressive communal 1,076sqft (100sqm) split level saloon. This are on board and not worry about delicate surfaces.’ What we vast indoor/outdoor living area on the main deck includes a raised designed means they can put a drink on any surface and feel seating area, providing a panoramic vista, plus a separate TV comfortable wherever they are on board. Yet the immense lounge/snug. practicality we have incorporated has not deterred in any way from Accommodation for twelve guests is arranged in five comfortable the stunning interior.” en-suite cabins. The two VIP cabins amidships are cleverly Walking through the yacht’s motion activated glass screen doors positioned to benefit from the space afforded by the 52’ 6” (16m) into the interior, the magnificence of the design comes to life. beam of the catamaran, magnificent views and private access Despite the interior theme of brushed oak and wenge, dark wood forward out to the deck with the transparent trampoline and the sea floors offset by a neutral color palette, no two cabins are the same all around. By splitting the hulls into multiple levels, VPLP were in layout or styling. A total of 18 leathers have been used and 15 able to provide these two spectacular guest staterooms, while still types of stone. Onyx, which in some places is backlit to highlight preserving the 360° views from the salon. An added bonus is that

– 194 – – 195 – The flybridge is a hedonist’s paradise, dominated by a spa pool located between the two helm stations.

An atlas etched into the glass table is a great feature on which guests can plan future passages.

these two suites can be conjoined, making one vast palatial owner’s Crew are well-provided for with cabins, mess, suite that incorporates two separate en-suites, a private salon and galley, laundry room and engine rooms accessed bureau. The other guest cabins include a perfect room for children, off one central column in the starboard hull. emphasizing the family style of this yacht, with twin beds and two Pullman berths.

TECH TALK The technical innovations throughout Hemisphere are notable. Although usually open to the elements, the open plan main dining area can be enclosed with the installation of an Eissen glass screen, and cooled with air conditioning. The versatility of this area for dining means this rarely-used feature doesn’t waste interior space. “Guests seldom want to eat inside a yacht when she is cruising in temperate climes,” said Captain Bladen. The spacious fly bridge includes an additional dinning area aft, around a table with a glorious world map etched into the glass surface. Throughout the yacht the attention to detail is outstanding, light switches and sockets have been finished to blend in with their

