Princess Iluka takes royally to the water

by Bob Wonders on 1 Sep 2009 Australia's latest superyacht launched on the Gold Coast yesterday, after a $14m rebuild.

Originally built in Tasmania and launched in 1982, the all-Huon pine vessel now boasts dual V-12 Mercedes diesels, sleek lines highlighted by a magnificent ‘clipper-style’ bow and a brilliant navy blue hull and silver topsides colour scheme.

It was a case of all hands on deck at the Gold Coast City Marina on Tuesday (Sept 1) when the stunningly re-built superyacht Princess Iluka was launched following a multi-million dollar fit out.

The 35.0-metre ‘showpiece’ was the centre of attention as the giant Gold Coast City Marina Travel-Lift slowly edged her to the launching pad and lowered her into the water.

Originally built in Tasmania and launched in 1982, the all-Huon pine vessel now boasts dual V-12 Mercedes diesels, sleek lines highlighted by a magnificent ‘clipper-style’ bow and a brilliant navy blue hull and silver topsides colour scheme.

Designed by eminent naval architect, Bernie Cohen, responsible for, among others, the popular Maritimo Cabriolet series, Princess Iluka will be available for charter in Australian waters from November.

With a luxurious interior catering for up to 10 guests, her crew of six will ensure charterers experience a cruising holiday to remember.

Princess Iluka has it all, from nine plasma television screens, four Pay Television decoders, dual DVD/Music receivers, a touch screen master control panel and quality speakers strategically placed throughout.

In the mood for relaxation? Easy, just head for the spa conveniently located on the foredeck.

For the more active guests, she carries scuba gear, a compressor, two personal water craft, a 4.0-metre RIB with a 40hp outboard and ample fishing tackle and snorkelling equipment.

No one will go hungry, either; Princess Iluka’s galley would be impressive in any home.

It includes a combination steam oven, multi-function oven, teppanyaki plate, deep fryer, open grill all by either Miele or Smeg, and surrounded with quality Caesar stone bench tops.

Princess Iluka’s skipper has also been well catered for, the vessel’s flying bridge fitted with two Furuno radar systems, GPS plotter, echo sounder, satellite compass and autopilot, all by Furuno, NEC bridge monitors and CCTV monitoring cameras.

Not surprisingly, this magnificent craft can also offer the capability to welcome guests arriving by helicopter, with a landing pad incorporated into her roof line.

Princess Iluka can also claim to be a floating piece of Australian or Tasmanian history; her keel came from one single tree, believed to be around 750 years old. When it was harvested, the tree delayed building for another two years while the builders waited for it to cure.

Construction manager for the re-build, Stewart Dorman, said the end result was very pleasing.

'This was no overnight task,' he said, 'we’ve been working on her for a long time.'

When what seems certain to be a successful charter operation on Australian waters is underway, Princess Iluka’s management will investigate further afield, possibly heading into the South Pacific and destinations such as Fiji, New Caledonia and Vanuatu.

And who knows, after that, maybe the Mediterranean?

For charter inquiries, pending the establishment of its own website contact the vessel via e-mail, c.hoult@princessiluka.com.au or telephone (07) 3208-2100.