Capt. Gavin Bladen, who has spent over a decade managing and living aboard the 145-foot luxury sailing catamaran Hemisphere, now faces an uncertain future as the vessel’s owner prepares to sell the yacht. Anchored in a Mediterranean cove on the French Riviera, the catamaran is on the market for 38.5 million euros (approximately $44 million). The sale could mean the end of Mr. Bladen's long-standing role as the captain and caretaker of a vessel that has been both his home and passion for 15 years.
Hemisphere, notable for being the largest sailing catamaran in the world until the launch of the Artexplorer in 2024, stands out for its distinctive design and spaciousness. Unlike typical superyachts that rely on powerful engines, it features a two-hulled sailing design with a 55-foot beam, offering exceptional stability and room. The yacht has sailed around the globe three times, reaching some of the most remote diving locations worldwide. With a crew of nine, Hemisphere is operated through charter services, commanding €255,000 per week plus additional fees.
Mr. Bladen, 54, who oversaw the yacht’s design and construction from its inception, has lived aboard since Hemisphere’s maiden voyage in 2011. He accompanied the yacht throughout its development, managing the project across two continents despite setbacks such as a shipyard bankruptcy that extended construction from four to seven years and doubled the intended cost to $57 million. His deep connection to the vessel is reflected in personal touches like bonsai trees and a wooden octopus centerpiece—a symbol of his own life intertwined with the yacht’s story. His partner, Fatima Llaban, who leads housekeeping aboard, has shared many voyages with him.
The current owner, 83-year-old American cardiologist and businessman Anthony Marlon, and his family use Hemisphere infrequently, roughly one month per year. Dr. Marlon, who sold a health insurance company for $2.6 billion, has entrusted Mr. Bladen to manage the yacht and its charters during their absence. While Dr. Marlon regards Hemisphere as Mr. Bladen’s home, the upcoming sale introduces uncertainty. The new owner may have different plans—potentially operating the yacht on a more limited route, such as seasonal trips between the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, known among captains as the “milk run,” which Mr. Bladen finds monotonous. The future owner might also bring in their own captain or alter the charter business structure, putting Mr. Bladen’s position at risk.
The history between Mr. Bladen and Dr. Marlon dates back to 2001 in the British Virgin Islands, where they first met during a charter trip on a smaller catamaran. Impressed by Mr. Bladen’s skill and demeanor, Dr. Marlon later approached him with the idea of acquiring a larger sailing catamaran. Finding none that met their expectations on the market, they embarked on building a custom vessel, which became Hemisphere. Since then, the yacht has been a platform for extraordinary journeys, including diving expeditions in Micronesia, the Galápagos, and other remote destinations, some accompanied by the Marlons, others with charter guests or just the crew.
As Hemisphere awaits its next owner, Capt. Bladen confronts the reality that his seafaring chapter may be closing, uncertain whether he will remain at the helm or be replaced once the sale is finalized.