HEMISPHERE 44M

– 196 – – 197 – TIME WITH TOBY ALLIES PENDENNIS SHIPYARD

HEMISPHERE 44M

completion schedule. We always knew it was going to be a challenge to get her completed in time to showcase her at the 2011 Monaco Yacht Show, but we managed a final delivery in July 2011. She certainly made an impressive sight as she berthed in Monaco, and became one of the most talked about vessels in that show. The Pendennis Shipyard in the southwest assess the entire engineering outfit of the corner of Great Britain is perhaps Britain’s What were some of the more challenging yacht. We found during that exercise that in leading custom super yacht builder. Its engineering aspects of the build? order to make sure that the guests’ hot heritage spans 23 years, which has seen it The technical innovations throughout the water provision would not be jeopardized, complete over 100 major refit projects and yacht are impressive. Although usually we had to come up with a plan working with 30 custom new build yachts. Born out of a open to the elements, the open plan main the naval architects to improve the local yacht building company, acquired by dining area can be enclosed and cooled circulation of water around the whole Peter de Savary, the company relocated to with air conditioning, for which the air vessel. This included the addition of Falmouth Docks in 1988. Hemisphere is one handlers are located under the flybridge cooling for the cold water main due to the of the yard’s most unique and imposing sun pad. Because water sports facilities on fresh water tanks location above the water launches in its history. The finishing of board are more akin to a private waterfront line. Hemisphere was a technically challenging hotel than to a 44m yacht, we had our work build in several ways, not only because of cut out getting all to fit in a logical and easy What do you consider to be her very wide beam, but also on account of to use way. The starboard lazarette holds Hemisphere’s stand out features? the on board broad range of technical the usual super yacht ‘toys’: windsurfs, Significantly, the crew has been well catered features and facilities. wakeboards, Seabobs, water skis etc and the for on board. The starboard pontoon houses crew tender, but the port pontoon contains crew accommodation and boasts a very Hemisphere’s a unique yacht a dive centre with a full range of equipment spacious captain’s cabin with his own and must have presented a unique and both Air and NITROX compressors. I private en-suite. The crew mess, with its background. The German company Metrica constructed the and the crew tender, but the port pontoon contains a full dive centre challenge for the yard? think we have successfully balanced the technology and navigation monitoring interior and made a good impression on the owner. “I’ve got the with a range of equipment and both Air and NITROX compressors. Obviously the most challenging inclusion of this impressive array of system, is a great recreational space. There highest regard for those guys,” he says. “I’ve never seen anyone Decks and the rig are remarkably uncluttered with visible deck complication came about due to the fact equipment with easy access to the many is also a spacious laundry, a state of the art work that hard to those kind of tolerances.” hardware minimized. The 190’ (58m) mast soars free of spreaders that we received a partly built yacht in technical areas of the vessel. galley and a dedicated crew staircase for The entire starboard hull is given over to the crew of eight to ten, with all cordage running internally. One of VPLP’s main Falmouth in October 2009. When she deck access. The impressive crew facilities with a lot of emphasis on layout and ergonomics. VPLP were challeneges was dealing with the huge loads induced by the rig and arrived, our team conducted a thorough 3- Did you upgrade any of the technical also extend to the port bow of Hemisphere responsible for the interior architecture of the yacht and obviously vast sail area. While racing performance was not part of the build month trade-by-trade review of the existing aspects of the boat when she arrived? where a fully equipped and air-conditioned paid meticulous attention to guest privacy and functional crew criteria, VPLP gave her the same proportion between fore and technical systems, the construction quality Technical spaces are balanced between engineer’s workshop has been furnished by traffic. The crew quarters are laid out to be practical and also mainsail as is found aboard fast racing catamarans. To save weight, and details. We then generated a realistic both hulls with water makers, hydraulic us to allow easy on board maintenance. comfortable. The designers and Pendennis, the British shipyard that mast spreaders were dispensed with, while upper and lower pumps, port steering system and black completed the build, have successfully balanced the inclusion of an shrouds are built of Kevlar, for the same reason. Clearly it has all water tanks in the aft section of the port impressive array of equipment with easy access to the many paid off, with the yacht achieving 20+knots while under sail. hull. The hot water system has been much technical areas of the vessel. The crew cabins, crew mess, galley, Upwind the Mainsail and Solent account for 1,085sqft (866sqm), improved and we have ensured that hot laundry room and engine rooms are off one central column in the while downwind the Mainsail and Gennaker total 12,087sqft water is reliably supplied to the whole starboard hull. There’s also access to the deck via a private (1,123sqm): the load on the main sheet is 28 tones. For both ease yacht. This was not the case when the yacht companionway, as well as via the serving galley and bar. The and security, captive winches were installed instead of the first arrived. One of the first jobs was to starboard lazarette holds windsurfs, wakeboards, Seabobs, water skis conventional winches one might expect on a catamaran.

– 198 – – 199 – "HAVING SPENT CONSIDERABLE TIME ONBOARD SINCE HER LAUNCH, I CAN REPORT THAT MAGAZINE PHOTOGRAPHS, ALBEIT STUNNING, DO NOT DO HER JUSTICE..." HEMISPHERE'S OWNER

