PENDENNIS Shipyard of Falmouth has had three of its projects shortlisted as finalists in the World Superyacht Awards.

Hemisphere and Christopher are in the running in the category for sailing yachts about 40m while Akalam is a finalist in the class for sailing yachts of 30m to 40m.

The sailing catamaran Hemisphere is one of the shipyard's most unique and imposing launches in its 23-year history. Her appearance at the Monaco Yacht Show in September created quite a stir with crowds keen to see the luxurious accommodation and range of onboard facilities.

Gavin Bladen, captain and owner's representative, said: "Hemisphere has been a joint venture between the owner and myself to create the 'ultimate floating destination' for her guests to enjoy worldwide cruising through the tropics.

"In spring 2013, Hemisphere will transit the Panama Canal and head west into the Pacific into her intended playground."

Christopher was commissioned as a family-focused performance sailing cruiser. Built in just 22 months to a Ron Holland Design blueprint, she was delivered in time to race at the 2011 St Barth's Bucket Regatta. Akalam is a 32m sloop built to Barracuda Yacht Design's vision. It has a retro appearance with a varnished wooden base around the deckhouse and aft deck seating area with a traditional bow and raised counter stern.

During the build, the key technical challenge for the team at Pendennis was the full height windows in the hull.

"Pendennis is justifiably proud of our 2011 new-build launches and the yachts' selection as finalists in the World Superyacht Awards," said a company spokesman. "The completion of these projects and the recognition they are receiving within the industry serves to reinforce Pendennis's reputation as high quality, truly custom superyacht builders."

The winners of the awards will be announced in Istanbul on May 5.