BSE Cairns Slipways raises its first superyacht out of the water

Australian shipyard BSE Cairns Slipways has raised its first superyacht out of the water – the 54-metre (177-foot) Ahoy Club M/Y Mischief, the largest yacht in the Australian charter fleet.

It was a significant day for the yard, as it utilised its ‘world’s largest’ mobile boat hoist which is capable of lifting vessels up to 1120t. The smooth-running operation marked the beginning of a busy month of projects due to be completed in the Cairns yard, with many local businesses and the regional economy in line to benefit from the work.

Luke Cagney, captain of M/Y Mischief, went on record to praise the facilities on the site.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our regions capabilities not only at BSE, but local manufacturing as well and berthing at the floating wharf for in-water repairs,” Brian Keller, customer service manager at BSE Cairns Slipways, said.

Justin Parer, BSE Maritime Solutions owner, noted, “When the Federal government invested in the Cairns Marine Precinct nobody had heard about COVID-19 and yet that initiative gave confidence for our investment which has resulted in this new work for Cairns. The support Mischief has shown for the investment we made will encourage further customers and further investment in both infrastructure and skills.”

Carrie Carter, Chairperson of the SuperYacht Group Great Barrier Reef, added, “This is a major achievement for BSE and the Port of Cairns and cements our region’s standing as a prime destination ‘one-stop-shop’ for superyachts to homeport in, in the Asia Pacific region.”

In a release, the yard made clear that a project of this type in such a competitive Australian market comes with big expectations, but also the promise that exceptional service could result in more work for the Ahoy Club M/Y Mischief. 

Joanne Drake, manager of Super Yacht Group Great Barrier Reef, said, “With The America’s Cup still on track to be held next March and the Olympics in Tokyo in July/August 2021, our region holds some major drawcards to offer the global fleet as well as planning a necessary refit for the vessels 2-3 year itinerary here. 

“It will be an added bonus for us if the America’s Cup is won by a South Pacific contender for another event here too! We have the world's largest mobile boat hoist here in Cairns, Australia's largest superyacht dock at Cairns Marlin Marina (140 metres), the magnificent destination encompassing the Great Barrier Reef, our cultural heritage and the world's oldest rainforest."

David Good, CEO of Superyacht Australia, declared, “Australian shipyards and marinas have been fortunate not to require closure or restrictions. This is a result of Australia’s success in reducing COVID 19 cases without a lockdown.”

Foreign superyachts can enter Australia after receiving exemption and crew completing 14 days in isolation on board commencing at the last port of departure. Vessels are encouraged to cruise slowly so that crew can step ashore on arrival if 14 days are spent in transit to Australia.

For more information, visit BSE Cairns Slipways. Sign up to our newsletter to get the best of Yachting Pages delivered to your inbox every month.

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