TIME WITH SUMMER OSTERMAN CHARTER BROKER, BURGESS

HEMISPHERE 44M

Burgess has been appointed to manage another week’s charter instead of using wonderful of charter opportunities. Her first Hemisphere’s charter program, she’s their own super yacht! stop in this magical part of the world will be a great addition to your portfolio! Tahiti and the stunning islands of French Her eagerly anticipated entrance onto the What are Hemisphere’s USPs Polynesia and from here, the opportunities market has certainly been worth the wait. for charter clients? are endless. Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu and New Conceptualized and built for cruising the As well as the conventional, water skis, Caledonia are all on the potential horizon tropics and with the proposed itinerary that tows, paddleboards etc, the fact that and Hemisphere is keen to show her guests COMMENTS FROM THE OWNER… we are promoting, she is certain to set a new Hemisphere is fully equipped for diving around these beautiful cruising grounds. benchmark for luxury charters in some of is a big draw. Also the fact she offers With a shallow draft and ease of the most exotic locations on the planet. Her guests the opportunity to become fully maneuverability, she has the scope to cruise arrival onto the charter market provides certified divers whilst on board. She destinations inaccessible to monohulls of I had a two-year experience (2009-2011) finishing my boat at the Pendennis Pyrotechnics at the launch marked an emotional Burgess with the opportunity to offer a has recently completed her registration comparable size. Shipyard (PSY). After a very difficult experience over the preceding four years at a time for all those involved in Hemisphere's build. really unique yacht, an extraordinarily as an officially recognized PADI dive shipyard in the United States, I can report unequivocally that not only was my spacious platform from which to indulge in training centre and with two members of What else do guests get… and for how much? experience better, but PSY actually made finishing my boat a pleasant event. the true essence of what chartering a yacht the Hemisphere crew being qualified dive Her spacious flybridge with its Jacuzzi, sun Although a much longer trip for me visiting the yard, I looked forward to my time of this caliber should be about – relaxing in instructors, guests will be in safe hands pads and shaded dining along with a vast in Falmouth with Mike Carr, Toby Allies, et al. While accommodating and warmly luxurious surroundings with friends and whilst discovering the delights of the indoor/outdoor living area on the main welcoming, most importantly to me, there were no surprises. This was so different family and taking advantage of a vast array underwater world. Diving is something deck is a charter guests dream. The relaxed, than my previous experience, where information was withheld until the last of water sports toys, truly enjoying life on which the Owner had at the forefront of his yet elegant interior is the epitome of minute. As with any difficult endeavor, problems come up during the construction the water. mind when the idea of the yacht was contemporary chic and the yacht’s and I was pleased that I was apprised of this as it occurred. From my perspective, conceived, and it was always his intention exceptional volume offers a high degree of that is all I can ask. I am also delighted to write about my very positive What feedback have you received to take her to some of the world’s most luxury without a trace of glitz. The dark experiences with Michael Leach Design (MLD) and the principals involved: Mick so far from charter guests? spectacular diving grounds. wood floors, offset by the soothing neutral Leach and Mark Smith. MLD was contracted between 2005 – 2011, until the boat Those clients who have thus far chartered color palette with innumerable customized was launched in August 2011. Since launch, I have personally been on-board the yacht have certainly taken full So does diving dictate touches, create an “Island living meets almost 100 days and can report that the magazine photos, albeit stunning, do not advantage of what she has to offer; with her her cruising program? deluxe Pacific Rim” ambience that is so do it justice. The layout is truly beautiful, but equally important, it works crew going all out to ensure that the clients It’s certainly a consideration. Her now very easy to live with. Accommodation brilliantly for owner and guests. The execution of the interiors, much to the credit had an unforgettable charter experience. proposed journey over to the South Pacific for 12 guests is arranged in five comfortable of MLD, is nearly perfect. On a personal note, during the difficult times of 2007 – One guest and his family were so enamored Ocean will fulfill the Owner’s vision of what en-suite cabins and the yacht will operate 2008, MLD provided me with personal counsel that enabled me to make better with the yacht and the crew that they he wanted when he set out to build the with a professional crew of eight. Her decisions about the future of Hemisphere. Nothing of this magnitude is easy. returned later the same month to repeat yacht. It will also provide for the most charter rates start at US $245,000 per week. Being associated with MLD truly helped my wife and I achieve a long-held dream.

– 200 – – 201 – TIME WITH CPT. GAVIN BLADEN HEMISPHERE’S MASTER

HEMISPHERE 44M

had previously only sailed in much larger motor yachts. All of them shared the same feeling at the end of the trip, and one group of guests were so impressed that they returned for another charter 14-days after they had left us, leaving their own 33m super yacht tied to the dock.

