Sailing catamarans are celebrated for their stability, speed, and spaciousness. Over the years, advancements in design and engineering have led to the creation of some exceptionally large and luxurious vessels. In this article, we will explore the three largest sailing catamarans, highlighting their specifications, features, and contributions to maritime innovation.
The 3 Largest Sailing Catamarans
1. Hemisphere
- Length Overall (LOA): 145 feet (44.2 meters)
- Beam: 54.5 feet (16.6 meters)
- Gross Tonnage: 499 tons
- Displacement: 300 tons
- Mast Height: 174 feet (53 meters)
- Sail Area: 12,037 square feet (1,119 square meters)
- Top Speed: Up to 20 knots
- Builder: Pendennis (United Kingdom)
- Launch Year: 2011
- Designers: Van Peteghem Lauriot Prévost (VPLP) for naval architecture and Michael Leach Design for interior design
- Awards: Recipient of five industry awards, including recognition for interior finishing
Hemisphere, launched in 2011, is renowned as the world’s largest private sailing catamaran. Designed by VPLP with interiors by Michael Leach Design, she combines luxury with impressive performance, achieving speeds up to 20 knots under optimal conditions.
2. ArtExplorer
- Length Overall (LOA): 152 feet (46.5 meters)
- Beam: 45.9 feet (14 meters)
- Draft: 13.1 feet (4 meters)
- Sail Area: Approximately 11,840 square feet (1,100 square meters)
- Builder: Perini Navi (Italy)
- Launch Year: 2024
- Designer: Philippe Briand
- Purpose: Designed as a mobile art gallery, intended to host thousands of visitors worldwide
- Features: Equipped with advanced stabilization systems and designed to operate as a museum, with facilities to accommodate visitors
ArtExplorer, delivered in 2024, holds the title of the world’s largest aluminum sailing catamaran. Built by Perini Navi in Italy, she features a modern design with extensive use of glass, providing panoramic views of the surrounding seascape. Designed by Philippe Briand, ArtExplorer offers luxurious accommodations for up to 12 guests in six cabins, along with space for 10 crew members. Her interior combines modern lines with classic elements, featuring movable furniture to adapt to the owner’s preferences.
3. Sunreef 102 Ipharra
- Length Overall (LOA): 102 feet (31.09 meters)
- Beam: 39.4 feet (12 meters)
- Draft: 10.2 feet (3.1 meters)
- Gross Tonnage: 198 tons
- Cruising Speed: 10 knots
- Builder: Sunreef Yachts (Poland)
- Launch Year: 2010
- Refit Year: 2017
- Designers: Sunreef Yachts in-house team
- Accommodation: Up to 10 guests in five cabins, including one master cabin with a king-size bed, two VIP cabins with queen-size beds, and two twin cabins
- Crew: 5 crew members
- Features: Fully air-conditioned, equipped with SATCOM, and includes a massage table
Sunreef 102 Ipharra, launched in 2010 and refitted in 2017, is known for her seaworthiness and stability. She offers luxurious accommodations for up to 10 guests and is ideal for cruising regions like the Amalfi Coast, Croatia, French Riviera, and British Virgin Islands. Her interior design combines modern lines with classic elements, featuring movable furniture to adapt to the owner’s preferences.
Conclusion
The exploration of these three remarkable sailing catamarans—Hemisphere, ArtExplorer, and Sunreef 102 Ipharra—highlights the impressive advancements in yacht design and luxury. Each vessel offers unique features tailored to diverse preferences and purposes.
Hemisphere stands out as a private luxury catamaran, combining exceptional performance with opulent living spaces. ArtExplorer serves as a mobile art gallery, emphasizing innovative design and functionality. Sunreef 102 Ipharra offers a blend of comfort and seaworthiness, making it ideal for extended voyages.
These yachts exemplify the pinnacle of modern catamaran design, catering to various needs from private luxury to specialized functions. Their continued influence shapes the future of sailing catamarans, setting new standards for luxury, performance, and versatility in the maritime industry.
