Hemisphere: the world's largest sailing catamaran

The giant 44.2m (145ft), 500 ton Hemisphere will claim the title of the world's largest sailing catamaran when it begins charter operations in the Caribbean in the winter of 2008/2009.

Packed with luxurious features including a spacious flybridge with jacuzzi, a shaded dining, an expansive indoor/outdoor living area and full watersports amenities including a dive locker served by a large hydraulic swim platform, the Hemisphere can accommodate twelve guests in its five comfortable ensuite cabins... and the price tag for a sample of this palatial floating escape: charter rates start at USD$150,000 per week excluding operating expenses.

Operating with a professional crew of eight, the yacht features a draft of only 3m (9.8ft) for access to ports and lagoons inaccessible to monohulls of comparable size. The design ensures the deck and rig remain uncluttered with all lines run internally for the 53m (174ft) and tenders stowed out of sight in the port transom.

Hemisphere was designed under the label of Project Gemini by naval architects Van Peteghem Lauriot Prévost (VPLP) and built by Derecktor Shipyards in Bridgeport, Connecticut with interior design by Michael Leach. Burgess has been appointed to manage Hemisphere’s charter program.