Hemisphere’s dive facilities appear to be a primary attraction? She is a logical choice for an active group and scuba diving is one of our main guest Having handed back your Project She’s continued to attract activities, but it isn’t the only thing on offer, Manager’s badge and donned your a lot of attention ever since! there’s a wide variety of other toys onboard. captain’s cap, was all the hard work In the year that followed, Hemisphere We have also added a 54’ (16m) sport and heartache worth it? cruised over 18,000 nm crossing the fishing boat to the program as our shadow After eight years of discussions, design, Atlantic twice. She had visited over 26 boat. She offers guests the opportunity to trials and tribulations, it’s an amazing different countries attending both the try game fishing as well as bringing experience to sail from a shipyard in Monaco Yacht Show and the Antigua something back for the chef to cook up for command of a yacht you’ve helped to charter yacht show. We were like new kids their next meal. She is also our dive boat FORM AND FUNCTION divers and their equipment. VPLP ensured easy access to the create. I will never forget that departure. We on the first day of school, we didn’t know and becomes an easy way to move guests Because comfort was a priority aboard Hemisphere, the living areas tenders for both passengers and for loading heavy tanks and had cast off at 9pm on a beautiful English how the industry would take to the yacht, around quickly and comfortably allowing us and accommodation were specified early on in the design process. equipment. The port side garage houses a comprehensive dive summers evening sailing past Pendennis but we didn’t really care! She was to arrange airport pickups or shopping The synergy between the interior volume requirements of the centre and water skis in a variety of sizes for adults and children. Castle and along the coast to the local everything we ever wanted and believed in, excursions further afield. living area and the impact on the exterior styling were studied in The lower section of the transom shell accommodates a dive access beach in the last light of the day. All the way but all the same it was so nice to learn that tandem. The engine rooms were placed amidships for better weight door; the 18 ft (5.5m) telescopic stern passerelle and the 10’ (3m) along the coast the shipyard workers and those who saw her liked what they saw. What are your plans distribution, establishing the centre of gravity that was a pivotal retractable swim platform. All the apertures are watertight. Also their families, and what seemed to me like Nothing comparable to Hemisphere exists for the forthcoming year? feature in guiding the design of the hull form. The client also included in this space is the port stern thruster and steering gear. the whole town came out to see in the industry, and while some people have With our first year under the belt, we are specified a maximum draft of 10’ 5” (3.2m), in order to assure entry Hemisphere. For the first time they could preconceived perceptions of what a now focused on making her second year into shallow waters and specifically dive sites. A fixed fin keel was CLEAN SHEET see her where she belonged, on the water, catamaran is and does, they are not always cruising bigger and better than her first. selected in preference to swinging dagger boards, because dagger The challenge in designing Hemisphere was the lack of reference cleared from the layers of protection, free well-grounded perceptions. But when you Hemisphere is heading west through the boards would absorb more interior space, represent a risk in the on this scale, not only for the designers but also for the shipyard, from a workforce, and the constraints of a sail aboard her any preconceptions of doubt Panama Canal and out into the Pacific. event of grounding and demand more complicated engineering. Class Society and subcontractors. Sailing catamarans of this size shipyard, and enjoying her first cruise. are swept away. There have even been the Together we will cruise the Coco and The fin keel has the added benefit of lending itself easily as and scale have never been built before, so VPLP were exploring As the evening light failed, we positioned more bizarre forms of appreciation, such as Galapagos islands before venturing to tankage and to dry dock the vessel. uncharted territory. But with a draught of just over 10’ (3m), Hemisphere just off the beach for a farewell the time that our chef was given a round of Tahiti, which will become home for a little On Hemisphere, the accommodation areas extend relatively far Hemisphere has an ease of maneuverability and the scope to cruise fireworks fiesta. It was not short of applause while shopping at a supermarket while enabling the owner and potential forward, which means excessive volume was required in the forward shallow draught destinations inaccessible to mono hulls of spectacular. At the end of the show, we in Corsica. When the other shoppers charter guests to explore this unique sections of the hulls. The result is that she has a rather deep keel comparable size. The yacht’s inaugural summer season, after her pirouetted around, blasting the horn for realized she was a member of the crew of cruising ground onboard. Then we head off line forward of the fin, in order to keep a small angle of entry and Monaco Yacht Show debut, was enjoyed by her owners in the those gathered ashore. The crowd the big cat in the harbor, they gave her a for Fiji and the surrounding islands and in ensure a reasonable level of performance. The high freeboard Mediterranean. Now Burgess has been appointed to manage the responded with a chorus of cheers, a sound rousing cheer! 2015 we will be somewhere over in Papua maintained elegant proportions for a yacht of this volume and also yacht’s charter program, which saw her spending winter in the that gave me goose bumps as we dimmed New Guinea and Australia. On board helped offset the height of the forward crossbeam, incorporated for Caribbean with charter rates starting at $245,000 (USD) per week. the lights and headed out into the English What has the reaction Hemisphere our motto is: “You have to leave better wave clearance while also ensuring seaworthiness. Nigel Gee From there she will transit the Panama Canal heading into the South Channel. At long last we were on our way to of charter guests been like? the beaten path every once in a while, for the BMT collaborated closely with VPLP on the structural engineering Pacific for summer 2013. Conceptualized and built for cruising the the Mediterranean. It was an unforgettable We have catered to a wide variety of guests bigger rewards in life.” Trust me, wherever for Hemisphere. As a yacht designed to facilitate dive expeditions, tropics, Hemisphere is certain to set a new benchmark for luxury experience and something I will relish during our first year of charter, some came we will be, it will be somewhere where you the stability of the catamaran serves as an ideal launch pad for charters in some of the most exotic locations on the planet. forever. with sail charter backgrounds, while others should be planning your next vacation! I

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